At the sound of his voice the weeping abruptly halted, leaving the hallway still and quiet but for a faint echo. And then a moment later a pale blue-white light flickered to life, outlining the spectral figure of a child with hands outstretched in a plea as it gave voice to a mournful sob.

All the while the cold grew stronger, chill and bitter as the loss in the spectre's cries. A few traces of frost began to form on the walls, nearly invisible in the darkness.