The Aitall Manor: Sins of the Past

By Free Fall Faith

After finding out she was adopted, injured ex-cop Alexandria Carbine takes her cousin up on an offer that would change her destiny. Returning to the place where she was given up for adoption to help her cousin renovate an old abandoned manor wasnt what Alexandria had in mind for her futurethe future that had been destroyed after an incident in the line of duty ruined her short-lived career as a police officer. The decision to go to Rockland, Maine, would change Alexandrias life in ways she never thought possible. She finds herself in a war that has been raging on for centuries within the shadows. She would end up uncovering secrets of her heritage that had been carefully buried, finding her family, fighting the unknown, racing against time to save a family, facing loss and betrayal, finding love, and facing death as she gets sucked into the world of the unknown.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 27, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524626716

Free Fall Faith

I have been writing books since fifth grade. It was my escape away from the world. Writing is a part of who I am and always will be. The Aitall Manor has become a part of my life and a part of my mind, the characters feel like family. I have the knack of coming up with strange names that add a flare to my books. I live in the Alaska Bush with my family and spend my time tending to my horses and dogs. During the dark months of winter, I spend my time at my desk, with a cup of hot tea or coffee, typing away and creating a whole another world that’s been building in my mind.

Book preview

© 2016 Free Fall Faith. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 08/26/2016

ISBN: 978-1-5246-2672-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5246-2671-6 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Part 2 Sins of the Past

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 1

A lexandria Carbine stared at her reflection in the motel mirror. She tilted her head to the side as she watched her dark brown hair fall around the shoulders revealed by her black combat tank top. Her green eyes stared back at her, cold and hollow, looking as if they belonged to a stranger.

She lowered her gaze and gently lifted the bottom edge of her tank top. The ugly healing wound stared back.

She felt the knife enter her flesh and gasped in pain. The knife retracted and the shadow disappeared as her legs collapsed beneath her. She fell to the ground, her hands pressing against the gaping wound as warm blood leaked through her fingers, soaking her police uniform.

The shrill ringing of her cell phone in the quiet room quickly caused the memories of that fateful night to dissipate. Xandria hurried to grab her cell phone off the leather jacket she had thrown onto the bed.

She smiled at the picture of her cousin’s blond hair and sparkling blue eyes filling her phone screen. Sarah was more than her cousin, though; she was Xandria’s best friend.

Hey, Sarah.

Hey, cuz! Sarah’s perky, cheerful voice filled the line. However, Xandria detected a note of sadness. Not surprising, seeing how Sarah’s father and Xandria’s uncle had just passed away from a fast-acting cancer.

How are you doing? Xandria asked, gently sitting down in the desk chair. Her gaze ran over the papers that were spread out over the top of the desk, and her heartbeat picked up speed. She tore her gaze away and focused on her cousin’s call.

I’m okay. Sarah sighed softly. I just got out of Dad’s will reading, and you are never going to guess what he left us.

Us? Xandria repeated, shocked. She hadn’t expected Uncle Jack to leave her anything, which was one of the reasons she had decided not to go to the will reading, even though Sarah begged her to. Her uncle never really liked Xandria, and she never knew why—until she found the documents left to her after her parent’s death. These were the same documents strewn out across the motel’s desk.

Yes, us. Sarah confirmed, and Xandria heard the sound of a door closing. She could imagine her cousin getting into her truck. Xandria’s assumption was confirmed when she heard the diesel truck crank over the line.

Where are you right now? Sarah asked, breaking into Xandria’s observation.

Xandria looked around the motel room. Uh … I’m … I’m actually in Seattle. Her cousin lived in Seattle.

Silence filled the phone. Xandria grimaced, waiting for her older cousin’s reprimand for not calling her as soon as she had entered the city limits.

You’re in Seattle? Sarah’s tone was deceivingly calm. What— Why are you in Seattle, and why the hell didn’t you call me!

There it was. Xandria winced at the shaft of pain in her side as she rose to her feet and scrambled to find an explanation for why she was in the city. She lived in Wyoming. Sarah didn’t know about Xandria’s close stroke with death. Xandria had in fact begged her doctor not to call her cousin about it, even though he insisted she needed someone with her while she recuperated.

