The Haunting of Castle Helios: Haunted Hearts, #1

1

An Editor's Tough Love - Violet

Violet nursed the lukewarm cup of tea in her hands. It took some effort to keep the grimace on her face from morphing into a flat out scowl, but this was Justin Koh—her favorite editor and one of three people she actually trusted to be honest when it came to her work.

Alright. The only editor she'd ever actually gotten along with. Justin had been her older brother's best friend in Merlin Academy and she'd grown comfortable enough around him to tell the truth when he asked.

Mostly the truth, anyway.

She was trying to enjoy the fact that this was her favorite cafe and that it'd been months since she'd actually visited. But her mind was a chaotic muddle of every single accumulated worry from the morning hours when she'd just risen, to now.

Despite the warmth pouring in through the window, the natural light bathing their corner of the cafe, Violet barely noticed it. For her, there was only a sharp coldness. As if everything was frozen so deeply, and thoroughly, that there was no hope of it ever thawing out to an acceptable level again.

...let—Violet! Justin's frown deepened. You know, I am sorry to call you out this early in the morning, but I don't have any other time slots free in my schedule this week.

Violet took a sip of tea to help swallow back her words. She'd heard most of what he'd said. She didn't like any of it. He could’ve come to see her, instead of inviting her out, but the invitation meant he was giving her an out.

If she wanted to run, he wouldn’t stop her, but he was hoping that she would stay. She’d known him long enough to guess at where this was headed. The only thing remained was to know what was so awful that he’d actually thought all of this through.

Justin sighed. He rubbed his forehead as if there was an incoming headache that he couldn't quite get away from. Look, I understand it's been a rough stretch for you, but this is almost three years with no new material and your fans—well, they're dedicated, but they won't stick around forever. There’s plenty of other eager, young names and faces that are happy to make their mark on the world. For you, when when there's no teasers or hints or even a second edition of some of your older works, then you’re not looking at a very good-

I already told you I don't care if you want to publish a second edition, Violet muttered. I just said that I didn't want to read it again. It's so—weird. All of my old stories are. I-I just want to be left alone.

You loved it at one time.

Yeah—a really long time ago. Look, Justin, just do whatever you want with it, alright? You have all the rights and everything. I just—I don't have anything else. There’s nothing! I’ve tried and tried, and the words, they just kind of get all tangled up in each other. I want to give you something new, but—I can’t.

Writer's block is a common problem, Justin said, with exaggerated patience. Writer's block over the course of three years is something bigger at work. I'm just asking you to try a little harder.

I'm trying as hard as I can!

Justin perked a brow. I have it on good authority that you haven't left your apartment in seven months. You have everything automatically delivered. You've refused weekend dinners with your family and turned down all extra social inter-

Violet groaned. Arielle—did Zack put you up to this? He did, didn’t he? Why can’t he just stop worrying so much? He's my brother, not my father!

"He worries about you, because he cares and now, apparently, I have to worry for you as well. You know how he is when he worries—he gets nothing done, which means I get nothing done. I hate getting nothing done, Violet."

Dark purple eyes flashed with a glimmer of emotion, the first reaction since she’d entered the cafe. I'm dead inside, Violet said, flatly. So don't flatter yourself. I-I know what it looks like, alright? But I've tried! I've read all kinds of books. I took virtual tours of all those new ruins in the historical quadrant and I even had-

From the safety and comfort of your apartment, Justin interrupted. On the other side of screen or in a virtual environment. That doesn't count.

Does too!

Does not.

Justin!

Violet, he said, mildly. Have you even tried going outside and just walking around for a little bit? Change of scenery and all that?

...that's what they make holographic environments for, Violet mumbled. She stared into the cup of cold tea. It wasn't worth the effort of getting dressed to leave said apartment, just to have Justin scold her.

