Sensing the urgency in Alex's plea, Ava seemed to awaken from her trance, her grip around Emma's throat loosening as she released her hold. With a gasp, Emma crumpled to the floor, her body wracked with violent coughs as she struggled to catch her breath.

Kimmy knelt beside Emma, offering comfort and reassurance in the midst of the chaos.

"Are you okay, Emma?" she asked, her words a gentle reminder of the bond that still existed between them.

But as Emma coughed and sputtered, her throat raw and bruised, the weight of her actions began to weigh heavily upon her.

Leo extended his hand to help Emma to her feet, his eyes filled with compassion.

"Can you stand up?" he asked, his tone gentle yet firm, a beacon of stability in the midst of the storm.

Meanwhile, Lucy, consumed by anger and grief, lashed out at Ava, her voice trembling with emotion as she shoved her with all her might.

"You could have killed her! What the hell is wrong with you?" she cried.

Andy, his expression torn between loyalty and disbelief, moved to intervene, his voice a plea for calm in the face of chaos.

"Lucy, don't," he urged, his eyes pleading for understanding as he attempted to diffuse the volatile situation.

But as Ava looked around, panic mounting in her chest, she felt the weight of the stares and whispers pressing down upon her like a suffocating blanket, her heart heavy with the realization of the chaos she had unleashed.

Did you see that?

I told you! I saw her doing weird magic at the party!

She is a complete freak, we should avoid her.

Ava's head fell forward, her fists clenching at her sides as a curtain of swaying hair veiled her face. Behind the veil, she muttered something, her words lost in the chaos of the hallway.

But then, with a sudden surge of fury, Ava's demeanor shifted. With determined stomps echoing down the hall, she wiped furious tears from her eyes, her resolve palpable in every step.

Alex, compelled by concern, moved to follow her, but his path was intercepted by the stern figure of Mrs. Marsh, her presence commanding attention as she rounded the corner.

"What is going on out here?!" Miss Marsh's voice boomed, cutting through the tumult like a thunderclap.

Leo stepped forward, he explained, "There was a fight, Professor Marsh."

Emma, her own voice tinged with frustration, added, "Professor, you missed everything."

Mrs. Marsh's brow furrowed in displeasure as she addressed the unruly students before her.

"And you are supposed to be in class, so what are you doing here?" she demanded, her tone laced with authority.

Turning her attention to Ava, who stood defiantly at the edge of the crowd, Professor Marsh leveled a stern gaze upon her.

"And Miss Gonzalez, where do you think you are going?" she inquired.

Ava's response was curt, her anger palpable as she declared, "Anywhere but here."

Without a backward glance, she raised a defiant middle finger before storming out of the front doors, leaving a wave of awed whispers in her wake.

As the chaotic scene unfolded in the hallway, Mrs. Marsh's gaze fell upon Dwayne, who lay sprawled on the ground, his labored breaths echoing through the tense air. Reacting swiftly, she stepped forward, her authoritative voice cutting through the clamor.

"Leo, Andy," she called out, her tone firm and decisive.

"Take him to the nurse, now."

Leo and Andy, their faces etched with concern, wasted no time in responding to the professor's command. With a shared glance of understanding, they hurried to Dwayne's side, offering him a supportive hand as they helped him to his feet.

Together, they guided Dwayne through the throng of onlookers, their movements purposeful as they navigated the crowded hallway. Mrs. Marsh's directive rang out behind them, a clear directive amidst the chaos, as they made their way towards the nurse's office, intent on getting Dwayne the medical attention he needed. Dwayne's head was bleeding from the left side.

Mrs. Marsh's steely gaze fell on Emma.

"Kimmy, Lucy," she commanded, her tone laced with urgency. "Take Emma to the nurse's office immediately. The rest of you, back to your classes!"

Her words carried the weight of authority as she began to usher the students away from the tumultuous scene. As the crowd dispersed, Alex found himself lingering at the back, a sense of unease settling over him amidst the aftermath of the confrontation.

