The sharp crack of gunfire shattered the stillness of the training room, each shot echoing like a heartbeat in Minseo's chest. She stood poised, muscles coiled with tension, sweat beading on her brow as adrenaline coursed through her veins. The rhythmic thud of her heart matched the steady pull of the trigger, and with each bullet fired, she felt a surge of power—a reminder of the strength she had forged from her past.

Minseo had already pushed through her usual routine, a brutal workout designed to sharpen her body and fortify her spirit. Now, with the target fixed at the far end of the room, she squared her shoulders, her breath steadying as she centered her focus. The weapon felt familiar in her hands, its weight a comfort against the chaos of her memories. Each shot was not just practice; it was a vow—a promise to herself and to the parents she had lost.

After a barrage of rounds, she stepped back, chest heaving, wiping the perspiration from her forehead. The walls around her were adorned with a patchwork of targets, some riddled with holes, each one a testament to her relentless training and the long journey from victim to hunter.

As she caught her breath, her phone buzzed against the workbench, a stark intrusion into her solitary world. Minseo moved over, heart racing as she read the message from Ellen—the fierce, unwavering woman who had taken her in three years ago, guiding her through the darkness of her past.

Possible job lead. Small town, strange occurrences. Call me

Her dark eyes read the text as she slung her duffel bag over her shoulder, casting one last look at the dim, abandoned warehouse she'd claimed as her training ground. She slipped into her car, the engine rumbling to life as she drove through the winding roads toward Harvelle's Roadhouse.

When she stepped inside, the familiar hum of conversation and clinking glasses washed over her. Hunters filled the place, scattered in small groups—some hunched over drinks, others laughing boisterously, while a few gathered around the dartboard and pool tables, exchanging jabs and bets. It was a loud, chaotic night, just like most others here.

Her dark eyes scanned the room until she spotted Ellen behind the bar, pouring whiskey for a cluster of grizzled regulars. Not far off, she saw Jo by the pool table, her blonde hair catching the dim light as she laughed and took on a group of guys who seemed more focused on her than their game. Minseo took a steadying breath, stepping forward into the heart of the Roadhouse.

Minseo weaved her way through the crowd, slipping past tables cluttered with half-empty bottles and the low murmur of hushed conversations. The smell of stale beer and smoke hung heavy in the air, but she had grown used to it—it was the scent of her new world, a place that, for better or worse, felt like home.

Ellen caught sight of her approaching and nodded, sliding a glass of water across the bar as she leaned in. "Heard from me quicker than I expected," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Guess you've been keeping up with practice."

Minseo allowed herself a faint smile, but there was a spark in her eyes that Ellen didn't miss. She glanced down at her glass, swirling it absentmindedly before looking back up. "You said there was a job."

Ellen's expression hardened, her lips pressing into a thin line. She gave a quick nod, her eyes flicking over to make sure no one was listening. "Small town, upstate. Weird stuff's been happening— get this a guy mention that Abraham Lincoln killed his friend"

Minseo narrowd her eyes as she looked up the older woman waiting for her to reveal the real job but when she was met with her stare she nodded. "Right well this should be rather interesting" she hummed to herself as she picked up a shot glass drinking it. The drink burned down her throat the feeling making her feel slight more energized.

Ellen stared at the girl a sympathetic expression on her face. "Hey we are still looking for Abigail okay Ahs is on it looks like she had been hiding but we'll get to her" she spoke softly trying to search the girls eyes for something. Minseo eyes harden at the mention of the demon her jaw clenching as she simply nodded not wanting to lash out at the moment.

"Okay well thank you I'll take this and leave early in the morning" she spoke as she montioned to the file that contained the information of the case. Ellen gave her a small smile as she exhaled watched the girl stand from her seat and walk out of the bar. At that moment Jo walked up holding several twenty dollars bills and a grin on her face.

"Guess who won big again" she said as she waved the money on her face. As she read her mom's expression she could see what she was thinking about. "Mom she's going to be okay she's strong a lot stronger than she was before we found her." Jo spoke as she took her mother's hand. "I know I just worry for the kid" she said as she exhaled a breath before her attention going to a hunter raising his glass asking for a refill. The older woman snapped back as she grabbed the liquor bottle and headed to their table.

Minseo had gotten to her apartment well apartment would be considered generous it was more like a one bedroom studio with a bed and a bathroom. The girl didn't really mind since she was rarely here she threw her duffel bag on the floor as she headed to the bathroom the girl stripped from her clothes as she jumped into the shower her muscles relaxing under the warm water. As she stepped out of the shower she wrapped herself tightly around a towels and stood infront of her mirror cleaning the condensation away.

As she stared at herself the dark circles under her eyes seemed to be etched to her from the multiple slepless nights. Her eyes settled on self not recognizing herself momentarily this girl was completely different from the girl she had been years ago before the incident. With a soft exhale the girl changed and went to bed early knowing that she would have to wake up early tomorrow.

AUTHORS NOTE
ahh this is the first chapter of the fic!!! if you remember the previous one it's definitely different. i want this fic to be slow paced and i want to take my time to introduce certain characters.

also in case it wasn't clear this takes place three years after the hospital incident just wanted to clarify. i do envision minseo being around 23 years old at this time. i will also add flashbacks throughout the book in order to further how minseo was possessed and what occur while that year.

well i hope that this new and improved chapter was okay and thank you too anyone who takes the time to read it byee!!