The ride to the manor went quickly, but the ride to the hospital in Nicole’s car seemed to take forever. Perhaps it was the endless fields on either side of them that made it feel that way, but Nicole suspected it was also because of Prudence in the backseat with Albert. The farther they got from her home, the more exhausted and drained she got, and the more it looked like she was dying.
Nicole’s stomach clenched when Prudence’s eyes rolled back into her head. She stepped on the gas, going seventy-five miles an hour.
With a whip and a jerk, she pulled into the hospital parking lot, then hopped out of the car and ran around to help Prudence into a wheelchair. A feeling of déjà vu crossed her. It hadn’t been so long since they’d done this with Sterling, then again with Orson.
Sterling . . .
Nicole pushed her emotions aside. There’d be time to deal with them later. She parked the car and joined Albert in the waiting room, wondering why they hadn’t let him go back with Prudence.
Unlike Sterling, Prudence didn’t have any injuries from an attack. Also unlike Sterling, Prudence was already so much closer to death. Would she make it? Nicole found herself praying, hoping, wishing she would. While she was meditating, she became aware of a faint magical pulse that originated somewhere near the magazine rack.
Not wanting to disturb Albert, Nicole got up and walked to the magazines, hoping to look like she was browsing. The pulses were stronger there, but didn’t originate from the stand.
Nicole followed the pulses out of the hospital doors, and they increased exponentially. She stepped into the parking lot, where she hoped she’d be able to sense the direction the pulses came from.
Closing her eyes so she could concentrate, Nicole turned until she felt which way was strongest. Then she opened her eyes.
The pulses were coming from Albert’s property.
Nicole sighed. She should have known. She glanced around at the few people coming and going, wondering if any of them sensed anything. But no one seemed to notice. ‘Course, none of them were Aretes, so they wouldn’t have anyway.
Nicole walked back into the hospital and shrugged when Albert sent her a questioning look.
After Prudence had been admitted and hooked up to monitors and an IV, a nurse invited Nicole and Albert to come back into the ICU.
Tears sprang to Nicole’s eyes when she saw that they’d assigned the girl to Orson’s room. Oh, she hoped the siblings would appreciate that.
They both appeared to be sleeping. The doctor was there, holding a chart. He looked up when Nicole and Albert entered the room.
“Albert, Nicole . . . I’m sorry to tell you . . .”
He hesitated, and Albert nodded. “We already heard about Sterling. His father, Winston, stopped by for a visit earlier.”
The doctor grimaced. “I wanted to admit him too, but he wouldn’t let me. Said he needed to take care of his wife and two other children. If he weren’t an adult, I would’ve done it anyway. But he was obviously lucid enough to make his own choice.”
Albert grunted. “His wife died today.”
“Oh, that’s awful. I’m really sorry to hear that.” The doctor looked back to Orson and Prudence. “How many more are there?”
“This is the last of them,” Nicole said. “There were only three kids.”
“Ah. No Aretes, then.”
She shook her head. “Do you think it might have made a difference?”
The doctor shrugged. “Perhaps.”
Albert sighed. “It wouldn’t have. Unless the person was a very powerful Arete. So far, all of them have fallen very ill from the effects of whatever is going on there.” Albert pointed to Nicole. “She and her boyfriend are the only ones so far who have been able to go to the Gardners’ house. I assume it’s because they’re powerful. Their professor will probably be able to do it as well. We’ll find out shortly—he’ll be coming tonight.”
Nicole gasped. “Professor Coolidge is on his way?”
Albert nodded. “The signs have been met. I know you’re strong and probably ready, but Coolidge is experienced. I don’t want you facing any of this without help.”
Nicole felt tears form in her eyes, and she forgot all about the nurses and aides in the room who were bustling around Prudence. “Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.”
The doctor cleared his throat. “I know it’s none of my business, but . . . what’s going on?”
“If we have time, we’ll explain later,” Albert said. “In the meantime, this young lady’s boyfriend and her professor will be arriving shortly. We need to get them up to speed on the situation.” He handed the doctor a card. “The phone doesn’t work much at the house, but we’ve been able to get a dial-up occasionally to send and receive emails. Please message me if anything changes with either Prudence or Orson. You can also send your questions there, and I’ll answer them as I’m able.”
The doctor nodded, tucked the card away, then turned back to his patients. “I’m hoping that by having them in the same room, they’ll recover faster. I wish I’d thought of that before.”
“I think it’s a fantastic idea,” Nicole said. “I’m sure it’ll help them. They’ll be so much more comfortable.”
“That’s the idea.”
