Page 8 of Deceiver

“I’m afraid so.”

I nod, wringing my hands together. “So what now?”

His eyes go to the ceiling again for a second before returning to me. “I think we should start in the attic.”

Chapter 3

Wilder

Thankfully, I don’t have to waste time convincing Keagan there’s a problem like I normally do. He’s already aware of the situation. That means I can get to work sooner.

We climb two flights of stairs with Keagan in front. The final three steps lead to a closed wooden door. Keagan turns sideways and presses his back against the wall.

“Sure you want to go in there?”

“It’s my job to go in there.” I step up past Keagan and twist the doorknob slowly, peering in before walking in completely. It’s just an empty attic. “There’s nothing here.”

Keagan peeks in behind me, then blows out a slow breath. “Good. There’s not supposed to be.”

There’s another loud bump that’s obviously not coming from the attic. Looking over my shoulder, I make eye contact with Keagan. “Show me the other rooms?”

He nods. “Come on.”

We descend one flight of stairs and Keagan directs me to two empty bedrooms. I check each, only picking up the stagnant energy in the rooms. “It’s not here either.”

“My room is over here.” We cross the open space to another closed door. “Here you go.”

He opens the door, letting it swing wide and standing to the side to let me enter. I do, taking in the energy of the room. The air is thick and heavy with foreboding. Unfortunate, since this is his bedroom.

It’s rather plain, with only a wood dresser that looks like it came from a thrift store and a large bed against one wall. The only window has dark curtains blocking out the sunlight. When I turn to look at Keagan, he’s standing in the doorway with his arms crossed, and a captivating scowl on his face.

“I haven’t slept in here since the weirdness started.”

“Why? Did it disturb you?”

He shrugs. “I couldn’t get comfortable. I’ve been sleeping in the TV room downstairs.”

I nod, placing my hand on the wall closest to me. A subtle vibration spreads into my arm. Not wanting to alarm Keagan, I pull my hand away slowly.

“It’s here,” I say softly. “I’m going to engage now.”

“What should I do?”

“Whatever you like. You can stay and watch or you can go downstairs.”

His cheeks flush red, but his face takes on a look of determination. He’s a brave one. Good. He’ll need to be. “I’ll stay.”

“Very well.”

Stepping back from the wall, I twist my neck back and forth as I close my eyes to focus. After doing this for as long as I have, it doesn’t take much effort to center myself anymore. I open my eyes slowly, lifting my gaze to the ceiling, and sure enough, I detect a hint of swirling energy there.

Keagan is staring up too, but judging from his relaxed demeanor, I don’t think he sees what I do. That’s a good sign. The Horror isn’t fully manifested yet.

“Who are you?” I ask. It’s not like the Horror can speak yet, but I’m aware of any changes, good or bad, in its demeanor. I’ll try a name I’m sure it isn’t first. “Are you Keagan’s mother?”

The Horror recoils slightly.

“It’s not,” I say to Keagan. He nods, keeping his arms wrapped tightly around his chest.