Book 15: Something's Happening

Blake

Veiled Valley is shrouded in rain clouds as I walk through the castle, met by a welcoming gust of warm air. The spirit of the house is usually happy to see me compared to others. I’ve often wondered where it came from, why it chose this place to make its eternal home.

It follows me through the castle while I make my way to the office Ryatt keeps here, despite being a few months into his retirement, which I think was Ella’s idea more than his.

Sconces light my way, flickering on with each step I take up a winding stone staircase older than anything in Moonrise. Veiled Valley has been around since the dawn of time, I think. So long, in fact, I can’t see its origins in the tapestry weaving between the stars.

A blond young man steps out of a room carrying a stack of books. He flinches when he sees me in the shadows, then sighs, shaking his head. Silver eyes meet mine in the flickering haze of amber-hued light as he greets me, saying, “Shit,