ã€ŠLove, Basketball, and Demons.ã€‹


 Chapter 1: Blood Moon

    The moon hung low in the sky, casting an eerie glow on the deserted path as Zack stumbled home from his first ever University party. He swayed slightly, the alcohol still coursing through his veins, making it difficult to keep his thoughts straight. Basketball tryouts were tomorrow, and he couldn''t shake the gnawing anxiety that had taken root in the pit of his stomach. What if he didn''t make the team? What would he do then?

    "BOO!" a voice suddenly shouted, causing Zack''s heart to leap into his throat.

    "Jesus, Rob!" he gasped, clutching his chest. "You almost gave me a heart attack!"

    His roommate emerged from the bushes, grinning devilishly. "Sorry, man," he said, not sounding sorry at all. "I couldn''t resist."

    "Whatever," Zack muttered, shaking off the lingering adrenaline. "Come on, let''s get back to the dorm. I need some sleep if I''m going to have any chance at tryouts tomorrow."

    As they walked, Rob started chattering excitedly about their new life at University. "Can you believe we''re finally here? It feels like just yesterday we were getting our acceptance letters."

    "Time flies, I guess," Zack agreed, nodding absentmindedly. He was too preoccupied with his own thoughts to fully engage in the conversation, but Rob seemed content to do most of the talking anyway.

    "Man, I can''t wait to see what this year has in store for us," Rob continued, his enthusiasm practically bubbling over. "New friends, new experiences... it''s going to be incredible."

    "Let''s just hope we don''t screw it up," Zack said, half-jokingly. He knew he was more nervous than he wanted to admit, and he suspected Rob felt the same way.

    "Hey, watch your step there," Rob warned as they rounded a bend, but it was too late. Zack''s foot caught on the uneven sidewalk, and he tripped, stumbling into a clearing.

    "Ouch! What the hell?" he grumbled, rubbing his shin as he glanced around.

    "Whoa," Rob whispered, his eyes wide with shock. "I think we just walked into a crime scene."

    Zack followed Rob''s gaze and saw it: police tape cordoning off an area of the clearing, evidence markers scattered about, and a few discarded latex gloves lying on the ground.

    "Shit," Zack murmured, feeling suddenly sober. "We need to get out of here."

    "Hey!" a voice called out sharply. "What are you two doing here?"

    Startled, they turned to see Lindsay, a rookie police officer, marching towards them with a stern expression."Uh, we were just..." Zack stammered, struggling to find an explanation. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, she is going to know I have been drinking for sure he thought. "We, uh, we are...." He trailed off, unable to form a sentence as his fear blended with the alcohol.

    "Leaving," Rob finished for him, grabbing Zack''s arm and pulling him away from the crime scene.

    "Be more careful next time," Lindsay warned, her voice softer now but still firm. "You never know what kind of danger you might stumble into at night."

    "Thanks," Zack mumbled, his face flushing with embarrassment. "We will."

    As they took a few large steps back behind the yellow tape, Zack couldn''t help but feel a shiver of unease snake its way down his spine. He knew that life at University would be full of surprises, but this was one twist he could have done without.

    "Rob," he said quietly, "let''s make sure we stick together, okay? I don''t want either of us getting into any more trouble than necessary."

    "Deal," Rob agreed, gripping Zack''s shoulder reassuringly. "We''re in this together, no matter what." Rob''s gaze drifted from his friend back to the crime scene " Starting tomorrow." Rob said as he turned back toward Lindsay.

    "Hey, Lindsay," Rob called out as Zack rolled his eyes. "What happened here?"

    "Rob, you know I can''t reveal details of an ongoing investigation," Lindsay replied, her tone serious, but with a hint of warmth in her eyes.

    "Come on, just a little information? I practically lived at your house for most of elementary, we are practically siblings." Rob pleaded, attempting his most charming smile. "I promise I won''t tell anyone."

    Lindsay sighed, relenting ever so slightly. "The victim was believed to be a homeless woman named Joanna. That''s all I can tell you."

    "Thank you," Rob said softly, his playful demeanor slipping away, replaced by genuine concern.

    At some point during their conversation, Zack found himself drawn to a nearby wooded area. It almost felt like the woods were calling out to him, his name carried on the wind that whipped through the trees. He stumbled forward, reminded just how much he had to drink at the party. There was the sound of crunching leaves nearby and Zack shuddered, feeling the intoxicating effects of alcohol slowly evaporating as adrenaline coursed through his veins for the second time that night.

    "Get it together," he muttered to himself, rubbing his arms for warmth. "You''re just spooked from that crime scene and letting it get to your head. I mean the police would have searched the area by now so there is no way anything dangerous is around here."

    He ventured deeper into the woods, a strange force fueling his steps. A thick fog began to envelop him, obscuring his vision and making the air heavy with moisture. The sound of his own breathing became unnervingly loud in his ears, drowning out all other noise. Then he saw it, a silhouette in the fog.

    "Hello?" Zack called out tentatively, suddenly feeling very exposed. "Rob? Are you there?"

    No response came, only the echo of his own voice bouncing back at him. Panic crept up his spine, settling like ice in his chest. He was about to turn back when the shadow began to race towards him, his heart skipped a beat when its glowing orange eyes came into view.

    "Zack," the creature hissed its voice a guttural growl that sent tremors down Zack''s entire body. It looked like a twisted, grotesque caricature of a man, its limbs elongated and gnarled, its face distorted with hunger.

    "Please," Zack stammered, his legs trembling beneath him. "I didn''t¡ª"

    "Too late," the creature snarled, seizing Zack''s arm in a vice-like grip and dragging him close. "You have been marked."

    "Marked?" Zack gasped, feeling an unbearable heat radiating from the creature''s claws and searing into his skin. He screamed, but the sound was swallowed by the fog.

    "I will collect you when the change has taken hold, " the creature whispered maliciously into Zack''s ear before releasing him and disappearing back into the shadows.

    Zack collapsed onto the damp ground, his heart pounding wildly as he clutched at his burning arm. What had just happened? Was this some kind of twisted nightmare, what the hell was in those drinks?

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    "Rob!" he cried out, praying that his friend would hear him and come to his aid. But deep down, he knew that even if Rob found him, there was no way to explain what he had just gone through, if it was even real, to begin with. Something dark and dangerous had attacked him, or at least if felt that way.

    As the pain continued and fear settled within him, Zack struggled to stand. The fog seemed to dissipate slightly, allowing him to see the faint outline of the path leading back to the campus. With a shaky breath, he began walking, knowing that he had no choice but to face whatever lay ahead.

    Zack raced back to the residence building, his heart pounding in rhythm with the footsteps that echoed through the empty night. He felt a searing pain move from his arm, where the creature had dug its claws into his flesh, to his back as if it were fire crawling along his body. The foggy park and the terrifying encounter with the creature seemed like a terrible dream, yet the burning sensation reminded him of its chilling reality.

    "Zack! What happened?" Kenzie, a sweet girl from down the hall, called out to him as he stumbled into the lobby. Her eyes widened in concern at his appearance, sweat-drenched hoody and mud-soaked jeans.

    "Nothing," Zack mumbled breathlessly, forcing a shaky smile onto his face. "Just, uh, tripped and fell in the park. I''m fine." He brushed past her quickly, not wanting to give her any reason to doubt his story. The truth was far too unbelievable, even for him.

    He entered his room and slammed the door shut, leaning against it briefly to catch his breath. His hand instinctively went to his back, where the pain seared relentlessly. Was he going insane? Or were that creature''s words really true? Had he been marked?

    "Get a grip, Zack," he whispered to himself, peeling off his hoodie as he headed toward the mirror hanging on the wall opposite his bed. His reflection stared back at him, pale and disoriented. As he turned to examine his back, the sight that met his eyes made him gasp.

    A strange mandala symbol, intricate and menacing, was burned into his skin. A cold sweat broke out across his forehead, and his knees buckled beneath him. This couldn''t be happening.

    Panicking, Zack stumbled into the bathroom and turned on the shower, setting the temperature to ice-cold. The frigid water cascaded over his body, numbing the burning sensation on his back. He tried to take deep breaths, but each inhale only served to remind him of the terrifying ordeal he had just experienced.

    "Zack? Are you in here? Where did you wander off to back there? " Rob''s voice filtered through the bathroom door, making Zack jump. The door creaked open, and Rob''s concerned gaze scanned the room before landing on Zack.

    "Hey, man," Zack stammered, shutting off the water and grabbing a towel to cover himself as he stepped out of the shower. "I, uh... I''m fine. Just needed to cool off."

    "Are you sure?" Rob eyed him skeptically. "You look like you''ve seen a ghost or are one yourself."

    "Really, I''m good." Zack forced another smile, hoping his friend would believe him. He didn''t want to burden Rob with the truth ¨C not until he figured out what the truth even was.

    As Zack turned to head toward his bed, he caught Rob staring at his back, his eyes widening with shock. "What is that?"

    "Nothing!" Zack exclaimed hastily, diving under the covers to hide the symbol. "It''s just... a bruise. From when I fell earlier. No big deal."

    "Okay, if you say so," Rob replied, though his tone betrayed his lingering concern. He left the room, closing the door behind him.

    With a sigh, Zack lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. The room seemed darker than usual as if shadows were creeping in from every corner, ready to swallow him whole. What was happening to him? And how could he possibly escape the nightmare that had become his reality?

    -----

    The first light of dawn crept through the curtains, casting a warm glow over Zack''s dorm room. His eyes fluttered open, and he raced to the bathroom to check his back. To his astonishment, the strange symbol had vanished without a trace. He cautiously ran his fingers over the spot where it had been, feeling only smooth skin. He could still remember the intense burning sensation from the night before, could really have been all in his head?

    "Must''ve been a dream," he muttered, rubbing his eyes before heading to his closet. The vivid memory of the symbol seemed impossible, and yet it lingered in his mind like an unshakable nightmare. With a sigh, he told himself it must have been the vodka and he should forget about it. After all, settling into university life was challenging enough without dwelling on bizarre hallucinations.

    Zack''s first class of the day was Chemistry 101. He took a seat near the back, hoping to fade into the background as much as possible. But as the lecture began, he realized that something was off. Every little sound seemed magnified ¨C the distant tap of a pencil, the professor''s voice echoing through the hall, even the faint rustling of paper. It was starting to get overwhelming, he questioned if this was just first-day jitters.

    He gripped the edges of his desk, trying to concentrate and block out the overwhelming noise. When the class finally ended, he bolted from the room, desperate for some peace and quiet. In the hallway, he leaned against the wall, taking deep breaths to calm his racing heart.

    "First-day jitters, huh?" a soft voice said nearby. Zack turned to see a young woman standing there, she had clearly been speaking to Father Bill. The kind-eyed priest smiled at Zack and nodded before continuing down the hall on his own.

    "Y-yeah," Zack stammered, forcing a weak smile. "Just a bit overwhelmed, I guess. Felt like my head was going to explode."

    "Tell me about it," the woman replied with a nervous giggle. "I was so frazzled this morning that I forgot to bring something to write with." She held up her empty hands, the corners of her mouth turning down in embarrassment. "I know most people take notes on their laptops, but there is just something about writing them by hand, guess I am old-fashioned that way." She laughed and Zack couldn''t help but join.

    "Here," Zack said, reaching into his backpack and pulling out a pen with his high school logo on it. "You can have this."

    "Thank you so much," she said gratefully, her eyes lighting up as she took the pencil. "I promise I''ll give it back. I''m Deb by the way"

    "I''m Zack and keep it," he insisted. "I''ve got plenty."

    Deb smiled at him, her eyes warm and appreciative. For a brief moment, the chaos of his morning seemed to fade away as they shared a simple, human connection. But then the alarm Zack set on his phone rang, signaling the start of his next class, and the spell was broken.

    "I have to go," Zack said as he turned off the alarm "But maybe we could meet up again sometime?"

    "Sounds good to me," Deb replied with a smile "Why don''t I give you my number." She used his pen to scribble down her number on a page from her notebook, then tore it out and handed it to him. "looking forward to hearing from you."

    As they parted ways, Zack couldn''t shake the feeling that something had changed within him. He glanced over his shoulder at Deb, who was now deep in conversation with another student. Something about her just put him at ease and he was happy just to have met her.

    -----

    Zack wandered into the Student Life Center later that day, his senses still tingling from the morning''s overload. The bustling center provided a new sort of challenge as he tried to focus on one conversation among the multitude of voices around him. The sound of a familiar name caught his attention and his hearing seemed to focus on the conversation.

    "Nice outfit, Deb," Ahmed remarked, Zack recognized him from orientation, a genuine smile spreading across his face as he looked at her.

    "Thank you, Ahmed," Deb responded politely, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I really like your shirt too."

    "Hey, I couldn''t help but notice your amazing notes during Kin 101, we could be study buddies!" Ahmed suggested enthusiastically. "It''ll make adjusting to this new course schedule much easier."

    "Sounds good to me," she agreed with a nod.

    Despite being at the other end of the building, Zack found himself able to clearly hear their conversation. The realization startled him and he leaned against a wall for support, trying to process this strange new ability.

    "Deb, there''s a party planned for this weekend," Another young man interjected, his competitive edge shining through even in social situations. "You should come! The whole basketball team will be there ¨C including me since I''m sure I''ll make it."

    "Thanks for the invite, Boon," Deb said, hesitating. "But I''ve got a biology study session already planned for that night. Maybe next time?"

    "Are you sure?" Boon pressed, his brows furrowed in slight disappointment. "C''mon, it''ll be fun. Plus, I can help you with your biology." His suggestive tone caused Deb to start pulling on the edge of her sweater.

    Ahmed chimed in, giving Boon an encouraging pat on the back. "He''s right, Deb. Boon''s a shoo-in for the team. It might be a great opportunity to get to know some new people."

    Zack watched from afar as Deb considered their words. A part of him was worried, Boon was so confident, that he could easily charm Deb if he wanted. Zack looked over and saw Deb, the way she leaned away from Boon and played with her sweater, he knew he had nothing to worry about.

    "Thanks, guys," Deb said finally, her tone firm yet polite. "But I really do need to study that night. Maybe I''ll catch the next party."

    As the conversation drifted to talking about coursework, Zack''s mind raced, his thoughts spiraling in dozens of different directions. He couldn''t understand how he could hear the conversation so crisply from afar, his sudden lack of focus caused more voices to push their way in and cloud Deb''s conversation.

    He thought back to the strange symbol that had burned into his skin, were his heightened senses a result of that. He shook his head at the ridiculous thought, that what happened last night was just the result of his poor choices.

 Chapter 2: Tryouts

    The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows through the windows of the gym, on the basketball court Zack and Rob practiced their moves before tryouts. Sweat dripped from their brows, beads of determination that glistened under the flickering gym lights. A gentle breeze from the open gymnasium door blew through the dust bunnies around them, carrying the scent of freshly cut grass with it.

    "Hey man, if you get first string, who am I gonna have to warm the bench with?" Rob joked, tossing the ball back to Zack. His words were lighthearted, but Zack could see the genuine concern in his eyes.

    "Come on, Rob. We have worked too hard over the summer to end up on the bench," Zack replied, dribbling the ball between his legs and shooting it toward the hoop. The net swished triumphantly as the ball sailed through. "I''ve got to make the first string, just like my dad when he went here. It''s number one on my University to-do list."

    "Alright, alright," Rob conceded, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Just remember where you came from when you''re the big shot, yeah?"

    Zack chuckled and nodded. He knew Rob had his back, no matter what happened. As they continued to practice, he couldn''t help but feel a strange energy coursing through his veins, and for only a moment he could have sworn he saw claws extend from his nails.

    "Hey, look who decided to show up!" Rob exclaimed, nodding towards the entrance of the gymnasium. Ahmed and Deb walked in side by side, their quiet chatter filling the air with anticipation. Zack felt his heart skip a beat at the sight of Deb, her short black hair framing her face like a halo. He''d been texting with her since their conversation the day before. He told Rob all about her, including the fact she arrived as a transfer student from Japan, but her parents were both Alumni of the University of Waterloo.

    "Thanks for coming to show your support," Zack called out, grinning as Deb and Ahmed got themselves situated on the bleachers. "Ready to see some real basketball?"

    "Looking forward to it," Deb responded, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

    As they settled into their seats, the coach arrived with the rest of the team and blew his whistle, signaling the start of tryouts.

    "Zack Dawson," Coach Reynolds read off his clipboard, "I''m starting you on defense today." Zack took his position on the court, with the coach watching his stance. " Good, it is always a confidence boost for the team to have a freshman on defense. We will start with a little two-on-one." Zack bristled at the comment but refused to let it get under his skin. Instead, he focused on proving the coach wrong.

    When the whistle sounded again, its shrill cry amplified in Zack''s ears, causing him to wince in pain. For a moment, the world around him seemed muffled and distant, like he was underwater. But just as quickly as it had come, the sensation vanished, leaving him feeling more alert than ever.

    Zack shook off the disorientation and threw himself into the game, blocking shots left and right. His movements were fluid and precise, a testament to the hours he''d spent practicing and a strange sense that he could read the other players'' moves before they made them. The crowd watched in awe as he effortlessly deflected every attempt to score, it was like the ball was drawn to his hands no matter what his opposing teammates tried.

    Ahmed and Deb exchanged glances, clearly impressed with Zack''s performance. They cheered him on from the sidelines, their voices the driving force behind his determination to succeed. As the tryouts continued, Zack''s talent continued to shine through as he never missed a basket. Was it simply adrenaline, or was there something more at play?

    Boon''s face twisted in envy as he watched Zack effortlessly block shot after shot. He was supposed to be the star player, after all, he was the one scouted for his talent, the tryout was just a formality. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, determined to outdo the newfound star player. Boon snatched the ball from a teammate and charged toward the hoop with fierce determination.

    "Watch out, Zack!" Ahmed called from the sidelines, trying to warn him of Boon''s aggressive approach. Deb stood next to Ahmed, her eyes wide with anticipation.

    In a heartbeat, Zack assessed the situation and positioned himself between Boon and the basket. As Boon leaped into the air, Zack mirrored his movements, the world seeming to slow around them. With cat-like reflexes, Zack snatched the ball from Boon''s grasp before it even had a chance to leave his fingertips.

    "Nice one, Zack!" Rob shouted, clapping his hands together.

    As the tryouts came to an end, Zack couldn''t help but feel a tinge of unease. He knew he''d performed well, but something about it all felt unnatural. He had to admit there were a few times out on the court where a ball came to him when it shouldn''t have, making unnatural course corrections to get to him. And how could he read people like that, like he could feel their energy and just knew what they were going to do? Nevertheless, his friends congratulated him, their smiles infectious and genuine.

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    "Man, that was amazing!" Rob exclaimed as they walked back to their residence building together. "I''ve never seen you play like that!"

    "Thanks," Zack replied hesitantly. "But something felt... off. It was like everyone was moving in slow motion during the game."

    "Really?" Rob raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical.

    "Yeah, and my hearing... I could hear every little sound, like the squeak of sneakers on the gym floor or the rustle of the crowd. It was overwhelming."

    "Sounds like adrenaline to me," Rob dismissed, giving Zack a friendly nudge. "You were just pumped from practice."

    "I don''t know, man. What if it''s some kind of weird infection causing these changes?" Zack worried aloud, his voice strained.

    "Or maybe," Rob paused for dramatic effect, "you''ve been cursed! Destined to become a creature of the night.... with superhuman basketball abilities!" He howled with laughter at his own joke and soon Zack couldn''t help but join in, their worries were momentarily forgotten in the face of shared camaraderie.

    "Come on, let''s get back to the dorms," Rob said, still chuckling. "You''ve got a lot to celebrate."

    As they walked, Zack tried to shake off the lingering sense of unease that clung to him like a shadow.

    Turning the corner, Zack and Rob approached the spot where the crime scene had taken place just the night before. The area was eerily quiet, devoid of the usual bustle of students that typically filled the campus. Yellow police tape still fluttered in the breeze, cordoning off the area.

    "Hey, do you think they''ve already removed the body?" Zack asked, his voice low and somber.

    "Probably," Rob answered, casting a sideways glance at him. "You know how these things go."

    Zack suddenly felt a wave of energy sweep over him, it was cold, causing him to shiver. He turned his head to locate its source and found a young Korean woman standing further down the street, her dark eyes fixed on them, unblinking. Zack held her gaze for a moment, his body frozen in place.

    Rob looked over at Zack before following his gaze "Man, Ethel gives me the creeps," Rob muttered. "Didn''t her family die in that massive fire five years ago?"

    "Something like that, it was all over the news for a while," Zack said, not taking his eyes off Ethel. "Come on, let''s get out of here."

    The boys quickened their pace, eager to put distance between them and the woman with the icy cold gaze. Their laughter from earlier was now replaced with a heavy silence.

    -----

    Later that evening, Zack arrived at the Night School, a nightclub run by the enigmatic Paulina. As he donned his apron and got to work serving drinks, he couldn''t shake the feeling of being watched. But every time he glanced around, nothing seemed amiss.

    "Keep it together," he whispered to himself, pouring another round of shots. "It''s all in your head."

    After hours of tending to the bustling crowd, the club finally began to empty, and Zack found himself tasked with taking out the trash. He stepped into the cool night air, the alleyway bathed in an eerie glow from a flickering streetlight. As he approached the dumpster, several alley cats suddenly lurked into view, hissing and baring their teeth as they inched toward him.

    "Whoa!" Zack exclaimed, stumbling backward and dropping the trash bags. The cats'' eyes seemed to glow with an unnatural intensity, causing his heart to pound in his chest. The cats continued their path towards him, as angered by his presence.

    Without hesitation, he abandoned the trash bags and retreated back inside the club, slamming the door behind him. He leaned against the door, panting, trying to steady his racing heart. Whatever was going on, he couldn''t deny that something strange was happening.

    With his pulse still racing from the unsettling encounter with the alley cats, Zack tried to regain his composure as he made his way home. The streets were eerily quiet, the only sound being the echo of his footsteps on the pavement. He rounded a corner and bumped into Deb, who looked equally startled.

    "Hey, Zack," she said, adjusting her glasses. "I didn''t expect to see you here."

    "Deb!" Zack exclaimed, relieved to see a friendly face. "I was just heading home from work. What are you doing out so late?"

    "I was at the library," she replied, holding up her tote bag filled with books. "You know how it is when you get lost in research. Anyway, what''s new with you?"

    As they walked together, their conversation turned to lighter topics, like their shared love of dogs. Zack couldn''t help but smile at the thought of Deb playing fetch with a golden retriever, momentarily forgetting his recent troubles. Then, he remembered Boon''s upcoming party and seized the opportunity to invite Deb.

    "Hey I know you have to study but, would you like to go to Boon''s party with me?" he asked hesitantly, hoping she''d say yes.

    "Sure, I''d love to. I didn''t really have to study, I just didn''t want to go to a party full of people I barely know. " Deb replied, she paused for a moment.

    Zack realized she had never told him that she was planning to study, he started to sweat thinking about how he would explain it. He tried to think of an excuse but then Deb seemed to shake it off and he breathed a sigh of relief.

    "Great! I''ll see you tomorrow night," Zack said, trying to contain his excitement.

    "Sounds like fun," Deb said with her usual warm smile.

    As they parted ways, Zack practically floated back to his residence. As he lay in bed that night, he felt an unfamiliar contentment wash over him. Sleep claimed him quickly, but it was anything but peaceful.

    In his dream, he found himself pursued by the monstrous creature through a dark forest. The beast had bright glowing orange eyes; its bloated and grotesque form oozed malevolence as it chased him relentlessly. Every time Zack thought he had escaped, the creature loomed closer, threatening to consume him entirely.

    "Help!" he cried out, but his voice was swallowed by the darkness.

    Suddenly, Zack awoke with a start, gasping for air. He looked around, disoriented, only to find himself naked in an abandoned house. Panic surged through him as he tried to piece together what had happened. How had he gotten here? Where were his clothes?

    "Think, think," he muttered, shivering as the cold wind whipped through the shattered windows.

    Slowly, fragments of memories returned: glimpses of woods, a feeling of being relentlessly pursued. But nothing added up, and no explanation came to him. Ever since that first party, he had felt off. "Whatever''s happening to me," he whispered, "I need to figure it out before I end up in a psych ward."

    But first, he needed to make it home, to his clothes, without anyone noticing. As he scrambled to his feet, he prayed that this was all just a result of nerves and anxiety about getting a spot on the basketball team.

 Chapter 3: The Party

    The sun was still yawning over the horizon, shedding its remaining light through the basketball court windows. Zack''s breaths came in short, rhythmic bursts, as he leaped and spun mid-air, the ball gliding effortlessly from his fingertips and through the hoop. The coach, arms crossed, gave an impressed nod.

    "Alright, alright! That''s enough showboating for one morning," Coach barked, a hint of a smile betraying his gruff demeanor. "Zack, Boon, Kristian, and Rob - you four are the freshmen joining the team. Good work today."

    Boon beamed, slapping Zack on the shoulder, but Rob''s expression was clouded with concern. He couldn''t shake the feeling that there was something unnatural happening here, ever since Zack told him about the weird feelings he had been having. Zack''s movements were too fast, his reflexes too sharp. If something really did happen to Zack then it all came back to the night they were separated in the woods, what was the mark on Zack''s back?

    "Hey, man, you okay?" Zack asked, noticing Rob had entered another one of his thought spirals.

    "Uh, yeah. Yeah, I''m fine. Just...congrats on making the team, Zack," Rob replied, forcing a smile. But that voice in the back of his head was screaming that he had to find out the truth.

    "Thanks, dude! You too!" Zack said, his blue eyes sparkling with excitement.

    Later that day, in their shared dorm room, Rob sat hunched over his laptop, poring over articles on demonology and supernatural phenomena. What had started as a simple search for symbols and sudden powers had turned into a rabbit hole of theories and symbolism. He was determined to find some explanation for how Zack could hear things and feel things no one else could.

    Zack returned from a run, sweat glistening on his muscular frame, and noticed Rob''s intense focus. "Hey, what''s got you so worked up?"

    "Zack, have you ever heard of vessels?" Rob asked cautiously, his eyes not leaving the screen.

    "Vessels? Like...ships?" Zack raised an eyebrow, confusion etched on his face.

    "No, no. In some religions, a vessel is a person who''s been possessed or imbued with powers from a higher being, like a demon or an angel," Rob explained as he continued to read. "I was thinking back to the night you looked so scared and had that symbol on your back and while I haven''t found the exact symbol, this is what seems to come up in every Google search.."

    Zack''s face drained of colour, it couldn''t have been a dream not if Rob had seen it too. He felt his stomach churn and his legs felt weak, as his mind tried to make sense of it all.

    "Me? A vessel?" Zack scoffed. "You''ve been reading too many of those horror novels, man." He was desperate to convince himself they were both seeing things.

    "Look, I know it sounds crazy, but they say the mark was associated with gifts of strength, health, and power. The only real documentation is over a hundred years old. It just all lines up with what you told me and what I saw," Rob said earnestly, finally looking up from his laptop and meeting his friend''s gaze.

    Zack hesitated for a moment, his easygoing nature giving way to the weight of Rob''s words. He paced around the room, fangs and claws absent but his eyes flickering with a dim pink glow. Ultimately, he shook his head, unwilling to accept the possibility.

    "Thanks for looking out for me, Rob, but I''m sure there''s a rational explanation for all of this," Zack said, though uncertainty lingered in his voice. "Right now, let''s just focus on the party tonight and forget about demons and vessels, alright?"

    "Alright, but if this is real, then we need to be careful. Several myths claim that strong emotions can cause a vessel to lose control. " Rob explained, albeit reluctantly. He turned his laptop, hoping that Zack would take a look. Zack''s eyes scanned the page taking in what it said but unsure if a single internet article could really be trusted, still the thought that all this could be true was now seeded in Zack''s mind.

    "Alright, let''s say you''re right," Zack said, a hint of annoyance creeping into his voice. "What am I supposed to do about it? Just cancel my date with Deb and hide in my room forever?"

    "Actually, that might not be a bad idea, the canceling the date part, not the hide here forever part," Rob replied cautiously. "What if you lose control at the party? What if Deb sees? what if someone calls the police? What would the government do to you?"

    "Are you serious?" Zack couldn''t believe what he was hearing. "I''m not going to cancel on Deb just because you think I''m possessed or something, these are just myths, not facts."

    "Look, Zack, I really think we should figure this out first, a date with Deb can wait," Rob explained, his concern outweighing any trepidation he felt about confronting him.

    "Do you really believe that bullshit?" Zack''s temper flared, and the dim pink glow in his eyes intensified. In an instant, his anger manifested in a telekinetic force that sent a chair hurtling across the room, smashing against the wall. The sudden display of power left both young men stunned.

    "What the... Did you see that? The chair literally flew on its own through the air!" Rob exclaimed, his voice shaking slightly as he pointed to the wreckage of the chair. "You have telekinesis, that is insane!"

    Zack swallowed hard, the reality of his situation finally sinking in. But still, his loyalty to Deb and his desire to be with her won out. "I''ll...be careful," he promised, avoiding Rob''s gaze. "But I won''t cancel on her. She deserves better than that."

    "Just be careful, I am going to stay here and see if there is any way to reverse it," Rob said, he couldn''t hide his worry.

    ---

    As twilight fell and the campus buzzed with excitement for the party, Zack picked up Deb outside her dorm. Her short black hair framed her delicate features, and her glasses reflected the soft orange glow of the streetlights.

    "Hey, Zack," Deb greeted him warmly, her curiosity piqued by the uncharacteristically serious expression on his face. "Are you alright?"

    "Of course," Zack replied with a forced smile, unwilling to tell her about just how weird his life had gotten. All he could think about as they walked was how if that symbol was real then so was the creature that gave it to him, suddenly a familiar cold shiver ran through his body. As they turned the corner, he couldn''t help but notice Ethel watching them from a distance, she seemed to radiate this dark energy. Zack slid his hand into Deb''s and instinctively picked up the pace.

    "Slow down, Zack," Deb chided gently, struggling to keep up with his long strides. "What''s the rush?"

    "Sorry," he mumbled, trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy despite the growing unease gnawing at him. He could feel something was off deep inside of him, but for now, all he wanted was to enjoy the night with Deb, free from the worry and fear that was seeping into his mind.

    The party was in full swing, the scent of spilled beer mingling with the laughter and excited chatter of college students enjoying their newfound freedom. Boon and Ahmed greeted them at the door with beers and led them into the living room. The bass thumped through Zack''s chest as he led Deb onto the makeshift dance floor, their bodies swaying to the rhythm of the music.

    "Having fun?" Zack yelled over the noise, his heart racing as he tried to focus on Deb and not the gnawing sense of dread that threatened to consume him.

    "Definitely!" Deb shouted back, her eyes shining with genuine happiness. He couldn''t help but smile, pushing down his fears for just a little while longer.

    But as the night wore on, Zack began to feel the first stirrings of his powers awakening within him. As he walked into the kitchen to get Deb a refill, he couldn''t help but feel eyes fall upon him.

    Finally, he caught the gaze of a girl with violet hair mixing a drink, "Nice colour contacts" she said looking directly into his eyes. "they look so life-like."

    Zack panicked and caught a glimpse of himself in the reflection of the window, his eyes had changed from their usual blue to a pull pink. Shit why is this happening now! he thought as he felt a small surge of energy escape him, the red solo cup on the counter began to crumble. He knew he needed to get out of there fast.

    He made his way back to the dance floor and handed her the drink, doing his best to hide his eyes. "Deb," Zack said urgently, his voice barely audible over the pounding music. "I think I need to get some air."

    "Are you sure you''re okay?" she asked, concern etched across her face. "Did something happen while you were in the kitchen?" She tried to search his eyes for answers but he kept looking away, trying to hide the fact they had changed colour.

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    "Sorry," he muttered, feeling a surge of frustration and guilt. "I''m fine. Just...give me a minute."

    "I''ll come with you," she offered, but Zack shook his head sharply.

    "No, stay here. Have fun," he insisted, already turning away from her and weaving through the throng of partygoers. As he stepped out into the cool night air, his breath hitched in his throat, and he could feel his control slipping away. He looked down at his hands and saw claws begin to extend from his fingertips. "Please stop, stop, stop!" he yelled at his hands, praying the claws would go away.

    "Zack!" Deb called after him, confusion painting her features as he broke into a run, he couldn''t let her see him like this he thought as he retreated. Deb just stood in the yard, lost in confusion as she watched him disappear from view.

    -----

    Back at the dorm, Rob sat bolt upright in bed as the door slammed open, revealing a wild-eyed Zack, his breathing labored and his eyes glowing a faint pink." Rob, I...I can''t control it," he gasped, clutching at the edge of the bed for support as an unseen force caused the textbooks on the floor to hover above there resting place.

    "Zack, focus!" Rob shouted, leaping to his feet and grabbing his friend''s shoulders. "You need to calm down, okay? Just breathe." He started to guide Zack through a breathing exercise. As Zack began to calm down and the books returned to the ground, a new look of panic spread across his face.

    "Check on Deb," Zack pleaded, his voice trembling with fear. "Please, Rob. I left her at the party. I wasn''t thinking, I just couldn''t let her see me like this."

    "Alright, just keep breathing and I am sure the whole claws and eye thing will go away," Rob agreed, his eyes full of determination as he raced out the door, grabbing his jacket as he went, leaving Zack to battle the darkness within him alone.

    Rob jogged through the dimly lit campus, his breath fogging in the crisp air as he made his way toward Boon''s party. His footsteps echoed on the pavement, the sound only fueling his anxiety. He couldn''t help but feel like he needed to get back to his friend and help him find answers to what was really going on. Bursting through the door Rob walked right into Ahmed.

    Ahmed swayed for a moment before catching himself and turned to meet Rob''s gaze. " Can I help you?" he slurred.

    "Deb! Have you seen her?" Rob asked, his eyes scanning over the partygoers as they stumbled by.

    Ahmed thought for a moment before his brown eyes lit up with realization. " Oh, she went home with Ethel."

    "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Rob felt a wave of relief wash over him, he quickly left the party and called Zack.

    "Deb got a ride home with Ethel," Rob panted when Zack answered the phone, sweat beading on his forehead. "She should be safe."

    Zack, still struggling to regain control of his powers, stared at his phone intently. That strange coldness filled his body again, like a warning every time Ethel was around "Ethel... she can''t be trusted," he whispered, his voice hoarse. "I can feel it, her energy is so cold and uncaring. Deb could be in danger!"

    "Alright, let me confirm that Deb is safe," Rob said, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn''t afford to waste any time. Summoning all his energy, he sprinted down the street once more, following the path Zack sent to Deb''s dormitory.

    The moon cast eerie shadows across the campus, making Rob feel as if unseen eyes were watching him. Every dark corner seemed to hold a lurking threat, and each rustle of leaves was a specter ready to pounce. The weight of the unknown pressed down on him, but Rob pushed forward, driven by his hope to help Zack through it.

    Reaching Deb''s dorm room, Rob rapped sharply on her door, his knuckles white with tension. To his surprise, it was Father Bill who opened the door, his brows furrowed in confusion.

    "Father Bill?" Rob stammered, taken aback. "What are you doing here?"

    "Rob, isn''t it?" Father Bill asked, studying him closely. "I was just checking up on Deb. She seemed quite shaken after the party. What brings you here?"

    "Is she okay? Can I see her?" Rob asked urgently, worry gnawing at his insides.

    "Of course, come in," Father Bill replied, stepping aside to allow Rob into the room. Deb was sitting on her bed, her knees pulled up to her chest and her eyes red from crying. When she saw Rob, a flicker of relief crossed her face.

    "Rob! You came to check on me," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I''m okay, just... scared."

    "Zack was worried about you," Rob explained, his chest tightening with guilt for his friend''s pain. "He wanted me to make sure you were safe."

    "Tell him I''m alright," Deb said softly, offering a weak smile. "And thank him for checking up on me. But I want to know if everything is ok with him, he just ran off and that isn''t like him."

    "No he is.... he just was really sick. I am sure he will tell you all about it when he is feeling better," Rob promised, turning to leave the room. As he did, he caught a glimpse of Father Bill watching him closely, his blue eyes unreadable. It was clear that the priest had been listening in on their conversation, Rob shook off his discomfort logging away his questions for another day.

    "Deb is safe," he thought as he raced across the moonlit campus, his footsteps echoing his resolve. "Now it''s time to help Zack regain control."

    -----

    As Rob rushed back to the dorm, Zack''s heart pounded in his chest. He couldn''t shake the feeling that Ethel was somehow involved in all this. His newfound abilities heightened his senses, allowing him to pick up on Ethel''s unique aura. It was a mixture of uncaring and something darker, more dangerous. Following the trail, he found himself in Waterloo Park, surrounded by the darkness of night and the whispering of leaves.

    "Ethel!" Zack called out, his voice echoing through the empty park. "I know you''re here! We need to talk!"

    A rustle from behind a nearby tree caught his attention, and Ethel emerged, her dark eyes flashing with caution. "What do you want, Zack?" she asked quietly, stepping into the moonlight.

    "Are you like me?" he demanded, clenching his fists at his sides. "Did you turn me into this?"

    "Zack, I¡ª" Ethel began, but her words were cut off by the sudden appearance of three strangers entering the park. Their presence filled the air with an oppressive energy that felt suffocating. Among them, was a tall woman Zack thought he had seen on campus once, her curly hair framing her determined face.

    "Run!" Ethel hissed, grabbing his arm. "I am like you, and we need to get out of here!"

    Zack hesitated for only a moment before his instincts kicked in, and he sprinted alongside Ethel. The two of them dashed through the park, their breaths coming in short, desperate gasps as they tried to stay ahead of the pursuing strangers. Trees blurred past them in the darkness, and Zack could feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins, fueling his speed.

    His thoughts raced as fast as his feet. How had Ethel become a vessel and did she know about the creature? Why were these people after them? And why could he seem to control his powers now and not at the party?

    "Split up! I wish I could explain this to you but these people are exorcists and they hunt people like us." Ethel explained, her voice barely audible over the pounding of their footsteps. "I''ll try to lead them away from you!"

    "Wait!" Zack called out, but it was too late, as Ethel vanished into the shadows. He hesitated for a moment, torn between following her and escaping on his own.

    "They went this way!" The woman''s voice rang out behind him, snapping him back into action. He veered off the path, ducking behind a large oak tree and holding his breath, praying that he wouldn''t be discovered.

    As the exorcists rushed past him, the woman among them, Zack felt a flicker of relief. They had narrowly escaped capture, but so many questions remained unanswered. Allowing himself a moment to collect his thoughts, he moved cautiously through the park and made his way back to the dorms.

    "Zack! Where the hell have you been? Are you okay?" The urgency in Rob''s voice was palpable as Zack entered their room, his heart still racing from the chase."Deb''s safe but seriously dude it has been hours," Rob continued, watching Zack closely. "What happened? Where were you?"

    "Ethel," Zack panted, collapsing onto his bed. "She''s like me, a vessel. She was going to tell me more but then we got interrupted... there were these people there and she called them exorcists."

    "Exorcists?" Rob frowned, concern etched across his face. "Like robe-wearing, cross-wielding, priests?"

    "Well they did have crosses," Zack replied, closing his eyes and trying to remember their faces. His exhaustion wouldn''t allow him to form their features. "I can''t remember what they look like exactly, I am just too tired. We can''t do anything if we''re too exhausted to think straight."

    "Right," Rob agreed with a small yawn. As the two friends lay in the darkness of their dorm room, Zack couldn''t help but replay the night''s events in his mind. The mysterious connection to Ethel, the determined pursuit by the exorcists, and the nagging feeling that something was being hidden from him ¨C all of these questions swirled around, threatening to ensure he wouldn''t be sleeping that night.

    "Tomorrow," he vowed silently. "Tomorrow, we can figure more out."

    -----

    The morning sun cast long shadows across the campus, a new day mirroring Zack''s hope of a fresh start. Zack stood outside Deb''s dorm room, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew he owed her an explanation for his abrupt departure from the party, but there is no way to explain growing claws and causing things to float with your mind he thought. Taking a deep breath, he knocked softly on her door.

    "Zack! I wasn''t expecting you this early," Deb said, opening the door and revealing her thin frame wrapped in a fluffy pink bathrobe. Her short black hair combed and parted to the right, accentuating her glasses and giving her an air of studious curiosity.

    "Hey, I just wanted to apologize for last night," Zack began, his blue eyes earnestly searching hers. "I, uh, had some bad shrimp or something... food poisoning. It hit me really hard, so I had to bolt."

    "Food poisoning?" Deb raised an eyebrow as she considered his explanation. "That doesn''t sound pleasant. I hope you''re feeling better now?"

    "Much better, thanks," Zack smiled, mentally cursing himself for the weak excuse. But it was all he could muster under the circumstances.

    "Good," Deb nodded, accepting his apology. As they exchanged a few more pleasantries, Zack couldn''t shake the uneasy feeling that had settled over him. His newly heightened senses were on high alert, the world around him alive with sounds, smells, and emotions that he''d never experienced before.

    A sudden rush of suppressing familiarity washed over him as he noticed a figure approaching them from down the white hallway. It was the woman, one of the exorcists who had pursued him the previous night. Her dark curly hair bounced with each step, and her brown eyes seemed devoid of any recognition when they met his.

    "Deb!" The woman called out, waving enthusiastically. "I''ve been looking for you! We need to go over your schedule for the semester."

    "Zack, this is Jessica," Deb introduced her as she joined them. "She''s my student mentor."

    "Nice to meet you," Zack said cautiously, extending his hand. As they shook hands, he couldn''t help but notice the firmness of her grip, a strength that belied her heavy-set frame.

    "Likewise," Jessica replied, offering a warm smile. She seemed completely unaware of their encounter the night before, leaving Zack to wonder if it was all an act or if she really didn''t notice him last night.

    "Hey, I should let you two get going," Zack said, reluctantly breaking the connection. "Deb, we''ll catch up later, okay?"

    "Of course!" Deb agreed, her dark eyes softened with relief at his explanation for the night before. "I''m just glad you''re feeling better."

    "Me too," Zack murmured as he watched them walk away, his thoughts consumed by the strange turn of events. Ethel''s words echoed through his mind and the look of fear that was on her face when the exorcists arrived, could Jessica really be that dangerous?