Nicole sent one last glance to Orson, who was still asleep. She’d been hoping he’d wake up while they were there, but he hadn’t. Then she and Albert thanked the doctor for his diligence, said goodbye, and headed out of the hospital.
The minute they left the building, Nicole handed her keys to Albert and asked him to drive. She pulled her phone out of her purse and dialed Austin’s number. He answered on the first ring.
“Nicole? Are you okay?”
Nicole took a breath. Just hearing Austin’s voice made her emotional. “Yes, I’m fine. You’re coming?”
“We’re on our way. Just passing . . . heck. More farmland. Shouldn’t be very far from Moses Lake now.”
“Lizzie?” Nicole was barely aware of Albert carefully guiding the car through the city.
“She’s with us.”
Nicole heard Lizzie yell hi and she smiled.
“Good.” She sniffed. “I sort of really need my best friends around me right now.”
Albert glanced over at her. “Let’s get Lizzie checked into a hotel, then wait for them there.”
Nicole nodded. “Good idea.”
Austin relayed the information to Coolidge, then told Nicole they’d be there in about thirty minutes. They ended the call as Albert pulled into the parking lot. After arranging for Lizzie’s reservation, Nicole and Albert decided to wait in a quiet corner of the lobby.
Nicole glanced at Albert. “How did you know that someone was going to die so soon?”
He rubbed his chin. “It just felt like it was time.”
“Thank you again for asking Coolidge to come. I really appreciate it.”
“Like I said, I really don’t want you to face whatever’s coming on your own.”
“Do you think it’s going to happen tonight?”
“I don’t know. Sterling and Iona have both passed away. I would assume, from what we experienced in the farmhouse, that Iona was the required sacrifice. I think if it doesn’t happen tonight, it’ll be tomorrow.” He leaned forward. “I know you felt something while at the hospital. What was it?”
“Magical pulses. Coming from your property. They were strong enough for me to sense them, even though we’re at least twenty miles away. I can’t imagine how it’s going to feel once we’re back in the manor.”
Albert rubbed his chin. “The portal is growing. Things are happening fast now.” He looked at Nicole. “I hope Coolidge will know what to do, in case this is a trap. In case that woman, Rebecca, is leading you astray.”
“I’ve thought about that—her lying to me—but what purpose would it serve? It seems like an awfully elaborate ploy just to trap someone.”
They fell into silence, each in his or her own thoughts, until Professor Coolidge, Lizzie, and Austin pulled up.
Lizzie dashed into the hotel and threw her arms around Nicole before Nicole even had the chance to take more than a few steps toward the door.
Nicole laughed. “It’s good to see you too.”
“I’ve been so worried and so freaked out for you.”
Nicole nodded. “I’m worried too.” She pulled back and shook Coolidge’s hand and gave Austin a hug and a quick peck. Then she linked arms with Lizzie and started walking with her upstairs to her room while the guys pulled in Lizzie’s luggage. “Sterling passed away today. And so did Iona, the mom.”
“That’s horrible! I can’t imagine how Winston’s handling all this.”
“He doesn’t look good. He’s barely holding things together. I think the only reason he’s made it this far is because he’s felt obligated—like only he could save his family.”
“Wouldn’t Iona feel that way too, being the mom?”
“I’m sure she did. But she was constantly near the well and the site of the meteor. She drank that water the most. She was the first to have her mind go.”
“But Sterling passed away before she did.”
“Yes. He also got attacked by the horses. He was in horrible shape, as you saw.”
They unlocked Lizzie’s door, and Nicole gave her the keys to her car.
“Check up on Prudence and Orson frequently. Stay with them all day, if you need to.” Nicole hugged her best friend as tightly as she could. “Oh, I wish so much you could come with us.”
Lizzie sniffed. “Me too. I can’t even begin to say how badly I regret not working on my Arete powers more. I’m such a weakling!”
“You are not. We still don’t know why it doesn’t affect me and Austin the way it does you. Speaking of which . . .” Nicole glanced over as Coolidge and Austin entered with Lizzie’s suitcases. “Professor Coolidge, how did the thing with the crowns go?”
Coolidge glanced up. “Fine. They’ve all been handled. The man didn’t want to be sued, so he offered money to the people he sold the crowns to.”
Austin frowned, surveying Lizzie’s pile of bags. “Just how long do you plan to stay here?”
Lizzie crossed her arms. “Austin, it could end up being months.”
“Better not—we have finals next week.”
She rolled her eyes. “I know. I’m not looking forward to them.”
“I heard that,” Coolidge said as he walked out into the hallway.
