Page 39 of The House of Whispers

“I’ll do what I do best.” I spat back, tearing my arm from hers as I stepped out into the road. The sun bore down brightly as the wind blew.

I could feel something inside me begin to change with the leaves outside. Something dark and buried—something evil.

Nathair held my waist tight, keeping me close as we walked down the crowded, lively street. The hem of my skirts blew in the cold, autumn wind as my wings fluttered, nipped by the strong breeze. Together, we walked toward the brothel as the sun began to shine down on us, warming our bones.

“I’m still aghast that Madame Chepi has allowed me to continue to stay with you during the night.” Nathair’s grip along my waist tightened.

His powdery blue detective uniform scratched my cheek as he kissed the top of my head. “Don’t think too hard about it, my love. Let’s just be grateful that she’s allowed you to even leave that house.” I nodded, kissing his cheek sweetly. Together, we continued down the street catching sight of the Whisps gathered together, frolicking in our direction. Casper was walking in the center of the group, visibly annoyed and frustrated yet fully alert of everyone around her.

“Casper?” I leapt from Nathair’s arms and flew to the group, pushing through the other fairfolk to my sister’s side. “Has something happened? What are you all doing out in town?”

Casper remained annoyed, huffing her words at me as we continued back toward Nathair. “Madame Chepi has decided to celebrate the Festival of Samhain by hosting a masquerade ball at the house in three nights.” She rolled her eyes. “Therefore,” she pointed to the excited Whisps fluttering about, “I have been tasked to babysit while everyone shops for their costumes.”

The groups of Whisps, Casper, and myself had reached Nathair as he joined the posse. “Since when does Madame Chepi open the house for such events?” I asked quietly, hoping none of the Whisps could hear my question.

Casper glanced around at the many buzzing fairfolk before answering. “Since now apparently.” She seemed frustrated with the idea. I didn’t blame her. With The Ripper running free and even targeting the house, Casper had been more on edge, pushing herself to work harder at protecting everyone inside. She was driving herself mad.

I grabbed Casper’s arm, pulling her back from the group as Nathair kept his eyes on us, still bouncing along with the Whisps. “Casper, is everything alright?” She looked at me almost confused by my inquiry. I could see her mind running as she contemplated her answer. “Sister, you know you can tell me anything.”

Casper glanced at Nathair as my eyes followed. He lowered his head as Casper looked back at me. She lowered her eyes. “Not now, Min.”

Not now? Was there something going on I did not know about?My eyes looked back at Nathair. His vibrant green eyes remained lowered.Did he know something I did not?

Casper and the Whisps continued to the only shop in town that would sell to the occupants of Madame Chepi’s house. Nathair and I shadowed them silently as we all funneled in through the small boutique. Casper bolted from my side as the Whisps excitedly scattered about.

The humble shop was filled with elaborate fabrics, each more vibrant and colorful than the last, as well as hats of every design and masks recently imported for the upcoming festival. The Festival of Samhain took place in the middle of autumn when the leaves would rot brown and the sky turned gray. The town would celebrate under a full moon, dressed in the finest costumes and masks with elaborate parties and balls. It was said that the veil between this world thinned, allowing the spirits of the otherworld to dance into ours. If you did not disguise yourself, you’d be taken back to the otherworld and wiped from existence. This was a tale that has been spun for centuries. No one truly believed in the ghost story as little details changed over time, but nonetheless we still celebrated. Partially out of habit. Partially out of fear.

As the Whisps gleefully searched for their costumes, I began to admire the wall of fabrics and designs, slowly pacing to the back of the shop leaving Nathair by the door. I found Casper staring at the wall of handmade masks, her face drained of all color. It was as though she’d seen a ghost.

“Casper?” My voice remained low and sweet as I lightly touched her arm. She flinched, whipping her head toward me as her raven hair flung around her shoulders. “Sister, what’s wrong?” Casper’s eyes bounced around the room, struggling to focus as she breathed heavily. “Casper,” I grabbed her hands into mine, forcing her to face me, “what is going on? And don’t say nothing.Somethingis going on and I demand you tell me what.”

Casper stared at me for a moment, glancing back to the wall of animalistic masks. Her breathing became more rapid as her eyes glossed over. “I need some air.” She yanked herself from my hands and ran through the shop and out the door.

My eyes met Nathair’s as his face appeared puzzled and concerned. He began making his way to me.

“What’s happened? Is everything alright?” He placed a hand on my lower back. “Are you alright?”

I sighed, unsure of what was going on. “Something is wrong with Casper,” I looked up at him, “and I am determined to figure out the truth.” My words of concern were tainted with anger. Part of me knew Nathair was somewhat informed of what was really transpiring behind closed doors, and I needed to know more. If Casper wouldn’t tell the truth, Nathair would.

I pushed through the door of the shop, frantically trying to catch my breath. The sun beamed down, contrasting to the colder air. I closed my eyes and leaned forward placing my hands on my knees. At the back of the shop, showcased along the wall of masks, was the same fox mask that Jakkal wore. The presence of the mask paralyzed me as flashes of memories played through my mind. Pieces of images of Jakkal’s murders, the sound of a blade hitting bone over and over, the smell of fresh blood, and the image of his mask, stained. It haunted me, making me sick.

Breath, Casper. Jakkal’s voice startled me as I stumbled, losing my balance.

As I fumbled around, my body was caught by an Other passing by. They helped me to my feet, softly holding my arm as I straightened my posture. “Thank you.” I turned to flash a smile to the stranger when my stomach dropped.

“Careful, Casper,” Reynard tightened his hold on my arm as his fingers squeezed tight, “you never know who you might run into in these parts.” He grinned, his rusty-colored handlebar mustache moving with his eerie smile. His eyes burned into mine as he stared down at me. One amber, one blue. Fear incapacitated me as we remained locked on one another.

“I know who you are,” I whispered to him.

Reynard’s grin only grew as his eyes seemed to sparkle. “Do you?” His eyebrow raised as if challenging me.

I’m going to stop you.

Tick-tock.Jakkal’s voice taunted me.

Reynard gently released his grip as we remained standing close, unfazed by the world moving around us. The door to the shop swung open as Nathair called to me. I broke from Reynard’s gazing hold and turned to catch Nathair’s attention. He nodded, pushing his way through the passer-bys and snaked his way in my direction.

“See you soon, Casper.” I turned back to stop Reynard, but he had vanished. It was as though he completely evaporated into the cold air.

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