 Chapter 4: First Game

    The gymnasium echoed with the screech of sneakers on polished hardwood as Boon, like a predator stalking its prey, closed in on Zack. Sweat dripped from their brows, muscles tensed with determination. The competitive fire burned fiercely in Boon''s eyes, reflecting Zack''s growing unease with just how aggressive Boon was playing.

    "Come on, Zack! Is that all you got?" taunted Boon, shoving him roughly.

    Zack gritted his teeth, trying to ignore the provocation. He knew Boon was just trying to show off because he thought he should be the rookie star, but he couldn''t shake the nagging fear that if Boon kept this up he could lose control. With an uneasy glance at his own hands, he recalled how his powers had manifested - claws, telekinesis, and those unsettling pink-tinged eyes.

    "Stay focused," he muttered under his breath, attempting to regain his composure.

    But Boon, letting his envy get the better of him, shoved Zack again ¨C harder this time. Zack lost his focus for only a moment, but that was all it took. In a split second, a telekinetic pulse burst from Zack''s palm, as he tried to push Boon away, and the sound of Boon''s pained cry filled the air as he clutched his elbow.

    "Boon!" Zack gasped, horrified by what he''d done, his heart pounding wildly in his chest.

    "Coach!" called one of the teammates, gesturing frantically for assistance.

    As the coach rushed over, Zack hung back, a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. He couldn''t let this happen again. He couldn''t risk hurting someone else. "Coach," he said, forcing a cough, "I don''t think I can play tonight. I''m not feeling well."

    The coach eyed him skeptically but eventually relented. "Alright, take it easy. But remember I only allow five sick days so use them wisely." Zack nodded and left the scene as quickly as he could.

    -----

    Later that day, Zack found himself partnered with Ahmed in biology class. He should have known better than to think he could fool his perceptive partner.

    "Come on, Zack," Ahmed whispered as they huddled over their lab assignment. "You seriously expect me to believe you''re too sick to play tonight?"

    "How did you..." Caught off guard, Zack hesitated unable to create a valid response. "I... I just don''t think it''s a good idea, alright?"

    Ahmed furrowed his brow, concern etched across his face. "You know the team will suffer without you and Boon both playing. We might lose, and if you think Boon is angry now just wait till he loses."

    "Boon could use the lesson in humility," Zack muttered, avoiding eye contact.

    "Zack, why won''t you just tell me what''s going on?" Ahmed pleaded, frustration evident in his voice.

    "Please, Ahmed," Zack said, his voice barely audible. "Just...trust me on this one, it is better for everyone if I am not at the game."

    Ahmed sighed, recognizing that he wasn''t going to get any answers from Zack at the moment. But he couldn''t shake the feeling that something was very wrong. And as much as he wanted to respect Zack''s wishes, he couldn''t help but worry about the consequences of Zack''s silence ¨C for both the team and Zack himself.

    "Fine," he conceded reluctantly. "But if you ever need someone to talk to, you know where to find me."

    "Thanks, Ahmed," Zack replied, his voice heavy with the weight of secrets. As they returned to their lab work, he couldn''t help but wonder how much longer he could keep up this charade.

    -----

    Rob paced the hallway, his eyes scanning for Lindsey. He had tried to shake off his concern for Ethel, but the nagging in the back of his mind wouldn''t relent. She was involved in what happened to Zack somehow, he just knew it. Spotting Lindsey reviewing some case files near her office, he approached her with a determined stride.

    "Hey, Lindsey," Rob said, his voice betraying his worry. "I''ve got something I need you to look into."

    Lindsey looked up from her files and concern etched across her face. "What''s going on?"

    "Ethel," Rob replied, glancing around to make sure they weren''t overheard. "She''s been hanging around where Joanna was killed a lot lately, and is following Zack around, it is giving me a bad feeling." He knew if nothing else, being investigated by the police would slow Ethel down and buy them time.

    "Alright," Lindsey agreed, closing her file folder with a snap. "I''ll see what I can find out. But you should know, things are getting pretty intense around here with no leads on who killed Joanna. Don''t be out after dark if you can avoid it."

    "Thanks, Lindsey," Rob said gratefully. "and I will try not to go on any late jogs of my own through abandoned parks."

    "You always have a sarcastic comment," she replied, her eyes softening. "I will look into Ethel, thank you for the lead."

    As Rob left Lindsey for her investigation, he thought about what would happen if she found out about Zack and vessels. He knew she would never believe it but he also knew that she would see them as dangerous and could end up locking them away or worse.

    -----

    Meanwhile, Zack returned to his dorm, his thoughts still swirling from his conversation with Ahmed. As he entered, Kenzie greeted him with an excited grin.

    "Hey! I heard all about your incredible tryout!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I took the night off work just to come watch you play tonight!"

    Zack felt the weight of her expectations pressing down on him. His chest tightened as he forced a smile and said, "Oh, uh, thanks, Kenzie. That means a lot."

    "Are you feeling okay, Zack?" Kenzie asked, her excitement dimmed by concern as she noticed his strained expression.

    "Uh, yeah," he lied, attempting to brush off her worry. "I''m just a little tired, that''s all."

    "Alright, well, make sure you get some rest before the game," she advised, her eyes still searching his face for any hint of distress. "You don''t want to disappoint your fans!"

    Zack chuckled nervously and nodded. "Yeah, I''ll keep that in mind."

    As Kenzie left to give him some space, Zack raced up to his room and sank onto his bed, his thoughts racing. The pressure to play was mounting, and he couldn''t help but feel cornered. He knew that if he didn''t find a way to control his powers, he could put everyone at risk - including himself.

    But Kenzie''s excitement and Ahmed''s concern weighed on his conscience. Could he really let them down? As much as he wanted to protect himself, he also knew that they weren''t dumb and it was only a matter of time before they noticed the weirdness surrounding him.

    His mind continued to swirl with these thoughts until his phone buzzed, Deb had texted him -MEET ME AT SWEET DREAMS?- Zack smiled to himself before quickly texting back -ON MY WAY-

    -----

    Zack stepped into Sweet Dreams Bubble Tea shop, the scent of exotic fruits and warm spices enveloping him like a comforting embrace. The cozy shop was filled with students enjoying their small escape from the pressure of class, which was just what he needed to take his mind off the mounting stress. He spotted Deb at a corner table, her short black hair framing her face as she sipped her large taro bubble tea, lost in thought. She seemed so at peace that Zack took a moment to take it in before approaching.

    "Hey, Deb," he greeted her with a smile, the sight of her instantly easing his anxiety.

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    "Zack!" She beamed, setting down her cup. "I''m so glad you could make it. How are you feeling?"

    "Better now that I''m here," he admitted, sliding into the booth across from her. "Everything''s just been...a lot lately."

    Deb nodded sympathetically. "I can only imagine there is a lot of pressure on the first game of the season. But hey, there''s something fun happening tonight after the game. Ahmed, Boon, and I are heading to a board game caf¨¦. You should come! And bring Rob along too ¨C it''ll be a great way to unwind."

    Zack hesitated, weighing the pros and cons of playing in the game. If he lost control then he could end up caught by those exorcists but on the other hand, his team needed him and there was no guarantee he would lose control. Seeing Deb''s hopeful expression, overwrote his logical thinking skills. "Yeah, that sounds great. Count me in."

    "Excellent," she said, sipping her bubble tea again. "I can''t wait to see you out on the court tonight. I''ve loved watching you play during tryouts."

    "Thanks, Deb," Zack replied, feeling a renewed determination to play. He couldn''t let her down.

    -----

    Meanwhile, Lindsay approached Ethel''s house on Hazel Street, her senses on high alert. Most of the leads they have been given were false so it didn''t hurt to check out one from a friend. As she neared the front lawn, she noticed a dark, crimson stain marring the grass. Her heart pounded in her chest as she drew her weapon.

    "Waterloo region police department," she announced as she knocked on the door. There was no response, she knocked again but this time the door creaked open.

    "Ethel?" she called out, her voice tense. She cautiously entered the home and began going from room to room. She found Ethel hunched over her computer with her headphones in, seemingly unaware of Lindsay''s presence.

    "Ethel!" she barked, causing the other woman to jump in surprise.

    "Detective Lindsay? What are you doing here?" Ethel asked, her face a mix of confusion and concern."Joanna''s murder, someone says you have been hanging around the crime scene," Lindsay replied, gesturing towards the front lawn with her weapon. "Also there''s blood outside your house."

    "Wait, I can explain¡ª" Ethel began, but Lindsay cut her off.

    "Save it for the station. You have a lot of explaining to do."

    Ethel''s eyes widened in shock, but she didn''t resist as Lindsay helped her to her feet and led her away. The truth would have to wait.

    -----

    The deafening roar of the crowd filled the arena as Zack dribbled the ball across the polished wooden court. His heart raced with adrenaline and anticipation, the energy of the game coursing through him. He did feel his control slipping at all during warm-up and felt pretty confident. In the stands, Ahmed, Deb, Kenzie, and Lindsey cheered him on, their voices blending with all of the excitement.

    "Go, Zack!" Ahmed yelled, his face flushed with enthusiasm. Deb clapped her hands vigorously, her eyes sparkling behind her glasses as she watched Zack move in perfect sync with his teammates. Kenzie and Lindsey exchanged impressed glances; they knew how much this game meant to Zack.

    "Come on, guys! Keep up the pressure!" Zack shouted to his team as they closed in on the final minutes of the game. They were ahead, but just barely. Each basket felt like a small victory against the formidable Laurier University team.

    As the seconds ticked down, Zack''s muscles tensed, a flicker of unease beginning to seep into his veins. He could sense his powers stirring within him as his heart rate rose, threatening to break free and wreak havoc on the court. Panic bubbled up in his chest as he tried to keep his powers at bay while maintaining focus on the game.

    "Zack, watch out!" Adrian''s voice cut through his thoughts, snapping him back to reality just in time to dodge an opposing player. With newfound resolve, Zack pushed himself harder, sinking one final basket to secure their lead. The crowd erupted into thunderous applause.

    But as Zack landed back on the court, he saw the ball had what looked like claw marks on it, as he looked down at his hands his breath caught in his throat. Desperation clawed at him as he sprinted off the court, making a beeline for the changeroom. He had to get somewhere safe before he lost control completely.

    "Zack!" Deb called after him, worry etching her features, but he couldn''t stop to explain. His heart hammered in his chest as he burst into the changeroom, a wave of relief washing over him as he found it empty. With trembling hands, he turned on the shower and stepped under the ice-cold spray, hoping it would help him regain control.

    "Come on," he muttered to himself, gritting his teeth against the freezing water. His breath came in shallow gasps as he tried to steady his racing heart, his powers still reeling dangerously close to the surface.

    "Zack?" Deb''s voice echoed through the changeroom, her footsteps hesitant as she approached the showers. As she pulled back the curtain, concern etched across her face, Zack finally managed to wrestle his powers back under control before she could catch him.

    "Deb, I... I''m sorry," he stammered, his eyes pleading for understanding. "I didn''t want you to see me like this."

    "Zack, it''s okay, everybody has their off days," she said softly, her hand reaching out to touch his arm. "You don''t have to explain, the pressure of varsity can be a lot. Just know that I''m here for you, no matter what."

    He looked into her eyes, his heart swelling with gratitude and something more, something that made him feel both excited and nervous at the same time. "Deb," he whispered, unable to find the right words to express his feelings.

    "Shh," she murmured, leaning in closer. Their lips met in a tender, electrifying kiss, sealing the bond between them.

    As they pulled away from each other, Zack knew that even amid chaos and uncertainty, one thing was clear: he could face anything with Deb by his side. Hand in hand, they left the changeroom together, ready to get back in the game.

    The dim gymnasium lights cast long shadows across the wooden floor, with Rob sitting alone on the bench, lost in thought. His eyes scanned the empty stands, still feeling the echoes of the game that had just ended. The door creaked open, and Lindsay entered, her face a mixture of concern and resolve.

    "Hey, Rob," she said, taking a seat beside him. "We need to talk."

    Rob looked at her, noting the seriousness in her voice. "What''s up?"

    "Ethel... we had to let her go." She sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "The autopsy revealed it was some kind of animal that killed Joanna, not her."

    "An animal?" Rob furrowed his brow, trying to wrap his head around this new information.

    "Yeah, I don''t know what to make of it either." Lindsay glanced around the empty gym before continuing. "But listen, there''s going to be a curfew put in place on campus to protect everyone. That animal is still out there."

    "Of course," Rob agreed, processing the implications of this revelation. "But are you sure it is an animal, what in a city would be big enough to kill someone?"

    "Leave the investigating to me," Lindsay instructed. "All you need to do is focus on your studies and the whole university experience."

    Rob looked out over the court, "Ryan would have loved it here." He felt a sudden wave of emotion and leaned against Lindsay.

    "Yes, he would have." She responded, holding back tears.

    As they spoke, Boon entered the deserted changeroom, his footsteps echoing through the silence. The tension from the game still hung in the air, and he couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off. He made his way toward the showers, and his eyes widened as he spotted what appeared to be claw marks etched into the tile. He traced the grooves with his fingers, trying to make sense of the scene.

    "Boon?" Ahmed''s voice startled him, and he turned to see his friend standing in the doorway. "Are we going or not?"

    "Ahmed, look at this," Boon said, gesturing towards the claw marks. "What do you think did this?"

    Ahmed approached cautiously, examining the marks for himself. After a moment, he shook his head. "I don''t know, Boon. But honestly, does it really matter? Maybe someone left the door open and a raccoon got in."

    "Sure a raccoon did this," Boon muttered, frustration clouding his thoughts. He couldn''t shake the feeling that something was amiss, but Ahmed''s calm demeanor helped temper his emotions.

    "Let''s go, it is getting late and we have an eight-thirty class tomorrow," Ahmed suggested, placing a reassuring hand on Boon''s shoulder. "We''ll figure this out later."

    Boon nodded, reluctantly stepping away from the claw marks. As they left the changeroom, the unsettling mystery of Boon''s discovery lingered in the air.

    -----

    The night had settled like a shroud over the campus, and the moon cast eerie shadows through the stained-glass windows of the University chapel. Jessica hesitated at the entrance, her hand on the heavy wooden door. She knew she would find Father Bill here, seeking solace in prayer after the tumultuous events of the year so far.

    "Father Bill?" she called softly as she stepped inside, the scent of burning incense lingering in the air.

    "Ah, Jessica," he replied, his voice echoing against the high arches. The bulky man stood near the altar, his blonde hair neatly combed and his blue eyes holding a mixture of sorrow and determination.

    "Can we talk about Joanna?" she asked, her heart aching. "I need to understand what happened."

    "Of course," Father Bill agreed, gesturing for her to sit in one of the pews. As they sat down, the weight of their shared grief filled the space between them.

    "Joanna was an exceptional exorcist. One of the best I''ve ever known," Father Bill began, his voice tinged with pride. "She was relentless in her pursuit of evil, never wavering in her faith or her mission."

    Jessica nodded, remembering her friend''s unwavering courage even in the face of unspeakable horrors. "Then how could something like this happen to her?" she asked, her brown eyes filling with tears. "What kind of creature could have done this?"

    Father Bill sighed heavily, his hands clasped together in thought. "I''ve been asking myself the same question, Jessica. The truth is, I don''t know yet. But whatever it was, it had to be powerful enough to overcome Joanna''s considerable skills and defenses."

    "It had to be something more powerful than a vessel, right?" Jessica''s mind raced, piecing together the scant evidence they had. No animal tracks at the scene of the murder, at least two supernatural beings spotted in the woods, and now the revelation that Joanna had been killed by something more formidable than any vessel they had faced before. "We need to find out what we''re dealing with, Father before it decides to increase the body count."

    "Indeed," he agreed, his eyes narrowing with resolve. "We must exercise caution and remain vigilant. The safety of everyone on this campus is our responsibility."

    "Joanna would want us to carry on her work," Jessica said, her voice cracking with emotion. "We can''t let her death be in vain."

    "Of course not," Father Bill replied, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Together, we will uncover the truth behind this tragedy and bring justice to those responsible. We owe it to Joanna and ourselves."

    As they sat there in the dimly lit chapel, surrounded by the silent echoes of their faith, the mystery of Joanna''s death loomed like an oppressive shadow. For Jessica, the quest for answers had become personal, and she vowed to face whatever darkness lay ahead in honor of her fallen friend.

 Chapter 5: A Dream Come True

    The sun cast a warm glow over the water, shimmering like liquid gold as Zack and Deb walked hand-in-hand along the edge of the University pool. In his mind, it felt more like a picturesque lakeside scene than the mundane reality of their campus. Deb''s laughter filled the air, her eyes sparkling behind her glasses as she turned to face him. He couldn''t help but smile back, feeling his heart swell with affection for this intelligent and curious girl who had unexpectedly come into his life.

    "Zack," she whispered, leaning in close, "I''ve been wanting to tell you something."

    He could feel the heat radiating from her body, as she pressed herself tightly against him. "What is it?" he asked, his voice barely audible.

    "I... I think I''m falling in love with you."

    His heart raced at her words, and he leaned in to kiss her tenderly. But just as their lips were about to meet, something shifted in the atmosphere. The once-gentle breeze grew harsh and cold, the skies darkening ominously. Panic gripped him as he realized that his powers were spiraling out of control, and before he could warn Deb, a telekinetic force erupted from him, violently hurling her through the air and into the water with a sickening crash.

    "Deb!" he screamed, watching in horror as her lifeless body floated on the surface of the pool, tendrils of blood spreading out around her. Tears streamed down his face as he stared at his hands, now tipped with sharp claws, and he knew that he was the monster responsible for her death.

    "Zack! Zack, wake up!" Rob''s voice pulled him back to reality, and he jolted awake, drenched in sweat. His friend''s concerned expression hovered above him, and he struggled to catch his breath.

    "Rob... I had the worst dream," he choked out, the image of Deb''s lifeless body still haunting him.

    "Tell me about it, you were screaming in your sleep. What was it about?" Rob urged, sitting down next to Zack on his bed. As Zack recounted the chilling details of his nightmare, Rob listened intently, he could see that the dream really affected Zack.

    "It felt so real, like we were really there and she really got hurt. Can these powers give you visions?" Zack asked, hoping Rob would tell him they couldn''t.

    "Honestly Zack, I know as much as you do now, there isn''t much about vessels online. But we can go to the pool now and prove that you don''t have vision powers." Rob suggested.

    Zack nodded and the pair quickly pulled on their sweatpants and hoodies before heading out into the autumn air.

    "Look, dreams can be weird sometimes," Rob said as they walked together toward the pool. "I don''t think this means anything. I once dreamt I was a talking bookcase that ate rubber boots."

    Zack couldn''t shake the feeling that there was more to the dream, he still didn''t fully understand his powers and how they worked. They approached the entrance to the pool, and Rob pushed open the door with a reassuring smile.

    "See? Nothing to worry about-"

    His words caught in his throat as they stepped into the room, their eyes widening at the sight before them: a puddle of blood by the side of the pool. The air was thick with tension as Zack stared at the crimson stain, his heart pounding in his chest.

    "Rob," he whispered, his voice trembling, "this is just like my dream."

    "Okay, let''s not jump to conclusions," Rob replied, trying to maintain his composure. "There has to be an explanation for this." But even as he spoke the words, he knew that something was very wrong, and Zack''s powers could be darker than he imagined.

    Desperate to find Deb, Zack left Rob standing at the pool and hurried through the university parking lot towards St. Jerome''s campus, his eyes scanning back and forth for any sign of her. Panic gnawed at him as he began to believe that his nightmare had become a reality. He gritted his teeth, trying to keep his powers in check. The last thing he needed was a surge of uncontrollable energy.

    "Deb!" he called out, his voice cracking with fear. "Where are you?"

    As he turned a corner, Zack''s foot slipped on a patch of loose gravel. Unable to stop himself, he reached out instinctively to break his fall, sending a wave of telekinetic energy toward a nearby car. The vehicle crumpled under the force, its metallic frame groaning in protest.

    "Damn it!" Zack hissed, realizing that he had just damaged Boon''s car. Guilt and shock mingled with the mounting anxiety that threatened to overwhelm him. As he tried to regain control over his emotions, he spotted Deb walking toward him, her face etched with concern.

    "Zack? What''s wrong?" she asked, clearly puzzled by his panicked expression.

    "Deb!" Relief flooded through him like a wave, making his knees weak. "I- I just... I had this really weird dream about you, and I wanted to make sure you were okay."

    "Of course I''m okay," Deb replied, her confusion giving way to a small smile. "Just a little confused as to why you seem so worried about a dream."

    Zack let out a shaky laugh, forcing a grin onto his face. "Yeah, well, nightmares can do that to you." He glanced back at Boon''s mangled car, knowing he had to get away before anyone discovered what he had done. He noticed Deb''s gaze following his own and panicked "Come on, let''s get a coffee and I can tell you all about the weird night."

    As they left the parking lot together, neither of them noticed Boon arriving on the scene. His eyes widened in shock as he took in the damage to his car, his jaw dropping open in disbelief.

    Later, in chemistry class, Zack leaned toward Rob and whispered, "I found Deb. She''s fine."

    "Thank God, I called the police and they are sending an officer to investigate." Rob breathed a sigh of relief before his expression changed to a mischievous one. "I also caught a glance of Boon''s car, you wouldn''t happen to know what caused the damage would you?"

    Zack winced at the memory. "I... I lost control for a moment. It was an accident."

    Before they could discuss it further, their professor caught them talking and separated them with a stern glare. Zack''s mind raced, trying to piece together how his dream could be partially true when suddenly, a commotion from outside drew everyone''s attention to the window.

    A clearly traumatized man, his clothes torn and blood-stained was being placed onto a stretcher and into the waiting ambulance. He stared blankly ahead, his expression haunted and empty.

    "Did you see what happened?" one student whispered to another.

    "No idea, but he looks like he''s been through hell."

    As Zack watched the paramedics tend to the injured man, a chilling thought crept into his mind: Was he somehow responsible for this? The question hung heavy in the air, was this what his dream was trying to tell him?

    ----------------

    Zack stared into the depths of his lunch at the Student Life Center, as if it held the answers to the mystery that haunted him. The steaming heap of mashed potatoes offered no revelations, and he sighed heavily.

    "Still thinking about that guy in the ambulance?" Rob asked, picking at his own meal with a plastic fork.

    "Maybe," Zack admitted, feeling the weight of responsibility pressing down on his shoulders. "I can''t shake the feeling that I had something to do with it."

    Before Rob could reply, the clatter of chairs announced the arrival of Ahmed, Deb, Leona, Boon, and Wes. Boon gave Wes a dismissive wave sending him to eat somewhere else, and the group settled around the table, their boisterous energy filling the space.

    "Did you guys hear about what happened earlier?" Leona asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

    "Hard not to," Boon snorted, rolling his eyes. "Some druggie went nuts and tried to break into the pool. Real winner, that one."

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    "Actually," Rob interjected, pulling out his phone and tapping the screen. "He was just identified on the local news." He held up the screen for everyone to see, revealing an image of Greg Simons, a local car salesman. "Apparently, he''s been missing for a few days."

    Zack studied the man''s face, a jolt of recognition running through him. He''d met Greg once before while browsing cars with his father. A chill snaked down to his very core as the unsettling possibility that he might be connected to Greg. The building number of coincidences surrounding him made it impossible for him to deny he had something to do with the attack.

    "Hey, let''s talk about something else, okay?" Ahmed suggested, sensing the dark turn in the conversation. "What are your plans for Saturday?"

    Deb smiled at Zack, and he felt a flicker of warmth in his chest. "We were thinking of going on a date."

    "Mind if we join and make it a friends thing?" Ahmed asked, his grin infectious. Boon eagerly nodded in agreement, clearly excited at the prospect of a group outing.

    "Uh, sure," Zack agreed hesitantly, his mind still clouded with worry. "But we don''t really have any plans yet."

    "Let''s play pool!" Ahmed suggested, glancing at Boon who practically beamed at the idea. "Boon loves it, and it''s something we can all do."

    "Zack, are you any good at pool?" Boon asked, raising an eyebrow teasingly. The challenge in his voice was unmistakable.

    "Of course," Zack lied, feeling a flush crawl up his neck at the attention. The last thing he wanted was to appear weak or inferior, especially not to Boon of all people.

    "Perfect," Deb said, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "It''ll be a fun night for all of us."

    As the conversation turned to lighter topics, Zack couldn''t help but feel like an actor playing the role of a normal teenager. Between the unsettling dream, Boon''s damaged car, and Greg Simons'' traumatized state, it was clear that somehow he needed to figure out his powers before anyone really got hurt.

    The dim lights of the club flickered as Zack helped Paulina set up for the night. The air was thick with anticipation and the scent of stale alcohol lingered in the shadows. As he adjusted the microphone stand on stage, his thoughts remained preoccupied with the strange events that had been unfolding around him.

    "Thanks for helping me out, Zack," Paulina said, her voice soft and measured. There was a certain gravity to her presence that both intrigued and unnerved him.

    "Of course," he replied, offering a weak smile. "I''m just trying to keep my mind off things."

    "Sometimes it''s good to distract yourself," she agreed, glancing over her shoulder as the sound of footsteps echoed through the empty club.

    Zack''s heart leaped into his throat as Lindsey appeared from around a corner, her gaze sharp and focused. He couldn''t help but feel his breath catch, wondering if the officer had come to question him about the bizarre incident at the pool.

    "Paulina, do you have a moment?" Lindsey asked, her tone professional as she approached them. "I need to speak with you about the campus curfew." even Zack knew that wasn''t what she was really there to talk about.

    "Sure, officer," Paulina responded smoothly, her expression unreadable. "What can I do for you?"

    As Zack watched their hushed conversation, he noticed Lindsey pull out several gruesome crime scene photos, her face tight with concern. She held them up for Paulina to see, asking, "Do you know of any animal that could do this?"

    For the briefest of moments, Zack saw something flicker across Paulina''s face¡ªan unspoken knowledge that she quickly masked with an enigmatic smile.

    "No, I''m afraid not," she lied, her voice steady and unwavering. "I don''t know anything about that."

    Lindsey nodded before excusing herself and leaving the club. Zack''s mind raced with questions, but he knew it wasn''t the time or place to press for answers.

    Later that evening, Zack swung by Grand River Hospital, carrying a bag of takeout for Kenzie who had left her dinner back at the dorm. As he approached her station, he couldn''t help but feel a pull towards Greg Simons'' room. The weight of guilt and uncertainty gnawing away at him, Zack decided to face his fears head-on.

    "Hey, Kenzie. I brought you your dinner," he said casually, trying to mask his true intentions.

    "Thanks, Zack. You''re a lifesaver!" she exclaimed gratefully, taking the bag from him.

    "Actually, I was thinking of checking in on Greg, my dad is old friends with him. Do you know where his room is?" he asked, his voice betraying a hint of anxiety.

    "Sure, it''s just down the hall," she replied, pointing him in the right direction.

    As Zack entered Greg''s dimly lit room, he felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up. Greg''s eyes widened in terror at the sight of him, and he began to panic, thrashing against his restraints.

    "Stay away!" Greg screamed, his voice hoarse and strained. "Please, just stay away!"Zack''s heart pounded in his chest as the reality of the situation sank in. His dream had been real and he had attacked Greg. His powers were growing stronger, but this was proof that he really was dangerous. Zack decided he needed help to find answers and there was only one person he knew that was like him.

    Zack stood outside Ethel''s home, his hands stuffed deep in his pockets to fight off the chill. The sky was a tapestry of dark clouds, reflecting the turmoil he felt inside. He hesitated for a moment before knocking on the door.

    "Come in," Ethel called out, her voice barely audible above the relentless wind. Zack entered, finding her seated by the fireplace, a book open in her lap.

    "Ethel, I need answers," Zack began, his voice strained with desperation. "Will I hurt or kill someone?"

    Ethel closed her book and looked him straight in the eye. "Yes."

    "But I don''t want to.." Zack started, Ethel raised a hand cutting him off.

    "You are a vessel, you don''t have a choice it is in your nature now," Ethel explained, her expression almost appearing annoyed.

    "Then teach me how to control my powers," he demanded. "So I can prevent it from happening. I had a nightmare and now I think it was real."

    "A vision?" Ethel seemed to analyze these words. "There is a way to know if what you saw was really a vision" she replied as she placed the book on a side table, her expression unreadable. "Go to the pool. As a vessel, you are connected to the auras of everyone and everything. If you can concentrate on Greg''s aura then you will be able to read what happened."

    "Thank you," he said, turning to leave.

    "Before you go Zack." Ethel''s expression suddenly shifted to a very serious one. "If it should happen that you did attack Greg, then I will not help you the next time you run into the exorcists." She then returned to her book.

    Zack stood there for a moment, a mixture of shock and fear filling him. As the clock ticked forward, Zack found himself leaving Ethel''s home and wondering if he really wanted to know the truth.

    At the witching hour, Zack and Rob approached the deserted university pool. The overhead lights cast eerie shadows across the water''s surface, adding to the growing unease in Zack''s chest.

    "Keep a lookout," Zack instructed Rob, who nodded reluctantly.

    "Fine, but hurry up. I don''t like this place at night," Rob complained, shifting uncomfortably on his feet.

    Closing his eyes, Zack focused on his senses, trying to pick up on Greg''s aura.

    "Anything?" Rob asked.

    "I just started," Zack said, trying to remain focused.

    "Right, right, I just wasn''t sure how long it would take," Rob explained, not noticing his friend struggling to focus.

    "It will take longer if I keep getting interrupted." Zack shot Rob a look and Rob immediately took the hint.

    Zack returned to his meditation and finally, he could feel the auras all around him, one that radiated fear and drew him in. Images flashed through his mind: Greg, struggling against an unseen force; a mysterious figure looming in the darkness; and he witnessed it all but through somebody else''s eyes, like watching a movie.

    "Rob," Zack whispered urgently, opening his eyes. "I remember now. I wasn''t the one attacking Greg. I was connected to someone else aura, I saw what they did. I think it was Ethel."

    "Wait, what?" Rob asked, his brow furrowing in confusion. "But why would Ethel help you if she was the one who attacked Greg?"

    "Maybe to cover her tracks," Zack suggested hesitantly, struggling to piece together Ethel''s motives. "Or maybe she''s working with someone."

    "Zack, someone''s coming!" Rob exclaimed, interrupting his thoughts.

    Without a second thought, the two friends sprinted away from the pool, their hearts pounding as they tried to process the revelations that had just unfolded. As they disappeared into the night, the unanswered questions hung heavy in the air.

    Elsewhere, Deb sat cross-legged on her colorful dorm room rug, the vibrant patterns swirling beneath her as she and Ahmed shared a bag of chips as they discussed their plans for Saturday. The laughter that filled the room was cut short when the door swung open with a bang. Jessica stood in the doorway, a stern expression on her face.

    "Campus-wide curfew," she announced, her eyes sweeping over Deb and Ahmed. "No one is going out at 10 pm from here on out."

    "But we have plans on Saturday," Deb protested, her voice tinged with disappointment. She was excited to finally have her first proper date with Zack, without a loud party or food poisoning to get in their way.

    "Plans change," Jessica replied curtly before turning to leave. The moment the door clicked shut behind her, Deb exchanged a conspiratorial glance with Ahmed. She wasn''t going to let a curfew ruin their night of fun.

    "Curfew or not, we''re still going," she whispered determinedly. Ahmed''s eyes sparkled with mischief as he nodded in agreement.

    "I like this rule-breaking side of you," Ahmed said with a smile.

    "We just need to meet at my car on Saturday and head out from there. There are a ton of ways to sneak out of a dorm." Deb reasoned as she started putting her plan together.

    "Of course. We can''t take your car though, I am sure someone will notice if it missing and we don''t want to get caught," he said, already thinking of possible escape routes.

    Meanwhile, Ethel slipped into Greg''s dimly lit hospital room, her footsteps silent on the sterile linoleum floor. She approached his bed cautiously, her heart hammering in her chest.

    "Greg," she breathed softly, hoping for answers about the night at the pool. Recognition flared in Greg''s eyes as he struggled to focus on her face.

    "Ethel? Is that you?" he rasped, his voice hoarse and weak.

    "Greg, I need you to remember what happened at the pool," Ethel urged, her hands gripping the railing of his bed. "Who attacked you?"

    But instead of providing the answers she sought, Greg simply repeated, "I''m sorry" over and over again, his eyes brimming with unshed tears.

    "Shut up, you aren''t making any sense, tell me what did this to you!" Ethel demanded, but Greg was too far gone as he continued to repeat his apology over and over again.

    Frustration welled up inside Ethel as she realized she would find no answers here. With a sigh, she turned away from Greg''s bed and left the room, the door clicking shut behind her. At that moment, Kenzie happened to glance up at Greg''s heart rate monitor while doing her nursing rounds.

    "Flat-lined?" she gasped, dashing into Greg''s room only to find him lying lifelessly on the bed, his eyes staring blankly at the ceiling. She rushed to his side and paged the doctors before performing CPR.

    As Ethel walked away from the hospital, her thoughts raced with confusion and concern. She had come for answers but left with even more questions. The image of Greg''s desperate apology haunted her, making her wonder what he could have possibly done to warrant such remorse. Was there a deeper connection between them that she was unaware of?

 Chapter 6: First Date?

    The amber shine of the pub''s lights cast a warm haze over the worn wooden floors. Patrons laughed and clinked glasses, their conversations melding into a pleasant hum. Zack glanced around as he entered Pub on King, noting the familiar scent of beer-soaked wood. He spotted Deb sitting at a booth with Ahmed and Boon, who were animatedly discussing the last basketball game.

    "Hey guys," Zack greeted, sliding into the seat next to Deb. "So, is there a pool table available?"

    "Of course!" Boon declared, his eyes gleaming with excitement. " I reserved a table in advance. We''re doing teams: you and Deb against me and Ahmed."

    "Sounds fun," Zack said, trying to sound enthusiastic despite his inexperience with pool. He noticed Deb''s confident smile and wondered if she was any good.

    As they approached the pool tables, Zack couldn''t help but feel a little intimidated by the rows of cues and the serious-looking players hunched over the green felt. He picked up a cue stick and tried to mimic Deb''s stance, but the awkwardness of it all made him feel even more out of place.

    As the game progressed, it became clear that Deb and Boon were the superior players, while Zack and Ahmed struggled to keep up. Boon seemed to take particular delight in needling Zack about his performance.

    "Didn''t you say you were a great pool player, Zack?" Boon taunted after Zack missed yet another shot. "I guess you thought we were talking about a swimming pool."

    Zack clenched his jaw, feeling his frustration grow with each barb from Boon. Deb, noticing his irritation, pulled him aside for a moment.

    "Hey, don''t let them get to you," she whispered. "Just relax and focus on the game. After all, it is just a game."

    "Thanks, Deb." Zack tried to put her advice into practice, but still found himself struggling. Boon''s leering gaze and annoying comments, left him focusing more on controlling his powers than having fun.

    "Here''s a tip," Deb said, leaning in close. "Imagine me naked. That should help take your mind off the pressure."

    Zack''s eyes widened at her suggestion, and he could feel his blood pressure rise. "Wait wha... What" Zack stammered.

    Deb laughed "You are too tense, you need to relax your shoulders and not hit the ball so hard. "

    He glanced over at Ahmed and Boon, who were smirking at each other, and then back at Deb. Her playful smile was all he needed. He closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath.

    As Zack opened his eyes, he felt his powers shifting within, almost achieving a balance for the first time. His hands steadied as he gripped the cue stick, and he focused on where he wanted the ball to go before taking his shot. To his surprise, the ball sunk effortlessly into the pocket.

    "Whoa!" Ahmed exclaimed, watching in shock as Zack continued to sink shot after shot. "What happened to you?"

    "Deb just gave me some pointers," Zack replied, his newfound confidence evident in his voice. It also helped to have his powers working for him, instead of against him for the first time.

    "Nice work," Boon grumbled begrudgingly, clearly annoyed by Zack''s sudden improvement.

    "Thanks." Zack couldn''t help but feel proud of himself as he continued to dominate the game, the image of Deb in his mind raising his heart rate, allowing him to tap into his vessel abilities without anyone suspecting a thing.

    Ahmed narrowed his eyes at Zack''s sudden increase in skill. It was impossible to get that good so quickly, and he couldn''t help but be suspicious.

    "Hey, what pointer did Deb give you exactly?" Ahmed asked, his voice laced with curiosity. But Zack was too focused on the game, sinking another ball into a pocket without so much as glancing in Ahmed''s direction.

    "Nice shot," Deb encouraged, grinning at her teammate. Boon scowled, clearly unhappy with the turn of events.

    With a huff, Ahmed approached the pool table and chalked his cue stick. His demeanor had shifted, and his whole stance changed to a professional form.

    As he took his shot, Ahmed displayed perfect form, easily sinking the ball and earning a look of surprise from Boon. Ahmed lined up another shot and sunk it with ease, his focus unwavering and his fun-filled facade dropping.

    "Didn''t know you had it in you," Boon commented, raising an eyebrow.

    "Neither did I," Ahmed replied cryptically, smirking as he continued to dominate the table.

    Meanwhile, across town at Short Stop, a late-night convenience store, Ethel browsed the snack aisle, acting oblivious to the exorcists approaching her. In the dim lighting, she noticed Jessica''s reflection in the glass door of the slushy machine ¨C her dark eyes scanning the store cautiously, ever vigilant.

    "Quite the selection they have here, huh?" Jessica''s voice came from behind her, making Ethel''s skin prickle with unease. She turned to see Jessica leaning against the slushy machine, accompanied by two other exorcists whose expressions were cold and calculated.

    "Can''t complain," Ethel replied evenly, refusing to show any sign of fear despite her racing heart.

    "Strange coincidence, running into you here," Jessica said, her tone dripping with false cordiality. "You know, I heard about your family. Such a tragedy, that fire five years ago."

    Ethel''s eyes narrowed, but she kept her composure. "Yes, it was," she responded, her voice steady.

    "Must be tough, I wonder who you blame for setting that fire?" Jessica''s words were like venom, and Ethel felt the sting of anger rising within her. "I mean they were never caught after all."

    "Sometimes life is just cruel," Ethel replied, her tone icy as she stared Jessica down. She wouldn''t give her the satisfaction of a reaction. With that, she turned on her heel and walked towards the exit, leaving Jessica and her cohorts standing there, their faces a mixture of frustration and begrudging respect. As Ethel stepped out into the night, she knew that their paths would cross again, and next time they wouldn''t just let her walk away.

    The raucous laughter of the pub''s patrons began to fade as Zack, Deb, Ahmed, and Boon exited Pub on King. The chilly night air nipped at their faces, bringing them back to reality after a heated game of pool. Zack rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, feeling the weight of Boon''s gaze upon him.

    "Hey, Boon, I''m sorry about outshining you back there," he said, scratching his head. "To be honest, I didn''t know how to play pool before Deb gave me some pointers."

    Boon''s lips curled into a tight smile, and he extended his arms to hug Zack. As they embraced, Boon''s voice dropped to a whisper, barely audible above the sounds of the busy street next to them. "I don''t know what''s going on with you, Zack, but I''ll find out. First, you are some unknown basketball prodigy and now you just magically learn pool in less than an hour. You may have everyone else fooled with this whole nice guy routine but I don''t buy it for a second." With that, Boon released Zack and stepped away, joining Ahmed in the waiting ride share.

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    Deb, oblivious to the exchange between the two men, laced her fingers through Zack''s and smiled up at him. "Walk me back to my dorm?"

    "Of course," Zack replied, his heart pounding from Boon''s whispered threat and Deb''s gentle touch.

    As they strolled beneath the moonlit sky, Zack''s thoughts raced. How could he hide these abilities from the world if he kept using them to get ahead? And how could he deal with Boon now analyzing his every move?

    Upon reaching Deb''s dorm, she turned towards Zack. "You''ve been awfully quiet tonight,"

    "Just thinking I guess," Zack rubbed the back of his neck. "I didn''t expect a few games of pool to get so intense."

    "Right, and holy shit did you see Boon''s face when Ahmed started to really play," She laughed "I mean I thought he was actually going to explode. I am sure that was one awkward ride home for them."

    As Zack watched Deb laugh in the moonlight, she looked more beautiful than ever. She was one person he could just be with, without feeling like he was being dissected. Without even thinking, Zack leaned in for a tender goodnight kiss. Their lips met briefly before parting ways.

    "I really had a great time with you tonight, Zack. Next time let''s make sure it is just the two of us." the warmth of the moment lingered as Deb retreated to her dorm room. Zack headed back to his dorm, feeling like he was walking on air.

    Meanwhile, at UWP, Zack and Rob''s residence building, Kenzie stood outside Zack''s room, poised to do a curfew check. The door creaked open, revealing an empty room. Frowning, Kenzie stepped back into the hallway, her finger hovering over the call button on her phone to report the violation to campus security.

    But before she could press it, a noise caught her attention¡ªthe sound of someone climbing through the window by Zack''s bed. Her heart pounding, Kenzie grabbed a heavy Chemistry 101 textbook from a nearby shelf and readied herself for a confrontation.

    "Who''s there?" she demanded, raising the book above her head.

    "Whoa, easy, Kenzie! It''s just me!" Rob exclaimed, shielding his face with his arms.

    Lowering the textbook, Kenzie exhaled in relief. "Thank goodness it''s you, Rob." She turned to see Zack entering the room, his brow furrowed with concern. "Do either of you even care about the police-instigated curfew?"

    "Uh, not really," admitted Zack, heading towards his bed.

    "Same here," Rob added, as he started emptying the bag full of mythology books onto the floor.

    Flustered, Kenzie decided to let the issue go and retreated to her own room, leaving Zack and Rob to talk in private.

    "Zack," Rob said solemnly, his voice barely above a whisper, "I have some bad news. I have had Greg marked on my news feed, he was found dead in his hospital bed, they are saying he was scared to death, literally."

    Zack''s blood ran cold. "What? When?"

    "Yesterday, they have no suspects," Rob explained, his eyes filled with sorrow.

    "Ethel must have something to do with it," Zack muttered, clenching his fists. " She is the only other vessel and the only one who could turn into a monster scary enough to kill someone." Rob was about to poke some holes in his logic but Zack swung open the window and climbed out into the night before Rob could utter a single word. Rob watched his friend disappear into the night, wondering if any good could come from confronting her alone.

    Zack stood outside Ethel''s small, dimly lit house, his heart racing with a mix of anger and trepidation. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he pounded on the door¡ªonce, twice, three times.

    "Ethel!" he shouted, voice cracking. "I know you''re in there!"