"This just keeps getting worse," Alex thought to himself, his mind racing with thoughts of Dylan and the impending threat he posed. Determination flickered in his eyes as he resolved to find a way to stop him, no matter the cost.

...After the college...

Dwyane was walking towards his house, his cheek still throbbing from the earlier fight with Brian, and his head was hurting, but the bleeding had stopped, so he was okay.

The metallic taste of blood lingered in his mouth, a constant reminder of his defeat. He wasn't furious with Brian; his anger was directed inward. He couldn't beat Brian. He couldn't stand his ground. He muttered to himself, "The next time we meet, I'll kick his ass so hard he'll have trouble standing up."

As Dwayne approached his front door, he reached into his bag for his keys. Just as his fingers brushed against the metal, the door swung open abruptly. Dwayne froze, his heart skipping a beat as he recognized the familiar face standing inside. It was Alvin.

Alvin stood in the doorway, dressed in a crisp white T-shirt and blue jeans, paired with spotless white shoes. His forearms bulged with prominent veins, giving the impression he had just come from an intense gym session. His athletic build was accentuated by the casual attire, making him look both relaxed and powerful. His eyes widened slightly as he took in Dwayne's disheveled appearance.

"Looks like you got into a fight," Alvin observed, "And you lost it pretty badly."

Dwayne looked away, his silence speaking volumes. Shame and frustration welled up inside him, but he couldn't bring himself to say anything.

Alvin rolled his eyes and sighed. "Don't tell me you got beat up in front of the whole school?"

"Yeah, I did," Dwayne admitted quietly, his gaze still fixed on the ground. "Can I come in?"

Alvin stepped aside, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "Of course. It's your house, after all."

Dwayne and Alvin both stepped inside the house. As soon as Dwayne entered, he made his way towards his room, while Alvin grabbed an ice pack from the freezer and followed him. Once inside, Alvin settled into the study chair while Dwayne plopped down on his bed, pressing the ice pack to his cheek.

Suddenly, Dwayne's eyes widened in surprise, and he leaped to his feet.

"HOLD ON A SECOND! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE? AND HOW DID YOU GET INSIDE MY HOUSE?"

Alvin, with his eyes closed, slowly opened one eye and smirked.

"Don't you think it's a little too late for that?"

Dwayne sighed and sat back down, shaking his head. "I guess so, yeah. It's a little too late. But still, answer me."

Alvin chuckled and replied, "You were the one who gave me the keys to your house and said to feel free to come whenever I felt like it."

Dwayne's memory jogged, and he nodded. "Oh yeah, I did say that."

But then, he heard some noises from the kitchen, like someone was cooking. He looked at Alvin, puzzled. "What's that?"

Alvin shrugged casually. "Oh, that's Alice. She's here too."

Dwayne, still holding the ice pack to his cheek, raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"Wow, she's here too?"

Alvin nodded. "Yeah, she is. My other friends will be coming over as well. Since your parents aren't home, I decided to invite them. I hope that's okay, 'cause I didn't ask for your permission."

Dwayne stared at Alvin, a mixture of irritation and amusement playing across his face. He finally let out a resigned laugh.

"Well, I guess it's too late to complain now. Just make sure they don't trash the place."

Alvin smiled, but the grin quickly faded. "So, care to share what happened at college?"

Dwayne took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. He began to recount the day's events, starting with the visit to Dan in the hospital. He described the sterile smell of disinfectant, the beeping machines, and the heavy feeling of seeing Dan so vulnerable.

Then he moved on to the fight at school with Brian and his friends, painting a vivid picture of the anger and adrenaline, the taunts that escalated into physical blows. Lastly, he spoke about Emma and the devastating news of Mateo's death.

Alvin listened intently, his face a mask of concern. When Dwayne finished, Alvin took a deep breath and placed a reassuring hand on Dwayne's shoulder.

"It's alright, Dwayne. We'll figure something out."

Despite Alvin's comforting words, Dwayne felt a knot of unease in his stomach. He forced a smile, trying to believe in Alvin's optimism. Alvin, sensing his friend's lingering distress, attempted to lift the mood.