Lizzie grinned. “Except yours, Professor. It’ll be the best!”
“Sure, sure.” He sent her a smile, then headed off, probably going downstairs to find Albert.
Lizzie grabbed the ice bucket and exited into the hall, sending Nicole an impish smile. “I’m going to fill this. I’ve never been on this floor before, and I might get lost. So . . . don’t expect me back for at least, uh, five minutes.” She winked, then shut the door behind her.
Austin turned to Nicole and opened his arms.
She strode into his embrace, planting her lips on his, flinging her arms around him and pulling him as tight as she could.
“Oof!” Austin said, laughing around her kiss.
Nicole refused to find humor in the situation. She hadn’t seen him in what felt like forever. She might not see him ever again after this weekend. The thought made her heart ache.
“Mmmfffm . . .” Austin pulled back. “As much as I love suffocating in a kiss . . . it’s just not my time to go.” He smiled at her, then put his hand on the side of her face, staring into her eyes. “Why the intensity?”
“Oh . . .” Nicole fell silent. “I was about to give you a long list of everything ridiculous that’s going on right now, but you know what? I don’t want to think about it. None of it. I just want to enjoy being alone with you. I want to forget everything that’s coming.”
He nodded, brushing a thumb along her eyebrow. “I understand,” he whispered. “Nicole, with everything coming up . . . there’s something I need to tell you. Before anything happens.”
Nicole’s heart clenched. “What’s that?”
“Well, I really . . . It’s just that . . . ummm . . .” He took a breath, his eyes wandering the room as he struggled to say whatever was on his mind.
Nicole touched his cheek. “Austin, you can tell me.”
His gaze returned to hers and he nodded. “I know. That doesn’t make it any easier. Because what I’m trying to tell you is . . . well, I—I love you.”
He was so serious, Nicole couldn’t help but smile. “You do?”
He nodded, his eyes sober. “Yes, I do.”
Nicole giggled, putting her arms around his neck. “I love you too!”
Austin’s shoulders slumped. “Oh, good,” he breathed. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and pressed his forehead against hers, his relief evident. “I’ve never said that to a girl before.”
“Not even Savannah?”
“Not even Savannah.”
“That deserves another kiss.” Nicole pulled his head closer until their lips met.
***
That evening, after saying goodbye to Lizzie and returning to the manor for dinner, Nicole and Austin sat on the window seat in her room, wrapped up in a blanket. Nicole had tried to convince him several times to go to his own room and sleep, but so far, he’d resisted. They stared outside, watching as the sun set. The trees turned pitch black and the magical pulse that had been so strong during the day increased.
Nicole leaned against Austin’s chest. “I can barely breathe, it’s so powerful.”
“I know.” Austin pressed his lips to the top of her head. “You’re trembling.”
“I’m a little freaked out. I keep expecting Rebecca to show up any minute and demand that we go to the farmhouse. I don’t want to sleep, in case she does come.”
“I’d wake you.”
Nicole glanced up at Austin. “As I’ve already said, you need to get your own sleep, mister. You and Coolidge are supposed to protect me. How are you going to do that if you’re up all night watching for a ghost to appear that you probably won’t even be able to see?”
“I’d figure something out.” Austin sighed. “I feel like I’m on the verge of losing you. Like we only have a few days left before something happens that rips us apart.”
Nicole straightened, turning to face him better. “What do you mean?”
He shook his head. “I don’t know . . . it’s just this premonition. What if they take you away? What if that portal sucks you in and destroys you?”
Nicole frowned. “I . . . I hadn’t thought of that. I mean, I just took Rebecca’s word for it—that the messenger would bring me the elixir and that I’d get further instructions . . . but that nothing else would happen for a while.”
Austin kissed her temple. “I worry a lot, if you haven’t noticed.”
“I’ve noticed.” She leaned against him again. “Things will be okay, Austin. I don’t think they mean me any harm.”
“But you don’t know for sure.”
Nicole didn’t respond at first. Then she said, “Rebecca is my great-great-grandmother, after all. I know she loves me—I can see it on her face and hear it in her voice.”
“That doesn’t mean she doesn’t have something evil and dangerous in store for you.”
Nicole sighed. “I guess not.”
She felt Austin shift his position. “This is why I’m not comfortable leaving you alone. Yes, I know I need sleep. But I’m paranoid someone will take you during the night.” He rested his head on top of hers. “You have to understand where I’m coming from. It’s purely selfish. I finally have you—you’re finally mine.” He fell silent for several moments. “You’re the first girl who hasn’t dated me for my abilities.”
“No, I’m only dating you for your looks.”
