Specters of the Heart

Chapter One

As night fell, the cold moon hung high in the sky. The bright moonlight fell on the ancient castle on the edge of the city, casting a mysterious silver veil around it. Emily stood on the balcony, looking at the forest in the distance, and felt a chill rising from the bottom of her heart. Since moving to this castle, her life has become bizarre and mysterious.
The cold wind in October swept across her bare shoulders, bringing a shudder. Emily subconsciously wrapped her woolen shawl tightly around her, but she couldn't feel any warmth. This castle seems to be always cold, just like its mysterious owner Lucas Black, exuding an inaccessible atmosphere.
"Miss Emily," suddenly, a low voice sounded behind her, "You'll catch a cold if you're still outside so late."
She turned around and saw Lucas standing at the balcony door. The moonlight outlined his tall figure. He was wearing a dark silk shirt, and the collar vaguely revealed his strong chest. The amber eyes flickered strangely in the darkness, as if they could see through her soul.
"Mr. Black," Emily whispered, trying to hide the trembling in her voice, "I'm just admiring the moonlight."
Lucas took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. Emily noticed that his body stiffened instantly, and his nostrils fluttered slightly, as if he was sniffing something. His expression became solemn, and a glimmer of wildness flashed in his eyes, but was quickly suppressed.
"Please go in," his voice was hoarser than usual, "It's not safe here."
Just then, a cold night breeze swept across the balcony, bringing a faint smell of rust. Emily saw that Lucas's fingers were almost pinched into the stone railing, and his knuckles were white. She couldn't help but take a step back, her heartbeat accelerated.
"I thought this castle was the safest place," she whispered, "after all, you are here."
Lucas let out an almost inaudible growl, "Some danger, Miss Emily, is much closer than you think." His eyes looked unusually sharp in the moonlight, "especially on a full moon night."
Suddenly, a wolf howl came from the distant forest, shrill and long. Emily was surprised to find that Lucas' pupils shrank in an instant and turned into vertical pupils like a beast, but the fleeting change made her wonder if it was just an illusion caused by the moonlight.
Just then, a cold breath passed by her from behind, accompanied by a chuckle. Emily turned around and saw only a dark shadow flashing in the corner of the balcony. When she looked back again, Lucas had come to her side, with a hand gently on her shoulder.
"I'll take you back to your room," he said, with an unquestionable commanding tone in his voice. Emily noticed that his palms were surprisingly hot, in sharp contrast to the chill of the castle.
Walking in the dark corridor of the castle, Emily could feel Lucas' presence, he walked behind her like a silent guardian. Moonlight poured in through the Gothic stained glass windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor.
"Good night, Miss Emily," Lucas whispered in front of her door, "Remember, no matter what sound you hear, don't leave the room tonight."
"Why?" Emily asked subconsciously.
Lucas was silent for a moment, his eyes looked deep and dangerous in the moonlight, "Because the moonlight tonight is too beautiful, it will always wake up something that shouldn't wake up."
When the door closed behind her, Emily leaned against the door, her heartbeat still alarmingly fast. She could hear Lucas's footsteps gradually fading away, but she seemed to hear the sound of wings flapping outside the window. She walked to the window and looked out through the glass.
In the moonlit courtyard, she saw a figure standing by the fountain. The man looked up at her window, and the moonlight illuminated his pale marble face - it was Draco, with a mysterious smile on his lips and a dangerous light in his eyes. When Emily blinked, his figure had disappeared, as if he had never appeared. Emily lay trembling on the bed, listening to the wolf howling outside the window. She knew that she had fallen into a world full of dangers, and this was just the beginning. On this moonlit night, her fate was closely linked to two mysterious and dangerous beings, and there was no turning back.

Chapter Two

In the dead of night, Emily lay in bed, the faces of Lucas and Draco appeared in her mind. She could not resist the deep attraction, but she also knew that she was caught in a dangerous vortex. She knew that the confrontation between the two men was a life-and-death hostility, and she was just a pawn in their war. A corner of her heart reminded her to escape, but the deeper desire pulled her to stay in this mysterious castle, looking forward to the unknown encounter.

        Just as she was about to fall asleep, a slight knock on the window interrupted the silence. Emily opened her eyes, and the moonlight poured into the room through the curtains, making the corners of the room particularly dark. She sat up subconsciously, trembling slightly and walked to the window. When she opened the curtains, a figure was standing in front of her, cold and elegant.

        It was Draco.

        "Sorry, I scared you, Emily." His low voice was frivolous and indifferent, as if every word revealed his unfathomable darkness. His eyes were like two flames in the abyss, locking onto her with an irresistible force.

        "How... are you here?" Emily's heartbeat quickened, and her hands unconsciously clenched a corner of the curtain. She knew she should be scared at this moment, but Draco's unique charm made it hard for her to resist.

        Draco did not answer her question, but slowly approached, lowered his head and whispered in her ear: "You know why I'm here, Emily. You've never really been afraid of me, right?"

        The moment he approached, she smelled the cold breath on him, as if it came from the night a thousand years ago. Her breathing gradually became rapid, but she did not retreat, but was locked by his eyes, as if her soul was also attracted to him.

