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She glanced at me. “Generally? Meaning there are some beliefs that don’t?”
I wrinkled my nose. “I’m not sure where the whole ‘vampires hate churches’ thing comes from, but I wouldn’t bother running into one if you are ever attacked by a vamp. Stakes and silver do work on the bastards, though.”
She studied me for a second, her dubious expression suggesting she wasn’t certain if she should believe me or not. “I take it wraiths aren’t immune to magic—we should be able to cage this thing, right?”
“Yes, but our wraith was once a dark sorcerer and powerful enough to evade some of the strongest witches in Canberra the first time round. Death would not have changed that.”
In fact, I rather suspected it had enhanced rather than diminished his power.
“If all else fails, use a repelling spell against him. No matter the brand of practitioner or evil, they all underestimate the usefulness of a good repel spell.”
Amusement crinkled the corners of her eyes. “Speaking from experience?”
“They’ve saved my life more than once.”
“Then I’ll keep them in mind.”
My gaze drifted back to the island. We were approaching a small jetty that jutted out from near the end of the kidney-bean-shaped island. There were no boats tied onto the jetty or even moored nearby, and the island itself was strangely hushed. Though the breeze had picked up, it seemed to leave the island untouched. The fog that had hidden the treetops now shrouded their entire length.
There was nothing natural about that fog. I was certain of that even without entering it.
The boat slowed as we neared the dock. The captain expertly guided her in and then said, “You want me to remain here and wait?”
Saska hesitated. “We’re not entirely sure what sort of mess we’re walking into, so it might be better if you head back to the other dock and wait for our signal to return.”
“And if things go sour and you need to get off fast?”
“If things go sour, then we more than likely won’t be getting off.”
“That bad, huh?”
“Yes indeed.”
He helped us off, then backed out and motored away. I tried to ignore the premonition that we really should have left with him, and resolutely turned to study the wall of shrouded greenery that stood between us and whatever was happening to my brother.
Saska started forward. I followed her, scanning the trees warily, looking for the traps I suspected were close but couldn’t see.
“I’m not liking the feel of that,” she said as we neared the edge of the fog barrier.
“I believe it’s designed to prevent sound and sensation from escaping while banishing spirits and maybe even certain people from entering.”
“Meaning me?”
“Possibly.” I shrugged. “He’s not going to ban me, because this is just another means of twisting the emotional knife until he decides it’s my turn to be tortured and consumed.”
She warily pressed a hand forward. The fog briefly resisted her touch and then gave way. She shivered violently.
“Looks like I’m on the approved list, and I’m not entirely sure how I feel about that.” Her expression was grim. “You’re absolutely certain your brother lies beyond this wall?”
“No, but my sister is.”
Her eyebrows shot upwards. “The ghost is your sister? The one who died at the wraith’s hand the first time around?”
“Yep.”
“And you’re sure it’s her and not some apparition he’s conjured up to entrap you?”
“I’m sure.” Or Belle’s spirit guides were, and I trusted their judgement even if I’d never tell them that.
