The Haunted - Jessica Verday [101]
“Let me go you, bastard!” I yelled. “Oh God, if you hurt him…”
“What do you think I was trying to do?”
A sob escaped me, and Vincent looked around. “Unfortunately, now is not the time or place. But I will take what is mine.”
I raised my hand to slap him again, and he thrust me aside. “I’ll be seeing you, Abbey.” And with that, he turned his back and walked away.
My vision went blurry, and I realized I was crying. My legs gave out. I tried to stand, but they wouldn’t work, so I had to crawl over to where Caspian was lying.
“Caspian,” I whispered; my throat was raw and sore. “Casper… please. Open your eyes.” He didn’t answer.
I touched his shoulder, but my hand went through to the ground. I tried again, and again, then pounded my fist against the grass in frustration. “Caspian!” I prayed to every god that was out there for him to please open his eyes.
Rocking back on my heels, I felt a keening moan erupt from inside of me. This wasn’t supposed to happen. We were supposed to be together. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.
“Abbey,” I heard him say. “Abbey…”
My eyes were blurry again with streaming tears.
“Caspian! Are you okay? Oh my God, I thought you were… I didn’t know what I thought.
Just something bad.” I couldn’t help myself—I tried to touch his face and hit solid ground again.
He gazed up at me, looking like a fish out of water. “I’m okay… just knocked the nonexistent breath out of me.” He closed his eyes and murmured, “I think I slipped into the dark place.”
“Don’t go there again,” I pleaded. “Okay?”
His eyes opened, and I could see their brilliant green reflecting back at me. “I won’t,” he promised. “Just let me close my eyes for a couple of minutes.” I nodded, and when I thought ten minutes had passed, I whispered, “Caspian.” I didn’t think he’d heard me. But then his eyes opened and flickered to mine. “I’m here. I didn’t go to the dark place.”
“Good. I would have followed you there.”
He looked startled by my statement, and after a moment of silence, cleared his throat.
“Let’s see if everything is in working order.” He tried to stand and almost fell, but caught himself against the door. I clenched my fists. It was so hard not to be able to help him. But he managed on his own, and even cracked a grin at me. “I’m fine. Still dead.”
“Don’t say that.”
“Why? It’s the truth.”
“I know, but… still.” I scowled. “I don’t need the reminder right now, okay?” He fell silent and looked around us.
“He’s gone,” I said, answering his unasked question. “But I think we need to take a trip to go see Nikolas and Katy and tell them what just happened.” He nodded his agreement, and I stood too. Then we turned toward the path that led to their house.
It took us a while to get there, though, because the woods were dark, and it was tricky finding our way. When we finally made it, I led the way to their door and knocked loudly in case they were still asleep.
Nikolas answered right away, dressed in his usual overalls. “Abbey?” He cast a glance behind me at Caspian.
“I’m sorry it’s so early, Nikolas. But we need to talk to you.” He waved a hand. “We are early risers. Is something the matter?”
“What’s a Revenant?” I asked.
Nikolas paled and gestured for us to come in, scanning the woods behind us as he shut the door. Katy was sitting in the rocking chair by the fireplace, but rose when she saw us. I nodded my head at her, suddenly tired and overwhelmed and not in the mood for pleasant-ries.
After I introduced Caspian to her, we all sat down at the kitchen table, and I waited for Nikolas to explain. He stalled.
“How are you doing, Abbey? Would you like some tea? We could make some tea if you’d like.”
I banged my fist on the table. “Answers, Nikolas! I need answers.” He looked shocked by my outburst, and I sighed loudly. “I’m sorry, but I’ve been up all night, my best friend’s maybe-murderer followed me to the cemetery and almost attacked me, and then he threw Caspian into a mausoleum door. So, what’s a Revenant, and how come you told me to pay attention because it might