“Oh, I already knew that.” She heard a smile in his voice. “I hope you’re also dating me because you like my personality.”
She shrugged, still in a teasing mood. “It’s growing on me.”
Austin chuckled. “So, weren’t you supposed to have a concert tonight? For symphony?”
Nicole took a deep breath and released it slowly. “Yes. Professor Harris excused me, due to current circumstances. I’ll be in symphony again next semester without having to re-audition. I really hope I’ll eventually have a normal semester where I can take part in the symphony without being constantly pulled away.”
Austin was quiet for a moment. “I’m sure being able to play the cello just for the sheer joy of it will help, and not just because you need it to Channel.”
Nicole nodded. He was right. She loved her instrument, but playing it had become something of a chore lately.
“Once this is all finished, I’ll help you learn to Channel without a focus. Okay?”
“I’d love that.”
They stared out the window for another thirty minutes at least before Nicole realized that staying awake all night really was a bad idea. She sent Austin to his own room and snuggled under her covers.
Nicole tossed and turned for several hours. Her mind raced and her emotions scattered everywhere as the magical pulses pounded against her. She felt the portal growing, calling to her, beckoning her. She recognized that didn’t mean it was ready—Rebecca had said she’d let her know when the time was right—but Nicole knew that the portal was just as aware of her as she was of it.
Sometime during the night, she heard Austin come back in the room. He placed a kiss on her cheek, then curled up on a couch with a blanket within her line of sight.
It didn’t take her long to fall asleep after that. Just knowing he was near calmed her anxiety.
***
Nicole didn’t wake until after ten the next morning. When she realized how late it was, she flung off her blankets and rushed from her room, searching the manor for everyone. They were huddled in Albert’s library, talking.
“Why didn’t anyone wake me up?” She folded her arms, glaring at the three men.
Austin approached her, giving her a hug. “Nothing could happen without you anyway. I figured if the time came, Rebecca would wake you. And you really needed that sleep.”
Nicole sighed, deciding not to be upset. “You’re right. I didn’t even fall asleep until at least four.”
“I know.” He kissed her forehead.
Just then, they heard the front door slam. Nicole and Austin looked at each other, then rushed to the front entry, where they found Winston leaning against a pillar.
He turned and saw Nicole. “I can’t find Orson anywhere. My little Orson is gone!”
Nicole winced. How was it possible he didn’t remember what they’d told him last time he visited?
Albert walked around Nicole and approached Winston. Coolidge must have stayed in the library.
“Orson is fine,” Albert said. “He’s fine.”
Winston shook him off and stumbled away from the door, his bloodshot eyes roving. “How would you know?”
Nicole glanced at the man’s feet. She gasped. One was completely shriveled and the other was mangled, swollen, bleeding. “Winston, your feet.”
Winston didn’t seem to hear. “He’s missing. I need help finding him.”
It wasn’t only Winston’s feet that were in bad shape—his neck was shriveled, his arms swollen. A weird smell surrounded him. Nicole couldn’t place it—it was chemical-like, similar to formaldehyde mixed with Windex. Nauseatingly sweet.
The longer Nicole watched Winston, the more sure she was he wouldn’t make it much longer. “We’ll go look for Orson,” she found herself saying. She glanced over her shoulder at Austin, then turned to Winston again. “Because you shouldn’t be on your own right now anyway.”
Austin seemed to sense her plan. “Albert,” he said, “do you have a place here where Winston could stay?”
“Yes,” Albert said. “I’ve got an apartment over the garage. Winston, you can stay there while we—um—go find Orson.”
Winston’s crazed eyes flitted from person to person, and Nicole could tell he struggled to understand. But finally, he nodded. “Orson’s in danger. Them soul-suckin’ leeches are comin’—they want him. They want Iona. They’ll take her too.”
“We’ll also check on Iona,” Albert said. He glanced at Austin. “Help me get him to the apartment?”
Austin gingerly took Winston’s left arm, and Albert took his right.
Austin turned to Nicole before they left through the front door. “You should probably change soon.”
Nicole looked down. She was still in her pajamas. Yeah, she couldn’t go meet a messenger of the Great Ones dressed like this.
Nicole shut the door behind Austin and Albert, then, taking the stairs two at a time, she rushed to her room. She stripped, then pulled out a pair of her darkest jeans—wondering if they looked intelligent and capable enough—and a navy-blue hoodie from her chest of drawers. Her hand brushed the leather journal, and for a moment, she sensed warmth coming from it.
Nicole . . .