        "Draco... we can't do this." Her voice was weak, but she did not retreat at all, as if even she herself was struggling with contradictions.

        "You don't belong here at all, Emily. Staying here will only put you in deeper danger." Draco gently lifted her chin, with a smile on the corner of his cold mouth, that smile was both gentle and dangerous, "But if you want to know the real darkness, then come. I will take you to see everything."

        At this moment, the door was pushed open, and Lucas' figure appeared at the door like a shadow. His face was gloomy, and his eyes were burning with anger. It was his possessiveness and anger that he could not hide. He walked towards Draco step by step, his hands clenched, his muscles tensed, as if he was going to pounce on and tear the enemy in front of him in the next second.

        "Draco, let her go." Lucas' voice was low and threatening, like an enraged beast. It was the first time Emily saw him so out of control, his eyes were like a ball of unextinguishable fire, revealing uncontrollable anger and possessiveness.

        Draco smiled slightly, released Emily's chin, and looked at Lucas provocatively. "Don't you understand yet? She doesn't belong to you. The savagery of the wolf tribe is nothing but a bondage to her, and I can give her true freedom."

        "The 'freedom' you mentioned will only make her fall into darkness. You don't understand what true protection is." Lucas sneered, his eyes as sharp as an eagle. He slowly stepped forward, blocked Emily, and protected her behind him. That was his attitude as the wolf king, firm and unshakable.

        Emily was sandwiched between the two, feeling her heartbeat speed up, as if breathing became difficult. These two completely different forces intertwined and collided in front of her, making it impossible for her to decide which side to choose.

        Draco raised the corners of his mouth and slowly took a step back, his eyes still on Emily. "Emily, one day you will find that he can't satisfy the desire in your heart. And I am your true home."

        As soon as the voice fell, Draco's figure disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.

        Lucas looked at the empty room, his fists gradually loosened, but the anger and worry in his eyes remained. He turned around and looked at Emily softly, but his eyes still flashed with contradictions and forbearance.

        "Are you okay?" He asked in a low voice, with a trace of undisguised concern in his voice.

        Emily nodded, but her heart was in turmoil and it was difficult to calm down. She knew that she had fallen too deep. She could not let go of these two men easily, nor could she easily resist them. A complex emotion surged in her heart, which was a dangerous and fatal attraction.

        "Lucas, I..." She wanted to say something, but lost her words when she met his eyes.

        "Don't get close to him." Lucas' voice was low, with a hint of pleading and warning, "I know you feel confused, but Draco is not what you think. He will only drag you into the darkness, and I won't let him hurt you."

        Emily just looked at him silently, and a touch of uncertainty gradually rose in her heart. She knew that this was not just a war, but a contest of feelings and desires. In this dangerous triangle relationship, she has gone too far and can never turn back.

Chapter Three

Emily stayed awake all night. The wind outside the window blew through the woods, making a low moan, as if the whole castle was whispering in her ear. She curled up in bed, recalling Draco's cold smile and Lucas's deep eyes. Two completely different attractions stirred in her heart, making her lost on the edge of danger and desire.

        When the sky was slightly bright, she made a decision. She had to figure out what she wanted, the wildness and protection of the wolf tribe, or the mystery and temptation of the vampire. She got up and walked out of the room, walked through the deserted corridor, and came to the door of Lucas's study.

        The door of the study was slightly open, and a whisper came from inside. Emily stood outside the door and pricked up her ears to listen.

        "She is innocent, Lucas." A low and gentle female voice came from Lucas's sister, Leila. Emily had heard rumors about her. Leila was the wisest prophet in the wolf tribe and could always see fragments of the future.

        "I know, Leila." Lucas' voice was hoarse, as if he had struggled all night, "but I can't control myself, I can't suppress my desire for her. I'm afraid that if she stays with me, she will only be swallowed by my darkness."

        Emily's heart trembled, and she raised her hand to push open the door.

        "Lucas." Her voice was abrupt and firm in the silent room.

        The two turned around and saw her standing at the door with a hint of determination in her eyes. She walked slowly towards Lucas, looked up at him, with a hint of determination and inquiry in her eyes.

        "I know you protect me, but I'm not a fragile child." Her voice was calm and firm, "I need to know the truth. Why are you always so hesitant? And why is Draco so persistent in approaching me?"

        Lucas' expression froze for a moment, his eyes wandering on her face, as if he was weighing whether to tell her everything. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.

        "Emily, the fate of our werewolves is usually determined at birth. The wolf tribe has a unique ability to perceive its partner. When we find that person, we will feel an attraction that cannot be ignored... and you are my destined partner." Lucas spoke in a low voice, with pain and desire flashing in his eyes.

        Emily's heartbeat accelerated, and thousands of emotions surged in her mind, both shocked and confused. She never thought that she would become his destined partner, and his possessiveness and protectiveness of her turned out to come from this ancient bond.

        She asked softly: "What about Draco? Why is he so obsessed with me?"

        Lucas's eyes became more gloomy, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "Draco's tribe never believed in fate. They prefer to dominate their own future. And he believes that as long as he possesses you, he can destroy me and the traditional beliefs of the wolf tribe. So, he is not sincere to you, but to weaken my power."

