Thalia and Greg finally arrived home. She brought Greg along because he insisted on coming with her. As they entered, she glanced at the wall clock hanging on the wall.
It's almost one o'clock, she thought.
Her sister Jenny hadn't come with them anymore—someone needed to stay behind at home. Their youngest sibling was already very sleepy, so she allowed him to rest beside another sibling.
Thalia had long suspected her siblings possessed abilities too, especially after witnessing Ericka speak out during the wake. They had been unusually restless, perhaps sensing something beyond the ordinary.
While at the wake, she had observed the surroundings carefully. She noticed where the gruesome murder of Jasmin had occurred—right in front of the door before she could even enter the house that day.
She knew that Jasmin's disappearance was somehow connected to their recent camping trip, the warehouse they had visited, her recurring dream, and Ellese's punishment. She didn't want to nap anymore, fearing another dream that would consume her entire being.
Even so, she managed to rest. After changing her clothes, she didn't feel sleepy at all, so she spent time in the living room. She lay down on the sofa, the lights turned off. She tried to close her eyes.
After a while, darkness surrounded her, and she calmed her spirit—knowing her ability to travel was beginning again.
Thalia saw a woman crying.
She recognized that voice.
"Jasmin," she whispered, quickly approaching the figure with her back turned.
This was her chance—to discover what had truly happened before Jasmin was killed, unable to defend herself.
She was right. It was Jasmin, and her appearance broke Thalia's heart. Her shirt was torn, her face bloodied. She was soaked in her own blood, still in her school uniform.
"Thalia, help me…" I can't leave this place until I find justice. Help me… I don't want to be here anymore—but the pain… the pain I feel…" Her plea was filled with sorrow.
Thalia's chest tightened. How could she help her?
"What kind of help do you need, Jasmin?" she asked softly.
Jasmin reached out and held her hand.
Suddenly, they were in a very dark place. Thalia saw people—no, souls—wandering aimlessly, walking back and forth, directionless.
Her mind whispered the truth: Not people… souls.
She followed Jasmin, who kept walking, as if searching for something. There was no destination in sight.
Tears streamed down Jasmin's blood-stained face.
I'm so tired… the girl whispered.
Thalia heard more voices now—the wails of countless women. Victims. Murdered. Exploited by the black-market flesh trade.
We are so tired, the souls cried. Their sorrowful moans nearly deafened her.
Then a familiar voice broke through the noise.
"This is the first time we meet like this, Thalia," a woman said.
"Ellese," Thalia murmured, recognizing her. And standing beside her was another woman—Felisa.
Ellese smiled faintly.
Thalia couldn't forget her. She was the woman from her dreams.
"Only Jasmin is the one I can help," Thalia said.
"There is a connection between what happened to Jasmin and us," Ellese replied.
"What do you mean?" Thalia asked.
"Every event, every incident, is tied to us—and to the dark past of the Fuegos."
Thalia frowned, still unable to grasp what Ellese was saying. She remained silent, letting her continue.
"The Fuegos are also connected to your parents' deaths."
That caught Thalia's attention.
She had so many questions. Why? How? Her parents died when they were still children.
"We, the souls, can see the past and the future," Ellese continued. "We don't want to be forgotten. That's why we connect our lives—past and present."
"Lost souls?" Thalia could only ask.
"When a soul doesn't find its destination, its memories fade. Eventually, we forget why we're here."
"Before our memories disappear, I refuse to let the people who were murdered—or those affected by our father's evil plans—be forgotten."
"I know you and your siblings have abilities, Thalia. Each of you can help people like us."
"But what can we do against your father, Ellese? Your family is powerful. We'd rather not get involved in this…" Thalia reasoned.
"Get involved?" Ellese's eyes narrowed. "We've been entangled in this story for a long time, Thalia. A very long time."
"You'll understand everything once you start acting. If we allow this to continue, more innocent people will be caught in the web. Your cousins. Your friends. Everyone will be drawn in, Thalia."
"What do you want me to do?" Thalia snapped. "Answer me—or I'll report to the police that I'm speaking to you."
"Evidence exists to capture him. But be cautious—not all police will help."
"What evidence? Is it enough to have your father arrested?" Thalia demanded.
Ellese's smile was haunting. "Yes. They fear that evidence. It's hidden in the forest—where we were killed."
"The warehouse?" Thalia asked.
"That's one clue. But no… R—Chesca's mother hid something before she died. None of us know where. Not even the wandering souls can recall."
A spirit passed by—a woman in her twenties or thirties, searching for something.
Thalia then saw her cousins, staring at her sadly. In their eyes, she saw the reflection of what they, too, might become: lost souls.
Her fists clenched. She hadn't known that such a fate awaited a restless spirit.
Then, she saw them—her parents.
Why are they here? Is it true? Were you murdered? Her thoughts spun wildly.
"Can a soul's memory be restored?" she asked.
"It's possible… if you uncover why they're still here," Felisa answered.
Thalia nodded.
"I'll do it—for Jasmin, for my cousins… and for my parents. Just don't let my siblings be involved."
"You can't stop destiny, Thalia," Ellese whispered.
She jolted awake. It was still early morning.
She rubbed her eyes, sat up, and noticed a blanket had been gently draped over her.