Page 75 of Malice

“Isn’t that hard?”

“Not anymore. At first it was really hard. I could see my friends and my parents, I could walk around the school, but no one could see me. I couldn’t do much either. I had to learn how to interact, and even now, most don’t see me.”

“It must be lonely.”

“Sometimes. That’s why I like the Chasers. They can see me.” He twirls around in a small circle. “The hardest part is watching my folks get old. My dad was never the same after my accident. They don’t even talk to each other anymore. I’ve tried so many times to show myself to them, to give them some peace and tell them that I’m okay, but they never notice me.”

“I’m sorry, Crash.”

“That’s okay. I don’t visit that much anymore. I’d be in my fifties by now. Isn’t that wild?”

“It is.”

“Anyway, I can be useful to the Chasers. I like being useful. That’s why I escaped from the Below.”

“I’m glad you’re here.”

His face lights up. “Thanks.”

“I’ll go get dressed. The Horror is still contained, right?”

“Yep. I’ll keep an eye on the guys.”

I hurry upstairs to throw on some clothes and then head back down. I might as well make some coffee. As soon as my feet hit the bottom step, the sound of my phone buzzing and beeping on the coffee table breaks the morning silence.

I rush over to grab it, watching as all of Jocelyn’s missed calls and texts come through. We have service again! Wilder really did break the spell.

Since it’s four in the morning, I’ll wait to call her back, but I’m excited to have access to the outside world again. I just hope the Horror stays contained long enough for Aster to do whatever he’s doing and get back safely.

When I enter the kitchen again, Otto is curled up beside Aster, but he’s still alert, wagging his tail when he sees me. I prep the coffee maker then begin the process of cleaning up some of the mess from before. Crash is hovering near Aster, holding a book in his hand.

“What’re you reading?”

“A book I found on your shelf.” He shows it to me. “It’s really good.”

“I wrote that.”

Crash gasps dramatically. “You’re so talented.”

“Thanks.”

Using the broom, I sweep up some broken pieces from the fallen mugs and dishes, glancing periodically at Aster and Wilder sitting catatonic on my floor.

He won’t die.

Ever.

And he could keep me if he wanted to. Could he want to? And what would that mean for me? How do I find out without sounding like I’m making this more than it is? I’m not sure living forever sounds fun, and even if we did fall in love somehow, what would I do while he was out chasing bad spirits? Leave it to me to meet a truly great guy and he’s in the most complicated situation ever.

I push those thoughts aside and pour myself a mug of coffee, positioning myself next to Aster and Otto and waiting for him to come back. I hope when he does he knows what to do and we can end all this drama and get back to normal life.

Whatever normal is.

Chapter 26

Aster

It’s so dark.

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