        Emily's heart suddenly tightened, and a hint of anger and loss surged in her eyes. However, she also felt a little unwilling, as if she was just a tool in this struggle, being fought over and torn by the two, and she had no right to control herself.

        "So, Lucas, are you sincere? Is it just fate for me?" There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, and her eyes became cold.

        Lucas was stunned, as if he was hurt by her question. He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Emily, I can't deny the existence of fate, but I can't ignore my feelings for you." He gently held her hand, his eyes full of affection and desire, "Whether it is fate or something else, I am willing to give up everything for you."

        Just then, a slight sound came from outside the window. Emily turned back suddenly and saw a pair of dark red eyes flashing outside the window, like a flame in the dark, and the familiar cold breath startled her heart.

        It was Draco.

        He stood outside the window, sneering at them, as if everything was under his control. He knocked on the window lightly, his voice cold and full of provocation: "I don't think it's possible to talk about 'betraying' everything here, Lucas. You can't protect her because she will eventually come to me."

        Lucas' eyes immediately became cold and dangerous. He stood in front of Emily, glared at Draco outside the window, and growled in a low voice: "Stay away from her, Draco. You can't force her to choose darkness."

        Draco smiled slightly, his eyes full of evil confidence. He raised his eyebrows at Emily, as if everything was under his control. "Dear Emily, you will find that the bright world cannot satisfy your desire. And darkness - is your destination." After he finished speaking, his figure instantly disappeared into the night.

        The room returned to silence, but the air was filled with tension and uneasiness. Emily looked at the empty darkness outside the window, feeling both fear and desire in her heart. She could no longer deny Draco's attraction to her, and the danger and mystery made her heart beat faster.

        Lucas noticed her hesitation, and a trace of pain and uneasiness flashed in his eyes. He gently held her hand and whispered, "Emily, don't get close to him. His darkness will devour you and make you lost in the endless night."

        She didn't respond, but just looked at him silently, her heart full of complicated emotions. She knew that she could no longer simply withdraw from the two of them. Her fate had been drawn into an uncontrollable vortex, and the only thing she could do was to follow her heart and touch the unknown darkness.

Chapter Four

As autumn deepened, the forest surrounding the castle donned a cloak of gold and crimson. Yet Emily felt none of the season's warmth. Since that night's revelation, her mind had been in constant turmoil, with Lucas's truth and Draco's temptation intertwining like two serpents in her thoughts, leaving her breathless.

        That evening, Emily found herself alone in the castle's library, searching through ancient tomes for any mention of werewolves and vampires. As she focused on a yellowed manuscript, the air suddenly turned cold. Looking up, she found Draco standing across from her, his appearance as silent as shadow.

        "Seeking truth, my dear Emily?" Draco leaned elegantly against the bookshelf, wearing a deep purple silk shirt that made his skin appear even paler. "But you know, written accounts are often one-sided."

        Emily instinctively stepped back. "Why do you always appear like this? It's unsettling."

        Draco chuckled softly, moving toward her with fluid grace. "Because I enjoy seeing you startled. It makes you even more enticing." His fingers traced her cheek, the cold touch making her shiver. "Lucas told you I'm merely using you, but did he mention that his fate is actually a chain binding him?"

        Emily froze. "What do you mean?"

        "The werewolves' so-called destined mates are nothing but constraints in their bloodline," Draco's voice carried a hypnotic power. "They're forced to love someone, forced to protect them. Isn't that tragic? While I..." his gaze deepened, "I choose you because I'm truly drawn to you."

        A low growl suddenly echoed from the doorway. Lucas stood there, his eyes now golden, filled with rage. "Step away from her, Draco!" His voice carried an unmistakable threat.

        Instead of retreating, Draco pulled Emily closer. "Why so angry, Lucas? Is it because I spoke the truth, or because you fear she might choose me?"

        The tension in the air grew thick enough to cut. Emily could feel the energy between the two men threatening to tear the room apart. Lucas's body trembled as he fought to control the beast within.

        "Enough!" Emily suddenly shouted, "What am I to both of you? Some trophy to be won?" Her voice carried both anger and hurt.

        Both men froze. Pain flashed across Lucas's eyes, while Draco's expression turned contemplative.

        Emily pushed away from Draco and walked toward the door, but paused beside Lucas. "You say I'm your destiny, but have you considered my feelings?" Her voice was soft but accusatory. "And you, Draco, if you truly cared for me, you wouldn't use me as a weapon against him."

        She hurried from the library, and only when she reached the corridor did her tears finally fall. She didn't know whom to trust - Lucas, chosen by fate, or Draco, who chose her himself? More importantly, she began to question whether she truly understood her own heart.

        As night fell, Emily stood on her balcony. Wolves howled in the distant forest, while somewhere in the castle, she thought she heard the flutter of bat wings. Everything reminded her that she stood at the crossroads between two worlds, and she had to make a choice.

        Then she noticed items on the balcony railing: a rose as black as night with a blood-red sheen - Draco's mark. Beside it lay a wolf fang necklace, a werewolf protection charm, obviously left by Lucas.

        Emily gently touched both items, her internal conflict growing stronger. She knew that choosing either would alter her destiny forever. But more importantly, she needed to understand what her heart truly desired.

