Haunted Legacy: The Windhaven Witches Series by Carissa Andrews (story reading .txt) 📗

Dad’s gaze pulls back into focus, taking me in again. For the longest time, he stares at me with a sense of wonder and confusion shimmering through his expressions. “Why are you crying?” he finally asks.

I wipe at my face, wishing an astral form couldn’t feel these emotions that practically tear me apart. “I’m going to miss you so much. I wish…” My words are choked out by the sob that wracks through my body. “I wish we had more time.”

Realization forms across my dad’s face and he walks up to me.

“I’ll always be with you, sweet girl,” Dad says, pulling me in close. “I love you, Autumn. Never forget that.”

“I love you, Dad. I really do,” I say, clutching at the back of his shirt and holding him close.

Suddenly, an inky black cloud billows out into the circular space of the inner sanctum a few yards away. Instantly, I know what this means and I’ve never been more relieved—and more terrified.

Will he take my dad’s soul? Or will he be like the Moirai and hold a grudge against me and my family?

Chapter 31

Chin Up

The Angel of Death steps out of his dark portal, entering the catacombs with a couple of natural strides.

Dad steps forward as if drawn to him like a magnet.

The Angel of Death’s silver eyes glimmer in the low light of the catacombs, and he reaches out for my dad as if he’s a long-lost friend.

“Lyle Blackwood,” he says. “I had wondered if we’d ever cross paths again.”

My dad reaches out, wrapping his arms around Wade’s dad. After a short embrace, he slaps Wade’s dad on the back and steps away. “Good to see you, old friend.”

At first, my eyebrows tug inward, but understanding isn’t far behind. They knew each other thirty years ago, the last time revenants were raised in this town. It was their combined efforts that eliminated their threat the last time. It makes sense that a friendship of some sort may have grown between them.

“Indeed,” he says, nodding his head in agreement. Then the Angel of Death chuckles. “I had hoped you’d look more like a shriveled old man by the time I saw you again, though.”

Dad glances down, opening his hands out wide. “Sorry to disappoint.”

“Well, at least you have more gray than I do.”

This time, it’s Dad’s turn to laugh. “Yes, well, it doesn’t matter much now, I’d wager.”

“Very true,” the Angel says. His eyes flit briefly to me, then return to my dad. “Are you ready? Or do you need a moment?”

Looking over his shoulder at me and Abigail, Dad steps away from the Angel of Death.

“I have to go now, sweetheart,” Dad whispers, pulling me into a final embrace.

“I know,” I whisper into his shirt. Tears again flood my eyes, no matter how hard I try to hold them back.

Abigail keeps her distance, her hands folded gently in front of her.

After a moment, Dad places his hands on my shoulders, pulling me back.

“You’re strong, Autumn. I know you’ll get through what comes next. Keep a watchful eye. The Moirai are coming, and this is a game we can’t win. At least not with the rules as they are. You’ll need to be resourceful,” he says, turning his gaze to Abigail. “Thank goodness you have some key players on your side.”

“She is quite special,” Abigail says. “I will do what I can to protect her.”

Dad nods his head, shooting her a lopsided smile. “Thank you.”

Abigail tips her head.

“It’s time, Lyle,” Wade’s dad says, taking a step toward him. “Walk with me.”

Without another word, Dad places a crooked index finger under my chin, lifting it up. Smiling softly, he turns back to the Angel of Death.

“I’m ready,” he says.

The two of them walk away from the central chamber, making their way down the tunnel where my father’s body now rests. It’s almost as if they’re just taking a walk in a park, or a garden. And maybe to Dad, they are. Their conversation is light and friendly as they disappear into the darkness.

I swipe at my cheeks, batting at the tears still falling.

Abigail walks over to me, wrapping her arms around me. “I am so sorry, my dear one.”

The best I can manage is a guttural sob as I return her embrace.

“I do so wish I could say this was the end of our family’s torment. But you must return to your body. You must be prepared for all that lies ahead. The path will not be easy and I make no promises of your success,” she whispers.

“Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence,” I mutter, stepping back.

“However,” she says, holding my gaze. “I am certain that if anyone can break this curse, it will be you.”

“How can you be so sure?” I ask, scrunching my face.

“Because you are more powerful than you know.”

My eyes flutter open and I’m consumed by darkness. I’m no longer inside the torch-lit catacombs; the sun has set long ago, and the stars twinkle in an inky canopy above me. High in the sky, the full moon’s silver light floods the grounds, illuminating the yard.

“Autumn,” a soothing voice says from somewhere over my shoulder, “how are you feeling?”

My head lolls to the side as I look into the concerned gaze of Diana.

“I’m…okay. I think,” I say, doing a quick inventory. Everything feels like it’s in place and coming back down from the crazy ordeal I’ve just witnessed.

While nothing will ever be the same again, I also know this time around, things could have been a lot worse. But there’s a certain amount of peace knowing that my dad’s no longer suffering. He’s free.

“You did it,” Diana smiles, patting my arm. Like a momma bear, there’s a sense of pride filtering through her features despite looking like she could be a classmate—not a mentor.

I smile softly and clear my throat. “Yeah, I guess we did.”

Glancing to my left, I see Dominic seated in the other Adirondack chair with his hands behind his head.