Dark Secrets - Linsey Hall Page 0,41

“Or did it suddenly appear?”

“Came with the property.” Michael joined me, leaning over to look down into the darkness. “I’d like you to see if you can tell me where it goes.”

“I don’t have to go in there, do I?” I shivered.

“I wouldn’t advise it, no. The magical signature changes from day to day. Right now, it’s all right. Sometimes, though, it’s bloody awful. Other times, it takes all I’ve got not to jump right in.”

“Jump in?”

“It’s like there are sirens down there, calling me or something.”

“That’s freaking dangerous,” I said.

“You’re telling me. Can you do it?”

“I can try.”

“Thank you.” He nodded and stepped back.

I handed my teacup to Eve, and she and Michael joined Cordelia on the bench. The raccoon seemed annoyed at the interruption of her private time with the chickens but kept her snout shut.

I turned my attention to the well. Drawing in a deep breath, I hovered my hands over the stone wall surrounding it.

I’d been practicing lately and was a hell of a lot better. This was totally doable.

And no pressure. It wasn’t like my friends’ lives were hanging in the balance or anything.

Show me where you go.

Magic sparked through me, and I drew it to the surface as Grey had shown me. As my power flowed through my veins, I pressed my hands to the stone wall.

Show me where you go.

Power blasted into me, and I was nearly blown backward. I stiffened my spine and held on tight. Gasping, I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to see what the well was trying to show me.

All was darkness.

Come on.

Something beckoned from the blackness behind my eyelids. I sent my consciousness toward it and, suddenly, I was falling. The wind tore at my hair, and my scream was lost on the wind.

Down I went, farther and farther.

Horrified, I realized that I was falling into the well. I hadn’t moved a muscle, but my magic was pulling me into the depths of the dark hole and whatever waited there.

The wind slowed as gravity weakened, and I began to float. I found my footing. Head spinning, I opened my eyes.

Fields stretched before me, massive hills and valleys that spanned hundreds of miles. I spun in a circle, searching for anything recognizable.

Was I really here?

At my feet, a brilliant pink wildflower wobbled in the breeze. I bent to touch it, to test my theory.

My hand passed through it.

“Bloody hell.” I stood, spinning again.

In the distance, I spotted a stone circle, stark amongst the green hills. Beyond the circle was a blue ocean, sparkling and bright, but there was no one here, and not a hint of what this place could be. It was almost too beautiful, too pure to be real.

I could explore, but that would take time I didn’t have. And who knew what I would find? What if I lost my way, lost my connection with my body?

It was too risky. I’d bring back what information I could and hope it was enough. I tried to get my mobile out of my pocket to snap a picture, but the device didn’t work.

Carefully, I counted the stones in the stone circle, memorizing their shapes and patterns. I memorized the flowers around me, the number of hills, the scent on the air, and the sound of the birds calling in the distance.

When I’d collected as much data as I could, I closed my eyes and envisioned being in my body. It took a few tries—enough that fear began to drive my heartbeat—but eventually, I felt myself flying upward, the wind tearing at my hair once more.

I returned to consciousness in my body with a sensation like I was being weighed down by a ton of bricks. To my relief, the heavy feeling disappeared, and I felt…normal.

I opened my eyes.

“Well?” Eve said. “Did you see anything?”

“Did you see me fall into the well?” I asked.

“Nope. You stood there like a statue.”

I nodded. “Good. Can we go inside? Do you have pen and paper?”

“Yes.” Michael hopped up, eagerness on his face.

I followed him into the kitchen, where he furnished me with writing implements. Quickly, I sketched everything I’d seen, describing it all as I went.

“Did you see a woman there?” he asked, leaning forward, his gaze intense.

“I didn’t.” I frowned. “Should I have?”

“Um…” He shook his head, leaning back. “I heard her, but it could have been my imagination.”

Oh, that was interesting. This was a mystery I’d like to know more about. And it had been good practice. I’d sent