The Statue's Transcending Whisper

Chapter 6

I peeked an eye open while remaining in Felix's arms, curiosity getting the best of me, and looked out the side window as Quincy drove onward. The tires rolled from the bumpy terrain onto the cobblestone road before us as the once vibrant trees faded into bare ones, long having shed their leaves which laid in heaps on the graying grass. Some patches were raked into piles at the base of the trunks. Felix patted the hand he had placed comfortingly on my arm and inclined his head forward.

"Wow."

I swiveled my head to peer out the windshield and gasped in awe and terror at the the beauty before me.

Against a clear blue sky was a grey stone castle, which got bigger and bigger as we grew near. Circular towers big and small, plunged upward, their gold tiles glowing in the sun as crimson flags fluttered in a faint breeze. There was at least four stories. I couldn't say for sure how many there were because the sheer amount of turrets and watchtowers; it seemed dizzying to keep track amongst the tall gleaming windows.

We drove through an arched tunnel of the citadel. Ivy covered it's entire expanse, scaling upward in a series of intricate knots and swirls. It was rather overgrown in areas and it seemed the vines would reach out and snatch us up to become a part of them. Goosebumps rose on my arms at how chill the air became inside the backseat. I suppressed a shiver and tried to ignore it the best I could, but everything seemed off.

Quincy pulled in front of a stone walkway leading up to the castle and shut of the engine so the car remained unmoving in the circular driveway.

Felix squeezed me in his arms which still wrapped around me, "This is like something from a fairytale novel."

"Yeah. Or a horror film." I muttered.

Gargoyles were perched on each stone railing, which curved outward to make it wider at the base. Bushes lined the castle, the ivy which climbed up the sides were merely dead vines. A knot formed in my stomach over how dead everything seemed.

I couldn't be the only one getting weird vibes from this place. Everything practically screamed, 'perfect setting to die'.

"Oh El, where's your sense of adventure?"

"Must have left it back at the airport."

Felix sighed and loosened his embrace, his head drew back to give me a calculated look.

"What's up with you? You've been acting weird since we left the U.S."

I averted my gaze toward the castle, pushing away the mess of emotions wanting to spring up. Part of me was still livid about him and Hollie, yet I didn't want to face it. Especially not here.

"Just nerves Felix. I'm fine-"

I jumped and let out a squeak at a sudden tapping sound. Felix shook his head and sighed in exasperation before pointed behind me. I twisted my head and spotted the man who received us at the gates. He smiled and took a step back once he got our attention. Felix reached to open the door for us. A cool breeze wafted in. It sent me shivering as I looked up into the round, weathered face of the older man. His tired, grey eyes peered down at us in mild excitement.

"Welcome to Blackwood castle-"

The man paused as he leaned toward me, blinking before his eyes expanded in astonishment. His head tilted to the side and murmured under his breath..

"Its can't be. I must be seeing things."

Unease and curiosity captured me. I clutched the heart locket fastened around my neck, "What do you mean?" I asked, pegging him with an intense stare. The man pursed his lips and shook his head.