"Let's go. Dinner must be ready by now. That will make you feel better."

Dwayne nodded, and together they made their way to the kitchen. The smell of home-cooked food filled the air, a welcome distraction from the day's troubles. Alice was already setting the table, her face lighting up when she saw Dwayne.

"Dwayne!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. She hurried over, and they hugged tightly, a warm embrace that spoke of missed moments.

Alice asked "How are you?"

Dwayne pulled back from the hug, the smell of food lingering in the air.

"I'm doing great, and the smell tells me the food is delicious."

Alice smiled. "Yep. Let me set the table real quick."

Alice moved gracefully around the kitchen, her movements a well-practiced dance of hospitality and care. Her face, lit with a warm smile, radiated kindness and welcome as she meticulously set the table. The tablecloth, a crisp white linen, was perfectly smoothed out, and each place setting was arranged with precision-plates centered, silverware aligned, and glasses sparkling in the soft light.

As she placed the final touches, Alice took a moment to admire her handiwork, ensuring everything was just right. The centerpiece was a simple yet elegant vase of fresh flowers, adding a touch of natural beauty to the scene.

The food Alice prepared was a feast for the senses, each dish lovingly crafted with meticulous attention to detail. A steaming casserole of lasagna sat at the center, its rich layers of pasta, cheese, and savory meat sauce bubbling invitingly. A fresh garden salad accompanied it, vibrant greens mixed with colorful bursts of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, all tossed in a light vinaigrette. A basket of warm, crusty garlic bread completed the spread, the aroma of herbs and butter wafting through the air, making mouths water in anticipation.

Also at it's heart was a golden roast turkey, its skin perfectly crisp and glistening, promising tender and juicy meat within. Surrounding the turkey were bowls and platters filled with an array of classic, mouth-watering dishes.

A heaping bowl of creamy mashed potatoes, whipped to perfection and topped with a generous pat of melting butter, took a prominent place. Nearby, a dish of rich, savory gravy sat ready to be drizzled over the potatoes and turkey alike. Vibrant green beans almondine, sautéed with slivered almonds and a hint of garlic, provided a fresh and crunchy contrast.

A large dish of baked macaroni and cheese caught the eye, its top layer browned and bubbly, hiding a gooey, cheesy interior. Next to it was a basket of freshly baked cornbread muffins, their edges crisp and golden, with a soft, crumbly inside that melted in the mouth.

Sweet potato casserole, topped with a layer of toasted marshmallows, added a hint of sweetness to the spread, while a cranberry relish brought a tart and tangy flavor that cut through the richness of the meal. Completing the feast were classic dinner rolls, warm and fluffy, perfect for mopping up every delicious morsel on the plate.

As the scents of rosemary, sage, and roasted garlic filled the air, the dinner table beckoned with the promise of hearty flavors and the comforting nostalgia of home-cooked meals shared with loved ones.

After the table was set, everyone took their seats. The clatter of plates and the hum of conversation provided a comforting backdrop. Alice had prepared a spread of Dwayne's favorite dishes, and the sight of the familiar food brought a small, genuine smile to his face.

As they began to eat, the atmosphere gradually shifted. The weight of the day's events still hung in the air, but for a moment, there was a sense of normalcy.

Just then, they heard a knock on the door. Alvin got up from the dinner table and walked towards the door, pausing with his hand on the knob. He hoped it wouldn't be a skeleton. As he opened the door, he was relieved to see his friends standing there: Kevin, Shoyo, and Claire.

Kevin and Shoyo greeted Alvin with wide smiles and warm hugs, their energy a welcome addition to the evening. Claire, on the other hand, extended a hand for a polite shake, her expression reserved. The tension between them was palpable, a lingering shadow from when Alvin had manipulated her three years ago. Despite the unresolved issues, she had shown up, a testament to the bonds that still held them together.

As they entered, the atmosphere in the room shifted to one of camaraderie and nostalgia. The new arrivals joined the table, their eyes lighting up at the sight and smell of Alice's delicious spread. Conversations and laughter filled the air as they dug into the meal, savoring each bite of the home-cooked dishes.

