Cora grew silent for a moment before speaking up, "I see. I think I finally understand what it is you wish for me to do, but there is a question that remains on my mind. It prods at me. I can comprehend why my aunts might fear death. Resent it, even. But, I do wonder, why would they go to such lengths to put off the inevitable? It seems most extreme. Surely, they must have their reasons..."

Cerberus scoffed. He growled warningly, "Do not think to grow soft with these two, gatekeeper! The ego is perhaps the greatest of a mortal's many flaws. It drives them to commit mad, foolish acts. If the witchy ones had been content to live out their lives in peace, then I would not have been summoned to devour their souls. Mathilde and Amelia are only two of the many names they have embodied over the centuries. They are much older than most of their kind and almost as powerful as the gods. The only mountain left for them to scale is the one that leads to their impending death. They wish for nothing more than to keep their final rendezvous with me at bay—for no other reason than to prove that they can achieve it."

Cora frowned. She still had her doubts about the legitimacy behind Cerberus' prejudiced claims against her aunts, but she did not question the task he laid out for them.

"I do not know if I agree with you entirely, Cerberus, but I supposed it would not hurt for us to work together until I find Theodore and Lianna's souls. Whether or not they are my parents, I would like to help them, I think. Do you have any ideas as to where we should begin looking?"

The gleam of amusement that usually danced in Cerberus' crimson eyes darkened to obsidian. The effect was terrifying.

In murky tones, he explained, "Behind each of these doors lies fragments of memories collected from various souls. These chimeras represent the burdens that each individual was unable to detach from while he or she was alive. It will be our duty to find the wandering souls of Theodore and Lianna within this infernal maze the witchy ones have constructed and guide them to face their fears head on. Only when they are able to make peace with the affixations that poisoned their mortality will they be able to move on in death. And only when they move on in death will you be relieved of your task so I can complete mine."

Cora's heart fluttered with unease. She felt deeply worried about the fate of her aunts and wondered if it might be possible to save them despite Cerberus' hellbent vendetta against their souls... She decided, however, to keep this notion close to her chest. Her beastly companion probably wouldn't appreciate her opinion.

"I think I have seen and heard the spirits that wander through this realm. I may have even felt them before I ever followed Luna and Noctis through that fateful red door. How do you propose we find Theodore and Lianna amidst all of these poor lost souls?"

Cerberus' eyes reverted back to their original cheery red hue. He grinned toothily as his fangs gleamed in the shadows.

"Why," he said, "it should be simple enough. We shall go to the very epicenter of this gate, the point where spiritual energy is at its highest and host a séance to attract Mr. and Mrs. Butters to us."

"A séance?" Cora breathed in disbelief. Her skin prickled with apprehension. "This sounds like a terrible idea."

"I beg to differ!"

Cora frowned at him again. "But what if we attract the wrong spirits—or worse—evil spirits that mean to harm us? And my aunts will most likely be able to sense all of this paranormal activity. I do not wish to incur their wrath once more."

A thoughtful look settled upon Cerberus' handsome face.

"Ah, what a splendid idea! We shall set a trap and catch two witches and two ghosts in one fell swoop."

Cora's jaw dropped. "What?"

Cerberus smiled as he steepled his clawed fingers wickedly. "I shall draw a summoning circle so powerful that no creature of the dark will be able to resist! You, gatekeeper, must be in charge of keeping Theodore and Lianna safe while I sic the darklings and demons upon the witchy ones! Yes, yes, this shall be a most excellent plan!"

Cora's head began to hurt. "Oh dear."