Chapter 6
Alex took the rusty key from a hook in his Gran's bedroom. He slotted it into the keyhole and turned it. There was a creak and the ancient door swung open, stiffly.
The smell of dust overpowered him. The room had not being used in the last year, and dust had continuously gathered. Alex entered the room, cautiously.
Curled up on the thread-bare rug, was a cat, basking in the few rays of sunlight peering through the grimy window.
Alex's eyes, sore from his tears early, stung more, as the damp air hit him. He blinked several times, and took a few breathes, as his eyes adjusted to the darkness.
His hand found a thread of string. He yanked it and a bulb lit up. He'd hardly have noticed, as the light bulb was so thickly suffocated in dust and grime, which would take hours to remove a years worth of muck.
He walked over to a book stand, where the Book of Shadows was placed.
There was a page open. At the top of the page were two water-coloured images of cartoon ghosts. He smiled slight, the ink had become faded and now the ghosts looked commercial, rather than spooky.
Spell to Summon the Dead
Alex looked at the writing below it, barely distinguishable. Underneath the 'spell' was a note. He picked it up and read it to himself.
If you are reading these words, my dear Alex, you will know I have died. This book is real. I want you to read this spell above. I will explain the rest later,
Lots
of Love
Gran
X X X
"Later?" Alex questioned his Gran's words. She was dead. How could she explain the rest 'later'? Unless…
Hear these words, hear my
cry,
Spirit from the other side.
Come to thee, I summon
thee,
Cross now the great divide.
Alex closed his eyes and read the spell. A gust of wind surrounded him. The light bulb flashed repeatedly. In the centre of the attic, which Alex had not noticed before, were several candles, stood upright.
Suddenly, they lit, and in a flurry of bright orbs, his Gran appeared.