Chapter 11:The Seeker

The next morning, Eleanor left Grady's cabin with his grandfather's journal tucked under her arm and a determined set to her jaw. The old man had insisted on staying behind, his wound still too fresh for travel, but he had given her clear instructions on how to find Miriam. According to Grady, Miriam lived on the outskirts of Maplewood, in a house that was as much a mystery as the woman herself.

As Eleanor made her way through the town, she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The streets were eerily quiet, the usual bustle of Maplewood replaced by an uneasy stillness. The storm from the previous night had left the ground muddy and slick, and the air carried a faint, metallic tang that made her skin crawl.

Miriam's house was easy to spot—it stood apart from the others, surrounded by a dense thicket of trees and overgrown shrubs. The structure itself was old, its wooden siding weathered and warped, and the windows were covered with heavy curtains that blocked any view of the interior. A rusted iron gate creaked as Eleanor pushed it open, the sound echoing in the silence.

She knocked on the door, her heart pounding in her chest. For a long moment, there was no response. Then, just as she was about to knock again, the door swung open, revealing a woman who looked to be in her late fifties. Her hair was streaked with gray, and her eyes were sharp and piercing, as if they could see straight through Eleanor's soul.

"You're Eleanor," the woman said, her voice low and gravelly. It wasn't a question.

Eleanor blinked, taken aback. "How did you—"

"Grady called," Miriam interrupted, stepping aside to let Eleanor in. "He told me you'd be coming. Come in. We don't have much time."

The interior of the house was cluttered but organized, with shelves lined with jars of herbs, crystals, and strange artifacts. The air smelled of incense and something else—something earthy and ancient. Miriam motioned for Eleanor to sit at a small wooden table, then took a seat across from her.

"You're planning to cross the Veil," Miriam said, her tone matter-of-fact.

Eleanor nodded, her throat dry. "I have to. My brother's there."

Miriam studied her for a long moment, then sighed. "It's not a journey to be taken lightly. The Veil is a place of shadows and illusions. It will test you in ways you can't imagine."

"I know," Eleanor said, her voice steady. "But I don't have a choice. I need to find Thomas."

Miriam leaned back in her chair, her expression unreadable. "Very well. But if you're going to survive, you'll need more than courage. You'll need knowledge."

She stood and walked over to a shelf, pulling down a small, intricately carved box. Inside was a necklace with a pendant shaped like a spiral, its surface etched with tiny, glowing symbols. Miriam handed it to Eleanor.

"This is a talisman," she explained. "It will help guide you through the Veil. But it's not a guarantee. You'll still need to be careful. Trust your instincts, and don't let the shadows deceive you."

Eleanor took the necklace, the metal cool against her skin. "Thank you."

Miriam's gaze softened, just slightly. "There's one more thing. When you cross the Veil, you'll need an anchor—something to tether you to this world. Without it, you risk losing yourself."

Eleanor thought for a moment, then reached into her pocket and pulled out the locket she had sacrificed during the ritual. It was still dull and lifeless, but it was all she had left of her mother. "Will this work?"

Miriam nodded. "It's perfect. Keep it close."

As Eleanor fastened the necklace around her neck, Miriam began to explain the process of crossing the Veil. It involved a ritual similar to the one Eleanor had performed in the woods, but more complex. Miriam handed her a list of ingredients—herbs, candles, and a vial of liquid that shimmered like oil—and instructed her on how to prepare.

"You'll need to do this at midnight," Miriam said. "The Veil is thinnest then. But be warned—once you cross, there's no turning back until you find what you're looking for."

Eleanor nodded, her resolve hardening. "I understand."

Miriam's expression was grave. "One last thing. When you're on the other side, you may encounter… others. Some will try to help you. Others will try to lead you astray. Be careful who you trust."

Eleanor's stomach churned, but she forced herself to stay focused. "I will."

As she left Miriam's house, the weight of what lay ahead settled heavily on her shoulders. But beneath the fear, there was a spark of hope. She was one step closer to finding Thomas. And no matter what awaited her on the other side of the Veil, she was ready to face it.