We sit in silence as the fire slowly begins to die out but the cold never settles as James tightens my body against his. I smile sleepily as I curl up in his lap, his strong arms holding me tight in his warm embrace, "Hey James?" I finally speak up...
My feet paced back and forth in the office of the cabin. The fireplace burned brightly behind me, giving the room a warm glow. A large stairway swirled it's way up to the second floor which looked down at the first from a long walkway that circled the room and shelves.
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James had snapped out of his daze and disappeared awhile ago. Since then, I've been going through books about mythical creatures and beasts.
I threw another book on the floor as I sighed loudly, "What is he?!" I yelled in frustration as I turned to look out the window. It was already dark and I've been working for over three hours. My stomach rumbled loudly as I looked around the room.
My eyes locked on a all black spine among reds and browns . I walked up slowly and traced it with my finger as I read aloud,"The beast." By Charles Winslow." I gasp softly as I see my grandfather's name written in fading white font. I pull it off the shelf and slowly trace the spine. The cover was blank black and the pages were yellowed from age, "How old is this book?" I opened it to the first page,
"To my Little Olivia, You finding this book means that I no longer walk this earth."
Tears stung my eyes as I continued reading.
"You meant everything in the world to me ever since those big blue eyes met mine while you stared from the arms of your sleeping mother. From that day I decided you were destined to be great. You were destined to be my successor."
My eyebrows furrowed as I flipped to the next page. The handwriting was rushed and sloppy.
"With my age, my memory is slowly deteriorating and I am finding it harder to remember who I am and what I've done with my life. But one thing for certain is that I know you.
In this journal is my whole life's work.
This forest has many mysteries and I want you to find them all and research them. In the lower right drawer of my desk is a wooden panel. Lift it up."
I put the book to my chest as I follow his instructions. My feet carry me to his desk and I open the lower right drawer to lift up the panel lightly and gasp as a set of silver keys lay against the bottom. I quickly stuff them in my pocket before flipping the book open again.
"Your a smart girl. You know where they unlock."
My mind immediately thinks back to the master bedroom closet. A old chest sits on top of a hatch that needs to be opened with keys. Grand-pop always told me that it lead to pipes and the water system and for years I believed him.
Now I know better.
I rush out the room and down the halls until I reach the stairs that lead to the master bedroom. I hesitate, "What was he hiding for so long" My heart beat against my chest as my common sense screamed at me to not go but curiosity is always louder.
