Ava was ready this time. She packed a knife (clipped to her belt), water, a flashlight, some paracord, a small first aid kit, and a thick jacket, all tucked neatly into her leather backpack. She latched the watch around her belt and then slipped it into her pocket, where she could feel it safely pressed against her hip.

Abe brought his full medical kit, which gave Ava a bit of a nauseous feeling. She really hoped he wouldn’t need it this time. Cece, of course, brought only herself. Ava glanced sideways at her as they walked along the dirt road. She still didn’t like the extra weight, and wasn’t sure what help she would provide outside of pestering Abe.

The castle was close to the freeway, so it had been easy to reach, but they parked a short distance away so as not to be seen. Apparently the place was privately owned, and visitors were expressly forbidden. Which is why they now found themselves approaching one of the most haunted sites in Italy, on foot, in the middle of the night.

"What is that sound?” Ava was pleased to hear a tremor of fear in Cece’s voice. Served her right. Though they couldn’t yet see the castle, Ava could hear the growlish caws of a group of crows not too far way, echoing towards them along the shadows. A murder.

“Must’ve known you were coming,” Abe whispered.