Chapter # 7

After two whole days, Zubie was discharged from the hospital, and during this period Aurelius stayed by her side.

She took a cab back to her house, saddened to find out that mister Baker passed away. Her house was no longer safe for her, even though the police department has assured her that she'll be protected.

The ghost man Aurelius insisted she should shift as soon as possible but that was the issue, where she'll go? She had no other place to go other than her parent's house. But after what happened to her old neighbor, none of them will be safe with her under the same roof.

Zubie decided to converse with Aurelius on the matter, hoping he will provide her with his ideas and their possible outcomes.

"So, did you find anything of any importance from Isabelle's room?"

"Yes, I found a mysterious book, but I did not consider opening it as it could be of something personal to Isabelle,"

"okay? You do know your life is at stake here, right? Even if does contain some embarrassing secret she isn't here to see you read through it."

"We are invading the privacy of a dead woman, it's a morally wrong thing to do." she replayed, her tone left no arguments.

"It's morally right if someone's life is at stake, and in this scenario it's yours." he was being patient, he understood where her sentiments were coming from, "look, if you don't wish to see it at least give me a chance to take a look at it?"

Zubie sighed, he was right. Her life was in absolute peril. If she did not do anything to ensure her safety and those around her, the guilt will eat her up, "alright,"

She lead him to her room, the house was in no good shape to live in, but before leaving forever she needs to pack her stuff, "It's in that box over the table."

"Interesting," he looked at the box with wonder in his cool grey eyes, "the inscriptions and carvings are foreign, almost otherworldly. Do you mind opening it for me?"

Zubie takes off the lid, pulling out the book, "fascinating," he raised his hand, carelessly grabbing onto the book. Zubie's eyes widened when Aurelius screamed in pain.

"What happened?" Zubie pulled the book out of his hand, running to his side. He was panting and fell on his knees, "are you alright?"

Huffing, he answered, "I'm fine, it felt like a hex." he tried standing, and Zubie grasped his arm gently tugging him to his feet, "I should have expected that, Isabelle was not stupid after all."

"What..."

"My theory is only you can open and read the book," He caressed his burned hand, "I will recommend doing it soon because we are out of time."

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Zubie, determined, decided to open the mystery book. She unlocked it like the first time she has done it accidentally. She looked at the cover, taking a deep breath in she tore the cover open.

"what in the..." inside of the book were recipes, for what seemed like elixirs and incantations and spells, at least that's what she could tell from the writing. The writing was the one she was acquainted with, it was Isabelle's.

"Aurelius!"

"What happened?"

"I don't know if this helps but inside of the book are what seems like recipes." she showed him, a smile making itself to her face, "now, we can stop your brother!"

"Do you know how to make elixirs?" he asked, his eyes focused on the script.

"No, but I was studying pharmaceutical sciences. I don't think making elixirs is any different than making medicine."

"I guess that is fair, but these recipes call for spell castings as well? I don't think they teach that in pharmaceutical school."

Zubie narrowed her eyes at his jab that was supposed to be harmless, "you can cast spells?"

"Nah, I can not, but my brother can, if you say so I can summon him using my twin psyche." he cracked a half smile.

"And die? No thanks. But I still gotta try, right? But I don't think we can do that living here." Zubie was uneasy, she still have to find a place to live.

Aurelius scratched his head, "I might be able to help you but only if you allow it." He was apprehensive she will not accept his offer.

"Alright, tell."

"I have a place where you can live, at least for a while till you can find a place of your own." He told her, carefully choosing his words.

She rubbed her temples, an exasperated sigh living her mouth, she muttered, "okay, as long as I have a place to try out the potions recipes."

"That's asking for a bit too much."

"I'm serious."

"Alright, Mam, consider it done."

"And stop calling me mam, you sound like a restaurant server."

"Alright, Miss."

"That is even worse."

He laughed, raising his eyebrows, "what would be like me to call you, M'lady?"

Zubie smiled and said, "Zubie is fine, Mr.Aurelius what's-your-last-name."

"Alright, Zubie."