LONDON – OLD HALLOWS EVE

A solitary figure made its way through the darkened graveyard. Ignoring the warnings surrounding Old Hallows Eve, Molly Hooper walked over to the headstone that bore the names of her parents. She crouched down and immediately set to work removing the dead flowers and replacing them with fresh ones.

Since their premature deaths, the result of a terrible car crash six months earlier, Molly had faithfully visited their grave once every week. The only difference about this week's visit was the time she had purposefully chosen.

Her decision to visit their grave at this hour on this particular night would be regarded by many as pure folly…

The Festival of Samhain, or Old Hallows Eve

For it is said that on this one night, the impenetrable mists that separated the dead from the living diminished.

And thus allowed the dead to cross over to the land of the living, so as to visit their loved ones.

Only pray that these spirits wish you goodwill, for be they of a vengeful disposition, then hellfire is sure to follow.

When the church bell struck midnight, the witching hour, Molly eagerly looked around her, but saw nothing. But still she waited patiently.

By the time the half hour rang out however, Molly's shoulders slumped and with a disappointed sigh she began gathering up the dead flowers and got to her feet. Looking down at the gravestone she pressed her fingers to her lips, before pressing her fingers to the headstone.

"Oh well," she murmured as she prepared to leave. "It was worth a try."

Turning she was surprised to discover that a dense mist had descended over the graveyard. Even more alarming, as she attempted to make her way to the gate, the mist quickly turned to a thick fog that made it impossible to see anything in any direction.

Pausing, she waited, hoping that the fog would lift, even if only for her to work out where she was.

But it didn't.

Instead Molly felt an irresistible urge to go in a particular direction. She had only taken half a dozen steps when the ground beneath her feet disappeared…

THE HOLMES-SINGH CLAN TERRITORY

Molly landed with a thud.

Cautiously she got to her feet, and began to look around her. But it was so dark she felt like she was enveloped in another impenetrable fog.

Taking a step forward Molly felt the hairs on the back of her arms stand on end. She was not alone. Taking a deep breath, she detected the irresistible and tantalising scent of not one, but two alpha males

However she refused to be cowered, and bravely demanded. "Show yourselves. I know you're there."

"Indeed," a rich baritone voice all but purred sardonically from just ahead of her.

While another, deeper and grittier in tone, growled in amusement directly behind her. "Such a feisty little omega, isn't she?"

Molly spun around, but frustratingly was still unable to see anything around her.

Then, as if by magic half a dozen concealed oil lamps sprang to life, casting a warm glow. And as her eyes became accustomed to the dim light, she saw them.