It was Captain Price’s voice. Nicole raised her eyebrows, realizing she hadn’t opened the journal in a while. She’d better take the time to see if there were any last-minute instructions. Nicole donned her clothes, transferring Anna Morse’s paper from the nightstand to her pocket, then sat on the bed and flipped through the book to where she’d last read.
Nicole,
It has been some time since you last read in this journal. Don’t worry—Rebecca tells me you’ve learned a great deal from her. I’m relieved you now know who we are and that we love you.
If you are reading this message, the portal is nearly ready. In fact, it should open before midnight tonight. In order for it to open, a few simple things need to happen.
First, the well must be emptied. Be aware that it will take several hours to get all of the water out.
Second, you must play your cello. Inside the farmhouse will do. The messengers are already familiar with your style and magical touch, and they won’t come until they hear you playing. Use your magic to coax the portal to finish growing.
Third, be ready for anything to happen. Messengers of the Great Ones are temperamental and difficult to work with. We’ve bargained with this one to spare your life. He should keep his end of the deal.
Lastly, remember how much we love you. Rebecca will be with you as much as possible to give you any other instructions that might be necessary.
Sincerely,
Christopher
Nicole lowered the book and closed her eyes. Wow. Empty the well? She had no desire whatsoever to do that. And what would they find in it? Would the portal open right away? Would the messenger be in the bottom?
And what was that about the messenger and how he should keep his end of the deal? Rebecca had promised up and down that Nicole would be safe. Had she exaggerated? Lied, to get Nicole to agree to help?
Nicole shuddered as she saw that Rebecca probably hadn’t been completely honest with her. Nicole had been such a fool. She should have questioned Rebecca further. Was it too late to get out of everything? Could she back out now? What would happen if she did?
She sighed, realizing she was in this for the long haul. She refused to allow Iona and Sterling to have died in vain.
Nicole took a deep breath, deciding not to clue the others in to how the situation had changed. They would definitely stop her if they felt her life was in danger. She wouldn’t be able to convince them to allow her to continue, not before the portal opened. That was happening today.
Nicole felt goose bumps spread down her arms and legs. Today.
It was time to go. They had a well to empty.
She thrust her feet in her shoes, then dashed downstairs to get the cello. She passed Albert and Austin on the way and stopped them. “We need to go to the farmhouse. We’ve got things we have to do before the portal can finish growing. The elixir is supposed to come tonight.”
Albert nodded. “I’ll tell Lucas to get the wagon ready. We won’t all fit in the buggy.”
Nicole put her hand on his arm. “I just found out they need me to play a cello. Do you have another one here, other than Niko?”
Albert’s face paled. “No. Niko’s the only one. The rest are in pieces. It would take far too long to put them back together.”
“I’m sorry, Albert.”
Albert didn’t meet her eye. “Go get him, then.”
Nicole did so, recognizing the sacrifice Albert was making. There was a big chance Niko wouldn’t make it through the evening. Given Nicole’s history with cellos recently, it was probable the instrument would be destroyed.
She almost decided to fix one of the other cellos anyway. There were plenty of parts hanging around Albert’s instrument room. And if the portal couldn’t finish growing until the well was emptied, then they’d have time to wait for the glue to dry.
But she pushed that idea away after giving it a bit of contemplation. The most important thing was getting that elixir as soon as possible. Putting it off, even for a day or two, wasn’t wise. It might weaken the resolve of the Great Ones to help. Not only that, but Nicole wanted her life back. She wanted to go home to her apartment in Seattle and never visit that cursed farmhouse ever again.
She found Niko in his usual place and put him back in his case, making sure to grab one of Albert’s cheaper cello bows, in case everything did get destroyed..
She carried the cello to the front of the manor, then waited until Professor Coolidge, Albert, and Austin joined her.
“Sorry for the rush,” Nicole said as they loaded up in the wagon. “But there’s a lot to do.”
Albert handed his keys to Lucas, who was staying behind. “Keep an eye on Winston. If we don’t come back by . . .” He glanced at Nicole.
“By midnight,” she said.
“By midnight,” Albert repeated, “come find us in the buggy.”
Lucas nodded, his face grim. “Good luck.”
Albert flicked the reins and they headed down the dirt road.
Coolidge leaned forward from the wagon bed where he and Austin sat. “Nicole, would you like to explain what’s going on?”
Nicole glanced back at him and Austin, then to Albert. “Have any of you emptied a well?”
The three men shook their heads.
“Well, neither have I. But apparently, the portal won’t be able to finish until the one at the farmhouse has been emptied.”
“That doesn’t make sense,” Coolidge said. “Why would the water be getting in the way?”
