Page 56 of To Dwell in Shadows

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The spirit nodded, clutching her hands against her thin chest.

I can’t escape.

“How long have you been here?”

I don’t know.

“What’s your name?”

Ruth.

“I’m Selene.”

I'm most grateful you can hear me.

“Do you know when you passed?”

Ruth looked puzzled, so Selene repeated herself. When Ruth still didn’t answer, Selene asked, “What year were you born?

1901.

Selene tried to keep her expression neutral, even though it was painful to consider how long Ruth had been trapped here.

Where am I? I need to go home.

Dread twisted Selene’s stomach as she realized the truth of Ruth’s situation. She wet her lips, searching for the gentlest way to say what needed to be said. But there was really no way to soften it.

Carefully, she said, “Ruth… do you know that you’ve died?”

Ruth’s misty form jerked with surprise.

Died?

“Yes. This place you’re in? It’s the Underworld.”

Ruth floated in silence for several moments. The way her features morphed from confusion into anguish was heartbreaking to see.

“I think you’re supposed to be somewhere else,” Selene said gently.

Ruth began to hover back and forth, as though pacing in midair.

Sometimes I’m here, and sometimes I’m in a place that looks like my house… but it’s different. I remember getting sick but then?—

Ruth covered her face with transparent hands. Her form quivered as silent sobs wracked her body.

I thought I was having a nightmare.

“I’m so sorry,” Selene said, swallowing hard. “You must have gotten lost along the way.”

I died. I am dead.

Ruth sobbed then dropped her hands from her tear-streaked face to peer at Selene.

But you’re not?

“No,” Selene said tentatively. How to explain the complexities of being a demon’s mate? “I’m alive, but I’m… different.”

Ruth began to cry again.

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