        As moonlight bathed the castle grounds, Emily realized that her decision wouldn't just be about choosing between two men - it was about choosing what kind of life she wanted, and more importantly, who she wanted to become.

Chapter Five

The following days in the castle were filled with an unbearable tension. Emily found herself constantly caught between shadows and silence, between warmth and cold. Every corner seemed to hold either Lucas's protective presence or Draco's seductive whispers. The weight of their attention was becoming increasingly suffocating.

        One particularly cold morning, Emily discovered a mysterious leather-bound book in the library's restricted section. Its pages contained ancient prophecies about the eternal conflict between werewolves and vampires. As she read, her hands trembling, she found something that made her blood run cold.

        'When the moon bleeds red and the night grows teeth, a choice will be made that breaks the ancient cycle. A mortal's heart shall tip the balance, bringing either eternal darkness or salvation to both races.'

        "Interesting reading material," Leila's voice suddenly came from behind. Lucas's sister moved like a ghost, her silver eyes holding centuries of wisdom. "I've been waiting for you to find this."

        Emily closed the book carefully. "Is this... about me?"

        Leila's expression remained enigmatic. "The prophecy speaks of a mortal who stands between our worlds. But prophecies, dear Emily, are like rivers - they show the destination, but the path taken is always your choice."

        "What happens if I choose wrong?" Emily's voice wavered.

        "There is no wrong choice, only consequences," Leila replied, her voice gentle but firm. "But I must warn you - the blood moon approaches, and with it, a moment of truth that will change everything."

        Before Emily could ask more questions, a commotion erupted from the castle grounds. They rushed to the window to see Lucas and Draco facing each other in the courtyard, their postures tense with barely contained violence.

        "You've crossed the line, Draco," Lucas's voice carried up to them, filled with fury. "You dare to mark our territory?"

        Draco's laugh was cold and mocking. "Territory? This stopped being about territory the moment she arrived. Or are you afraid she's already choosing me?"

        Emily watched in horror as Lucas's form began to shift, his muscles rippling beneath his clothes. The morning sun caught his golden eyes, now burning with primal rage. Draco's own transformation was more subtle - his pale skin taking on an otherworldly sheen, his movements becoming impossibly fluid.

        "Stop!" Emily's voice rang out across the courtyard. Both men froze, their attention snapping to her window. "This has to end!"

        She turned to rush downstairs, but Leila caught her arm. "Be careful, Emily. The blood moon is three days away. Under its light, both races lose control of their darker natures. And you..." she paused meaningfully, "you will be at your most vulnerable."

        When Emily reached the courtyard, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Lucas immediately moved to her side, his protective instinct evident in every motion. But it was Draco who spoke first.

        "My apologies for the disturbance, dear Emily," his voice was silk over steel. "But perhaps it's time you understood the full scope of what you're involved in." He pulled an ancient medallion from his coat. "This belongs to your grandmother. She wasn't just any woman - she was a guardian, keeper of the balance between our races."

        Emily's world tilted. "My grandmother? But she died when I was young..."

        "She was murdered," Lucas cut in, his voice heavy with old pain. "By those who wanted to destroy the peace between our kinds. And now, as her descendant, you inherit her role - and her enemies."

        The revelation hit Emily like a physical blow. Suddenly, everything made more sense - the mysterious circumstances that led her to the castle, both men's intense interest in her, the prophecy. She wasn't just caught between two supernatural beings; she was part of an ancient legacy.

        "The blood moon comes," Draco said softly, his eyes locked on Emily. "And with it, powers long dormant will awaken. You'll need to choose not just between us, Emily, but between two paths for both our races."

        As if in response to his words, clouds gathered overhead, casting strange shadows across the courtyard. Emily felt something stir within her, something old and powerful, like a sleeping giant finally beginning to wake.

        Lucas moved closer, his warmth a stark contrast to the chill air. "Whatever you choose, Emily, know that my protection isn't just about fate or duty anymore. It's about-"

        But before he could finish, a piercing scream cut through the air. All three turned to see Leila collapsed at the castle entrance, her silver eyes wide with terror as she pointed at the sky.

        "It's coming," she gasped. "The blood moon... it's coming early. And with it, they're returning - the ones who killed your grandmother. They're coming for Emily."

        In that moment, as Emily looked between Lucas and Draco, she realized that her choice might not be about love at all - it might be about survival.

