Page 46 of The Shadows of Excess

“Sawyer, are you all right? What happened?” His closeness was overwhelming, his presence making me feel safe and protected.

Lost in the intensity of his gaze, I whispered back, “I’m fine, Justice.” The tension slowly left his body at my words, but his hands remained on my shoulders, grounding me in his strength.

We stood in the quiet sanctuary of the library. The gentle light enveloped us, creating a bubble of intimacy amid the noise. It felt like time had slowed down just for us.

His fingers brushed my cheek softly as he tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear. The tender gesture made my heart flutter. In that brief moment, I saw more than worry in his eyes. I saw a silent understanding, a recognition of the deepening bond between us.

Damon broke the steamy moment, storming down the aisle, his eyes blazing with concern and fury. “What the hell is going on back here? Did you do something to her, fang?”

I stood in front of Justice as if protecting him and held up a hand. “Damon, stop. He didn’t do anything.” I pointed to the spine of the book. “This zapped me.”

Damon and Justice followed my finger, and Justice pulled out the book. Echoes of the Eternal: An Illustrated Guide to Mystic Ridge’s Graveyards.

Ohcrapohcrapohcrapohcrap.

Goosebumps rose on my arms as a phantom breeze whispered past me, sending a chill down my spine. My gaze fixated on the book cover, where a hauntingly familiar image of the graveyard from my vision was depicted with unsettling detail.

“That’s the same one I saw,” I whispered. Everything around me seemed to spin and blur like a kaleidoscope, and I collapsed onto my knees.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

As I stumbled, my hands flailed frantically, but strong arms caught me and pulled me close. The book Justice had been holding fell to the ground with a resounding thud. In his embrace, I felt safe and protected. He carried me to a cozy corner of the library and gently placed me on an oversized armchair.

His brow furrowed with concern. “What happened?” he rumbled.

My heart raced as I fought back tears, relying on the inner strength in my family’s bloodline. “The same image from my visions,” I managed to say through gritted teeth, determined not to let fear consume me.

Damon hurried over to us with the book. “This graveyard, it’s called Whispering Shadows Cemetery.”

My gaze drifted to the aged photograph, showcasing an ethereal cemetery nestled in a serene clearing on Shadowcrest Peak. The looming, majestic tombstones exuded a haunting beauty. Intricately carved Celtic crosses stood tall among angelic monuments with faces weathered yet still emanating a serene presence. It was as if I had been transported to the rolling hills of Ireland, surrounded by the peaceful solemnity of the dead.

Justice glanced over Damon’s shoulder, scanning the text in the book. “Whispering Shadows Cemetery is a burial ground for the Whispering Shadow Witches,” he read. “It says they migrated here from Ireland. It’s hidden, known only to their coven.”

Damon leaned closer, intrigued. “What else does it say?”

“Says here it’s been around for centuries. The place is ringed with whispering willows, and it’s full of protective spells. You know, typical witch stuff,” Justice continued.

I peered over their shoulders, drawn to the photos of the gravestones on the page. They were almost reclaimed by nature, covered in moss, and bearing cryptic symbols. “Look at these,” I pointed out. “They say these symbols are from old witchcraft, full of arcane mysteries.”

“And here,” Damon interjected, pointing to another passage. “It talks about spirits. The witches’ spirits are still active, murmuring secrets and spells, especially when the moon is full.”

Justice closed the book, his expression thoughtful. “It’s more than a graveyard. It’s like a nexus where the veil between worlds is thin. No wonder it’s hidden.”

I inhaled deeply, trying to shake off the uneasiness within me. “Well, if its location is secret, how are we going to find it?”

Damon grabbed the book and stuffed it under his leather jacket. “It’s time to go back and see the wizard again.”

My brows furrowed. “Damon, that book can’t be checked out.”

He shrugged. “We’re borrowing it. This is a library.” He gave me a playful wink and headed toward the exit with an air of confidence.

Justice clicked his tongue with a playful yet understanding smile. “Seems like rules don’t apply to him, huh?”

I shook my head, a smile tugging at my lips. “No. Not when he’s on a case, anyway.”

Justice knelt before me like a knight in shining armor. His eyes locked onto mine, filled with a gentle concern that sent a warm flutter through my heart. Carefully, he clasped my still-shaking hand. “Can you walk, or should I carry you?” he asked, the warmth that laced his voice making my breath catch.

I was lost in his gaze, seeing not only the protector but the man who had slowly and irrevocably woven himself into the fabric of my life. He was a vampire, but he was breaking down all my walls. I wasn’t sure where our destiny lay, but I trusted him. He’d saved my life more than once. His presence was a balm, soothing the turmoil within me. I squeezed his hand, feeling an unspoken bond pulling us closer amid our uncertain journey.

---