“Enough about what doesn’t matter,” I quickly change the subject. I don’t want to think about the pain that’s threatening to rush upon my heart. “Do we know if we banish this demon that the ghosts stuck on this campus can cross over the veil and rest peacefully? Is he the tether?”
I avoid Milly’s burning stare as I look at my professor.
“Profess—Archer, please.”
He exhales heavily. “We can only hope that is the solution. I’m assuming there is a tie to this campus through the sacrifices that latch the spirits here. Ideally, with the demon returning to where he belongs, the tie will be released.”
I nod, and he stands up. “I need to get ready for this evening andgather as much information as possible. Milly, please stop by my office first thing in the morning. I will be there at 7 AM sharp to disclose everything I learn. The more information we have, the better the odds.
Grace, please stay here. These next few hours are going to be crucial, and it’s imperative that you remain hidden in the meantime. I do not recommend responding to anyone. Goodnight.”
He bows his head in goodbye as he grabs his suitcase and swiftly steps out of the room.
Chapter 28
Grace
October 5th
Milly and I remain silent as I stare at the door. I can feel her eyes on the side of my face, but I already know what conversation she wants to have. It’s one I’m not ready for.
I know that releasing the demon from Priest Brown is going to release her from here,from me. There isn’t proof, sure, but that feeling in my stomach currently? It has the warning flags waving, an endless flutter of nerves too strong to ignore. It is too overwhelming to utter a single word.
I can’t allow myself to think about losing Milly. No, I’m not ready for that. It’s only been weeks. We deserve the years we have already been robbed.
I swallow the lump in my throat as I find myself repeating that I may not see Milly ever again after tomorrow. I can’t do this to her again; leave her in another realm or heaven or hell without me. But I can’t let her stay here trapped. She deserves peace, even if that means without me.
I won’t see Milly ever again.
I won’t see Milly ever again.
I won’t see Milly ever again.
I won’t see Milly ever again.
The thoughts spread turmoil through my body when I feel a soft, cool touch on my thigh. My leg immediately stops bouncing as I realize I’ve been shaking it once more, lost in the thoughts of tomorrow.
I knew that this would be impossible. I’m sure that’s why Milly was apprehensive at first, too, letting us get closer to one another.
Thoughts of ways to tether myself to her rattle through my brain as my breathing quickens, the oxygen desperate to reach my brain as my vision blurs. But maybe it’s not the oxygen I’m so desperately clinging to, but the tears.
I keep my gaze on the door, eyes peeled wide open, unblinking. I can’t cry. She’s the one who’s gone through it all. The privilege of having no memory is becoming one of pain. How dare I lose some of the greatest moments with the love of my life? How dare I start to lose control at the thought of her being able to rest now? I’m being incredibly selfish, but I can’t stop the emotion. Her hand reaches up and wipes across my cheek, and I know with that one movement that I failed.
I close my eyes, and the tears rush in a flood of despair. I must let out a wail because suddenly the reason for my tears is holding me in her arms as I soak her top with my grief. I hear her mumble some words to me, but I’m trapped in my brain.
I’m trapped in the sentence that continues to break me over and over again.
I will never see Milly again.
I will never see Milly again.
I will never see Milly again.
I will never see Milly again.
I will never see Milly again.
I will never see Milly again.
