Gate Hunters

(Ruby Stainer’s point of view)

The fog was the heaviest it had ever been, in this abandoned township, only one person was wondering aimlessly within this fog.

I looked and looked for anything that would light up the way only to find a single lantern with a revolver against the glass. “Do you seek the truth of it all?” Standing in front of me was something hidden within the fog holding a blue lantern. I wanted to say something so badly, but my voice was silent. “I see that your soul is the very embodiment of Judgement. You wish to solve your ex-husband's murder, but you lack the will to do so.” Whatever was hidden in the fog tossed a picture of my ex-husband Johnathan Stainer's bloody remains.

Suddenly a pathway leading towards a rundown house appeared and for some odd reason, my body refused to obey me.

I became more curious about what’s inside the household.

Upon entering, I saw something that only I could see with these blue eyes.

A statue of a naked man with a naked woman resting against his leg. A long snake wrapped around the woman’s body from feet to head.

The man held a book with an oddly familiar symbol.

"Rebel against them if you wish to understand everything. Do you want to know why your ex-husband was sent to his death? Do you want to understand the origin of the Gates, and do you wish to learn the truth?" the voice behind me said.

I spun around quickly, expecting to confront something, only to discover a mysterious floating card hovering in the air.

Suddenly, the card flew toward me and entered my body.

...

...

...

“Wake...up...Wake up...” My eyes slowly reopened to what appeared to be my workplace.

When I looked up, I noticed my colleague, Jennifer Brown, staring at me with both concern and confusion in her eyes.

Quickly performing a stretch so to loosen up my body, “Hello...why are you here?” I asked.

Jennifer pointed out towards the door and said, “It’s closing time. I came back because I left my phone here and I saw you sleeping in one of the booths. Is everything okay?” She asked.

When I checked the time, it was already 6:30 pm.

An hour had passed past the closing time. "I'm sorry, I didn't get much sleep. I spent the evening with my husband somewhere, so I couldn't get much sleep," I mentioned while rubbing my face.

The actual truth is that I was embarrassed because it was our first night together, and my thoughts were racing.

Jennifer flashed a mischievous smile and playfully punched my shoulder. "You go, girl! I thought you were a widow, but look at you, already married. I bet your kids love him. So, how did you guys meet?" she asked.

Krist and I created various real-life scenarios to show that our relationship is genuine and not for any ulterior motives. "We first met when he came from Longview, for a business trip. It all started at the library where we began to notice each other."

Jennifer was so thrilled to hear me talk about my love life that she was jumping with excitement. "Aww, that's adorable. We should have a few nights out where us girls can show off our husbands."

Jennifer was someone I barely knew in high school, but now we are like best friends since our original friends are living their lives.

She always does night with her old friend group but in fact, she brags that she is dating a quote-on-quote handsome CEO.

"I'm good, thanks. I prefer to keep him to myself. Anyways, I should be heading home now since the kids are probably waiting for me." Just then, my phone received three notifications.

The first was from my broker sending me a message that the two Gates were destroyed, the second was my credit card receiving twenty thousand Oaks in my account and finally, Krist's message saying that he was going to get dinner ready so I should tell him what I wanted.

“How cute,” I said softly to myself.

Miss Nosey peeked at the message he sent, “I bet he is wearing nothing but an apron.” Said Jennifer.

I left immediately without saying anything else. It would be unwise to continue engaging with her because she likes to spread rumors. I promised Krist that I would keep his identity secret so that he wouldn't be discovered by his clan.

In exchange, he is upholding his end by making things easier for me with my finances.

...

The house feels different with him around.

Amber is happy there’s a man in my life.

Ken is still feeling really down about his real dad, so I understand why he doesn't want a replacement.

Peter and Molly have shown an interest in him only because he is powerful.

I do love him, but I'm still in the process of getting over my ex-husband. It's a difficult situation for me.

The memories we shared and the sacrifices he made so our family could survive and thrive.

It will always burn strong in my heart.

But Krist's flames burn brighter and expand as the days pass by.

Hoping to capture my heart and make me understand that I made the right choice with him.

Only time will reveal my feelings for him, but for now, I need to focus on my main objective.

Find out who is responsible for my ex-husband's murder...AND KILL THEM MYSELF!!!