By the time Alexander finished processing all the ammunition, night had fully fallen.
He had obtained two enhanced types of shotgun shells, along with several boxes of antique artillery shells and flintlock rounds.
Overall, the results were satisfying.
He glanced toward the three-story villa in the distance.
He wondered whether his new neighbors would experience any disturbances tonight.
Still, he wasn’t overly concerned.
From what he remembered, the incidents in that house usually occurred after the residents had lived there for some time.
Evil spirits, if they existed weren’t foolish enough to reveal themselves immediately.
Early the next morning, Alexander washed up and changed into his school uniform.
As he stepped outside, he ran into his new neighbors.
Tasha was walking with her young daughter toward the bus stop.
The fitted uniform accentuated his powerful, sculpted physique.
Yesterday’s brief encounter in the dim light hadn’t done it justice.
Up close, Tasha found herself momentarily stunned.
His muscles looked almost artistic, broad shoulders, defined chest, and an overall presence that radiated strength and vitality.
Even professional bodybuilders would pale in comparison.
Tasha felt her heartbeat quicken and her cheeks warm.
It had been years since she experienced such an intense, instinctive reaction.
Her husband, a successful psychologist, had grown increasingly distant due to his demanding career.
Looking at Alexander now stirred something long dormant in her.
‘What is wrong with me?’ she thought, flustered.
“Good morning, Mrs. Tasha,” Alexander replied, noticing her lingering gaze.
He kept his expression neutral, though inwardly he sighed.
“You’ve just moved in, and I didn’t have time to prepare a proper gift. This is an old family heirloom. It’s said to bring good luck and protection. I made one for your daughter as well.”
He crouched down and gently hung a smaller amulet around the shy little girl’s neck.
“She’s adorable. She’ll grow up to be as beautiful as her mother.”
The girl blushed and hid behind Tasha.
Tasha’s face turned a deeper shade of red at the compliment, her mind briefly wandering to less innocent thoughts about the young man’s physique.
“Thank you,” she said, accepting the amulet.
“That’s very kind of you.”
Alexander nodded politely.
“Have a good day.”
As Tasha walked away with her daughter, she clutched the amulet tightly.
She had been uneasy about the villa from the start, everyone knew its dark history but her husband had fallen in love with the property at first sight.
Perhaps this thoughtful gift from their new neighbor would bring them some peace.