It you make a crack about ghostwriters next, I think I'll assign you to be one, Justin said, sternly. Listen to yourself! I don’t know what’s going on, because you won’t share, but if you don’t try to do something different, you’ll end up sitting in your sorrows and wallowing there. That’s not good for you and it’s definitely not good for your creativity. Violet, you're not even half of what you-

I know, I know, alright? I know I suck. I know if I could just make this work somehow, that I wouldn’t have to—you don't understand!

Then help me understand. What is it you need? How can I help you? I'm not just your editor because I'm friends with your brother, I'm a fan of your work. I'll wait as long as it takes for your next story, but I don't want you to give up on yourself before you've even begun writing.

...I-I wouldn't.

Wouldn't you? he asked, knowingly. Three years? That's a record. The last time was one and a half and you had a better reason for that.

Violet cringed. Stupid Zack, she muttered.

He's a good brother. He wanted to come today, because apparently, you keep refusing to take his calls. I insisted on today, because I knew he’d be on assignment. Thank me later, but at least answer one of his calls, alright? He worries about you, because you’re his favorite sister.

A soft blush dotted her cheeks. Violet relinquished her cold teacup in favor of folding her arms across her chest, as if that would provide some sort of barrier against the news she didn't want to hear.

Justin flipped through his portfolio on the table. He drew out a glimmering card. You’re not procrastinating, he said, at last. "Otherwise, you never would've shown your face today. I don't know what's bothering you and if you don't want to talk about it, that's fine. I won’t press the issue, however, I do need something to show at the next publication review and right now, I—we—have nothing."

It's not that I don't want to! Violet protested. I've sent you a dozen half-chapters and at least twenty different proposals. You’re the one that-

And they were all exactly the same thing, in different colors, Justin said, flatly. If I wanted some boring paragraphs crammed onto a single sheet of paper, I'd have done it myself. I didn't need you to do it for me.

They weren't-! Violet faltered beneath his sharpened gaze. I-I tried, she said, softly. I really did. But nothing was coming to mind and I couldn’t—the words just wouldn't work!

Sometimes they don't work, which means your mind needs a break and your body needs a change of pace. Justin held out the glimmering card. So, I've taken care of that for you.

What?

I thought you'd figure this out on your own, but the three months really threw me. Of course, that does mean I’ve had three years to think of a solution. He floated her teacup out of the way and set the glimmering card down in front of her. Iridescent letters glittered up at her in the morning light through the cafe window.

Violet gulped. ...I'm not going to like this, am I?

Justin's grin was downright wicked. Oh, no, he said, gleefully. "You're going to hate it."

2

Violet Morgane Does Not Like Traveling - Violet

"Y ou want me to go where ? Violet sputtered. She'd practically crawled over her seat to get away from the offending travel ticket. Are you insane ? I can't go off-realm for inspiration, Justin! That’s—that's rid-!"

Enough of a shock to give you something else to think about, instead of moping alone in your gloomy apartment?

I'm not moping! Violet snapped. She sat up straight, chin tilted up, doing her very best to appear stern and in control. I'm not!

...you're doing a good job of faking it then. Look, it's a vacation, not a prison sentence. A change of scenery, change of pace, all of that good stuff. You'll like it. Honest. I made sure to do some research and it's located in a lovely realm right up your-

I don't want to travel outside of Nevarah!

Ticket's already booked.

Get yourself a refund. Violet shrank back from the ticket. "Better yet, save yourself the trouble on all future expenses for your hare-brained schemes and don't ever book anything for-"

There's no refund, because the company is paying for this. It's not out of my own pocket, so unless you want to write the fifteen page report on why you couldn't make it, take the ticket.

Justin-

Take the ticket, Violet.

Fifteen pages? Violet chewed on her lower lip. I-I could manage fifteen pages.

Liar. You can't even manage fifteen paragraphs right now. Listen, I know you don’t like travel, but t’s not that far away. It’s a sister-realm. The transport leaves this afternoon with plenty of time to arrive at Castle Helios this evening.

This evening? Violet paled.

Justin flashed a grin. It's a beautiful castle and there's plenty of things to look at and poke through. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. You'll have time to settle in and a whole week to spend amusing yourself by exploring a truly fantastical piece of architecture.

