Chapter 514

Percival said nothing, turning to take her hand. "I was thinking my father must like you more now," he said, "since he left a message in your room but didn't come to see me."

He held Odalys's hand. She stared at her wrist, held tightly, but didn't struggle.

When they reached the room and Odalys opened the door, she turned to him. "Do you want to come in and have a look?" she asked.

Generally, he wouldn't enter her room without permission. Although this was the Stewart Villa, his territory, he respected her and gave her space.

"Alright," Percival nodded. He was curious about the word "wait" in the photograph and wanted a closer look, but he hesitated before entering.

Odalys opened the door and hung her canvas bag on the wall. She kicked off her shoes, enjoying the feel of the soft carpet under her bare feet, and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window.

To the left of the window was a neat table with a pot of green plants, two glasses of water, a plate of fruit and snacks—all prepared by Dorian. A retro cup sat in the upper left corner. Next to it, the word "wait" was written.

From when she'd left until now, the water-written word hadn't dried, as if freshly written—incredible. Despite being written in water, Percival recognized his father's handwriting.

"It's my father's cup," Percival said, picking it up. "After the accident, my grandfather put it in his coffin."

The cup was unique. The patterns and wear matched his father's.

Percival set down the cup, walked to the window, and gazed at the large tree in the courtyard, his brows furrowed. "Edie placed a talisman with my grandfather's astrological signs under this tree," he said. "Now you've brought soil from my father's grave and placed it here, and this happens. Odalys, don't you think this tree is unusual?"

It was the same tree where extraordinary things kept happening. Once or twice might be coincidence, but this was becoming earth-shattering.

"It's a century-old tree," Odalys said. "Plants and animals can become spirits after a hundred years, or at least develop psychic abilities. This tree has absorbed the sun and moon's essence; it has an aura."

Percival remained silent, standing beside her at the window. Sunlight streamed in, bathing them in warmth. Odalys looked at him for a long time, and he at her. Time seemed to stand still before Percival finally spoke.

"You've been working so hard lately," he said. "You must be exhausted. Get some rest. I'll go with you when you go out tonight."

"Okay," Odalys replied softly.

Percival turned to leave but stopped. "The police removed the bodies from that villa in the suburbs," he said. "The case is ongoing, and the villa is empty. Crownridge residents avoid it, believing it's full of negative energy. Strangely, tourism has surged. People say it's full of negative energy, that it connects with spirits, that they can see supernatural things. Travel agencies are applying to make it a tourist attraction."

Odalys was shocked. She'd seen brave people, but nothing like this. A dozen bodies had been found; it was a murder scene. Francis had almost been dissected there. Even the nimid wouldn't go near it. Travel agencies were applying, likely due to public interest, she thought.

"Someone wants to exploit people's curiosity about magic," Odalys said. "Let's agree and see who tries to sneak in."

Percival laughed. "That's exactly what I meant," he said, turning to leave.

After Percival closed the door, Odalys washed her face, got back into bed, plugged in her phone, and was about to close her eyes when her phone vibrated. She answered quickly.

"Mr. Hersey, what's the matter?"

Lee told her the same thing Percival had said, prompting her to quickly get out of bed. "Let's grant them access to the villa and see what they're up to," she suggested.

"I think so too. The bodies were claimed by their families, cremated, and their ashes taken away. I saw it myself," Lee said.

Odalys rested her chin on her knees. "Did you save the samples?" she asked urgently.

Lee smiled. He'd been motivated lately. Since meeting Odalys, his investigative skills had improved dramatically. "Yes, I saved them. Hair, skin tissue, and we cloned a replica of each body." He'd followed her instructions.

"Good. How's your daughter? Was she frightened by the explosion?" Odalys asked with concern.

Hearing her mention his daughter, Lee's voice softened. "She says her idol is you. After learning your amulet protected her, she admires you greatly and hopes to meet you when she grows up. She's more alert and courageous now. She hasn't missed a day of school. My wife asked me to thank you," he said emotionally. He felt immense gratitude towards Odalys; if not for her, his daughter would have died.

"No need for thanks," Odalys said, shaking her head.

After chatting for a while, Lee remembered the studio incident.

(Note: "nimid" is left as is, as I don't know what it is and can't correct it.)