A Choir Of The Coldest Hearts

Is There A Cure For This Disease?

Sometimes, Kellin and I stay inside the dorms, sometimes we sneak out, walking aimlessly through the woods. We talk about everything and nothing, just enjoying each other's company. He can pass as another student, as long as no one takes too close of a look at him. It troubles me in some way. Why is he different than any other ghost I've encountered?

But I try to push it aside, as Kellin joins me in between classes, hanging out with me, Jack, Jenna, and Alex on the lawn. It's like he's just another student—he spends so much time with us it's easy to pretend that he is.

I've slowed down, only taking it every other day now. I know I should stop. Maybe I can after the next one. Or the one after that. Or right after that. Yes, that's when I'll stop. For good. But when the day rolls around, I still find myself reaching for the familiar pill, as if stopping will cause something bad to happen. It's counterintuitive, I know, it's so stupid, but I can't help it.

None of the other spells have worked. The woods lie empty, no other traces of ghosts other than the faint wailing at night. Every so often, I see the flicker of a shape in the woods, but it's not my brother and it's not Kellin. I can't help feeling empty, like there's no solution to anything. What if there really is no way? Then what do I do?

Kellin and I race up our usual route, running along the edge of the woods toward the lake. He's faster than me, obviously, not slowed down by trivial matters such as breathing.

"You're so slow," he teases, backpedaling so he can look at me.

I flip him off as I chase after him, gasping for air. "Trahit," I mutter under my breath, stopping as my legs cramp up. Kellin turns, ready to taunt me again, but a force drags him backward, straight into me.

It doesn't go as planned though, since he knocks me backward into the leaves, landing on top of me.

"Seriously?" I ask, trying to push him off of me as my face heats up. He props himself up on his elbows, not moving.

"You cast the spell," he pointed out. "I'm not moving." He shifts, making me gasp as his knee digs into my leg.

"Watch it." I poke him in the side, trying to get him to move. "You're going to crush me."

"Too bad," Kellin sighs. "That would be just terrible for you." As if to prove his point, he lets himself drop down on me, knocking the air out of me.

"Oof," I gasp. "Get off of me."

"No can do," Kellin grins, his face inches from mine. I can feel my face heating up, feeling his body pressed against mine. His lips are so close, I could—

I force myself to look away, hoping he'll catch the hint. Kellin sighs, climbing awkwardly off of me. He holds out his hand, pulling me to my feet. I brush the leaves and dirt off of myself.

"Wait," Kellin says softly. He tugs me back, reaching up as I flinch away. "You have leaves in your hair." I force myself to stand still as he pulls out the leaves. After he's done, I expect him to let go of my hand, but he doesn't, pulling me ahead. My face flushes as we walk, hand in hand toward who knows where.

"Do you know if it is possible to summon the dead?" I ask, out of the blue.

Kellin turns, glancing back at me curiously. "I'm not sure," he says.

"I mean, I summoned you," I point out. "So it must be possible."

Kellin looks troubled for a moment. "That's different," he mutters. "Most ghosts won't recognize the living, especially if they've been gone too long."

"Then what about you?" I know I'm being nosy, but I need to find my brother.

He lets go of my hand, dropping his gaze. "I don't know," he says. "But you won't be able to do it, take my word for it. That's not how warlock magic works."

We're silent the rest of the way back. Eventually, Kellin splits off from me, disappearing into the woods. I head back to the school, my heart hammering in my chest. The thoughts are whirling around in my mind. I failed. There's nothing I can do. He's really gone, then. I've failed him. I race up the steps toward my dorm room, rummaging in my backpack. My hopes have fallen again, the knowledge that Mike's really gone weighing heavily on me.

"Shit," I mutter. I'm out. I need it all to stop, I need it all to go away right now. I try to take a deep breath, but I can't. Before I know it, I'm pounding on Craig's door.

Craig's brow furrows as he opens the door.

"What do you want?" he asks. "I thought you said you were stopping." I did, didn't I? When I was still lost in the idea that I could actually get him back.

"Well, I guess I changed my mind."

"You shouldn't," Craig says. "Honestly, Vic."

"Just give them to me." I don't have any patience right now to deal with him. I need to forget and forget now.

Craig hesitates and I glare at him. "Please," I beg. "I need it. Why do you even care? You don't even know me. I'm just a customer to you."

Something flashes over his face, and finally, he nods, handing me a familiar bottle. "Be careful," he calls as I run back toward my room. "Don't do anything stupid." But it might be too late for that.