The doctors in Wyoming hadn’t been able to give Xandria the extensive treatment she needed for the stabbing that had nicked her lung and several vital arteries. So they had immediately flown her to Seattle.

Even they hadn’t expected her to survive. Amazingly, she had, but she had to stay in Seattle for regular checkups until told otherwise. So here she waited in the motel for her doctor and police chief to determine whether or not she could return to active duty—or police work in general.

Well? Sarah demanded, and Xandria grimaced again, placing a protective hand over her side.

I, uh … it’s just, uh, some police business, really. Not exactly a lie but far from the full truth.

Why didn’t you call me? Sarah demanded, a slight whine in her voice that made Xandria flash back to growing up with her. Along with those memories came others, and Xandria looked at the adoption papers she found after her parents’ passing. How could Xandria tell Sarah they weren’t cousins—or related at all?

I’ve been busy. This was a total lie. Xandria had been bored out of her mind, sitting in the motel room twiddling her thumbs, waiting for the doctor’s decision.

Sarah’s exasperated sigh floated across the line. Whatever. Where are you? I’m picking you up, and we are going to lunch.

I don’t think—

I don’t care what you think. Sarah’s voice cut her off, and Xandria fought to keep the smile out of her voice. Now where are you staying?

Xandria sighed and reluctantly told Sarah the name of the motel.

Get ready; I’m on my way. We need to discuss what Dad left us and the fact that you didn’t call. The last part was a jab as Sarah hung up.

Xandria stared at her phone and tossed it on the bed with a groan. As much as she loved her cousin, Xandria didn’t feel like pretending she wasn’t severely injured.

You could just tell her. Her conscience poked at her again, and Xandria shook her head. No way. If she told Sarah, then her cousin would blow a gasket!

Xandria looked at the papers on the desk again. How was she supposed to tell Sarah about Xandria’s adoption? Putting the question out of her mind, Xandria slowly got ready. The wound in her side severely hindered her.

Pulling on a dark blue blouse, Xandria looked in the mirror and frowned at the dark circles under her eyes. Sarah would know something was wrong, no matter how hard Xandria tried to cover it up. The white bandage on her neck would be a glowing sign.

Blame it on work, Xandria thought with a nod. It wouldn’t be a lie, either.

Xandria pulled her hair forward in a sad attempt to hide the white bandage sticking out from under the neck of her blouse just as there was a knock on the door. She stared at it, her heart in her throat. How was she supposed to face her cousin as if there was nothing wrong—as if Xandria’s future didn’t hang on a decision from a doctor?

Alexandria, open the door.

Xandria scowled as Sarah used her full name. Sighing with dread, Xandria hid the bandage wrappings in the trash. She closed her eyes and sent up a quick prayer before opening the door.

Her cousin stood there, looking fierce at five foot nothing, her arms crossed over her chest and her jaw set. Her dark blue eyes were on fire as she pushed past Xandria and into the room. I can’t believe you didn’t call me! Sarah exclaimed, looking around the cheap motel room.

Xandria blew out a breath as she shut the door. I’ve been busy.

Oh, I can tell, Sarah said sarcastically, looking at the books lying near Xandria’s bed. She was about to head to the desk to see what was strewn across it.

Xandria rushed forward and gathered up the papers before Sarah could read them. Sarah looked at her in surprise as she pushed the pages into her bag. Sorry. Xandria smiled tensely. Police business.

Sure. Sarah knew it was a lie but didn’t say anything. You ready to go?

Xandria nodded and grabbed her jacket from the bed. She had to grit her teeth as the skin around the wound stretched with the activity. Her cousin’s gaze narrowed slightly, but thankfully, she didn’t say anything.

Until Xandria’s hair moved, revealing the white bandage. Oh, my gosh! Xandria! Are you hurt?

Xandria rushed to cover the bandage with her hair and looked at her cousin. It’s nothing, okay? Just a small scrape.

