The first morning at the Celestial Springs came wrapped in mist and the sound of falling water.
Derek woke before the others—not from excitement, but because the spiritual energy pressed against his chest like a second heartbeat. His ghosts felt it too. They hovered at the edges of his vision, brighter than usual, their forms almost solid. Dr. Blackwood stood by the window, gazing out at the pools.
"You feel it," the ghost said.
"Yeah."
"This place is old. Older than the monks. Older than the Veil, maybe."
Derek swung his legs over the side of the cot. "Is that supposed to make me feel better?"
"It's supposed to make you curious."
---
Cora was already in the water when the others arrived.
She'd found a pool at the base of the smallest waterfall, the water warm and clear, steam rising around her. She sat on a submerged ledge, the water lapping at her chin, her eyes closed. The falls pounded behind her, a constant rhythm that drowned out thought.