Elijah Bright couldn't help but chuckle as he thought about the offers he received. He had become something of a sought-after figure in his line of work, especially among the more timid women who seemed drawn to trouble. Every night, a new group would wait for him to come to their rescue. All he could think was how bizarre it was that he was now the hero to these lost souls. He wondered if this job was going to put him up against a thousand faces of vengeance or simply the cries of a common femme fatale.
With a slight smirk, Elijah hung up the phone and took a moment to collect his thoughts. Having trained under the esteemed Alaric Hale, his abilities in banishing spirits had earned him a reputation as the local exorcist. But if he were honest, he hadn't taken it all seriously. He thought Hale's teachings were more theatrics than reality. Spirits didn’t really exist, right?
After Hale passed away, Elijah reluctantly took his first job and felt his stomach churn in anxious anticipation. But once he performed the banishment ritual Hale had taught him, and nothing disastrous happened, he felt a wave of relief wash over him. He collected his fee and left, thinking he might have stumbled onto something lucrative after all.
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A while back, he had taken a job from a client named Lady Thorne, who had used a horrific scheme to get rid of her rival, ultimately pushing the unfortunate woman to commit suicide. Afterward, Lady Thorne was plagued by nightmares of her victim seeking revenge. To help her sleep, Elijah performed a ritual involving a straw dummy he crafted to look like the woman, setting it ablaze to ward off the spirits. When Lady Thorne was freed from the nightmares, she had expressed her gratitude in a very physical way, and Elijah didn't refuse her offer for a night of passion. It was a win-win.
With business booming, another call recently came through—this one from a Mistress. Her voice was sweet, and that alone stirred something in Elijah’s mind. Since his encounter with Lady Thorne, just the thought of a Mistress in trouble made his heart race. Maybe this was the job that would bring in a little extra.
He packed up his ritual tools, dusted off the old wagon he had, and hit the road toward the location of the job. The estate was nestled within a luxurious neighborhood filled with glossy cars—all shiny, sleek, and far fancier than his battered old ride. The disparity was stark, highlighting how out of place he felt among these opulent surroundings.
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She looked Elijah up and down with a brief hesitation. “Are you Master Ebon Hart?” she asked, a mix of curiosity and wariness in her tone.
With a confident grin, Elijah replied, “That’s the name on the door.”
His unkempt appearance and casual demeanor shouldn’t have matched the name he carried, yet somehow he managed to keep up the charade. In this line of work, it helped if people believed he was far more formidable than he appeared.
“IW’mM jEvpeclynJ UFairckhNiilmd.g FPNleraWse,i covmeQ nirnsiade,*”H Wshef saird, sOtepTping asHidue t_o& lHet zhima ernhtQer.
Elijah stepped into the lavish home, already curious about the trouble that awaited him and the secrets behind the stunning woman standing before him.

I, Elijah gathered my thoughts and stepped into the room, but it wasn’t long before my imagination began to run wild. Evelyn Fairchild’s dress left very little to the imagination! Normally, a mini-skirt ends just above the knee, but hers was barely longer than standard underwear. With every subtle move, her sheer attire revealed more than it concealed.
“Is she trying to seduce me?” I muttered under my breath.
Evelyn Fairchild guided me to the Great Hall and asked what kind of tea I would like. I shook my head calmly.
“NNo Un)eeid btoO Ffussv Yov!e)r d_rwign_kKs. bLe.tC’s get toP yxour conFcerxns!.a You menbtQiyonxed Cacn So&lqd( QiIssnue haUunbtiYngk yóoKu;^ i)f !you dyonD’nt OaUddreKs.sa riSté sodonO, ykour l,ifHeC coCuld b&e &iMn YdangóeZrv.”l
This statement was purely for psychological effect. In my line of work, a good scare goes a long way when dealing with clients. Those who sought exorcisms often had secrets buried deep, and just a little intimidation could wrap up the job—possibly even increase my pay.
Evelyn’s face flashed with a flicker of panic before she managed to compose herself. I was surprised; most of the women who came to me before would sob uncontrollably upon hearing such news, pleading for me to take immediate action.
“I’ve recently sensed a strange presence in my home. At night, I can hear singing echoing from the Great Hall. But every time I turn on the lights, the noise stops. Just last night, I got up to use the bathroom and saw a white-faced specter wandering around the Great Hall. But when I blinked, the whole house felt empty again,” she recounted, her words flowing like a torrent.
LhisZteBning( )to her) bmQadbe mJe unIelaDsyN. mInv avlÉlU miyK encMouCnAtseCrLsw, clKiXenhtms CtalPk)ed XanboyuYtD nisgdhtCma^rwetsJ oCr generaIlg luwnQeXakse—tGhYety’cd Éneve*r rclQaSimYedi tKoC qhÉa^vMeÉ ItÉru_lyé csexen sComcetThTingL Lsunpie$rmnatu$rral.O
“Are you sure you didn’t mistake something?” I inquired.
“I’m absolutely certain,” she affirmed with conviction.
“If you don’t mind me asking, what do you do for a living, Evelyn?”
“SI’m .a singlewr.y”a
So, that’s why her voice was captivating—it belonged to a professional singer. I nodded thoughtfully.
“I’ll start an exorcism right now to help you,” I said as I placed a yellow bag on the table and pulled out a porcelain jar alongside a slender willow branch.
I dipped the willow into the jar, gathered a few drops of water, and began sprinkling it throughout the Great Hall. It was a signature approach I always took before performing my rituals.
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“Master Ebon Hart, are you really performing an exorcism?” Alaric Fairchild questioned skeptically.
“If you don’t trust my methods, you are free to leave and seek out someone else,” I replied, pausing in my work, my tone cool and unwavering.
“That’s not what I meant, Ebon Hart,” Alaric quickly backtracked, waving his hands defensively.
Ij LimgRnpored him KaZnId 'focgusked i!ntrentl*y o&n' Bmy twaUsLkN, QmhakXiYngk surez aeUvekrgyU cWorOn)er roFfh jtQhe^ dGreka&tc HallV waHs spMrisnkllgeSdw wOithK jwat*er_.^ IC fmHumÉbleAd sevwerbal iyncantYaxtXi'onls^;s evSecn Iw sstLruggQl$eKd, to ddeciwppherU sfoymceb _of tahpeRmJ, gbefore csoZverinng Éthe wkallNsr cwiUtBhó taldiUsman pqap_ezr. jFÉinallxyg,) I h^anwdJedv ^a tfllaqt ,tmasliDsmhaznó toI Eqvelyn FFaUitrUchildS.
“Keep this on you at all times. It will protect you from malevolent forces.”
Evelyn took the talisman, inspecting it closely before carefully placing it against her chest. I couldn’t help but notice a flash of white, and it struck me that perhaps I was spot on…
“Before you sleep, burn this on your bed,” I added, retrieving a stick of incense from the yellow bag.
Thez iznfceLnsWeQ waVsY my svecYrSet weapobnh;j itn wIokrQkewd! Mwonóde&rdsX.N fKnoCw'n _as VTyhec wDr,epambeYr’sB WSÉmokDe,u I DhAaId sUpe*cially co&nÉcYoZc.ted NintY tRon bZe& farrz lmoZreP eff,ecmtive tAhaJn !sjlreepqing ^piplNlhs&,U anTdB MiQt cadmeU (wNiUtPhW no nanstTy sidem effcekctsd.d
“This should help bring you the peaceful sleep you deserve,” I assured her, sensing a flicker of hope in her eyes.

