Kain leaned back in the driver’s seat, one hand gripping the worn leather of the steering wheel as he navigated through the quiet streets of Bakersfield. The van rattled with each pothole, but he barely noticed, his mind wandering back to the bizarre dream. There was something about that woman… the sheer intensity in her eyes. He felt a shiver run through him, as if her gaze was still boring into his soul.

  Kain reached for the radio, twisting the knob until he found a classic rock station. The familiar strum of guitars spilled into the van, filling the silence with a comfort he couldn’t quite name. The steady beat worked to shake the last traces of sleep from his brain, grounding him as the road stretched endlessly ahead.

  He tried to focus on the music, but his thoughts kept circling back to the old man at the gas station. It had been a week, and yet the stranger’s face wouldn’t leave him alone.

  He tried to focus on the music, but his thoughts kept circling back to the dreams he’d been having for the last week it began with the man at his favorite burger spot.

  The first encounter had been the week before the gas station, late one night as Kain was leaving his favorite burger spot just off the highway. He’d been walking to his van, the smell of fries still clinging to his jacket, when he saw the man standing by the dumpster. At first, he’d thought nothing of it—just another drifter looking for scraps. But then the man had turned toward him, his gaze locking onto Kain’s with an intensity that stopped him in his tracks.

  “Hey, uh, you good?” Kain had called, unsure why the question even left his lips.

  Kain remembered the man’s wild, searching eyes—too clear to belong to a drunk, too sharp for someone fully unhinged. He’d materialized by the pumps out of nowhere, gripping Kain’s hand before he even had time to react. His grip had been like iron, his voice quiet but impossibly steady.

  “I see you,” the man had said, his breath carrying the faint tang of something metallic. “I see the path you’ll walk. It will tear at your soul, boy, but there’s no running from it. You will walk the path of kings… or you will die a shadow, forgotten by the world.”

  Kain had felt a shiver crawl up his spine, but he’d shaken it off with a nervous laugh. “You’re sure about that? Sounds like something you pulled out of a fortune cookie.”

  But the man hadn’t laughed. Instead, he’d smiled—small, faint, and deeply unsettling. “You want to believe, don’t you? In something greater. Something beyond this.” He tapped a finger against Kain’s chest, right over his heart. “It’s there. Buried. But mark my words: without love, even kings fall.”

  And then, just as suddenly as he’d appeared, the man was gone. He’d walked off into the night, his silhouette swallowed by the shadows at the edge of the station lot. Kain had told himself it was nothing—just the ramblings of some eccentric or a tweaker who’d hit the wrong cocktail of substances. But a part of him couldn’t quite let it go.

  He’d always been fascinated by the supernatural, ever since he was a kid devouring books on cryptids, ghosts, and ancient legends. That fascination had never really left him, even though the rational side of him—the part shaped by years of disappointment—kept insisting it was all just stories. Fun to think about, sure, but not real.

  Still, there was something about the old man’s words. Something about the way he’d looked at Kain, like he knew him. Like he’d seen something in him that even Kain wasn’t aware of.

  His fingers tightened on the steering wheel as he replayed the encounter for the hundredth time, his thoughts growing heavier with each mile. What had the man meant about love? And what “path” had he been talking about? It was absurd to even entertain it. The guy was probably crazy—or high—or both.

  But then there was the dream.

  It had started coming to him the night after the gas station encounter, vivid and insistent. A woman with piercing eyes, standing in a place Kain couldn’t name. The weight of her gaze alone was enough to stir something deep inside him, something he couldn’t explain.

  He shook his head, turning the volume up on the radio until the music drowned out his thoughts. He didn’t believe in destiny. Not really. But if there was something out there—something bigger than himself—he couldn’t help but wonder what it wanted with him.

  The van rumbled beneath him as the sun climbed higher in the sky, and Kain tried to focus on the road ahead. Still, the old man’s words lingered, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t shake the feeling that the stranger hadn’t been rambling at all.

  “Stop overthinking, Kain. It was just a freakin’ dream,” he muttered, focusing on the road as he approached his favorite gas station—the Eleven-Seven.

  The van creaked to a halt by the pump, and he hopped out, stretching his legs. He could already feel the caffeine craving kicking in, so he headed inside to grab an energy drink. As he pulled open the cooler door, the blast of cold air hit him like a wake-up call, and he relished the chill, grabbing a bright blue can and cracking it open.

  The cashier—a young guy with a shock of neon green hair—barely glanced up from his phone. Kain slid a couple of crumpled bills across the counter, pocketing his change as he took a long swig of the energy drink.