After dinner, the group seamlessly transitioned into cleanup mode. Kevin and Shoyo cleared the table, their movements efficient and practiced as they stacked plates and gathered silverware. Claire, despite her earlier hesitation, pitched in, her frustration temporarily set aside. She folded napkins and wiped down the table, her actions methodical and precise.

In the kitchen, Alice and Alvin tackled the dishes. Alice rolled up her sleeves and plunged her hands into the soapy water, her demeanor calm and focused. Alvin stood beside her, rinsing and drying each dish she handed him. The rhythmic clink of plates and the swish of water created a soothing backdrop to their quiet conversation, their teamwork a testament to their close friendship.

Once the kitchen was spotless and the table reset, they all gathered around the dining table once more. This time, the mood was more serious, the weight of their earlier discussions pressing down on them. They took their seats, the soft hum of the overhead light casting a warm glow on their faces.

Dwayne, still feeling the effects of the day's revelations, glanced around at his friends, drawing strength from their presence. Alvin sat next to him, his expression resolute. Kevin and Shoyo, usually the jokers of the group, were uncharacteristically quiet. Claire, her earlier frustration now mingled with concern, folded her hands on the table, ready to contribute to whatever plan they would form.

As they settled in, a hushed silence fell over the group. The table, once laden with food, was now a gathering place for strategy and support. They leaned in, their voices low but determined, ready to face the challenges ahead together.

Kevin sighed and broke the silence. "So, what's the plan?"

Alvin, still seated at the dining table, took a deep breath and said, "Before we get to that, I need to tell Dwayne something."

Dwayne turned to Alvin, curiosity and concern etched on his face. Alvin met his gaze with a serious expression.

"Dwayne, a few of us have been attacked by skeletons. Kevin, Shoyo, and Claire were targeted too."

Dwayne's eyes widened in shock.

Claire, however, remained unfazed, her stoic demeanor unchanged.

Alvin continued, "We all know Dylan is behind this. Initially, he was only after us, but now he's targeted Kevin, Shoyo, and Claire as well. It doesn't make any sense."

Alice interjected, "Yeah, why would he go after them? They have nothing to do with this."

Claire spoke up, "Maybe it's because we're close friends? Just a thought."

Shoyo nodded. "It could be. There's a possibility."

Kevin said, "I was kind of excited when that thing popped up in front of my door, seriously. At first, I thought it was someone in a cosplay costume, but then I realized it was real!"

Everyone gave Kevin a weird look, his casual approach to the terrifying situation not quite matching the gravity of their conversation.

Dwayne took a deep breath, his resolve hardening.

"For now, we're all in this together. If we want to stop Dylan, we have to do it as a team. He killed Mateo, so he's willing to go far. We have to put an end to this."

He looked around the table, his friends' faces reflecting a mixture of fear and determination. Alvin, still serious and fearless, seemed lost in thought, contemplating their next move.

The dining table, once a place of comfort and shared meals, had become their war room.

"We need a plan," Dwayne said, his voice steady. "We can't let Dylan continue this. We have to find out his weakness, something that will stop him for good."

Alice, suggested, "Maybe we should research how to deal with these skeletons. There must be some lore or myth that can give us a clue."

Claire nodded, her analytical mind already ticking over possibilities.

"I'll start looking into it. There has to be something."

Kevin, spoke more seriously now, "And we need to stick together. No one goes anywhere alone. Safety in numbers."

Claire broke the uneasy silence, her voice tinged with doubt. "Do you really think we can defeat this ghost?"

Everyone's eyes instinctively turned to Alvin, who looked back at them in confusion, tilting his head.

"What? Why's everyone looking at me?"

Shoyo leaned forward, echoing the sentiment.

"Do you think you can defeat that ghost?"

Dwayne spoke up, "It's just... I mean, we all hope that you can defeat it somehow."

