Chapter 10

CHAPTER 10

E DGE

I'd never been so exhausted that I'd just shut down, not even aware of my surroundings. Usually, while I recharged, I retained some kind of vague awareness. Not this time. My ethereal form finally materialized after what felt like days of recharging. I realized I was laying down on her soft mattress.

The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across Immy's face as she slept peacefully beside me. Her delicate features were softened by slumber, and her hair fanned out over the pillow. A small smile played on her lips, as if she was having a pleasant dream, and I couldn't help but admire her beauty.

"Edge," she murmured in her sleep, making my ghostly heart swell with affection and pride.

I noticed her pajamas then, a silky nightgown that clung to her curves and hinted at the alluring body beneath. My gaze traveled from the swell of her breasts to the curve of her hips, and I felt an undeniable surge of desire course through me. Even as a ghost, it seemed I wasn't immune to morning wood while in the presence of this captivating witch.

"Immy," I whispered, unable to resist the urge to flirt with her, even in her sleep, "you look absolutely stunning in that nightgown. It's almost a shame I can't touch you."

Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked at me with a sleepy smile before stretching languidly. "You're quite the charmer, aren't you, Edge? But I'm glad you like it."

As she moved, the fabric of her nightgown shifted, revealing the swell of her breast, and I found myself imagining what she would look like naked, her soft skin flushed while she moaned my name. I pictured her beneath me, her legs wrapped around my waist. Or what she would look like with her hands on my chest while she rode me.

"Immy," I said softly, trying to keep my voice steady despite my desire, "there's something I have to confess. You may not know this, but even as a ghost, I can still feel things, especially when it comes to you."

Her brow furrowed, curiosity lighting up her eyes. "What do you mean?"

"Seeing you like this, so beautiful and vulnerable, it... it awakens something inside me." The confession hung heavy between us, and I searched her eyes for any sign of how she felt about my admission. "Especially after the kiss you gave me. I didn't think it was possible, but that kiss proved it. I can have a relationship, even as a ghost."

Immy's cheeks flushed pink, but she didn't look away. Instead, she reached out a hand toward me as if to touch me, stopping just short of where my incorporeal form began. "Edge, I... Despite everything that's happened and how much you've annoyed me, I'm feeling something too."

The raw honesty in her eyes made my ghostly heart race, and for a moment, I allowed myself to indulge in the fantasy of what could be, if only I were corporeal once more. The longing in Immy's eyes stirred something deep within me, but before I could dwell on it further, she hesitated and looked away. Tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, she bit her lip nervously. Then, as if she realized how close we were, she sat up on the edge of the bed.

"Welcome back, Edge," she said, a smile tugging at her lips. Somehow, I didn't think she would be happy to know she was broadly smiling at my reappearance. Usually, she screamed or berated me. I liked the smile more. Especially when she wore that nightgown. It was absolutely devastating on her, but I bet it looked even better on the floor at her feet.

"Thank you, Immy."

Loki, Immy's black cat familiar, padded across the bed and curled up within my ghostly form. His purring resonated within me like a soothing lullaby, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging with these two.

"Did you miss me?" I asked, unable to keep the teasing tone from my voice. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she looked away for a moment before meeting my gaze again.

"Of course, I did," she admitted, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. "It's been strangely quiet without your presence."

I wished I could reach out and touch her, to let her know just how much her words meant to me. But all I could do was offer her a soft smile and say, "I missed you too, Immy."

As we lounged there together, the world outside continuing on without us, I couldn't help but think about how the future would play out. Right now, this happy contentment her face broadcasted was probably short-lived. To be fair, she was just as adorable when she was mad.

"Edge," she began, her voice wavering slightly, "I've been meaning to ask you... Have you noticed anything strange happening around the house lately?"

"Strange?" I echoed, taken aback by her sudden change in topic.

"Yeah, like things moving on their own, or doors being unlocked when I'm sure I locked them." Immy's gaze darted around the room, as if seeking out evidence of these disturbances. "Or maybe you've been doing it to get my attention?"

