CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED THIRTY SIX - The Ghosts of War Linger On

"He... came back?" Lucas, overcoming his initial shock, moved to stand beside Ella. "Yes," he said, his voice steadier than he felt. "He returned, but it was too late. There was an accident." Isabella's form flickered, her face contorting with pain and confusion. The room grew colder, and objects began to rattle on the shelves. Ella reached out, her hand passing through the ghost's arm. "Isabella, please. We want to help you. Tell us what you need to find peace." The ghost's eyes locked onto Ella's, and suddenly, Ella felt a rush of emotions that weren't her own – love, betrayal, hope, despair, and an overwhelming sense of longing. Gasping, Ella stumbled back into Lucas's arms. "She's trying to communicate," she panted. "I could feel what she felt." Lucas held her tight, his gaze never leaving the apparition before them. "What do you need, Isabella? How can we help you?" Isabella's ghost raised a hand, pointing towards the window. Outside, the first light of dawn was breaking ov