Chapter 19: The Word on the Altar

A shiver ran down Noah's spine as he ran his fingers over the word Seek, carved deep into the old wooden altar. Dust clung to his skin, and the air in the abandoned church felt heavier, charged with something unseen.

Avery crouched next to him, squinting at the carving. "Okay… so your dad comes here, finds this, and writes about Haven in his journal. But what exactly are we supposed to seek?"

Noah exhaled slowly. "That's what we need to figure out."

Avery leaned back on her heels. "Maybe there's something under the altar?"

Noah hesitated. "You mean, like… a hidden compartment?"

Avery smirked. "Dude, you've read books. You know how this works."

Rolling his eyes, Noah pushed against the altar, testing its weight. It barely budged. He pressed his fingers along the edges, feeling for any loose panels. After a few seconds, his nails caught on a tiny gap in the wood.

His heart pounded.

"No way…"

He wedged his fingers in and pulled. The panel gave way with a soft click, revealing a small, hidden compartment.

Avery let out a low whistle. "Okay, that's kinda cool."

Inside, wrapped in faded cloth, was a small, leather-bound notebook. Noah's fingers trembled as he lifted it out and dusted it off. The edges were worn, and when he opened it, the first page held a single line in his father's handwriting.

"For those who seek the light, follow the path unseen."

Noah exchanged a look with Avery.

"What does that even mean?" she asked, her voice hushed.

He flipped through more pages, his breath hitching as he found drawings of symbols, Bible verses, and notes—all written by his father. Some words were underlined multiple times.

"John 8:12," Noah muttered, reading one aloud.

Avery grabbed her phone. "Hold on… okay, it says: 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"

Noah stared at the verse, his father's words echoing in his head. For those who seek the light…

This wasn't just about uncovering the past.

It was about faith.

And his father had left him a path to follow.