Page 127 of Reflections of Peonies
So, she did have the ability.
“Good morning, Bianca,” a melodious female voice rang through the room. And as I looked, a presence shimmered into focus some feet away. As this was Bianca’s memory, I could access the same things she’d witnessed and heard.
The spirit had waist-length, brown hair that she wore in a braid over her shoulder. She carried herself with an elegant posture, and I knew I was looking at the spirit of Alyssa Dubois.
“Hi Aly!” Bianca dropped the doll and sprang to her feet, smiling at her mother.
She ran across the room with her arms open, but stopped short when Alyssa raised her hand. The spirit’s expression turned stern, and Bianca’s face turned heavy with disappointment as she lowered her gaze.
“Sorry,” Bianca murmured. “I forgot.”
Alyssa’s sternness softened with a hint of sadness. “Don’t be sorry,” she said, kneeling in front of Bianca. “Just remember,touching a ghost can be dangerous. You shouldn’t do it so casually.”
I frowned. While she wasn’t exactly lying, it was odd that she’d say that. Mu had always been able to touch spirits of all kinds.
Then Alyssa spoke, her voice leaving a weight in the room. “What are the rules?”
“You were gone a long time.” Bianca sniffled. “I missed you.”
“I know Bianca, and I’ve missed you too.” Alyssa folded her hands over her stomach. “But before we play, I must know you understand this. Look at me,” she demanded, waiting until Bianca’s watery eyes raised to meet her own.
“What are the rules?” she asked again.
“Don’t touch.” Her little fists clenched in front of her as she repeated Alyssa’s earlier statement.
“That’s right. You mustnevertouch a ghost; don’t let them touch you.” Alyssa nodded.
“But why?” Bianca tilted her head, the tears drying up.
“What’s the second rule?” Alyssa ignored her question.
“Not all ghosts are good,” Bianca responded. “If one feels scary, run away.”
“That’s right,” Alyssa said. “A normal spirit will feel non-threatening. But some can hurt you. And you’re not old enough to defend yourself.”
“Who will hurt me?” Bianca asked, frowning.
“You’ll learn as you get older. Kieran will teach you.” Alyssa’s gaze never wavered. “But until you’re taught, it’s safest to assume that all non-human spirits are demons. Don’t ever trust them.”
“Now, what’s the third rule?” Alyssa asked.
Bianca bit her lip, glancing down at her doll before looking back to Alyssa. “I want to play.”
“In a minute.” There was a frown in her voice. “Now tell me,what’s the third rule?”
I cursed as the ground fell from under me when Bianca opened her mouth to answer. I wouldn’t count on Bianca coming forward with the ‘rules’ she’d been given any time soon. But the memory was over—I’d gotten what I’d come for. Bianca had known her mother, even though she hadn’t been aware.
Before losing my focus, I followed the next stream of light.
A small whitefarmhouse was faintly visible in the distance, illuminated by the full moon. The sounds of cicadas and crickets filled the space, and we were surrounded by forest as a damp air pressed in around us.
Disappointment rushed through me. I hadn’t meant for this to be an investigation, but at some point, I’d begun to grasp for anything to help us solve the mystery behind Bianca’s past. However, there weren’t enough hints to determine where she’d once lived.
We were still no closer to making things right.
But then my thoughts were forgotten as an uneasiness settled over the air. I couldn’t look away from the chilling sight before me, and my stomach dropped as I moved forward without thinking.
“There’s no use,” Pop said, touching my arm. “You know this isn’t real.”
