And there was something floatingonthe pond.
“It’s a … house,” Opal said, at the exact moment Nico asked, “Is that a boat?”
The gray-planked structure rose two stories, with grimy windows and a wide front porch. It looked regal and dilapidated at the same time, as if a fancy hotel had grown from the water and been left to rot.
The ancient houseboat—for Nico abruptly realized that’s what it was—seemed both dead and … strangely alive. As if it waited for something.
Emma and Tyler clambered up next to them and the foursome clustered atop the same flat rock.
They all stared, words stolen from their lips.
The pull Nico felt earlier returned.
Come inside, the building seemed to whisper.
Come and see what I have for you.
4
OPAL
Come and see what I have for you.
Opal shot a glance at the others, but they were all staring at the houseboat. A strange smile tilted the corners of Nico’s mouth. “Hey,” Opal began, but the word caught in her throat.
“Should we go inside?” Emma’s eyes sparkled, even as she shivered.
Lips pursed, Tyler shook his head. “Nope.No way. That’s how we die. Right there on that boat.” A gust rattled the tree branches behind them and he jumped.
“We could die right here, too.” Opal rubbed her arms. “Of hypothermia.”
Nico shot her a look. “No one’s dying. But we might as well go check it out. Maybe that building has a map.”
“Or dry clothes,” Opal said.
“Or pirate treasure.” Emma started down the hill.
Tyler muttered something about prime Beast hideouts, buthe followed after her. Opal and Nico caught up on a long grassy field that bordered the water. Stark and imposing, the houseboat lurked at the center of the pond.
“I’m not swimming in that,” said Tyler. “No chance.”
“No need.” Opal pointed farther up the shore. A line of flat gray stones were scattered across the pond, like a game of hopscotch leading to the houseboat.
“Great.” Tyler heaved a sigh. “Just great.” They circled to the stones. Emma leaped onto the first one, extending her arms for balance. “Come on. I’m the shortest. If I can make it, everyone can.”
“It’s not a matter ofcan,” Tyler grumbled. “It’s aboutshould.” But to Opal’s surprise he jumped next, landing on the first rock as Emma hopped to the second.
“Go ahead,” Nico said to Opal.
“Such a gentleman.” She bit off the words. “But I don’t mind being last.”
Nico rolled his eyes and followed Tyler. Opal waited until he was halfway across before starting after him. She couldn’t explain why she was so mad, but that didn’t make it go away. “Hurry up, you guys!” Emma waved from the boat’s front porch.
As Opal reached the last stone, Nico held out a hand to help her up. She took it, not wanting to fall. His fingers were warm despite the frosty air and their wet clothes. The rickety steps of the houseboat crunched with splintered wood anddead leaves. Opal worried her foot might go right through.What is this place?
“Take a look at this.” Tyler pointed to the entrance. “Weird, right?” The door was made of wood framing a thick pane of warped, foggy glass with air bubbles trapped inside. Opal couldn’t see through it.
“A glass door on a boat?” Nico’s mouth twisted. “Who thought that was a good idea?”
