“Autumn, I must stress something of utmost importance. It was imperative that you understand that you, and you alone, were given access to this sacred space. These catacombs are a safe haven for those seeking sanctuary, but a labyrinth for those without the gift of tranquility found within our bloodline. It is essential you come to this understanding,” Abigail whispers, her figure suddenly by my side.
“So, only people who are related to you can come in here? Why?” I ask, confused.
Abigail’s expression falters and her lips tug downward. “This place—its magical powers are vast. It will do anything to protect itself and those within its embrace. As it should. Its importance is paramount. So, to speak plainly, yes. Your tie to us brings you protection. But it’s more than this. Should someone enter and not be deemed worthy, their soul will be lost within the labyrinth, unable to ever find a way out. There are some who would call it Purgatory.”
“That seems harsh. I mean, how would you know if you were worthy? Is there some sort of alarm before you get too far?” I say, startled. “Is that why the entrance was hidden?”
“Indeed, it is.”
“Great,” I mutter. “And now, I’ve just opened it.”
Abigail’s eyes twinkle and she takes another step toward me. “There are but two rules for entrance to these catacombs. One must be deemed capable of passing the threshold of worthiness, as is the majority of our bloodline. Or…”
I hold her gaze and my breath as I wait for her to finish.
“Or?” I say, urging her on.
Her eyebrows weave together and her lips tug into a frown. “Or, one must be touched by death.”
Chapter 19
Gather Your Alliances
Obviously, the catacombs aren’t meant for the living. That would sort of defeat the purpose. But the way she said it sent chills down my spine.
“So, what happens if someone who is living enters?” I ask, unable to help myself. “When you say Purgatory, you mean they’ll be trapped between the living and—?”
Abigail’s face is forlorn as she says, “As previously mentioned, there are safeguards to this sacred space. Not all who pass the threshold are taken into Purgatory’s embrace. Some are simply lost until they can find a way out. For others, their price may be much higher.”
“A higher cost than having your soul trapped in Purgatory?” I gape at her. “What could possibly be a higher cost than that?”
She looks over her shoulder at one of the tunnels and half-smiles. “There is much you don’t know about the power coursing through your veins.”
“Then, teach me—explain things to me,” I beg.
“I am…and I will. But you must understand—not everything can be educated with such haste,” she says, reaching out and hovering her hand just above my shoulder, as if unsure whether or not to place it there. After a moment, she pulls her hand back. “What say you to information brought to light of times past when the soulless walked Windhaven?”
I narrow my eyes. “You mean, did we find anything out about the revenants?”
She blinks back at me expectantly.
I raise my eyebrows and clear my throat. “Well, I found out they’re called revenants, for starters. There wasn’t much in the records, but Wade and I did find information pointing back to this happening thirty some odd years ago. They never caught who did it. At least not from the records we read, but…” I stop myself, unsure if I want to mention Wade’s dad’s involvement. Or, suspected involvement, anyway.
Abigail’s head tilts slightly to the side, clearly catching my hesitation.
“But,” I continue, “it hasn’t happened again since. Until now, that is.”
Nodding, Abigail seems appeased by this, but she circles around me. “And what of you? With the soulless arising, have you been afflicted by their presence? Do you sense their beckoning?”
“Afflicted by their presence? Like, are they coming to me?” I say, taking a deep breath and a step back. “You could say that. But sense them? No, not really. Should I be?”
A shiver skitters up my spine at the thought of sensing the revenants.
“They torment you specifically?” Abigail says, concern flashing through her features. “Are you certain?”
I shrug. “Well, sorta. They keep finding me—us, actually.”
“Us?”
I hold her gaze for a moment. “Wade and me.”
Her eyebrows knit together, and she dips her chin.
“Do you know why that is?” I ask.
Abigail’s lips press into a thin line and she clasps her hands behind her back. Taking a few steps from me, her eyes flit around the space. Finally, she says, “You are a beacon for the dead. The stronger your powers grow, the more they will be drawn to you. Your presence is but a bright light in the vast abyss of darkness by which we all adhere.”
“So, you’re saying they find us because I’m a magnet for them?” I say, scratching my forehead.
“Perhaps,” she says, raising a pointer finger in the air. “But the soulless are but empty vessels. They do not possess the qualities of the departed. They are soulless.”
Frowning, I trying to make sense of what she’s saying. “So, if they’re empty vessels, is it just coincidence they find us?”
“Unequivocally…no. They are but adhering to the whispers of their maker,” she says matter-of-factly.
“Their maker… So, someone else is deliberately sending them to me?” I say, my jaw slacking open.
“It would appear to be the case.” She nods. “Who would wish you ill?”
I run my hands over my face. “This makes no sense whatsoever. I have no idea. Honestly, I haven’t really interacted with many people. Those who I have, are friends.”
“Unearthing this treachery must be paramount. You must find the perpetrator and put an end to their unnatural summoning. Then, whatever remains must be brought here to the catacombs to rest. It is the only way to quell their calling.”
“If bringing them here is the only way to stop them, how were we able to stop two of them?” I ask, completely confused.
“I would not be
