The Book of Souls

By Dakota Kirkpatrick

A group of friends on a weekend getaway unwittingly unleash a malevolent entity that hunts them until it can fulfill its means. Now on the run, fighting to survive, can they end their torment and send the spirit back to where it came or will they ultimately meet their end?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Sep 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781365672804

Book preview

The Book of Souls

Dakota Kirkpatrick

1

The long open, empty fields began to fade in the rear view as dense forested trees take up residence on all sides, a constant reminder that we were no longer in Nebraska, not that I miss the corn fields. Roads that were once straight and boring, now curved and darted around into the cavern of trees.

The air turned thick with the scent of pine lingering in every breath as Lucy stared out the backseat window, watching the trees blur together into a single never-ending mass of greens. We’re almost there, Lucas shouts over the pulse of the radio as it blares through the car.

Lucy glances at him for a moment, adjusting a small set of ear buds in her ears that had served her well to block out both the people and their terrible taste in music. Chris, Lucy’s brother nudged her with a smile before she returned her eyes to the blur of trees. Come on, it’s not gonna be that bad, he said.

Lucy continued staring out the window, ignoring him. Suit yourself, but you’re gonna miss out on all the fun being all grumpy the whole time, he laughed.

She shook her head, I think we have different ideas of fun. Nature, not really my thing, she said closing her eyes as the car bounced along the road.

Hey at least Lily came with you, that has to liven you up a little right?

Lucy glanced over at Lily, sleeping against the opposite window, bouncing with every bump in the road.

Lucy smiled, closing her eyes once more, maybe, we’ll see.

This is it, Lucas announced as he killed the engine, take it all in boys and girls, welcome to your lovely weekend getaway, he laughed as he hopped from the car. Lucy opened her eyes, glancing up at the broad two-story house surrounded by trees the size of skyscrapers.

A deck rounded the entire house, a few chairs were scattered around it. She took a deep breath, exhaling loudly as she opened her door, stepping from the car. Lucas, Chris, and Rob headed up the wooden steps, Lily trailing behind them, turning to wait for Lucy with a grin on her face.

Look at you, out here in nature, taking in all that it has to offer, Lily laughed, I am so proud.

Lucy smiled, nudging her as she passed, shush.

Autumn leaves swirled across the ground, blanketing the grass in golden brown, crunching under their feet with every step. Lucy made her way up the porch steps, taking in the chilled air. Now what?

Now what? Lucas scoffed, now the fun begins, he laughed as he swung the front door open.

Lucy sighs, fun… sure if that’s what you call it, she whispered. Reluctantly following everyone inside, Lily rushed over, locking her arm in hers with a grin.

A large staircase filled the center of the room with a balcony that overlooked from above. The lights were dim, barely making it into the far corners of the room. A dense musty smell hung in the air. The furniture had all been covered in thick layers of dust and cobwebs.

I’m not gonna get tetanus or something here, am I? Lily joked, dragging her finger across a table, zig zagging a line in the dust.

I make no promises, Lucas laughed, poking her as he made his way to a large kitchen. This will do, he said, sitting a large case of beer on the counter. Dig in, he said as he popped open a can, chugging it down loudly.

Lucy took a breath, I think I’m just gonna take a look around for a bit, she said, quickly leaving the room.

Oh, I’m in, Lily said snatching a beer as she rushed to join her.

Real shit hole huh, Lily laughed, bumping Lucy with her elbow as she opened her beer.

Lucy shrugged, bout what I expected.

The sounds from the guys laughing echoed through the house as they walked. The last glint of sun faded in the sky, barely shining in through the windows, the dim lights struggling to compensate.

Oh god, what is that smell? Lily groaned, pinching her nose.

Lucy followed the smell to a small staircase leading down, waving Lily over, I think it’s coming from down there, might be a sewage leak or something, Lucy said, fighting the gag creeping up her throat.

Lucy pulled her phone out, turning on the flashlight as she took a step down the stairs.

Wait, you’re going down there? Lily asked.

Lucy gave her a look, how else are we gonna know what the smell is? She condescended.

Lily