"No, I haven't noticed anything like that, nor have I done anything." Concern swirled in my gut. I had been completely gone while I recharged. Unless I'd moved things without realizing it, but I didn't feel like that was the case. The more I thought about it, the more certain I was. "Why? What's going on?"

"I don't know..." She hesitated, wringing her hands together. "It's just, ever since you disappeared a few days ago, there have been these little oddities. At first, I thought it was just Loki, but he's been with me most of the time when things have moved."

"Strange," I murmured, my brow furrowing in concern. "I assure you, I haven't been meddling with your belongings, if that's what you're implying."

"No, no, I didn't mean to accuse you," she said quickly, offering me an apologetic smile. "It's just... unnerving, you know?"

"Indeed," I agreed, my mind racing with worry. "Perhaps there's something we're missing."

"Maybe." She sighed, pulling on a pair of jeans and a loose sweater. "Let's go downstairs and get some breakfast, and then we can figure out what's going on."

As we descended the staircase together, Immy's hand trailing along the banister, she suddenly stopped in her tracks. Her eyes widened as she spotted a folded piece of paper resting on the hallway table.

"Edge, did you leave this?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper as she picked up the note and unfolded it.

"Immy, I swear, I had nothing to do with that. I wasn't even sentient or semi-corporeal until just a bit ago." I insisted. "What does it say?"

She read the words aloud, her voice trembling with fear. "'Edge isn't who he says he is. He's just using you. You're in danger simply because he's around you.'"

My mind reeled at the accusation, anger and hurt boiling within me. Who would dare to suggest such a thing? And why?

"Immy, listen to me," I implored, my ghostly form flickering with emotion. "I don't know who wrote this or why, but I promise you, I would never harm you or use you for my own gain. You have to believe me."

Her eyes met mine, searching for any hint of deceit. For a moment, the world around us seemed to hang in the balance, our fates intertwined and uncertain.

"Edge, I want to trust you," she whispered, her hands shaking as she clutched the note. "But we need to figure out what's going on, and fast."

"I don't have a clue."

"Think harder. What about someone from your past?"

How could a ghost have an enemy? Anyone alive when I was would be long dead… or also a ghost. "I don't even remember my life. Well, barely, but still. Nothing stands out."

Her eyes narrowed on me as she held the note up. "Clearly there's something."

The weight of the accusation bore down on me like an anchor, pulling my ethereal form towards the depths of despair. I knew Immy's trust in me was wavering, and my inability to remember the details of my past life only served to amplify her doubt. My heart ached as I saw the fear in her eyes, fear that I might be a threat to her.

"Immy," I began, desperation seeping into my voice, "I wish I could tell you more about my past, but all I can remember is being a pirate for a short time. I sailed aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge with Blackbeard until we were captured and killed. That's all I know."

"Edge..." she hesitated, her eyes clouded with uncertainty and a hint of suspicion. "I want to believe you. But can't you see how this looks? You don't remember anything else?"

"Nothing," I admitted, feeling a sense of shame I couldn't place. "But my feelings for you are real, Immy. I wouldn't lie about that."

She sighed, rubbing her temples. "Alright, Edge. I'll help you. We'll find a way to anchor you to something else, or... help you move on." Her words were a dagger to my heart, but I understood her need for caution. "But until we figure this out, things need to change between us."

"Change?" I echoed, dreading the answer.

"Edge, you can't stay in my bedroom anymore," she said quietly. "And...no more kissing. Or flirting. Nothing but acquaintances."

"Immy, please," I pleaded, reaching out to her, but my hand passed through her arm, offering no comfort. "Don't shut me out. I'm not the enemy here."

"I have to protect myself," she whispered, her resolve steely as she met my gaze. "We'll still work together, but we have to be careful. We don't know who's watching us or what they're capable of. And until you remember your past, I can't fully trust you."

"Fine," I relented, my heart heavy with sorrow. "I'll do whatever it takes to prove my innocence and keep you safe."

"Thank you," she murmured, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and sadness.

As we set out to unravel the mystery that threatened to tear us apart, I couldn't help but feel the weight of it all pulling me down. But in the depths of my despair, one thing remained certain: I would fight for Immy with every fiber of my ghostly being, no matter the cost. And someone would pay for that fucking note.