  “Big plans today?” the cashier asked absently, his eyes glued to the screen.

  Kain smirked. “Yeah, you know, just saving the world one delivery at a time.”

  The cashier snorted. “Living the dream, man.”

  As he walked back to the van, Kain’s phone buzzed with a text from his boss: “Route changed. New stop added at the edge of town. Address will be on the manifest.”

  He frowned. Last-minute changes weren’t unusual, but this address… He checked his manifest and saw that it was a library on the outskirts of Aqua Bay—a place he’d been before. His brows knit together as he stared at the familiar name: The Arcane Bibliotheca.

  Weird,” Kain muttered. Libraries weren’t exactly known for needing car parts, and this one was way off his usual route. But what really made him pause was the name on the invoice: Marcus “Doc” Holloway.

  Doc. Kain hadn’t heard that name in years. Back when he was just a scrappy teenager, fresh off a series of bad decisions, Marcus had been the one to take him under his wing. Everyone in town had called him Doc, though Kain never understood why. Marcus wasn’t a doctor, at least not one Kain knew of—just a damn good mechanic with a knack for fixing things most people would’ve given up on.

  It was Marcus who’d taught him the basics: how to strip an engine, patch up a transmission, and find order in chaos. For a while, the garage had been Kain’s escape, a place where he could focus on learning something real instead of drowning in everything wrong with his life. But after the shop closed, Marcus had disappeared, and Kain figured that was the end of it. He’d heard rumors—something about Marcus running a small library out in Aqua Bay—but it never made sense. Why would a man like Doc trade greasy engines for dusty books?

  Now, holding the delivery slip with Doc’s name on it, Kain felt a strange mix of curiosity and unease.

  “Small world,” Kain muttered to himself, shaking his head in disbelief. Shrugging it off, he climbed back into the driver’s seat, tossed the empty can into the passenger-side trash bag, and set off toward Aqua Bay.

  The drive was a familiar one, winding through stretches of open road before twisting into the dense forest of the mountain pass. Kain had traveled this route countless times in his younger days, back when trips to Aqua Bay were a regular escape. The area was known for its pristine fishing spots and quiet, hidden coves—a perfect retreat when life got too loud. He could almost smell the salt in the air, the memory of early mornings spent casting lines into the water tugging at the edges of his mind.

  He’d always enjoyed this part of the journey, the way the trees seemed to close in around him, their leaves forming a lush, green canopy overhead. Back then, it had felt peaceful—like the forest itself was welcoming him. But today, something felt different. The shadows under the trees seemed longer, darker, almost alive. It was subtle, but it gnawed at the edges of his thoughts, as if the forest wasn’t just watching him—but waiting for something.

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  Kain shook off the feeling with a shrug and turned up the radio, letting the music drown out his unease. “Just your imagination,” he muttered, trying to convince himself. Still, he couldn’t quite shake the sense that something had shifted in this familiar place, something he couldn’t name but felt all the same.

  As he rounded a bend, a flash of movement caught his eye. He slammed on the brakes, tires skidding as the van came to a stop. Just ahead, a deer stood in the middle of the road, its dark eyes locked onto his. They stared at each other for a long moment, and Kain felt a strange sensation, as if the deer was trying to tell him something. Then, just as suddenly as it had appeared, it bounded off into the woods.

  He let out a shaky breath and pressed on, the van rumbling back to life as he continued down the mountain pass. The tension in his chest hadn’t faded yet, adrenaline still buzzing in his veins from the unease that had crept up on him.

  Yet the memory played on a loop in his head, his hands gripping the wheel tighter than necessary. He told himself it was nothing—just a freak moment, the kind of thing that happened out here. Still, his body hadn’t gotten the memo, the restless energy clinging to him like static.

  The forest felt different now, the air heavier, almost charged, like the seconds before a summer storm. He tried to shrug it off, but the tension lingered. Maybe it was just the deer rattling him, but a small voice in the back of his mind whispered that it wasn’t. It had felt wrong somehow, like the animal hadn’t just been spooked—it had been running from something.

  Kain shook his head and turned the radio up, forcing his thoughts to quiet. Whatever it was, it didn’t matter. The road stretched on ahead, twisting through the trees, and all he had to do was keep driving. By the time he hit open sky, he’d be laughing at himself for letting his nerves get the better of him.

  But deep down, he couldn’t shake the feeling that the deer had been a warning.

  Finally, Aqua Bay came into view, the small seaside town nestled against the coastline, waves crashing against the rocky shore in the distance. He followed the winding road through the sleepy town, past quaint shops and bustling cafes, until he reached the library.

