The Ghost of Ontario (Short Story Version) ✓

Fifteen years ago, a little boy went missing in the Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park. Fifteen years ago, Ranger Kate lost her son to a canoe accident. What will happen when she meets a mysterious boy during the provincial park's 24-Hour Ghost of Ontario Challenge?

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Ranger Kate wants only one thing-to see her son, whom she lost to a canoe accident long ago. The opportunity comes when she and her partner, Ranger Amelia, attend the 24-Hour Ghost of Ontario Challenge in the Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park. Legend has it that a ghost haunts it with his mysterious lullaby, "Lucilla", and the only way to connect with him is for two individuals to brave the lakes.

Ihaan never expected to find Ranger Kate on Red Squirrel Lake, said to be the birthplace of the ghost. He and his eagle friend, Ro, band together to win her trust, which is crucial for Ihaan's Guardian Trial. It's the only way for him to learn whether he is truly dead or not.

Fate turns to reality, and suddenly, the legend of the ghost is more real than Ihaan and Kate think. What will happen when the Spirit Animals come and try to interfere with their long-lost memories? Will Kate and Ihaan defeat them, or will they lose themselves to the hands of Ontario's Beast?

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Ihaan is pronounced "I-an".

Word Count: 7,000

???? 1st place in the Chocolate Hearts Awards!
???? 1st place in the Regal Awards!