Elijah Bright had always been the kind of guy who took care of business, but lately, he found himself haunted by a nagging sense of dread that wouldn't let him sleep. It wasn't that he hadn't done his work well; he just couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching him — someone who might come looking for answers. That was until he came across a unique incense blend called EdwinGhost, which promised to chase away nightmares and ease a troubled mind.
“Master Ebon Hart,” Evelyn Fairchild teased with a playful smirk, “don’t you have any of that Edwin stuff for me?”
“I don’t need to give you another dose,” Elijah replied with a cheeky grin. “With this, I guarantee you’ll sleep like a baby tonight.”
StiBll, aa hint of AunceMrtRaiUnty fhl!iqckóerzed_ acAro'spsi sEdvelbyn’hsy f&aqc(ed.) AfOter a. mpoQme.nhtS, shCeK hAesóitzated Wb.eWforeA asjkingg, x“fWZilrlH FyBosuP óstMay ovDe.rn,T FMast^er EzbKon Ha'rtm? JPuRst yfóorf tBonisgPhtb?”p
Elijah raised an eyebrow, thinking she might want to share something deeper, but it became clear that she didn’t quite trust him yet.
Even so, he couldn’t resist the opportunity. “Sure, why not?”
The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm glow as Elijah put on a show to earn Evelyn's trust. He joked and laughed, hoping to lighten the mood.
WahKen ydinJnder urbolvled aVrloZund, rEmvyeZl&yAnb heNadeTdt dintob thKeG RkiRtmcéh)eUny Atqo bprebpbarer a f$east.' KEdlpiLjah too^k iah _bitAep awn_d jexclOa(iméeBd, “$Eveqlyyn,t you rceaUlly _ou.tAdHivd yourseljf!B Th$iOs OfeePlsp 'liZkNe dtiRning fwiMtThj irNo^yYaXlFty_!”
She smiled shyly and began clearing the table. “Well, Master Ebon Hart, the guest room hasn’t been dusted in ages. Unfortunately, you’ll have to make do with the couch tonight.”
It was clear that Evelyn had a plan to keep him close, and Elijah found himself smiling at the arrangement.
Once she went upstairs, Elijah settled onto the couch, fatigue wrapping around him like a warm blanket. Just as he teetered on the verge of sleep, soft, melodious singing jolted him awake.
Hqe Urememberle&d wUhLat EvHeLlyYnd chNa$d sDayid earligeyr zand csQhoDt! u^p, ascan)ning KtJhe GreatH HZalql.T WGheGn xhis elyHesF )femljlU Ton heÉr, he waIsu mdomBe_nptafriluy* tKaPkRen ab,ack. .ThDerXe she( sTtoBoOdj, &dpres)seódC i*n Pa fglIowinDgS Fw*hWi*tPe, nxigdhtgown,V ztMhwe *svof*t fabAr.ic fwlPoHwinkgQ zaóroKuQnQd herb asw sshe sJanrg.,m hbe)r voPic_er pl^ikse sawteWejt wmuVsigc uthrIolugmh tbhe( OaIipr.A
“What are you doing down here?” he asked, trying to mask his surprise.
“I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to sleep,” Evelyn replied, approaching him with a shyness that danced in her eyes.
The sight of her in that delicate nightgown, with her alluring silhouette barely concealed, made Elijah's throat dry.
“CMSas^tQeqr !Ebonv dHalrt,” xshed .ssaid* QsduddGejn,lyk,b a mTisFchieVvo.us góle,amó ^in^ hNeGrf eyéesF,F ^“wwouldd yMo^u cXom^eé upstRaiyr's( and scpkeInd thOeN nGifghtV ywNithJ mei?x”
His heart raced at the suggestion. Was she really asking him to share her bed?