I'll enjoy digging my claws into your little-! A lavender spark of energy crackled at her left ear, before a stray spark leapt onto the pristine tablecloth.

Violet flinched.

But nothing caught on fire. The spark fizzled out, leaving the tiniest speck of grey ash behind.

Justin's stern gaze softened. It'll be fine. You'll be fine, he assured her. I've already checked it out. It's a lovely place for a quiet getaway. In fact, there probably won't be many guests there at all, so you can wander around without running into people. Just take your notebooks and relax. Give yourself a chance to get inspired again.

You don't understand! Violet tried again. I can’t do this, Justin. I’m not good with people or traveling or anything that has to-

Sure I do, Justin said. He drew out another folded slip of paper and flicked it across the table. It floated to a stop beside the shiny boarding pass. That's an appointment at Healer Brunswick for a full physical and a personalized emergency kit. They also have a therapist on-call, if you feel the need to vent to someone who isn’t me.

Justin-! Her voice was a mere whisper now.

And if that’s not the case, then you can go directly to Madame Carouset, to have your magic recalibrated and sealed before off-realm travel. All expenses covered by our Publishing Firm. Please do not miss the appointment. It’ll be on my head and there’s enough on there already. I believe there was also an extra fee for the rush booking. If you don't feel like packing, I can have my assistant-

And if I go and come back and nothing changes? Violet said, wearily. Then what? I'm just—yesterday's news? I'm already so far beneath the public notice that no one would care if I never wrote another thing for the rest of my-

Then you'll be transferred over to Marcon's editorial department, Justin said, quietly. I'm only assigned to authors who are producing work within the current decade. As much as I'd hate to lose you, I wouldn't have a say in the matter. It'd be strictly-

Strictly business, Violet said, half to herself. She drew her knees up to her chest. You're horrible, you know that?

I'll always be your friend, he said, simply. But I will miss working with you. So try and scare up some inspiration, alright?

Violet shivered. She’d really rather not scare up anything at all…

3

A Traveling Headache - Violet

Clutching the balancing pendant in hand, Violet handed over her boarding pass to the Pareya checking admission at the STAR-Rail gate. The warm pulse of foreign magic seared into her skin, providing a focal point for counting her breaths.

Madam Carrowytch was a strong Alpha with an impeccable presence and binding technique. Her Earth element made her exceptionally good at temporary seals and binding magics for off-realm adventures. The main reason Justin had picked her though was the one thing that Violet was trying to ignore.

A Storm affinity was rare, as most elemental types didn't tend to trend in that elemental direction. It was always more along Fire or Air, but Madam Carrowytch was different and it was obvious in the way her magic had wrapped easily around Violet's.

She'd left the casting room holding the balancing pendant and even now, with her luggage floating along behind her, she'd yet to release it. The sense of calm and reassurance coursing through the pendant felt like a lifeline to her jumbled nerves.

It'd been years since she'd ventured off-realm. Years.

Thankfully, the Pareya examining her ticket, didn't seem to notice or care that she fumbled with her things, before correctly following their directions.Her boarding pass was accepted, punched and returned, along with a meal ticket redeemable for a single serving of refreshment at any point during the trip.

Your seat number puts you on the third car down, section seven near the window, the Pareya said. Please enjoy your trip. Next!

Violet gave a jerky nod in answer and accepted the returned boarding pass and meal ticket. She inched along with the line of boarding passengers, counting the cars on the inter-realm train and waiting her turn to find her seat.

Off-realm portals were absolute torture for her, though she'd never been able to figure out why. It was simply easier to choose an alternate method of transportation or stay on Nevarah where the pain would never reach her. STAR-Rail was a good option, even if it was still a nerve-wracking choice.

Trust Justin to know that I wouldn't care for a 'portal. Did I ever even tell him that? Arielle. Must've been Zach again. Idiot brother.

It turned out that her window seat was compact and well-padded. Her luggage floated up onto the seat beside her, occupying the second space as a non-entity passenger, granting privacy and a temporary barrier of sorts between her and the general public.

