Isn't it late to be studying? Spectra asked inside Beatrix's head. Her purple eyes glowed in the dark dorm.
"Couldn't sleep," Beatrix whispered.
Spectra pressed a ghostly finger to her lips. Don't want to wake up your friend, she said, glancing at Autumn's bed. What are you reading?
Beatrix directed her thoughts at Spectra: I borrowed a book about Monster High and the mountain it was built on. She pointed at the map. There's been a bunch of monster deaths out in the woods over the centuries.
Maybe it's because the school's ancient? Spectra suggested. Back in the 1800s, 1700s, even earlier, things would've been different around here... less safety precautions in the old days.
I thought that at first too, since these deaths were spread out over time, Beatrix thought. But this year, there's been a surge. If you look at the map, there used to be, like, one monster death every few decades, so it wasn't really a noticeable pattern.
Spectra floated closer. Yes… there has been a spike this year.
Beatrix pointed at the map again. The textbook notes a few animal deaths to make it clear there's no deaths inside the school. It's like there's some kind of force field keeping Death out of Monster High. Is that even possible?
Spectra's eyes dimmed, their deep purple hue blending into the black of the dorm. It was too dark to see her expression.
Maybe, Spectra murmured. It would make sense for a school for monsters to be built here. The founders may have taken advantage of this strange protection from death to keep students safe.
You think this barrier was around before Monster High was built? Beatrix asked. Why?
Just a hunch, Spectra replied, her voice despondent. Why is this gnawing at you?
Well, I… Beatrix thought, As much as I hate to say it, I don't think Bram and Vilhelm are responsible for the murders. I have a suspicion that someone else might be involved.
Hmm… that 'someone else' has certainly been busy lately, Spectra said.
Spectra's words made Beatrix queasy. The more she thought about it, the more things lined up.
Like during the MSS field trip, Grey had slipped away from the human restaurant and vanished into the city alleys. While he'd shown up later to save her in the nightclub, Beatrix had no idea where he'd been.
What if he was out hurting people that night?
Plus, he was always skipping class and disappearing.
Spectra heard her thoughts, even though Beatrix didn't mean to share them.
Seems like you've got a theory brewing, but there's some conflict in you. You don't want to betray your 'friend,' Spectra said. However, I know you want to keep more kids from turning up in the forest.
Beatrix rubbed her temples. Of course, it's just… hang on, why'd you say 'friend' like that?
Because I can tell you see him differently, Spectra replied. If you want to prove Grey's innocence, you're going to need proof.
Spectra floated closer, hovering in the moonlight streaming through the window. The faint light seeped through her ghostly form, illuminating her floating chains and tattered dress. Why not hunt for evidence yourself? I can show you an easy way, Spectra offered.
Let me guess — you want to teach me a third magic trick, Beatrix anticipated, setting the textbook aside.
All good things come in threes, Spectra quipped.
I can't wait to get in trouble because of you again. What monster ability should I copy this time? Beatrix thought sarcastically. And are you ever going to tell me why you're such a witchcraft expert? You're just a ghost, after all. No offense.
Spectra drifted around the room. I told you, it's amazing what you can pick up by observing creatures around you for 400 years.
You've been a ghost for 400 years? Beatrix started, dumbfounded.
Yes, but more importantly, I've got a special skill for you this time. It's very discreet, and it will be a silver bullet for your biggest problems. With this, your burdens will lift. Trust me.
Spectra continued, There's a way for you to see what Grey is doing, a way to peek at his late-night antics without ever leaving this room. You can investigate from the safety of your dorm.
How? Beatrix thought.
Step out of your body, Spectra said. Just for a bit.
Beatrix's drowsiness faded fast. I'm not following.
You're about to see the world as I do, Spectra clarified. As a ghost, you can go check on your 'friend' whenever you'd like. I think I spotted him skulking around the school's edge earlier. Fly over, keep an eye on him, and you'll get your answers.
But you're a ghost full-time! Beatrix thought. Why do I need your power when you're right here?
I'm a busy apparition, snooping around for you may take a while, Spectra explained. You're more suited for this. I thought this skill would be helpful, since you're so keen on clearing Grey's name.
Wait, if I leave my body, will Grey see my soul floating around? Beatrix thought.
Not if you stay hidden, Spectra reassured. It's easy to float out of sight when you're not constrained by the physical world. Simply keep your distance from him. You'll only be out of your body briefly anyway. Your spirit will naturally return to your physical form after a few minutes.
Spectra had a way of making magic sound like the perfect solution for Beatrix's problems. And to be fair, Spectra's plans were usually reliable. It was always Beatrix's fault she got caught, not Spectra's.
An out-of-body experience would allow Beatrix to observe Grey indirectly, which sounded ideal. The idea of confronting Grey about her suspicions was unsettling.
She couldn't imagine Grey harming her. Maybe she didn't have that great of an imagination.
Beatrix was bothered by how easily she could be swayed into using magic.
But deep down, Beatrix had to admit that Spectra's offers were simply excuses for her to chase what she really wanted. Despite what her aunts said, despite how much she claimed to be indifferent to the dark arts, Beatrix knew she had the potential to be a great witch.
Trying one more spell seemed worth it for such an important task.
What do I have to do? Beatrix asked.
Lay back, Spectra commanded gently.
Beatrix did as she was told.
Spectra hovered at Beatrix's bedside. This would be easier if you had some belladonna.
Am I supposed to know what that is? Beatrix asked.
It's a plant that slows your heartbeat, Spectra said, used in witchy potions to poison human foes.
Beatrix glanced up. You want me to eat a poisonous plant for an out of body experience?
Spectra wore a gentle smile.
What do you think being a ghost is?
"I'm not letting you kill me!" Beatrix erupted.
Autumn, half in a dream, mumbled, "Bea? What's wrong?"
"Nothing, sorry, Autumn. Go back to sleep," Beatrix quickly assured.
Autumn dozed off again.
Don't be silly, Spectra said. You'd only chew half a leaf of belladonna, only a little to slow down your heart rate and let your spirit fly temporarily. It's like a taste of death to help you maneuver like a ghost. You'll return to your body soon after. It's not a permanent state. But since you don't have any, we'll have to do this the old-fashioned way:
First, relax your mind and body. Take two short breaths in, one long one out. Focus on your breathing.
Reluctantly, Beatrix inhaled and exhaled through her nose.
Be careful not to fall asleep, Spectra advised.
Beatrix continued the breathwork, closing her eyes.
The night stretched on, endless.
Beatrix didn't know how long she'd been laying there. It felt like hours.
She eventually slipped into a trance-like state. Her body felt a little tingly.
That tingling sensation is a good sign, Spectra said, picking up on Beatrix's thoughts.
Next is the hallucinatory stage. All mortals experience it during the transition between wakefulness and sleep. Simply observe it and stay relaxed. Don't move.
Be aware, you might feel something like sleep paralysis, but that's alright. It means you're on the right track. It'll fade as soon as you relax.
Beatrix was getting drowsy. And bored.
But her body did feel heavier.
Spectra's voice whispered in her head. Picture your spiritual self rising up from your physical one. Keep at it until you feel like you're floating away.
Beatrix's head was light from the rhythmic breathing.
She felt herself drifting upward.