Page 27 of Deceiver

“That’s yet to be determined.” He approaches me slowly, but his eyes roam across my features like he’s studying me. “You mentioned before with the medium, she had to end the session?”

I nod. “Yeah. She said there were a lot of spirits trying to get through.”

“And when you used the spirit board alone, you also drew many spirits to you.”

“According to you, yeah.”

“That isn’t typical. While it’s true that the spirit world is always looking for an opening to this realm, you seem to be a conduit of some sort.”

“Is that bad?”

“Depends on what you do with it. I would suggest avoiding spirit boards for the time being.”

“Yeah, definitely.”

“I may have some contacts that can help us understand it better. I’ve only encountered it a few times in my life.”

“Salem is full of people who can contact the spirit world.”

“Yes, but for you…” He pauses, his eyes flicking to the ceiling briefly, then back to me. “The best way to explain it is that it’s like there’s a door. You’re on one side of it and the spirit world is pressed up against the other side, waiting for you to open it, even just a crack. In other words, they’re attracted to you.”

My jaw drops while I process that information. “Is that why…” My breath gets caught in my throat before I can finish the sentence.

“Why what?”

“Nothing. Sometimes I think I see or hear stuff no one else does. It’s been going on since I was a kid. My grandma told me I was sensitive, that’s all.”

Wilder nods. “Sensitive is a good way to put it.”

“So it is my fault that my dad got through?”

“Not necessarily. When a Horror is motivated enough, they’ll find a way through.”

I feel a little sick to my stomach, so I just nod.

“You must be hungry,” Wilder says. “I can order something.”

“Whatever you want.” I blink several times and swallow the lump in my throat. “I’m not picky.”

“Thai?”

“That’s fine.”

Wilder places his hand on my shoulder. “You’re safe now, Keagan. I’m here to help.”

I nod. “I know.”

“The ravens will keep an eye on you too.”

I look at the window where three birds still sit. “They’re watching me?”

“Yes. They’ve always lived on this property, likely attracted by my profession. I consider them friends.”

“I was confused whether they were ravens or crows.”

“They are definitely ravens.”

“Cool. I could use a glass of water.”