Visions of Fate

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE - VISIONS OF THE PAST

Ethan immediately wrapped a hand around my mouth and I found myself leaning into his warmth, thankful that I had him there with me.

"I'm guessing this was the building in your vision, then," Ethan said, releasing his hand from my mouth and slipping it around my waist.

When my attempt to talk failed, I simply nodded my head, keeping my gaze on the building. It looked so present, so real. I had to resist the urge to brush my hand up its iron gate that still creaked ominously in the empty night.

"Should we go in?" I didn't know when I asked. A chill ran up my spine as I imagined walking through the gate and into the gloomy compound. If I didn't get eaten up by a strange creature, I was sure I would come back out with either PTSD or depression.

"We have to," Ethan said and slipped away from behind me, walking towards the gate of the building. I walked towards him and watched as he pried the gate open. "Great," he slumped his hands. "It's locked."

"Hold on a minute," I stepped closer and held the cold metal lock in my empty hand. This lock wasn't normal, it didn't appear so. Imprinted on it were so many familiar symbols, and unlike any other lock, this one had its teeth on its face rather than on the bottom.

I pulled out grandma's key and handed the box to Ethan. Both our breathing became ragged as I slipped the key into the lock's hole. It made a perfect fit as it settled in easily.

I turned to Ethan and he gave me an encouraging nod. I twisted the key to the left, then to the right and almost immediately, the lock came of easily. I opened the gate with a loud creak and Ethan and I stepped into the blackened compound.

The entrance seemed to stretch wider as Ethan and I walked through what was once lush green grass that had now become overgrown weeds and thorns. I tried not to get pricked, making cautious steps as Ethan and I walked towards the haunting house. The door was unlocked when we got to it, so I opened it and stepped inside, heart drumming faster every second.

Trust your instincts, Emily. Trust your instincts.

Inside, the house was darker than it was outside, the only source of red light coming from a turn that presumably led to a hallway. I felt Ethan link his fingers through mine and I took in a deep breath of dusty air, trying to be as brave as possible. Trying to trust my instincts.

Ethan began walking in the direction of the light, and I soon found myself following his footsteps. As we drew nearer, the light intensified, become increasingly redder than before.

I tightened my grip on Ethan's hand as we faced the glowing light. Ethan looked down at me in confusion and I tried not to get distracted by the red light cast on only half of his face.

"Let me go in. Alone."

"Are you crazy?" Ethan looked as if I had just plucked my own eyes out. "There's no way I'll allow you to go in there by yourself."

"Ethan," I squeezed his hand firmer, and I couldn't tell who's hand had gotten so sweaty. "The reason we're here is because of me," my tone was so subtle, I hardly recognized it as mine. "I saw the visions, not you. If any life should be risked because of that, it should be mine." Ethan opened his mouth to argue, but I caught him off with a kiss. "I've made up my mind already," I said after pulling out. "And that's my final decision." I took the box from Ethan. "If you hear a scream or I don't come out in ten minutes, promise me you'll leave without me."

When Ethan didn't reply, I gave his hand another squeeze, and he answered with a curt nod. That was enough for me, so I released his hand and walked deeper into the hallway. For a while all I saw was red light in the thin hallway, but when I saw another room, I came to a stop. The room wasn't highlighted, so it was difficult to make anything of it from afar.