Chapter 2

Adelmo's heart swells with nostalgia as he embarks on a journey to the attic, determined to retrieve the precious family books. The mere thought of those worn-out pages brings back a flood of memories, of his grandfather's warm smile and the captivating tales he used to share. These books, treasured heirlooms, have been cherished by countless generations in Adelmo's family, carrying within them the essence of their history and legacy.

As Adelmo makes his way down the hallway, he can't help but be enchanted by the rustic charms of his cozy little house. The creaking of the hardwood floors beneath his feet echoes through the air, as if whispering secrets of the past. The soft light emanating from the pewter sconces dances on the walls, casting ethereal shadows that seem to tell their own stories. Each step he takes is a step closer to unearthing the hidden treasures that lie within the attic's dusty embrace.

Climbing the stairs, Adelmo couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation mingled with a touch of melancholy. The stairs, worn by time and use, protest his weight with each step, as if reminding him of the countless journeys they have witnessed. Finally reaching the attic, he is greeted by a cloud of dust, a testament to the years that have passed since anyone ventured into this forgotten space. But amidst the layers of neglect, Adelmo knows that the family books patiently await his arrival, ready to share their stories once more and keep the flame of their family history alive.

Once he ascended into the attic, he embarked on a quest to uncover hidden treasures from the past. The air was thick with anticipation as he carefully maneuvered through the maze of forgotten belongings. Finally, his eyes fell upon the old familiar trunk, its weathered exterior exuding an enigmatic charm. With a sense of reverence, he grasped the tarnished latch and gently lifted the lid, causing the hinges to emit a haunting creak.

Inside the trunk lay a trove of forgotten knowledge, preserved through the ages. Three ancient books, their pages yellowed with time, beckoned to him. As he descended the stairs, the weight of history in his hands, he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Arriving in the dining room, he reverently placed the books on the table, their presence commanding attention.

With a thirst for knowledge, he delved into the pages, his eyes scanning the faded ink. Each passage held a secret waiting to be unraveled. As he meticulously compared the texts, a peculiar realization dawned upon him. Two of the books seemed to bear the mark of commercial production, leaving him perplexed as to why they were carefully preserved. Undeterred, he continued his exploration, his curiosity leading him deeper into the labyrinth of words.

Among the ancient tomes, one book stood out like a beacon in the night. It was a journal, a personal account penned by his great-great-great grandfather. The discovery sent shivers down his spine, for within its worn pages lay a chronicle of supernatural creatures. The journal chronicled the existence of werewolves and vampires, delving into their habits, weaknesses, and the methods to vanquish them. The detailed entries painted a vivid picture of these abominations, describing how to sever their heads and revealing the telltale signs of werewolves in their human form. Legends and lore about vampires danced across the pages, captivating his imagination and leaving him hungry for more.

As Adelmo was engrossed in his book, a sudden news flash jolted him from his reading. The local grocery store, a beloved establishment that had served the neighborhood for over eight decades, had fallen victim to a break-in. The news sent shock waves through the community, as everyone relied on the store for their daily needs.

Intrigued by the incident, Adelmo's attention was immediately captured by the sight of a lady reporter interviewing the investigating officer, Dan Wilson. As the camera panned towards the store, Adelmo noticed peculiar markings on the walls and doors. Officer Wilson, a seasoned veteran with twenty years of service, admitted that he had never encountered such strange symbols before.

Officer Wilson further revealed that the markings resembled the distinctive patterns of an animal that was not native to southern Louisiana. Adelmo's curiosity intensified as he pondered the implications of this revelation. What kind of creature could have left its mark on the store? Was it a rare species that had somehow found its way to the area? Adelmo couldn't help but wonder what other mysteries lay hidden within the walls of the small local grocery store.

As Adelmo finished reading the report, a spark of curiosity ignited within him. He couldn't resist the urge to investigate the mysterious markings mentioned in the report. Fortunately, fate seemed to be on his side as the grocery store, where he had spotted the markings earlier, was just a stone's throw away. Determined to unravel the enigma, Adelmo decided to embark on a short journey to the store.

As Adelmo made his way towards the grocery store, his mind was filled with anticipation. He remembered spotting a book on animal markings in his attic, and the thought of comparing the markings he had seen with the ones in the book intrigued him. The possibility of uncovering the secrets behind these markings fueled his excitement, making each step towards the store feel like a leap towards discovery.

Beyond his quest to investigate the markings, Adelmo's curiosity extended to the creatures that roamed the vicinity of his home. He wondered what kind of wildlife inhabited the area, their habits, and the stories they carried within them. The desire to understand the ecosystem around him grew stronger, urging him to explore the world of these mysterious creatures. With the grocery store acting as a gateway to both knowledge and adventure, Adelmo eagerly set off on his expedition, ready to uncover the hidden wonders that awaited him.

Adelmo quickly grabs his jacket, his trusty 35-millimeter camera, and a sketchbook before making his way down the corridor towards the front door. The officer's report had piqued his curiosity, and he was eager to see the situation for himself. As he approaches the store, he notices that the police are still inside, their presence adding an air of mystery to the scene. Determined to get a closer look at the markings, Adelmo decides to take matters into his own hands.

With a sense of determination, Adelmo carefully navigates his way underneath the crime scene tape, making sure not to attract any unwanted attention. The officers are preoccupied with their investigation, giving him the perfect opportunity to sneak over to the front door. Peering through the large glass windows, he catches a glimpse of the strange markings that have captured the attention of the police. The sight of what appears to be paw prints made in blood sends a shiver down his spine, confirming that there is indeed something unusual about the situation.

Realizing the importance of documenting the peculiar markings, Adelmo reaches for his sketch pad and begins to sketch the intricate details of the paw prints. The police were right to be intrigued by these mysterious symbols, and Adelmo is determined to capture every aspect of them in his drawing. As he meticulously recreates the markings on paper, he can't help but wonder about the story behind them. With each stroke of his pencil, he feels a sense of excitement at the prospect of unraveling the mystery that lies before him.