Nicole shook her head. “I don’t know. I’m hoping Rebecca will clarify when she shows up.”
“She’s coming?” Austin asked.
“The journal said she’d be with me as much as possible, giving instructions and helping me know what to do and say.”
“Good,” Austin said, “because I have no idea what’s going on.”
Albert glanced over at Nicole. “And why do they need you to play a cello?”
“Because they’ve heard me play before and will be listening for my style. I think they’re hesitant to trust it’ll be me for sure.”
His eyes popped open. “Have they been here?”
“No. I’ve played in the presence of beings from other dimensions twice now. Once in Arches, and once in Ohio. I don’t know which instance they’ll be comparing against, but they do know my style.”
Albert gripped the reins with both hands and stared straight forward. “I don’t know if I’m okay with where all of this is going. And don’t think it’s just because of Niko. I don’t want any harm to come to you.”
The others agreed, and Austin reached up from where he sat in the wagon to put his hand on Nicole’s shoulder. “We’ll help and protect each other. Nicole shouldn’t be alone, especially when she starts playing.”
Just then, a spider raced along the wagon’s dashboard, and Rebecca appeared in the seat next to Nicole. Her eyes were bright, her smile big.
“It’s almost time, Nicole. We’re almost done!”
“No, we’re about to begin.”
“Okay, yes. But this phase of the process is almost over. And you have to admit to some excitement that the portal will no longer be needed, and you won’t be stuck here any longer.”
Nicole nodded. “Yes, I’m definitely looking forward to going home.” She turned to the others. “Rebecca’s here. She’s excited to get things going.”
Rebecca rolled her eyes. “They didn’t need to know about my presence. They can’t hear our conversation, you know, not even your side.”
Nicole sighed. “They’ll find out you’re here soon enough.”
“I suppose so.”
The wagon pulled to a stop at least two hundred feet away from the farmhouse, and Nicole looked at Albert questioningly.
“Just in case,” he said. “I don’t want my wagon and horse being destroyed if things get messy.”
“Fair enough.”
Austin jumped out, then helped Nicole down, handing her Niko. “Go set up. We’ll tie the horse and wagon, then get started out here.”
The men turned their attention to the well. According to Albert, it was at least fifteen feet deep. It had collapsed several times as it was dug deeper, and finally, Albert had helped Winston reinforce it with rock, gravel, and cement.
Nicole watched for a few minutes as Austin hauled up the bucket by its rope. Too bad Winston had never installed a pulley system. This would get tiring soon. Nicole placed a kiss on Austin’s cheek, then, holding Niko, walked to the farmhouse. Rebecca disappeared, promising to return soon.
For several moments, Nicole stood at the door to the farmhouse, gazing inside at the couch where she’d seen Winston sleep and his threadbare blankets. Nicole’s gaze passed over the stairs—she had no desire to remember anything that had happened up there—and she looked into the dining room, where the scratched-up table still sat.
She wondered if Prudence and Orson would want to come back here after they recovered. If they recovered.
Nicole pushed those thoughts aside. They would get better. She was sure of it. And it would happen as soon as the elixir came. Then her heart felt heavy as she realized she was already thinking of Winston as being dead. Was it possible he wouldn’t make it through the night? Albert hadn’t even asked the man if they could take him to the hospital.
She closed her eyes. “Nicole, focus on the task at hand.”
It was already at least one in the afternoon. If they were lucky, they could get the well emptied in the next couple of hours, thereby prompting the portal to open and the messenger to come, hopefully before nightfall.
She quickly unzipped Niko’s case set up next to the couch, where she’d play. The arms of the rocking chair would get in the way of her bow arm, and she didn’t want to drag a chair in from the kitchen. The couch would do.
Once everything inside was ready, Nicole joined the men by the well. Albert invited her to look at the spot where the meteor appeared, and Nicole followed him over. The earth still looked scorched. A ring of dead grass went around a divot that was about four feet in diameter and two feet deep.
“Was it heavy?” Nicole asked.
Albert nodded. “Very. We couldn’t move it or push it or anything like that. But they were able to remove sections of it to test.” He glanced at her. “It’s kind of interesting how that went.
“As they were digging into the surface of the meteor, they occasionally struck pockets full of ooze. It was a sort of pus, which they tried to take from the site to be tested, but which started shrinking the moment it left the meteor. It disappeared pretty quickly. They were only ever able to test the metal.”
“And they never figured out what it was?”