The wound on her shoulder looked as if she had been bitten by a dog.

Why didn’t you call me?

For a scrape? Xandria laughed forcefully.

I know that isn’t a scrape, Alexandria!

Xandria slowly sighed and gave a slight shrug. It’s just a small wound, okay? It’s not a big deal—I promise.

Sarah chewed her lip worriedly. Are you hurt worse than you’re telling me?

Ugh. Xandria hated it when Sarah did this. She had the intuition to ask just the right question in a way that Xandria couldn’t quite get out of.

I’m fine. Xandria told her cousin—not a total lie. Xandria wasn’t fighting death everyday anymore, and she was out of the hospital. In her perspective, she was fine.

Sarah studied Xandria, and the younger woman sighed.

Sarah, I’m fine, okay? I’m a cop; I get hurt. It’s not a big deal.

Sarah let out an exasperated sigh but nodded. Fine. Let’s go eat, and we can talk about what Dad left us.

Alexandria got the distinct feeling she wasn’t going to be eating much of anything.

*     *     *

I have to admit; I’m shocked that Uncle Jack included me in his will even once, Xandria muttered as she slid into the booth across from her cousin, refusing to wince at the pain in her side.

What do you mean? Sarah asked as she took a sip of water.

I mean, your dad never liked me!

Sarah looked at her. That’s not true, Xandria.

Yes, it is, and you know it. Xandria sighed, leaning back in the booth. Now would be the perfect time to tell Sarah about the adoption papers she found. Her gut clenched as she took a deep breath, ready to spill, but the waitress came up, stopping her.

What can I get you ladies to drink today? The waitress asked with a bright, friendly smile as she gave them each a menu. She looked like she was still in college, probably waitressing to pay for it.

I’ll just have a … Xandria was about to say coffee, but her doctor’s instructions flashed through her mind. No coffee until he said otherwise. Xandria sighed and forced a smile. I’ll have a Sprite.

Sarah stared at her as if she had grown an extra head. Xandria normally downed three cups of coffee before she even got out of the door in the morning, and every time she went out to eat, she ordered coffee. It had been her life source.

I’ll have a Sprite too. Sarah smiled at the younger woman.

Okie-dokie, I’ll get those right to you while you look over the menu. Then the girl was off in a whirl.

You … you didn’t order coffee? Sarah asked, as if Xandria’s answer was the solution to the questions of the universe.

Xandria shrugged her uninjured shoulder. I’m cutting back.

Really?

Yeah, Xandria said, as if she was surprised Sarah was making such a big deal out of it. She wasn’t though. Okay, so what did your Dad leave you?

"Us. What did he leave us you mean?" Sarah corrected.

Yeah, sure, whatever.

Sarah rolled her eyes and reached into her purse. She pulled out a manila folder and handed it to Xandria just as the waitress brought the drinks, so she waited.

What can I get you ladies to eat? The young woman whipped out her order pad, her pen posed to write.

I’ll just have the chicken sandwich, no cheese, and some curly fries. Sarah ordered with a smile, and the young woman nodded as she scratched down the order then looked at Xandria.

I’m good.

You sure? The young woman asked and Xandria nodded. Her stomach was roiling too much to eat.

Xandria, you should eat something. Sarah insisted, but Xandria just shook her head.

I had a big breakfast.

Another lie. Ugh, she hated lying.

Okay then, The young woman smiled brightly. I’ll be right back.

Xandria took a sip of the carbonated drink by her hand before opening the manila folder. A deed was in it along with a picture.

Xandria’s widened in shock. Uncle Jack left you this?

Us.

Xandria rolled her eyes, looking back at the picture of an old large structure sitting close to the cliffs over-looking a blue ocean.

Where is it? Xandria asked, her brow raising as she looked at her cousin.

Some weird town called Rockland. It’s in Maine.

Xandria froze ice filling her veins. Rock- Rockland, Maine?

Sarah nodded oblivious to Xandria’s stunned expression as she took the photo out of her hands. Yeah. It’s called the Aitall Manor; I guess it’s been there for centuries. Dad bought it last year for some reason but never did anything with it.

