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

Chapter 25: A reckless entreaty

I noticed an interesting tendency – the more questions you pose to Mia's diary, the more... no, not answers. Instead, you get even more unanswered questions. That's why I kept asking and requesting to show me more, hoping that I could eventually piece together this puzzle on my own.

Next scene. The Hazelford High building looked almost the same from the outside as it does today – it hasn't changed for a long time. Then the background shifted – now the diary showed an office with expensive luxurious furniture. Sitting behind the desk was presumably the former headmaster of the boarding school. And opposite him in a chair was Amos in his younger years.

"Good day, Mr. Underwood," Amos greeted with a confident smile as he entered the headmaster's office. "I've been thinking, and I'd like to buy this school."

The headmaster, a middle-aged man with a stern but thoughtful expression, raised an eyebrow at Amos's proposition. "Well, Amos, this school means a lot to me. It's been in my family for years."

Amos, a well-dressed businessman with a determined look, leaned forward. "I understand, but I have big plans for it. I want to make it even better."

The headmaster sighed, his gaze wandering to the old photographs on the wall. "It's not just a business to me; it's a family legacy. I can't sell it."

Undeterred, Amos continued, "I can offer you a good price, and I promise to keep the spirit of the school alive."

The headmaster's eyes reflected a mix of nostalgia and determination. "Money isn't everything. This school is like a family to me, and I can't let it go."

Amos persisted, a hint of eagerness and even anger in his voice. "It's better for you to reconsider. I believe I can bring positive changes without losing its family touch."

The headmaster, firm in his decision, shook his head. "I appreciate your offer, Amos, but this school is not for sale. It's my family's pride and joy."

***
In a minute, Mia's diary showed me another place.

The Oxford library is like a big castle of books. When you walk in, there are these super tall shelves full of books that reach up to the sky. It's kind of like a cool maze made of stories. The air inside is quiet, and you can smell the old book pages - it's like a mix of history and adventure.

Sunlight comes in through these fancy windows, making the old books and tables look even cooler. People don't talk too loud; they mostly whisper or just read quietly. You can hear the sound of pages turning and sometimes someone chatting about a book. It's a comfy place where you feel like you're on a quest for cool stuff.

Every part of the library has its own special books - there's a bit of everything, from old stories to big ideas. The floors make a soft creaking sound when you walk around, adding to the cozy feeling. You can find these hidden spots for reading, or sit at big tables if you want to dive into serious studying.

It's like a mix of old times and today, bringing together old wisdom and new ideas. If you want to get lost in a story or dig deep into learning, this place has got you covered. The Oxford library is all about keeping things simple and classy while you explore the awesome world of books.

Grace sat at a table in the library, deep in discussion with a guy about her age. His words carried a serious tone as he said, "Grace, let's be real. You're never going to make it in politics. You don't have the right connections, the kind that actually matter."

Grace looked at him calmly and replied, "Well, I believe in working hard and proving my worth. Connections shouldn't be the only way to succeed."

The guy chuckled condescendingly, "Grace, this world doesn't work like that. It's about who you know, not just what you can do."

Grace, undeterred, said firmly, "I may not have influential connections now, but I can build a path for myself based on merit and dedication. Politics needs people who genuinely care and work for the greater good, and I intend to be one of them."

"You are not realistic. I believe in your talent but not in your success."

She started arguing with him and then the whole image dissolved.

***
When I want to take a break from the noise and hustle of the outside world, I retreat to Di Flores Manor. This place feels like a sanctuary, a haven of tranquility where I can escape the chaos of daily life. The moment I step through its doors, a sense of calm washes over me, and I find solace in the peaceful ambiance that envelops the manor.

I mean, this place is like a time machine to tranquility. The second I walk in, it's like the chaos of daily life just evaporates, and I'm left with this serene vibe that's just so darn refreshing. It's got this timeless charm. It's like stepping into a scene from an old movie, and every nook and cranny whispers tales of days gone by.

As much as it's a haven for peace-seekers like me, I can't help but think it could double as the ideal set for a horror flick. I mean, just imagine those creaky floorboards and dimly lit corridors. You've got antique furniture that seems to hold secrets, and the vintage portraits staring back at you like they know something you don't. It's like the calm before the storm, the eerie silence setting the stage for some spine-chilling suspense.

I sat in the large living room in front of the fireplace, lost in contemplation. Suddenly, my thoughts were interrupted. Right beside me, along the wall, a strange, barely noticeable mist began to form. In an instant, the outlines of a young girl's face manifested within that light, mysterious fog.

I recognized her, immediately recognized her!

"Mia!?" I exclaimed. "How did you end up here?"

"Liandra, no time for unnecessary questions," she was not as restrained as usual, "Listen to me carefully."

"What the hell... I didn't summon you!" I was almost stuttering.

"Lia, you have to bring me back to life."

"What do you mean? You can visit the world of the living as a ghost - that's the maximum you can do."

"My dear, it's not about that at all," she paused, "You have to bring me back to the world of the living... and turn me into one of them."

Her voice trembled. It seemed like she was trying to save herself from an obvious danger. But what danger could await someone who was already dead?

"Mia, it's impossible. And I don't think it's safe at all - no one has ever returned from the afterlife!"

"I'll never become a living person in the literal sense, but I can become a shadow to interact with the outside world. I must warn you, it's definitely dangerous," she said quite seriously. "If you do something wrong, you might end up dead instead."

"Why do you need to return in the form of a shadow? What's the point?"

"Listen, it's temporary. I have to do something important..."

She wanted to say something else, but her phantom dissolved in the air with her last words.