    The door creaked open, revealing Ethel''s stone-faced expression as her dark eyes bore into him. "What do you want, Zack?" she asked coldly.

    "Greg was found dead," Zack accused, clenching his fists. "You did it, didn''t you? You killed him and Joanna. And you turned me into one of you, like some kind of fucked up vampire." Zack was shaking and unable to control his anger

    "Is that you truly believe Zack?" Ethel asked, her eyes conveying no emotions. "what would my motive be to kill a homeless lady and used car salesman? Really think about that, because you are new to this I am going to be lenient here but I would stop pushing if I were you,"

    "Who else has powers like ours? I didn''t kill them so I think the answer is pretty obvious." Zack refused to back down, his demon side fueling the anger and feeding off it.

    "You know what I think, I think this has nothing to do with Greg, this is all about you," Ethel stated with a smug grin. "You feel guilty because you had a vision that led you to Greg, and he was alive and could be saved, but now reality hits you. You could have stayed with him and protected him but you didn''t and now he is dead. So go ahead take out your anger and guilt on me but you know deep down his death is on you."

    Without warning, Zack lunged at her, but she vanished from view before reappearing behind him. Ethel''s claws extended as she propelled herself towards him, forcing Zack to react instinctively. His powers surged, creating a protective barrier that repelled her attack and sent her crashing through the living room wall.

    "Ouch," Ethel muttered, dusting off her sweater nonchalantly. "That was cute, Zack. But not nearly enough."

    With a snarl, she unleashed her own powers, a green glow emanating from her eyes. Zack struggled to keep up with her newfound speed and ferocity, she moved as if she could predict his movements before he made them, but his thoughts were scattered, his movements uncoordinated.

    "Stop..." he gasped, trying to catch his breath. "You were right" The words tasted like poison to him "I knew something was after Greg, I could feel it and I still didn''t stop it."

    "It takes a big person to admit that. Unfortunately for you, I have my own frustrations I need to work out," Ethel replied, relentless in her assault. Her mind was still clouded by the memory of Jessica confronting her.

    Their battle raged on, the sound of shattered glass and splintered wood filling the air as Ethel sent Zack flying like a ragdoll through an old china cabinet. Eventually, both Zack and Ethel collapsed to the floor, their powers spent and their bodies bruised and battered.

    "I think we got it all out of systems," Ethel panted, her human form reasserting itself. "Now let me fill you in on what is really going on, neither of us killed Greg if that wasn''t obvious already."

    "Then who did?" Zack demanded, his chest heaving with exertion. "And why did you turn me into a vessel?"

    "I didn''t, vessels cannot create other vessels" Ethel insisted, her gaze softening for the first time. "Think back to your dream, Zack. It was like you were watching the whole thing through someone else''s eyes right?"

    Zack''s mind raced, replaying the haunting images from his nightmare. A look of realization spread across his face, how could he have forgotten?

    "Gluttony," Ethel whispered, sitting up with great effort. "One of the most powerful demons on Earth, They turned you into a vessel. I''m a vessel too like you, but I was born one because my mother was one as well. Gluttony can create vessels to follow him and shift back into human form to hide in plain sight, he is the one killing people."

    "How do you know this?" Zack asked, his mind reeling at the idea of an even more powerful demon in the city. "Why didn''t you tell me before?"

    Ethel looked over at Zack, her eyes filled for the first time with concern. "I had to be sure you weren''t a killer. It is our base programming to be monsters, I can''t work with that."

    Ethel stood up, her legs trembling slightly from the exertion of their fight. She extended a hand towards Zack, who hesitated for a moment before accepting her help to get back on his feet. As he rose, he couldn''t help but notice the determination in Ethel''s eyes.

    "Joanna came to Waterloo hunting Gluttony, she was an old exorcist that left the church," she explained, her voice soft but unwavering. "She was a friend, she protected everyone who needed it. I know Gluttony killed her, so I am going to hunt them down and return the favour."

    "Wait, but why me? why did Gluttony choose me? " Zack asked, confusion clouding his features. "Why am I involved in all of this?"

    "I can''t speak for Gluttony''s choices but a demon needs a strong host to become a vessel, if the host is too weak then both the host and the demon could die," Ethel replied, her gaze never leaving Zack''s face. "He turned you into a vessel, and now he wants you to follow him so he can draw even more power from you."

    As Zack tried to process this information, his mind raced with questions. Why would Gluttony want him? How does Gluttony draw power from vessels that follow him? But most importantly, how could he protect Deb and his friends from this powerful demon?

    "Listen, Zack," Ethel urged, grabbing his attention once more. "I know this is a lot to take in, but we don''t have much time. Gluttony is out there, growing stronger with each passing day, we have no idea how many other vessels they have created. We need to find them and put an end to this as quickly as possible."

    "Right...I understand," Zack said, nodding resolutely. He couldn''t let fear hold him back when the people he cared about could be at stake.

    "Good," Ethel said, a small, sad smile playing on her lips. "I am going to help you train, as you are now you wouldn''t last ten seconds. Just remember that Gluttony is cunning and dangerous. Don''t underestimate them."

    Unbeknownst to both Zack and Ethel, a pair of glowing orange eyes watched them intently through the window. The figure''s sinister gaze never left the young man who had shown greater promise than expected. As Zack and Ethel clean up the mess they made, the demon''s lips curled into a malevolent smile as the sin vanished into the shadows.

 Chapter 7: Something Dark

    The crisp October air nipped at Abby''s cheeks as she stepped off the Greyhound bus, her boots landing on the concrete platform of Charles Street Terminal. The cold breeze had a way of making everything feel fresher, more alive. She adjusted the strap of her large duffle bag, which seemed to weigh her down more than ever. The bag contained all she had in life, and it was more valuable to her than her own life.

    "New city, new song," she muttered to herself, as she switched the track on her phone to "Hungry Like the Wolf." The vibrant beat pulsed through her headphones, providing a fitting soundtrack to her arrival in Waterloo. She let out a sigh, feeling the rhythm sync with her heartbeat, before she started walking towards the dimly lit city bus stop.

    Abby couldn''t help but notice how empty the streets were. It wasn''t just the lack of people; there was an eeriness in the air that seemed to stifle even the sound of her own footsteps. She quickened her pace, all to aware an animal was stalking the streets.

    "Get a grip, Abby," she thought, chiding herself for letting her imagination run wild. "There''s nothing here you can''t handle."

    As she reached the bus stop, Abby glanced up at the streetlight overhead, its flickering glow casting long shadows across the pavement. She could feel something watching her but dismissed the notion as mere paranoia. Pulling out her phone to check the bus schedule, she realized she had a 15-minute wait ahead of her. The thought of standing alone in the dark caused her gaze to attempt to peer through every shadow for a possible threat, but she tried to quell her racing mind by focusing on the music in her ears.

    Unbeknownst to her, Gluttony lurked in those very shadows, his orange eye glowing malevolently as he watched Abby intently. They had been drawn to her, like a moth to a flame, such a powerful aura called out to it. Gluttony''s gaze was fixed on her, and they studied her every move with an unnerving intensity.

    "Stay calm," Abby told herself as she leaned against the bus stop pole, trying her best to appear nonchalant. "It''s probably just a stray cat or something."

    But deep down, she knew it wasn''t that simple. The air felt charged with an energy she couldn''t quite place, and her instincts told her that something wasn''t right. She closed her eyes for a moment, hoping to find some respite from her unease in the darkness behind her eyelids.

    "Focus on the music," she thought, letting the lyrics and melody fill her mind. "Keep your mind clear. They can''t read you if your mind is clear."

    Abby''s heartbeat began to return to normal, a rhythm that mirrored the pulsing bass of the song still playing on her phone. She scanned the empty street for any signs of life, but it was as if the world had been drained of color and sound, save for the sinister presence she felt lurking nearby.

    Her thoughts were interrupted by the sudden roar of an engine as a grey minivan raced past her, its tires screeching against the asphalt. The vehicle tore through the night like a silver bullet, leaving Abby''s heart hammering even faster in its wake.

    "Get a grip," she muttered under her breath, chiding herself for letting fear get the better of her. She knew that she was stronger than this ¨C she had faced far worse things in her life and had always come out on top. But now, alone in the darkness, her senses were on edge and she knew she wasn''t alone.

    As she tried to regain her composure, she heard it: the unmistakable sound of claws dragging across the tin roof of the bus stop. Her breath caught in her throat, and she gripped the strap of her duffle bag tightly, knuckles turning white.

    "Show yourself!" she demanded, her voice powerful and commanding. No response came, save for the soft echo of her own words bouncing off the silent buildings around her.

    Abby slowly unzipped her duffle bag, reaching inside without taking her eyes off the bus stop. Her fingertips brushed against the cold metal of her small revolver, and she felt a surge of adrenaline rush through her veins as she grasped it firmly. She knew she couldn''t afford to hesitate; she had to be ready for whatever was coming her way.

    In that instant, Gluttony sprang from the bus stop roof, their twisted form illuminated by the pale glow of the streetlight. They lunged at Abby, grabbing her hair and left arm in a vice-like grip, their claws digging into her flesh. With a snarl, they tried to drag her into the alley and away from from possible witnesses.

    "Let go of me!" she shouted, panic and rage mingling in her voice as she struggled against the creature''s iron grip. Summoning all her strength, she managed to free her right hand from the duffel bag and raise the revolver, aiming it directly at Gluttony''s twisted face. The gunshot rang out like a clap of thunder, echoing through the empty streets.

    Gluttony released her just in time, dodging the bullet with supernatural speed. They retreated back into the darkness of the alleyway, their orange eye still fixed on Abby with a hunger that sent shivers down her spine.

    "Damn," she muttered, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she readied herself. She knew that she had been given a rare second chance, and she couldn''t afford to waste it. As she steadied herself, her mind raced with thoughts of her next move.

    With her heart pounding, Abby reached into the duffle bag and pulled out a dagger, its blade gleaming in the dim light. The golden cross etched into the hilt seemed to pulse with energy as she gripped it tightly. Determined not to let Gluttony escape, she dove into the shadows of the alleyway where they had disappeared.

    "Come on, you coward!" she taunted, her voice echoing off the brick walls around her. "You''ve got a taste for me now, don''t you? Come and get me!"

    But the only reply was the drip of water from a leaky pipe above her head. Gluttony remained hidden, their malevolent presence palpable but unseen.

    "Fine," she muttered under her breath, knowing that she couldn''t afford to waste any more time. "I''ll come to you then."

    -----

    Meanwhile, in the UWP residence building, Zack snapped awake in his bed, his super senses jangling with alarm at the sound of gunfire. He strained to listen, his body tensed like a coiled spring, and that was when he felt something calling to him.

    "Rob, did you hear that?" he whispered urgently, looking over at his roommate''s bed. But Rob slept on, oblivious to the danger outside.

    "Of course not," Zack thought bitterly, remembering that his friend didn''t possess the same supernatural abilities. "It''s up to me to figure this out, then."

    He threw on a hoodie and sweatpants, taking care to move silently so as not to wake Rob. As he slipped out of the room and down the hallway, he couldn''t help but wonder what he would find at the source of the gunshots. A part of him hoped it would be something simple, like a robbery gone wrong, but he could feel a darkness drawing him in and knew it couldn''t be that simple.

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    -----

    In the alley, Abby could feel her frustration mounting. She had spent too many years hunting creatures like Gluttony to be deterred by a simple game of hide-and-seek. But as the minutes ticked by and she found no trace of him, she couldn''t help but feel anger building inside her.

    "Where are you?" she whispered, her voice barely audible even to herself. "Why won''t you come out and face me?"

    But Gluttony remained silent, watching from the shadows as Abby''s agitation grew. They knew that they had the upper hand ¨C for now ¨C and they had no intention of surrendering it so easily.

    As Zack left UWP, his senses were on high alert, the dark aura growing stronger with every step he took toward it. What was calling to him and why now? How had his life come to this?

    Only time would tell, he thought grimly as he picked up his pace, determined to confront whatever had caused the disturbance. As the sound of Abby''s taunts reached his ears, he braced himself for the moment when their paths would collide.

    As she searched the alley, Abby''s frustration gave way to determination. She unzipped her duffle bag, revealing an arsenal fit for a seasoned exorcist. The scope-equipped rifle glinted in the dim light, surrounded by several pistols and even a hand grenade. A massive supply of ammunition lay neatly organized, dozens of rounds in various calibers.

    "Fine," Abby muttered under her breath, eyes scanning her selection. "If you won''t come out to play, I''ll make you."

    Her fingers brushed over a wooden box adorned with the image of the Holy Grail burned into its surface. Opening it, she revealed several vials of clear liquid. Hesitating only a moment, she chose one and carefully poured it over the dagger in her other hand. The liquid shimmered as it coated the blade, leaving a faintly glowing residue behind.

    "Jessica''s going to kill me if this doesn''t work," she thought, slipping her phone from her pocket. She sent a quick SOS text to Jessica, her heart pounding as she tapped out the message and included her Google Maps location.

    -----

    Meanwhile, at the St. Jerome''s residence building, Jessica and Deb were engaged in an animated discussion about Deb''s future goal to be a child psychologist. Their voices filled the downstairs common room, echoing slightly off the walls.

    "Deb, with your passion and intelligence, you''re going to make a real difference in those kids'' lives," Jessica said, her brown eyes full of admiration.

    "Thank you, Jessica. That means so much coming from you," Deb replied, smiling warmly.

    As they continued their conversation, Jessica''s phone buzzed insistently in her pocket. Glancing down, she saw the SOS message from Abby and felt her stomach drop.

    "Hey, Deb, I''m really sorry, but I have to go," Jessica said, trying to keep her voice steady. "An old friend just arrived in the city and asked to meet up."

    "Of course," Deb replied, her brow furrowing with concern. "Is everything okay?"

    "Fine, just unexpected," Jessica assured her, forcing a smile. "I''ll catch up with you later, alright?"

    With that, Jessica hurried from the room, leaving Deb to ponder their conversation and the sudden departure of her friend.

    -----

    Back in the alley, Abby gripped the dagger tightly in her hand, her eyes fixed on the shadows as she waited for Jessica''s arrival. The tension in the air was palpable, and she knew that now whatever she was dealing with was either scared or not at full power.

    Ethel''s eyes narrowed as she examined the remnants of a struggle on the cracked pavement beneath the flickering streetlight. The torn fabric, the scratches on the metal railing of the bus stop ¨C it was evident that something sinister had befallen this quiet corner of Waterloo.

    "Where did you go?" Ethel murmured under her breath, her glowing green eyes scanning the deserted streets for any sign of Gluttony. She knew the demon wouldn''t have left without leaving a trace, and she was determined to track him down.

    As she focused her super senses, Ethel picked up faint traces of Gluttony''s aura, a sickly sweet sensation that made her stomach churn. Her gaze followed the trail, leading her to a nearby alley where she caught sight of Gluttony''s shadowy outline on a fire escape. Their eyes locked for only a moment, but it was long enough for Ethel to sense the malevolence radiating from the creature. With a snarl, Gluttony leaped up the fire escape and onto the rooftop, vanishing from view.

    "Damn it," Ethel whispered, clenching her fists in frustration. She knew she couldn''t let Gluttony escape ¨C not when so much was at stake. Steeling herself, she decided to give chase, approaching the alley with determination. As she neared the wall, Ethel allowed her demon form to surface, her body growing claws and fangs as her eyes took on a brighter green glow.

    Meanwhile, Abby strode back towards the bus stop, her heart pounding in her chest as annoyance coursed through her veins. She''d lost the creature, and now all she could do was wait for Jessica to arrive. But as she neared the eerie glow of the streetlight, Abby''s hazel eyes caught a flash of movement in her peripheral vision.

    "Wait... what''s that?" she thought, her grip tightening on the dagger by her side. She turned to see something scaling the wall of the building, the demon form unmistakable in the dim light.

    "Damn it... another one?" Abby muttered under her breath, her pulse quickening as she weighed her options. In a moment of impulse, she hurled the dagger at the figure, convinced that she was facing yet another threat. The blade whizzed through the air, its edge grazing Ethel''s cheek and drawing blood.

    "What the hell?" Ethel cried out, her voice full of pain and confusion. "Who is there!"

    "It speaks and it''s a woman?!" Abby''s eyes widened in shock as she realized this wasn''t the same creature as before. "You''re still a vessel though," she exclaimed, trying to deter the guilt she was feeling. "Seems like Waterloo might have a bit of an infestation!"

    But before Abby could finish her sentence, Ethel had already disappeared, her wounded form racing up the side of the building and out of reach. Conflicted emotions swirled within Abby as she stood in the desolate street, the gravity of her actions weighing on her as she made her way back to the street, she had used one of her most powerful weapons on a mere vessel.

    The cold wind whistled through the alley, carrying with it a mixture of fear and uncertainty. Ethel''s heart pounded in her chest as she lay on the roof of the building, her demon form masked in shadows. Her hand instinctively reached up to touch the stinging wound on her cheek where Abby''s dagger had grazed her. Wincing in pain, she glanced down at the alley below, trying to make sense of what just happened.

    "Did I really just let an exorcist tag me with a dagger?" Ethel''s thoughts trailed off, her chest tightening at the thought. She wondered how she could have been so distracted in her pursuit of Gluttony that she didn''t even sense the exorcist''s presence. Shaking her head, Ethel decided it was best to leave the scene and get the wound checked out. With a final glance at the empty alley, she fled into the darkness, her nimble form darting across rooftops and away from the chaos.

    Meanwhile, at the bus stop, the sound of an approaching engine broke the eerie silence. A yellow Volkswagen beetle pulled up, its headlights casting long shadows across the pavement. The driver''s side window rolled down, revealing Jessica behind the wheel. Her eyes were steely and focused, an air of determination surrounding her.

    "Abby, put the dagger away before someone sees," she said briskly. "We don''t need any more complications tonight."

    "Jessica," Abby began, hurriedly stowing the weapon back in her duffle bag. "You were right to call me. There are at least two vessels involved, possibly a sin. I hit one of them with the dagger, but I don''t think it was the stronger one."

    From his hiding spot behind a row of trash cans, Zack listened intently to their conversation, curiosity piqued by the mention of vessels and sins. His breath caught in his throat as he strained to hear every word exchanged between the two women.

    "Dammit, Abby," Jessica sighed, frustration evident in her voice. "We need a vessel alive to lead us to the sin. How can we do that if you kill them?"

    "Look," Abby snapped defensively, climbing into the passenger seat of the car. "I can''t help you eliminate it if I''m dead. That thing attacked me first."

    "Fine," Jessica conceded, her tone softening slightly. "How long will it take for the dagger''s curse to take effect?"

    "Forty-eight hours," Abby replied, gripping the door handle tightly. "That gives us two days to find the other vessel and put an end to this."

    With that, the yellow Volkswagen beetle pulled away from the bus stop, its tires crunching over the gravel as it vanished into the night.

    As the city bus finally arrived, Zack emerged from his hiding place and climbed aboard, his thoughts racing with each kilometer that passed. Who had Abby hit with the cursed dagger? And what did it all mean? All he knew for sure was someone only had 48 hours to live, and he had no clue who they were.

 Chapter 8: Time Doesnt Heal All

    The morning sun cast a warm glow through the narrow window of Deb''s dorm room, illuminating the array of books and papers strewn across her desk. She rubbed her eyes as she swung her legs over the side of the bed and yawned. Another day in this strange new world awaited her, full of tests and packed with coursework.

    Deb slid her feet into her slippers and grabbed her shower caddy, stepping out into the hallway. The scent of fresh-brewed coffee wafted through the air as she closed the door behind her. She had barely taken three steps when she bumped into Abby, who was distracted from changing the song on her phone.

    "Oops, sorry," Deb said, adjusting her glasses.

    "Hey, no problem, I''m Abby," Abby replied with a warm smile. She adjusted the golden cross necklace around her neck, which caught Deb''s eye.

    "Nice necklace, I''m Deb," Deb remarked, admiring the intricate design.

    "Thanks," Abby said, her fingers grazing the pendant. "It means a lot to me." She hesitated for a moment before asking, "What''s your full name, by the way? Every name has a history I always say."

    "Deb Hayashi," she responded, curious about Abby''s sudden interest.

    "Interesting," Abby murmured, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I''ll see you around, Deb."

    As Deb watched Abby walk away, she couldn''t help but feel a sense of unease. There was something about Abby that seemed off, like a beautiful painting hung on a slight angle.

    Meanwhile, Ethel stumbled into the basketball team''s locker room, her face pale and her breathing labored. She scanned the room for Zack but found only Boon, who was lacing up his sneakers. The infection from the dagger had spread faster than she expected and it was taking everything she had just to stand. She could sense Zack had been in the locker room and desperate for help she moved towards Boon.

    "Where''s Zack?" Ethel asked, her voice strained.

    "Whoa, you look like hell, also I don''t know if you''ve noticed but this is the men''s locker room," Boon remarked, eyeing her warily. "What''s going on with you?"

    "None of your business," she snapped. "Just tell me where Zack is."

    "Look, I don''t know what you''re on, but I''m not getting involved," Boon retorted, standing up and moving towards the door.

    "Wait!" Ethel coughed, a thick black liquid spattering onto the locker room floor. Boon''s expression turned to one of disgust and concern.

    "Are you okay?" he asked, taking a step back.

    "Please... help me find Zack," Ethel pleaded, her voice barely a whisper. But before Boon could respond, a surge of power rippled through Ethel''s body, causing her eyes to glow a dim green.

    Without warning, Boon froze in place, suspended in time by Ethel''s uncontrollable powers. She looked at him, horrified by what she had done but unable to reverse it. Her mind raced as she tried to figure out what was happening to her, and how she could save herself before it was too late.

    Ethel''s head throbbed as her hearing became overly sensitive, picking up even the faintest sounds. Through the noise of the busy campus, she caught a familiar voice - Rob singing off-key to "Dancing Queen" somewhere nearby. Grateful for the discovery, her change in focus released Boon from his frozen state as she stumbled out of the locker room.

    Her vision blurred as she made her way down the hallway, using the walls to steady herself. The sound of Rob''s singing grew louder, guiding her towards the parking lot. She stepped out into the open air just in time to see Rob''s white Nissan Sentra starting to back out of a parking spot.

    "Stop!" she croaked, trying to catch his attention. Her legs gave out beneath her, and she crumpled to the ground right behind his car.

    "Whoa!" Rob slammed on the brakes, his eyes wide with shock as he saw Ethel collapse in his rear-view mirror. He quickly jumped out of the car and rushed to her side. "Ethel, what happened?"

    "Help... me," she whispered, her breaths coming in shallow gasps.

    "Of course. Let''s get you inside." Rob carefully lifted her and guided her into the passenger seat of his car, his face etched with concern. With a final glance around to make sure no one was watching, he drove them to UWP.

    Upon arrival, Rob managed to sneak Ethel into the building and the dorm room without drawing any attention. Zack, who had been hunched over his laptop at the desk, looked up and immediately sensed that something was terribly wrong with Ethel, her once powerful aura was almost reduced to nothing.

    "Ethel, what happened?" Zack asked, his voice tense with worry.

    "An exorcist... her dagger..." Ethel stammered, struggling to form coherent sentences. Rob laid her down on his bed while Zack listened intently, piecing together the situation.

    "You were the one hit by that dagger," Zack''s face turned pale as he remembered the conversation Jessica and Abby had had about its effects. "We have to get you to a hospital right away."

    "You can''t," Ethel stated "Even if I were human, there is no way a human would know how to reverse this, all this would do is cause mass panic that it is some new incurable virus."

    "Okay, so we need to help you without anyone finding out about... all this," Zack said, gesturing vaguely at Ethel''s weakened form. "What do you need me to do?"

    "Find the exorcist... steal the cursed weapon she used on me. If I know what curse it is, I can reverse it," Ethel rasped.

    "Right. The exorcist is probably with Jessica at St. Jerome''s dorms, I saw her get into Jessica''s car." Zack quickly texted Deb, asking if they could meet up for a study session. Deb responded with an enthusiastic yes, and Zack knew he had his way in.

    "Rob, stay with Ethel and keep her safe," Zack instructed, his voice firm but laced with concern."Be careful, man," Rob said, nodding solemnly.

    Zack slipped out of the dorm room and made his way to St. Jerome''s dorms, his mind racing with thoughts of how to find the mystery exorcist and retrieve the cursed weapon without arousing suspicion.

    As he approached the dorms, he took a deep breath and steeled himself for the task ahead. He couldn''t let anything happen to Ethel ¨C she was too important, both as a mentor and as an ally in the fight against Gluttony. And yet, the thought of betraying Deb''s trust weighed heavily on him.

    "Focus," he whispered to himself, shaking off his doubts. If they were going to save Ethel, there was no time for second-guessing.

    With each step closer to the dorms, Zack''s heart pounded faster. He knew that the fate of his fellow vessel rested squarely on his shoulders, and failure was not an option. As he entered St. Jerome''s, he silently prayed that luck would be on his side.

    "Okay, Zack," he muttered under his breath. "You can do this. For Ethel."

    Zack knocked gently on Deb''s door, his heart pounding in his chest. He quickly rehearsed his plan in his head, trying to keep his focus on saving Ethel and not the warmth of Deb''s lips that he had grown to crave.

    "Come in," Deb called from within, her voice soft and inviting. Zack pushed the door open and stepped inside, his eyes immediately drawn to her beautiful figure lounging on the bed. Her glasses perched delicately on the bridge of her nose as she flipped through a textbook casually.

    "Hey," she greeted him with a warm smile, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Ready to study?"

    "Absolutely," Zack replied, trying to sound confident. He shut the door behind him and approached her cautiously, joining her on the bed. The moment their bodies touched, a jolt of electricity shot through him, making it difficult to think straight.

    "Actually," Deb whispered, leaning in to press her lips against his. The world around Zack seemed to blur and fade away as he lost himself in the kiss. His heart rate quickened, and he could feel the familiar sensation of his powers beginning to stir.

    Just then, the shrill sound of an incoming text pierced the air, and Zack reluctantly broke away from Deb''s lips. Glancing down at his phone, he saw Rob''s message: "Hurry up, man. Things are getting worse."

    Zack swallowed hard, feeling a sudden sense of urgency wash over him. He needed to regain control and find a way to get close to search the dorms. As his eyes scanned the room, they landed on the numerous awards Deb had won for gymnastics and knife throwing.

    "Wow," he said, trying to steer the conversation in a new direction. "That''s quite an impressive collection you have there. Gymnastics and knife throwing?"

    Deb blushed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah, my parents kind of forced me into it. They said I would use these skills later on in life."

    "Really?" Zack asked, feigning surprise. "How good are you at throwing knives?"

    "Want me to show you?" Deb offered, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

    "Sure," Zack agreed, relieved for the opportunity to stall for time.

    They made their way to the archery range, and Zack watched in awe as Deb expertly threw several knives, each one hitting the bullseye with incredible precision. He couldn''t help but be impressed by her skills, momentarily forgetting about his mission.

    "Wow, you''re amazing," he breathed, just as their lips met again. The world seemed to disappear once more until Jessica''s voice interrupted their intimate moment.

    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    "Deb, we really should get going," she said, her tone slightly irritated. "Zack you should..." Just as she was about to ask Zack to leave, Abby appeared beside her, a friendly smile on her face.

    "Zack is it? why don''t you join us for dinner?" she offered, causing Jessica''s eyebrows to rise in surprise. Zack hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement, knowing he needed to stay close to Abby. "I am Abby by the way," the woman said extending her hand towards Zack.

    "Zack, but you already know that," he said, slipping his hand into hers as they shook.

    The group made their way to Father Bill''s residence near the University''s parish. Upon entering the dining room, they found Father Bill waiting for them, a fully set table and delicious-smelling food laid out before them, and several other freshmen sitting around the table. Noticing Zack, he set another place at the table without a word.

    "Would you like some wine, Zack?" Jessica asked, holding up a bottle with an almost challenging look in her eyes. But Zack, knowing better than to fall for such an obvious trap, politely declined.

    "Thank you, but I''ll pass," he replied respectfully, earning a nod of approval from Father Bill. As they settled down to eat, Zack''s mind raced with thoughts of Ethel and the cursed weapon he needed to find. He knew he had to act soon, or it might be too late.

    "Act natural, Zack," he thought to himself, his heart pounding. "You can do this."

    As they dug into their meal, Zack listened to the conversation flowing around him, searching for an opportunity to steer it toward Abby, he wanted to check her room first. He needed to find out where she was staying on campus, and time was running out. Rob''s text message weighed heavily on his mind: "Things are getting worse with Ethel. Hurry!"

    "Abby," Zack said casually, catching her attention. "I haven''t seen you around campus. Are you new to here? Where are you staying?"

    "Well, Zack, unfortunately, I am just here to take care of some business," Abby replied with a smile. "I''m staying here at Father Bill''s residence while I''m in town."

    Zack''s heart pounded as he made his next move. "Excuse me, everyone. I need to use the restroom. Would you mind pointing me in the right direction, Abby?"

    "Of course," Abby said looking amused by the sudden change in the conversation, gesturing to the staircase. "There''s a guest bathroom upstairs, just down the hall."

    "Thank you," Zack said, rising from his seat and making his way up the stairs. With each step, his anxiety grew, knowing that Ethel''s life depended on him finding the cursed weapon.

    Once upstairs, Zack quickly located Abby''s room and entered, scanning the space for her belongings. He spotted a duffle bag in the closet and approached it, adrenaline fueling his movements. Digging through the bag, he found a wooden box containing several vials. One of them was empty.

    Zack hastily dialed Ethel''s number, whispering urgently into the phone. "Ethel, I found a wooden box with vials in Abby''s room. One of them is empty. Does that mean anything?"

    "Bring me the empty vial," Ethel instructed weakly. "It held Holy Water. I can heal myself if I can determine who blessed it, she must have coated the dagger in it."

    "Got it," Zack whispered, pocketing the empty vial and placing everything back in the closet. He hurried downstairs, doing his best to appear calm.

    "Thanks for a lovely meal," Zack announced, "but I really should get going." He hoped to make a quick exit.

    "What, no dessert?" Abby asked "Please, Zack. You must try Father Bill''s famous apple pie," she urged, her eyes locked on his. Zack was too interesting to Abby, so she had no intention of letting him leave without figuring him out first.

    Reluctantly, Zack sat back down at the table knowing he was wasting precious seconds here. As they enjoyed dessert, the conversation shifted to the recent animal attacks that had claimed Joanna and Greg''s lives. " The police think it is some kind of animal," Jessica said as she watched her vanilla ice cream melt on her plate "I don''t see how an animal can hold a person for two days."

    Father Bill interjected " In the old days the towns folk would have blamed demons or a werewolf for such attacks," The man sounded like he was joking but Zack couldn''t help but feel a sense of unease listening to his words. "I hope everyone at this table is careful out there until this animal is caught and put down." the Father continued, it was at that moment Zack realized Abby was no longer seated at the table. Panic gripped him at the thought of her discovering what he had taken. Deb had also excused herself to use the bathroom, leaving Zack alone with the exorcists.

    As dinner wound down, Abby reappeared from upstairs her gaze narrowed, "Where is it?" she pointed at the freshmen. "It was in my bag and now it is gone, and the only people I don''t know enough to trust are you." Zack was speechless, unable to form the words to defend himself as the entire dinner party looked on in confusion. "All of you empty your pockets!" Abby demanded, her eyes betraying a flicker of suspicion. Just as Zack was about to comply and reveal the vile he had tucked away, Deb returned from the bathroom, her face flushed.

    "Actually, I took it from your bag, Abby," Deb stammered, her voice barely audible. "I took some condoms." she held the item out to return it to Abby.

    Everyone stared in surprise, and the tension momentarily deflated. Deb''s cheeks turned beet red, and Zack quickly offered to walk her back to the dorms.

    As they made their way across campus, silence enveloped them, each lost in their own thoughts. It wasn''t until they reached Deb''s door that their eyes met again, even without words they felt a wave of relief wash over them. At that moment, they shared a tender kiss goodnight, Zack knowing first the first time where Deb saw their relationship going but for tonight a kiss would have to do.

    Zack''s heart pounded in his chest as he raced back to the dorm, the vial of holy water clutched tightly in his hand. The night air was cold and biting, but it did little to dampen the urgency that propelled him forward. Bursting through the door, he found Rob hovering over Ethel''s pale, trembling form.

    "Ethel!" Zack cried out, dropping to his knees beside her. "I''ve got the vial but I can''t read Latin!"

    Her dark eyes fluttered open, focusing on him weakly. "Can I see it?" she rasped.

    "Sure, here take it," he urged, handing her the vial. But before she could take it, her body convulsed and she slipped into unconsciousness.

    "Ethel!" he shouted, shaking her gently in an attempt to rouse her. Rob joined him, both boys frantic with worry.

    As Zack held her limp hand, he noticed her aura fading fast ¨C a dim green light flickering around the edges of her body. Desperate to save her, he silently wished he could share some of his own energy. At that moment, a faint pink glow emanated from his hand, merging with her green aura. Ethel gasped and her eyes snapped open.

    "Thank you," she whispered, her voice strained but grateful. "Fill the vial with water from the sink.'' she instructed, Rob rushed over to the bathroom and filled the vial to the rim before handing it back to Ethel. Taking the vial from Rob, she muttered a curse under her breath before downing the water. Almost instantly, her complexion improved and the tremors ceased.

    "Ethel, what happened to you?" Zack asked, concern furrowing his brow.

    "Later," she replied curtly. "Right now, we need to discuss your involvement with Deb."

    "Deb? What does she have to do with any of this?"

    "Jessica, Abby, and Father Bill are all exorcists, and that entire campus is just a training ground to create more of them," Ethel warned. "It''s far too dangerous for you to be around them. They might discover what you are."

    "Ethel, they''ve been nothing but kind to me, well accept Abby" Zack argued, recalling the warmth and feeling of family during the dinner table. "Nicer than you''ve ever been, actually." the words slipped from his mouth before he could catch them, his own fear about not being able to be with Deb seeping into them.

    "Fine," Ethel snapped, her frustration palpable. "I''ll show you why you need to stay away from exorcists at all costs." She stood up, her body still weak but determination shining in her eyes.

    "Where are we going?" Rob asked, his voice tinged with unease.

    "London Asylum," Ethel replied grimly.

    The trio made their way to the imposing institution, its gothic architecture casting eerie shadows in the moonlight. Inside, they navigated the dim halls until they reached a room bearing a small plaque that read ''Kyle Rockwell.'' Ethel pushed the door open, revealing a catatonic man slumped against the far wall. His eyes stared blankly into the void, unseeing and unresponsive.

    "His name is Kyle," Ethel said softly, her voice heavy with sadness. "He''s the reason you need to avoid exorcists I know exorcists are the true monsters."

    Zack stared at the lifeless form of Kyle, his heart heavy with dread. The man''s vacant eyes seemed to be searching for something beyond the room''s barren walls. Ethel stood beside him, her expression solemn as she recounted the tragic events that led to Kyle''s current state.

    "Five years ago," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "a house fire claimed the lives of over twenty people. Kyle was the only one who survived." She paused, her gaze falling to the floor as if weighed down by the memory. "I was supposed to be there too...but I got into a fight with my mother and she made me stay home."

    A shiver ran down Zack''s spine as he considered the near miss that had spared Ethel from sharing Kyle''s fate or worse. He studied the man more closely, taking in the hollow cheeks and haunted eyes that bore witness to a soul trapped somewhere between life and death.

    "Exorcists were responsible for the fire," Ethel continued, her voice trembling with anger. "They knew vessels were inside that house ¨C we never thought they would attack us without reason, we had gotten too comfortable."

    "Wait," Zack interrupted, his mind racing to make sense of Ethel''s revelation. "Are you saying the exorcists set the fire to kill the vessels? But... weren''t there humans in the house too?"

    "Exactly," Ethel spat, her eyes blazing with fury. "And now you understand why I''m telling you to stay away from them. They may seem nice, but when it comes down to it, they''re ruthless and will stop at nothing to exterminate our kind."

    Zack''s thoughts swirled, each new piece of information casting doubt on how far they would go to kill him if they found out. He felt a gnawing uncertainty take root in his chest, its tendrils slowly wrapping around his heart, would they kill Deb too if she got in the way? If what Ethel said was true, then he was in more danger than he''d ever imagined.

    "Ethel," Zack said softly, his voice thick with emotion. "I...I don''t know what to believe, they can''t all be bad right? What about Joanna?"

    "Believe me, Zack," she urged, her eyes locking onto his with a fierce intensity. "I''ve been doing this for a long time, and I''ve seen what exorcists are capable of. Joanna left the organization, she knew what they really were too."

    As they stood there, bathed in the faint glow of the asylum''s dim lights, Zack knew that he had no choice but to follow Ethel''s guidance. If the exorcists truly are this dangerous, then he needs Ethel to watch his back. And though he still harbored doubts about Ethel''s true intentions, he understood one thing with absolute certainty ¨C survival in this new world was all that mattered, and he would have to confront the shadows that lay ahead with strong allies if he wanted to make it.

    "So these exorcists are just out there killing all the vessels they find?" Rob asked, from the doorway.

    "Exorcists follow a code," Ethel explained, her voice tinged with bitterness. "They''re supposed to only kill adult supernatural beings and only if they have absolute proof that the being caused harm to a human. But there were plenty of children in that house who were guilty of nothing."

    Zack felt his whole body shiver as he processed Ethel''s words.

    "Killing the innocent is just what exorcists do eventually," she continued. "And if they''ve chosen Deb to join them, then she''ll do the same one day."

    "Deb? No, she wouldn''t..." Zack trailed off, his voice barely a whisper. He wanted to believe in Deb''s inherent goodness, but the seeds of doubt had been sown. He swallowed hard, forcing himself to confront the possibility that Deb could be dangerous if she knew what he really was.

    "Ethel, I... I need to go," he said, his heart heavy with uncertainty. Not waiting for a response, he turned and left the room with Rob following him out, feeling like a weight had settled upon his shoulders.

    ***

    Later that night, Deb lay in her bed, thoughts racing through her mind about the awkwardness of the evening. She thought about texting Zack to explain why she took the condom but then she heard a startling noise from the hallway and hushed whispers drew her in. The voices from the hallway reached her ears, and she pressed herself against the door to listen more closely. Abby and Jessica spoke in hushed tones, their voices tense with urgency.

    "Ethel''s not the sin we''re looking for, everybody knows that," Jessica admitted reluctantly. "But we know she is looking for it."

    "Then let''s just take care of that problem," Abby suggested, her tone cold and unfeeling. "That would make things so much easier."

    "Abby!" Jessica admonished. "We must follow the code. Remember our duty."

    "Fine," Abby conceded, sounding frustrated. Their footsteps receded, and Deb heard Jessica walk away. Confused by their conversation, she crawled back into bed, her heart pounding in her chest.

    In the dim hallway, Abby remained, a dark expression on her face. She reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out a single match. Striking it against the wall, a small flame flickered to life. "If you won''t help me eliminate the problem," Her eyes locked on the dancing light, she watched as it burned down towards her fingers, seemingly unbothered by the heat. As the last embers died, a sinister smile crossed her lips "Then I will just have to do it myself." she whispered.

 Chapter 9: Witnesses

    The Cineplex lobby buzzed with anticipation, the sound of laughter and excited chatter filling the air. Ahmed''s eyes sparkled as they scanned the brightly lit screens displaying all the movies playing. The scent of buttery popcorn wafted through the room, making his stomach growl in anticipation. Boon, however, looked less than enthused. He stared at the movie listings with a furrowed brow, his dark green eyes narrowed in annoyance.

    "Come on, man! We''ve got to see the new Spiderman Across the Sider-verse before it''s out of theaters," Ahmed insisted, his voice filled with excitement.

    "Spiderman again? Seriously? Aren''t there like 20 of those now?" Boon scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "Fast X is supposed to be amazing. I heard there''s a car chase scene that''ll blow your mind."

    "Boon, you know I''m a huge Spiderman fan. Besides, we can watch Fast X next week my treat," Ahmed reasoned, he knew Boon would give in eventually, despite his whole tough guy routine.

    "Alright, alright," Boon relented when they reached the front of the queue, realizing that his friend''s excitement wasn''t going to wane anytime soon. He sighed and purchased two tickets for the Spiderman movie, handing one to Ahmed with a forced smile. "But you''re buying the snacks."

    "Deal!" Ahmed agreed, his face lighting up with gratitude.

    Together, they took the escalator up towards the theaters, Ahmed''s steps light with excitement, while Boon couldn''t help but sulk just a little. At the top of the escalator was the concession stand, its array of sweet and salty treats beckoning them.

    "Go find our seats," Ahmed suggested, his eyes already scanning the snack selection. "I''ll grab us some popcorn and drinks."

    "Fine," Boon muttered, still feeling somewhat miffed about their movie choice, he would rather be watching a bank vault being dragged through the streets by a truck any day. "But I don''t see why you insist on us coming a half hour early to every movie."

    Ahmed flashed him a knowing grin. "You know I love the preshow trivia, and getting the best seats doesn''t hurt either."

    Boon shook his head, unable to suppress a small smile at his friend''s enthusiasm. He knew deep down that the quality of the movie didn''t matter as much as spending time together, but he couldn''t let Ahmed know that.

    "Ok, I''ll go find us some seats," Boon conceded, his voice softening. "Just make sure you get extra butter on my popcorn." Ahmed gave him a nod, and he headed down the hall toward the theater.

    Boon stepped into the dimly lit theater, his eyes adjusting to the darkness as he scanned the rows for their seats. The space was eerily empty, save for one lone figure sitting in the back corner. He squinted, wondering if it could be someone they knew, but as he drew closer, he became frozen in place. The woman''s head lolled to one side, her clouded lifeless eyes staring blankly ahead.

    "Wh-what the..." Boon stammered, taking an involuntary step back. As his foot caught a discarded soda cup, he lost his balance and fell backward, landing hard on the aisle floor. Pain shot through his tailbone, but before he could even let out a groan, a monstrous figure emerged from behind the seats.

    Gluttony towered above him, its grotesque form pinning him to the ground with ease, its claws digging into his sides. Boon struggled and screamed, feeling the overwhelming weight of the creature bearing down on him. His fear intensified as Gluttony seemed to study him, its grotesque features twisted in curiosity.