Xandria’s mind was still whirling from the location of the manor.

Rockland, Maine was where Xandria had traced her adoption back to. This couldn’t be a coincidence- could it?

You okay? You look pale. Sarah asked, worried.

Xandria nodded still stunned. I’m fine. What…what are you going to do with it?

Sarah pursed her lips, staring at the photo. Well … I thinking about fixing it back up. I don’t know, maybe turn it into a bed and breakfast, maybe sell it, or I might live in it. She said the last sentence softly.

Live in it!? Xandria exclaimed. "Sarah, it looks like it belongs in that haunted movie Crimson Peak."

Oh, no it doesn’t! Sarah waved her off, but Xandria just stared at her. Sarah sighed and shrugged. Okay, so maybe it does.

And you want to live in it?

Sarah sighed again. I’m not sure yet Xandria. I just found out about it. I do however want to fix it up and then decide what I’m going to do with it.

Xandria rolled her eyes and handed the folder back. Okay, she drew out the word.

Sarah chewed her lip as if thinking. And I was … she laughed nervously. Hoping you would help me.

Xandria’s head jerked up and she stared at her cousin. Y-you want me to help you fix this … thing?! She gestured towards the photo.

Sarah nodded with a grimace.

Xandria sighed and rubbed the back of her neck, her palm brushing against the edge of the bandage.

I- I don’t know Sarah.

Just think about it okay. You don’t have to decide anything right now.

I… Xandria blew out a breath. I have a couple things up in the air right now. Let me see where everything falls okay?

Sounds like a plan. Sarah held up her glass in salute.

Xandria chuckled and gently clinked her glass to her cousins.

*     *     *

She was doomed.

Sorrow filled her as she dropped her cellphone on the motel desk and buried her face into her hands, the doctor’s decision ringing in her ears.

She couldn’t return back to police work.

Ever.

The knife wound had caused to much damage to her insides. Another wound like that could kill her and in the line of duty, that was an everyday possibility.

The chief had agreed with the doctor’s assessment and had offered her a job in dispatch. Xandria couldn’t do that. It was impossible for her to sit still and reroute calls. She would go insane in a matter of seconds.

It was final.

Her dream of becoming a detective was gone. Puff, like smoke blown away by a big gust of wind.

Tears burned her eyes. She shook her head and blinked rapidly.

I’m not going to cry. This is just a setback. I’ll be fine. She murmured as thoughts raced through her head. What was she supposed to do now?

She had no reason to return to Wyoming.

Sarah flashed through her mind and Xandria sighed.

Why not. She murmured and picked up her cell phone. Scrolling through the contacts, she found her cousins number.

Taking a deep breath, she hit call and placed the phone to her ear, her heart hammering in her chest. She would be returning to the place she had been given up for adoption.

Hey Cuz! Sarah’s voice shouted over the sound of a construction crew. Her cousin had wasted no time in going to Rockland to repair the old manor.

Hey, Xandria said, surprised at the note of helplessness in her voice. She cleared her throat sending it away. I was wondering if your offer was still open.

Silence.

Really? That one word contained so much suppressed excitement.

Yeah, Xandria forced a note of excitement in her voice.

Yes! Of course it’s open! When are you coming?! Sarah shouted each sentence with excitement making Xandria chuckle.

I have a few things to tie up. I should be there by next week.

Sarah was quiet for a moment. Is everything okay Xandria?

The caring note in her cousin’s voice almost caused Xandria’s composure to unravel. She cleared her throat of the emotion that was choking her, but it still came through in her voice.

I’ll … I’m going to be fine. I just need to get away for a while. Maine seems like the perfect place.

Okay, I’ll be waiting. Sarah’s sad caring smile came through.

Okay, talk to you soon. Xandria hung up and bit her lip hard.

She was going to be fine.

It wouldn’t be that terrible.

Chapter 2

I t was terrible!

Xandria gawked in disbelief at the sight of the old manor in front of her. She had driven all night and most of the day, only so she could arrive to … this!

