Page 28 of Leafpoint Lighthouse

Lyra

As satisfying as telling William no had been, I was scared and worried. If his claims were right and not exaggerated to keep Leafpoint to himself, then I was out of my depth. I headed for my bathroom and ran a bubble bath. Soaking in it, I let the day’s troubles disappear. My headache lingered, and I wanted it gone. Closing my eyes, I relaxed in the hot bath. As the water washed away my stress, I allowed my mind to go blank. The problems would still be there tomorrow.

An hour later, I got out and wrapped my hair up to dry. Dragging on warm fleece pyjamas and thick socks, I climbed into bed. Taking two more painkillers, I surveyed my room. I might be an adult, but I was definitely going to leave a light on tonight. Turning off every light bar the lamp, I slid into bed and pulled the covers up around me.

“Oh Mum, if only you could see me now,” I whispered into the night.

Tired, I closed my eyes and let sleep take me. Tomorrow is a new day.

There were eyes on me. I could feel them. I slowly became aware, but continued lying still. A whisper flooded the room, but I couldn’t distinguish the words. My skin broke out in goosebumps as I sensed a presence hovering over me. Cold, stiff fingers touched my cheek, and I released a scream.

“William!” I shrieked as I scrambled across my bed.

William appeared, and I fell off the bed.

“Begone, foul fiend,” William yelled and lunged at something. A squeal forced me to cover my ears, and they both disappeared. I leapt to my feet and slapped on every light. As I ran downstairs, I heard a noise above and changed direction. Heart in my throat, I raced upstairs and saw the trapdoor to the lantern room open. Two figures fought in there, and I paused, panting for breath as they grappled one another.

William was forcing a black shape into the beam of light emanating from the lantern. The creature he fought squealed and pushed back, but William was determined. He lunged forward, and the dark shadow was fully engulfed in brightness. It screamed and then burst into specks of dust.

“William!” I cried. He emerged and grabbed hold of me in a hug. I clung to him as we sank to the floor together.

“Now do you believe me?” he whispered. I didn’t bother replying as I burrowed into his chest and sobbed.

Chapter Seven.

Lyra

I was barely aware of William picking me up and carrying me down the stairs to my bedroom.

“Stay here,” he whispered as he tucked me back up and left the room. Minutes later, William returned with a cup of hot chocolate and placed it beside me.

“Don’t leave me,” I begged, and William paused. He nodded stiffly and sat in the small armchair I’d bought.

“We have to figure out what this is,” I murmured, picking the mug up and cupping it.

William gave me an incredulous look. “Pardon?”

“We need to determine what happened and what that creature is.”

“That? What I just fought? It’s called a shade,” William said confidently and scowled. “And don’t ask me how I know that. That was a manifestation that the evil produced to attack you. It considers you the weak link.”

“There’s a library in town. They might have old records.”

“Lyra…”

“No. Don’t you understand, William? I need Leafpoint. She’s mine. Another man took everything from me. My dignity, self-respect, reputation, and confidence. I won’t lose her.”

William sighed. “Fine. Do some digging, but this monster is just beginning to start trouble.”

“Why now?”

“That’s a question I’ve asked many times and still lack an answer to.”

“Has there been a local shipwreck? Something that might have woken it up?”

“No. Shipwrecks have happened throughout the years; it has never stirred until recently. The only things of note are Ajax and you returning home.”

I sat up. “Me or the four Jasper daughters?”