Standing back up, I glance at the bed, shaking away Abigail’s words and the creepy way she could appear completely normal, even though she clearly wasn’t. Instead, I walk over to the desk and open my laptop. I click on the Skype icon, my finger hovering over the button to call Wade. He’s probably still driving and likely worried about his grandpa. Instead of clicking it and hopping on a call, I sit back in my chair.
How did everything get so confusing?
I run my hand down my face.
“Maybe it’s best I don’t talk to Wade right now,” I mutter, closing the laptop. “He has more important things on his mind.”
Instead, I pull my phone from my pocket and text my mom. It’s been ages since I connected and I know she’d like to hear from me. Besides, I could use a little Mom encouragement right about now.
Hi, Mom! Thought I’d check in. Are you awake?
After a few moments of staring at my phone, there’s no reply. I’m sure she’ll be up soon, but she’s probably still asleep.
I almost set the phone down, but instead, I text Cat. Typing quickly, I send my first hello in days.
Hey, are you up?
I hold my breath, waiting for an answer. Just as I’m about to put the phone down, an answer pings back.
Not really. You okay?
I bite my lip, realizing I’ve probably woken her up, too. It’s pretty early for a Sunday in Windhaven.
Yeah, sorry. It’s okay. Go back to bed.
A second later, my phone rings.
Taking a deep breath, I walk back to my bed and answer her video call. Cat comes into view, only the side of her face evident, since the other half is still buried in her pillow.
“What’s up, Autumn? You don’t usually text like this,” she says, blinking away the dreaminess from her eyes.
I shake my head, pulling my legs into a cross-legged position. “I really don’t know where to start.”
“Start at the beginning,” she offers, propping herself on her elbow.
“I think… I think something strange is going on in my house,” I finally spit out.
Her eyes narrow, but she quirks an eyebrow. “Explain. Strange, how?”
My jaw sets and I press my lips tight. “Do you remember the stuff you showed me—at the library. All the stuff with Abigail and Warren?”
“Of course,” she nods.
I swallow hard, shifting uncomfortably. “It sounds ludicrous, but I think Abigail is still here.”
Cat’s head pulls back from her hand and she sits up fully. “Like…she’s still alive? Like an immortal?”
I shake my head. “No, I—I don’t think so. I think she’s something else. A ghost?”
“Why is that a question?”
“Because I didn’t believe in ghosts. And she seemed real. Like she should be alive. Only, she walked through a door,” I say.
Cat’s eyes widen. “Really? That’s so cool. I mean, I’m sure that was super weird.”
“It was—but scary, too. And I don’t know what any of this means. I feel like there’s so much going on in this house and none of it’s making any sense,” I say, letting my thoughts tumble out.
“It makes perfect sense, actually,” Cat says, one side of her face scrunching apologetically.
“How?”
“Look, I wish we could explain more, I really do. There’s magic involved and if we step outside its laws, it won’t be good. For any of us. We need to get you back to the library. There’s more you need to read. I know the last time freaked you out, but…”
“It wasn’t that,” I say, shaking my head.
“Well, regardless…with everything that’s happening right now, I think the sooner we get back there, the better.”
“Why’s that?”
Cat exhales loudly. Her eyes flit to the space above her phone and she looks back to the camera. “Colt’s here. He’s wondering if he can talk to you, too.”
My insides recoil, but I nod. “Sure.”
Cat sets the phone on her nightstand so they can both be in view.
“Hey, Autumn,” Colt says, tipping his chin upward.
“Hey.”
Colt clears his throat and says, “Look, I hope I didn’t upset you or anything.”
“No, we’re good. I just got overwhelmed with all of the history and stuff. Don’t worry about it.”
He leans back a bit, relief flashing through his features. “Good.”
“Cat, you were saying something before Colt came in. What’s happening now?” I ask, happy to have some of the awkwardness dissipate between the three of us.
“There are rumors about those missing girls. They believe there’s concrete evidence pointing authorities to a magical creature—it’s called a Vodník. And it’s been here in Windhaven before.”
Cat and Colt exchange a significant glance and I can’t help but feel agitated by their insider knowledge—whatever it might be.
So much for the truth shall set you free.
“Okay…?” I say, waiting for more details.
“Well, obviously, it wasn’t caught. But they thought it was gone. If it’s back, that means bad news—really bad news for those girls. Vodníks are underwater ghouls that drown humans to collect their souls. Forever.”
My eyes widen. “That’s horrible. Are you sure?”
Cat nods. “They’re pretty rare, but they’re not to be trifled with.”
Colt shudders. “You should know…the last time—”
“The last time—” Cat says, interrupting, “powerful magic was cast to expel it, but something must have happened to allow it to come back. Maybe too much time had passed since the last time the protection wards were put up. Or maybe something…” Cat pauses to cross her legs. “Look, all I’m saying is, with the pond nearby, we need to be careful until it’s caught—or cast out.”
“You aren’t kidding. That would be horrible. What are people doing to track this thing down, or cast it out?” I ask, my heart racing.
Cat shakes her head. “Dunno. That’s all the intel we got. I overheard Mrs. Karlgaard saying something to Ms. Cain Friday afternoon.”
“Autumn, I think you’d benefit
