“So they’re mined then?” Sophia nearly walked into Paul when he stopped abruptly.
“Yes, and once they’re all mined, then they’ll be gone forever, I fear.” He studied the shelf in front of them while looking for a specific book.
“So they’re sort of like little batteries, aren’t they?” Sophia asked. “Little remnants of magic that people can draw on?”
“That’s correct.” Paul pulled a book from the shelf and thumbed through it. “Yes, as I suspected. This particular soul stone is from a portal that connected Earth to a place called Virgo on Oriceran. That cave is north of Saint Petersburg.” He pointed at a map in the book and smiled. “Getting there will be a challenge, but I trust you’ll weather it fine.”
Sophia smiled with appreciation. “Speaking of weather, I better go and fetch my polar bear fleece. It will no doubt be frigid there.”
Paul handed her the book and nodded. “No doubt, it will be. But the cold will probably be the least of your problems.”
Chapter One Hundred Fourteen
The sun had barely risen when Sophia stepped through the portal to the location that the soul stone book listed for the cave connecting Earth to Virgo in Oriceran.
The blast of cold air knocked the breath from Sophia’s lungs. It felt like she was inhaling ice. She was used to the cold since the Gullington was in Scotland, but this was a different cold. It was one that instantly penetrated deep into her bones and made her think she’d never be warm ever again.
That seemed a little melodramatic so she shook off the sudden chill and took in the landscape. This region of Russia was as beautiful as it was cold. In the distance, snowcapped mountains filled the sky. Green grass and rocky terrain still covered the lower hills. The upper peaks reached so high that they made Sophia hope that the cave she sought wasn’t up there.
In front of her was a long stretch of plains dotted with forest. According to the book, Sophia needed to head north and look for a bridge. Once she was there, then the way to Virgo Cave, as it was called, would be laid out. That sounded like a lesson in faith. Sophia didn’t know why the directions couldn’t be a set of coordinates for once instead of a scavenger hunt of sorts.
She shook off any reservations about the adventure that lay before her and set off for the mountains, following the direction of the compass on her phone. The frigid winds swept across the plains, howled in her ears, and made her look forward to getting to the coverage the forest ahead would provide.
It took Sophia longer than she expected to cross the flatlands, probably because it was farther than she expected and went on for miles. The cold didn’t make the trek feel any shorter since her feet felt frozen solid halfway through. There was something about feet being cold that made the rest of the body feel it more. That’s why she was grateful that she’d thought to wear one of those traditional Russian hats known as trappers. The fur-lined sides came down and covered her ears.
She and Lunis had decided that he would stay behind to recover after the adventures in the South Pacific and to rest up for the next one to come. Once Sophia got more of the soul stones, then the Dragon Elite would be headed to take back the elves’ homeland, and that would no doubt involve a battle with the Rogue Riders. However, if Lunis were there, he would have made crossing the flatlands a cinch.
What I hear you say is that you miss me, he said in her head, obviously spying on her thoughts.
Sophia laughed. I think what I was insinuating when you trespassed in my mind was that you’re an excellent form of transportation.
Do you know how to undo the effects of superglue? Lunis asked.
What did you do?
I can’t say, but it has nothing to do with my Halloween costume, Lunis explained.
I thought you were painting yourself white and going as Simi.
That was a joke, Lunis replied. I’d never do anything so boring. No, I wanted sparkles and something fabulous. I have to win the costume contest.
What costume contest?
The one that you’re putting on for the party, he stated.
What party? Sophia hurried as she got closer to the tree line.
The one you’re throwing so that I can wear my costume and win the huge prize, Lunis answered.
I’m sort of busy and don’t have the time to throw a Halloween party.
He sighed. It doesn’t have to be that big of a thing. A few streamers, some games, a huge spread of food, a DJ, and party favors.
Yeah, that doesn’t sound like a huge undertaking. Sophia giggled.
Oh, and dry ice, Lunis added excitedly. You’ll need lots of that for the haunted house.
Say what? she protested. I’m not putting together a haunted house.
He harrumphed. Then I guess you don’t really love me.
Is that how I show my love to you?
Yes, with an attempt to try and scare me with mummies jumping out of closets and half-eaten fairies crawling across bloody floors, Lunis stated. It’s not asking a lot.
I’ll see what I can do, but it’s not a chief priority. You’ll remember that I’m also working on getting your bachelor pad, Sophia explained.
Trin is doing all the work, he argued. You’re collecting the key parts.
Yeah, but I have to set up a date for her and Evan, Sophia stated.
What better place for the two to fall head over heels for each other than in a haunted house at a Halloween party? Lunis urged. Especially if you have a bunch of headless servants serving the themed food.
Wait, we have themed food now?
Naturally, Lunis answered. Spooky spider deviled eggs, mummy dogs, witch fingers, eyeball tacos, pirate pasta—oh, and everything must have pumpkin in it. Pumpkin spiced lattes, pumpkin bread in a mummy loaf, pumpkin soup served in a cauliflower brain bowl. You get the idea.
Unfortunately, I think I do, Sophia said dryly as she stepped into the forest. She was immediately cast in darkness and instantly got an eerie feeling. The spooky Halloween talk did little to ease her nerves as a thick mist rolled across the forest floor.
Sophia paused, thinking that the woods were too quiet all of a sudden.
Speaking of haunted, Lunis observed, seeing what she was seeing.
My thoughts exactly. Sophia was glad that it wasn’t all in her head. She took a step, and her boot snapped a twig. That made a colony of bats spring from the trees, suddenly making a ton of noise as they screeched and their wings flapped.
Oh, spooky…Lunis said with an edge to his voice.
Sophia had seen a lot and been in many a dangerous and scary situation. However, in the middle of nowhere in Russia, she suddenly felt her blood run cold with fear and not only from the low temperatures.
Sophia was suddenly glad that Lunis was in her head, making her feel less alone.
Well, I’m going to read some of my Goosebumps books, Lunis said on the heels of that thought.
You better not, she warned.
Oh, so you’re saying that you need me?
I’m saying don’t leave me, she demanded.
Fine, he acquiesced. Do you want me to read you the book?
I’d prefer less scary stuff. Sophia continued through the forest. The trees blocked the wind, but the air was thicker with a damp cold that made Sophia feel like her clothes were drenched.
Let’s see what I have lying around, Lunis mused. How about Pet Sematary, The Exorcist, The Haunting of Hill House, Dracula—