Page 4 of Ever Dark Academy: Volume 6

You saw him as a person and tried your best to save him, Christian told him. He wants to make sure that you’re going to be okay. He almost left, thinking you wouldn’t need him, but then he saw…

My stepfather, Grayson said sourly.

That was the other spirit he recognized. The man was pacing back and forth like a caged animal. He was glaring at Grayson. It was clear that though over a decade had passed he was still in the same rage he’d been in when he’d attacked Grayson so long ago. His spirit was still caught up in that moment.

Does he know he’s dead? Grayson asked.

No, not really. He knows something is wrong, but he’s trapped in a loop of rage and shame, Christian answered.

Shame? He isn’t sorry for what he did–

Shame that you bested him, Christian quickly explained. He can’t quite believe that all happened.

Ah, that’s more like it.

Grayson’s hands clenched into fists. His powers had no effect on ghosts or he would have ripped his stepfather apart. He saw Sam looking worried as he glanced between Grayson and his stepfather. But Sam had never been brave in life so he wasn’t that in death and cringed back even as he gestured for Grayson to get the hell out of there. It was the third man–the one that Grayson didn’t recognize–who stepped between Grayson and his stepfather, blocking the man’s glaring looks and predator-like rage.

Who is he? Grayson asked.

There was a pause, but then Christian answered simply, Your father.

What? I…

The handsome man had the same chin as Grayson did. The same nose and sweep of broad shoulders. His eyes were filled with love and grief and… Grayson looked away from them.

What is he still doing here? Why hasn’t he moved on? Grayson’s mind voice sounded tortured in his own ears.

The thought of this man he didn’t even remember staying here for decades, unable to speak to him, unable to change anything in Grayson’s life was hideous. Besides, he didn’t need a father! He was Ashyr! He had no father! This man had wasted his afterlife with this! Wasted it!

He stayed because he knew you were special, Christian said quietly. He knew that your life would be hard. And when he was taken from you too early, he did all he could to stay. To watch over you.

But that’s foolish! He can do nothing! He–

Do you really believe that? Christian interrupted gently.

Grayson was shaking, but he realized it wasn’t from cold. The chill from the other spirits was gone and the specific chill from his stepfather was being blocked. His head shot up so that he was looking into his father’s eyes again.

He shouldn’t have stayed. He shouldn’t… he should go. Tell him he can go! Grayson pleaded. I can take care of myself now. I don’t need him to waste his time on–

He won’t go if I ask him to, Christian said.

Then I will. Grayson stormed closer to his father’s ghost. Go! He pointed off into the distance. Go! I don’t need you!

His father did not go. He didn’t look angry either. He appeared resolute and sad.

Why won’t he leave, Christian? What is the point of this? I am an Immortal–

You are his son, Christian answered.

No, I–

You are his son, Grayson. Immortal or not, Ashyr or not, you are his son, Christian said and put a hand on his shoulder. And he will always protect you.

Face-Off

All the energy seemed to drain from Grayson’s body at Christian’s words. The look on his father’s face: loving, determined, kind, and brave. He wouldn’t leave. No matter what was said or who said it. He would stay as he had stayed for over two decades to keep Grayson safe.

I don’t need him to keep me safe!