Ghost of Glasgow: Immortal Stonekeeper Case Files #2 (2023) Chapter 6: Chapter 6: Ghosts Of Our Past

Read chapter 6 of Ghost of Glasgow: Immortal Stonekeeper Case Files #2 (2023) by Mercynarie on NovelPedia.

Fists pounded hopelessly against the charred wood as fire raged all around. The man screamed in desperation, throwing his body against the door over and over again. It was no use. The doors were chained shut. “Nicholaum, look out!” Burning wood crashed before his feet as a pair of hands yanked him away from the collapsing ceiling beams. The man staggered backwards, pulling his wife into a tight embrace. Faint sounds of people chanting drifted over the crackling embers. “We are doomed, my love.” Nicholaum put his head against his wife in defeat. “But I regret nothing. There can be no greater joy for me than to die in the arms of the woman I love.” “Oh my beloved…” the woman sobbed. “This is all my fault. If only I weren’t a witch… If only I were careful enough not to slip up—” “Do not despair, my dearest.” The man cracked a pained smile despite choking on the fumes. “If it is God’s will for us to part in this life, then I shall pray we meet in the next.” Nicholaum collapsed to the ground, wheezing hard. “N— No… please. Please don’t go…” The woman fell to her knees, helping him up. “I’ll get us out of here… I’ll get us out of here…” Her lover held her hand tightly. “Do no such thing, my love. The villagers think you were alone in our house when they set their fire. They will cease their hunt for you once they find my corpse. Go on… without me.” “Life… isn’t worth living… without you…” “For better and for worse, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish always…” Nicholaum’s voice had already reduced to a whisper in his strain. “As a sanctuary of warmth and peace,” the woman joined in. “I pledge my love, devotion, faith and honour as I join my life to yours…” Her voice trailed away into choked sobs as the man’s body went limp in her hands. She remained motionless for a moment before laying her husband gently on the ground. “I love you… I will always love you,” she whispered. “No matter where you go, I will find you. This I promise to you, my love.” And her body faded into smoke, leaving the house along with the escaping ash. ~ ~ ~ Jonathan woke to the sound of a ringing phone. He got up immediately like a startled cat, before rubbing his head tenderly. His eyes glazed over, trying to make sense of that impossibly vivid dream. Ever since he became an immortal, sleep became more of a pastime to him. And yet, it had been a while since he had dreamt like that. It felt almost as if that dream was some sort of memory. It took a few more seconds before he realised that his phone was still ringing, so he promptly picked it up. “Jonathan, I have… news for you.” Angus was on the other line. “Lucy has awakened from her coma, but she’s… I think you should come see for yourself.” He cut the call and sped out of the house. A few seconds later, Jonathan arrived at the Immortal Association’s medical bay. The witch doctors had already stopped giving him odd looks by now. After all, practically the entire ward was now aware of the only patient they had had in years. “Angus, where’s Lucy?” He walked urgently to the fae, who was standing outside the empty hospital room. “Not to worry, Warner.” Angus held him back for some reason. “Carpenter is physically alright, but I’m afraid there have been some complications.” Two Minotaurs walked into view, escorting a ragged-looking woman between them. “Jonathan, dearie. There you are!” Lucy shook them off and hobbled over to him. “Don’t leave me with these strange people again, alright? I’ve been dreadfully lonely without you, boy.” Jonathan supported her as she waddled her body gingerly beside him. Her hair was a silvery white, and there was a constant slight tremble in her voice. “The hell happened to her?” he asked. “It seems that in her recovery process, her memories have been jumbled up. It’s even influenced her shape-shifting,” Angus said, turning to Lucy. “Carpenter, may I ask how old you are?” “C— Carpenter?” Lucy’s eyes widened in indignation. “How dare you speak my family name in that tone, youn