    "Please...don''t," Boon choked out, his voice barely audible. But Gluttony didn''t respond to his plea. Instead, it tilted its head, as though sensing something within him it found intriguing. Slowly, the pressure lessened, and Boon dared to hope that the creature would release him.

    A scream of alarm shattered the tense silence. Ahmed stood behind Gluttony, two popcorn bags clutched in his shaking hands. One slipped from his grip as he fumbled for his phone, his wide eyes locked on Boon''s terrified face and the creature on top of him.

    "Get off him, I am calling the police!" Ahmed shouted, his voice trembling with fear.

    Gluttony let out an unearthly roar, releasing Boon and charging past Ahmed. In a blur of motion, the creature disappeared through the emergency exit, leaving only the echo of its rage behind.

    Boon remained on the ground, gasping for breath as his heart hammered in his chest. His entire body trembled from the shock of what had just happened, and all he could do was stare at the now-empty doorway.

    "Are you okay?" Ahmed asked, rushing to his friend''s side. He helped Boon sit up, concern etched across his face. "what the hell was that thing?"

    "I-I don''t know," Boon admitted, his voice wavering. "It killed her, it was going to kill me"

    Ahmed scanned the theater and his eyes landed on the dead woman in the back row, sheer terror spread across his face, "Holy shit, we have to call the police," Ahmed replied, and he quickly hit the call button. "Let''s get out of here before that thing comes back."

    As they stumbled out of the theater together, the weight of their encounter hung heavy between them. Boon couldn''t shake the feeling that something about his brush with the creature had changed him ¨C something impossible was going on in the city and that thing was no animal. As the police arrived at the Cineplex, they raced to Boon''s side to stop the bleeding.

    Rob walked out of the mall, a Lush bag swinging gently in his hand. He had always loved shopping there, the colorful assortment of bath bombs and scented soaps never failed to brighten his day. As he strolled through the bustling crowds, his nose picked up the faint scent of burnt wood carried on the breeze. He glanced around, puzzled by the unexpected aroma.

    His confusion turned to curiosity as he spotted the flashing police lights near the Cineplex. A throng of people had gathered outside the entrance, their faces a mix of fear and morbid fascination. Rob couldn''t help but be drawn to the commotion, wondering what could have possibly transpired in the theater he frequented so often.

    "Excuse me," Rob said, elbowing his way through the crowd. He strained to see past the line of yellow caution tape that had been hastily strung across the entrance. Two officers emerged from within, escorting an EMT rolling out a body bag. In another ambulance, a paramedic was stitching Boon up while Ahmed looked on.

    "Hey, I want to go home!" Boon demanded, his voice trembling with anger and fear. "You need to drive me there, right now!"

    "Of course, we''ll get you home safe," one officer replied, trying to calm him down.

    "Rob!" Ahmed called out, spotting him at the edge of the crowd. Their eyes met for a brief moment, concern etched into Ahmed''s expression before the officers ushered him away with Boon.

    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    Rob clenched his jaw, worry gnawing at him. He couldn''t shake the feeling that this was getting out of hand and they still were no closer to discovering who Gluttony was. How did they choose their victims? And why were Ahmed and Boon involved? Then he noticed Ethel and Zack were also amongst the crowd of on-lookers and he shuffed his way over to them.

    "Rachel, Greg, Joanna... What connects them?" Ethel muttered, her voice barely audible above the murmur of the crowd. She stood beside Zack, her gaze locked onto the retreating figures of Ahmed and Boon.

    "Maybe Gluttony chooses its targets based on the fact they are exorcists," Zack replied, his voice laced with concern. "But how would Gluttony know that?"

    "Doubtful, I know who most of the exorcists are in this area, Greg and Rachel were just civilians," Ethel whispered, her dark eyes narrowing in thought. "Sins must carry out the last will of their host body to gain full control. If we can figure out the connection between the victims, we''ll find out who Gluttony really is."

    "Shouldn''t we be discussing this somewhere more private?" Zack asked, glancing around nervously.

    "Good point," Ethel agreed, a hint of urgency in her tone. "We should go to my place. Less chance of anyone overhearing our conversation."

    "Lead the way," Zack said, and they began to make their way through the crowd.

    Rob hesitated for a moment before following them, his curiosity piqued by the new information about Gluttony. They walked in silence, each one trying to decide how to proceed with hunting down Gluttony.

    None of them noticed the mandala scorched into the side of a nearby dumpster, an ominous symbol etched in black.

    The dim lighting of Ethel''s kitchen cast eerie shadows on the walls, creating an atmosphere befitting their conversation about sinister supernatural forces. Zack and Rob sat down at the worn wooden table, the old wooden chairs creaked under their weight as they settled in.

    "Listen up," Ethel began, her dark eyes meeting Zack''s blue ones with steely resolve. "Your connection to Gluttony means you should be able to track it down ¨C you''ll be drawn to its presence."

    Zack''s eyes lit up "Like that feeling I got when I was drawn to the alley fight. It was like I couldn''t help myself." He had thought it was weird that he felt so compelled to go that night.

    "exactly but it is risky, what draws you to Gluttony could also have you turn on us, we need to be ready before you take any more late-night walks." She stood up and walked around the table to stand behind Zack, her footsteps nearly soundless on the linoleum floor.

    "Now," she said, her voice low and intense, "you need to learn to stay focused and in control of your powers, even when you''re scared or in pain." She placed her hands on his shoulders, her touch caused Zack''s whole body to tense. "I can help you learn to do that," she added, a smirk playing on her lips.

    "Uh, thanks," Zack replied hesitantly, his mind racing with thoughts of what this training might entail. "But maybe we should hold off on that for now, It''s late and I have a bio paper due."

    "Agreed," Rob chimed in, looking uneasy. "We have enough on our plate already."

    With a nod, the boys rose from their seats and made a hasty exit, leaving Ethel standing alone in the dimly lit kitchen.

    The next morning, the sky was a plush shade of pink that tinted the bustling Tim Hortons where Abby and Deb had just run into each other. The smell of fresh coffee filled the air as the two chatted in line.

    As Deb ordered her morning coffee, Abby couldn''t resist making a lighthearted joke about her recent romantic escapades. "So, have you put those condoms to use over the past few weeks?" she asked with a mischievous grin.

    "Abby!" Deb exclaimed, her face flushing red with embarrassment. "Can we not talk about that here?"

    "Sorry," Abby laughed, immediately realizing she''d crossed a line. "I didn''t mean to embarrass you."

    As they moved down the counter to wait for their orders, Abby reached into her pocket and pulled out a small ring box. "I know it''s your birthday, and I thought you might find this interesting," she said, handing it to Deb.

    Deb opened the box to reveal a golden ring with a large red gemstone embedded in its center. The inside of the band was inscribed with Japanese kanji that translated to "the key that seals the darkness away."

    "Wow, Abby, this is incredible," Deb murmured, her eyes wide with wonder. "I really can''t accept this, it''s too nice and we barely know each other."

    "Well this ring is kind of your birthright," Abby replied, a mysterious smile playing on her lips, "it belonged to your ancestors. You should look into its history ¨C there''s more to it than meets the eye."

    "Oh," Deb examined the ring again, "I mean that is kind of amazing, I had no idea, thank you," Deb said sincerely, touched by her friend''s thoughtful gift.

    "Not a problem, I actually have a little hobby hunting down old hidden treasures." She looked down at her watch. "Crap I am late for a meeting." As they parted ways and Deb left the coffee shop, she couldn''t help but feel a nagging curiosity about how Abby knew so much about her family''s history.

    Lost in thought about the mysterious ring, Deb made her way to Psychology 101. She carefully tucked it into her bag and took a seat next to Ahmed in class. The room buzzed with excitement as students chattered about their weekend and recent campus gossip.

    "Happy birthday, Deb!" Ahmed beamed, handing her a beautifully wrapped gift.

    "Thanks, Ahmed," Deb smiled, unwrapping the present to reveal a stylish new phone case.

    At that moment, Zack entered the lecture hall and spotted the gift exchange. A pang of guilt washed over him as he realized he hadn''t known it was Deb''s birthday. He quickly took a seat behind her.

    "Hey, Deb," he murmured, leaning forward so only she could hear. "I''m really sorry I didn''t know it was your birthday."

    Deb turned around, offering him a reassuring smile. "It''s okay, Zack. It''s not like I went around advertising it."

    "Let me make it up to you." Zack''s eyes sparkled with determination. "Skip the rest of the classes for today, and I''ll take you on the ultimate birthday date."

    She hesitated for a moment, contemplating the consequences of missing class. But the thrill of adventure eventually won her over, and she nodded in agreement. As the professor began his lecture, they stealthily slipped out of the room together, eager to embark on their unexpected date.

    Later, in Chemistry 101, Rob scanned the room for Zack but couldn''t spot him anywhere. Noticing Leona, Boon''s current Girlfriend, seated near the window, he decided to sit next to her. As the class droned on, Rob seized the opportunity to ask her about Boon and the events at the movie theater.

    "Leona, has Boon mentioned anything to you about what happened the other night?" he inquired, his voice barely audible.

    Leona shook her head, her expression pained. "No, he won''t discuss it with me. Boon''s always been a very private person."

    "Think he''ll ever tell us what happened?" Rob persisted, the curiosity gnawing at him.

    "Truthfully, I doubt it," Leona sighed, her eyes downcast. "It''s just the way Boon is."

    Throughout the remainder of the class, Rob contemplated how he could get Boon to talk but he didn''t see a way where he didn''t end up getting beaten to a pulp. This meant plan B, which he also wasn''t eager to try. He would have to talk to Ahmed, his cheek flushed at the thought.

    Boon stood alone in the men''s locker room, toweling off the sweat from his intense midday workout. The hum of the overhead lights and the faint scent of disinfectant hung heavy in the air, mixing with the musk of exertion. Boon relished these moments of solitude, a brief escape from the day-to-day stress. Yet as he closed his eyes, he couldn''t shake the image of the woman in the theater, her lifeless body haunting him.

    "Boon," came a sharp voice, jolting him back to reality. He turned to see Ethel standing in the doorway, her cold stare boring into him. "What did you see at the theater that night?"

    "Get out of here, Ethel," Boon growled, clenching his fists. "Or I will call the cops. I know you aren''t a student here."

    In response, Ethel''s eyes shifted to a chilling green, a predatory glint that caused Boon to freeze just like he had in the theater. He swallowed hard, feeling an inexplicable urge to comply.

    "How did you do that? I tell you everything just don''t hurt me," he relented, his voice barely above a whisper. "There was a... creature with glowing orange eyes. It attacked me, but for some reason, it let me go. I didn''t get a good look at it, though."

    Ethel''s gaze remained unwavering, scrutinizing Boon''s every word. After a tense moment, she nodded, apparently satisfied with his answer.

    "Take it easy, Boon," she cautioned, her tone almost sympathetic. "Being frozen in time, even for a moment, can have side effects."

    "Leave," Boon snapped "And take your psychotic bullshit with you," he yelled, trying to regain his composure. As Ethel retreated through the doorway, Boon shook his head, attempting to dispel the unsettling encounter. She''s just trying to get into my head, he thought, his heart still pounding in his chest. But as he turned back to his locker, the image of Ethel''s otherworldly green eyes remained etched into his mind, could she be connected to the creature from the theater?

 Chapter 10: The Birthday Girl

    Rob strolled across the quad, his eyes following the falling autumn leaves as they danced around him. The crisp air nipped at his cheeks, but he hardly noticed; his thoughts were focused on the movie theater incident and getting answers to what happened that night.

    He spotted Ahmed sitting under a large oak tree, engrossed in a mystery novel. As Rob approached, he couldn''t help but admire how serene Ahmed appeared, his heart nearly skipped a beat before he reminded himself why he was there. He took a seat next to his friend of a friend, hoping to gain some insight into what had happened.

    "Hey, Ahmed," he began casually, "How are you holding up after the theater thing, the news said you found a body and were attacked by an animal. Is that true?"

    Ahmed frowned slightly, clearly annoyed by the interruption. He closed his book with a soft sigh and looked up at Rob. "Do we have to talk about this now? I''d rather just enjoy my book."

    Rob persisted, sensing there was more to Ahmed''s reluctance than met the eye. "Come on, man. You saw everything, right? I have heard some crazy rumours around campus and was hoping to just get the truth straight from the source."

    Ahmed''s annoyance quickly turned to anger. "I don''t want to talk about it, alright?" he snapped before storming off, leaving Rob standing alone.

    Rob watched him go, realization dawning that he should have been more sensitive to Ahmed''s feelings and trauma. He was about to chase after Ahmed when he heard a faint buzzing noise. Looking down, he saw Ahmed''s phone vibrating beneath the blades of grass. Picking it up, Rob glanced at the screen only to find the call was coming from China, he rolled his eyes at the robocall. As he hung up, he accidentally tapped the camera app with his finger and something caught his eye: a blurry photo of Gluttony, captured during the theater incident. The orange glowing eyes were unmistakable on the screen.

    Rob''s heart raced as he stared at the damning evidence of the supernatural. He tried calling Zack, "Pick up, Pick up, Pick up!!!" but there was no answer. Great, he thought, now what do I do? Torn between keeping the only visual evidence of Gluttony and Zack from ever being found out, Rob made a split-second decision to delete the photo. With that done, he pocketed the phone and raced after Ahmed, determined to make amends.

    -----

    Meanwhile, Abby and two other exorcists arrived at Ethel''s home, intent on confronting her about what she knows about the sin and its vessels. As they approached, Ethel sensed their presence and grabbed a frying pan from the stove. She positioned herself next to the door, pan at the ready.

    The door swung open with intense force as the first man kicked it. He was quickly met with the back end of the frying pan, sending him tumbling back off the front porch and landing motionless in the grass. The second exorcist, a thin woman, leaped through the entrance keeping low to avoid the pan. She drew her weapon and turned to where Ethel had once stood, but was only greeted but a set of empty coat hooks. The exorcist turned to find a dimly glowing green eye staring back at her, before she could move she found herself tied up in the front entranceway with Ethel standing over her triumphantly.

    Abby crept through the back door, a ring of holly at the ready. Caught off guard, Ethel gasped when she saw Abby. This was a grave mistake as Abby lunged forward stuffing the holly into Ethel''s mouth, causing her to pass out almost instantaneously. "Still too focused on what''s in front of you" She smirked as she stood over Ethel. "You should have chosen a better part of town to hide out in, I don''t see the police getting here anytime soon."

    Dragging the unconscious woman to her car, Abby loaded her into the vehicle and drove back to St. Jerome''s Parish, leaving her fellow exorcists on Ethel''s lawn.

    As water dripped from Ethel''s face, confusion and fear flashed in her eyes. She went to move but found her wrists were restrained. Abby stood over her, a mix of determination and smugness in her gaze. "So, I think it''s time we had a chat," Abby started "What have I missed since I''ve been gone?"

    The dim, damp basement of St. Jerome''s Parish seemed to close in on Ethel as she struggled against her bindings. She had no intention of telling Abby anything. Her dark brown hair clung to her face, still wet from the bucket of water Abby had doused her with.

    "Let me go," Ethel demanded, her voice low and dangerous. She glared up at Abby, defiance shining in her dark eyes.

    "Can''t do that," Abby replied with a shake of her head. "Not until you''ve spilled the tea for old-time sake." She held up a live wire, its end sparking ominously. "And just so you know, if you try anything, I won''t hesitate to drop this into that puddle at your feet."

    Ethel''s gaze flicked to the water surrounding her, then back to Abby. "You wouldn''t dare. I don''t owe you anything."

    "Don''t you?" Abby seemed amused by Ethel''s statement. "I kept you hidden from them for years, I made sure to lead them away every time they got too close to you or your family. Now a sin is only the loose and creating its own little army to slaughter innocent people. The least you can do is tell me what you know"

    "Protect me?" Ethel scoffed, her anger barely contained. "Some good that did, or have you avoided the news for the past five years. I don''t have any family left."

    "Fine," Abby sighed, realizing her initial plan wasn''t working. "If that''s how you want to play it... then I guess I will just have to turn you over to the exorcists."

    "Gluttony," Ethel spat out, but her eyes shifted, avoiding Abby''s gaze. She said nothing more.

    "Who is Gluttony? Name the person it is hiding in." Abby pressed, sensing that Ethel was holding something back. But Ethel remained silent, her jaw clenched tight. Abby''s frustration grew, and she realized that Ethel was done talking.

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    "Fine," Abby muttered, more to herself than to Ethel. "Maybe some extra time in the lock-up will put you in a talking mood." With that, she stormed out of the room, leaving Ethel alone in the basement.

    In the suffocating silence, Ethel''s thoughts raced. Abby had left her no choice; she had to escape. As soon as the door clicked shut behind Abby, Ethel seized her opportunity. With a surge of adrenaline and vessel strength, she managed to get one hand free from its bindings.

    As her heart pounded in her chest, she worked on the other restraints, then stood up cautiously, testing her weight on her unsteady legs. She needed to act fast before Abby returned.

    With silent footsteps, Ethel crept towards the door, carefully avoiding the puddle and the live wire still sparking ominously on the floor. The door creaked open just a crack, and she peered out, checking for any sign of exorcists. The coast clear, Ethel slipped out into the hallway and began her quiet escape.

    -----

    The dimly lit nightclub, Night School, lay silent and empty. Shadows danced across the walls as Paulina stood behind the bar, phone pressed to her ear, leaving a message for Zack. "Hey, it''s Paulina. Just checking in. If you''re free tonight, we could use an extra hand. Let me know." She hung up, concern filling her eyes.

    As she mulled over recent events, the door creaked open, and Officer Lindsey stepped inside. Her brow furrowed with determination, she approached Paulina and pulled out a file, handing it to her. "Paulina, I need your opinion on something - the movie theater attack."

    "Officer Lindsey," Paulina sighed, flipping through the file. "You shouldn''t be consulting an ex-cop every time you have a problem."

    Lindsey''s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I''m sorry. It''s just...you always had a knack for solving the weird cases back when you were on the force. I don''t understand why you quit."

    "Sometimes in life, you just need to find balance," Paulina replied, her gaze lingering on a photo within the report. A mandala caught her eye, and she paused for a moment before continuing. "Whatever attacked the theater is big and not native to Waterloo. You should consult a professional, I suggest a zoologist."

    "Thanks for your time," Lindsey said, disappointed but resigned as she left the club. Paulina stared at the closed door, concern etched into her face. The creature''s continued killing spree threatened the delicate balance of the city.

    -----

    Later that night, the surprise party for Deb was set up in her dorm room, but neither Deb nor Zack were anywhere to be found. Friends hid behind furniture and curtains, waiting impatiently for the guest of honor. None of the guests were deterred by the enhanced police presence on campus.

    Gary whispered to Brody from his hiding spot under a table, "I''m already failing economics, man."

    "Tell me about it," Brody grumbled, massaging his sore muscles. "And Coach has been pushing us way too hard at practice, it so hard to keep up with classes at the same time."

    In the closet, Rob stood uncomfortably close to Samantha, who stared at him in shock. "Your name is Robert? I always thought it was just Rob!"

    "Surprise," Rob muttered sarcastically, rolling his eyes.

    Across the room, Boon bragged to Leona about his impeccable time management skills. "I would never leave so many people waiting on me," he scoffed, unaware Leona was too busy texting Sarah to listen.

    Ahmed''s ears perked up as a group of girls nearby whispered about their astonishment upon discovering he had a perfect GPA. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips, pride swelling in his chest.

    The friends continued to chat and wait, the minutes ticking by as they wondered where Zack and Deb could be.

    As the night dragged on, Jessica paced in the hallway outside Deb''s dorm room, her brow furrowed with worry. The campus curfew was fast approaching, and still, there was no sign of Deb or Zack. Jessica''s fingers tapped nervously against her phone as she tried calling Deb yet again, only to be met with her voicemail.

    "Where could she be?" Jessica muttered under her breath, her eyes scanning the hallway for any sign of the missing duo. Just then, she bumped into Kenzie, nearly knocking her off balance.

    "Hey, watch it!" Kenzie exclaimed, catching herself on the wall.

    "Sorry, Kenzie," Jessica apologized, her concern evident in her voice. "I''m just worried about Deb. She''s not picking up her phone, and the curfew is almost here."

    "Have you tried Zack? the two of them have been inseparable for a while now," Kenzie suggested, a hint of irritation creeping into her voice.

    "Of course not, why would I have his number?" Jessica snapped, her frustration getting the best of her. "Honestly, sometimes I wonder what Deb sees in him. He''s always so squirrelly, and now they''re both missing when we''re trying to throw her a surprise party!"

    Kenzie''s expression darkened. "It''s a surprise party, how can you expect them to be on time when she doesn''t even know about it? You know how it goes when you first meet someone, you ignore everyone else for a while. It is a phase and it will pass."

    "Maybe," Jessica conceded, though her tone remained doubtful. "I just wish Zack was easier to read. It''s hard to trust someone who''s always hiding something."

    At that moment, the faint sound of laughter drifted through an open window. Jessica''s eyes widened as she realized that Zack and Deb must have finally arrived, she peered out the window and saw the pair walking up the road hand in hand. She quickly checked her watch and then turned to the others who were waiting in the dorm room and called out, "Everyone, they''re here! Let''s head outside and surprise them, curfew is almost here!"

    The group eagerly filed out of the dorm, their earlier boredom and impatience forgotten in the excitement of the impending surprise. As they exited the building, The group spotted the couple making their way back to the dorm. Deb was carrying a large plush octopus, a gift from Zack that she clutched to her chest with a wide smile.

    "Thank you again for the amazing date," Deb said, her eyes shining with happiness. "This has been the best birthday ever."

    As they drew closer, Jessica signaled for the group to jump out and yell, "Surprise!"

    Deb''s face lit up with delight as her friends emerged from their hiding spots behind the rows of cars, showering her with birthday wishes and hugs. The atmosphere was electric with joy, but it was short-lived.

    A sudden disturbance rippled through the crowd, and someone yelled, "There''s some kind of animal by the trees! It''s coming this way!"

    Panic erupted as people began to scatter in all directions, desperate to escape the approaching danger. Amidst the chaos, Zack instinctively grabbed Deb, pulling her out of the path of fleeing partygoers before she was trampled. Unfortunately, he wasn''t able to do the same for Lindsey as she tried to guide students to safety. She was knocked to the ground by fleeing people, a stray boot crushing her hand.

    Jessica, her protective instincts kicking into overdrive, raced back inside the dorm and re-emerged with a hunting rifle. Her hands were steady and unwavering as she aimed at the menacing figure emerging from the shadows: a massive black bear, its eyes gleaming hungrily as it advanced on the terrified students.

    The shot rang out, echoing through the night as Jessica pulled the trigger, she never wavered. The bear let out a pained roar before collapsing to the ground, dead.

    The once joyful celebration now lay in tatters, replaced by shock and fear. But amidst the chaos, one fact remained clear to Zack: If Jessica ever found out he was a vessel, he would end up just like the bear.

 Chapter 11: Learning Something New

    Zack strolled through Waterloo Park, laden with plastic bags full of colorful junk food he''d just purchased from Valu-mart. The sun reflected off the small lake, casting shimmering ripples across its surface. It was a peaceful afternoon, the kind that made one feel as though nothing could go wrong. However, Zack couldn''t shake the nagging feeling in the back of his mind ¨C the sense that someone was watching him.

    "Probably just being paranoid," he muttered to himself, frowning as he scanned the landscape for any signs of danger. He suddenly realized the lack of people in the park, weird, he thought.

    His vessel abilities allowed him to perceive more than the average person, but even with this heightened awareness, he couldn''t pinpoint the source of his unease. He continued walking, trying to focus on the crunch of leaves beneath his feet and the distant laughter of children playing.

    Suddenly, a masked figure clad in black burst from the tree line, charging straight toward Zack. His heart raced as adrenaline surged through his veins. Without thinking, he launched the groceries at his attacker, cans of soda and bags of chips flying through the air like deadly projectiles.

    "Who are you?" Zack shouted, his voice laced with fear and anger. "What do you want?"The figure dodged his improvised weaponry, closing in on Zack with supernatural speed. In an instant, they had him pinned against the chain link fence surrounding the small park zoo, the startled whinnies of ponies echoing through the air.

    "Let me go!" Zack snarled, struggling against the iron grip of his assailant. But despite his best efforts, he couldn''t break free.

    "Zack, calm down," the masked figure whispered, their voice strangely familiar. They removed the mask, revealing the face of Ethel, her dark eyes full of concern.

    "Ethel!" Zack gasped, equal parts relieved and bewildered. "What the hell are you doing?"

    "Testing you," she replied, her tone matter-of-fact. "You need to be prepared for anything."

    "By attacking me in broad daylight?" Zack snapped, his anger flaring. He could feel the demon within him stirring, eager to lash out at the perceived threat. It took everything he had to control it, his eyes flickering as he took deep breaths.

    "Exactly," Ethel said, releasing her grip on him. "You can''t let your guard down, not even for a moment. Especially with Gluttony still out there. Do you really think a sin would care about the time of day?" The police had blamed the black bear for the previous attacks and lifted the curfew, they said the bear showed signs of rabbies, but the truth was Gluttony was still out there planning their next move.

    Zack took another deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. He knew Ethel was right, but the fear and adrenaline still coursed through his veins, making it difficult to think rationally.

    "Okay," he said finally, his voice steadier than before. "I get it. But next time, maybe give me a heads up?"

    Ethel smirked, a glint of amusement in her eyes. "Where would be the fun in that?"

    Zack rolled his eyes, though he couldn''t suppress a small smile. Despite her unconventional methods, he knew Ethel was only trying to help him gain control over his powers ¨C and perhaps more importantly, the darkness growing inside him. And for that, he was grateful.

    Ethel knelt down and began to pick up the scattered groceries, her nimble fingers collecting the colorful packages of junk food. Zack joined her, a mix of embarrassment and annoyance fueling his movements.

    "Here," Ethel said, handing him a bag of chips. "You''ll need your energy for our next round of training."

    "Training?" Zack echoed, snatching the bag from her grasp. "You mean we aren''t done for the day? Are you just going to start randomly attacking me any time you feel like it?"

    "Exactly," Ethel replied, her voice firm but not unkind. "I need to see how you react in a real-life situation. And you did well, considering."

    "Considering?" Zack couldn''t help but feel a surge of annoyance at her assessment. He had defended himself as best he could, after all.

    "Considering the fact you didn''t use any of your vessel abilities. You know it is possible to use them without glowing eyes and claws. That comes with full control and that true control comes through anger," she clarified, her dark eyes meeting his. "You must learn to harness it, to use it to fuel your powers without letting it consume you."

    Zack frowned, mulling over her words as they continued to gather the discarded snacks. He knew she was right ¨C every time he let his emotions get the better of him, he found it harder and harder to control his abilities. But the thought of embracing his anger, of welcoming it, frightened him more than anything else.

    "Okay," he conceded, stuffing the last of the groceries into his bag. "I''ll try."

    "Good," Ethel said, rising to her feet. "Now, there''s one more reminder I have to tell you before you go."

    "What''s that?" Zack asked, hoisting the bag onto his shoulder.

    "Stay away from Deb," Ethel warned, her gaze suddenly intense. "She''s a distraction, and distractions are dangerous. You need to focus on gaining control of your powers, and you don''t have time for a date with Gluttony out there, it just gives them a target they can use to get to you. Not to mention she is surrounded by two dozen highly trained exorcists on her campus."

    Zack swallowed hard, the thought of avoiding Deb like a punch to the gut. He knew Ethel spoke from experience; she had seen firsthand what happened when vessels were caught by exorcists. But he also couldn''t deny the connection he felt with Deb, the way she seemed to understand him in ways no one else ever had.

    "Alright," he said finally, his voice barely more than a whisper. "I can do that."

    "Good," Ethel replied, her expression softening. "I know it won''t be easy, but it''s for the best." With that, she turned and disappeared back into the trees, leaving Zack alone with his thoughts. As he trudged back toward campus, the weight of his promise heavy on his chest, he couldn''t help but feel guilty for lying to Ethel.

    Zack''s footsteps echoed through the empty streets as he walked back to campus, his resolve wavering with each step. The evening air whispered around him, he hadn''t noticed how much time he spent gathering his groceries before. The afternoon had slipped away from him and now he hoped he wasn''t running late, his mind wandering to thoughts of Deb.

    His phone buzzed in his pocket, startling him out of his thoughts. Fishing it out, he saw a text from Deb: "Just finished my lab report. When can I expect you?"

    He hesitated, torn between his promise to Ethel and the desire to see Deb. He knew it was dangerous to be around her, but she was a real connection, something he hadn''t been able to have since he was changed. The memory of her warm smile and gentle touch was too much to resist, and he found himself texting back, "Almost there."

    As Zack approached Deb''s residence building, his heart raced with anticipation and a little guilt. He knew that Ethel had warned him for a reason, but at that moment, all he wanted was to be with Deb. She let him in, a soft smile playing on her lips.

    "Hey," she said, ushering him inside. "I''m glad you could make it."

    "Me too," Zack replied, trying to keep his voice steady.

    As they walked back to her room, Deb noticed the bags of snacks he was carrying. "Wow, you went all out," she teased, her eyes twinkling. "You didn''t have to buy so much."

    Zack shrugged sheepishly. "I didn''t know what kind you liked, so I thought I''d get a little bit of everything."

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    "Starbursts are my favorite," she said with a grin. "But don''t worry, I''ll help you eat all of these, too."

    Inside her room, the scent of her perfume hung in the air like an intimate secret. Zack''s pulse quickened, and he could feel his heart pumping within him, eager to be close to Deb. He tried to push the sensation away, but it was like trying to hold back a tidal wave, the need to be near her overwhelming his self-control.

    "Deb," he began, his voice strained. "I¨C"

    "Shh," she whispered, pressing a finger to his lips. "Don''t worry about it. Let''s just enjoy our time together."

    As they sat down on her bed, surrounded by an array of colorful snacks, Zack knew he should have listened to Ethel. It was becoming clear that his excitement was allowing his power to go unchecked. But as he looked into Deb''s eyes and saw the trust and affection that shimmered there, he couldn''t bring himself to care. For now, at least, he could pretend that everything was normal ¨C that he was just an ordinary college student, spending time with the girl he loved.

    The moment they touched, Zack found himself pulled into a passionate embrace by Deb, her warm lips pressing eagerly against his. He responded in kind, the taste of her mouth an intoxicating elixir that made him momentarily forget everything else.

    Their hands roamed each other''s bodies, setting nerve endings alight with desire. The heat between them was undeniable, and Zack felt as if he were drowning in it. Abruptly, Deb broke their kiss to yank off his shirt, leaving him bare-chested and vulnerable. Her eyes drank in the sight of him as she traced a fingertip along the contour of his chest.

    "Deb," Zack whispered, heart racing with a mixture of excitement and worry, he had never done this before, "I don''t know if we should¨C"

    But before he could finish his sentence, there came a sudden knock at the door, like the sound of doom approaching. Panic flared in Deb''s eyes, and she shoved Zack towards her closet, hissing, "Hide! Quickly!"

    With no time to argue, Zack stumbled into the dark space, the scent of Deb''s clothes surrounding him like a cocoon. He pressed himself against the wall, trying to calm his breathing as he listened intently to the scene unfolding outside.

    "Deb? It''s Abby. Can I come in?" Abby''s voice carried through the door, deceptively sweet and innocent.

    "Uh, yeah, just a second!" Deb called out, her voice trembling ever so slightly. Zack heard her take a deep breath, then the door creaked open.

    "Hey, Abby," Deb greeted her friend, attempting to sound casual. "What brings you here?"

    "Nothing much, just thought I''d stop by and see what you''re up to." Abby stepped into the room, her footsteps soft on the carpet. "My goodness, what''s with all the snacks?"

    "Um, I''m just... studying their nutritional information for my nutrition class assignment," Deb lied smoothly. Zack could picture her nervously tugging at her short black hair as she tried to look convincing.

    "Really?" Abby asked, sounding intrigued rather than suspicious. "That''s an interesting project. How''s it going?"

    "Pretty well, actually," Deb replied, relief palpable in her voice. "It''s fascinating to see how many carbohydrates some of these things have."

    "Is it? Speaking of assignments," Abby said, shifting the conversation as she took a seat on Deb''s bed, "did you ever look up the history of that ring I gave you for your birthday?" Her hazel eyes sparkled with curiosity.

    "Ah, yes." Deb hesitated, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the outline of the mysterious ring on her finger. The cool metal seemed to hum with energy beneath her touch. "I tried to find some solid information, but I mostly came across an old tale about farmers who lived in Japan centuries ago."

    Abby leaned forward, her interest piqued. "Go on."

    "Well," Deb continued, her voice taking on the tone of a storyteller, "the legend says that a young couple was tormented by a youkai - a supernatural creature - who wanted their firstborn child. When the child was born, the youkai came to collect her while the father was out in the fields. The mother did all she could but died protecting her newborn daughter from the youkai."

    A somber silence filled the room as Deb recounted the tragic tale. She could feel Zack''s presence in the closet, and all she wanted was Abby out of her room so she continued.

    "Seeing this," Deb went on, "the moon cried a single tear, creating the blood moonstone. The father used a piece of the stone to seal away the youkai forever. He then made the rest of the stone into a ring and gifted it to his daughter for protection."

    "Wow," Abby breathed, clearly enthralled. "That''s incredible."

    Deb shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant. "It''s just a fairy tale, though. Nothing more than a fanciful story passed down through generations."

    Abby looked disappointed, her excitement deflating like a punctured balloon. "I suppose so, but it''s still fascinating. Some would fairytales stem from truths we just couldn''t explain at the time."

    As she got up from the bed, Abby paused, a sudden idea crossing her mind. She turned back to Deb with a determined expression. "You should read Shoku Nihongi, an old Japanese history book. I have a feeling you''ll find it very enlightening."

    "Shoku Nihongi?" Deb echoed, making a mental note of the title. "I''ll look into it. Thanks, Abby."

    "Of course," Abby replied, her eyes betraying her happy-go-lucky attitude. "Happy reading!" With that, she left Deb''s room, closing the door behind her.

    As soon as Abby was gone, Deb allowed herself to breathe a sigh of relief. The thought of Zack hiding in her closet, listening to this conversation about a mysterious ring that was tied to a family legend, made her cheeks beet red with embarrassment. Why was Abby so weird and always finding the worst moments to have these chats?

    No sooner had the door clicked shut than Zack stumbled out of Deb''s closet, his heart pounding with both fear and exhilaration. He quickly retrieved his shirt from beneath her bed and pulled it over his head, feeling the lingering warmth of their earlier embrace. He had time to calm down while in the closet and the Abby encounter reminded him just how dangerous the campus was.

    "Sorry about that," Deb murmured, her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and lingering desire. "Abby just showed up out of nowhere."

    "It''s okay," Zack reassured her, brushing her hair back behind her ear with a gentle touch. "I should probably get going anyway. I have early morning practice tomorrow."

    Deb looked disappointed but nodded in understanding. She stepped closer to him, her eyes locked on his as she pressed her lips against his in a tender kiss. It was a bittersweet farewell for Zack, tinged with the knowledge that their stolen moments together were becoming more dangerous by the day.

    "I am just glad I don''t have to worry about you walking alone at night anymore, now that the bear is dead" Deb whispered as they pulled apart. Her concern for him was evident in her gaze, and it only made the goodbye that much harder.

    "Me too," he said knowing no bear was responsible for the killings, giving her one last lingering look before slipping out of her residence building and into the night.

    As Zack walked towards his own residence, the air seemed to thicken around him, filling with an oppressive weight that made it hard to breathe. His senses prickled with awareness, that familiar darkness was calling to him. When he turned, his eyes fell upon Gluttony, the sinister figure emerging from the shadows behind a stand of birch trees.

    "Ah, Zack, my wayward vessel," Gluttony drawled, Their voice like ice scraping against stone. "It''s time for you to fall in line and join my covenant."

    "Never," Zack spat, his hands balling into fists at his sides, his eyes flickering with a pink hue. His whole body screamed for him to walk over to Gluttony and join him, "You''re a murderer! I''ll never become like you."

    "Such defiance," Gluttony hissed, his eyes narrowing to slits. "You should know that lone vessels don''t last long in this world, and I won''t need you if I create more."

    With those ominous words, Gluttony vanished into the darkness, leaving behind a strange symbol burned into the trunk of a nearby tree. Zack could feel his pulse returning to normal and Gluttony''s call releasing him. As he came back to his senses, Zack quickly snapped a photo with his phone and sent it to Ethel, hoping she could shed some light on its meaning.

    "Any idea what this is?" he texted her, watching as the message was marked as read. But a response never came, leaving him with a gnawing sense of unease as he returned to his dorm.

    As he lay in bed, sleep eluding him, Zack couldn''t shake the feeling that something terrible was looming on the horizon. With a heavy heart, he finally drifted off into a fitful sleep.

    The sound of sneakers squeaking on the polished gym floor filled the air as Zack and his teammates darted back and forth during basketball practice. He noticed that Rob, usually a reliable partner, seemed to be avoiding him, passing the ball to others instead. Sweat dripped down Zack''s forehead, mingling with the unease settling in his chest. Something was off, and he couldn''t shake the feeling that it had something to do with him.

    As Rob went to sit on the bench, grabbing a water bottle and gulping down a much-needed drink, Zack seized the opportunity to follow him. He approached cautiously, trying not to startle his friend.

    "Hey, Rob," Zack began, his voice tinged with concern. "What''s going on? You''ve been kind of distant all week."

    Rob set his water bottle down, his gaze focused on the floor. It took a moment for him to answer, the silence heavy between them. "I''m just... I''m mad at you, Zack," he admitted, glancing up to meet Zack''s eyes. "You didn''t protect Lindsey at Deb''s party, and we both know you have the ability to. I know she''s okay now, but it could have been so much worse."

    Zack winced, guilt gnawing at him. "I''m sorry, Rob. I just don''t have full control of telekinesis when I am in human mode."

    "And what about when I texted you?" Rob continued, frustration evident in his tone. "I needed your help deciding if I should delete that evidence of Gluttony, and you just ignored me!"

    "Look, I messed up," Zack conceded, running a hand through his sweat-soaked hair. "But I promise you, deleting the photo was the right call."

    Wanting to lighten the mood, Zack leaned in closer, lowering his voice to a whisper. "You won''t believe this, but Gluttony confronted me last night."

    Rob looked shocked "And they didn''t try to kill you?"

    "No I think they want me to join them, they called it a covenant," He pulled out his phone, showing Rob the strange symbol etched into the tree trunk. "They left this behind. Any idea what it means?"

    Rob''s eyes widened as he stared at the cryptic symbol, his earlier anger momentarily forgotten. He pulled out his own phone, his fingers flying across the screen as he began to search for information. The mystery had piqued his interest, and Zack couldn''t help but feel a sense of relief. At least now, they could focus on something other than their strained friendship.

 Chapter 12: Triggered

    The moon cast a ghostly glow upon the empty football field as Zack stood in the center, shivering from the chill of the late October night. The wind whistled ominously through the goalposts, and he wished he hadn''t agreed to this late-night training. As he waited, his breath formed puffs of white mist in the cold air.

    "Hey," Rob''s voice cut through the silence as he approached Zack, his hands buried deep in the pockets of his hoodie. "I''ve been thinking about this whole Gluttony situation, and I believe we should focus on your control when you have to think quickly."

    "Really?" Zack asked, eyebrows raised in surprise. He was grateful for Rob''s support but he also felt like Rob hadn''t totally forgiven him.

    "Yeah," Rob nodded, his expression serious. "I don''t trust Ethel completely. She''s hiding something¡ªimportant information about the exorcists or Gluttony or both."

    Zack sighed, staring at the ground, torn between wanting to trust Ethel and knowing that Rob was right. "I know, but we don''t have much choice. We need her knowledge to defeat Gluttony."

    "True," Rob conceded, "but that doesn''t mean we can''t be cautious. We''ll work on your powers together, and that way we can be sure you are learning everything you can about them, not just what she wants us to know."

    "Thanks, Rob," Zack said with a half-smile, touched by his friend''s unwavering loyalty.

    -----

    Meanwhile, in Deb''s dorm room, Ahmed sat on the edge of her bed, trying to focus on the colorful underwater world unfolding on the screen before them. The Little Mermaid had always been one of his favorites, but Deb''s constant interruptions were making it difficult to enjoy the film.

    "Ahmed, listen to this!" Deb exclaimed, holding up a thick, leather-bound book titled Shoku Nihongi. It had finally arrived, and she couldn''t contain her excitement. "It talks about cleansing evil spirits from the palace using Shinto purifications."

    "Uh-huh," Ahmed mumbled, his eyes still glued to the screen as Ariel''s melodious voice filled the room.

    "Did you know my ancestors were the first to perform these Shinto purifications?" Deb continued, oblivious to Ahmed''s disinterest as she flipped through the ancient pages.

    "Wow, really?" he replied half-heartedly, praying that Sebastian would soon burst into song and drown out Deb''s enthusiastic ramblings.

    As Deb dove deeper into the world of ancient rituals and evil spirits, Ahmed found himself longing for the simplicity of a fairy tale where love conquered all, and happy endings were guaranteed.

    ----

    Under the light of the moon, Zack and Rob stood on the empty football field. The eerie silence was only broken by the distant howls of the wind as it whipped through the trees. Rob tapped away at Zack''s phone, installing a heart rate monitor app that he claimed would help them track when Zack began to lose control over his powers.

    "Alright, Zack," Rob handed the phone back to him. "Now we can keep an eye on your heart rate and work on your reflexes and control."

    Rob pulled off his backpack and began digging around inside it. He pulled out a folding golf club and a handful of balls, placing them on the ground in front of him.

    "Here''s the plan: I''m going to hit these golf balls at you, and you''re going to dodge them without losing control. Think of it as multitasking under pressure, without the risk of being chased through a park or torn apart by a sin."

    Zack gulped at the thought but nodded, steeling himself for the challenge ahead. Rob swung the club, sending the first ball whizzing toward Zack, who narrowly managed to dodge it. The next few balls followed suit, with Zack demonstrating impressive agility as they zipped past him.

    "Good job, Zack!" Rob shouted, his voice full of encouragement. But as the exercise continued, Zack''s luck began to wane, it was nearly impossible to follow the small projectiles'' routes in the dark. A stray ball struck him in the shoulder, and then another hit him in the leg. His frustration mounted, causing his heart rate to spike as his claws began to emerge from his fingertips.

