Page 50 of Leafpoint Lighthouse

Everything felt directed, as if someone was pulling the puppet strings. This unknown person didn’t want the Jaspers here for some reason, but I couldn’t fathom why.

Lyra was a direct descendant of Charles. What did that mean? Her relatives weren’t nobility anymore, but they were land- and cash-rich. Was this individual from the opposite side of Lyra’s family, attempting to take back what they believed was theirs?

I noticed faint footsteps and dematerialised. They were not Lyra’s. Leafpoint became alert as I straightened. Another ghost was here! But who and why? Alert, I floated through the air and followed the sound. They paused outside Lyra’s bedroom and then continued upwards. Was the lantern in danger? I didn’t hesitate, but immediately transported to it. I checked the oil level and that the light was still working before fading away. Silently, I waited in, then heard a shuffle and guessed the unwelcome guest was here. Patiently, I wondered what they’d do next.

The lantern was positioned inside a hexagonal glass cage with a small door. A bowl filled with fuel held the wick. The glass chimney sat atop the wick. The door opened, and I released a burst of power. A shriek sounded, then a dark shadow fled the lantern room.

I gave chase as it fled down the stairs. Unlike me, it didn’t seem able to teleport. It raced ahead, hugging the darkness until we reached the kitchen. Then it yanked up the trapdoor and escaped down it.

I paused, a hesitation stopping me from following. Every piece of me screamed not to follow, and I slammed the trapdoor shut. Cold fear began settling in my belly, and I backed away as I slid the bolt into place and stared. I had never feared the cellar before; however, something in there absolutely terrified me.

I melted into the shadows. Tonight I’d stand watch and let Lyra rest. She had earned that, but tomorrow I wanted answers. Leafpoint poked at me in puzzlement.

“Can you not feel anything down there? Are the caves sealed?” I asked.

Leafpoint offered a mental shrug.

Underneath Leafpoint was a cave system that led down to a dangerous ledge. When she’d been built, the cave entrance had been blocked up. But if they were open, what difference would that make? I was missing something. It was at the edge of my memories but like mist; the answer kept slipping through my fingers.

“This is frustrating. I’m missing something, and whatever it is, is important.”

Leafpoint sent an image of me holding Lyra’s hand.

“Are you telling me to call a truce?” I asked.

Leafpoint slapped me harder around my head.

“Hey! There was no need.”

A vision of a thick plank of wood popped into my mind, and I got her gist. Leafpoint wasn’t holding back her insults tonight. I appreciated the distraction, though; the fear was fading in my gut. I did not intend to raid the cellars tonight. Nope. Not a chance in hell. Call me a coward; I didn’t care. I was a simple man. Nothing more, nothing less.

Lyra

I came downstairs the next morning still unwell, but I was surprised to find William, fully formed, at the range oven.

“I’m making eggs,” he tossed over his shoulder.

“Are you going to spit in them?”

William turned to me, horrified. “Who would do that?”

“Many people. I guess you won’t poison them either.”

“I’ll take the first bite,” he said.

“You’re already dead, no offence. Can you die twice?”

William looked thoughtful. “Good question. We’ve another ghost here.”

Well, now. That shut me up.

“Who?” I finally asked.

“I have no idea. He wasn’t fully formed, although he was capable of interacting with things. And he was fast, quicker than me,” William admitted grumpily. His handsome face screwed up into a scowl.

“That was painful to admit.”

“Yes,” William grumbled, and I tried not to smile. William really didn’t like being outmatched.