Separated in the Phantoms

Chapter 22

The sunlight washed over me. We were out. I looked back at the cave. The voices, screams and footsteps stopped. I walked over to Faith. She was passed out.
“Is she okay?” I asked. Torin nodded.
“Just all the things that happened were too much. She passed out. She’ll be fine.” He said. I sighed in relief.
“Good. Now, let’s get out of here.” I said and walked towards the opposite direction.
Soon enough, the bare, grey, rocky ground made place for soft grass. We kept walking for a little while longer until we were far enough and the sun started setting. Torin, who was still carrying her, put Faith down. I sat down next to her. I opened my back, hoping that my fire supplies reappeared, which they did. I handed Torin the lighter and he lit a fire on the wood he gathered a few minutes ago. Faith started to wake up. Once she was fully awake, she hugged me. I was glad to feel the warmth of her body again.
“I’m so sorry, Faith. I should’ve listened to you.” I said, on the brink of tears.
“Hey, it’s okay. See? I’m fine!” She said, reassuring me. I sat back and smiled.
“How are ya, Faith?” Torin asked. She turned her head towards him and smiled.
“Yes, I am fine. Just a little shaken.” Faith replied. She turned to me.
“You said I dropped a note, with Graves’ handwriting?” She said. I nodded and took out the paper. I unfolded it. I cleared my throat and read the note.

I am impressed! You have made it this far my dear~ Ruby! Well, let’s give you your last, well earned hint, shall we?
Darkness falls across the lands
Trophies of Death, visible on the stands.
Gloom and doom cursed these walls,
Can you hear their ghostly calls?
Towers high, reaching the sky.
And the halls, where peace does not apply.
Rooms dark and cursed with death,
Where many people took their last breath.
Royalty once roamed these halls.
But they all took great falls.
Be careful with the spirit of the dead,
Because all of them have bled.
Enjoy your trip, my dear Ruby! Let’s see if you can find me!

I gulped. My eyes widened. I muttered ‘no’ over and over again.
“Ruby? What’s wrong?” Torin asked. I looked him in the eyes.
“It sounds like Archdale Castle.” I said. Torin was still confused. I sighed and explained.
“My mother was murdered in that castle. We don’t know by who or why. She was stabbed more than a dozen times. I’m lucky I never got to see her body. My dad, not so lucky. We swore to never set foot in that damned place. It is extremely haunted and not many people come out alive. I hate that place more than anything in the world.” I said. Faith hugged me.
“It’s alright. We’ll be fine. We can make it! Let’s rest first.” Faith said. I sighed and agreed.