    "Stop!" Rob called out, halting the exercise just as Zack teetered on the edge of losing control entirely. "You did well for your first time, Zack. We''ll keep working on this, I promise."

    As they caught their breath, neither young man noticed the figure lurking in the shadows. Boon, overcome with jealousy and suspicion, had been secretly watching their training session from the sidelines. He didn''t fully understand what they were doing but it only added to his frustration, how does this make you better at basketball?

    The next morning Boon followed Zack around the locker room, trying to listen in on his conversation with Rob. He needed to know what they were doing and why, recently this whole city had stopped making sense to him. As Boon inched closer, Zack''s expression grew uneasy, and he glanced around as if sensing something off.

    "Hey, is everything alright?" Rob asked, concerned by Zack''s sudden change in demeanor.

    "Something just feels wrong," Zack murmured, unable to shake the feeling that time wasn''t flowing right somewhere in the locker room. "I can''t put my finger on it."

    "Let''s get out of here," Rob suggested, leading Zack away from the unsettling atmosphere. Left behind, Boon''s curiosity only intensified, did Zack somehow know he was there? He went to follow the pair but the locker room seemed to warp around him, the metal lockers bending inward like sinister claws. Glowing eyes appeared in the shadows, accompanied by an ominous growl that echoed through the space. Boon shook his head, attempting to dispel the hallucination but the darkness continued to creep inward.

    When the vision finally faded, Boon was lying on the locker room floor with Kristian standing over him. Before Kristian could say a word Boon shot up and fled the room, his mind racing with the visions he had been experiencing ever since the attack at Cineplex. Ethel, Rob, and Zack had all been so interested in what had happened to him, he had to figure out what they knew but how could he get closer to Zack without suspicion? And that is when it dawned on him, Deb, she was clearly unaware of what was really going on and close to Zack. Pulling out his phone, Boon texted Deb asking if she wanted to hang out. To his relief, she agreed.

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    -----

    The cold, damp air of London Asylum clung to Ethel as she walked down the dimly lit hallway. The faint sound of distant wailing echoed through the stone walls, a reminder of the many lost souls that resided within. She hesitated for a moment before opening the heavy door to Kyle''s room, a small part of her hoping for some change in his condition.

    "Kyle," she said softly, stepping into the darkened chamber. The sunlight filtered in through the barred window and danced on the wall. Kyle lay motionless on the bed, seemingly unaware of her presence. Ethel approached cautiously, her heart heavy with concern for the young man who had become entangled in this dark web of supernatural danger.

    "Kyle," she repeated, her voice barely a whisper. "I think I''ve figured out who Gluttony is. I plan on confronting them tonight." She paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "I promise I''ll do everything I can to make sure Gluttony doesn''t stain our families'' reputations."

    As Ethel turned to leave, she cast one last glance at Kyle''s seemingly lifeless form. The door creaked shut behind her, leaving the room to become a crypt once more.

    Unbeknownst to Ethel, the moment she left, Kyle''s hand clenched tightly into a fist, his nails digging into his palm hard enough to draw blood. A flicker of emotion crossed his face, gone as quickly as it appeared.

    -----

    Meanwhile, back at the University of Waterloo, Zack sat nervously in his Biology 101 lecture, trying to focus on the professor''s words. Rob and Deb flanked him on either side, lending a sense of comfort amid the chaos that had become his life.

    "Mr. Dawson," called the professor, pointing to Zack. "Can you please explain to the class what an innate immune response is?"

    Zack stammered, caught off guard by the sudden attention. His mind raced, unable to recall the information he needed. He could feel his heart rate starting to increase, the familiar sensation of his powers threatening to surge out of control.

    "Come on, Mr. Dawson. Give it a try," the professor urged, oblivious to Zack''s inner turmoil.

    As panic began to set in, Zack felt a gentle touch on his hand. He looked down to find Deb''s slender fingers intertwined with his own, offering support and reassurance. Taking a deep breath, he focused on the warmth of her touch, allowing it to anchor him in the present moment.

    With newfound clarity, Zack found the answer he had been searching for "It is your body''s first line of defense against invading pathogens." As he sat back down, relief washed over him like a tidal wave.

    "You did great," Deb whispered, her eyes shining with pride. Zack smiled at her, grateful for the connection they shared.

    As the lecture came to an end, Deb excused herself from the group, mentioning her plans to study at the library. Rob glanced at Zack with a knowing smile and offered to walk him to work at Night School, the local nightclub. The sun was setting as they made their way through the crisp autumn evening, highlighting the elaborately decorated houses lining the streets.

    "Look at all these decorations, man," Rob commented, admiring the creativity that went into each haunted display. "I love Halloween!"

    Zack chuckled, nodding in agreement. As they walked, Rob seemed deep in thought before he finally spoke up. "You know, I think Deb might be the answer to your problem."

    Zack raised an eyebrow, curious about Rob''s sudden insight. "What do you mean?"

    "Well," Rob continued, "she has this calming effect on you. When you''re around her, or even just thinking about her, it seems to help you keep control of your powers. Maybe focusing on her is what you need, maybe it is a focus and not the anger that gives you control."

    Zack nodded thoughtfully, pondering the idea. "I never really thought about that."

    "Hey," Rob added, placing a reassuring hand on Zack''s shoulder, "That''s why I am here, to solve all the mysteries you can''t." he let out a laugh.

    "Thanks, Rob," Zack replied with a half smile. "But there''s something I''ve been meaning to tell you too. I think Abby is up to something with Deb, she has a weird interest in her. And I''m worried she may be trying to recruit her or use her for information."

    "She did almost kill Ethel with that dagger," Rob muttered, considering the possibility "Nobody else knows you''re a vessel, so Abby couldn''t have figured it out, you''re safe. We can take care of Abby once we stop Gluttony, okay?"

    "Okay," Zack agreed, the weight of his worries temporarily lifted.

    Meanwhile, at Night School, Ethel arrived before the club was set to open. She scanned the dimly lit space, her eyes lingering on the jack-o-lanterns and other Halloween d¨¦cor that adorned the venue. Her gaze fell upon Paulina, who was standing behind the bar, polishing glasses.

    "Paulina," Ethel called out, her voice firm but measured. "I believe you''re Gluttony."

    Paulina looked up sharply, her expression a mixture of shock and disbelief. "What? That''s ridiculous, Ethel. I''m not Gluttony."

    "Don''t lie to me, I saw the symbol on the birch trees." Ethel accused "I knew it was familiar, I had seen it before on a chart in your back room."

    "Ethel I can honestly say you are confused, I am not what you think I am," Paulina said as she took a step back.

    But something in Ethel''s eyes told Paulina that she wasn''t easily swayed. As the two women stared each other down, the tension between them thickened, and the festive atmosphere of the nightclub seemed to vanish entirely.

    Zack and Rob rounded the corner, the neon glow of Night School''s sign cutting through the darkness like a beacon. The distant laughter of trick-or-treaters filled the air as they approached the entrance, where the festive decorations seemed almost sinister in the dim light.

    "Are you sure you want to give up your Halloween night for a little extra pay?" Rob asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

    "Let''s just get this over with," Zack replied, his thoughts weighed down by the knowledge he was going to be missing out on a massive Halloween party.

    As they stepped into the nightclub, they were greeted by an unexpected sight: Ethel, her eyes glowing and claws extended, stood accusingly before Paulina behind the bar.

    "Where were you when Joanna, Greg, and Rachel were murdered?" Ethel demanded, her expression unyielding.

    "Ethel, I told you already, I had nothing to do with their deaths," Paulina insisted, her hands gripping the edge of the bar.

    "Then explain the symbol Gluttony left on the birch tree¡ªthe old wiccan symbol for death." Ethel''s voice was like ice. "I believe Gluttony''s host body must be Wiccan, and you''re the only true Wiccan in Waterloo."

    Paulina didn''t deny her beliefs, but her face bore a look of frustration. "You''ve got it all wrong, Ethel," she said firmly.

    Fearing Ethel may kill Paulina, Zack stepped between them. "Is there any way to prove that Paulina is Gluttony?" Zack interjected, feeling the weight of responsibility settle heavily upon him.

    Ethel''s gaze shifted to him, her tone softening slightly. "There is, actually. You have a connection to Gluttony. You can use your aura to call them to you, just like when they call you to them. You''ll need to concentrate and meditate, increasing your aura until it reaches out to them."

    Zack hesitated, He had been working for Paulina for over two months now and never sensed anything. He took a deep breath hoping this would cool the situation, then closed his eyes, focusing inward. He felt the familiar tingle of his powers surging through him, his aura expanding like a wave of energy out of him. When he opened his eyes, Paulina had vanished.

    "Where did she go?" Rob asked, his voice tense as he scanned the room.

    "Something''s wrong," Ethel muttered, her gaze darting around the club.

    Suddenly, the front door burst open, and Gluttony emerged, its form a twisted mockery of humanity. With a snarl, it lunged at Ethel, tossing her behind the bar with a sickening crash, as her body splintered the shelf and caused bottles to shatter on impact.

    "Run!" Zack shouted, panic seizing his chest as he and Rob fled into the night, the sound of Gluttony''s monstrous roars echoing in their ears. Halloween had officially begun, bringing with it a nightmare they couldn''t possibly imagine.

 Chapter 13: Its a Trap!

    Zack''s heart pounded in his chest as he sprinted alongside Rob, Gluttony''s monstrous form looming large in their minds. The Halloween decorations seemed to leer at the pair from every corner of the street, like a twisted version of a haunted house.

    "Ethel--" Rob gasped between breaths, "Do you think she survived?"

    Zack clenched his jaw, his thoughts racing like his feet. How far do our healing abilities go? he thought "I don''t know. But we have to keep moving."

    Rob nodded, sweat glistening on his forehead. "Paulina...she vanished just before Gluttony appeared. She has to be Gluttony, right?"

    "Maybe," Zack replied, his voice strained, he honestly didn''t have time to think it all through while they ran for their lives. He glanced around at the groups of trick-or-treaters, desperately trying to warn them of the danger lurking nearby. "Run, get away from here!" he shouted.

    Their laughter echoed back at him, "Nice try but you can''t scare us, you don''t even have a costume on." their response only fueled his frustration and fear.

    "Zack, I can''t..." Rob panted, slowing down. "I need a place to hide, just for a second."

    "Come on," Zack said urgently, spotting an unlocked door to Laurier School of Business. They slipped inside, seeking refuge from the horror outside.

    Together, they rushed up the stairs and found a classroom with windows facing the street. As they watched Gluttony searching the crowds below, Zack couldn''t help but notice how the creature''s gruesome appearance blended seamlessly with the Halloween festivities. The onlookers saw nothing more than an elaborate costume, completely unaware of the deadly truth.

    "Look!" Rob whispered, gripping Zack''s arm tightly. Gluttony''s gaze snapped toward the business school, and it charged into the building. "How did he know we were here?"

    "Damn it," Zack muttered under his breath, feeling his pulse quicken. His eyes flickered pink, the demon inside him stirring. He knew they couldn''t stay in the classroom any longer, but he also knew that facing Gluttony without Ethel was a risk he wasn''t willing to take.

    "Rob," he said, trying to keep his voice steady, "we need to find a way out of here. Now."

    "Right," Rob agreed, his face pale with fear. They had no choice but to move forward, Gluttony was moving in on them fast.

    As Gluttony''s suffocating aura surrounded them, Zack''s mind raced with thoughts of Ethel and her possible demise. He prayed that they would remain safe, and escape the night with their lives. They reached the stairwell but the door was locked.

    "Shit! now what?" Zack was too panicked to think, Rob couldn''t heal like him or fight like him. If Gluttony caught him then it would all be over and Zack knew it.

    "Let''s hide in the bathroom," Rob suggested, his voice strained. "Only one point of entry. We can fight Gluttony off if it comes through the narrow entranceway." Zack nodded, the desperation in Rob''s eyes reflected in his own.

    They slipped into the dimly lit washroom, the scent of antiseptic cleaner hanging heavy in the air. As they pressed themselves against the cold tile wall, footsteps echoed down the hallway, growing louder with each passing second. Zack''s eyes flickered pink, fangs and claws emerging as he prepared for a confrontation.

    "Who''s there?" a voice called out. The door creaked open to reveal Peter Thuss, a professor at the school, staring at them with wide eyes.

    "Uh, sorry," Rob stammered, trying to think of an explanation. "We were just..."

    "Leaving," Peter interrupted, his gaze stern. "The building is closing before Halloween is in full swing to prevent any damage from intoxicated partygoers. You two need to go."

    "Right," Zack agreed hesitantly, swallowing his fear. "We''ll leave right away."

    Before they could move, the door swung open again, revealing the monstrous form of Gluttony. Zack''s instincts kicked in, and a shimmering barrier formed around them, shielding them from the creature''s deadly grasp. With a telekinetic blast, he pushed Gluttony back, buying them precious seconds to escape.

    "Since when could you do the whole shield thing?" Rob said, looking shocked by this new ability.

    "Now I guess, I just wanted to protect everyone and it happened. Now Go!" Zack shouted, his heart pounding. Rob and Peter fled in opposite directions with Zack following Rob, their feet pounding against the polished floor. Glancing back, Zack saw Gluttony emerge from the bathroom. It seemed torn between chasing after them or pursuing the screaming man; ultimately, its attention was pulled toward the hapless professor. A blood-curdling scream filled the air as they continued running. Zack reached for his phone to call 911 and that his when he realized the device was gone.

    ***

    Deb arrived at Laurier School of Business with Boon and Ahmed, following a text from Zack urging her to meet him there. Deb couldn''t shake the nagging worry that something was terribly wrong. "I''m going inside to look for Zack," she declared, her fingers fumbling as she tried to text him again. No response.

    "Are you sure the building is open?" Ahmed asked, eyeing the darkened windows warily.

    "Only one way to find out," Deb replied, pushing the door open and finding it unlocked. Boon, who had been in a sour mood all night because they were missing the party, suddenly softened as he looked at Deb.

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    "Be careful in there," he whispered, concern etching his features. Deb nodded, realizing neither of her friends seemed willing to join her. With a sigh, she ventured into the building on her own.

    --

    "Zack, I''ve got an idea," Rob whispered as they hid in the shadows of the school''s dimly lit hallway. Zack watched Rob pull a portable speaker from his pocket, and a plan began to form. "We can use this to lure Gluttony into that abandoned classroom over there. All we have to do is record a conversation and play it back."

    Zack nodded, understanding the brilliance of Rob''s plan. They set the speaker on a low volume, playing their conversation that echoed through the empty halls. Zack could feel his heart pounding in his chest as they waited for Gluttony to take the bait.

    As soon as the monstrous figure entered the classroom, Zack sprang into action. He slammed the door shut and used all his strength to break off the handle, trapping Gluttony inside.

    "Stop killing and surrender!" Rob shouted through the closed door, his voice filled with determination. However, much to their horror, only the sounds of shattering glass came from within the room. Zack peered through the hole where the doorknob once was and saw one of the windows shattered, glass shards twinkling under the moonlight.

    "Damn it!" Rob exclaimed, frustration clear on his face. "That''s not fair!"

    Just then, a heavy thud echoed from the floor above them, sending chills down their spines. With no other choice, Zack and Rob took off running again, their breaths ragged and hearts pounding.

    ***

    Meanwhile, Boon and Ahmed stood outside by the car, waiting for Deb to return. Suddenly glass rained down from the building capturing their attention. "What the hell is going on in there?" he muttered, squinting in the darkness.

    Ahmed, not wanting to be left alone, followed Boon toward the building. "Are you sure we should go in here?" Ahmed asked, "What if she comes back and can''t find us, this building is big and neither of us knows the layout, we could get lost."

    "Then stay behind, but I am going to figure out what''s happening." Boon dismissed Ahmed''s concerns.

    Ahmed mulled it over but ultimately his fear of being left alone in an abandoned parking lot at night forced his hand "Ugh, fine! I am coming with you." the two of them entered the building, its halls lit with flickering florescent lights. The atmosphere was heavy and sinister. Ahmed shivered "Um before we get going I need to make a quick stop in the bathroom, Don''t go anywhere without me." Ahmed pointed at Boon, who nodded his understanding. Ahmed slipped into the washroom leaving Boon standing alone in the hallway.

    There was motion at the end of the hall. "Zack?" Boon called out hesitantly as a shadowy figure appeared at the end of the hallway. But instead of finding his friend, he was met with the terrifying visage of Gluttony. Memories from the theater attack flooded his mind as his body seemed to move its own, he found himself sprinting down the hall with little regard for what would happen to Ahmed. He couldn''t control himself, he just knew he had to get out of there.

    Zack''s ears perked up as he heard the faint sound of Deb''s voice calling him in the distance. He quickly grabbed Rob''s phone and dialed her number, his voice a tense whisper when she picked up. "Deb? Are you at Laurier right now?"

    "Yeah, in the business school. Where are you? why aren''t you responding to any of my messages?" Deb questioned, her confusion evident.

    "Listen to me, we''re hiding in a study room on the second floor. Follow my directions, but be quiet."

    "What is going on?" Deb whispered back, but there wasn''t time to explain. She carefully followed his instructions, tiptoeing down the dimly lit hallway until she found the study room. The door creaked open slowly, revealing Zack and Rob. She rushed forward, embracing Zack tightly before pulling away. "Why did you text me to meet you here?"

    "Deb, it wasn''t me," Zack confessed, concern plastered on his face. "I lost my phone earlier tonight."

    Before they could continue their conversation, Ahmed burst into the room, breathless. "Have any of you seen Boon?"

    Deb tried calling Boon''s number, but there was no answer. Unease settling over them, the group decided to venture out in search of their missing friend. As they stepped into the hallway, the sinister sound of claws scraping against cement walls echoed through the stairwell, causing their fight-or-flight responses to kick into overdrive. Instinctively, they ran in the opposite direction.

    Panting, they ducked into another lecture hall, where they found Boon hiding under one of the desks, his wide eyes filled with terror. Rob and Deb hastily pushed desks in front of the door, barricading themselves in as Ahmed, Boon, and Deb turned to Zack, demanding answers.

    "Alright, Zack," Ahmed said, his voice trembling. "You''ve got to tell us what''s going on!"

    Zack hesitated, knowing he couldn''t reveal the truth about the supernatural forces at play. "Ethel... She''s a serial killer," he lied, his voice cracking. If she was really dead then what harm could this lie do? "She killed Joanna, Greg, and Rachel, and now she''s after us."

    A heavy silence befell the room as they processed Zack''s words, their eyes darting to one another in fear and disbelief. The truth was far more dangerous than any of them could have imagined, but the lie would have to suffice for now.

    "Guys, we need to call the police," Ahmed insisted, his voice shaking with urgency.

    "Ahmed''s right," Boon chimed in, his eyes darting around nervously. "We can''t handle this on our own."

    As Ahmed dialed the emergency number, the rest of the group huddled together, their hearts pounding in their chests. The operator informed them that the police force was stretched thin due to Halloween festivities and would send an officer as soon as possible. For now, they were advised to stay put and barricade the doors.

    "Great," Rob muttered sarcastically. "That''s really reassuring."

    "Wait," Boon shouted, a flicker of hope lighting up his face. He walked over to the door next to the whiteboard and peered through the fogged glass "There''s a fire escape behind this locked door. We could use it to get out of here."

    Zack looked thoughtful. "That professor had keys on him before... well, you know. Maybe one of those keys could open the door."

    Deb frowned, her brow furrowing with concern. "But what if Ethel took the key from him? Or what if it doesn''t even work? It''s too risky, Zack."

    "Right now, everything is risky," Zack replied, his voice firm and determined. "It might be our only chance to get out of here alive."

    "Fine," Ahmed interjected. "But I''m not letting you go unarmed. Boon, grab that fire extinguisher under the podium. All lecture halls have them for safety. Make sure it hasn''t been used yet."

    Boon nodded, rushing to retrieve the extinguisher without checking the seal on it. He handed it to Zack, who gripped it tightly, feeling the cold metal against his palm.

    "Good luck, Zack," Deb whispered, her eyes brimming with fear and affection. She leaned in and kissed him gently. "Be careful."

    With one last look at his friends, Zack stepped out of the room, leaving them to seal the door behind him. As soon as he was alone, he activated his demon abilities, His blue eyes fading to their dim pink and his claws and fang extending. He could sense the fear that had once consumed Peter.

    Guided by that lingering terror, Zack followed the trail through the darkened corridors and found Peter''s lifeless body in the janitor''s closet. The man''s eyes stared blanky forward and his face twisted in fear. Fighting back nausea, he searched the man''s pockets and found a set of keys.

    "Please let this work," Zack murmured, clutching the keys tightly in his hand.

    As he turned to leave the closet, his heart skipped a beat. There, inches from his face, stood Gluttony ¨C its eyes filled with rage and hunger. The air around them crackled with tension, and for a moment, time seemed to slow to a crawl.

 Chapter 14: Confrontation

    The air in the business school lecture hall was thick with tension, like a dense fog that had crept its way through the cracks and settled amongst the group. Boon leaned against the desk barricade they had constructed to protect themselves from Ethel, who was lurking in the halls. The dim emergency lights cast eerie shadows across his face as he stared at the door, his jaw clenched.

    "Where is Zack?" Deb murmured anxiously, wringing her hands as she paced back and forth. Rob, equally worried, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, trying to provide some semblance of reassurance. "He''ll be back soon," he said softly.

    Ahmed couldn''t shake the nagging feeling that something was amiss. "Boon," he called out, his voice wavering slightly. "Did you check the fire extinguisher we gave Zack? Are you sure it''s working?"

    "Of course I checked it!" Boon snapped, his eyes narrowing with irritation. But deep down, a heavy knot of guilt weighed upon him. He knew he hadn''t inspected the extinguisher as thoroughly as he should have. A cold sweat broke out on his forehead as the realization gripped him; he may have just sent Zack to his death.

    Meanwhile, Zack stood in the janitor''s closet, his heart pounding like a caged animal desperate for escape. He stood face to face with Gluttony, the monstrous embodiment of one of the seven deadly sins. Zack slipped the keys into his pocket, his gaze never leaving Gluttony.

    A surge of adrenaline coursed through him as he seized the fire extinguisher, yanking the pin free and aiming it directly at the towering creature. This was it - his moment to create his escape. His finger squeezed the handle, but instead of the anticipated blast of foam, there was only a hollow click. He stared in disbelief, his heart sinking as he realized the extinguisher was empty.

    "You didn''t even check your weapon before you came here?" Gluttony taunted, its voice dripping with malice like poison from its fangs. As it spoke, Zack lifted his hands attempting to create another shield like he had before, but nothing seemed to happen. A twisted grin spread across the creature''s face, and Zack knew he was in trouble.

    Gluttony lunged, its grotesque form a blur of darkness, pinning Zack to the cold linoleum floor. Panic surged through him as he struggled to break free, his muscles straining against the weight of the monster bearing down on him, not even his vessel strength seemed to make a difference. It was pointless; Gluttony''s strength far surpassed his own.

    "Let me give you a taste of your true power," Gluttony hissed, its breath hot and rancid. The creature leaned in close, whispering an ancient incantation into Zack''s ear. He felt the words seep into his very being, their dark power igniting something within him that yearned for release.

    Back in the lecture hall, Boon pressed his hand to his throbbing temple. The sudden headache had come out of nowhere, but stranger still was the faint echo of an incantation that seemed to reverberate in his mind. His thoughts drifted back to Ethel and the creature who seemed to be stalking him, wondering if they had done something to him.

    In the janitor''s closet, the transformation seized Zack, forcing a howl of agony from his throat. His bones shifted and cracked as his body took on its demonic form. His fangs elongated, his claws grew sharp and deadly, and his eyes blazed with pink fire. A sinister desire to kill bubbled up inside him, driving him towards the lecture hall where his friends were trapped.

    "Zack will find those keys, Deb. Don''t worry," Rob''s reassuring voice echoed through the hallway as Zack approached the door, keys in hand. The sound pierced through Zack''s dark thoughts, halting him just before he unlocked the door. Memories flooded his mind: kissing Deb under a starry sky, sharing laughter with Rob, confiding in Rob during moments when his powers threatened to consume him.

    "Rob''s right," Deb said softly, her voice wavering. "Zack will come through for us."

    "Damn right he will," Ahmed chimed in, trying to raise their spirits.

    A tortured scream of frustration tore from Zack as he made a split-second decision. He crushed the door handle with one hand and the keys in the other, ensuring his friends would remain safely out of his reach. As Deb rushed to the door, attempting to turn the broken door, her hope turned to confusion and despair.

    "Something''s wrong, the door won''t open!" she murmured, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Why would he...?"

    "Guys, listen!" Ahmed shouted, his ears picking up the wail of distant sirens. "The police are coming!"

    Relief washed over Boon, Deb, Rob, and Ahmed as the reality of their impending rescue sank in. The nightmare they had been living was finally coming to an end. Little did they know that for Zack, the battle against his own darkness was threatening to tear him apart.

    In a dimly lit bathroom stall, Zack hunched over the cold tile floor, his breath ragged and uneven. The sharp scent of bleach stung his nostrils as he struggled to regain control. His body quivered, muscles twitching, as he fought against the demon still lingering within him. As he took one deep, steadying breath after another, the claws and fangs that had marked his transformation retreated, leaving him once again fully human.

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    "Zack?" a familiar voice called out hesitantly. "Is that you?"

    Lindsey pushed the bathroom door open, her flashlight cutting through the darkness. Her eyes widened in surprise when she spotted Zack on all fours, his face streaked with sweat and his clothes torn.

    "Good God," she muttered, rushing to his side. "Are you okay?"

    "I..." Zack swallowed hard, struggling to find his voice. "I will be."

    "Come on," Lindsey said firmly, helping him to his feet. "We need to get out of here."

    Together, they made their way through the shadowy halls of the business school, Zack leaning heavily on Lindsey for support. When they reached the front entrance, Rob was waiting, his face consumed by worry.

    "Zack!" Rob exclaimed, relief washing over him. "You''re alive!"

    "I got lucky," Zack managed a weak smile.

    "Let''s go outside," Lindsey suggested, guiding them toward the exit. Once they were standing in the chilly night air, Zack felt his whole body go numb and his heart pick up the pace. He was safe now, but he didn''t feel it, he knew Gluttony would come for him, and without Ethel, he didn''t stand a chance.

    Lindsey turned to Zack with a serious expression. "Who did this to you? Who attacked all of you?"

    "It was Ethel," Zack replied, his voice barely audible. "She... I think she killed Joanna. She''s the one who killed that professor in the janitor''s closet, too."

    "Are you absolutely sure it was her?" Lindsey pressed, studying his face intently.

    Zack nodded. "Yes. I am."

    "I saw everything too, he''s telling the truth," Rob added, backing up Zack''s story.

    "Alright," Lindsey sighed, her blue eyes darkened with concern. "We didn''t find a body during our sweep of the building, but we''ll keep looking. You two should get checked out by the paramedics and then get some rest."

    With that, she walked away to join her fellow officers, leaving Zack and Rob standing alone in the frigid darkness.

    "Rob," Zack whispered, his chest tightening with fear. "What if Gluttony comes back for us? What if Ethel isn''t really dead?"

    "Right now let''s just be grateful to be alive," Rob replied, his voice steady and full of fear. "We won''t let this thing win, Zack. We can''t."

    Zack looked at his friend, his blue eyes haunted by the night''s events. "Gluttony could have killed us all anytime it wanted," he whispered back, his voice strained. "But it didn''t. It wants me to be a part of its covenant... I can feel it."

    Rob thought about it, and a look of confusion crept across his face. He watched as Zack''s fingers twitched, the memory of claws briefly surfacing. "What do you think is stopping it?"

    "Us," Zack replied, his gaze shifting to the ground. "Our friendship. My bond with Deb... I think that''s what''s keeping me from fully submitting to Gluttony''s control." His voice shook slightly as he added, "But now I''m afraid it''s going to turn its attention to eliminating both of you."

    "Hey," Rob said firmly, gripping Zack''s shoulder. "We''re not going anywhere. We''ll find a way to take that thing down."

    At that moment, a flurry of movement caught Zack''s eye. He glanced over to see Paulina being loaded into the back of an ambulance. Her face was pale, but her expression was calm.

    "Wait here," Zack murmured to Rob as he made his way toward the ambulance.

    "Zack," Paulina greeted him weakly, her voice barely audible above the commotion. "I can explain everything."

    "You better," Zack replied, worry creasing his forehead. "How did you escape the club? was Ethel right about you? What is a true Wiccan?"

    Paulina hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I am a true Wiccan, Zack. It is my duty to cover up the supernatural from the humans... though recent events have made that harder than normal." She looked him directly in the eyes. "I am sorry I had to hide this from you, I have rules I must follow."

    "Rules? Why do I always feel like I am a step behind everyone else all the time?" Zack asked softly, clearly frustrated.

    "It isn''t easy when you are new to our world, but I promise you I will tell you everything I know in time." She said, but Zack still couldn''t read her.

    Zack still didn''t have all the answers he needed and he didn''t want to wait but just then, the paramedics closed the ambulance doors, shutting out the world as they prepared to transport Paulina to the hospital. Zack watched it drive away, a mixture of relief and trepidation coursing through him.

    A thought then made its way through his head, his heart pounding in his chest as he noticed Deb sitting with Boon and Ahmed. Her eyes were red-rimmed from crying and her hands shook slightly, betraying the calm fa?ade she tried to maintain. The police had finished questioning them, and it was clear that their ordeal had taken a toll on everyone.

    "Deb," Zack called out softly, approaching her with a mix of apprehension and hope. Boon and Ahmed exchanged glances before stepping away to give them some privacy.

    "Zack," Deb replied, her voice cold and distant. Zack knew something was very wrong as more tears started well up in her eyes. "Why? Why did you lock us in the lecture hall? I heard you, we all heard you and you just trapped us there. I... I don''t understand."

    "Deb, please, it was to protect you," Zack pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice. "I didn''t want to put you in danger. I couldn''t bear it if anything happened to you."

    Deb''s eyes narrowed, her lips pressing together in a thin line. "I trusted you, I thought we had a plan to escape together. But now... I don''t know if I can anymore."

    "Deb, please reconsider," Zack begged, his voice cracking. "You mean everything to me. I swear, I only did it to keep you safe."

    "Safe?" Deb scoffed, tears welling up in her eyes again. "How can I feel safe when you''re hiding things from me? When you''re making decisions without even talking to me first? I thought you were trying to help us get out, but now..." She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to say next. "Don''t call me anymore, Zack. We''re done."

    "Deb, no," Zack whispered, the words like a knife through his heart. But she had already turned her back on him, walking toward Ahmed with her head held high, though her shoulders trembled as she fought to hold back her tears.

    Rob appeared at Zack''s side, his arm wrapping around him in a comforting embrace. His eyes held a deep sadness, and it was clear that he knew the weight of the choice Zack had made.

    "Come on, buddy," Rob murmured, guiding Zack away from the painful scene. "Let''s get out of here."

    As they walked away, Zack couldn''t help but think about what he''d lost ¨C not just Deb, but a part of himself as well. It was a bitter pill to swallow, knowing that in trying to protect her, he''d only pushed her further away.

 Chapter 15: Fallout

    "Would you look at that," Rob exclaimed, emerging triumphantly from the LCBO. He flashed a sly grin and displayed a bottle of Crown Royal Whiskey to Zack. "The fake ID actually worked!"

    "Nice one!" Zack responded half-heartedly, his eyes distant and preoccupied. It had been one week since his breakup with Deb, and Rob was worried as he watched his friend''s grades and attendance slip.

    "Come on, let''s go find a spot to drink this," Rob suggested, nudging Zack with his elbow. They walked toward Waterloo Park, where they found a bench near the water. The eerie reflection of the moonlight danced across its surface, casting an almost supernatural glow around them.

    Rob wasted no time unscrewing the cap and taking a swig of the whiskey. He shuddered slightly as the amber liquid burned like fire down his throat. Zack followed suit but felt nothing over the numbness he had been feeling since Halloween. His mind was still consumed by thoughts of Deb, he saved her but still ended up losing her. On top of that Ethel''s and the professor''s bodies were never found.

    "Man, I''ve got to tell you," Rob slurred after a while, feeling the warmth of the alcohol spread through his body. "I think Ahmed may just be the hottest guy I have ever seen. If he were gay, do you think we''d have a shot together?" Rob looked over at Zack but could see he was deep in his own head.

    Zack stared into the depths of the dark water, swirling the whiskey around in the bottle. "Deb and I aren''t really broken up," he muttered, trying to convince himself there was still hope. "We''re just... on a break. I can get her back."

    "Zack, listen¡ª" Rob began, but they were interrupted by the sound of footsteps crunching on gravel. The boys shot each other with looks of fear, not knowing whether to hide the booze or fight. Zack and Rob turned to see Wes and Adrian from the basketball team approaching their bench.

    "Hey guys, what do you have there?" Adrian asked, eyeing the bottle greedily. "Share the wealth, won''t you?"

    "Get your own!" Zack snapped, he didn''t have time for these idiots right now. He hurled the bottle at the two young men, narrowly missing Adrian''s head.

    "Whoa, dude, chill out!" Wes exclaimed, but Zack''s anger continued to build as he felt the beginnings of a shift. Rob watched Zack''s claws begin to extend.

    "Sorry about him," Rob interjected quickly, grabbing Zack by the arm and pulling him away from the scene. "He''s just having a rough night."

    Adrian and Wes watched them go before sitting down on the bench themselves, shaking their heads. "Man, Zack''s really lost it," Wes muttered.

    "There is something seriously wrong with him lately," Adrian suggested. "When was the last time you saw him at practice?"

    Wes squinted up at the sky, as if the answer was going to fall from it. "Damn you are right, I haven''t seen him there all week,"

    As they continued to discuss Zack''s erratic behavior, a sudden noise made them both jump, believing Zack had returned in a rage. But when they turned around, terror gripped them at the sight of the orange-eyed creature standing menacingly over them.

    "Exorcists," Gluttony whispered ominously before seizing both young men with inhuman strength. Adrian struggled against its might and Wes attempted to pull a knife from his pocket but it was no use. With one swift motion, Gluttony tossed them into the rocky river, their bodies swallowed by the fast-moving water as they disappeared beneath the surface.

    And just like that, the night fell silent once more, leaving no trace of the horror that had transpired.

    ---

    The sun streamed through the windows of the psychology lecture hall, as students settled into their seats. Ahmed and Deb sat together, their heads bent close as they whispered urgently. Deb''s fingers toyed with her glasses, a sign that she was deep in thought.

    "Ahmed, I can''t help but wonder if breaking up with Zack was the right decision," she admitted, her voice barely audible.

    "Deb, you know he''s keeping secrets from all of us," Ahmed replied firmly, his dark brown eyes filled with concern. "Whatever he''s involved in, it''s dangerous. Remember Halloween? We were locked in the lecture hall while a killer stalked us."

    "True," Deb conceded, recalling the harrowing night. "But what if he really did break the door handle to protect us?"

    "Protect us? How is ensuring we have no way to escape protecting us?" Ahmed scoffed. "I don''t buy it. He''s hiding something, and I don''t think we should be around when it comes crashing down on him."

    ---

    Later that day, in chemistry class, Zack approached Deb, eager to talk, he couldn''t take the silence anymore. But before he could get a word in, Professor Bobby Dowding stepped between them, his stern gaze fixed on Zack.

    "Mr. Dawson, this is a midterm exam, and there will be no talking during the entire class," he warned.

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    Zack walked over to the next row and slumped into his seat, feeling the weight of his troubles bearing down on him. He hadn''t studied or done much schoolwork since Gluttony had turned him into a vessel. As the exam began, he looked around to see Rob scribbling away, focused and determined. Ahmed appeared almost bored as he breezed through the multiple-choice questions.

    Zack felt an overwhelming sense of stress as he stared blankly at his own paper, unable to answer most of the questions. Suddenly, the words on the page rearranged themselves, forming a chilling message: ''You lost your bond with Deb. Rob is the only thing standing between you and true power. Kill Rob.'' Zack blinked trying to erase the image from his mind, but no matter how hard he tried the words remained glued to his page.

    Panicking, Zack shot up from his seat and bolted out of the lecture hall, people watched him as if he was fleeing the crime scene. Moments later, Rob handed in his completed exam and raced after his friend, concern etched on his face.

    "Zack!" he called, but the sound of his voice was swallowed by the echoing footsteps and Zack''s pounding heart as he disappeared down the hallway, with Rob giving chase.

    Rob found Zack sitting on a bench in the dimly lit locker room, his head buried in his hands. His breaths came out ragged and uneven, making it obvious that he was struggling to keep himself together.

    "Zack, man, what happened?" Rob asked, sitting down next to him.

    "I-I can''t breathe," Zack gasped, looking up at Rob with wide, panicked eyes. "The words on my midterm... they rearranged themselves, told me to kill you. I don''t know what''s going on."

    "Okay, okay, just take it easy," Rob said, placing a reassuring hand on his friend''s shoulder. "You''re having a panic attack. I used to get them all the time after Ryan died. Just follow my lead ¨C we''ll get through this together."

    Rob instructed Zack to take slow, deep breaths, counting to four as he inhaled and then counting to four again as he exhaled. Gradually, Zack''s breathing began to steady, and the terror in his eyes faded to a more manageable level of fear.

    "See? You''re doing great," Rob offered, giving Zack a supportive smile. "Panic attacks are normal, but they can be really overwhelming if you don''t know how to handle them."

    "Thanks, Rob," Zack murmured gratefully, wiping away the sweat that had gathered on his forehead during the ordeal. "I don''t know what I''d do without you."

    "Anytime, man," Rob replied, patting Zack on the back. "I am not going anywhere and I am not afraid of a sin that looks like a sewer came to life."

    ---

    At St. Jerome''s Parish, a sign hung outside announcing a private service in progress. Inside, Jessica and Abby stood amidst a group of exorcists, including some dressed as RCMP officers.

    "Ethel''s been missing since Halloween," Jessica said, her voice heavy with worry. "We need to find her before more bodies drop."

    "Agreed," Abby chimed in, a determined glint in her hazel eyes. "But her little seeing the future bit makes it next to impossible."

    "We know that but all vessels have their weaknesses, she has to have one too." A thin woman suggested.

    As they discussed their plans, Father Bill entered the room, carrying a tray of fresh-baked goods. Hearing their conversation, he interjected, his voice firm and authoritative.

    "Listen up, everyone," he commanded, he tossed the newspaper onto from on top of the baked goods into the center of the room. The headline read Two Bodies Pulled from River. "We''ve already lost Joanna, Wes, and Adrian ¨C I won''t stand for any more exorcist deaths on my watch. When you find Ethel, show her no mercy."

    A murmur of agreement passed through the group, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily upon them all. Father Bill set the tray of baked goods down on a nearby table, gesturing for everyone to help themselves before resuming their grim task.

    "Take a moment to gather yourselves," he advised, "and then go out there and bring that demon-spawn to justice."

    "Thank you, Father," Jessica nodded, grabbing a cookie from the tray. As she took a bite, she locked eyes with Abby, who returned her gaze with a look of steely determination.

    "Let''s do this," Abby whispered, loading her revolver. "For Wes, Adrian, and everyone else we''ve lost along the way."

    "Right," Jessica agreed, her voice filled with resolve. "Gluttony and Ethel will be put down like the rabid animals they are."

    ---

    The locker room buzzed with a strange mix of excitement and tension as Coach Reynolds paced back and forth, his brow furrowed in frustration. The faint smell of sweat and disinfectant hung in the air as the basketball players huddled around him, waiting for an update on their missing teammates.

    "Listen up, boys," the coach began gruffly. "It seems that some people on this team haven''t been making the smartest choices lately. There''s a bacterial infection going around, and most of the team is unable to play tonight."

    Rob''s eyes widened at the news, his heart racing with anticipation. This was his chance to finally step off the bench and prove himself on the court.

    "God needs to be on our side if we''re going to stand a chance out there," Coach Reynolds continued, his gaze sweeping over the anxious faces before him. "Rob, you''re up. Don''t let us down."

    "Thanks, Coach. I won''t," Rob replied, his voice shaking with excitement. He could hardly believe what he was hearing ¨C his moment had finally arrived.

    "Zack, Boon, you two are co-captains for tonight," the coach announced, catching both young men by surprise. "We need strong leadership out there, especially since our usual captain has turned out to be patient zero."

    Boon''s jaw clenched in annoyance, his ego bruised at having to share the spotlight with Zack. He stole a glance at Kristian, who seemed unfazed by the news, only adding to Boon''s frustration.

    "Let''s get out there and win this one for the team," Zack said, trying to rally his remaining teammates. But inside, he knew that this would only make things more complicated between him and Boon. The feeling crawled under his skin like a thousand insects, making him feel sick to his stomach.

    "Excuse me, I think I left my shower stuff in the car," he mumbled, pushing past the players and fleeing the oppressive atmosphere of the locker room. As he stumbled into the hallway, he collided with Leona, Boon''s girlfriend. Her green eyes were filled with concern as she steadied him.

    "Hey, are you okay?" she asked, her voice soft and soothing like a gentle breeze.

    Zack nodded, but the weight on his chest refused to lift. "Just going to grab some air before the game."

    "Let me come with you," Leona suggested, guiding him out of the building and into the crisp evening. They sat down on a nearby bench, the cool metal beneath them grounding Zack as he tried to catch his breath.

    "Deb was stupid to let you go," Leona said suddenly, her words slicing through the silence. "You''re such a star on the team, and we''re all so grateful for what you bring to it."

    Her hand brushed against his, sending a jolt of electricity up his arm as she leaned in closer. Her lips met his, willingly and passionately, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to fade away. It felt wrong but it also felt so right, for a moment Zack was free from overthinking everything.

 Chapter 16: Out of Control

    The basketball court vibrated with the intensity of a high-stakes game, sweat and adrenaline filling the air. Zack''s muscles tensed as he got knocked down by a player from the University of Ottawa, the ref refusing to call the foul. His vision blurred and anger bubbled within him, he could feel his powers shifting inside him. Zack shook it off and charged forward, easily tore the ball away from the opposing players and heading back toward their net.

    Zack''s senses were on high alert, and he could feel someone coming up from behind him. He just made it to the key and lined up his shot, when an Ottawa player grabbed the ball. Without thinking Zack used his enhanced strength to pull the ball free and in his fury, Zack''s arm swung wide, catching Kristian in the face and leaving him with a bloody nose.