Alvin's expression turned more serious, his face set with a determination that sent shivers down everyone's spine. For a moment, it seemed as if he had a grand plan, a strategy that would turn the tide in their favor. The tension in the room was palpable, every eye locked on him in anticipation.

But then, Alvin broke the intensity with a dismissive wave of his hand.

"Of course I can't! Do you really think I can beat a stupid walking-talking ghost who can possess people and delivers skeletons to our houses to greet or welcome us? Not to mention, this ghost has some supernatural powers to control animals! We don't even know what the hell is it's problem is or why it's obsessed with us."

His words, delivered with a mix of sarcasm and frustration, made everyone sigh, their hopes crashing down like shattered glass.

Kevin shook his head, a wry smile forming on his lips, "Well, that was reassuring."

Alice couldn't help but chuckle, her laughter a nervous release of the built-up tension.

"Leave it to Alvin to give us the hard truth."

Claire, despite her earlier doubt, found herself smiling at Alvin's blunt honesty.

"At least we know where we stand."

Dwayne leaned back, a sigh escaping his lips as he looked at Alvin.

"So, what's the real plan then?"

Alvin took a deep breath, his mind racing.

"For now, we all have to stick together. Let's start with some research and see if we can find any links or connections to this. There must be something we've been missing, clues hidden in plain sight that we need to dig up. There might be clues we've overlooked or ones we didn't understand. We need to find them together."

The group nodded in agreement, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. Alvin's words, though practical, carried a weight of urgency and hope.

Turning to Dwayne, Alvin added, "You won't be part of my team. I want you to help Alex and make sure to stay beside him."

Dwayne nodded slightly, accepting his role. "Okay, but when will you reveal yourself to the others?"

Alvin's face grew serious, his eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation.

"When the time is right, I'll tell them the truth. Right now isn't the time for it. I want everyone to start working on this tomorrow. We only have a few days to figure this out, and we have to make the most of that time."

The room fell silent as everyone absorbed Alvin's words. The gravity of their mission settled over them, each person processing their part in the unfolding plan. The dining table, once a place of shared meals and laughter, had transformed into a war room, where every decision carried the weight of their collective fate.

Alice was the first to break the silence.

"I'll start looking into old records and any local legends that might give us a clue about Dylan and these skeletons."

Claire added, "I'll see what I can find online. There might be forums or sites where people have experienced similar things."

Kevin and Shoyo exchanged a determined look before speaking in unison.

"We'll go to the library and see what we can find."

Alvin nodded, his face set with resolve.

"Good. Now, I want everyone to head to bed. Tomorrow, we'll start early. I don't want anyone slacking off."

His gaze sharpened as he turned to Kevin and Shoyo, his voice carrying a note of warning. "Especially you two. No slacking off!"

Kevin and Shoyo straightened up, their earlier casual demeanor replaced by a seriousness that matched Alvin's. They nodded in agreement.

The group began to disperse, each person retreating to their designated spaces for the night. The atmosphere was heavy with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. As they moved, the house seemed quieter, the walls holding the echoes of their plans and fears.

Dwayne, feeling a newfound sense of responsibility, approached Alvin. "I'll do my best to help Alex. Just let me know if there's anything else you need."

Alvin gave him a firm nod. "I know you will. We're all counting on each other now."

As the house settled into an uneasy calm, Alvin took a moment to reflect. He felt the weight of leadership on his shoulders, but he also felt a deep sense of trust in his friends. They were scared, yes, but they were also united and ready to face whatever came next.

Kevin and Shoyo settled down on the couch in the living room, their usual banter replaced by a shared sense of urgency. They lay side by side, the couch barely accommodating their frames, but exhaustion soon claimed them, and they drifted into an uneasy sleep.

Dwayne retreated to his own room, closing the door behind him with a soft click. As he lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind raced with thoughts of the day's revelations and the daunting task ahead. Despite his worry, fatigue eventually pulled him into a restless slumber.

Claire, carrying her lingering frustration and concern, made her way to the guest room. She placed her bag on the chair and slipped under the covers. The unfamiliar room felt strangely comforting, a brief sanctuary from the chaos. She closed her eyes, trying to find some peace before the morning's mission.