The Aitall Manor had definitely seen better days. It must have been beautiful when it was first built, but years had caused the stones to fade in a light tarnished gray. Ivory was crawling up the sides winding themselves around the railings and stairs.

The manor was built on top of a hill, but it seemed as if the builders had dug it out and built something underground. Stairs led up the face of the stones to the landing in front of the large structure. The large oak door was set in the middle of the building, had three windows to each side and at each end of the house it came forward with base made of cement.

It was a beautiful manor, well it would be once it was cleaned and the windows replaced. The construction crew had landings set up and were trying to cut down the veins that were crawling up the side of the house. Some were cleaning or replacing windows.

Sarah stood out front, her hands propped on her hips, observing the progress.

Her long dark blond hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail. Dirt smudged her cheek, covered her old tatter tee-shirt, and the blue jeans with rips in them that Sarah saved for this kind of work.

At the sound of Xandria pulling up and parking, she spun around with a huge smile on her face. Xandria shut the engine off and climbed out of the truck slowly as Sarah came flying down the side steps.

You’re here! Sarah exclaimed and before she could brace herself, Xandria found herself in a fierce hug. She tried not to gasp in pain at the abrupt embrace, but a sound of pain escape and Sarah immediately pulled back.

Are you okay?

Xandria forced a smile. Fine. Just been driving a lot, got to stretch, ya know.

Sarah wasn’t convinced, but didn’t push for answers as she stood next to Xandria and threw her arms out in the ‘ta-da’ motion.

What do you think?

Xandria pretended to study the manor and then looked at her cousin. I think you’re insane.

Her cousin laughed loudly, slapped her arm before grabbing it, and dragged her towards the stairs. Come on, I’ll show you the inside. It looks a lot better than the outside.

I would hope. Xandria muttered under her breath as she allowed her cousin to drag her into the manor.

Her cousin hadn’t lied.

The inside did look a lot better than the outside. It was obvious Sarah had been cleaning the downstairs the entire time she had been here, but it seemed as if she only managed to make a dent in what needed to still be done. It looked like the biggest problem was dust.

Everything was still in here.

Xandria slowly looked around her brow furrowed slightly. Why does it look like whoever own this last just … left?

Sarah looked around also at all the furniture, pictures, knickknacks, even car keys hanging on by the large oak door, and a pair of dusty gloves sitting on the small table underneath. From the run through Xandria did, it seemed the kitchen still had everything in it, even a dusty cup sat in the sink as if the previous owner had set it in there before they rushed out.

Probably because no one has been in here for the past three years. A deep rumbling voice came from the doorway of the living room making both women spin towards the man who stood there, his shoulder leaning against the arching doorway.

He had black curly hair that was brushed back, a sloping straight nose, strong jaw and shadowed silver eyes. He wore a tool belt around his slim waist and had his forearm propped on the hammer hanging there.

Bryce, this is my cousin Alexandria, Xandria, this is the foreman Bryce Bradshaw. He volunteered to head up the fixing.

Xandria nodded to the man, who was looking around the widespread manor. Did you know the people who used to live here?

Bryce nodded sadly, knocking his knuckles against the wall, acting disinterested. Judging by the way his jaw grew tight and his eyes darkened, he knew the people very well.

The Aitall sisters used to live here. He murmured with a slight shrug. They disappeared about three to four years ago. No one’s been in here since.

He turned his attention to Sarah. There is something you’re going want to see in the basement.

Obviously, he didn’t want to talk about the previous residences.

Okay, Sarah looked at Xandria then nodded to the man. Lead the way.

A shiver went up Xandria’s spine as Bradshaw led them through the house to a mahogany door. She hesitated before fallowing him and her cousin down. The walls enclosing the stairs was made of cement, unlike the rest of the manor that was made of stones. Dirt and grim covered them making Xandria walk in the very middle.

As they reached the bottom, Bryce flipped on a bright light that blinded her at first. When her eyes adjusted, her feet stalled in surprise at the scene before her.

