Book Four: Chapter 196

“C’mon, let’s go inside,” Beth said, her voice firm but carrying a note of concern. She kept one eye on the yard, still wary of lingering spirits and shadows, and the other on the group around her. “We can check on Abella, and I want to make sure Jenny is okay. Once we get Abella outside, she can help us find Kisa and Tink, figure out where they went.” She knelt down and gently picked up Cerulea, brushing the dirt from her little ghost’s ethereal form. Despite being covered in dirt, the spirit’s translucent wings fluttered nervously, unharmed.

“The wee ghost should be fine, if not a bit startled,” Sulyvahn added, his tone low but reassuring, a hint of a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. He bent slightly, resting a hand on Cerulea’s shoulder. “That one can take more than a lash, I promise ye. Been through worse than this.” His voice carried both authority and warmth, a grounding presence amid the chaos.