It wasn't that she couldn't interact with her fellow dragels, it was just that she preferred not to. No, it was more than that, but she had to work with the best excuse she had and that was it. Her claws curled into the padded armrests as the STAR-Rail began to accelerate, pushing her back into her seat.

Lips curled over her fangs in a barely audible hiss. This was the worst. The literal worst! Why had she agreed to this again?

Justin had been her friend long before he'd been assigned as her editor. They worked so well together that she knew she'd never be able to stomach anyone else reading her rough drafts and scribbling in the margins.

Correction—it wasn't worth trying to work with someone else. There was just something about Justin that simply clicked. He was easy to get along with and even though he did tend to push her to test her limits, he'd always had her back.

Always.

He'd encouraged her to keep writing on the days when things were rough and reminded her to put her heart into it, when things hiccuped. To her, he'd been a steady calming presence, just like the balancing pendant still clutched in hand.

She could picture the proud smile on his face when she returned from doing whatever crazy thing he'd dare her to try. It was almost always look of pride that said far more than any excited words could express. He thought she was braver than she admitted and simply encouraged her to prove it.

Maybe one of these days she'd be worthy of that admiration.

Settling into her seat, Violet stared out the spell-darkened window at the glittering flickers of magic and starlight. Riding the STAR-Rail now was smoother than her childhood memories remembered.

The gentle rocking motion and steady thrum of magic lulled her senses into a deeper calm. Perhaps a nap wouldn't hurt...

A handful of hours later, Violet stood on the deserted platform of Waypoint No. 1902 on the Crestian Realm. It looked nice enough, with old-fashioned signage directing her away from the drop-off platform and towards a minuscule administration office.

Weathered wooden tiles adorned the outside and grimy windows prevented curious eyes from simply staring in. A drooping sign on the door declared the operating hours. Nothing about it looked the least bit promising.

Inside the rundown interior, an older gentleman peered up at her with rhumey eyes. You're the guest? he said, his voice deep and cultured. Where to?

Violet tried not to grimace, but didn't think she managed to pull it off. V-Violet Morgane, she said, stepping up to the worn, overflowing desk. I have reservations at Castle Helios?

He grunted in answer, wrestling an ornamental card from the bottom of a precarious stack of papers. It wobbled dangerously, but stayed put. You can 'port to the main courtyard. Just use this. Leave it on the ground when you're clear. It'll return after a twenty-foot release.

Violet didn't even try to stop the scowl this time. No portals. I'm not good at them. What other options do you-

That's it, he said, peering up at her again, this time with a tinge of disgust. It's either the anchored portal or you're walking. There's flight restrictions in place. This Waypoint is a known zero-violation checkpoint. No unauthorized flying without the proper permissions or-

Personal wings? Violet said. Her grip tightened on her luggage. No matter how nice Castle Helios might look in a picture, there was nowhere in all the realms that was worth the monster headache she could feel starting at the mere mention of a portal.

That'd been the whole point in taking the STAR-Rail.

No unauthorized flying, the old man repeated. Personal or not. You'll have to walk, if you don't feel up to a 'portal. There might be a stomach settler in the vending machine by the outside bench-

Elixirs won't help, Violet said, tightly. They never had. Which way is the castle?

It's a long walk. He stared at her.

I have all day.

And all night?

Unless there's something to worry about at night—it's fine. Her smile grew brittle.

This is in the middle of wild territory. Enough civilization to be tolerable and enough wildlife to be dangerous-

Pretty sure I'd dangerous to them, Violet said, lightly. Anything else I should worry about or is that it?

The old man stared at her for a long, awkward moment. There's no one going to look for you, if you don't end up where you should be, he said, at last. He shuffled through the stack papers in front of him once more and this time, handed over a faded flyer.

A soft crackle popped in the air over her left shoulder. Violet held her grimacing-smile in place and took the flyer. It was a single-fold brochure that opened up to show a rather simply drawn map. It wasn't holographic RPS, but it would do for now.