Alice, after ensuring everyone was settled, approached Alvin. She leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on Alvin's cheek.

"We will figure all this out together, okay?" she whispered, her voice a soothing balm to his frayed nerves.

Alvin felt a surge of warmth and reassurance from her gesture. He smiled softly, nodding.

"Together huh?" he echoed, his resolve strengthened by her support.

As Alice headed to her own room, Alvin stood alone for a moment, letting the silence of the house wash over him. The weight of responsibility he felt was immense, but the trust and camaraderie of his friends gave him hope.

After a moment of reflection, Alvin quietly followed Alice. He found her in the guest room, already nestled under the covers. She looked up as he entered, a small smile playing on her lips.

Without a word, Alvin joined her, sliding under the blankets and wrapping his arms around her in a gentle embrace. As he spooned her, Alice felt an immediate sense of safety and warmth, her worries momentarily eased by his presence.

The room was bathed in the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains. The world outside seemed distant, and for a brief moment, the horrors they faced felt a little more manageable. Alvin tightened his hold, feeling Alice's steady breath against his arm. Her closeness was a comforting anchor amid the storm of his thoughts.

Lying in the darkness, Alvin stared at the ceiling, his mind racing with plans and possibilities. Each scenario he conjured was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but the thought of his friends standing by him provided a steadying force. Alice's presence beside him was a reminder of what they were fighting for-each other, their safety, their futures.

Alice turned slightly, her voice a soft murmur in the quiet room. "We will figure this out, Alvin. Together."

Alvin pressed a kiss to the back of her head, his lips brushing against her hair.

"I know," he whispered, his voice filled with a mixture of determination and tenderness. "Together, we'll find a way."

The reassurance in their closeness gave them both a fragile but crucial sense of hope. Despite the challenges looming over them, the strength they drew from one another made the future seem a little less daunting.

As sleep began to claim them, Alvin held onto the thought of their united front. The road ahead would be difficult, but with his friends by his side, he felt a spark of hope. Together, they would face the darkness and find a way to stop Dylan, once and for all. The night, though filled with uncertainty, also held the promise of their combined strength and unwavering resolve.

As he held her, Alvin couldn't help but notice how serene and adorable she looked while sleeping. Her face, free of the day's worries, seemed almost angelic in the soft glow of the moonlight filtering through the curtains.

Alvin gently kissed the back of her head again, murmuring softly, "Alice, I'm sorry, but I'd rather not do it together."

Carefully, he disentangled himself from her without waking her. He moved with deliberate slowness, ensuring that each motion was smooth and silent. Once free, he stood by the bed for a moment, looking down at Alice. He felt a pang of guilt, but he knew what he had to do.

Quietly, Alvin crept to the window. He eased it open, wincing as it made the slightest creak. The cool night air rushed in, carrying with it the scent of the outdoors. He glanced back at Alice one last time, her peaceful form still undisturbed.

With a final, determined breath, Alvin climbed through the window. He landed softly on the grass below, crouching to minimize the impact. He straightened up, glancing around to ensure no one had noticed his departure.

The night was still and quiet, the moon casting long shadows across the yard. Alvin's heart pounded in his chest, but his resolve was firm. He couldn't risk the lives of his friends any longer.

He moved swiftly, disappearing into the darkness with only the distant sounds of the night accompanying him. Determination fueled his every step, and though he felt the weight of his decision, he knew it was the only way to protect those he cared about.

As Alvin ventured further from the house, the sense of solitude grew, but so did his resolve. He was ready to confront the ghost, to put an end to the terror that had gripped their lives. Whatever it took, he would face it head-on, alone, for the sake of his friends and the future they deserved.

Alvin murmured to himself, "I am so sorry, Alice, but I have to do this all by myself. I am the reason June died. I couldn't save her, and I'm the reason you guys went inside those ruins in the first place. If I had just stopped you guys from going in, none of this would have happened. I have to do this."