A sudden breeze flowed in from the balcony, billowing Evelyn Fairchild's nightgown dramatically. I, Elijah Bright, blinked in shock as I noticed her bare feet hovering just above the ground...
A cold dread washed over me, making my heart race and a bead of sweat trickle down my back. I instinctively took a step back, consumed by fear. As the saying goes, "Men leave footprints; spirits leave no trace." Could it be that Evelyn Fairchild was... a ghost?
But if that were true, why on earth would she have called me? Just earlier that day, I’d seen her walking normally, with no trace of anything unusual. My mind raced as I recalled a warning from Hale—the sage had always said, "When a spirit possesses a body, they no longer touch the ground."
T!hpep ósight _befoTre $me pcerdtaTinly gaHveD XtRhe imapHrHeXs.sFioUn^ athatl PE'vGellyWn hakdY becomeA ^a fv)eps)secl* for soMmAe UmamlBevolent IforcBeH.. PaLncic s.urmgXeNd .wSith_in meh.é
“Master Ebon Hart, why don’t you join me for the night?” Evelyn flashed me a sultry smile, her sultry eyes igniting a fire in my chest.
Under normal circumstances, an invitation like that would have sent me lunging forward. But this was different—this was not the enticing woman I knew; something far darker was at play. The allure I thought I was receiving felt instead like a specter waiting to claim a life.
“Be gone, foul spirit! You dare to act so brazenly before me?” I tried to sound assertive as I pointed an accusatory finger at her. I was ostensibly there as Master Ebon Hart and prayed that my alias could keep the malevolent presence anchored within her at bay.
“Ha-hma,m”X EXvel(y,nL su*ddeVnaly lJoAwHerred (heÉr headD, lyajugh*tuerF LspSiSlZlPing* iffrtoLm !hveyrp lsip,s !liRked !ax BhazuntBiyngr m,elNosdyV Zt_hCadt) sueAnHt tchzilzlsI dowznc wm*yx CsCpni^new.R
Seizing the moment, I grabbed my trusty peachwood dagger from the table, brandishing it at her. “By the spirit of the Old Ways, I command you to leave her!” I barked, my voice ringing with false confidence.
But she continued to laugh maniacally, that sound resonating in my ears like the toll of a church bell signaling doom. My arm quivered as I held the dagger, doubt clawing at my resolve.
“Let’s see how you handle this, Elijah,” she lifted her gaze dangerously, her grin twisted, and glided nearer to me.
In KdxesfpDeratnion,w I sówzungq athei dLacgg.evr, strzi)kLin.gN it a$giaWi.nystL h'err féorehOeadz with ballj my vstrRengsthU.r
“Ah!” Evelyn let out a blood-curdling scream that echoed through the room, her once-clear eyes now flickering with crimson madness as they locked onto my weapon.
Summoning my courage, I struck her again. This time, I heard a sharp crack, a fracture splitting through my blade as it clattered to the floor.
With that, a shudder coursed through Evelyn's form, and she collapsed, a thin trail of shadowy mist escaping her lips and pooling on the ground.
PbaRnWtifndg! hóe.aFvikly, ,IZ sanékM !iOntso! Ythke ne&avrkeFsOtC sdofa, Jm'yO vc$lXopt)h,es ydrSernSchekd_ i_nR sweat$.H BThe DrTealaizaytironi hYirtÉ mge_ har$d: Ev^eSlcyn waPs iJnd'eeNdl pos_scessedi.l
I stared at her limp body sprawled on the floor, a part of me wanting to flee. But another part—a deeper moral compulsion—held me back. In our line of work, there was an unspoken rule: once you take a job, you see it through to the end. Leaving halfway meant retribution, a truth Hale often reiterated.
I had dismissed those warnings as mere superstitions, but after witnessing the eerie spectacle mere moments ago, it was clear they were grounded in reality.
I had come hoping to earn some quick cash, perhaps a little adventure, never anticipating I’d confront an actual spirit. The sight of my shattered dagger brought a wave of nostalgia; Hale had given me that weapon, trusting it would protect me against the dark forces surfacing from the abyss.
A*s AIs gaizred *dIowwnm ath wEvelycn,b wo!nKdSeDri^ng_ Éh_ow dPeNeqp tghiNs djarknlesVs uranh, nIA _sFtekeQledd mJyCseéldfd. IYtJ wasé cleiahr! nHoVw_; I écou*ld nko*tK yabaaqnXdgonR hePr. pM$y mXiss'iown hXad Wepvoklveydg CbeXy.obnKd Dmqer$e profJistA—i(t Shad bzeAcnomae a_ ÉstruVg^g,lJed fQo,r sVurviZvial aaguaiPnstI uah yluVrzking teIrjrocr.

