Loch

that,” Holly groaned. “But the Maiden made a point of mentioning him. I feel like I need to see that through to the end.”
“That’s why you’ve kept Trevor a secret from the others.” It all made sense to him now. “You don’t want them to rip him apart before you’ve had a chance to look into it.”
Holly’s shoulders slumped with relief. “Exactly.”
“Out of curiosity, how do you plan to look into it?”
“Talk to him, maybe?” Holly walked over to the desk and perched on the edge.
“Absolutely not.”
“But—”
“I will walk outside and tell them everything, do you understand?” Loch closed the distance between them until his face was only inches from hers.
“You wouldn’t.”
“To keep you safe? I absolutely would.”
She looked up into his eyes, her lips parted. It was all Loch could do not to kiss her. Last time he had, she didn’t react well.
“Fine.” She sighed. “I won’t do anything.”
“Thank you.”
“But if the Maiden advises me otherwise, that will change.”
“What about Elise?”
“Trevor’s sister?” Holly arched a brow. “She’s not on the wall, as you can see.” She gestured to the tree that should’ve borne Elise’s portrait.
Loch frowned. “Interesting. What kind of mess have we stumbled into?”
“I don’t know, but I’m going to hit the books. There has to be something about Elise in one of them, right?”
“Most of these books are older than our parents,” Loch pointed out. “Let me think about this for a while. I’ll get back to you with ideas.”
Holly perked up, surprised. “You’re going to help me?”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
Holly opened and closed her mouth several times.
“I get you don’t know me,” he stepped in before she could figure out whatever it was she wanted to say. “I know you probably don’t trust me, either.”
“The Maiden said—”
“I don’t care about what the Maiden thinks,” he said. “Despite what everyone thinks, you’re still your own person. If the Maiden trusts me, that’s great. I care about Holly trusting me. If keeping your secrets and helping you research is what earns that trust, then I’ll do it.”

CHAPTER EIGHT—Holly
Hello? Holly called out. Miss Maiden?
Don’t call me that.
Holly smiled.
Well, you weren’t answering, so I figured I’d shake it up a little.
What do you want?
An update would be nice.
It’d been exactly one week since Elise had helped Holly and Loch break out of the silver mines. No one had left the house since, not even to patrol the woods for Trevor’s followers.
Holly and Loch hadn’t made any headway in figuring out who Elise really was. They’d hit dead end after dead end. There was nothing more they could do from inside the house.
Holly felt like she was losing her mind. Every day, the rooms felt a little smaller.
An update? I do not understand.
Give me a hint or something! Holly let loose an audible sigh. How much good can I do if I’m cooped up in here?
I did not realize you were a prisoner. Are the doors locked? Are the windows barred?
Well, no. But—
Then don’t come begging for a solution when you haven’t had the common sense to find one yourself.
Holly flinched. The Maiden’s voice was as hard and sharp as broken glass. The Maiden wasn’t done berating her.
You’re meant to be my worldly vessel, yet all you’ve done is read useless books and wander the halls. How can I expect to count on you when the time comes?
How can you expect me to know what to do? Holly fired back. Can’t you see I’m trying?
You’re not trying hard enough.
“Get out of my head!” The sound of her voice startled her. She hadn’t meant to speak aloud, but her anger had gotten the better of her. What was the point of being a vessel for an ancient, powerful being if they weren’t going to be helpful?
With a frustrated cry, she climbed off of her bed and stormed out of the room.
“Trouble?” Keller asked, brow raised as Holly stomped down the stairs.
“I can’t take this anymore!” She wove her hands into her hair, just about ready to pull it out at the roots.
“What’s going on?” Garret stepped into the living room from the kitchen.
“Have you finally cracked, Holly?” Loch laughed from his spot by the fire.
“Are you sure you want to bait me when you’re so close to an open flame?” Holly shot back.
Loch tipped his head back and laughed before getting to his feet. He approached Holly and took her gently by the shoulders. “What’s the matter?” he asked.
Holly stared up into his eyes. A mocking smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
“The problem is that I’m going crazy in this house.” She sighed. “I can’t take being stuck in here like this. It’s no better than being stuck in the silver mines.”
“Holly,” Keller said softly as he got to his feet.
“I asked the Maiden for guidance, but she’s not feeling very helpful. I’m sure she’ll smite me later for saying that, but right now, I don’t give a damn.”
“No one likes being cooped up in the house,” Keller said calmly. “Except, Johnny. He hasn’t left his studio all day. He said something about a burst of inspiration that can’t be ignored.”
“Must be nice,” Holly muttered.
“If you want to paint or chip away at wood blocks, I’m sure he has spare supplies,” Loch suggested. “The fumes down there might get you high enough to make this whole mess seem manageable.”
“Don’t tempt me. I might just try it,” Holly muttered.
“I’d offer to take you on a hike, but last time we did that, you were kidnapped,” Keller said.
“I know, I was there.”
“I’m sorry. Tell me what I can do to help you.”