The basement was completely empty and there were no windows and only one large metal door, set right in the middle of the far wall with iron barred gate that seemed to be keeping it enclosed. Bryce had obviously taken some bolt cutters to cut the padlock off the iron bars, and had the gate open revealing the metal door. Engravings were etched right above door and filled in with something that looked red, but Xandria couldn’t be sure.

She suddenly got the intense feeling that they weren’t supposed to be here. Or something didn’t want them there.

*     *     *

They weren’t supposed to be here.

No one was supposed to be here.

A lone figured huddled in far corner of the room behind the door, their arms wrapped around their knees. The shadowed figure listened intently to the conversation coming from the other side of the door.

Being alone in the dark so long made the sound of voices seem strange, foreign.

Is there any way to open it? A voice with an unusual accent asked. It belonged to a woman, her voice was demanding and straightforward. Though she tried to hide it, there was a note of sadness in her voice.

No, a rough familiar voice rumbled. It’s not meant to be opened.

The figured covered her mouth. She knew that voice. It was too similar to his voice.

She squeezed her eyes shut against the pain in her heart and continued to listen.

Can you take down the wall? This voice came from a different woman with a slightly different accent. It was more feminine then the others woman’s voice.

No, Bryce said again, there was a hard note there because his painful past. It might disturb the structure up top. I’ll get my little brother, Rydin, down here to look at it. He knows more about this stuff.

Pain shot through her heart and she bit her lip fiercely.

No, she thought desperately. If Rydin came down here, she wasn’t sure she could stay quiet.

Okay, the woman, with the more feminine, voice said. If it’s not harming anything than it shouldn’t really be a problem. The next comment was directed towards the other woman. Come on Xandria, I’ll show you what room you can use. The voices faded as they headed up the stairs.

Bryce was still outside the door.

She closed her eyes and listened as Bryce pulled out his cellphone.

Her heart stopped as images assaulted her from that night. Tears stung her eyes as she listened to Bryce start heading up the stairs, his voice fading as he talked to Rydin.

She placed a hand over her aching racing heart.

This couldn’t be happening.

*     *     *

Rydin Bradshaw brought the sword around the back of his head and brought it down. It clashed against the opposing sword that came at him, the sound echoing through the quiet morning.

Sweat dripped down his back causing the sleeveless tee-shirt to stick to his skin. He placed his foot back to support his body as the opposing sword came down on him. The jolt ran through his arms, causing his teeth to rattle.

His phone rang.

Oh come on! I thought you left thing inside! His sister exclaimed, pushing her sword against his as she pushed back frustrated to be interrupted. Serena blew her black bangs away from her sweaty forehead.

Rydin chuckled softly, stabbing his sword into the sand by his feet.

They were sparring out on the east beach, the calmest place for Rydin to be. The sea hit against the rocks down the stretch of beach, the sound soothing to his aching heart.

He reached into his pocket fetching out his phone as he wiped the sweat from his brow and sniffed.

It’s Bryce, he grumbled, and answered. What’s up?

Serena stabbed her own sword into the sand and pulled her long black hair that had fallen out of its normal braid, back into a ponytail a sheen of sweat on her brow.

Hey Rydin, Bryce greeted his brother over the phone. I’m at the old Aitall Manor, and there’s something down here in the basement you’re going want to look at it. I think it might have something to do with what happened four years ago.

He went still, his jaw growing tight. His hand unconsciously went to his throat, that was carefully covered by a black bandana.

Serena noticed and walked forward, gesturing for Rydin to hand the phone over. That was his sister all right, so overprotective. He shook his head and focused on answering his brother.

You said you were fixing an old house, you didn’t say you were repairing the Manor. Serena stiffened visibly at the mention of the manor, her arms crossing over her chest.

I know and I’m sorry Rydin. I just figured it would be better if you didn’t know. It’s a paying job, that’s all I can say. But in the basement…there’s a metal door. It has a sealing ritual over it.

Rydin licked his dry lips and closed his eyes. Bryce … his voice cracked slightly as he thought about the Manor, which inevitably lead to thoughts about her.

The pain that he felt, must have showed through in Rydin’s expression making Serena grab the phone from his hand. He didn’t argue this time.

