Chapter 2: The Gathering

...Born at the same place at the same time and grew up together as best friends....

...How deep do you think their friendship runs?...

...Would they kill and get killed for each other?...

...Would they go to great lengths, even sacrificing their own lives, for one another?...

...When they swore to never betray each other, did they mean it, and will they abide by it?...

Once upon a time, in a small town nestled among towering trees and winding rivers, there were four best friends. Ethan, Chloe, Ryan, and Ava had been inseparable since the day they were born. Fate seemed intent on weaving their lives together, for their mothers had given birth to them in the same hospital, and their friendship had blossomed from their very first moments of existence.

In the dimly lit hospital room, Ethan's mother lay exhausted but filled with joy. As tiny fingers grasped her hand for the first time, she glanced over to see Chloe's mother, glowing with pride as she cradled her newborn daughter. Across the room, Ryan's mother joined in the celebration, her laughter echoing through the air as her son's mischievous eyes sparkled. And finally, Ava's mother, filled with quiet serenity, smiled as she shared in the wonder of new life.

As the years passed, the four children embarked on countless adventures together. They traversed the halls of their school, their laughter echoing through the corridors, and their energy fueling their every escapade. They challenged each other in races, built forts out of old boxes, and shared secrets beneath the canopy of their favorite tree.

Their bond only grew stronger as they entered college, standing side by side as they faced new challenges and embraced new possibilities. They faced countless exams, late-night study sessions, and the exhilarating freedom of independence. Together, they created memories that would forever be etched within the tapestry of their lives.

And now, as they approached the end of their third and final year of college, their journey was about to take an unexpected turn. Excitement and anticipation filled the air as they prepared to don their graduation gowns, ready to step into a world filled with possibilities.

On the last day of college, Ethan called the others to meet at their favorite restaurant.

Ethan has a captivating and intense gaze, framed by thick, dark eyebrows that add a hint of mystery to his appearance. His angular features give him a slightly rugged look, with a strong jawline and a perfectly shaped nose. His hair, a wild tangle of black locks, falls casually around his face, occasionally casting a shadow on his piercing blue eyes. Ethan's tall and lean frame carries an air of quiet strength. He often dresses in dark hues, favoring sleek jackets and slim-fit jeans, which perfectly accentuate his figure. His voice is deep and soothing, with a quiet intensity that demands attention.

The familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee greeted Chloe as she entered, her vibrant personality illuminating the room. She bounded over to Ethan and enveloped him in a tight hug.

Chloe's bright blue eyes were full of warmth and mischief, twinkling with excitement and curiosity. With her heart-shaped face and rosy cheeks that constantly bear the signs of her infectious laughter, she radiates positive energy. Her wavy, golden locks cascade down her shoulders, framing her playful smile. Chloe has a petite and curvy figure, which she embraces by wearing vibrant and fashionable clothes that reflect her bubbly personality. Her voice is melodic and filled with laughter, instantly putting those around her at ease. Chloe's body language is animated, with her expressive hands adding emphasis to her words.

"What's the occasion, Ethan?" Chloe exclaimed, her bubbly voice brimming with curiosity. "Is it a celebration? Did I miss something?"

"Ladies and gentlemen, gather around," Ethan said, his voice tinged with a hint of mystery. "I have something important to discuss."

Ryan swaggered in, earphones blasting music into his ears. He grinned at the sight of his friends, kicking his chair back and settling into it with a sense of unbridled confidence.

Ryan has a mischievous smirk that dances upon his lips, always ready for the next adventure. His hazel eyes, full of excitement and curiosity, sparkle with a zest for life. His face, slightly scruffy from his constant thirst for thrilling escapades, gives him a rugged and devilish charm. Ryan's athletic build is well-defined, a testament to his love for physical challenges. He typically dresses in casual clothes that allow him freedom of movement, often donning leather jackets and faded jeans. His voice is confident and enthusiastic, carrying a hint of a playful edge. Ryan's body language is energetic and always on the move, with a tendency to gesture and use exaggerated facial expressions.

"What's the plan, Ethan?" Ryan asked, his voice full of excitement. "Are we going to climb Mount Everest or swim with sharks?"

Ava entered the restaurant with a soft smile, her presence radiating calmness and serenity. She gently placed her hand on Ethan's shoulder, a silent gesture of support.

"Are you going to enlighten us, Ethan?" Ava asked softly, her eyes filled with warmth and understanding.

Ava's soft hazel eyes radiate warmth and compassion, holding an unspoken understanding of the pain and sorrows of those around her. Her heart-shaped face is framed by cascades of chestnut-brown curls that fall gently around her shoulders. Ava's petite and delicate figure exudes grace and gentleness, which is further emphasized by her preference for flowing dresses in earthy tones. Her voice is soothing and filled with empathy, with a melodious quality that brings solace to those who hear it. Ava's body language is serene and poised, often offering comforting touches and gestures of support to her friends.

Ethan took a deep breath, his gaze shifting among his friends. "You all know how our lives have intertwined since the day we were born," he began, his voice carrying the weight of their shared history. "But now, something else is drawing us together. Something supernatural."

Chloe's eyes widened, her enthusiasm shifting to intrigue. "Supernatural? Like ghosts and witches?" she asked, her voice a mixture of excitement and disbelief.

Ethan nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, Chloe. Ghosts, witches, and so much more. I've had this connection to the supernatural for as long as I can remember. And now, it's getting stronger," he explained, his voice filled with an air of ancient wisdom.

Ryan huffed, skepticism playing on his lips. "Come on, Ethan. You expect us to believe in all these spooky things? What about logic and science?"

Ava placed a calming hand on Ryan's arm. "Ryan, we've seen Ethan's intuition in action before. Let's hear him out."

Ethan appreciated Ava’s unwavering trust, his gaze focusing on each of his friends. "We have a destiny, my friends. A path that intertwines our lives with the supernatural. Our connection to the darkness is just beginning."

As the words settled in, an eerie silence filled the restaurant. The once carefree and adventurous friends were about to face a chilling reality that surpassed their wildest imaginations.

Chloe's eyes sparkled with determination. "Well, whatever lies ahead, we won't let it break us. We'll face it together, just like always."

Ryan nodded, a glimmer of excitement behind his skeptical façade. "Sounds like another adventure, Ethan. I'm ready to dive headfirst into the unknown."

Ava's gentle smile held a deep resolve. "Ethan, you've always been there for us, guiding us through the darkest moments. We're with you, no matter what."

Ethan's brooding gaze swept over his friends, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, my friends. Our journey into the unknown begins now."

And with that, the four friends locked eyes, united by a bond stronger than the mortal realm. Uncertain of what lay ahead, they would face the supernatural horrors together, drawing strength from each other as they unravelled the secrets of their own intertwined destinies. The evil twin had awoken, and their lives were forever changed.

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