AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“The place almost looks cursed,” I said quietly.
“I’m afraid you’re right,” Eric agreed with me.
At a snail’s pace I drove us down the lane, holding back my tears. Some of my best memories happened here. I saw myself skipping down the road and kicking rocks while holding my father’s hand. I remembered chasing our old dog Ginger around the yard and the chickens we raised. I’d loved gathering eggs with my mother.
When I saw our old white home with black shutters, a few tears were finally shed. It was covered in layers of dirt, pieces of the roof were missing, and most of the windows were broken. “How could this happen? It used to be so beautiful.”
Eric placed his hand on my leg. “I think the book protected itself.”
“You think the book is here?”
Eric looked down at his own book, which was flashing and vibrating. Each moonstone was taking a turn glowing. “I’m almost certain. I’ve never seen the book do this.”
My mouth became so dry, I couldn’t utter a word. I managed to park the RV by the old detached garage that was in no better shape than the house.
Tara, as if she knew I was frightened, rubbed up against my legs.
Eric turned toward me and took my hand. “You must promise me that you will let me protect you.”
“Only if you promise me the same in return.”
“What do you mean?”
I stared at the thermos he gripped with his other hand. “Promise me you won’t drink that unless it’s absolutely necessary.”
He let go of my hand and pinched the bridge of his nose. “If I drink it now, you’re safe to find your book.”
“No. Your book told you to help me find my book, and we don’t know for sure if it’s here. And there’s no sign of your family.”
“Sorrel, look at all the shadows that surround us. They could be here.”
“I don’t feel them. Please,” I begged, “give us every chance.”
“You know what the curse says. Only one family survives.”
“You are my family.”
His eyes widened. “As much as I love to hear you say that, I’m a Selene.”
“I don’t care what blood runs through you. It’s what’s in your heart and my heart. Please, promise me, Eric.”
His jaw clenched while his eyes searched my own. “Fine. But I won’t hesitate to sacrifice my life to save you. If there is any hint of my family here, I will end it.”
The way he said it with such finality made my stomach roil. I bowed my head in acknowledgment and to say a silent prayer to someone, anyone, that Eric and I would both survive the day, the curse. All I heard was my father say, Be brave.
I picked Tara up and gave her a quick squeeze. “Stay out of trouble.”
“Are you ready?” Eric asked.
“No.”
“We need to move. You can do this.”
I wasn’t sure I could, but what other choice did I have? I knew the curse would have its way.
Eric ran around the RV and met me at my door, clinging tightly to his book and thermos.
“Where’s the vineyard?” he asked.
I pointed toward the trees. “Back behind the orchard.” Well, what was left of it. The trees looked diseased and had black fruit growing on them. They were knotted and twisted in unnatural ways. It had goose bumps covering my body though it was blazing hot in the afternoon sun. Eric was right—this place was cursed. I could feel it.
Eric clutched his book and thermos with one arm while wrapping his other arm around me. “Stay close.”
He didn’t have to tell me twice. I clung to him like Josie would a hot date.
We both seemed to tiptoe through the trees and jump with the snap of every twig we stepped on. It was like walking through a haunted house, waiting for a zombie to pop out at you. Or in our case, a slasher and her two sadistic sidekicks. It felt abnormally cold under the shade of the trees, which didn’t help any. I was so glad to see the clearing before us, so much so I broke free of Eric and ran into the light. Eric followed my lead.
We both breathed a sigh of relief before taking note of the rows and rows of overgrown vines before our eyes. There was no green vegetation or red grapes in sight. There were only rows of twisted wood that looked like something out of a Grimm’s fairy tale. It broke my heart. My father had so tenderly cared for this land, and now it was unrecognizable.
“Follow the vines,” Eric whispered.
“Where?”
“Downhill.”
The grapevines were planted on a hill, but it was hard to tell with all the overgrowth.
“Do you feel anything?” Eric asked.
“I don’t feel like we’re being watched, but . . . I feel more connected to my book.”
“We must be getting close.”
