Orphelia and Edmund sat in silence for what seemed like an hour. The grandfather clock ticked and tocked, and it was the only thing that accompanied the howling wind outside. The fire sparked as the logs moved from burning.
Orphelia broke the silence. "What can I do to help?" Edmund sheds one tear and wipes it on his shirt. He gets up and puts on a red dressing robe that laid in a corner. Orphelia guessed he got cold. Talking about the past did that to people. Edmund returns from the corner and leans against the fireplace.
"What I want most in the world is for Noah to pass beyond the veil and live his afterlife." Orphelia joins him by the fireplaces. She meets his gaze.
"What can I do to help?"
Edmund ignores her question. "I've researched and interviewed psychics all over Europe. Most gave me obviously fake answers. I was about to give up until I meet a psychic in Paris. She told me that for Noah to cross the veil, I need to do three things." Edmund turns toward Orphelia. He grabs both her hands and leads her toward the window, which overlooks the expanse of the English countryside. It's beautiful, Orphelia realized, even this late at night. Edmund stares out into the night.
"What three things do you need to do?"
"First, I need to complete Noah's unfinished business. That what keeps most spirits from passing into the afterlife. Second, I need to make a death potion and pour it over his body. It will help his soul separate from his mortal state. Lastly, I need to shed fresh blood into the heart of the castle. The psychic told me shedding blood in the heart of where the victim was murdered will show the spirit that the person helping them cross means well. It shows the spirit that they're willing to be vulnerable at the expense of freeing a spirit."
Edmund gently grabs Orphelia's chin. Their eyes meet. "Will you help me set my friend free?" Edmund asked.
"Yes," said Orphelia.
Edmund lowers his hand form Orphelia's chin and turns back to the window. Orphelia copies him.
The Weeping Prince and the Forgotten Girl stare out the window, breathing slowly. A blue light shines behind them. The Ghost of Winterlove Castle floats behind them, ready to cross the veil and be free at last.
YOU ARE READING
The Ghost of Winterlove Castle
Historical FictionOrphelia Knight is tired of the grey city of London. Her family is pushing her to marry the most eligible of London's bachelors: Lord Ezra Burton, a man who wears his ego as a suit. Orphelia, feeling pressured and lonely, persuades her parents to...
