And somehow it hurt less.

Once I realized that, everything made more sense.

Losing my husband meant my life would never be the same. I would never be the same.

I knew it in my core, but my aunts would never understand. They would try, but how could they? We were Warren witches.

I didn’t realize how long I had been sitting in the room, thinking all the same old thoughts, until I looked around and saw it was dark.

“Constance?” I called out again. “If you’re there, I just want you to know I’m sorry. There must be a million things you’d like to tell those of us left behind, but for whatever reason, I can’t be the person to hear them anymore.” I planted my hands on the floor and pushed myself up to standing. “But I’m not giving up. I’m still going to do everything I can to find out what happened to you.” I walked toward the door. “It just might be a little harder without your help.”

Thump!

I jumped and whirled around.

A book lay toppled on the floor.

That hadn’t been there a moment ago.

And I was pretty sure I hadn’t imagined that sound.

I looked over to the window. But I knew it was shut. Besides, a breeze couldn’t have knocked it over.

My skin prickled as I looked around the empty room.

“Constance?”

Chapter 10

I stood completely still, heart hammering in my chest.

It could have been a coincidence. Books did fall.

Another book tipped over and hit the floor.

My eyes widened.

Okay, there was no denying that. Something or someone was tipping those books over.

I waited, frozen to the spot, for something more to happen. My breath was so shallow, I started to feel lightheaded. But there was nothing to see. Or hear. Except for the tick of the clock and the scratching of branches against the window from the large oak tree out front, which, you know, was only slightly terrifying.

After another moment passed, I rolled my shoulders, forcing some tension out. This was ridiculous. Me, of all people, being afraid of ghosts.

Thump!

I yelped. I wasn’t proud, but I couldn’t help it! Ghosts are a lot scarier when you can’t see them. Or hear them. And they’re just creeping around all invisible-like.

So, this was what a haunting was like when you weren’t a witch.

I did not find it pleasant at all. Would not recommend. Zero stars.

Most ghosts weren’t able to move objects, but given her force of will, I shouldn’t have been surprised Constance Graves would be one of the ones to figure it out.

“Okay,” I called out, a little embarrassed by the shakiness in my voice. “I’m going to assume you’re here, Constance. And, again, I want you to know, we’re really sorry, and I’m going to do everything in my power to find out what happened to you.”

Three more books tumbled over.

“Hey!” I said, planting my hands on my hips. “Take it easy.”