    "Zack!" the coach bellowed, motioning for him to sit on the bench. Zack complied, his chest heaving with labored breaths as he tried to suppress the demon clawing at him. Rob sat down beside him, concern etched across his face.

    "Man, what''s gotten into you?" Rob asked. "You''ve never been this aggressive before. You need to get a grip before someone else gets hurt or worse."

    "I can do this on my own!" Zack clenched his fists, trying to rein in his demonic side. His heart ached at the memory of his breakup with Deb, and the guilt from kissing Leona when she was dating Boon. The buzzer rang and he searched the crowd for a distraction and noticed Boon talking to Leona. As the quarter ended, Boon pointed to the smudged lipstick on her lips, asking how it happened.

    "Oh this," she took out a small compact mirror to check for herself "Must have smudged it on my drink." she motioned to her generic soda cup, Boon seemed to buy this explanation.

    Rob, who had been listening in too, shot a suspicious glance at Zack. "You were late to warm up because you were outside with Leona, weren''t you? Did you kiss her?"

    Zack hesitated before admitting the truth. "Yes, I did." Rob''s eyes flashed with anger, accusing Zack of self-sabotage.

    "Zack, what the hell are you doing?" Rob scolded "Is this what you call handling it? I get the whole being sad after a breakup, but this is stupid on a whole other level." Rob accused him and Zack just listened, he knew he deserved it.

    --

    Meanwhile, Deb had decided to skip the game. Instead, she found herself learning self-defense from Abby, the stun gun in her hand feeling like an odd weight. "And you are sure I need this?" Deb hesitated.

    "You are a young single woman now," Abby explained as she adjusted Deb''s stance, "You need to be able to protect yourself from any predators out there."

    Deb considered Abby''s words, still unsure if she would be able to actually use the weapon on anyone. " I guess you''re right, This is just heavier than what I am used to."

    "Well, I didn''t think you wanted to end your attacker''s life, which would likely happen if you used those knives of yours." Abby''s voice sounded joking, but her eyes seemed almost excited by the thought of Deb taking someone out with her knives.

    "Oh no, I could never actually use my knives on another person," Deb responded but her mind wandered back to the night she believed Ethel stalked them through the business school and she questioned herself. " I mean I don''t think I could."

    Abby quickly picked up on Deb''s hesitation, "You thinking about what you would have done if you had had your knives on Halloween?" Abby placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

    "Honestly I don''t even fully understand what happened that night," Deb looked straight ahead and lowered the stun gun, "Ethel has always been weird, but a killer? I don''t get it. Besides I Have seen Boon, Zack, and Rob hanging around her a few times, so why would she turn on them just out of the blue? I want to believe Zack but..."

    "But they are keeping something from you, I get it," Abby pretended to emote "That is why you must train and learn the only person you can rely on is yourself." She positioned Deb back into an offensive stance. "Now come at me!" Deb lunged forward and the two began to spare, Abby now armed with the knowledge that one of Deb''s friends could be the second vessel they were looking for.

    --

    After the game, Rob returned to their dorm room to find Zack pacing in the dark, his eyes glinting with a bloodthirsty look. Fear and concern gripped Rob as he realized the demon side of Zack was winning.

    "Zack, I know things have been tough, with Deb and School and everything else going on," Rob warned. "But if you keep going down this path, you are really going to end up hurting yourself and I won''t let you do that."

    "Ha! You couldn''t stop me if you tried! You are just an average everyday human, I have all the power," Zack snarled, his eyes narrowing.

    "Actually," Rob said calmly, "I learned something about vessels. If you remain calm, they can''t sense what you''re really up to." And with that, he swiftly handcuffed Zack to the radiator while he was distracted.

    "Let me go!" Zack roared, yanking at the cuffs. But Rob tossed the keys across the room, his expression remorseful.

    "Right now, I don''t think you''re in the right mindset to be free," Rob said coolly. "Until you get your emotions under control, I''m not taking any chances."

    "Fine!" Zack snapped, his face twisted in rage. "But if I get free, I''ll kill you!"

    "Then it''s my job to make sure you don''t," Rob replied quietly, his heart breaking for his best friend who stood, shackled by his own internal demons.

    --

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    Deb was perusing the shelves at Walmart, still lost in thought about Halloween, when she spotted Boon a few aisles down. She hesitated for a moment, they hadn''t talked much since that night, before deciding to approach him.

    "Hey, Boon," Deb greeted him tentatively.

    "Deb! What a surprise. I didn''t expect to see you here," Boon replied with a warm smile, but she could see the hesitation in his eyes. "You missed quite a game."

    "Y-yeah, I just needed some time away from everything," Deb admitted, averting her eyes, the silence that followed felt like it lasted hours. "Want to wait for the bus back to campus together?" She just wanted it to end.

    "Sure thing," Boon agreed, and they made their way to the bus stop.

    As they waited, Deb could feel the weight of everything that had happened pressing down on her until she couldn''t take it. "Everything is just so weird lately. Ever since Abby arrived on campus, I can''t help but feel that my whole life is some kind of lie, how is it possible that I know so little about my own family? And Zack and the whole night from hell, I don''t know what to believe," she confessed, the words poured out of her like water over Niagra Falls.

    Boon glanced around before leaning in closer. "I know what you mean. This city doesn''t make any sense. I''ve seen things ¨C things I can''t explain."

    "Really? What did you see?" Deb asked, equal parts curious and anxious.

    "Back on Halloween, when we were trapped in the business school... I saw this creature. It looked almost human but had glowing orange eyes, razor-sharp claws, and massive fangs." Boon''s voice trembled with the memory. "It scurried up a wall and walked on the ceiling towards me. It was the same thing that attacked me in the movie theater, I don''t doubt that it wasn''t Ethel, and it seems like Zack knows something about it."

    Deb shuddered as she imagined the terrifying scene Boon described. They both sat in silence, contemplating the unsettling secrets hidden within Waterloo.

    ----

    Back at the UWP dorm, Rob awoke with a start, realizing he had fallen asleep while watching over Zack. The room was eerily silent, devoid of the threatening sounds that had filled it earlier.

    "Zack?" Rob called out cautiously, his heart pounding in his chest.

    But Zack was nowhere to be found. The handcuffs lay broken on the floor, a chilling breeze crept its way through the now-open window. A sinking feeling settled in Rob''s stomach as he realized the demon was in control and Zack was on the loose in the city.

    Zack''s eyes narrowed as he watched the bus from the shadows, every muscle in his body tense. Deb and Boon sat together, chatting, and a surge of jealousy washed over him. He couldn''t shake the feeling that Deb had moved on and was flirting with Boon, even though rational thought whispered otherwise.

    "Get a grip," Zack muttered to himself, attempting to silence the demon inside of him, but it only roared louder in response. His mind was flooded with images of Boon and Deb in a tender embrace.

    Fuelled by rage, he stepped forward, intending to attack the bus, when Ethel suddenly appeared from a nearby alley. She snapped her fingers, and time seemed to freeze around them.  Snatching hold of Zack''s arm, she pulled him back into the alley before releasing time''s hold.

    "What do you think you''re doing?" she demanded, her voice low and furious.

    "Ethel!" Zack snarled, the demon''s anger surging through him. "You let everyone think you were dead!"

    "Because you turned the police and exorcists loose on me," she retorted, unfazed by his outburst. "I''ve been using my ability to see the future to stay one step ahead."

    "Then you should know what will happen to you if you stand in my way!" Zack shot back, his eyes blazing.

    "Zack, the person I know wouldn''t consider taking a life," Ethel said firmly, her voice softening. "Especially not a friend''s."

    Her words struck a chord within him, and the rage gave way to sadness. A wave of guilt crashed over Zack as he realized how irrational he''d been and that Deb deserved happiness with or without him.

    "Ethel, I ¨C" he began, but the sound of Rob calling his name interrupted him.

    "Zack! Where are you?"

    "Wait," Ethel urged, as she watched Zack turn towards his friend''s call. "I was wrong about Paulina, we need to talk."

    With a nod of understanding, Zack and Ethel slipped away from the alley and headed toward the tent city under the overpass.

    ----

    "Zack!" Rob called again, his chest tightening with concern. Stumbling into a parking lot, he came upon a gruesome scene: police officers were loading a body into an ambulance, its white sheet stained with crimson. Fear gripped him as he thought that Zack might be responsible or, even worse, that it was Zack.

    "Rob?" The familiar voice made him turn. Relief flooded through him as he saw Lindsey on the other side of the ambulance. "Hey, what are you doing here?" she said softly, reaching out to comfort him.

    "I can''t find Zack," Rob admitted, his voice shaky.

    "Zack is a smart guy, and he''ll be fine," Lindsey assured him, pulling him in for a hug.

    Little did they know that Jessica and Abby were watching them from the shadows. "Deb told me all three ¨C Rob, Boon, and Zack ¨C had been talking to Ethel at some point," Abby whispered, her eyes scanning the area.

    "Interesting," Jessica mused. "You reported a second, smaller vessel, right? That means it could be younger."

    "Exactly," Abby agreed, her gaze never leaving the embracing pair. "But which one of them is it?"

    "We will just have to test them to find out," Jessica replied cryptically, before melting back into the shadows.

    --

    The cold wind swept through the makeshift tent city, ruffling the flaps of Ethel''s shelter. It was here that she had been hiding ever since Zack had unwittingly turned the police and exorcists onto her trail.

    "Is there any way to cure me?" Zack blurted out, his voice desperate. "I can''t keep fighting for control of myself like this, I am exhausted. Maybe an exorcism could fix everything."

    Ethel shook her head, her dark eyes somber. "When you became a vessel, the demon bonded with your soul. Most vessels die when an exorcism is performed on them. Besides, vessels are just people like everyone else. We all make mistakes."

    Zack clenched his fists, his frustration and guilt simmering. "But I can''t handle these power flare-ups and lying to my friends. It is ruining my life."

    "Well there could be a way," she relented, seeing the torment in his eyes. "It is only theoretical but some exorcist texts suggest killing the sin that made you a vessel will extinguish the curse. But only other sins, Supremes, or archangels can do that."

    "But it is possible?" Zack asked, determination etched across his face.

    "Zack it isn''t that easy, sins don''t kill each other usually and there are no Archangels or Supremes in the city. Not to mention we would have to find Gluttony," Ethel replied. "That leads us with only one option, one of us would need to become a supreme."

    "How do we do that?" Zack asked, his heart raced at the thought of being normal again.

    "We would need to steal some of Gluttony''s power. Remember when you shared some of your aura with me?" Ethel reminded him, Zack nodded remembering the sensation of their auras mixing. "It would be like that but in reverse, if we can get close enough, I know I can do it. But I need your help."

    "Deal," Zack agreed, his heart heavy with the idea of facing off against Gluttony again.

    Unbeknownst to them, Gluttony had been eavesdropping from outside the tent. As they walked away, their grotesque form began to shift and morph until they resembled a normal human being.

    --

    Back in his room, Boon sat alone, haunted by the recent events: the claw marks in the changeroom showers, his damaged car, the monstrous creature he''d seen twice now... and the strange behavior of Zack and what Deb had told him about Abby. Frustration gnawed at him as he pulled out his laptop from under his bed, determined to find answers.

    His fingers flew over the keyboard, searching for any information on powers, glowing eyes, claws, and fangs. After endless scrolling, he stumbled upon a deep web article that caught his eye: "How Do You Know a Sin Has Chosen You?" The drawing on the front was disturbingly close to what he had seen.

 Chapter 17: On the Run

    In the dimly lit archives of the Dana Porter Library, Professor Bobby Dowding''s eyes scanned over the dusty words on the pages of an old leather-bound book. The musty scent of worn paper filled his nostrils as he carefully turned each delicate page, engrossed in the history of the Waterloo Region. Suddenly, a soft scuttling sound echoed through the silent room, making him pause and look up, curiosity piquing.

    "Who''s there?" he called out tentatively, his voice sounding unnervingly loud in the quiet space. As he turned toward the source of the sound, his heart nearly stopped when he locked eyes with Gluttony, their glowing orange eyes locked on him. Terror gripped him like icy fingers around his throat, leaving him breathless and trembling.

    "Give me that book," Gluttony demanded, his voice a guttural growl that made Bobby freeze on the spot. Desperate to escape this nightmare, the professor began to hand over the text when Ethel burst into the room, her dark eyes ablaze with determination.

    "Leave him alone!" she shouted, snatching the book from Bobby''s shaking hands. With a last glance at the terrified man, she raced up the stairs, Gluttony hot on her heels. Bursting through the library doors into the night, she was momentarily blinded by a powerful spotlight, and the authoritative voice of a police officer rang out.

    "Freeze! You''re surrounded! Surrender now!" the officer commanded. Confused and panting for breath, Ethel glanced back to see no sign of Gluttony. How had they disappeared? She didn''t have time to ponder on the question, and with a surge of power, she paused time itself, allowing her to slip away to the parking lot, where Zack awaited her in the car.

    "Step on it," she urged, slamming the door shut as Zack peeled out of the parking lot. "Gluttony was at the library as we suspected you sense them if you concentrate hard enough, and I think they tipped off the cops about my arrival. They can sense you like you can sense them, which makes sneaking up on them nearly impossible."

    Zack''s blue eyes flashed with frustration as he gripped the steering wheel a little tighter. "So how do we get close if they can see us coming and why was he at the library?" he asked, jaw set in determination.

    "They wanted this old book for some reason," Ethel answered as she flipped through the pages. They raced down the street, and Ethel suddenly stiffened, sensing a familiar aura. "Jessica''s after us," she muttered, just as the piercing wail of sirens filled the air and red and blue lights reflected in the rear-view mirror. Cursing under her breath, Ethel directed Zack down a narrow side road, hoping to lose their pursuers.

    Once they were safely tucked into a dark alley, Ethel returned to flipping through the tome. She knew Gluttony wanted it for a reason, and she had to find it first. Flipping through the old pages, her eyes widened when she found it.

    "This is why Gluttony was so interested in this book," she said, pulling out a scrap of paper with a strange symbol scrawled upon it. Zack glanced at it briefly, his eyes wide in recognition.

    "I''ve seen that symbol before ¨C on Deb''s ring. The gold one with the blood moonstone in the center," he revealed, his instinct told him he needed to let Rob know. As they processed this new discovery, Ethel made a quick decision.

    "Stop and get out," she ordered, Zack shot her a look of confusion. "We can''t be caught together. I just had a vision and if you stay that is exactly what will happen." With a nod, Zack stepped out of the car and melted into the darkness, leaving Ethel to speed away alone.

    ---

    Elsewhere, Boon sat on the cold, sterile examination table at the doctor''s office, recounting his recent nightmares. The fluorescent lights above flickered, casting eerie shadows on the walls.

    "They always start out so normal but then there are these glowing eyes that seem to be looking into my very soul," as he spoke, a sudden wave of fear washed over him, and the quiet office began to shift, he found himself struggling to breathe as the air in the office began to thicken.

    The doctor turned around and Ethel stood before him, her eyes glowing with an unnatural green hue. Her face twisted into a snarl as her body began to twist, her fang grew out and claws extended from her fingertips. Boon tried to scream, but no sound came out. Just as she lunged for him, he jerked awake, gasping for breath. The doctor scribbled away on his notepad and looked to find Boon awake.

    "Sleep paralysis," the doctor explained, scribbling something on his clipboard. "It can come with hallucinations." Boon''s fingers curled into fists as he thought more about the strangeness going on around him - the article he read said that sins curse people with immense power in exchange for following them, Ethel seemed to truly believe she could stop time, she had glowing eyes just like the creature and she and Zack have been having secret meetings all semester. What if it was all real, then Zack''s talent could be from being Ethel''s vessel. It all made sense, the claw marks in the shower and the fact that Zack suddenly was better than everyone on the team but wasn''t scouted beforehand. He decided he would have to find out for himself.

    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    ---

    It was dark as Zack approached his dorm, Boon emerged from the parking lot to confront him "Hey Dawson," he said casually, leaning against the wall, "You know I read something really interesting the other day."

    Zack frowned, feeling a pang of unease. "What do you want, Boon?"

    "Nothing, I just thought you might be interested in this article," Boon replied, his voice low and threatening. "It talks all about these weird creatures called vessels, they have powers including enhanced agility. Wouldn''t it be crazy if they were real, they could turn a nobody into an all-star."

    "Boon, you''re crazy," Zack snapped, trying to hide his shock. "You are not making any sense!" Without another word, he slipped inside the building, leaving Boon seething outside.

    As he entered their dorm room still reeling from the conversation with Boon, Zack found Rob hunched over his desk, studying folklore about fairy folk. "I want to be prepared for anything," Rob explained, sensing Zack''s curiosity. "Besides, I might have a plan, but it involves Deb''s ring you texted me about."

    "Her ring?" Zack''s heart sank. "I haven''t really talked to her since we broke up. I don''t think I can just ask her for her ring."

    "Then maybe it''s time you tried, I looked into those symbols and we really need that ring" Rob suggested gently. "Reach out, mend things, or at least try to be friends."

    Zack swallowed hard, he had just let her go and now he needed to be friends with her again. His heart sank as he thought about what he had to do, he wasn''t ready but he felt like he had no choice. As Rob filled him in on his plan to stop Gluttony, Zack felt like he was standing in a vacuum lost in his twisted feelings.

    ---

    The next day in biology 101, Zack''s heart pounded as he glanced nervously at Deb sitting a few rows ahead of him. He took a deep breath and tapped out a message on his phone, "Can we talk? I have been thinking about us a lot lately and I miss you." attaching a couple of pictures they had taken together before things fell apart. He hesitated for a moment before pressing send, hoping this small gesture might get her talking to him again.

    As soon as the message reached her, Deb''s face turned pale, her eyes widening in shock. She shot Zack an accusatory glare before hurriedly gathering her belongings and storming out of the classroom. Heartsick, Zack followed her into the hallway.

    "Deb, I''m sorry," he stammered, feeling a weight bearing down on him. "I just thought¡ª"

    "Zack, stop." Deb''s voice trembled with emotion. "I know what you''re trying to do, but I need more time. I can''t be friends with you right now."

    "Deb, please¡ª" Zack pleaded, but she turned away from him, disappearing around the corner. The sound of her footsteps echoed through the empty hallway, leaving him standing alone, his heart sinking like a stone.

    Meanwhile, Boon was watching Zack closely, determined to prove his theory. As Zack retreated to Campus Pizza for lunch, Boon lurked nearby, knowing that only a vessel could hear every word he said. "I know you kissed my girlfriend, Zack, maybe I should return the favor," he muttered under his breath, the venom clear in his voice. "I''ll take Deb away from you. Wouldn''t that just be poetic?"

    Zack clenched his fists, anger boiling within him as he overheard Boon''s words. Boon watched his reaction and saw Zack''s body tense, for Boon it was enough to confirm his suspicions. Zack refused to respond, even if it meant putting his relationship with Deb further at risk.

    "Leave me alone, Boon," Zack whispered fiercely to himself, biting into a slice of pizza with a sense of defiance. "I won''t let you get mixed up in this."

    ----

    Boon strode across the campus, determination etched across his face, the brisk autumn air nipping at his cheeks. Gold and red leaves swirled around him as he searched for Deb, his plan to win her over swirling in his mind like a whirlwind. He found her sitting on a bench under an old oak tree in the quad, absorbed in a thick book that obscured her delicate features.

    "Hey, Deb," Boon greeted casually, sliding onto the bench beside her. The corners of her mouth lifted in amusement as she looked up from her reading.

    "Hi, Boon," she replied, eyes twinkling behind her glasses. "What brings you here?"

    "Ah, nothing much," he said, trying to sound nonchalant. "Just thought I''d hang out with you for a bit. How''s it going?"

    "Going well, thanks." Deb marked her place in the book and closed it, giving him her full attention. "How about you? How are things with Leona?"

    Boon hesitated for a moment before answering, a shadow passing over his face as he recalled the recent confession. "Actually, we broke up. She told me she kissed Zack after you guys split, so I ended it."

    "Really?" Deb''s eyebrows rose in surprise, concern flickering in her eyes. "I''m sorry to hear that, Boon."

    He shrugged, feigning indifference. "It''s fine, honestly. I just thought you should know."

    Deb nodded, processing the information. After a brief pause, Boon changed the subject, a playful grin spreading across his face. "So, We have a basketball game coming up. Want to come watch? I''ve missed you cheering me on."

    "Sure," Deb agreed, a small smile gracing her lips, though she had been doing her best to avoid Zack, she did miss the energy of the crowd at the games. "But just as friends, okay? I want to make that clear."

    "Of course," Boon said, his grin widening as he pretended not to notice the distinction. "Just friends."

    "Great," Deb said, her tone firm yet friendly. "I have to get to class now, but I''ll see you at the game."

    "Sounds good," Boon replied, watching as she hurried off towards her next lecture.

    As Deb disappeared from view, Boon leaned back against the bench, a triumphant smirk playing on his lips. He reveled in the thought that his plan was beginning to take shape. He knew this would make Zack angry, hopefully, angry enough to let something slip, and then he would have actual evidence of vessels. As he thought more about it his mind began to wonder about having that kind of power himself.

 Chapter 18: Truth

    Rob paced nervously behind Leona as she sat in front of his computer, her fingers flying expertly over the keys.

    "And why am I editing this found footage film again?" She had been hesitant at first, assuming Rob was trying to get her to help him cheat on a school project.

    "I told you my cousin Jodie is an amateur filmmaker, she just wanted me to make sure that everything in her film looked realistic. She doesn''t want even the tiniest detail overlooked." Rob explained. "Since I have no idea how to look for the details, I thought I would get the best person I know to help... which is you obviously."

    Leona bit her lip, still unsure if Rob was telling her the truth. Suddenly the bathroom door flew open and Ethel stepped out in a towel. Leona stared up at the most beautiful woman she had ever seen, she could feel the blood rushing to her face.

    "You''re out of soap," Ethel said casually, her eyes meeting Leona''s. "Who''s this?"

    "This is Leona, she is enhancing the video for us," Rob explained.

    Leona was struck with confusion. "Wait this is your cousin?" she tried to clarify since Ethel was Korean and Rob clearly was not.

    "He was adopted," Ethel said without skipping a beat. " I''m Mia, thank you for looking over my movie." She flashed Leona a warm smile.

    "Oh, it... is not a pro...blem, I a....m happy to help," Leona stammered, blushing even harder. Embarrassed, she quickly returned to the video, going over it frame by frame.

    "Look at this," Rob said, pointing to one particular scene as they scrubbed through the footage. Together, they watched as Gluttony tossed something into a dumpster before entering the building.

    "Wow, impressive costume," Leona remarked, admiring the attention to detail. "Must have taken days to make."

    "Can you zoom in on what they threw in the dumpster?" Rob asked. As the image came into focus, it became apparent that the discarded item was a shirt with numbers written along the sleeve.

    "Can you zoom in on those numbers?" Rob requested, leaning in closer to the screen.

    "Sorry," Leona replied. "If I go any further, it''ll just turn into a pixelated mess. Why does it matter if you can see the numbers anyway?"

    "Uh oh shit I forgot I have a night class I need to get ready for. Thanks for your help, Leona," Rob said hastily, leading her to the door. "I''m sure my cousin will win that film contest now." Once she was gone, he turned to Ethel. "Did you catch those numbers?"

    "09876," Ethel recited, squinting at the screen. Rob''s eyes widened as he realized the significance.

    "Those are from a prison uniform," he said, his voice barely more than a whisper. "If Gluttony is currently in prison, then their file will be in the prison database."

    "Great," Ethel sighed. "But how do we access that?"

    "Leave that to me," Rob replied, feeling a pang of guilt. "I''ll have to use Lindsey."

    ---

    Deb wandered through the remains of a burned-out house, her heart heavy with sadness. She had been on a walk when she spotted the home, its skeleton a reminder of a great loss. Abby appeared behind her, a somber expression on her face.

    "I wonder what happened here?" Deb asked, looking around at the charred wood and crumbling walls.

    "Two families were destroyed by dark secrets," Abby replied, a smile unnoticeable smile playing on her lips. "They took their own lives, along with those of another family."

    Deb''s eyes filled with determination, she could feel the sorrow and anguish seeping from the singed walls. "I want to be stronger so I can protect the people I care about."

    "Be patient, Deb," Abby said gently. "Keep training with me and I''ll show you how to do that."

    Deb nodded, she wanted to prevent another tragedy like this, and she couldn''t help but feel like the secret Zack was keeping from her could get him hurt.

    --

    That night the deafening roar of the basketball game drowned out everything else as Boon and Zack sat on the bench, their eyes locked in a tense conversation. The stadium lights cast a harsh glow over their faces, highlighting the newfound intensity in Boon''s gaze.

    "Zack," Boon leaned in closer, his voice barely audible above the crowd, "Are you sure you have never heard of vessels? I am giving you one last chance to fess up."

    Zack shifted uncomfortably, his fingers tightening around the basketball in his lap. "I have no clue what you are talking about, Boon. Even if what you believe was true, it would be better for you if you just stayed out of it."

    "The claw marks in the shower, you hanging out around Ethel with her glowing eyes, and your sudden ability to be an expert at everything you do. I want in, I want to be better than anyone else," Boon insisted, his earlier smugness replaced with a fierce determination.

    "Boon, that''s dangerous," Zack warned, scanning the stands for any sign of trouble. He knew they were being watched by more than just their fellow students. "There would be other vessels, the powers would be like Russian roulette. And why doesn''t everyone know they exist, imagine what is so powerful it scares vessels into hiding."

    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    Following Zack''s gaze, Boon saw Jessica and Abby sitting in the crowd next to Deb, their eyes trained on the game but their minds clearly elsewhere. The reality of the situation weighed heavily on him, and he realized that Zack was genuinely scared of these women and he felt a chill run through his entire being.

    "They don''t look so scary," Boon said quietly, his voice shaking slightly. "What are they?"

    "The last thing you will ever see if you keep asking questions," Zack responded, his eyes dark.

    Before Boon could say another word, he was subbed into the game, Leaving Zack to think about the problem Boon was becoming.

    ---

    Rob, strolled right into the police station, heading right for Lindsey''s office near the back of the building. He breathed a sigh of relief when he discovered she wasn''t there, cracking her password was easy, it was her brother''s birthday. Rob watched the screen come to life, her background showed a younger version of himself with Ryan trying to catch frogs in the marsh. A wave of guilt washed over him but he couldn''t let it stop him, not when they were this close to finding out who Gluttony was.

    He searched for the prisoner number from the security footage, only to discover that it was too long. Frustrated, he slumped back in Lindsey''s chair, racking his brain for another place that used numbers to identify people until a disturbing thought crept into his mind.

    "A patient number at an asylum," he whispered, his heart racing as he quickly looked up patient files. When Kyle''s face appeared on the screen, supposedly catatonic, Rob''s blood ran cold. He hastily deleted his search history and made for a hasty exit from the station, narrowly avoiding the officers along the way.

    Rob stumbled out of the station, his heart pounding in his chest as he tried to process what he had just discovered. The crisp night air did little to calm his nerves, and he barely had time to collect himself before he collided with a passerby.

    "Careful," said Kyle, gripping Rob''s arm tightly. "Why is there always a curious one, who doesn''t know when they are out of their depth."

    "Kyle, I know what you are," Rob gasped, struggling to keep his voice steady. "You can''t kill me here. There are too many people around."

    "Is that so?" Kyle smirked, his eyes flicking over the bustling crowd. "I could wipe out every officer in that building without breaking a sweat. You''re the only one who seems to care about human life in this conversation."

    "Wha¡ªwhat do you want from me?" Rob stammered, feeling the blood drain from his face.

    "A smart man never just explains his motives. Come with me, I have been watching you for a long time. That Lindsey friend of yours is quite stunning, isn''t she? A shame what happened to her brother though, I would hate for her family to experience another loss like that." The threat hung in the air like a noose, and Rob knew he had no other choice but to follow Kyle.

    Once they arrived at a barren lot, Kyle wasted no time transforming into Gluttony, his frightening form looming over Rob as he prepared to strike. Just as Rob braced for the inevitable impact, Ethel burst onto the scene, her eyes glowing dim green as she launched herself at Gluttony.

    "Stay back, Rob!" she shouted, her voice strained as she fought to overpower the monstrous sin. Gluttony seemed to predict her every move, easily besting her at every turn. Despite her fierce determination and time-freezing abilities, Ethel soon grew exhausted, her breaths coming in ragged gasps as she realized she couldn''t win.

    "You know this is a waste of our time Ethel. A vessel could never hope to kill a sin, we made you. Why put it off any longer, join my covenant and feel power like you have never known," Gluttony hissed, a wicked grin spreading across his grotesque features. "And I''ll even spare the boy''s life."

    Ethel hesitated, her eyes locked on Rob''s terrified expression. She couldn''t fight Gluttony on her own, and she knew if this continued they would both end up dead. Her future sight showed her no matter what she did, they would lose.

    "Tick, tock, this offer isn''t going to last much longer," Gluttony warned, looking almost bored by the whole ordeal. With no other choice, she finally agreed to Gluttony''s terms with a nod, and the two of them left Rob in the abandoned lot, his heart aching for her sacrifice.

    ---

    Back at the basketball game, Zack''s anxiety grew as Rob still hadn''t shown up. Distracted by his concern, he couldn''t help but overhear Jessica and Abby discussing Boon''s report of Gluttony''s attack at the movie theater.

    "That''s the one," Jessica motioned towards Boon on the court. "According to the police report, he claimed that the creature pinned him to the ground. Odd that Gluttony wouldn''t just kill him."

    "Can a sin''s curse be transferred with only a few seconds of contact?" Abby asked, her brow furrowed in thought.

    "Only if the sin is powerful enough," Jessica replied, her tone cautious. "It would need a strong covenant."

    Zack sat on the bench, the weight of his secret growing heavier with each passing moment. His thoughts raced with questions about where Rob was, he could use a reassuring friend right now.

    "Zack!" the coach''s voice boomed, cutting through his racing thoughts. "You''re up!"

    With a start, Zack tore his gaze away from Jessica and Abby and nodded, taking a deep breath as he stepped onto the court. The game''s energy surged around him like an electric current, but all he could think about was Boon, Rob, and how dangerous his life had become.

    "You can do this," he muttered under his breath, positioning himself at center court. He felt the weight of the basketball in his hands, its familiar texture grounding him despite the chaos.

    "Stay sharp, Zack," Kristian warned, his voice tense as they lined up for the play. "We need this."

    "Got it," Zack replied, swallowing hard. As the referee blew his whistle, Zack sprang into action, his muscles moving with practiced precision. But even as his body responded to the demands of the game, his mind was consumed with the realization that Boon''s life was very much at risk¡ªand he was the only one with the power to protect him.

    Boon darted across the court, weaving between opponents with an intensity that belied his earlier smugness. Zack knew that, beneath the surface, Boon''s desire for power had obscured his views, causing him to ignore the real danger.

    "Stay close to Boon, we are going to run our new play," Zack whispered to Eric as they regrouped for the next play, his eyes flicking nervously toward the stands where the exorcists sat, watching. "I''ve got your back."

    "Thanks," Boon returned, his jaw set. "But I don''t need it¡ªI can do this without your help."

    As the game progressed, Zack''s focus shifted erratically between the ball and the looming threat beyond the court. He fought to suppress the urge to let loose and use his powers to aid his team, and as a result, they were falling farther and farther behind.

    "Zack, pass!" Boon shouted, snapping him back to reality. With a surge of adrenaline, Zack launched the ball toward him just in time to secure a three-pointer.

    "Nice one," Boon grinned, slapping Zack on the back. "Imagine how far ahead we could be if we were on the same level."

    "Just focus on the game," Zack said, his thoughts swirled with how complicated it would be to hide Boon if he had these powers too. He knew that Rob had gone to find out Gluttony''s identity at the police station, he glanced over to the bench but there was still no sign of him, something must have gone wrong.

    As the final quarter buzzer sounded and the crowd erupted into cheers, Zack was left heading to center court, his heart pounding with more than just physical exertion. Ethel and Abby were targeting Boon, and Rob was nowhere to be found.

 Chapter 19: Tested

    The gymnasium buzzed with excitement after the final whistle blew, signaling the end of the game. The University of Waterloo had won, and Zack''s teammates cheered in celebration. Coach Reynolds, ran his hands through his salt-and-pepper hair and beamed with pride as he delivered an impassioned speech about teamwork and determination.

    As the crowd began to disperse, Zack started to scan the masses hoping to find Rob amongst the sea of faces. He couldn''t shake the feeling that something wasn''t right. His gaze darted around the room, landing on familiar faces but never finding the one he sought. What could be holding Rob up, did Lindsey catch him? or was it something worse? A tap on his back broke his train of thought.

    "Great game, Zack!" Deb had emerged from the crowd, her cheeks flushed, and her glasses askew from the excitement. Her smile was genuine, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. "I cheered so hard for you. I forgot how exciting your games can be."

    "Thanks, Deb," Zack replied, trying to hide his concern about Rob''s absence. "It means a lot." As they embraced, he felt a warmth spread through him, a spark of hope amidst his dark thoughts.

    "I really miss you and I have been doing a lot of thinking, I still don''t know why you have to keep things from us, but I know you and I know you would never do anything to hurt anyone. I want to be friends again, just friends," Deb suggested, pulling away from the hug. Zack nodded in agreement, he had missed her more than she realized.

    "Thank you," Zack said, a few small tears escaping the corner of his eyes. "I promise I am going to tell you everything, but first I need to find Rob, he isn''t answering his texts and was supposed to be at the game tonight."

    Deb looked concerned, "I am sure he is ok, he could talk himself out of any situation he finds himself in, maybe we can ask Lindsay, I saw her in the stands tonight?"

    "Oh I don''t think it is that serious," Zack backpedaled, feeling worried about getting police involved. "Just let me change and we can work together to find him." Deb nodded in agreement.

    Inside the locker room, Kristian approached Zack with an outstretched hand. "I accept your apology for that elbow during the game a few weeks ago," he said gruffly.

    "Apology?" Zack raised an eyebrow, confused. "I didn''t apologize." Zack thought back to the game, all he really remembered doing was getting the ball to Kristian more than he normally did.

    Kristian shrugged, "We made a good team tonight, and that is good enough for me." clapping Zack on the back before leaving the locker room.

    With his teammates gone, Zack continued his search for Rob, texting Deb he was going to check the locker room first. As he peered into the dark corners of the room, the overhead lights flickered and died, plunging the space into darkness. A chill ran right through him as he sensed the malevolent presence lurking in the shadows.

    "Zack," a voice whispered from the darkness, and Ethel stepped forward, her eyes glowing dim green. She was joined by Kyle, his grey eyes now burning bright orange with an eerie intensity. "We''ve been waiting for you."

    "Kyle you''re Gluttony," Zack breathed, his heart pounding even faster, the realization of Gluttony''s true identity clouding his mind. He fought to keep his fear at bay, knowing that showing weakness would only make things worse. "What do you want?"

    "Join his covenant," Ethel urged, her voice soft but insistent. "Together, we can end the exorcists."

    "Never," Zack spat, his hands balling into fists. "He''s a murderer."

    "That is a rather naive point of view isn''t it, Zack?" Kyle said, his voice silky and persuasive. "In our world, it is kill or be killed. Once they figure out what you really are, they will not stop until they have a reason to end you." As his clawed hand reached for Zack''s shoulder, a sudden burst of telekinetic energy pushed him away.

    "Get away from me!" Zack snarled, his eyes glowing pink as his own demonic powers surged within him. The surge created a glistening translucent barrier between them, Gluttony almost looked impressed.

    "I only killed those who deserved it, who were murderers themselves. See my side of things, Zack. I can show you." Kyle''s voice was almost pleading as he approached him, but the glowing wall of energy pushed him back. "I only ask that you understand why we must fight against the exorcists before it is too late."

    Zack hesitated for a moment before nodding reluctantly and dropping the barrier. Gluttony reached out and placed a clawed finger on Zack''s forehead, and a surge of memories flooded into his mind. He gasped as the sensations overwhelmed him, transporting him back to the fateful night of the fire at Kyle''s home.

    The sound of children''s laughter filled the air as Zack found himself standing in the living room of a once-happy household. He could see the kids playing on the floor while adults chatted merrily around them. Kyle stood by the dining table, pouring wine for his guests with a contented smile on his face.

    Suddenly, a flicker of flame caught Zack''s eye, and within moments, the entire house erupted into an inferno. The laughter turned into screams of terror as people scrambled to find a way out. Amidst the chaos, Zack saw Kyle coughing violently, his eyes wide with fear as he desperately searched for his wife and children.

    "Help me!" A man''s cry for help echoed through the smoky air. Kyle tried to reach out to him but was too late ¨C the floor collapsed beneath the man''s feet, swallowing him into the fiery abyss below.

    Weakened by smoke and despair, Kyle stumbled upstairs, hoping against all odds to find his family alive. His heart shattered when he discovered his wife lying lifeless on the floor, having succumbed to smoke inhalation. He cradled her body in his trembling arms, letting out a gut-wrenching scream of agony that pierced the roaring flames.

    As death loomed closer, a voice called out to him from the shadows. "Kyle, I can feel you dying," A shadow grew from the flames, "But I can save you, all you need to do is listen to me."

    "Just leave me to die, I don''t want to live anymore." Kyle wept, holding his wife closer.

    "But Kyle this fire was no accident, someone had targeted your family and your friends. They will get away with it. Unless...." the shadow trailed off.

    "Unless what." Kyle could feel the fury building inside of himself as his body weakened. "I''ll do anything to find the one responsible for this. The one who took everything from me."

    "that is all I needed to hear," the shadow slid from the wall merging with Kyle''s. Kyle''s eyes shifted to a fiery orange as his body contorted in Gluttony''s horrid form, with a bellowing roar they broke through the wall and landed safely in the grass, the sound of firetrucks approaching filled the night air. He reverted back to his human form and collapsed in the grass.

    Back in the present, Zack stared at Kyle with a mixture of horror and pity. "Gluttony is using you," he whispered hoarsely. "What would your wife think if she knew what you have done in her name."

    "She''s dead, they took her from me," Kyle replied with a bitter smile. "I''ve made my choice, and nothing will change it." He glanced at Ethel, who stood silently beside him. "What about you, Ethel? Will you reconsider your decision? Will you let the one who murdered your family live a happy carefree life?"

    Ethel hesitated, her eyes flickering between Zack and Kyle. Finally, she shook her head. "I''m sorry, Zack. I have to see this through to the end."

    "Then go," Zack said, his voice heavy with disappointment. "But know that I won''t stop fighting against you, no matter what it takes."

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    "Very well," Kyle conceded, smirking as he retreated into the shadows with Ethel. "But remember, Zack... the offer still stands."

    As the darkness swallowed them, Zack stood alone in the locker room, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He texted Deb lying about finding Rob sick in the locker room and saying she could go back to her dorm while he took care of him.

    "Rob," he whispered, steeling himself for the challenges ahead. "Where are you?"

    There was a buzz on his phone. "SORRY I MISSED YOUR MESSAGES, BUT MY PHONE DIED AND I HAD AN UNEXPECTED RUN-IN WITH GLUTTONY, OR SHOULD I SAY KYLE. THAT''S RIGHT KYLE IS GLUTTONY AND HE IS BLACK MAILING ETHEL TO JOIN HIM, AND WE HAVE TO SET UP THE PLAN LIKE RIGHT NOW!!!!!!" Zack could feel Rob''s panic through the text.

    "I know Kyle is Gluttony," Zack responded "I just had a run-in with him, he is looking for the one responsible for setting the fire and once he kills them, he will have full power. Meet me in our room asap." Zack tucked his phone away and headed out into the night, things had just become far more complicated.

    --

    Deb tossed and turned in her sleep, her dreams filled with images of Zack sneaking into her room through the window. Startled awake, she noticed that her blood moon family ring was missing from her finger. She tore apart her entire room but came up with nothing. Worried, she decided to check her car for the lost heirloom.

    As she approached the side door to her residence building, she overheard Jessica and Abby arguing. Deb ducked into her car to hide from them.

    "Things are really starting to heat up, we need her, she has more potential than half the other candidates combined." Abby insisted and she strolled alongside Jessica.

    "you know the rules, first years are only told the history of the exorcists, they are never trained in our ways, it is too risky." Jessica held steadfast to the rules. "you can''t keep bending the rules like this every time you want something, you are going to get someone hurt!" the frustration was clear in Jessica''s voice, and she took a deep breath before storming off.

    "Fine," Abby huffed once Jessica stormed off. As she left, she deliberately placed a strange dagger on the sidewalk next to Deb''s car for her to find. Unbeknownst to them, Deb watched tucked away in her back seat, her heart racing as she tried to understand their conversation. She stepped out of her car and found the red-tipped dagger at her feet. She held the weapon in her hand and questioned why Abby had left it for her.

    --

    The morning sun cast long rays across the abandoned parking lot, painting eerie patterns on the cracked asphalt. Boon''s breath fogged in the cold air as he stepped out of his car, cursing under his breath at the sudden mechanical trouble that had struck. He popped the hood and leaned in, squinting to make sense of the wires and metal-tangled mess beneath.

    "Need a hand?" Jessica''s voice startled him. She pulled up beside him in her own car, her dark curls framing a concerned expression. Boon hesitated for a moment, weighing the offer before nodding.

    "Sure, I could use some help," he said, stepping back to give her room to examine the engine. As Jessica leaned in, pretending to inspect the car''s innards, she surreptitiously prepared a mixture of holy water and palm ash, ready to drip it onto the back of Boon''s neck to test whether he was a vessel. Boon watched her with growing suspicion, his eyes narrowing as he tried to read her intentions. He knew something felt off, but couldn''t quite put his finger on what it was.

    "Hey, Boon!" Zack called out, pulling up alongside them with Rob riding shotgun. His arrival was perfectly timed, interrupting Jessica''s plans. "Looks like you''re having some trouble. Need a lift?"

    "Uh, yeah." Boon glanced between Zack and Jessica, his gaze lingering on the latter. "Thanks."

    While Boon was distracted by Zack''s offer, Jessica discreetly removed the device she''d planted earlier to interfere with his car''s electronics. With a forced smile, she patted the hood and declared, "All fixed!"

    "Really? Just like that?" Boon asked, eyeing her skeptically.

    "Yep! No problem." Jessica replied with feigned cheerfulness, eager to make a hasty exit. She got into her car and sped away.

