Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 956

Tarquin's quick reflexes saved the day as he grabbed Evan and ducked into hiding.

With a creak, the gate to the restricted area swung open.

A group of monks strode through the archway, entering the courtyard.

Carrying lanterns, they approached the dry well to inspect it. One of them remarked,

"It's just as I left it when I locked up, untouched."

The leader nodded, "Alright, let's get ready and start."

Another, driven by curiosity, asked,

"What kind of grudge must someone hold to want to scatter ashes down there? That well is cursed with countless restless spirits, trapped in eternal torment! Even the strongest of ghosts would be torn to shreds."

The head monk scolded,

"Don't pry into matters that don't concern you. Mind your own business or you'll bring trouble upon yourself!"

The monk hastily nodded in agreement, "Yes!"

They sat in a circle around the well, beginning their chants.

They weren't blessing the site; they were sealing it.

Today, the ashes had been removed and now were to be returned. Gideon, fearing disturbances, had specifically instructed them to perform the ritual tonight.

Tarquin and Evan, hidden behind a statue, tensed up at the mention of 'ashes.'

Tarquin looked down at Evan beside him.

Evan's brows were furrowed, his teeth clenched in anger as he watched the group in the courtyard.

The talk of restless spirits and their rage stoked the fires of Evan's fury.

Feeling Tarquin's gaze, Evan looked up, their eyes meeting. His lips moved, but no sound came out.

Tarquin's eyes asked: Are you here for the ashes?

Evan remained silent.

Tarquin pressed on: Your grandma's ashes?

Evan swallowed hard, his expression uneasy.

Tarquin's breathing quickened: Your grandma's ashes are in the well? Among those cursed spirits?

Evan was anxious and worried. Before he could speak, Tarquin had already charged out!

"Who's there?! Who—Ah!"

Screams echoed from the courtyard!

The man, now battered and bruised, sobbingly produced the key, "Here... take it..."

Violence might not solve the problem, but it sure deals with those who create them!

Simple and efficient!

Evan took the key, unlocked the chain, and with Tarquin, they moved the stone aside and lifted the well cover.

"White, go down and check."

White shot down in a flash.

Two minutes later, White resurfaced, flicking its tongue at Evan.

"The well is safe."

Evan was about to descend when Tarquin stopped him, "I'll go!"

Evan couldn't quite make out his expression in the dim light, but he could feel Tarquin's hands trembling.

The possibility that his mother's ashes were down there had his heart aching.

Evan didn’t want him to go down, fearing the sight of whatever curse had been laid to trap his grandmother would be too much for him.

"I should go, I..."