You sure you don't want the portal?

Positive. Thanks for your help.

He grunted in answer.

Six-hours later, Violet had exhausted all of her good-tempers and contemplated setting her precious luggage on fire nearly a dozen times. The effects of the balancing pendant had worn off within ten minutes of leaving the station.

Every ounce of nervous energy had returned with a vengeance, leaving her magic off-kilter and unpredictable. Any thought of circumventing the No-Wing-Policy had vanished upon seeing the complex spellwork wrought overhead to check for permissions.

Dozens of signs warned against it with the dire promise of permanent removal from Crestian itself.

So she'd opted to walk for the first hour. Purely out of self-preservation, of course.

Walking wasn't hard.

But the walk itself was completely and utterly boring. A well-worn pathway in the coarse grass was her guiding line and seemed to match the simple map. The pathway cut through the swaying fields of vegetation without a single end in sight.

Twisting and turning up and around little hills and valleys, it continued on. Violet dutifully shuffled along, growing more disenchanted by the minute.

There wasn't a single strand of wild magic reaching out to her. The sky overhead was a typical mass of changing color, promising the end of a designated day. Even the temperature was too-nice and nowhere near uncomfortable enough for a swiftly approaching night.

Her stomach growled in rebellion as she circle another low hill with a barrage of signs warning of the No-Wing-Policy. She'd slept through the opportunity to use her meal ticket and now, wished she'd at least tried to claim a snack before stepping out onto the platform.

The temptation to sprout wings and stay low was quite inviting. After all, in a place with no wild magic, it shouldn't be an issue at all—no matter what the signs said. Besides, if she was kicked off the realm, then Justin wouldn't be able to guilt-trip her about—well, no.

He would probably still scold her for being irresponsible and reckless in addition to whatever lecture he'd no doubt dreamed up in anticipation for her next round of protests. Idiot cousin! That was the problem with getting to know people—they learned to know her too.

By the time she'd nearly talked herself into breaking that pesky policy, she'd crested the next hill and caught her first glimpse of Castle Helios.

It was a sight to end everything in its tracks.

The brochure had not done it justice.

Looming overhead in the darkened distance, it sat atop a steep hill with a winding walkway leading up to the front courtyard. Massive gates were set into the ornate fencing along property edge and twin lights of pale blue flame, illuminated the entry.

A shiver ran down her spine and Violet stubbornly pushed the nervous rush of new thoughts away. She did not need to read anything into the eerie appearance that was now rousing her protective instincts.

It was just a castle. A boring, well-decorated tourist trap.

She just had to get through the gate, up the walk and then to the reception desk. Right. That was all it was. She just had to get there. From there, a hot meal, a hot bath and a nice, soft bed would make everything better.

Everything.

4

An Unexpected Guest - Cypher

Castle Helios was much larger than Cypher had expected. He'd finally found his way back to the first floor and the main entrance, in time to see the most surprising sight on Crestian yet.

Oscar had promised there would be no one else in the castle. That was one of the main reasons he'd agreed to come out so soon after the last assignment had soured. His talents weren't always appreciated when the truths came to light.

Not that he could help that, of course. It would help if his clients wouldn't keep secrets from him in the first place, but that was always a tricky point. Oscar's offer had sounded absolutely heavenly, so after a few questions, Cypher had accepted.

He'd specifically asked for privacy. No prying eyes, no wagging tongues and definitely no eligible dragel submissives. He didn't need those kinds of complications. He'd had more than enough to last him a lifetime.

It took exactly one half-glance at the fuming, bedraggled woman ringing the bell on on the receptionist desk, to make him wish he'd stayed three realms away.

Friend or not, he had a few choice words for Oscar as soon as he showed his face. He'd had the same problem as this new mystery woman. There'd been no one around to greet him. Not that he'd expected staff, but he had expected Oscar.

He studied her from afar, weighing his chances and wondering how bad his luck really was.

Yes, she was certainly easy on the eyes—from this distance—and no, he didn't want to get closer for a better