The Windhaven Witches Omnibus Edition : Complete Paranormal Suspense Series, Books 1-4 by Carissa Andrews (graded readers txt) 📕

“Hail all gods, goddesses, and protectors of the Temple of the Soul—each who weigh heaven and earth in delicate balance, and in honor of the Fates’ grand plan. Oh mighty Death, taker of life, I deliver unto you the body of my father before me. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, bless him please, so he may slumber in eternal rest,” I whisper, remembering the sacred words of interment.

A powerful energy rocks the space, sealing off the tomb; protecting him now…and forever.

I stare at the tomb for a moment, holding my breath, scared to go back into the room and face what I know lies ahead of me. Struggling to hold back tears, I close my eyes, pressing my lips tight and swallowing hard.

Suddenly, Dad is by my side. He rests his cold hand on my shoulder and waits. When I finally turn to face him, his eyes are alight with childish wonder.

“Do you hear that music?” he asks. “It’s absolutely…”

“Beautiful?” I say, finishing his thought.

Dad shakes his head slowly. “Haunting.” For a moment, his eyes go distant. “But also beautiful, yes.”

“Those are the songs of rebirth,” Abigail whispers, now beside us.

I shake my head, tears brimming in my eyes. “No, Dad. I’m sorry. I think it’s playing just for you.”

“I wish you could hear it,” he says, still engrossed in the melody.

The tears I’d been trying to hold back slide down my cheeks and I hold back a sob. “I’ll hear it one day.”

Dad’s gaze pulls back into focus, taking me in again. For the longest time, he stares at me with a sense of wonder and confusion shimmering through his expressions. “Why are you crying?” he finally asks.

I wipe at my face, wishing an astral form couldn’t feel these emotions that practically tear me apart. “I’m going to miss you so much. I wish…” My words are choked out by the sob that wracks through my body. “I wish we had more time.”

Realization forms across my dad’s face and he walks up to me.

“I’ll always be with you, sweet girl,” Dad says, pulling me in close. “I love you, Autumn. Never forget that.”

“I love you, Dad. I really do,” I say, clutching at the back of his shirt and holding him close.

Suddenly, an inky black cloud billows out into the circular space of the inner sanctum a few yards away. Instantly, I know what this means and I’ve never been more relieved—and more terrified.

Will he take my dad’s soul? Or will he be like the Moirai and hold a grudge against me and my family?

Chapter 31

Chin Up

The Angel of Death steps out of his dark portal, entering the catacombs with a couple of natural strides.

Dad steps forward as if drawn to him like a magnet.

The Angel of Death’s silver eyes glimmer in the low light of the catacombs, and he reaches out for my dad as if he’s a long-lost friend.

“Lyle Blackwood,” he says. “I had wondered if we’d ever cross paths again.”

My dad reaches out, wrapping his arms around Wade’s dad. After a short embrace, he slaps Wade’s dad on the back and steps away. “Good to see you, old friend.”

At first, my eyebrows tug inward, but understanding isn’t far behind. They knew each other thirty years ago, the last time revenants were raised in this town. It was their combined efforts that eliminated their threat the last time. It makes sense that a friendship of some sort may have grown between them.

“Indeed,” he says, nodding his head in agreement. Then the Angel of Death chuckles. “I had hoped you’d look more like a shriveled old man by the time I saw you again, though.”

Dad glances down, opening his hands out wide. “Sorry to disappoint.”

“Well, at least you have more gray than I do.”

This time, it’s Dad’s turn to laugh. “Yes, well, it doesn’t matter much now, I’d wager.”

“Very true,” the Angel says. His eyes flit briefly to me, then return to my dad. “Are you ready? Or do you need a moment?”

Looking over his shoulder at me and Abigail, Dad steps away from the Angel of Death.

“I have to go now, sweetheart,” Dad whispers, pulling me into a final embrace.

“I know,” I whisper into his shirt. Tears again flood my eyes, no matter how hard I try to hold them back.

Abigail keeps her distance, her hands folded gently in front of her.

After a moment, Dad places his hands on my shoulders, pulling me back.

“You’re strong, Autumn. I know you’ll get through what comes next. Keep a watchful eye. The Moirai are coming, and this is a game we can’t win. At least not with the rules as they are. You’ll need to be resourceful,” he says, turning his gaze to Abigail. “Thank goodness you have some key players on your side.”

“She is quite special,” Abigail says. “I will do what I can to protect her.”

Dad nods his head, shooting her a lopsided smile. “Thank you.”

Abigail tips her head.

“It’s time, Lyle,” Wade’s dad says, taking a step toward him. “Walk with me.”

Without another word, Dad places a crooked index finger under my chin, lifting it up. Smiling softly, he turns back to the Angel of Death.

“I’m ready,” he says.

The two of them walk away from the central chamber, making their way down the tunnel where my father’s body now rests. It’s almost as if they’re just taking a walk in a park, or a garden. And maybe to Dad, they are. Their conversation is light and friendly as they disappear into the darkness.

I swipe at my cheeks, batting at the tears still falling.

Abigail walks over to me, wrapping her arms around me. “I am so sorry, my dear one.”

The best I can manage is a guttural sob as I return her embrace.

“I do so wish I could say this was the end of our family’s torment. But you must return to your body. You must be prepared for all that lies ahead. The path will not be easy and I make