    --

    Meanwhile, Deb and Ahmed trekked through the woods, their breaths coming in short puffs as they navigated the uneven terrain. Deb broke the silence with an unexpected revelation.

    "Boon asked me to the winter formal," she said, looking straight ahead. She continued, "And I know about Leona and Zack - that they kissed in the gym parking lot only days after we broke up."

    Ahmed winced, realizing he''d been found out. "I''m sorry I didn''t tell you," he apologized, his voice sincere. "Leona''s my friend too, and I felt like I had to keep her secret."

    Deb nodded, accepting his apology. As they continued their hike in silence, she remembered the strange dagger Abby had left for her to find. Eager to test its capabilities, she pulled it from her backpack and hurled it at a nearby tree. The blade exploded upon impact, sending splinters of wood flying in all directions. They stared at each other with wide eyes and open mouths.

    "Wow," Ahmed muttered, staring at the remains of the once-sturdy oak. "And you said Abby left that for you? What kind of psycho does that? Where would you even get something like that?"

    "I don''t know," Deb said, her eyes wide with wonder. "She knows my family history, she has been leading to something, I just don''t know what. I am not sure I want to know"

    --

    With the sun now fully above the horizon, casting shadows across the university parking lot, Boon turned to Zack, his face twisted with determination.

    "Well now it looks like I am a target too, you might as well fill me in and tell me what is really happening" he demanded, his voice low and firm.

    Zack frowned, taken aback by the repeat request, Like Boon somehow forgot their past conversations about it. He hesitated for a moment before responding, "Boon, I don''t think you understand how complicated things are right now. It''s not safe for you and the more you push the more dangerous it gets."

    "So then just make me a vessel too," Boon shot back, his eyes narrowing. "Sounds like you are too weak to handle things on your own. If I become a vessel too, I will help you take them out and I get to be the all-star I was born to be." He crossed his arms over his chest, adding, "You have all the power in the world, but you don''t know what to do with it."

    Frustration began to boil within Zack, his fists clenching at his sides. "You don''t know what you''re asking for," he warned, his voice strained.

    "Enough! Boon you read one poorly written article for beginners and you think you know what''s up? please," Rob interjected, sensing that Zack was about to do something they would both regret. "Let''s go, Zack. We have other things to deal with."

    The duo climbed into Rob''s car, the air thick with unspoken words as they drove away, leaving Boon in the empty parking lot. Rob broke the tense silence as the tires crunched on the gravel beneath them.

    "Hey, Zack," Rob said, glancing over at him. "Don''t let boon get to you, we need to focus. I managed to 3D print a copy of Deb''s ring. Thanks for getting the real one for us the other night." He handed Zack the fake ring, the intricate design nearly identical to the original.

    "Give this to Deb. We''ll switch them back once we''ve sealed away Gluttony," he continued, his eyes focused on the road ahead. "Do you think you could use your vessel abilities to find her?"

    Zack nodded, taking the replica ring from Rob. He closed his eyes for a moment, focusing on Deb''s energy. "She''s out in the woods," he confirmed, feeling her presence nearby. "Trusser''s trail."

    As they drove towards the trail, Zack couldn''t help but feel a twinge of guilt for not being completely honest with Deb after claiming he would be. He knew that sealing away Gluttony was their priority, but how could they start over if he was already back to his old habits?

    The car came to a stop near the edge of the forest, and the friends stepped out into the cool morning air. The sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves filled the silence between them as they made their way deeper into the woods, following the faint traces of Deb''s presence.

    "Remember," Rob whispered as they approached Deb''s location, "just give her the fake ring and act natural, you found it under the bleachers at the game. We don''t want her getting suspicious."

    Zack nodded, his heart pounding in his chest as he prepared to face Deb, and whatever consequences their actions might bring.

    The forest loomed dark and mysterious, casting eerie shadows that danced with the breeze. sunlight barely filtered through the dense canopy above, leaving the lower branches barren and twisted together like a net. Zack and Rob crept carefully through the woods, their footsteps barely making a sound on the soft earth beneath.

    "Hey, there''s Deb," Rob whispered, pointing to where she stood with Ahmed in a small clearing, she concentrated as she took aim with a knife. She sent it whirling at something deeper into the tree line, she turned to Ahmed. "I''ll be right back," she said before slipping into the darkness to retrieve the blade.

    "Quick, let''s go," Zack urged Rob, his heart racing as he held the fake ring tightly in his hand. They approached Ahmed, who eyed them warily but said nothing.

    "I found Deb''s ring, I just want to return it to her." Zack flashed the ring before wandering towards the spot where Deb entered the forest. Rob stayed back with Ahmed and watched as Zack inspected the tree line.

    "Who''s there?!?" Deb''s shout cut through the still air as Zack startled her, followed by a crackling sound as a stun gun discharged its voltage. Zack''s body convulsed with pain, his vision blurring as he struggled to maintain consciousness. "Oh my God, I am so sorry!" Her face was filled with regret and concern.

    In his disoriented state, he fumbled the replica ring into Deb''s outstretched palm "Found this after the game last night," he gasped, trying to make his words believable despite the agony coursing through his veins.

    "That is your priority right now? Not the fact I accidentally electrocuted you?" Deb''s face softened, relief flooding her features as Zack seemed to be ok and her precious family heirloom was safe.

    "I''ve felt worse," Zack said, as Deb helped him back to his feet.

    "Thank you, Zack," she whispered, her arms wrapping around him in a warm embrace. His heart ached as he returned the hug, the weight of his deception weighing heavily upon him. "I have to go, I promised Samantha we would meet up and go over notes for finals." With a final squeeze, Deb pulled away and walked off with Ahmed, leaving Zack and Rob alone in the clearing.

 Chapter 20: Be Careful What You Wish For

    Rob stood under the soft glow of a streetlamp, watching as Lindsey worked late into the night at her home. The light from her desk lamp cast a warm halo around her as she poured over the case files. He knew she was dedicated, but she would never be able to solve this case, making him feel even more guilty over what he was about to do.

    Shaking it off, he clenched the bottle of whiskey tightly in one hand, and with the other Rob knocked on her door. When Lindsey opened the door, surprise flickered across her face before being replaced by a tired smile.

    "Thought you could use a break," Rob said, holding up the whiskey.

    "You know I could arrest you for having that when you are underage?" she teased, Rob''s face turned bright red with the realization that she was right.

    "But you won''t because it is me." He half-joked, half-hoped.

    Lindsay reached over and took the bottle from him. "Thanks, I really needed this," Lindsey replied, letting him in.

    They sat down together on the couch, the clink of their glasses punctuating the silence between them, Rob''s contained diet Coke Lindsey had found in the back of her fridge. Rob watched Lindsey carefully refilling her glass whenever it got too low, waiting for the right moment to ask about the case. As the alcohol loosened her tongue, he steered the conversation towards the people killed by Gluttony. "Still working on the Ethel murder case, eh?"

    "Yeah, and we still have no idea where she is hiding," Lindsey confessed with a sigh.

    "I wonder how Ethel chose her victims?" he prosed.

    "Y''know, That''s...that''s the easy part," Lindsey slurred, struggling to focus. "The victims all had some connection to that fire that killed Ethel''s family. Greg was the fire inspector, and there were rumors he covered up the true cause of the fire."

    "Really?" Rob asked, now he could see Gluttony''s plan. "Why the others?"

    "Rachel, Peter, Wes, and Adrian all had arson histories. They were suspects at some point or another," she continued, her brow furrowing as she tried to recall more details. "Oh, and there was some rumour about it being the result of a cult, old ghost stories about strange things going on in that house, most likely Ethel is just looking for revenge for her loss." Lindsay paused staring out into space. "I can''t say I really blame her for it."

    Rob understood what Gluttony needed to restore his full power, Kyle needed to find the one who started the fire and if he found them then he would win. But as Lindsey seemed lost in thought about Ethel''s loss, her thoughts drifted towards memories of her brother.

    "I miss Ryan much," she whispered, tears filling her eyes. "I miss talking to him and watching him play with you. And taking you both for ice cream...those were good times."

    Rob nodded, his own heart aching at the mention of Ryan. "I miss him too," he admitted softly. He couldn''t lie to her anymore, " Lindsey, listen there is something I need to tell you," He began but as he looked over he found her slumped over the arm of the couch.

    Lindsey''s eyes drooped closed and Rob tucked her in. As he went to make his exit, a case file on her coffee table caught his attention. It was the original case file for the fire five years ago and Rob knew that an original suspect list was most likely included inside. He knew it could cost Lindsey her job if anyone ever found out she left sensitive files out and a civilian got a hold of them. He also knew Gluttony already had this list, most likely from Greg when he held him hostage for days. Rob flipped open the file and searched for Gluttony''s potential targets, most of whom were dead, and that is when he found it. He quickly closed the file and left out into the cold night, The sight of Abby''s name still fresh in his mind.

    -----

    Zack sat in his dorm room, his focus scattered as he tried to work on his philosophy paper. His mind raced, as he thought about the email that told him he''d need an extension if he wanted to pass the class. He sighed, rubbing his temples.

    A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts, and Deb entered, her eyes filled with concern. "We need to talk, I think I know why you have been so secretive and protective, some things on campus just don''t add up. I don''t know how you got mixed up in it all but I am starting to see it too." Zack went to speak but she continued "I don''t know all the details but I think Jessica and Abby are involved in it too, I have heard them talking about me, and nothing they do seems to make sense. I mean what is it? Is it drugs? Boon said he saw a glowing-eyed monster, which isn''t possible, but what if someone dosed him before the attacks? I need to know right now what is happening at this school, please I can handle it." Her eyes searched Zack''s for any sign of what he was thinking.

    Before he could respond, their conversation was cut short when Kenzie burst in, excitedly announcing that she had a date.

    "I have a date and he will be here any minute!" she squealed, "I just need like five more minutes, Deb could you help me?" Not wanting to continue their discussion in front of her, Deb nodded.

    Kenzie turned to Zack "He is downstairs. Just tell him I will be right down."

    Zack took the elevator down, dreading having to finish the conversation with Deb once Kenzie was gone. His heart dropped as he approached the glass doors, his supernatural senses filling him with a heavy dread. There, waiting patiently, was Kyle - the last person he expected to see taking Kenzie out on a date.

    -----

    Back at the school, Boon was in the locker room, changing out of his basketball practice gear. The scent of sweat and old sneakers hung heavy in the air as he tried to shake off his frustration over Zack''s constantly acting like he was the crazy one. He slammed his locker shut, startling himself with the sudden noise.

    "Boon," Ethel said, stepping out of the shadows, her voice soft and seductive. "We need to talk."

    "Ethel?" Boon asked, taken aback. "What are you doing here?"

    She stepped closer, her eyes locked on his, their unusual green hue even more vivid than usual. "I''ve been watching you, Boon. You''re strong and determined... but most importantly you are right about everything."

    "Really? You and Zack are vessels?" Boon asked, his curiosity piqued despite his apprehension.

    "Of course and you could be one too," Ethel purred. "Together, we would be unstoppable."

    A jolt of excitement ran through Boon''s entire body. For months, he''d watched Zack use supernatural abilities to dominate on the court. If becoming a vessel meant he could finally step out of Zack''s shadow, then it was worth giving up everything for. Swallowing his fear, he nodded. He knew he wasn''t crazy and now he would able to surpass Zack, "Show me what I need to do."

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    "Follow me," Ethel instructed, her eyes glinting with satisfaction.

    -----

    Zack fought to keep his panic in check as he raced back to his room. Kenzie had just left with Kyle. He couldn''t let Kyle hurt Kenzie; he had to do something. Bursting through the door, he grabbed his phone and dialed Rob''s number. Deb looked up from her seat on his bed, confusion etched across her face.

    "Rob, meet me in the parking lot," Zack blurted out. "It''s an emergency."

    "Zack, what''s going on?" Deb asked, her concern growing.

    "Deb, I''ll explain everything when I get back. Please, just wait for me here," Zack implored before bolting out of the room.

    As Kenzie and Kyle drove away from campus, Kenzie noticed that Kyle had missed the turn for the restaurant. "I think that wa-" Before she could question him, a car bumped into theirs from behind, jolting them both. Shocked, she looked back to see Rob behind the wheel of the other vehicle.

    Kyle smirked at Zack as they all stepped out to survey the damage. "Impressive move, Zack. But you are focused on the wrong problem as usual." He whispered.

    "What are you talking about?" Zack demanded, his heart pounding in his chest.

    "Think about it, my only goal is to eliminate problems," Kyle revealed. "This girl isn''t a problem. My little stunt here was just a distraction. Only one of your little friends has become an issue." Kyle smiled as a look of confusion overtook Zack''s face.

    "Zack, Boon, and Ahmed are the only ones uncounted for and let''s face Ahmed hasn''t exactly been poking around for answers." Rob reasoned, overhearing the two''s conversation. Kenzie was too busy surveying the damage to hear what anyone was saying.

    "Rob," Zack said, his voice tense. "Make sure Kenzie gets home safe. I''ve got to go." And with that, he sprinted away from the gathering crowd, his mind racing with fear for his teammate.

    "Kenzie," Kyle said, feigning disappointment. "It looks like our date will have to wait for another time. I need to get my car to the shop."

    "Fine," Kenzie replied, her eyes filled with disappointment as she stepped back from his jeep. She couldn''t shake the feeling that she wouldn''t be seeing her date again.

    --

    Ethel led Boon through the charred remains of a once stately home, its blackened walls standing as a haunting testament to the tragedy that had occurred there. The moonlight pierced through the skeletal structure, causing Boon''s heart to race with a mix of excitement and dread.

    "In order for the ritual to work you have to be inside," Ethel said, her voice barely above a whisper. She stepped over the debris with ease, her eyes glowing dimly green in the darkness.

    Boon followed her cautiously, his breath hitching when he realized that he''d seen this house before - in his dreams. He could almost hear the crackling flames and the screams of those trapped inside, and it sent a shiver down his spine. As they ventured deeper into the house, away from the scarce light filtering in through the broken windows, Boon''s unease grew exponentially.

    "Ethel," he said, swallowing hard. "Why do we have to be here for the ritual? What does this have to do with becoming a vessel?"

    "Patience, Boon," she replied, her voice silky and enigmatic. "All will become clear soon."

    As they entered what must have been the living room, Boon expected to see ruins or an altar of symbols carved into the walls. As he took in the barren room he felt more confused, there was nothing but scorch marks and scattered leaves. He glanced at Ethel, who was studying him intently.

    "Ethel, I don''t understand. How can this place give me everything I want?" His voice wavered as he spoke, his fear beginning to bubble over.

    "Ah," Ethel said, a sinister smile playing at the corners of her lips. "It''s simple, really. You want power, don''t you? To be better than Zack, to be stronger, faster, and more skilled? You would do anything for that, risk us all for it."

    "No...No I would keep it a secret, N..nobody wou...ld ever know," Boon said hesitantly, his stomach knotting with apprehension. "I would never tell anyone what happened here."

    "This is the place where things end," she replied, sounding almost apologetic. "Where we lose our humanity."

    Suddenly, it all clicked into place for Boon. This was a trap, and he''d walked right into it. He was so blinded by the possibility of having more power that he never questioned what was happening. He fell to his knees, hands shaking as he begged for his life.

    "Please, Ethel, don''t do this! I don''t want to die!"

    "Unfortunately, Boon," Ethel said coldly, her fangs and claws elongating before his eyes. "You risk exposing us all to the exorcists, we can''t trust you. You are a wild card and there''s a reason no one is here to save you."

    "No!" Boon cried out, tears streaming down his face. "I promise I won''t say anything to anyone!"

    Just as Ethel was about to strike, a figure burst through the door, eyes glowing an intense pink. Boon stared at his teammate, relief and awe mingling in his expression. Zack raised his hand, forcing Ethel back his a telekinetic wave.

    "Get away from him, Ethel!" Zack roared, his voice distorted by the demonic power coursing through him.

    "Zack..." Boon whispered, his voice trembling with gratitude. "You...you saved me."

    "Of course," Zack said, his attention never leaving Ethel. "I couldn''t let her hurt you, Boon."

    As Ethel glared at Zack, the plans thwarted, Boon knew that he would never forget the sight of his teammate standing before him, a true force to be reckoned with, a feeling of jealousy still twisting in his gut.

    Before any could make a move, Zack cried out in pain as holy water bullets tore through the walls of the house, sizzling upon impact. In that instant, all thoughts of fighting vanished; survival was their only goal.

    "Come on, you have to go!" Ethel ordered, her voice strained with urgency. Her eyes flared as she paused time, unsure if she could hold it long enough for them to escape. Zack grabbed Boon''s arm and pulled him towards the back door, while he clutched his burning shoulder. As they reached the back door Zack turned back to look at Ethel "I will stay back and try to hold them off." Zack knew he couldn''t argue with her and vanish with Boon through the door frame.

    Their escape was swift; they hopped over the fence and disappeared into the woods. The trees provided some cover, but Zack knew they couldn''t stop running, not yet. Boon raced ahead, his fear driving him forward. Zack tried to keep up, but his body betrayed him. The holy water coursing through his veins overwhelmed him, and he passed out, collapsing onto the damp forest floor.

    --

    When Zack awoke, he found himself lying on a plush sofa at Night School, the scent of burning sage filling the air. Paulina tended to his wounds with a focused expression. Her light brown eyes met his, and she sighed with relief.

    "Thank God you''re awake," she said softly, dabbing a homemade ointment onto his wound. "You had me worried for a moment there."

    "Paulina...what happened? How did I get here?"

    "I found you in the woods, I knew Gluttony would be hanging around the place he was created, lucky for you I have been watching the home for weeks. You were still in your demon form so I brought you here, this way I didn''t have to deal with the doctor''s questions. Don''t worry about the holy water, I simple mix of demon''s blood and nightshade removed it from your system."

    "Thank you." Zack winced as she applied a bandage to his shoulder. "But how did you know what to do?"

    "Because, Zack, Ethel was right, I''m a true Wiccan. One of only two dozen in this world. We are blessed with the sight, we can see the way all things are connected. This sight is a gift we don''t take lightly, we guard the balance of all things natural and supernatural. I apologize for keeping this from you, but I''m bound by certain rules. I cannot interfere until it''s clear that the scales have tipped too far in one direction."

    "Is that why you''re helping me now?"

    "Yes," she said, her voice somber. "The situation has escalated beyond my expectations, and I must do what I can to restore the balance."

    -----

    Deb paced anxiously in Zack''s dorm room, worried about his sudden disappearance. When her phone buzzed with a text from Abby, she hesitated before reading it.

    "Meet me at St. Jerome''s Parish if you want to learn the truth," the message read. Unable to resist her curiosity, Deb decided to take action and find out for herself what was really going on.

    Upon arriving at the church, Abby led her to an underground facility hidden beneath its halls. "Are you ready to see the truth, to really know what is happening in the world around you?" Abby asked, in a tone that seemed urgent and serious.

    Deb couldn''t read what it could be, but she was tired of feeling left in the dark and maybe she would finally be on the inside of this secret that seemed to have consumed the quiet campus. "I''m ready," she confirmed.

    Abby pushed a large steel door aside and there, Deb''s heart pounded in her chest as she was confronted with the shocking sight of Ethel. Her eyes glowing green, her clawed fingers extended, her thin body now laced with thick muscles. She was bound with metal chains and hanging from the ceiling, in a room seemingly designed for this. Deb couldn''t move, she couldn''t breathe, all she could think was this can''t be real.

    "Behold the true face of your enemy, demons are real," Abby whispered, her hazel eyes glinting with a dark intensity. Deb stared at Ethel, unable to tear her gaze away from the horrifying sight before her. The world she knew was unraveling before her very eyes, and there was no turning back now.

 Chapter 21: Torture

    The rain pelted against the windshield as Deb''s car sped down the slick city street, her tears blending with the droplets streaming down the glass. The distorted neon lights of the city blurred together in a haze of pain and confusion. She could hardly see through the cascade of her own emotions, but she knew one thing: she had to get as far away from St. Jerome''s as fast as possible.

    "Eighty in a sixty zone? Really, Deb?" she chastised herself between sobs. But it was too late. The flash of red and blue lights filled her rear-view mirror, and she pulled over to the side of the road, her heart pounding in her chest.

    An officer emerged from the police car, her uniform soaked from the relentless downpour. Her expression was stern as she approached Deb''s window, which reluctantly rolled down with a creak. "You were going eighty in a¡ª" she began but stopped short when she saw Deb''s tear-streaked face and trembling hands gripping the steering wheel.

    "Are you alright?" The young officer asked, concern overriding her initial anger. Deb tried to speak, but all that came out were choked sobs and unintelligible mumbles. It was as if her words were trapped beneath the crushing weight of her terror.

    "Please...just give me the ticket," Deb managed to choke out, her voice raw from crying. The officer hesitated, taking a step back to assess the situation.

    "Look, I''m going to let you off with a warning this time," She said, her voice gentle. "But I want you to stay pulled over until you can pull yourself together, alright?"

    "Okay," Deb whispered, nodding shakily. The officer gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder before returning to her patrol car and driving away.

    As the officer''s taillights disappeared into the night, Deb''s mind was flooded with the horrific images she had just witnessed. The secret underground facility beneath St. Jerome''s Parish, where Abby revealed a side of herself that Deb could never have imagined.

    The way Abby smiled as she electrified Ethel, the captured vessel, discussing how to determine if someone was a vessel¡ªthe fangs, glowing eyes, claws, aversion to salt, and holy water being poison to them.

    "Deb, you''re strong," Abby had said, smiling reassuringly at her. "I can feel it. I think you have the most potential I''ve ever seen to become an exorcist."

    But Deb was horrified. She couldn''t believe that Abby was torturing Ethel, but more terrifying was the fact Ethel wasn''t human. But she hid her shock, not wanting Abby to turn on her too.

    "An exorcist?"

    "Heroes wiping out the dark creatures of this world." Abby explained, "Your parents are some of the best exorcists in the world and they sent you here to learn and train." Abby grasped Deb''s shaking hands, "Killing monsters is in your blood." It was a chilling revelation that left Deb questioning everything she knew about herself and the world around her.

    "Help me hunt the other vessel," Abby had asked.

    Deb hesitated, "I need time to think about this, It is all just so much to take in."

    "of course, it is a choice that shouldn''t be taken lightly," Abby agreed, " it means being willing to put your life on the line for others." Deb had nodded and fled the room, unable to bear the sight any longer.

    Now, sitting alone in her car with the rain pounding against the roof, Deb shivered as the memories played over and over in her mind like a twisted film reel. Would she ever be able to look at Abby¡ªor herself¡ªthe same way again?

    -----

    Meanwhile, Zack lay recovering from his wounds in Paulina''s office, his body''s healing slowly sealing up each bullet hole but his spirit remained intact. The front door creaked open and Kyle glided into the establishment, he scanned the bar with a look of disdain.

    "I am here for a pickup, one vessel, please." He announced as he strode towards Paulina, who was wiping it down.

    Paulina continued to scrub, barely looking up at him, "I am afraid we are closed at the moment, please feel free to come back during operating hours," she moved on to restocking the bar.

    A look of amusement stretched across Kyle''s face. "I don''t think you understand who is asking you." He flashed his orange eyes.

    Paulina stopped and gripped the neck of the gin bottle tightly "I know exactly who I am dealing with, a sin who seems to have forgotten the rules," Kyle goes to speak but Paulina raises a finger to silence him. "You created vessels to gain power and just let them run wild, you dragged human authorities into a supernatural investigation, you started a fight with the exorcists and the list goes on. My job is to maintain balance and you have destroyed that, and you know the consequences of your actions, you will get no help from me." there was a rage to Paulina''s tone that Zack had never heard before, it seemed to leave Kyle momentarily speechless.

    Then Kyle lunged at the bar but pulled back quickly, "Wood of the cross, that''s an old one," Kyle muttered as he massaged his smoking hand that had made contact with the bar.

    "the door is that way," Paulina ordered him to leave, "and Zack is off limits to you, try anything and the council will be notified."

    In a fit of rage, Kyle threw a barstool into the wall next to Paulina''s head. She didn''t even flinch. "Come back with money for a drink next time," she said casually.

    As Kyle stormed out, he threatened her, "Watch your back wiccan, even your sight can''t protect you from everything that goes bump in the night!"

    Zack''s eyes fluttered open, the light pouring through Paulina''s office window revealing that it was now the following morning. Panic surged through him as he realized how much time had passed and what little time he had left to protect Ethel. He frantically searched for his phone among the scattered remnants of his belongings.

    "Easy there, Zack," Paulina warned as she entered the room, her voice steady but urgent. "We don''t have much time. The exorcists are preparing to rage war on all supernatural beings in Waterloo. They''ve taken the deaths of three of their own personally."

    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    Zack paused and remembered how Ethel had helped him escape the burned-out house when the exorcists had arrived. A shudder ran down his spine at the thought of her being captured.

    "Paulina... do you know if they caught Ethel?" he asked hesitantly.

    "Unfortunately, yes," she replied, her face grim. "My informant confirmed it. She''s being held by the exorcists. They are pressing her for the identity of the other vessel, she is keeping quiet which is keeping her alive. I don''t know how long they will continue to let her live."

    Determination filled Zack''s chest as he dialed Rob''s number, needing to formulate a plan to save Ethel. "the exorcists have Ethel, we need to save her."

    Rob answered the call, his voice hesitant. "I think we should let Ethel go, Zack. It''s too risky and she is with Kyle now."

    "No," Zack said firmly. "I''m going to save her, no matter what it takes. She has always saved me."

    Rob sighed on the other end of the line. "Alright, let''s brainstorm some ideas after practice when you get back to the dorm."

    "Deal," Zack agreed, ending the call. Paulina placed a gentle hand on his shoulder as he stood up, her eyes filled with concern. "Be careful, Zack. A fight with the exorcists could be a risky move, you are new to this world which will only make it harder. Sometimes you can''t save everyone."

    "Thanks, Paulina," he muttered, stepping outside the club.

    Zack rushed down the streets realizing he was going to be late for practice, he knew he had to keep up appearances to ensure no one else started asking questions. As he walked towards the locker room, he overheard Kenzie leaving a mostly pathetic voicemail for Kyle, asking when they could reschedule their date before breaking down into tears. The sound of her despair tugged at Zack''s heart, but Paulina''s words echoed in his ears: he couldn''t save everyone.

    -----

    Meanwhile, Deb tossed and turned in her bed, trapped in an intense nightmare. Images of Zack fighting Abby and Ethel on a rooftop filled her mind, all three of them locked in a deadly battle. Zack struggled to keep up as exhaustion overtook him. In the end, his eyes fluttered shut, and he fell off the roof just as Abby and Ethel lunged to finish him off.

    Deb woke up with a start, drenched in a cold sweat. The vivid images of the nightmare lingered, sending shivers down her spine. She clutched her sheets tightly as she tried to shake off the terror that had gripped her in her sleep. But the thought still lingered, what was Zack''s part in all of this?

    -----

    Zack stood in the dimly lit locker room, his mind racing, as Coach Reynolds berated him for his failing grades. "You''re failing four of your five classes!?! did you forget the academic standard required to stay on the team and campus?" The musty scent of sweat and disinfectant hung heavily in the air, but it barely registered with Zack, whose thoughts were consumed by Ethel''s capture. He felt like a failure in every way; he failed his classes, he failed to save Ethel, and he failed to stop Gluttony. The memory of promising Deb everything slipped away as he was consumed by his failures.

    "Look, kid," Coach said gruffly, wiping his brow with a towel. "I''m keeping you on the team because you''re my best player, and I''d rather lose my wife and kids than you. But the winter formal is off-limits. You need to get your head in the game and focus on your studies."

    With that, Coach stormed out of the locker room, leaving Zack alone with his thoughts. As he mulled over his plans to save Ethel, he realized that attacking the campus could end up with Deb finding out what he was. He had to make sure she wouldn''t be on campus in case things got out of hand, and that''s when he spotted Boon getting changed across the room. An idea struck him: if Boon took Deb to the winter formal, she''d be far away from campus for hours and he could enact his plan. Unbeknownst to Zack, Boon had already asked Deb to the dance.

    "Hey, Boon," Zack called out, trying to sound casual. "You should take Deb to the formal. She could use a night out, this semester has been so stressful for her. I know this is a weird request but I think she would really appreciate it."

    "Ha!" Boon scoffed, not bothering to hide his amusement. He glanced at Rob, who had been eavesdropping nearby. "Why don''t you two screw each other instead?" With a smug grin, Boon sauntered away.

    Zack bristled at Boon''s dismissive attitude, but he couldn''t let Deb get caught up in any of this. He moved closer to Boon and lowered his voice to a threatening growl. "You know you were right, vessels exist, and imagine what my super strength could do to you."

    The color drained from Boon''s face, and he hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement.

    -----

    Meanwhile, at the Conestoga Mall, Deb confided in Ahmed about her nightmare as they browsed through racks of clothing. She left out the part about Ethel being a demon, unwilling to burden him with that revelation. Her thoughts swirled with what she should do, does she tell the police, how many exorcists were there, can she keep ignoring her parents'' calls?

    "Hey, I got you this dress," Ahmed said, holding up a gorgeous gown with an apologetic smile. Deb snapped back to the present to take in the dress. "You know, as a ''sorry I knew Leona made out with your boyfriend when he wasn''t really your boyfriend'' present."

    Deb eyed the dress with a smile, still feeling a little betrayed by her best friend. But she couldn''t deny it was a lovely gesture. "Fine, but I also want you to take Leona to the dance, and make sure she doesn''t try it again," she said firmly.

    Ahmed rolled his eyes but agreed to the terms with a nod just as Leona sneezed violently from the nearby Hudson''s Bay counter, no doubt due to the overwhelming scent of perfumes. As Ahmed accepted his fate as a babysitter for the night, both he and Deb went on to enjoy their afternoon at the mall, away from their worries if only for a little while.

    -----

    Beneath the dim flickering lights of St. Jerome''s Parish, Abby paced around the exorcist training grounds, her brow furrowed in deep thought. She couldn''t shake the nagging feeling that Ethel might have told Joanna and who Joanna told about the fire before Gluttony murdered her. The weight of their shared history pressed heavily on her chest.

    "So you caught me again. Feels like history is repeating itself," Ethel muttered, her voice barely audible as she stood chained to a cold metal table. Her eyes were filled with sadness and an unspoken rage. Abby, however, seemed too lost in her own thoughts to notice.

    "Ethel, you have to help me track down Gluttony''s covenant," Abby insisted, her eyes fixed on a dusty tome in the corner of the room. "You know what he will do to me if he finds me, we were friends once. It doesn''t have to end this way, we can still fix things,"

    Ethel stiffened, her face etched with pain. "You are right we were friends, I told you everything about me and you used it against us. I didn''t know you were planning to kill everyone, I would have never told you if I had known what you were going to do," she whispered, barely able to meet Abby''s gaze.

    Abby stopped in her tracks, her heart pounding wildly in her chest as the implications of Ethel''s words finally registered. Is history repeating itself? No, it couldn''t be...

    "Wait," she said, her voice trembling with a sudden realization. "Zack is the other vessel, of course. Another unholy bond between vessel and exorcist."

    The air in the room seemed to thicken, charged with the weight of this revelation. Abby''s mind raced frantically, connecting dots that had previously eluded her. If Deb loved Zack, then everything she had been working towards could crumble like a house of cards.

    "Abby..." Ethel''s voice was gentle, filled with a sorrow that mirrored the turmoil raging within Abby''s soul. "Please, don''t make the same mistake again. Look at the mess you''ve already made, you are the reason Glottony was able to step foot on this plane of existence. More killing will only lead to more destruction, Zack is innocent and you know that!"

    Abby swallowed hard, her eyes darting between Ethel and the ancient book that held the exorcist code. She had turned Ethel''s family over to the exorcists but she had also instigated the fight, that caused Ethel to be grounded and left at home safely. She had lit that match, she had started all of this and now she had to clean up the loose ends.

    "Ethel," she said quietly, her voice laced with a newfound determination. "I''m afraid Zack needs to go and so do you, they all do if I am going to get out of this without anyone knowing I broke the rules."

    A flicker of fear ignited in Ethel''s eyes as she nodded, her chains rattling softly against the cold metal of the table. She realized her former friend was too far gone to save and it would now be Abby''s life or hers.

 Chapter 22: Winter is Coming

    At the UWP residence building, the common room hummed with soft chatter and laughter as Kenzie carefully mended Zack''s pants, the needle glinting under the dim light. "Are you sure you should be sneaking into the dance?" she asked, her fingers deftly working the fabric. "I mean I love, love as much as the next girl, but is it really worth the risk of getting kicked off the team?"

    "I just want to one dance with Deb, I will slip in and out before anyone notices," Zack replied, his voice tense with anticipation as he watched her work. Kenzie nodded along with Zack''s plan and hoped for the best. Once the pants were repaired, he quickly got dressed and headed right for the dance.

    He knew he wasn''t supposed to go but he needed to be seen by a few people if his plan was going to work, if they could pull off their plan then Ethel would be free and Gluttony would be gone by the end of the night. As Zack strolled towards the dance, he couldn''t help but smile at the thought he could be human again.

    -----

    Inside the venue, an array of fairy lights twinkled like stars over the dance floor as students swayed to the music. Boon had already pre-gamed, downing the last drops of the questionable contents of his flask just outside the entrance, while Leona tried not to let her disappointment show over Boon taking Deb to the dance instead of her. Rob entered the dance and made his way around back, to prop a door open for Zack around back. Zack entered the hall an hour late, his heart pounding as he skulked around, searching for Deb and trying to avoid his coach''s watchful gaze.

    As he scanned the crowd, someone else caught his eye - Kyle was at the Winter Formal too, Zack held his breath. He felt a shiver run down his spine, his instincts screaming for him to run and he felt the sins aura suffocating him from across the room.

    Over by the punch bowl, Rob observed Ahmed feigning interest in Leona''s complaints about Boon taking Deb to the dance instead of her. He approached, his nerves tangling in knots as he awkwardly asked Ahmed to dance.

    "Um, hey Ahmed... would you like to dance?"

    "Sure, Rob" Ahmed agreed, a curious smile on his face. "Anything to get me....." His eyes caught Leona''s "I mean that sounds nice." He followed Rob out to the dance floor leaving Leona behind.

    As they moved to the rhythm of the music, Rob finally mustered the courage to confess. "You look really good tonight." His cheeks reddened, but he pressed on. "I mean you always look good, obviously. I just um... I think you are great."

    Ahmed stared at Rob, his eyes wide in surprise.

    "Listen," Rob continued, his voice soft yet earnest. "I think you are brilliant too, like give me a run for my money smart. One day, you''ll move on and get a Nobel Prize for some miracle cure for cancer."

    "Thank you, Rob," Ahmed replied, touched by Rob''s heartfelt words. "That''s really sweet of you. You know you are full of surprises."

    Rob beamed, delighted that his feelings had been acknowledged, if not reciprocated. He hadn''t expected Ahmed to fall for him on the spot but step one of his two hundred-and-thirty-seven-step plan had finally been crossed off his list. As the music picked up, Rob remained in awe of his dance partner.

    -----

    As Zack weaved through the throngs of students on the dance floor, his eyes scanned the room for any sign of Deb, he wanted to surprise her after saying he wouldn''t be able to go. The music thumped in time with his heartbeat when he noticed the coach making a B-line straight for him.

    "Zack!" Coach barked from across the room, his eyes narrowed and locked onto him. Panic flooded Zack''s veins as Coach began to push the partygoers out of his way, his face a mask of barely contained anger. Desperate, Zack stumbled into Kristian, who looked equally surprised at the sudden contact.

    "Sorry, man," Zack mumbled, grabbing Kristian''s arm and pulling him into a dance just as Coach caught up to them. "I, uh, really needed a dance partner."

    "You are making the basketball team look bad!?" Coach growled, his voice low and dangerous. But now everyone was looking at him, and he realized the students assumed something different, a cold sweat broke across his has as he tried to backpedal. "No not because... I mean I would never.... some of my best friends are... You know what, you can stay at the dance, but I expect to see you in my office tomorrow morning. No excuses!"

    "Y-yes, sir," Zack stammered, his pulse racing. As soon as Coach turned away, he scurried off, leaving Kristian behind. Olivia, Kristian''s date, approached him with drinks, her eyebrows knit together in confusion.

    "Everything okay?" she asked, but Kristian just shrugged, unable to provide an answer.

    -----

    Zack finally spotted Deb near the edge of the dance floor, her short black hair framing her delicate face, and glasses perched on her nose. He took a deep breath and approached her, his heart swelling with affection.

    "Surprise, I was able to sneak my way in here after all," he said, a hint of nervousness in his voice. "Would you like to dance?"

    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    "Of course," she replied, a small smile gracing her lips as they moved into each other''s arms, swaying to the slow tempo of the music.

    "Deb, I need to tell you something," Zack began, his blue eyes locked onto hers, he didn''t know what was going to happen tonight so he took his shot. "I''m in love with you." The words tumbled out, raw and vulnerable, but he couldn''t hold them back any longer. Deb''s eyes widened, but Zack continued, desperate to reassure her. "You don''t have to say anything back. I just... I needed to tell you how I feel."

    "Zack," Deb whispered, her voice trembling. "There''s something I need to tell you too. I ¡ª" Her thoughts shift back to Ethel, could she really drag Zack into that mess, if he wasn''t in it already?

    "Don''t," Zack interrupted, seeing her hesitation filled him with worry that she didn''t feel the same. "You can tell me later. Right now, let''s just enjoy this moment together."

    As they danced, their fingers interlaced and their bodies pressed close, the air around them seemed to hum with electricity, as if they were the only two people on Earth.

    -----

    Outside the dance, the moon cast eerie shadows through the tangled tree branches as Boon stumbled through the darkness, his steps unsteady from one too many drinks. The glow of orange eyes seemed to taunt him from the shadows, leading him further into the woods.

    "Come on," he muttered under his breath, stumbling over roots and branches in his pursuit. "I want to be a vessel. Show yourself!"

    Instead of encountering the supernatural force he desired, Boon found himself face-to-face with Jessica, her dark curls framing her stern expression. Her brown eyes narrowed as she scrutinized the disheveled young man before her.

    "Boon," she said sharply, crossing her arms. "What are you doing out here?"

    "None of your business," he slurred, trying to brush past her. But Jessica was quick, grabbing him by the arm with surprising strength.

    "Do you have any clue how dangerous it is to be wandering alone at night?" she demanded, her voice low and dangerous. "You''re drunk and under-aged. Turn around and get your ass back to the dance."

    "Okay, okay!" Boon relented, feeling the pressure of her grip. "And by the way, I figured you out. I know what all of you are, and you are all wasting time because vessels have the power, I have seen it and you have seen it..... hell the whole world has seen it by now" He ranted but Jessica''s jaw dropped. "And all I want is a taste of the power but oh no Zack says it is too dangerous..." And then Boon realized what he had said and who he had said it to.

    Jessica''s eyes widened at this revelation, and her grip loosened just enough for Boon to wiggle free and race back towards the dance. Jessica turned towards the parish and began to sprint towards it, her mind racing with the implications of this information.

    -----

    Back inside the dance hall, the music shifted to a slow ballad, and Ahmed reluctantly pulled away from Rob. "That was nice," he said, a soft smile on his lips. "But I should go look for Boon, I haven''t seen him in a while and he was less than sober then."

    Ahmed left the dance calling Boon''s name as he went, he didn''t notice Boon scamper past him and back into the dance, he felt almost compelled to keep walking out into the night. Rob, however, spotted Boon immediately and rushed over to him, concern etched on his face.

    "Where is Ahmed going?" Rob asked Boon, glancing around for any sign of Ahmed. "Why did he just walk by you?"

    "How should I know? but listen Rob I think that I-" Boon replied, his voice still slurred.

    "He left out the same door you came in from, and he didn''t say anything to you at all? He was looking for you, something doesn''t add up." Rob cut Boon off. His mind was racing, thinking back to when Zack had told him that he felt pulled in by Gluttony, an unseen force that drew him into the sin even before the curse.

    "Look, Rob, you may..... you may have...... bigger problem" Boon desperately tried to merge his thoughts into words.

    "Boon you are drunk and I will help you with this big problem as soon as I get back. I have to Find Ahmed first and make sure he is safe." Rob sat Boon down by the food and left out into the night.

    Ahmed stumbled through the dark quad, his breath fogging in the cold night air as he called out for Boon. The shadows seemed to press in around him, and He felt a chill snake its way through him, that had nothing to do with the temperature.

    "Boon!" he yelled again, his voice wavering slightly. "Where are you?"

    Kyle lurked just beyond the pool of light cast by a nearby streetlamp, his eyes narrowing as he tracked Ahmed''s movements. He smiled to himself as he took in the young man''s aura.

    "I am afraid Boon isn''t here," Boon''s name died on Ahmed''s lips as he caught sight of the twisted figure emerging from the shadows. Gluttony''s fangs glistened in the dim light, and his eyes burned with an unholy orange glow.

    "No," was all Ahmed managed to choke out before Gluttony roared and lunged at him.

    As Ahmed sprinted away, his heart hammered in his chest, and his thoughts raced just as fast. How did the creature find me again? Where''s Boon? Will anyone be able to help me? The questions were shoved aside when Gluttony closed the distance between them.

    "Thought you could escape me?" Gluttony snarled, grabbing Ahmed''s arm and spinning him around. "How about I make you eat your words ¡ª and everything else until you die?"

    "Wait!" Rob''s voice cut through the darkness, and Gluttony paused, fury still etched across his monstrous features. "I have the information you want."

    "Really?" Gluttony sneered, tightening his grip on Ahmed. "It would have to be pretty good for me to let this one go."

    "Names of exorcists," Rob panted, his breath visible in the cold air. "And where to find Ethel. If you let Ahmed go I will tell you everything."

    "Interesting." Gluttony considered the offer for a moment before relenting, "You have a deal." He smiled down at the terrified boy before he cursed him to become a vessel. The mandela burrowed its way into his flesh, "But I can''t let such a perfect specimen go to waste" He explained with a sinister grin. As Ahmed convulsed, Rob''s heart clenched in fear and guilt.

    "As for you, I can''t have you warning anybody about my plans now can I?" Gluttony growled, grabbing Rob by the collar and dragging him away.

    -----

    Meanwhile, outside the dance, Zack watched as Deb tumbled towards the stretch limos, feeling an eerie sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. It reminded him of a dream he''d had recently ¡ª one that had turned into a nightmare when Gluttony appeared. But as Deb ran up to a limo and turned to blow him a kiss, Zack''s hormones momentarily overpowered his fears.

