Part 1

"Let's get ready to eat!" Mr. Hill placed a plate of veggies on the table next to the chicken, rice, and gravy, taking his seat across from us.

"Yes! Chow time!" Lizzy quickly filled my plate and hers before digging in.

"Woo! Thanks for the food, Mr. Hill." I began eating each morsel, enjoying the mix of the freshly ground spices on the chicken, covered in rice, and the warm smooth gravy. Every bite was nothing less than flavorful and the carrots and potatoes were to die for.

"So... Annabelle, what do you do for work?" Mr. Hill had already downed his first plate, preparing for seconds.

Lizzy gave me a worried look, but nodded, her dad not noticing.

"My team and I are working on a cure for Nightshade... No one should have to live in darkness... Fearing the light... It doesn't make sense."

Mr. Hill chuckled. "Ah, to be young and... Naive. Perhaps some of the best things can only be found at night, with the sun's light reflecting off the moon. It's how I met Lizzy's late stepmother... Dr. Irene Callihan. She was a wonderful woman and... I miss her dearly..."

My utensils clattered to the floor and my mouth fell agape. "H-How did you know my mom?"

Lizzy gently wrapped her arms around me, holding me tight. "I'm sorry, babe..."

Mr. Hill stood and took our empty plates to the kitchen, placing them in the sink before sitting back in his chair moments later. "I am Nightshroud." Mr. Hill snapped his fingers. His entire body exploded into pure darkness. Nothing more than pitch-black shadows and a faint red glow where his eyes were.

"W... Lizzy?! Your dad... He is who my team has been trying to fight for years... And you kept this from me the entire time we have been together?!" I stood up, fueled by pure rage, and started walking towards the door.

Lizzy wrapped her arms around me tightly, not letting go. "You don't understand, honey... My dad isn't the enemy. He is the nicest, most gentle soul you'd ever come across."

I stood still, shaking. "She never said anything about getting remarried!"

"She was afraid you would act exactly as you are now!" Nightshroud cleared his throat if he even had one. "Apologies. Please, sit... I'll explain everything if you give me the chance."

"How do I know I'm not being lied to? How do I know you won't kill me like you did my mother?!"

"Lizzy, come here, please." Nightshroud walked over and sat on the couch.

I sighed and reluctantly walked over and sat with Lizzy in the middle and her "father" on the other end. "Spill it..."

Nightshroud snapped his fingers as his ghastly form began to turn into a ball of shadows in the center of his palm. "Lizzy, it's time."

Lizzy nodded and grasped the shadow ball. It slowly started to assimilate into her body. "It's okay, babe. Dad's powerless now."