  The van rumbled down the narrow road, its worn tires kicking up dust as it made its way through the outskirts of town. Kain gripped the wheel, his eyes barely keeping focus on the road as he fought off the fog of sleep that still clung to him like a heavy blanket. The sun hadn’t fully risen yet, and the sky was a dull shade of gray, punctuated by a few slivers of early morning light.

  Doc’s place—the only library in town, tucked away on the edge of a street that looked like it hadn’t seen new pavement since the 70s. The place was a relic, just like Doc himself. It’d been years since Kain had seen the man. He and Doc had spent hours talking about everything under the sun—books,Mathematics,politics,Science,philosophy,conspiracy theories…..the occasional woman troubles. The guy had a way of making everything just seem like it would work out.

  The library loomed into view, a squat brick building with windows that looked like they hadn’t been cleaned in a decade. He pulled into the small gravel lot, killed the engine, and sat in the sudden silence, listening to the engine gently rumble.

  The Arcane Bibliotheca was an imposing stone building, standing starkly out of place among the colorful coastal architecture. Its walls were covered in creeping ivy, and the windows were dark, almost reflective. A carved stone archway framed the heavy oak doors, which bore strange symbols that looked vaguely familiar, though he couldn’t quite place them.

  He glanced over at the passenger seat, where his old leather backpack lay slumped against a pile of worn-out delivery slips and half-eaten snacks. “One more day, one more drop,” he muttered, letting out a long sigh. The clock on the dash blinked 6:45 AM in harsh blue numbers. Late again, as usual.

  He rubbed a hand over his face, feeling the grit of a long night and too little sleep. He’d taken the delivery job a few months back, just another gig to keep the bills paid while he figured out what the hell he was doing with his life. Not exactly the kind of career he’d envisioned, but then again, life had a funny way of steering him down paths he’d never planned for.

  Kain cut the engine and stepped out, slinging his backpack over his shoulder. He approached the doors, hesitating for just a moment before he reached for the iron handle.Pushing open the van door, he stepped out, the crisp morning air biting through his thin jacket. He grabbed his backpack and a small package from the passenger seat—something he’d picked up for Doc as a favor. A stack of old books Doc had ordered from some obscure vendor online. Kain had no idea why anyone would go through the trouble, but Doc was a peculiar guy, and peculiar guys did peculiar things.

  He made his way up the cracked stone steps, past a rusty handrail that looked ready to give out at any second. Reaching the entrance, he knocked twice, then pulled the door open and stepped inside.

  As he pushed open the door, a bell chimed softly, echoing through the vast, dimly lit room. Shelves stretched from floor to ceiling, lined with ancient-looking tomes that smelled of dust and parchment. The only light came from a series of candles placed haphazardly around the room, casting flickering shadows that danced along the walls.

  The smell hit him first—a mix of old paper, dust, and a faint trace of something medicinal, like the lingering scent of herbal tea. Shelves lined the walls, crammed with books that looked like they hadn’t been touched in years. A single lamp glowed in the far corner, casting long shadows that seemed to dance across the floor.

  “Kain, is that you?” a voice called from the back, deep and gravelly. It was the kind of voice Kain would recognize anywhere—rough around the edges, but solid, the kind of voice that belonged to someone who’d taught you more than you could ever repay.

  Kain froze mid-step, the weight of recognition hitting him like a punch to the chest. He hadn’t heard that voice in years.

  “Yeah, it’s me, Doc,” he called back, his voice echoing through the quiet library. He rounded a corner and found Doc hunched over a table, just as he remembered him—wiry and sharp-eyed, though his graying hair and the lines carved into his face betrayed the passage of time. He was wrapped in a faded brown sweater, glasses perched low on his nose as he pored over a thick, leather-bound book.

  Doc looked up and grinned as Kain approached, a flicker of surprise and something warmer in his expression. “Well, I’ll be damned,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “I didn’t think I’d ever see you again, kid.”

  “Same here,” Kain said, trying to keep his voice steady. It felt strange—comforting and unsettling all at once—to see the man who’d once been such a big part of his life. “Brought you something.” He held up the package.

  Doc raised an eyebrow. “What’s this? I don’t remember ordering anything.”

  “Got it from some vendor,” Kain explained, handing it over. “Said it was labeled ‘special request.’ Came through my route, so here I am.”

  Doc tore into the package with surprising energy, his eyes lighting up as the paper fell away. Inside was a thick, leather-bound book with a faded cover, the title etched in old, Gothic script.

