Page 12 of The Lycan King's Secret Child

Amelia: To herself "Well, that was curt."

Undeterred, she decided to proceed with her plan to visit Shadow Ridge.

The next morning, Amelia loaded up her car and set off. The cityscape gradually gave way to rolling hills and dense forests. The air was crisp, and the sky a clear blue.

As she approached Shadow Ridge, the atmosphere shifted. The small town had an old-world charm, but there was an undercurrent of unease.

She stopped at a local diner, stepping inside to the ring of a bell above the door. A few patrons glanced her way before returning to their meals.

The waitress, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes, approached.

Waitress: "Morning, hon. What can I get you?"

Amelia: "Just coffee, please."

She settled at the counter.

Waitress: Pouring the coffee "Passing through?"

Amelia: "Visiting, actually. Heard this is a beautiful area."

Waitress: "It has its moments."

Amelia decided to probe.

Amelia: "I also heard there's a large estate nearby, owned by Alexander Drakov. Know anything about it?"

The waitress's expression stiffened slightly.

Waitress: "Don't know much about that."

Amelia: "Really? Must be hard to miss."

Waitress: "Best to mind your own business around here, dear."

A man at the end of the counter interjected.

Local Man: "Strangers poking around tend to stir up trouble."

Amelia: Feigning innocence "I don't mean to cause any issues. Just curious."

Local Man: "Curiosity killed the cat."

The waitress shot him a warning look.

Waitress: "That's enough, Tom."

Amelia sensed she wouldn't get any more information here.

Amelia: "Thanks for the coffee."

She left a generous tip and headed back to her car. As she drove toward the outskirts of town, she spotted a narrow road leading into the woods, a sign reading "Private Property—No Trespassing."

She parked discreetly and decided to proceed on foot.

The forest was thick, sunlight filtering through the canopy above. The air was filled with the scent of pine and earth.

After walking for about twenty minutes, she reached a clearing. Before her stood an imposing mansion—dark stone walls, tall windows, and an air of mystery.

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