The Stray Souls ["The Diary Keeper" Sequel; "The Dark Legacies" Series]

Chapter 14: Eternal flame

You won't believe the news - the local government has finally cracked the code on what to do with Amos's other properties in Ravenwood! They've decided to sell them to entrepreneurs, and I've got to say, it's a game-changer for our town. Imagine, these old places getting a facelift and turning into something new and exciting. It's like giving Ravenwood a fresh start.

So, here's the plan: these entrepreneurs are going to roll up their sleeves, renovate the properties, and transform them into local businesses. Picture the dusty, forgotten spots becoming vibrant cafes, quirky shops, or even cool hangout spots. It's all about injecting life back into these places, and I can't wait to see the magic unfold.

It's not just about sprucing up the buildings; it's about giving Ravenwood a real boost. With these new businesses popping up, the town is bound to thrive. It's like a ripple effect - more businesses mean more activity, more people, and, hopefully, more opportunities for everyone here. Who knows, Ravenwood might just become the next hidden gem on the map!

Sure, change can be a little nerve-wracking, but this feels like the right kind of shake-up. I can already picture the locals gathering at these revamped spots, sharing stories, and creating new memories. It's a breath of fresh air for Ravenwood, and I'm excited to see how this journey unfolds. Here's to the future and the little town that's about to shine in a whole new light!

Who knows, maybe in the future, there won't be a reason to move to a bigger city from here. After all, Mr. di Flores's questionable activities brought some benefit, strange as it may sound.

***
Recently, a downright crazy idea popped into my head. Well, in general, if I have an idea, it's almost certainly a crazy one. But in times like these, ideas tend to be just that.

The gist of it is that Mia's and Hazel's diaries have their own consciousness. They are a part of their owners. So, the same should be true for my diary. What if I ask it for advice? What if it gives me an answer?

Honestly, I'm thoroughly confused. I have no idea which direction to go, what to do next, or whom to ask for help. My main task is to lift the curse from the estate and free the shadows from manipulative influence. In other words, give the ghosts peace.

I opened my journal and initiated our dialogue. It responded almost immediately, and frankly, it was all too predictable.

L: Hello. My name is Liandra, and lately, I've been feeling lost.
D: Hello, Liandra. Lately? Hasn't it always been this way?

This question made me ponder. Indeed, when was I ever sure of what I was doing? My parents often scolded me for being scatterbrained and frivolous. I admit they were right.

L: Actually, nothing in my life has ever been clear. But now, evidently, I need to break the curse.
D: And you want a straightforward answer on how to do that?
L: It would be great.
D: But then the decision won't be yours.
L: I don't care! I just want to put an end to this whole story!
D: But hasn't this story made you who you are now?

Oh, these philosophical musings! Why can't it just explain things as they are or admit that it can't help?

L: Just give me some hint. Point me in the right direction.

I hate those long pauses filled with anticipation. It's better to get a refusal right away.

D: You have to visit an underground room, the one with eternal flame. Look carefully and you will definitely find out something you need.

***
I stood before the entrance to the underground room in Di Flores Manor. What else can I find here? I thought I had already seen everything in this life.

Could it be a forgotten chamber filled with forgotten artifacts, relics from a time long past? Perhaps a trove of old documents, shedding light on the history of Ravenwood and the enigmatic Di Flores family? My mind conjured images of dusty tomes, revealing old tales.

Maybe it held clues to the ancient magic that once coursed through Ravenwood, a magic I had only scratched the surface of understanding. The uncertainty heightened the thrill of the unknown.

I approached the door. I opened it. The dim light flickered from a series of eternal flames positioned on both sides of the room. The flames stood tall and steady, casting an ethereal glow that danced across the stone walls. The fire stood there as a guardian.

I took some steps forward. Then, my eyes caught something intriguing on the walls. Ancient signs, delicately drawn with a mysterious elegance, were so familiar. The patterns mirrored the enigmatic symbols I had stumbled upon in the underground passages of Ravenwood. They were similar!

The soft glow of vintage lamps played on the intricate designs, revealing a connection between the mansion and the hidden passages beneath the town. It was as if the walls themselves held secrets. My mind raced with questions.

Symbols in the underground labyrinth, symbols in this room - could they be connected somehow?