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“Jake,” Layla said quietly, drawing patterns on his chest as she spoke. “What if Clarissa had a twin sister?”
“Rebecca seems to be a twin. Identical maybe?” Jake replied with certainty, his fingers running through her hair. “I’ve been thinking about it too. The way the carvings show two women intertwined, almost like a mirror image.”
“Exactly,” Layla murmured, sitting up and looking into the fireplace. “And look at this.” She pointed to the corner of the mantelpiece, where an inscription was barely visible beneath the grime and dust. “It says ‘Bound by love, bound by blood.’ I think we’re missing something crucial here.
“Maybe,” Layla continued, her eyes widening with realization, “Clarissa’s ghost is still here because she needs to be reunited with her sister. Only through a union of souls can the darkness be undone.”
“Then we need to find Rebecca’s spirit,” Jake said firmly, his hand squeezing hers for reassurance. “Together, we’ll help them both find peace.”
Layla leaned into him, allowing herself a moment of comfort in his embrace before they would face the unknown once more. The wind howled outside, picking up in intensity, and she felt another vision tugging at the edges of her consciousness. This time, she welcomed it, hoping it held the key to unlocking the mystery surrounding Clarissa and Rebecca..
“Let’s do this,” she whispered, her eyes meeting his with renewed determination. “For Clarissa and Rebecca.”
“Whatever it takes,” Jake agreed, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead before helping her to her feet. Hand in hand, they stepped back into the shadows, ready to face the darkness and uncover the truth that had remained hidden for far too long.
Chapter Twelve
The wind howled outsideJake’s house, its icy fingers—so unseasonal for mid-October—seeping through the cracks in the walls. Layla shivered, wrapping her arms around herself as she gazed out the frost-covered window. The storm was brewing, not only outside but within her own heart. She could feel the pull of the north wind, aching to reveal a vision of the future. But she resisted, focusing instead on the warmth of the fire crackling in the hearth.
“Damn this storm,” muttered Jake as he threw another log onto the fire. He couldn’t help but steal glances at Layla, her red hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of shadows. His heart raced every time their eyes met, and he knew he had to confess his feelings for her. However, the thought of rejection made his stomach churn with anxiety.
“Storm’s not letting up anytime soon,” Max, the sheriff, said as he entered the room, shaking off the snow from his coat and boots. Fiona, his wife, followed close behind. Bella trailed in after them, her eyes reflecting the soft glow of the moon even through the storm clouds.
“Max, can I talk to you for a minute?” Jake asked, his voice wavering slightly. Max nodded, and they retreated to a corner of the room, leaving Layla with Fiona and Bella.
“Is everything okay?” Fiona asked Layla, concern etched on her face. Layla simply nodded, unable to shake the feeling that something significant was about to happen.
In the corner, Jake took a deep breath before speaking. “Max, I’ve got to tell you something,” he said, his gaze flicking toward Layla. “I’m falling for her. For Layla.”
Max looked at his friend, understanding and sympathy filling his eyes. “Jake, I know it’s hard, but you have to be careful with her. She’s been through a lot.” He paused, glancing at Layla as well. “But if you truly care for her, then maybe this is what she needs.”
Jake nodded, his jaw set with determination. “I’m going to tell her, Max. I have to.”
Max frowned. “I don’t think you should. Not til we get this dealt with anyway.”
“Are you sure?”