What’s going on Bryce? Serena demanded as she gripped the handle of her sword, staring out across the ocean. Her brow furrowed as she listened to Bryce talking.

Rydin pulled his sword out of the ground and walked over to a large rock. Sitting down, he pushed the tip of the sword back into the sand and folded his hands over the top of the hilt, then rested his forehead against them.

Memories, he had tried to keep buried, came up taunt him. Pain, that had never left, echoed in his heart making it ache with a fierceness.

She used to live the manor, until she went missing right after that fateful night. Her sister said that she had left the next morning with only a note saying not to come after her.

He shook his head, trying to dispel the memories as Serena ended the call and walked over. She sat next to him as she handed him the phone.

What did he say? Rydin asked, the scars on his throat starting to ache.

He wants you to come to the Manor and look at the Sealing ritual. He says he hasn’t seen one like it before and wondered if you have.

A sealing ritual huh?

He chewed the corner of his lower lip as he stared out across the ocean. Sealing rituals were hardly ever used anymore since they had sealed off…

He shook his head, removing the thoughts. He didn’t want to think about that dark time right now.

Okay, Rydin nodded pushing to his feet. I’ll go tomorrow morning.

Are you sure Rydin? Serena asked, her silver gaze concerned as she stood also. She had been protective ever since the accident four years ago that had nearly broken him, but had broken his heart.

I’ll be fine.

Then headed back towards the house nestled in the trees beside the cliffs.

Chapter 3

T he next morning, Xandria woke up strangely refreshed.

Something about the old manor seemed bring a sense of peace and tranquility to whoever was in it. She didn’t know why, but for the first time since being injured, Xandria had slept through the entire night without so much as a dream, when normally nightmares plagued her sleep.

After taking a hot shower and getting dressed, she headed down stairs still in a sleepy fog. She shuffled into the large spacey kitchen to find her cousin already sitting at the table nursing a cup of coffee.

Good morning, sleepy head. Sarah looked up with a smile.

Xandria narrowed her eyes at her cousin. Your too chirper. She muttered as she made her way to the coffee pot.

The day before, they had worked on cleaning and stocking the kitchen then moved upstairs to clear out two rooms at the far end. Xandria had meant to snoop around last night because she was sure she wasn’t going to get any sleep.

That hadn’t been the case.

As soon as her head hit the pillow, she had been out like a candle in the wind.

Pouring a cup of coffee, she sat down across the table from her cousin. The table was small, unlike everything else in the manor, and it had a nice smooth top and if she looked close enough, she could identify it had been made by hand.

Taking a sip of her coffee, she ran her other hand across the smooth table top.

Nice table huh? Sarah asked, looking away from the large bay windows that over looked the pure blue ocean. Everything about this place is amazing.

Xandria nodded. Once you get over the haunted look from outside.

Sarah chuckled softly and nodded in agreement as she sipped her coffee. Xandria knew that Sarah was about to ask something and mentally prepared herself.

Here it comes, she thought sourly as Sarah set her cup down and looked at her.

Xandria, why are you here?

Besides the fact you practically begged me? Xandria chuckled, forcing a lightness in the tone that she didn’t feel.

Sarah let out a slow exasperated sigh. You know what mean Cuz. When are you going back to Wyoming? I know you don’t take a lot of vacation days, but surely you have a limit to how long you can be gone.

Xandria stared into her coffee her eyes burning. She cleared her throat noisily. I’m- I’m not going back Sarah. I’m … She hated this. Hated admitting to herself that she could never again do what she loved. I’m not a cop anymore.

What!? Sarah exclaimed in disbelief. But you love being a cop. I thought you were working on becoming detective? I mean what happened? Are you transferring or what?

Xandria’s jaw clenched at the surprising ache in her heart. She slowly shook her head. I can’t ever return to police work Sarah.

Sarah froze visibly, her brow furrowed with confusion.

"I don’t understand. What happened?

Tell her!

Might as well, Xandria thought sourly. It didn’t matter anymore.

I got severely injured. The doctors and Chief won’t allow me to go back. Not actively. She