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Chapter 4

Cadella’s POV

I studied the map from the backseat of the taxi. Details that should have faded over time were still in pristine condition, and there were more than I expected on it. It was hand-drawn, something that wasn’t unusual for a map that was this dated. But the craftsmanship wasn’t what fascinated me. It was the fact that the castle was also mapped out. Most maps just showed the basics of a castle, the grounds, and buildings. But this one broke down the courtyards and gardens. There was one thing that bothered me though. Only one story was displayed on the map.

Any castle of significance would have several stories built into it. But this map only showed the one, and it only detailed one hallway. This map was designed to lead the viewer to something. I had to find out what.

The sound of someone clearing their throat pulled my attention from the map in my lap back to the taxi driver. I looked out the window and saw that I was at the base of the trail that would lead me to the castle grounds. My cheeks heated in embarrassment at being so lost in the map that I didn’t see we were stopped.

“Sorry, thank you for the ride.” I smiled as I handed him the fare.

He nodded and smiled as he waited for me to get out. I stood watching him drive away before I turned to where the trail should have been. My shoulders sagged as I sighed heavily as I took in the overgrown vegetation.

Of course, it would be overgrown.

I had done a quick search of the castle and town last night. There wasn’t a lot of detail, but I did learn the castle had been abandoned for almost a century. Castles were left all the time, but usually there was something that prompted the abandonment. Despite my efforts last night, I couldn’t find a reason for this one.

“It’s got to be here somewhere.” I muttered to myself as I started pulling back the branches that surrounded the parking area. “Ah, here it is!” I grinned.

The walk passed quickly, but a heaviness settled in my stomach as I drew closer to the castle. The decrepit building was made of pale stones, with dark wooden framework. Red clay roofing tiles hung over the sides of the castle. My steps faltered as I approached the metal gate and my mouth turned dry.

There was something about this place that made me nervous.

Weather-worn stone walls met each side of the metal gate. Overgrown grass swayed in the gentle breeze. I pulled the map from my bag and studied it once more before I grasped the cool metal and pushed the gate open with a loud creak. According to the map, this gate should lead to the servants courtyard and the door that I needed to use to get in the castle.

A sudden fluttering of wings sounded from above me. My breath caught in my chest as I ducked down and covered my head. My heart pounded against my chest as it’s frantic beat sounded in my head. The fluttering faded with the sharp cry of a crow.

“It’s just birds, Cadella. You probably startled them as much as they did you.” I told myself, forcing my voice to stay even.

I wandered into the courtyard, following the cracked stone wall to where a door should be. A circle of stones rose near the side of the castle, catching my eye. A thick piece of wood stood out of one side of the center. I moved closer and carefully peered into the center, avoiding putting any weight on the walls, to see it disappear into darkness.

A well.

“At least I’m in the right place.” I murmured as I found the stairs that would lead me to the door.

Stopping at the base of the stairs I turned around and looked out over the courtyard. I gasped as I took in pristine stone walls. The cracks and broken stones that I’d had to carefully navigate were replaced with stone worn smooth from footsteps. I blinked hard and shook my head before looking back up. The pristine courtyard was once again the decrepit and broken stone.

I frowned as I studied the courtyard, my thoughts racing as I searched for answers to what I had just seen. Moving my head back and forth, I cleared my thoughts. Mom had always told me my imagination was overactive, that must have been what just happened.

Inhaling deeply, I took a steadying breath before I started to climb the stairs. At the top I found a door that hung crooked on broken hinges. I gently pushed it open and let my eyes adjust before stepping inside. The scent of mildew and dirt flooded my nose as I breathed in and entered the dark hall.

My feet clapped against the stone as I approached the exit of the corridor. The hall opened into a room that was crafted with the same pale stone and dark wood that was used on the outside. I moved through the castle, almost like I knew where I was going without needing the map. The halls were dimly lit by broken windows, but it was enough to see where I was going.

I wanted to study the halls and explore the castle. To be able to take my time as I studied the faded pictures that still hung on the walls. The need to try and find out more about the royal family who lived here made my steps falter.

Instead, I found myself traveling on a path that one would think I’d traveled a hundred times. I navigated the twists and turns of the castle with an intention I couldn’t understand until I found myself in a slightly wider hall in front of a door. My gaze moved over the detailed door. The voice and force felt calmer in my head, despite my hesitation to open the door. I studied the intricate design that was carved into the face of the door. Familiarity swept over me as I recognized the intricate design from the box, I had found the map in. One so painstakingly painted on the box, I couldn’t imagine how long it took to carve it into the door.

My hand reached for the door before I realized what was happening. The sharp handle bit into my skin. I tried to let go, but I couldn’t.

A hiss broke from my lips as my palm was torn open by the handle. Fear rose in my throat, turning my stomach. Clutching my bloodied hand to my chest I watched in horror as the carvings started to glow silver reminding me once again of the paint on the box.

I had to leave.

There was something about this place that suddenly screamed danger, and I was in the heart of it.

My body spun, almost falling as I fled back down the hall and out through the courtyard. Without bothering with a taxi, I continued to run back to the university campus. Fear forced me forward.

A warm solid object stopped my progress, making me fall backwards and land on my bottom with a grunt. I looked up to see what I ran into, meeting a set of brown eyes.

“I’m -”

“Are you-” The owner of the eyes started but was cut off by my start of an apology.

I stopped talking and simply looked at the man in front of me as he reached out and helped pull me to my feet.

“I’m sorry, please go ahead.” He smiled kindly.

“I was just saying that I’m so sorry, I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.” I admitted with a blush.

“It’s okay, are you alright?” His gaze searched me for injuries.

“Yea, just mortified.” I waved him off. “I need to get back to my dorm.” I muttered, stepping back from him.

He nodded and stepped to the side, allowing me to pass. I quickly walked past him and made my way to my room. Racing back up to my room I found Regina sitting at her desk, her head snapping up as I walked in. Her eyebrows pulled together in concern as she took in my panting, and flushed skin. I walked by her and collapsed on my bed, my feet hanging off the edge.

“Are you alright?” She asked.

My mind raced at what had just happened. I visited an old, abandoned castle that my imagination was able to picture what it would have looked like when it was still operating. While I was inside some weird force made me touch a door that cut my hand and then the carvings on it started moving. How do I explain that without sounding crazy?

“You must be suffering from a case of the nerves about starting class tomorrow. I know I am.” She sighed as she turned back to her desk.

My body relaxed into the mattress. I was glad she seemed satisfied with her own response because I wasn’t ready to reveal the real reasons for my hasty entrance. I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to explain that.

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