The Attic by Xu Rachel & Ferguson Bekah

Author:Xu, Rachel & Ferguson, Bekah [Xu, Rachel]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Rock of Ages Publishing House
Published: 2014-10-18T04:00:00+00:00

Ian rolled his sleeve back down and crossed both arms over his chest. “Do you believe that earth is the only place where life exists?” he said.

“Are you asking if I believe in alien planets?”

“No, more like, different dimensions.”

She gaped at him as though he'd lost his mind. “It's not something I've given much thought to, Ian. Are you trying to change the subject? Tell me about your arm already!”

He drew in a breath and made an effort to keep the impatience from his voice. “Let's say there were other dimensions,” he said. “What do you think would happen if there was a rift?”

“Are we talking about a portal to another world?” She raised an eyebrow and cracked a grin.

Despite the room being soundproof, he lowered his voice and leaned forward. “What if I were to tell you that there is an object—here from the beginning of time—that can take you to another dimension. An object that has been fought over for millennium.”

She made no response to that, not even the twitch of an eyebrow.

“Everyone wants its power,” he said, “but no one can control it.”

She pursed her lips. “What are you getting at, Ian?” she asked, frustration in her tone, the humorous glint gone from her eye. “You're talking nonsense.”

“Stay with me. I'm getting there.”

She sighed. “Go on then.”

“That object now resides in the attic of this mansion, you see, and it's the reason Auguste became wealthy. Before he found it, he was only a homeless pauper.”

She sat bolt upright, eyes widening. “The secret compartment in the trunk—I knew it! Is it stocks or something? Gold, jewels?”

“How did you—”

“—I'm sorry, Ian,” she interrupted. “I took the key from your workshop. Didn't you know it was missing—? Your bird, he . . . he flew away.” She gave him a timid look as though anticipating a blasting, and cleared her throat. She broke eye contact. “That's why I got lost in the forest. I'm so very sorry about your bird.” She lifted contrite eyes. “I was chasing after him but just couldn't catch him, and got lost and . . . somehow bumped my head. I must have fallen . . . ”

Ian had to bite his tongue to hold back his temper, but a muscle twitched in his cheek. “No,” he said calmly, though it took all his strength, “the bird is still in his cage, safe and sound. I didn't notice the key was gone.” Blast it. His pulse picked up its pace and beads of sweat broke out on his forehead.

“Lily—” he said slowly, dreading the answer, “where is the key now?”

She hesitated. “It's in my room, tucked away.”

He let out a sharp, breathy exhale. “Fine. We'll have to go get it. It can't be left laying around, you have no idea—”

“What's in the bottom of the trunk,” she asked again, sounding impatient. “Stolen jewels?”

He considered this a moment and thought of his workshop. Did she think all those jewels were stolen?—that he was a thief? No wonder she wouldn't stop snooping around.

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