Albert shook his head. “No. It was foreign. I think if I’d wanted to, I could have pushed them to run more tests on it, take it to better labs, all of that, but with how many Aretes were getting sick around it, I dropped the matter. And then when everything with the Gardners blew up, I found it wasn’t important. By that point, you’d come along and explained what the meteor was anyway.”
They stared at the spot for a moment longer, then retreated back to the well, where Coolidge was now hauling up the bucket while Austin rested.
Nicole hesitated for a moment, then peered over the rock and into the well. Coolidge and Austin had removed about five feet of water.
“Would you like me to take over?” she asked.
Coolidge paused, wedging the rope between his foot and the rock of the well lip. “No. We have no idea what will be required of you. It’s better that you preserve your strength and energy.”
Nicole didn’t want to admit it, but he was right. She hated feeling so useless and helpless, though. “What should I do in the meantime?”
Coolidge wiped sweat off his forehead. “Has the old woman returned? Maybe get more information from her.”
Nicole glanced around, but didn’t see Rebecca. The woman would come when she was needed for something other than idle conversation.
Nicole ended up getting one of the kitchen chairs and sitting on it, then talking to whoever wasn’t pulling up water at the moment.
The next two hours dragged by. Nicole nervously watched the sun sink lower and lower on the horizon, wishing all of this had happened in the summer and not the first week of December when the days were so short. She had no desire to stick around the place once it got dark.
Finally, Austin pulled up the last bit of water that they’d be able to reach without getting into the well.
Everyone looked down, wanting to see what was in the bottom.
Nicole wrinkled her nose at the stench that wafted up to them. And judging by what had been buried beneath all of that water, that smell would only get worse.
There were bones. Lots of them. And half-decomposed animals. Dogs, chickens. What had driven the creatures to jump in?
Nicole didn’t even notice the spider before Rebecca appeared next to her. “They contributed to the growth of the portal.”
Nicole looked at the woman in shock. Were those tears in her eyes? “Are you okay, Rebecca?”
Rebecca sniffed. “I love animals. I had several dogs. And at least twenty chickens at a time.”
“So . . . seeing dead animals upsets you, but hearing how awful the Gardners had it didn’t even phase you?”
Rebecca sighed. “We’ve been over this. The sacrifice of the Gardners was necessary.”
“So was the death of these animals.”
“It’s different.”
“How?”
“The animals were innocent! They didn’t ask to be fed to the portal.”
“And the Gardners did?”
Rebecca rolled her eyes. “I’m not going to argue with you, Nicole.”
Nicole opened her mouth, then shut it. She hesitated, then said in a quiet voice, “I’m sorry for lashing out at you. I’ve been so stressed lately, and I’m finding it difficult to control my temper.”
Rebecca turned to Nicole, brushing some loose hair back from Nicole’s face. “I know, dear. And the truth is, you had more time with the Gardners. They were real to you, friends. You loved them and they must have loved you too. I’m sorry, too, for seeming to be so careless about their lives.”
Nicole nodded, then hugged Rebecca. “Thank you for being here.” She took a deep breath and stepped back. “Now what?”
Suddenly, Coolidge yelled in shock. “What’s that?” he said, pointing into the well.
Everyone crowded around him to see what he was pointing at. Something was down there. Something that glowed and bubbled. An ooze that shifted, roiled, and . . .
“It’s growing,” Austin said.
Everyone took a step back when the ooze exploded, nearly tripling in size.
Rebecca squealed. “It won’t be long now!” She turned to Nicole, her eyes bright. “Go inside. Get ready to play. I’ll return and tell you when it’s time to start.”
Without waiting for confirmation that Nicole had heard, she disappeared.
“Rebecca says we should go inside,” Nicole said, noting that the sun was just dipping below the horizon.
Coolidge glanced around them. “I think she’s right,” he said, motioning to the surrounding landscape.
The plants around them had taken on an odd color—a sort of orange mixed with green. Dull, but with a slight glow to it. As Nicole looked closer, she realized that the rose bushes growing along the fence were pulsing, as was the grass that surrounded the well along with the trees on either side of the house.
Pressure built up in the air and a strong magical pulse burst from the well, making everyone but Albert jump.
At once, the four of them turned and jogged to the house, shutting the door behind them.
“Lock it,” Coolidge whispered.
Albert did so.
They congregated near the drapes, staring out the window.
“If this is supposed to be a good thing,” Austin said, “why am I so freaked out right now?”
No one answered him, and Nicole stepped closer. Knowing he was nervous only made her feel worse. If she’d been the only jumpy person, it would have been different.
A glowing light came out of the top of the well. The trees began shining. The flowers that surrounded the house glowed. All were that dull shade of green-orange that was somehow bright to look at.