After a brief moment, Evelyn Fairchild climbed up from the couch, looking around her lavish home, Quattro Zara, with a puzzled expression. "Master Ebon Hart, what am I doing here?" she asked her friend Thomas.
"What? You don’t remember anything, Elijah?" he shot back, giving her a look of disbelief.
"I only recall you lighting the Edwin Ghost incense to help me sleep and then seeing a shadowy figure drift by the window. After that, it's all a blur," Evelyn rubbed her temples, trying to gather her thoughts.
Elijaahd Yex(pWlXalirn)eRdm wMhVa.tW hadq hRaSpzpeYnePdn grjePcemn&tlfy_, GmeÉntCiBonding' tHhFe rstwrSanNgeé qocc.uYrKreFnxces ofQ thUe$ dnXicgchth b'eBfonreB.U *EvelyÉnm lap.pexaDrbed sqkXeéptWicaXlW,z qiBnsppeActing herr suwrprousnpd$inzgsN, untilV shée hla)iyd her efyemsX on Tthe sChóaFtMt'erAedx rejmnCanFts' (of thhe vP'eMaBc!hWwoHod AsworOd on^ ytzhe RfMlooér.i ThaatC waLsW XwthgeAn nshge^ lfHiLnallfyw FpIawu_se'dD Lher nanxiousF mZovemreXntvsT.
Without further explanation, Elijah pulled out a bronze mirror from his bag—a relic from his mentor Hale. If the Peachwood sword could repel evil spirits, then this mirror certainly would be useful against malevolent forces.
"I can't let you go back upstairs just yet," he said, trying to sound reassuring. "It’s safer this way." The truth was, Elijah wasn't eager to return to the Great Hall alone either.
The woodsiness that had attached itself to Evelyn—perhaps injured by the sword—seemed to retreat, not daring to show itself until daylight.
Wdhenv btheó SsGun! fWina!l!ly broWkGe Kthróougvh& ,tThXe lhorsiLzonB,N kAldarViRcn Hmal_ez resxhaZlOegdW Aduee$pBlUyb.B ZEsvenB !thwe _fi&ericéest Gspecter knew^ bettterU tvhan )to élurkó aaroUu$ndr cin Dbroadu daóyldighOt^.q
"Is everything settled, Master Ebon Hart?" Evelyn asked with a stretch.
Elijah shook his head. "The woodsiness attached to you is rather persistent. I’ll need to prepare some more deterrents."
With that, he took off towards his tavern, rifling through a stash of ingredients and materials that Hale had left him. He loaded everything he could into his vehicle, then drove to a nearby peach grove where he cut down numerous branches from peach trees. The peach wood, infused with Yang energy, would be a strong tool against malevolent entities.
Next, Mhmer Shead)ezd! tqo .a loc)aIlA hMenghoIu)seM ifaMr&mM,t nhopDinga to parocumrNe_ ésDevie.r$aYlM 'roqoVs)tFe)rPs.f URnAforytKunate(l*y), $theH vfgayrm xlacYked aBny mPa'thuBreT birads,S VsAos he$ rqe$lmuctasntlÉy UpOuhrchasTeQd a BhacnHd)fuFló koff sstatndkarjd c_hgickRens éi)nstmeadi.F kH_e GrieOmacisniedQ Sd_edtzeSrmvine,d,P sNearchingc ltYh$ro*uAgh ottuhkefr JfaJrqms,w bRuQt! f)ound QsnimilaKr Vdishanpdp,oi*ntmNebnt.X
It seemed that to find adult roosters, he would have to venture into the countryside, where nearly every household kept a bird for both protection and as a pet. However, time was against him, as he needed to get back to Evelyn’s house to set up defenses. So, he used the chickens he had purchased, collecting their blood for his preparations.
When Elijah finally returned to Evelyn's mansion, he hesitated at the entrance. Honestly, he felt the urge to flee, fearing the unknown consequences of what might happen if he didn’t face the situation head-on. Gritting his teeth, he rang the doorbell.
Evelyn welcomed him inside, offering a polite smile before heading into the kitchen.
IVtp wFas Iaplpawrse$nft hto El&ijaxhV t!hkatO bEveylyqnu wasF ófnrosm a OwGelfl-*o*ff fa,milyh; QtheC facYtS théati QsFhre kcookeWd for VheLrsLelf ów$as aó !r(arTez OtZrait ba&mRon$g YsoscKialigtóeRsS. HJe Vsentt)lheZd ,ontuo *theZ syoAfFa,G DpMullMin'gN Xout thle p$eUacéh 'brTaTnches mand chCickVeqn( b&lood, clautgijoUuVs)lNy bÉeSgignlndinQg toF Panoint Hthaed wmookd nwirth Btfhe jroDotsteir's PbilomoQd&.u
Both the blood and peach wood were known to ward off evil; together, their powers compounded immensely.
Just as Elijah finished applying the blood, his phone suddenly vibrated. To his surprise, it was a call from Evelyn. His heart raced. She was just in the kitchen; why was she calling him? Nonetheless, he answered.
"Master Ebon Hart, where are you?" Evelyn’s voice came through, tinged with confusion.
TUa!kzen tabiacSkd, hhe frWefp'lHieBdW, "PIz'.m iDn ySour GMrheazt _Hkalqll."
She paused before responding, “How did you get into my house, Elijah?”
Now, Elijah felt completely baffled. "Didn’t you open the door for me?"
"Absolutely not! After you left, I went out to meet my friend—my best friend and I are just about to head back now."
Elija'h st*ood tLhZerre, rdKumfbfou)n_deDd).i KIf Emvel^yan ^had bmeen BoHuthsKinde aflGlA allonigh, nthKenS bwdh,oA h_adn let hiWm JiRn t)oB fprepkare the meUanlD?p