  “Ah, now this is a rare find,” Doc said, holding it up like a prized artifact. “Been hunting for this one for years.”

  Kain cocked his head, curiosity getting the better of him. “What is it?”

  “A piece of history,” Doc said vaguely, his grin turning thoughtful. “Good timing, too. Things have been… strange lately.” He looked up at Kain, his sharp gaze cutting through the haze of nostalgia, and for a moment, it felt like he was sizing Kain up.

  Kain shifted, clearing his throat. “Strange how?”

  Doc chuckled softly, tucking the book under his arm. “Let’s just say the world’s a lot bigger than you think, and leave it at that.” He gestured toward the cluttered table. “Why don’t you sit for a bit? Feels like we’ve got some catching up to do.”

  Kain hesitated, caught off guard by the invitation. Part of him wanted to make an excuse, to leave before the flood of old memories got the better of him. But another part—a quieter part—knew he couldn’t.

  “Yeah,” Kain said, finally pulling out a chair. “Why not?”

  Kain raised an eyebrow, leaning against a nearby shelf. “Strange how?”

  Doc glanced around, as if checking for eavesdroppers. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but there’s been talk. Whispers about things moving in the shadows. I’ve heard stories of folks disappearing, and some folks have seen things that shouldn’t exist in this world. Beasts, demons… things straight out of myth.”

  Kain let out a short laugh. “Come on, Doc. You always did have a flair for the dramatic.”

  But Doc’s expression remained serious, his eyes dark and distant. “This isn’t like before, Kain. The world’s shifting. There are things happening beyond what most people can see and if you’re not ready you’ll be swallowed whole by it.” He paused, his gaze fixed on Kain. “You’ve always had that sense, haven’t you? That feeling that there’s more out there, just beneath the surface?”

  Kain shrugged, suddenly uncomfortable. He’d always chalked it up to an overactive imagination, the product of too many late nights spent watching horror movies and reading weird conspiracy forums. But Doc’s intensity stirred something in him, a faint whisper in the back of his mind that he couldn’t quite ignore.

  Before he could respond, he heard footsteps behind him, light and familiar. He turned, his heart skipping a beat as he saw her. It’d been years since he’d last seen her, but the sight of her still sent a shock through him.

  “Lily?” he said, barely able to keep the surprise from his voice.

  She stood in the doorway, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Hey, Kain. Long time.”

  He managed a smile, though he felt like a deer caught in headlights. “Yeah, no kidding. Didn’t expect to see you here.”

  She shrugged, stepping further into the room, her gaze flicking between him and Doc. “I work here now. Doc needed some help, and I needed… a fresh start.”

  Doc cleared his throat, clearly amused by the tension in the room. “You two catch up. I’ve got some books to sort.” He shuffled off into the shadows, leaving Kain and Lily standing awkwardly by the counter.

  “So,” he said, scratching the back of his neck. “You’re working here now, huh?”

  She nodded, her gaze softening. “Yeah. It’s quiet, and I like it here. Feels like a safe place, you know?”

  He nodded, understanding. They stood in silence for a moment, memories hanging heavy in the air between them. There were a thousand things he wanted to say, apologies that stuck in his throat, questions that felt too raw to ask.

  Finally, she broke the silence. “I heard about you, too. The delivery gig, right? Always thought you’d end up somewhere bigger.”

  He chuckled, shaking his head. “Yeah, well, life has a way of pulling you in directions you don’t expect. It’s not so bad, though. Gives me time to think.” He paused, his gaze drifting over the shelves. “Doc was just telling me about some strange things happening around here. Guess you’ve noticed, too?”

  Her expression darkened, and she glanced over her shoulder, as if she, too, were checking for something lurking in the shadows. “You could say that. People around here are… different. They talk about things I’d never heard of before. Dark things, lurking in the woods. There’s a tension in the air, like everyone’s waiting for something to happen.”

  Kain felt a chill run down his spine, but he forced a smile. “Well, maybe they’re just bored. Small towns have a way of making folks stir-crazy.”

  She laughed, but the sound was hollow. “Maybe. Or maybe there’s more to it than that.”

  They stood in silence for a moment longer, the weight of their unspoken history hanging between them. Finally, Kain reached out, his hand brushing hers. “Hey, if you ever need to talk, I’m here. I know things didn’t end the best way between us, but…”

  She smiled, a hint of sadness in her eyes. “Thanks, Kain. I appreciate it.”

  Doc’s voice echoed from the back, breaking the moment. “You two coming, or what? I’ve got something to show you.”