The stars should have started appearing by then, but Nicole wasn’t sure she’d be able to see them, due to the shine from the foliage.
Everyone moved to the center of the room. No one said anything—they all continued staring out the window. The silence was deafening. Even knowing that the portal was for Nicole didn’t calm her anxiety. Especially now that she knew there really was a chance she might not make it through the night.
“Nicole,” Albert whispered, startling her. “Any word from Rebecca?”
“No. Not yet.”
The ooze finally reached the rocks at the top of the well. It slowly spilled over, dripping to the ground below. Was the ooze the messenger? Or was it the portal? Or would it bring the portal?
Rebecca arrived just then. She whispered, “Get going on the cello. They’re coming. Tell the others to prepare themselves.” She looked away for a moment, then turned back. “I’ll be staying with you as long as I can. Please let the men know that they must not touch you, your cello, the portal, the messenger, or the elixir. Pretty much anything.”
Nicole relayed Rebecca’s message to the others.
Austin scowled, his expression barely recognizable in the dark room. “We’re not allowed to help you if anything happens? I don’t like that, Nicole.”
She put her hand on his arm. “I hope help won’t even be necessary—that I’ll be okay.”
Rebecca pointed at the cello, and Nicole sat on the couch, tightening the bow and making sure the instrument was tuned.
Then she began playing. From where she sat, she had a good view of the well. She watched as the ooze continued growing, spreading in every direction.
The ooze reached the house, seemingly encouraged by Nicole’s playing. Everyone turned to watch the door, but nothing happened there.
Suddenly, the rocking chair began rocking. The creak made everyone jump, and Nicole nearly stopped playing. She was shocked to see that the ooze must have climbed the exterior wall of the house. It had entered in the top corner of the room and was rolling down the wall, piling on the floor, surrounding the rocking chair.
The men backed away as the ooze rolled to the center of the room.
Nicole continued playing, using her magic to will the portal to grow.
The substance puddled in the middle of the floor. More and more of it dropped down the wall, joining with the mess in the center until suddenly, the floor dropped down into a huge pit that extended from the wall under the window all the way to Nicole’s feet.
“The portal has been formed,” Rebecca said, putting her hand on Nicole’s shoulder.
Something was climbing the side of the pit toward Nicole. It was like nothing she’d ever seen before. It had tentacles—many of them. No face. It was shiny and black as oil. A weird smell—similar to what she’d caught off Winston earlier—rose from the pit. Nauseatingly sweet.
Nicole . . .
Nicole gasped. That was Captain Christopher Price’s voice—the voice the journal had first called to her with, when she’d just met it.
“It’s not him,” Rebecca whispered. “They chose a voice they thought you’d like.”
Nicole glanced at the elderly woman, noticing that she was shivering, but not from fright. She was excited.
A long tentacle entered the room, then another and another. They crept along the floor toward everyone there. One grabbed Austin around the leg. Another Coolidge. Both started yelling the moment they were touched. Their magical pulses disappeared.
“What’s going on?” Nicole asked, nearly pausing her playing.
“It’s neutralizing their powers—preventing them from doing anything to stop what will happen.”
Nicole heard Captain Price’s voice again. “You may cease playing now,” it said. “Do not be afraid.”
Nicole put down the bow, then moved it and the cello to the couch beside her. She got to her feet and looked at Rebecca. “Now what?”
Rebecca pointed to the creature in the pit. “Be as honest as you can.”
Nicole hesitated. What was Rebecca talking about? Then she noticed that one of the tentacles was curling toward her, and she forgot her question. It wound itself around her ankle and slithered up her leg, giving her chills. Nicole swallowed her cry of fear.
The tentacle circled around behind her, then went under her shirt and hoodie and slithered up her back. She felt little suckers attaching themselves to her, then detaching as the tentacle continued upward. It reached her neck and seemed to hesitate there for a moment before inching a bit higher. She stared at Rebecca, trying not to freak out, trying not to show any fear.
“What is it do—”
Nicole screamed when the tentacle jabbed her at the base of her skull, pressing hard into her skin. Her vision swam as she felt the tentacle enter her head. Red lights flashed. She slumped to the ground, nearly falling into the pit. Her eyesight disappeared completely. She felt the tentacle pushing farther and farther into her skull, causing shocks of pain to radiate down her spine and across her head.
Suddenly, everything disappeared. The pain, her sensation of up and down, all of her senses. She spoke, but nothing came out. She was in a void.
As suddenly as it happened, the void went away and all of Nicole’s senses returned, including her eyesight.
She was no longer in the farmhouse.