They called it lovers walk and it was easy enough to tell why. The arch of hanging flowers was the perfect place to go for a romantic midnight walk. It was almost sad to watch people walk through it alone when surrounded by a flock of couples.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUbkiyKThi
Ellie had been coming to this spot for years. It was one of the few places where she could relax and think clearly.
People watching was one of Ellie's favourite hobbies. She would pick out a person and observe them, trying to figure out what they were doing and why they were there.
One evening, she was watching the various couples meander through the arch when she spotted a dark figure. The figure weaved in and out of other walkers, at an inordinately fast-pace, always keeping to the shadows.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7e7GjEOxqi
On sheer instinct, she jumped up from her hiding spot and followed him. The figure continued through the park until he reached an ancient oak tree. Ellie dove behind a bush, so as not to be seen, and winced at the impact of hitting the ground.
Pushing the leaves out of the way, Ellie watched as the stranger placed a hand against the bark of the tree and began muttering in a language Ellie didn't understand. A door within the tree trunk swung open and he clambered inside. Ellie followed him, looking around wildly as if to check that she was truly alone.
Once she was inside, she gasped. The whole tree had been hollowed out and there was a set of steps leading down into what seemed to be the ground. As the figure she'd been following hurried down the stairs, lights burst into life along the passageway. Ellie squinted, but followed suit.
Eventually, he reached the end of the passageway and was greeted by an imposing yet beautiful oak door. He knocked once and it swung open to reveal an grand office. 589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMIL1Frx9o
The walls were lined with books that Ellie could tell were hundreds of years older than her and in the middle of everything sat a very, very old man. His face was so lined and deeply worn that he reminded Ellie of an ancient oak tree. He looked up when the figure Ellie had been following entered and smiled slightly. 589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8ArqXfPWL
"Aah Hunter, I see you have brought the girl," he said and gestured for Hunter to take a seat. 589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOKDp6SL8u
"Yes sir, she just couldn't resist. She inquisitive, just like you said," Hunter replied, pushing back his hood to reveal a mess of coppery hair. 589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUproIhgsl
"Come in Ellie," the old man commanded, causing Ellie to jump.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUA9ASIARa
A sudden burst of confidence overtook her and she strode in, slamming her hands down on the desk in front of him. "How the hell do you know my name?" she seethed. 589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9Vs1g7JV2
"I don't think you're in a position to ask that," Hunter said, crossing his arms.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XhSFBbwWm
Ellie turned round and eyed the smirking man. He was certainly very handsome, with his captivating blue eyes and structured jawline, but she could already tell he was going to be a jerk. She recognised that look in his eye that clearly said, 'I'm a player.'589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjqNgya24c
"Oh really?" she asked, also crossing her arms. 589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMVNWIOMYh
"You followed me even though you shouldn't have and you had absolutely no right to enter these halls."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICT94HFPHV
"Well, from what I've heard you want me here," she retorted.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8hJIQT6YT
"That's true," the elder man interrupted, "we need your help." 589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqPmMahRta
Ellie turned back to him, placing her hands on her hips. "What with?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2F6tbEduy
"Let's just say your surveillance skills are going to be put to good use," the old man said, winking. 589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKvUNCDZnt
That was the very sentence that turned Ellie's world upside down. It was the very reason she unlocked her past, present and future. 589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRVEjzLWnZ
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