The next morning, Dylan walked with me through the settlement, leading me to Edee's chamber.
I didn't know which one was hers, and after last night's nightmares, I didn't have the patience to wander aimlessly.
The cool air smelled of damp earth and pine, but I couldn't shake my unease.
We walked in silence. Dylan's presence was steady and grounding, though he glanced at me a few times, as if considering saying something. He didn't ask why I was looking for Edee, and I didn't explain.
When we reached a small wooden chamber tucked between larger structures, he stopped.
"This is it," he said simply.
I hesitated, glancing at the door. For some reason, stepping into Edee's domain felt like it would make everything more real.
Dylan must have noticed my hesitation because his voice softened.
"I'll leave you to it."
I turned to him, meeting his gaze.
"Thanks for walking me here."
He nodded.
And with that, he stepped away, leaving me alone at Edee's door.
Inside, Edee was working with her herbs, grinding something with a mortar and pestle.
The scent of dried plants and aged parchment filled the dimly lit chamber, wrapping around me like a familiar yet eerie embrace.
Flickering candlelight cast shifting shadows on the walls, adding to the mystique of the space.
She didn't look up as she continued her work.
"You look troubled," she noted, her voice calm yet knowing.
I hesitated before speaking.
"I had nightmares… twice in the same night. I could hear them—the dead." I paused, suppressing a shudder.
"They were whispering, but I couldn't understand them."
Edee finally lifted her gaze, studying me intently. Without a word, she motioned for me to sit, then reached for my hand.
As soon as her fingers touched mine, she lowered her head and murmured something under her breath—a language unfamiliar to me.
A strange warmth spread through my palm, like a pulse of energy flowing between us.
When she looked up, her expression remained unreadable.
"Not dead souls," she said. "Undead. They were eager to find you."
A shiver ran down my spine.
"What's the difference? And what do they want from me?"
Edee exhaled slowly, as if carefully choosing her words.
"Dead souls are gone. Undead souls are stuck, still moving somehow. But the longest undead soul that will mark you… is a wandering ghost."
She tilted her head slightly.
"You are the Prime Apex, Leighton. Perhaps they even know about the mark and have been waiting for your arrival."
I frowned.
Her lips pressed together.
"After the full moon ritual is complete, you must go to them."
The thought unsettled me.
"I will. But where exactly am I supposed to find them?"
Edee gave a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry. I'll help you."
Without a word, she stood and left the room. I sat in silence, my mind full of questions.
When she returned, she held a woven bracelet, braided with silver threads. It looked old—almost magical.
"Give me your hand," she said gently.
I hesitated before extending my wrist. Edee slid the bracelet over my hand, fastening it snugly.
"This will keep the nightmares at bay," she explained.
"But listen carefully—once you meet the undead, you must take it off. If you don't, they won't be able to reach you."
"I understand," I said with a nod.
"Thank you, Edee."
She simply smiled, a knowing look in her ancient eyes.
From the corner of the room, movement caught my attention. A girl, no older than thirteen or fourteen, peeked out from behind a wooden column. Her wide, curious eyes locked onto mine.
Edee followed my gaze and let out a sigh.
"Dyna," she said knowingly.
At the sound of her name, the girl stepped forward, looking sheepish.
"What are you doing over there?" Edee asked, crossing her arms.
"Were you eavesdropping on us?"
Dyna's eyes widened in mock innocence. "No! I was just… passing by."
Edee raised an eyebrow.
"Passing by? And somehow ended up in my room?"
Dyna shifted on her feet, clearly caught.
"I'm sorry, Tetha…" she mumbled.
Then, without hesitation, she pointed directly at me.
"I was just curious about her. Everyone's been talking about her."
I smiled, charmed by her honesty.
"Come here, Dyna," I said, gesturing for her to join us.
She hesitated before scampering over and settling herself between me and Edee.
Dyna must be Dylan's little sister—the one he sent to violin class not long ago.
"Hi, Dyna," I greeted.
"My name is Leighton."
"I know," she said brightly.
"I just wanted to see you up close."
Her enthusiasm was endearing, but her next question caught me completely off guard.
"Are you going to marry my brother?"
I froze.
Edee chuckled softly beside me, while Dyna stared up at me expectantly.
I blinked, her innocent question hanging in the air like a dagger as I scrambled for a response that wouldn't create an avalanche of misunderstanding.
"I—uh—" I cleared my throat.
"It's… complicated."
Dyna scrunched up her nose.
"How is it complicated? You're going to be his mate, right?"
I forced a smile.
"There's more to it than that."
Her expression turned serious, as if she were processing something far beyond her years.
"You don't want to, do you?"
I opened my mouth to respond, but Edee spoke first.
"Dyna, enough," she said gently.
"This is not something you need to worry about."
Dyna pouted but didn't argue. She cast one last curious glance at me before slipping out of the room.
Edee turned back to me, her expression more solemn now.
"Where exactly do the undead souls stay?" I asked.
Her face darkened.
"Most reside in the City of the Forgotten."
She paused, then reached for an old leather-bound book and flipped through its pages until she stopped at a worn map.
"This," she said, pointing, "is where the longest undead soul rests. A hidden ruin beneath the city, sealed away for centuries."
I leaned in, studying the faded ink. The location was deep within a forested valley, surrounded by old burial grounds and forgotten history.
A chill wrapped around me.
"Do you know how they're going to mark me?"
Edee's eyes met mine, serious and unblinking.
"I'm not sure. You'll have to ask them."
I stiffened.
"I can't imagine myself talking to the undead."
"But they won't mark you unless you prove yourself worthy," Edee said.
I swallowed hard.
"And how do I do that?"
Edee hesitated.
"That… you must discover on your own."
She watched me closely.
"But once they recognize you as the Prime Apex, it may be easier."
"One more thing—the most important one. Don't forget to bring something that belonged to your family, like a ring, bracelet, necklace, or anything that's easy to carry."
"What's it for?" I asked.
"Just bring it. It'll be useful in the City of the Forgotten," Edee said.
I exhaled slowly.