    The sound of tires screeching snapped him back to reality. Jessica''s headlights bore down on him from one side while another car charged at him from the opposite direction. Panic surged through him, and Deb''s scream echoed in his ears.

    Without thinking, Zack threw up psychic barriers between himself and the cars, narrowly averting disaster. But as the dust settled, he felt a new dread wash over him. His eyes glowed pink, and his fangs extended, betraying his secret identity as a vessel to Deb.

    "Zack," she whispered, staring at him in shock. "What are you?"

    He didn''t answer, unable to find the words as they stood with the barrier protecting him, their lives forever changed by the revelations unearthed that night.

 Chapter 23: Hourglass

    The frigid night air filled Deb''s lungs as she stood in the parking lot. Snowflakes gently drifted from the sky, sticking to her face and glasses. Her heart pounded in her chest, threatening to break free. She stared wide-eyed at Zack, who was surrounded by a shimmering barrier.

    As the car screeched to a halt inches from the barrier, Zack glanced over at Deb, fear playing in his eyes. His once blue eyes glowed a dim pink, the same color as the barrier that shielded him from harm. He looked like a demon straight out of her nightmares.

    "Deb..." he whispered, his voice barely audible. The sight of terror etched across her face seemed to break something inside him. He dropped the barrier, clenched his teeth, and shot into the darkness with impossible speed.

    "Zack, wait!" Deb called after him, but he was already gone.

    Jessica emerged from her car, looking grim and apologetic. "Deb, I''m so sorry you had to find out about all this like this," she said, her brown eyes filled with regret.

    "What the hell was that, you could have killed him. What is Zack exactly?" Deb stammered, her mind racing with questions and confusion.

    "First years aren''t supposed to know about this stuff, let alone be involved," Jessica replied, avoiding Deb''s question. "We need to get you back to St. Jerome''s dorms. They''re on lockdown while we take care of this situation."

    "We? Who is we exactly? I need to know what''s happening!" Deb protested, her voice shaking.

    "Sorry, Deb. Rules are rules. You''ll get your answers when you are ready," Jessica said firmly.

    As they drove back to the dorms, Deb couldn''t help but be bombarded with all the questions swirling around in her mind. She knew Jessica would remain tight-lipped, but how could she just sit in a dorm when she knew what would happen to Zack if they caught him?

    Upon arriving at St. Jerome''s, Abby marched up to Jessica, her hazel eyes blazing with annoyance. "Zack is our best shot at finding Gluttony, and you let him slip away?" she barked.

    "Deb needed to be taken care of," Jessica retorted defensively.

    "Deb can take care of herself," Abby huffed, storming off.

    Deb trudged to her room, her thoughts consumed by images of dancing with Zack at the winter formal, their all-day birthday date, and his heartfelt confession of love. And then the images of Ethel convulsing as Abby electrocuted her, flooded her mind.

    Collapsing onto her bed, she stared at the ceiling, haunted by Zack''s terrified expression as he fled from her. She knew she had to find him, taking a breath she gathered her knives and slipped out of her room.

    -----

    The cold wind whipped through the abandoned storefront, causing Rob to shiver as he struggled against Gluttony''s iron grip, before being tossed across the dingy floor. Gluttony towered over him, a sinister grin plastered across his monstrous face.

    "Alright, Rob," he said mockingly. "Tell me where Ethel they are keeping Ethel, and I might just reconsider killing you."

    Rob swallowed hard, his throat dry from fear. He had no choice but to trust this demon if he wanted to survive. "She''s... she''s at a secret underground facility beneath St. Jerome''s Parish. She told me about their training ground when she escaped from there the first time."

    Gluttony''s twisted smile widened. "Exorcists are just so predictable." Dragging Rob towards the exposed pipe, he used some loose wiring to tie him securely. "Stick around, Rob. If Ethel''s where you say she is, I''ll be back for you." With a menacing laugh, Gluttony vanished into the night, leaving Rob to contemplate his fate.

    -----

    Deb had just made it to her car when her phone buzzed in her pocket. It was a text from Boon, Ahmed had been found unresponsive in the Quad and was being rushed to Grand River Hospital.

    Heart pounding, Deb apologized to Zack in her mind, he would have to wait just a little bit longer. Silently, she unlocked her car and slipped inside praying Ahmed would be ok, unaware of Abby following close behind.

    The hospital''s sterile halls seemed to echo with the urgency of Deb''s footsteps as she raced to find her friend. Upon reaching the nurse''s station, she inquired about Ahmed''s room, only to be told that no one was allowed inside.

    "However," the nurse added gently, "you can look in on your friend through the window."

    Deb nodded her thanks and quickly made her way to the specified room. Peering through the window, she saw Ahmed lying motionless in the bed, tubes, and machines humming around him. Hot tears blurred her vision as she silently prayed for his recovery.

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    "Ahmed didn''t deserve this," she thought bitterly. "None of us did."

    "Deb," a soft voice called out behind her. Startled, she turned to see Abby, wearing a mask of sympathy. Gently placing a hand on Deb''s shoulder, she said, "I know this is hard, but you need to understand that this is the true nature of demons, like Zack. They destroy everything good in the world, just like they''re destroying Ahmed."

    "What is happening to him?" Deb asked, trying to make sense of it all.

    "Once the curse takes full effect," Abby continued, her words measured and deliberate, "Ahmed will be just as dangerous as any other vessel. Do you really want to see anyone else get hurt?"

    "No, I don''t." Deb''s voice trembled as she spoke, her heart heavy with the weight of her decision. She looked back at Ahmed through the window, then met Abby''s gaze, resolve to shine in her eyes. "What do you need me to do?"

    A pleased smile graced Abby''s lips. "Help me capture Zack," she said. "If we can find him, he can lead us to the sin that did this and no one else will have to suffer."

    "Alright," Deb agreed, wiping away the last of her tears. "I''ll help you."

    -----

    In the abandoned storefront, Rob fought against his restraints, the exposed wiring cutting into his wrists. Panic clouded his mind, only making his situation more desperate. Suddenly, Gluttony reappeared, Ethel in tow.

    "Congratulations, Rob," Gluttony sneered, an unsettling grin spreading across his face. "Your usefulness knows no ends."

    "Give me the names of the exorcists, and I might consider letting you go," Gluttony offered, his voice dripping with false sincerity.

    Bitterness surged through Rob, "Well I think I caused enough harm for one evening, or did you and the exorcists guarding Ethel negotiate the trade peacefully."

    "I think my methods were more than fair," Gluttony said with a cruel smile. "But if you have nothing to offer then I am afraid it is time for you to die."

    "Wait!" Ethel interjected, desperation evident in her voice. "I know who started the fire. I''ll tell you if you let Rob go."

    Gluttony eyed her suspiciously for a moment before relenting, amusement flickering across his face. He untied Rob, who wasted no time scrambling to his feet and fleeing into the night.

    "Abby was the one who started the fire," Ethel confessed once Rob was gone, her voice heavy with the weight of betrayal. "She''s the one responsible for the death of your family."

    -----

    Rob''s heart pounded as he stumbled into the hospital, still reeling from his narrow escape. He glanced around anxiously, seeking help until he stumbled across Ahmed''s room. Beyond the door, he could see his friend hooked up to a myriad of machines, his body occasionally jerking in response to the shocks coursing through him. Rob''s stomach churned at the sight.

    "Did you see anything?" Lindsay''s voice startled him as she approached from behind.

    He hesitated for a moment before shaking his head, lying through gritted teeth. "I don''t know what happened to Ahmed, I was too busy trying to find a way to sneak Zack into the dance."

    Lindsay looked relieved, offering him a comforting smile. "The doctors think Ahmed will make a full recovery," she assured him, her eyes filled with hope.

    "Thank you," Rob replied, his voice weak as he moved towards the waiting room. Boon sat there in tense silence, the two boys exchanging a brief, knowing glance before turning their attention elsewhere.

    Jessica entered the waiting room, her steely gaze locking onto Rob as she took a seat beside him. "Where is Zack hiding?" she demanded, but both boys refused to acknowledge her inquiry.

    "Nothing''s scarier than watching a friend become a vessel and having turned into a monster before your very eyes," Jessica added, nodding towards Ahmed''s room.

    "None of this is new to me," Rob retorted bitterly. "It''s all the exorcists'' fault anyway."

    "Explain," Jessica commanded, her brow furrowing in confusion.

    "Abby lit the fire at Kyle''s house that killed those twenty people," Rob revealed, his voice filled with anger. "Kyle became Gluttony in that fire. So, in a roundabout way, the deaths and Zack''s curse are all your fault for not doing anything even though Abby broke the rules and killed innocent people."

    Jessica''s eyes widened in shock, the missing piece of the puzzle finally falling into place. Without another word, she rose from her seat and hurried out of the hospital.

    -----

    Meanwhile, Zack paced nervously in the woods behind Kyle''s burned-out home, his breath misting in the cold air as he wondered where Rob was. Suddenly Ethel appeared from the tree line.

    "Easy to find you by following your aura," she taunted. "You''ll need more training to cover your trail."

    Zack said nothing, pulling out his phone to display his location on the Find My Friends app. "My friends know I am here." Ethel nodded her approval of the countermeasure before a dagger sliced through the air, embedding itself in her shoulder. A second dagger flew past, narrowly missing her as a flashbang exploded, blinding Zack.

    Ethel pulled Zack to his feet, attempting to escape when Deb stepped in front of them, blocking their path. She flashed them her phone, which showed Zack''s location "Now you are going to tell me the truth about everything." She demanded.

    Abby emerged from the woods behind Deb, "I am afraid explanations will have to wait," her eyes widened for a moment realising Ethel had escaped once again "It is time to put these monsters down and save the citizens of Waterloo from their evil."

    Confusion clouded Deb''s face; "I thought we were just going to catch them so they can tell us where to find the sin."

    Abby pushed the dagger deeper into Ethel''s shoulder to show her seriousness, then drew a revolver, aiming it at Zack''s head. "We did that, now it is time to finish the job."

    Jessica arrived just in time, "What the hell are you doing! Stand down right now Abby, the boy has done nothing wrong!" she ordered. "I knew that you always push the envelope, but murdering those people in that fire, you know there will be consequences."

    "I found the monsters and I destroyed them, I did my job! I kept the city safe! this boy will be just like all the others one day, so why should I wait until someone gets hurt before I strike him down?" Abby insisted, frustration clear in her voice.

    Jessica countered "No one asked you to murder innocent people, including children."

    Abby defiantly declared "Everyone in that house was guilty for befriending monsters! For growing up to become a monster!" her resolve was unshaken.

    With no other choice, Jessica drew her firearm and aimed it directly at Abby, the tension in the air electric as the standoff between exorcists and vessels reached a breaking point.

 Chapter 24: Winter Break

    The cold wind rustled the few remaining leaves above as tension hung thick in the air, like a suffocating fog. Ethel lay on the frozen forest floor, her breaths labored as blood seeped from the dagger embedded deep in her shoulder. Zack, his fangs and claws betraying his demonic side, had positioned himself between Abby and Ethel, determination filling his dimly glowing pink eyes.

    "Stay back, Abby," he warned. Abby''s hands were steady as she held the revolver, her hazel eyes darting between Zack and Ethel, calculating which to kill first. Jessica, armed with the truth, aimed her gun at Abby, ready to defend the exorcist code from the girl who had once been like a sister to her.

    Deb stood off to the side, her face a mask of shock and disbelief as she tried to process the revelation that Abby was responsible for the fire that had destroyed Kyle''s home and taken innocent lives five years ago.

    As if summoned by their turmoil, Gluttony emerged from the shadows of the trees, a sinister grin stretching across his face. "You were right, Ethel," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "She would expose herself to clean up the loose ends."

    Without hesitation, both Jessica and Abby turned their weapons on the monstrous sin. But Gluttony was faster; in one swift motion, he disarmed Jessica and hurled her into a nearby tree trunk, rendering her unconscious. Abby managed to squeeze off a shot, but Gluttony easily evaded it, snatching her ankles and knocking her off balance. His voice filled with an eerie glee as he told her, "Time to confess your sins" before dragging her, screaming, towards his old home.

    "Jessica!" Deb cried out, rushing over to her. The urgency of the situation jolted her back into action. She checked for a pulse and sighed with relief upon finding one. Turning her gaze towards the direction Gluttony had disappeared, she steeled herself and followed, determined to save Abby from the sin''s clutches.

    "Zack, go after Deb," Ethel managed through gritted teeth, her voice strained from the pain in her shoulder. Nodding, Zack took off after Deb, his heart pounding as he worried about how long he would be able to fight Gluttony on his own.

    Upon emerging into the backyard of his burnt-out house, Gluttony tossed Abby towards the charred remains like a ragdoll. Just as she tried to rise, he grabbed her by the throat, lifting her up. "You took everything from me, right here five years ago, and now you are going to apologize to my wife and kids for taking their lives!"

    Gasping for air, Abby choked out an apology, "I''m so sorry, I wish I could take it all back." but Gluttony''s eyes remained cold and merciless.

    "That didn''t feel very sincere," he sneered before crushing her windpipe, dropping her lifeless body to the ground.

    As Deb emerged from the woods, her eyes fell on Abby''s body, she hurled a dagger at Gluttony. He dodged it with ease, laughing cruelly. "You''ll have to do better than that," he taunted as his body began to shift, growing horns and becoming more muscular in response to his completed act of revenge.

    "Deb, get back!" Zack shouted as he arrived on the scene, noticing Gluttony had become even more powerful. Ethel stumbled out of the woods, the dagger still lodged in her shoulder, and lunged at Gluttony only to be easily swatted aside. Gritting his teeth, Zack powered up and engaged Gluttony in battle, using his psychic barriers to protect himself from the sin''s devastating blows. But as he fought, doubt gnawed at him: how long could he hold out against such a formidable enemy?

    -----

    Rob''s car screeched around the corner, tires squealing in protest as he accelerated down the street. Boon gripped the door handle nervously, his knuckles turning white from the pressure.

    "Rob, why did we have to stop at the dorms for water balloons and a ring?" Boon asked, unable to contain his confusion any longer.

    "Boon, I already told you," Rob sighed, rolling his eyes. "We''re going to seal Gluttony away, Paulina gave us the last piece of the puzzle we needed, a sin can only be sealed at the place it was created. Zack and I have been working on this plan for weeks, and tonight is the night we have to do it."

    "But water balloons?" Boon persisted, furrowing his brow in disbelief.

    "Look, just trust me, alright? You were the one who begged to help, so try to have a little faith in our plan," Rob replied, his tone firm yet reassuring. He glanced at his phone briefly, checking the Find My Friends app in the hope that Zack was still alive and holding his own against Gluttony.

    The car came to an abrupt halt in front of Kyle''s house. Without wasting a second, Rob pocketed the gold ring adorned with a large red gemstone and grabbed the cooler of water balloons. Boon followed suit, clutching another cooler tightly in his hand as they made their way along the side of the house toward the backyard.

    As they rounded the corner, the scene that greeted them was one of chaos and destruction. Gluttony, now fully powered and more menacing than ever, fought Zack with a ferocity that made them appear as though they were holograms. Deb was helping Ethel, who was still struggling with the dagger embedded in her shoulder, while Abby lay lifeless on the grass nearby.

    "Hey, Gluttony!" Rob shouted, doing his best to draw the sin''s attention away from Zack. He hurled the water balloon with all his might, watching as Gluttony snatched it out of the air and laughed dismissively.

    "Is this your pathetic attempt to save your friend?" Gluttony taunted, his voice dripping with scorn.

    At that moment, Zack made eye contact with Deb and subtly motioned for her to throw a knife. With a determined nod, she sent a blade flying. It sliced through the balloon in Gluttony''s palm, causing the water to spill down his arm. His laughter turned to screams of agony as his skin began to bubble and melt upon contact with the water.

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    "Didn''t expect holy water, did you?" Rob called out triumphantly. Boon, finally understanding their plan, threw one of his own balloons, which burst on Gluttony''s chest and elicited another tortured cry from the sin.

    The pain was clearly getting to Gluttony, his once-confident demeanor crumbling under the onslaught. As the sin writhed and screamed in agony, Deb raced over to Zack.

    "Zack, this was your plan from the beginning," she said breathlessly, her eyes fixed on his still-demonic form. "I''m sorry for not trusting you." Before he could respond, Deb leaned in and kissed him, her lips pressing against his fangs without hesitation. Zack''s heart lept in his chest and he returned to his human form.

    "Ethel, now!" Zack shouted, nodding toward the ring in Rob''s hand. Ethel, her eyes shifting to their dim green, charged at the sin, yelling for Rob to throw her the ring. With a swift motion, Rob tossed it to her, and she caught it midair before plunging it deep into Gluttony''s chest.

    The sin howled in fury, clawing at the ring but unable to reach it as it moved throughout his body. Ethel pulled back and as she did, she absorbed some of the sin''s aura, causing her eye to shift to a dazzling emerald green. She could feel the power of the sin flowing through her and amplifying her own. At that moment, the moon emerged from behind the clouds, casting its light upon Gluttony and the burnt-out house. The ring of mushrooms that had grown around the house seemed to absorb some of the moonlight.

    Realization dawned on Gluttony''s twisted face as he understood that he had stepped right into their trap. The mushrooms reflected the moonlight directly at him, forcing him back toward the house. He desperately clawed at the ground, trying to stop his movement, but it was no use.

    With a final scream of rage, Gluttony passed through the doorway of the burnt-out house and was sealed inside. An invisible barrier prevented him from escaping, and he pounded on it in vain, screaming threats at the group gathered outside. His body slowly melted into the shadows.

    "Let me out, or you''ll all face my wrath!" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the night. But it fell on deaf ears, he had lost everything.

    Ethel, now more powerful than ever, thanked Zack for his part in ending Gluttony''s reign of terror. "You know, now I have the power to kill Gluttony. We can end your curse, Zack."

    Zack looked over to Rob and Deb, then turned to face Ethel, "Before tonight I think I would have taken you up on that, but I was only able to protect my friends because I had these powers," Ethel nodded in understanding.

    "Then I guess the only thing left to do is find any other vessels Gluttony created, judging by his strength he made more than just you." She explained "But you don''t have to worry about them Zack, I can find them and you can be a normal student again."

    With weary smiles, Zack and Deb rushed over to Rob and Boon, and the group embraced. For once, they could breathe easy, finally free to be college students again without the looming threat of Gluttony hanging over their heads.

    -----

    Rob and Zack stood in the sterile white hallway of Grand River Hospital, their expressions a mix of concern and confusion. They had come to check on Ahmed, but something wasn''t right ¨C he wasn''t healing like a vessel should.

    "Is it possible for a sin''s curse not to work?" Rob asked, his brow furrowed as he glanced through the window into Ahmed''s room.

    Zack shook his head, his blue eyes clouded with uncertainty. "I don''t know," he admitted, running a hand through his spiky blond hair. "But Ahmed''s aura is strong. I really believe he''ll pull through."

    As they watched their friend lying motionless in the hospital bed, tubes and monitors surrounding him, both young men couldn''t shake the feeling that there was still so much they didn''t understand about the supernatural world they had been thrust into.

    -----

    The sun had started to rise when Boon arrived at Ethel''s house, determination burning in his chest. He found her outside, cleaning up from the exorcist attacks, her movements swift and precise.

    "Ethel," he called out, approaching with purpose. "Change me into a vessel. I want to compete with Zack. I''ll follow your lead."

    Ethel looked up, her once-dark eyes now a dazzling emerald green. She regarded Boon coolly, weighing his words before responding. "Boon, the rage in your heart would make you too unpredictable and dangerous as a vessel. You need to appreciate the life you have."

    Frustration simmered beneath Boon''s skin as he turned away, sulking down the street and back to his car. As he slid into the driver''s seat, a tap on the window made him jump. A pair of glowing yellow eyes stared at him through the glass, and a woman''s voice, shrouded in shadows, asked, "Do you truly want the powers of a vessel?"

    Boon hesitated, but his desire for power overcame his caution. He thought it was Ethel, having changed her mind. "I would do anything," he whispered, desperation lacing his words.

    The woman smiled, her features still hidden in darkness, and reached out to touch his wrist. A burning sensation seared Boon''s skin as a mandala appeared, and he gasped at the sudden pain. As the burning subsided, he looked up to find his eyes had shifted to flowing strands of blue and red DNA.

    Boon''s mind clouded with doubt as he realized that he had just made a dangerous bargain, one that could change the course of his life but there was no turning back now.

    -----

    The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows of the small chapel where Jessica sat on a wooden pew, her eyes scanning the newspaper in her hands. The bold headline screams "Serial Killer Unmasked" and implicates Abby as the killer responsible for Joanna, Greg, Rachel, Peter, Adrian, and Wes''s deaths. A sick feeling settled in her gut as she stared at the black and white photograph of her former friend.

    "Father Bill," Jessica said, folding the paper and turning to face the stern exorcist who stood near the altar, his arms crossed over his chest. "Abby''s death will no doubt bring her husband to Waterloo. We need to be prepared."

    Father Bill sighed, his gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that made her shiver. "I understand your concern, Jessica. But hiding Zack from him won''t be easy."

    "I know." She swallowed hard, fear and uncertainty clawing at her insides. "But we have to try, don''t we? We have to uphold the code."

    "Indeed." Father Bill nodded solemnly, his expression softening ever so slightly. "We''ll do everything in our power to maintain the code."

    Meanwhile, in Deb''s dorm room, the weight of recent events seemed to hang in the air as she and Zack sat side by side on her bed. Snowflakes danced outside the window, creating a serene backdrop to their conversation.

    "Deb," Zack whispered, taking her hand in his, his blue eyes searching her face for any hint of hesitation. "I... I love you. And I know things are complicated right now, but I can''t imagine facing any of this without you."

    A warm smile spread across Deb''s face, and she leaned in closer. "I love you too, Zack. No matter what happens next, we''ll face it together. We''re stronger together."

    Their fingers intertwined as if drawing strength from one another, and they stared out the window, watching the snowflakes continue their dance. They both knew that the road ahead would be filled with danger and uncertainty, but as long as they had each other, they believed they could face anything.

 Vol 2, Chapter 1: Return

    The sun cast a warm glow over the Waterloo campus as Zack returned from winter break, his breath visible in the crisp air. He couldn''t help but smile at the familiar sight of the dormitory building where he and Rob shared a room. As he approached the entrance, the door swung open to reveal Rob''s grinning face.

    "Zack! You''re back!" Rob exclaimed, pulling him into a friendly embrace.

    "Good to see you too, buddy," Zack replied, returning the gesture. They made their way up the stairs and into their room, their conversation filled with laughter as they recounted their uneventful holidays.

    "Can you believe it? The whole break without anything supernatural happening," Zack said, flopping onto his bed. "I''m excited for things to stay normal this semester."

    "Speak for yourself," Rob retorted, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I wouldn''t mind some supernatural shenanigans. You never know, maybe Gluttony left behind some unfinished business with those vessels he turned last semester."

    "Ethel said she would take care of that," Zack reminded him, his tone firm. "We''ve got enough on our plate."

    "Fine, fine," Rob conceded, holding up his hands in mock surrender.

    Meanwhile, Boon unlocked the door to his private dorm, his thoughts consumed by the events of the previous semester. He knew that he had power now, he could feel it coursing through his veins.

    "Alright," he muttered under his breath, eyeing the bed before him. "Let''s see if I''ve got super strength." He bent down, his fingers curling around the frame, and strained to lift the bed. To his frustration, it didn''t budge an inch.

    "Damn it," Boon growled, kicking the unyielding bedpost. The sting in his foot only served to amplify his irritation.

    "Come on," he whispered to himself. "There has to be something I can do."

    -----

    Back in Zack and Rob''s room, the conversation shifted towards their upcoming classes. "Let''s just focus on our studies for now," Zack suggested, trying to reassure himself as much as Rob. "If something comes up, we''ll deal with it together."

    "Agreed," Rob nodded, but the lingering curiosity in his eyes betrayed his true thoughts.

    Zack sat at his desk, the dim light of the lamp casting a warm glow over his class schedule. He traced his finger along the list of courses, trying to focus on the details of the semester ahead. But as his gaze unfocused, the memory of a conversation from winter break resurfaced in his mind.

    "Jessica, please," Deb had pleaded, her dark eyes wide with worry as Jessica gripped Zack''s arm tightly. "You don''t need to hurt him."

    "Deb, this is important," Jessica replied sternly, her brown curls swaying as she pulled Zack towards St. Jerome''s Parish. "Both of you need to understand the risks involved."

    Inside the church, the air was heavy with the scent of incense and the weight of their decisions. Jessica had laid it out for them - Deb, an exorcist-in-training, and Zack, a vessel touched by the supernatural world - they couldn''t be together anymore. The danger was too great; Zack could be killed if their enemies discovered their connection.

    "Fine," Zack had agreed reluctantly, his blue eyes filled with pain as he looked at Deb. "We''ll stay apart, to protect each other."

    "Promise me, Zack," Deb whispered, her voice cracking. "Promise me you''ll be careful."

    "I promise, Deb," he murmured, knowing that keeping that vow would be more difficult than either of them could imagine.

    Back in the present, Zack''s phone buzzed on his desk, its screen lighting up with a new message. It was from Deb: "Can''t wait to see you ??" A small smile tugged at his lips. They had sworn to keep their distance, but their secret meetings over the break proved how impossible that was. Love, it seemed, was more powerful than fear.

    -----

    Meanwhile, Rob entered the sterile environment of Grand River Hospital, his footsteps echoing on the linoleum floors as he made his way to check on Ahmed. The memories of the winter formal and the attack that left Ahmed hospitalized were still fresh in his mind.

    "Hey there," Rob greeted a nurse, flashing a friendly smile. "I''m here to see Ahmed."

    "Room 305," she replied, pointing down the hall. "He''s resting right now."

    "Thanks," Rob said before making his way towards Ahmed''s room.

    As he passed the gift shop, Rob''s gaze fell on a small plush turtle perched on a shelf. It seemed like the perfect get-well-soon gift for his friend. He quickly purchased it, cradling the soft toy in his arms as he continued down the hallway.

    "Hey, buddy," Rob whispered, entering Ahmed''s room and setting the turtle down on the bedside table. "Got you something to cheer you up when you wake up." Ahmed''s face was pale, but his injuries were healing well - a testament to his strength and resilience.

    With Ahmed asleep, Rob retreated to the waiting room. As he sat in one of the stiff chairs, his thoughts turned to whether Gluttony''s curse had really turned Ahmed into a vessel or not.

    -----

    Ahmed''s eyelids fluttered open, the sterile scent of antiseptic and the faint beeping of machines stirring him from a restless sleep. His body, although healing, still ached as he swung his legs over the side of the hospital bed. Despite the lingering pain, he knew he couldn''t spend another minute lying there ¨C he needed to use the bathroom.

    "Mom, I''ll be right back," he called out weakly as he shuffled toward the door, unaware of her absence.

    His mother was standing in the hallway, deep in conversation with Kenzie, who was busy with her nursing duties. She turned to face her son, her eyes filled with concern. "Ahmed, are you feeling better?"

    "Much better, thanks," he replied, doing his best to sound reassuring. He had always been sensitive to his mother''s feelings, even when he was the one in need of comfort.

    "Who sent all the gifts?" Ahmed''s mom asked Kenzie, gesturing toward the impressive pile of packages in the corner of his room.

    "Rob sent them," Kenzie explained, pointing down the hall where Rob had disappeared earlier. "He''s been worried about Ahmed."

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    "Such a good friend," she murmured, relief softening the lines of worry etched on her face.

    As Ahmed continued toward the bathroom, he couldn''t help but feel grateful for Rob''s unwavering support. It was a much-needed reminder that he wasn''t facing this nightmare alone.

    -----

    Meanwhile, in Deb''s dorm room, Zack pressed her against the wall, their lips locked in a passionate embrace. His heart raced, not just from their illicit rendezvous, but also from the knowledge that they were defying Jessica''s orders. As much as he hated being dishonest, something was thrilling about sneaking around like this.

    Zack''s senses suddenly went on high alert, picking up the unmistakable aura of Father Bill approaching Deb''s dorm. Panic surged through him ¨C they couldn''t be caught like this.

    "Deb, we need to stop," he whispered urgently, disentangling himself from her grasp.

    "Zack, what''s wrong?" she asked, confusion and concern mingling in her dark eyes.

    "Father Bill''s coming," he said, rapidly activating his demon abilities. With a fluid leap, Zack catapulted out of the open window, using his psychic barriers to cushion his fall. The adrenaline coursing through him fueled his escape as he landed safely on the ground below.

    Back in the dorm room, Father Bill barged in without knocking, his eyes sweeping the space for any signs of impropriety. "I heard another voice in here," he accused, searching Deb''s closet only to find it empty.

    "Must have been the TV," Deb lied smoothly, praying he wouldn''t look out the window and spot Zack''s retreating figure. She knew that their secret meetings were dangerous, but she couldn''t bear the thought of losing Zack completely.

    "Keep your window closed, or you''ll catch a cold," Father Bill warned her before leaving, none the wiser about the close call they''d just had.

    As Zack raced back to his dorm room, his heart pounding with equal parts fear and exhilaration, he knew that he and Deb were playing a risky game. But sometimes, love demanded that kind of sacrifice. And if there was one thing Zack had learned from navigating the treacherous world of demons and exorcists, it was that they needed each other more than ever.

    -----

    Ahmed''s fingers slipped through the warm water streaming over his hands, his eyes momentarily transfixed by the tendrils of steam rising to fog the mirror above the sink. The reflection staring back at him was hazy and indistinct, as if he were viewing himself through a clouded veil.

    "Everything is so... strange," Ahmed murmured, the words almost lost in the gentle lapping of water against the porcelain. His thoughts seemed to drift, like dandelion seeds on a breeze, pulling him further into the trance-like state.

    In the hallway outside the bathroom, Rob was engaged in a battle of wills with a stubborn water fountain. "Come on, you stupid thing," he muttered under his breath, jabbing the button repeatedly until, without warning, a torrent of water shot forth, drenching him from head to toe. Startled, Rob stumbled backward, arms flailing for balance, only to collide with a cart full of food trays that clattered loudly to the floor.

    The sudden clatter jolted Ahmed out of his trance, and he glanced down just in time to see the rotting hand emerging from the sink drain. "What the--" he gasped, stumbling back as the grotesque creature pulled itself free of its watery prison, rivulets of muck dripping from its melting form. Its eyes burned like twin embers, radiating an otherworldly menace as it loomed over Ahmed.

    "Get away from me!" Ahmed shouted, his voice cracking with terror. But before he could move, the creature lunged, and his scream echoed through the hospital corridors.

    "Ahmed!" his mother cried out, her maternal instincts guiding her toward the source of her son''s distress. Kenzie and Rob were hot on her heels, their faces etched with worry, their hearts pounding in unison.

    "Where is he?" Kenzie demanded, her piercing blue eyes scanning the room for any sign of Ahmed as they burst through the door. The window gaped open like a wound, and water cascaded from the overflowing sink, but there was no trace of Ahmed.

    " I''m so sorry," Rob whispered, his gaze locked on the place where Ahmed had been just moments before. He felt a terrible weight in his chest, a gnawing guilt that told him he should have done more to protect the kind-hearted young man who had become entangled in a world he never asked to be part of.

    "Where could he be?" Ahmed''s mother sobbed, panic seeping into every syllable. "What happened here?"

    "You can''t just vanish," Kenzie said grimly, "we''re going to call the police. And we''ll find him too. I promise."

    -----

    A frigid gust of wind pierced Zack''s coat as he ambled along the snow-dusted path back to his dorm. He couldn''t help but let a small grin form on his face, thinking about the stolen moments with Deb in her dorm room. The air was crisp and sharp, as if it carried the knife edge of secrets.

    "Help!" The sound of Ahmed''s scream shattered the peaceful night, slicing through Zack''s reverie like broken glass. It seemed ghostly and amplified, an unnatural sound.

    "Ahmed," Zack whispered, the name like ice on his lips. He broke into a sprint, his heart pounding like a frantic drumbeat in his chest. Panic clawed at him, reminding him of the supernatural dangers that lurked just beneath the surface of their seemingly ordinary lives.

    -----

    Back at Grand River Hospital, Rob stood outside Ahmed''s empty hospital room, gripping a small plush turtle in one hand and Ahmed''s watch in the other. His dark brown eyes were haunted by the echo of his friend''s scream. Deb hurried up to him, her breath visible in the cold night air.

    "Rob! What happened?" Deb asked urgently, her dark eyes filled with concern.

    "Ahmed''s gone," Rob replied, his voice barely more than a whisper. "He just vanished."

    "This isn''t good, if the exorcists find out they will hunt him," Deb muttered angrily. "They''ll probably try to kill him if they find him first."

    "Hey," Zack said as he jogged up to them, his breath coming in heavy pants from his run. "I heard Ahmed scream. What''s going on?"

    "Ahmed''s missing," Rob explained, holding out the watch. "But I might have a way to find him."

    "His aura," Zack realized, taking the watch from Rob''s outstretched hand. "I can sense his aura from this. We''ll be able to track him down faster than those exorcists."

    "Then let''s go," Deb said, determination etched on her face. "We need to find him before it''s too late."

    The three friends set off into the night, guided by the ghostly echoes of Ahmed''s presence. As they walked, Zack couldn''t shake a feeling that gnawed at his mind like a vulture picking at a corpse: the sense that this would not be an ordinary search.

    "There was something else in that hospital room," he confided to Deb and Rob as they trudged through the snow. "I can feel the energy radiating from the watch. It''s... otherworldly."

    "Like a vessel, you mean?" Deb asked, her voice tinged with worry.

    "Maybe," Zack replied, his gut churning with dread. "But there''s something else. I''ve never felt anything quite like it before."

    "Whatever it is," Rob grimly interjected, "we''ll figure out a way to beat it. Just like always."

    "Right," Zack agreed, his blue eyes steely with resolve. "Together, we''ll find Ahmed and bring him back."

    -----

    Ahmed''s feet carried him through the frost-laden streets, his mind ensnared in a foggy trance. His chocolate brown eyes were glazed over, unfocused on the world around him. He hummed a haunting melody, one that seemed to resonate with the darkest corners of his soul.

    "Quite a night we''re having, isn''t it?" A passerby remarked, pulling his coat tighter against the biting cold. Ahmed didn''t acknowledge the man, too captivated by the strange and powerful force driving him forward.

    The abandoned house loomed before him, its paint peeling and windows shattered like broken teeth. It was a carcass of a building, long forgotten by the living. But there was something inside that called to Ahmed, drawing him closer like an iron filing to a magnet. He pushed open the door, its hinges creaking in protest, and stepped into the shadows.

    "Hello? Is anyone there?" he asked, his voice little more than a whisper. The only reply was the scurrying of rats and the distant drip of water from somewhere within the bowels of the decaying structure.

    Ahmed made his way to a door at the end of a dimly lit hallway. Heavy chains and padlocks secured the entrance, as though to keep something terrible from escaping. There was a palpable energy emanating from behind the door, like the thrumming heartbeat of a slumbering beast.

    "Who are you?" Ahmed murmured, his curiosity piqued. He could hear shuffling and low growls on the other side, but instead of fear, he felt a strange kinship with whatever creature awaited him.

    Driven by this inexplicable connection, Ahmed searched for a key among the debris strewn about the floor. The rusted metal felt cold in his hand as he inserted it into the first lock, turning it until the mechanism clicked open. The creature behind the door stirred, its movements more agitated with each released chain.

    "Almost there," Ahmed whispered, his fingers trembling as he worked on the final lock. He could feel the urgency radiating from the other side, as though the creature was just as desperate to be free as he was to release it.

    With a final click, the last padlock fell away, and the door swung open. Instead of fear or revulsion, Ahmed felt a sense of relief wash over him. He turned away, compelled by some unseen force to leave the house. As he stepped out into the biting cold, four vessels -- previously trapped within the basement -- burst forth into the night, their newfound freedom both exhilarating and terrifying.

 Vol 2, Chapter 2: Funeral

    The cold wind whipped through the city streets, tearing at the flimsy posters plastered on every lamppost and wall. Racing down the sidewalk, a figure stumbled to a halt as one particular flyer caught its eye. A moment of recognition flickered in those brown eyes before the creature shifted back into human form. John Matthews, once more in his own skin, stared at the missing person''s poster bearing his name and face.

    "Missing since Halloween night," he read aloud, his voice barely audible over the howling wind. "John Matthews, age 22, last seen leaving the Pub on King." He traced a finger across the photo, the face so familiar yet distant after months spent locked away by Gluttony.

    "Hey, buddy, you okay?" A passerby called out, shooting John a concerned glance as he took in the man''s dirty and torn clothes.

    "Uh, yeah, I''m fine," John replied, forcing a smile. He waved the concerned stranger off and returned to his memory of that night.

    He remembered stumbling out of the pub, the alcohol coursing through his veins and clouding his judgment. His vision had been blurry, but he could still recall the weird sensation coming from the alleyway, beckoning him to venture closer.

    "Hello?" John had called out, his voice slurred. "Is someone there?"

    His heart raced with a mixture of curiosity and fear as he stepped into the darkness, searching for the figure he thought he had seen behind the dumpster. Suddenly, a cold, clammy hand gripped his leg, yanking him downward with incredible force. Panic surged through him as he struggled to break free.

    "Who the hell are you?" he had demanded, breathless and terrified.

    The creature said nothing, but tightened its grip.

    "Wh-What do you want with me?" John had stammered, his mind racing for a way to escape.

    An intense burning sensation filled John''s body, radiating from the creature''s grip.

    Back in the present, John rubbed the back of his head, feeling the lingering effects of that awful night. As he stood there, staring at his own face on the poster, he resolved to return to his normal life.

    "I know you are gone now, I can feel it," John murmured to himself, the suppressing aura Gluttony had given off had faded weeks ago. He crumpled the flyer in his hand, he was going to get his life right this time with this second chance he was given.

    -----

    As they continued their search for Ahmed; Zack, Deb, and Rob ventured through the darkened streets towards the charred remains of the house where they had sealed Gluttony only weeks prior. The wind whispered through the skeletal branches overhead, filling the air with their haunting song.

    "Ahmed''s aura stops here, he must be close," Zack murmured, his blue eyes scanning the area with concern.

    "Would he really go inside?" Deb asked skeptically, her glasses glinting in the pale light. "Could Gluttony get one of his vessels to release him?"

    "It''s possible, we aren''t exactly the most knowledgeable people when it comes to the supernatural," Rob replied, shaking his head. "But judging by the creep factor this place is giving me, Gluttony is still trapped in there." His eyes caught a brief reflection of the sin in the window. "Let''s check out the back before we go in there."

    As they stepped around the burned-out husk of the house, Rob''s keen eye caught sight of a tripwire lying inconspicuously near the edge of the woods, and he carefully stepped around it. Zack was too distracted by Ahmed''s curious aura to take note of the wire, causing him to unwittingly trip the wire. A snare sprang up, leaving Zack hanging upside down from a tree branch, his blond hair dangling towards the ground.

    "Rob!" Zack protested, swinging back and forth. "Get me down from here, man!"

    "Ok, Ok, relax I can figure this out," Rob walked around Zack inspecting the line.

    Deb tensed as she heard the sound of approaching footsteps. She grabbed Rob''s arm, pulling him into the shadows. Zack, still suspended in the air, held his breath, listening intently.

    "What the hell Deb, we need to get him down from there." Rob protested from their hiding spot in the bushes.

    "Zack is a vessel with powers, we are just humans. He can take care of himself," she informed him. "Now be quiet so you don''t give our position away."

    Jessica, accompanied by two other exorcists, emerged from the darkness, her brown eyes locked onto Zack. "Well, if it isn''t our favorite troublemaker," she sneered. "What brings you out here, Zack? Looking for your friend Ahmed?"

    "Not at all, I was just out for a midnight walk and thought I would pay Gluttony a little visit" Zack retorted, struggling to keep his voice steady as he hung awkwardly.

    "You think you''re funny," Jessica said, leaning in close, her voice low and menacing, "If Ahmed hurts anyone tonight or any other night, you won''t be able to protect him from us."

    Zack''s heart raced in his chest, he had prayed that Gluttony''s curse wouldn''t take effect. He couldn''t let Jessica know how much her words affected him.

    "Well he hasn''t broken any of your rules yet," Zack replied coolly. "So why exactly are you out here?"

    Jessica glared at him "Just stay out of our way," with one swift motion she cut the wire, sending Zack tumbling to the ground. The exorcists stalked off into the woods to continue their search.

    Rob and Deb emerged from their hiding place. Deb helped Zack back to his feet.

    "That was too close, I don''t think I should keep looking with you guys," Deb explained "If Jessica had seen me with you, she would have cut you and not the rope." Deb looked genuinely scared for Zack.

    "You''re right we should go back," Zack said putting his arm around her. "The aura trail stops here anyway, we will have to try something else to find Ahmed." Rob nodded, feeling defeated and the trio slowly made their way back to campus.

    -----

    The following morning, John found himself seated in the Dean of Students'' office at the University of Waterloo. Officer Lindsey and Dean Ray questioned him intently about the previous night''s events, where he had reappeared after being missing for over two months.

    "John, can you tell us anything about what happened to you?" Officer Lindsey asked, her eyes filled with concern.

    "Sorry, but I don''t remember anything," John lied, avoiding their gazes. In truth, memories of Gluttony haunted his thoughts, but he knew mentioning monsters would most likely lead to him being placed in a mental hospital.

    "Alright," Dean Ray sighed, clearly disappointed. "If you do recall anything, please let us know."

    "Actually," John hesitated, deciding to divulge one crucial detail, "I do remember one thing. There were others locked up with me. I don''t know who they are or where they are now, but they''re out there somewhere." He had no idea what shape the others were in, hopefully they would be found alive and well if the police were out there looking for them.

    Lindsey''s expression hardened with determination as she took down John''s statement. She was a compassionate soul, always putting the needs of others first, and the thought of more missing people drove her to action.

    "Thank you, John," she said quietly. "I promise you, we''ll do everything in our power to find them."

    -----

    Across campus, Zack and Rob walked side by side as they attempted to figure out where Ahmed might be. The air was thick with tension, as no one had been able to track Ahmed down from the night before.

    "Maybe he''s hiding somewhere on campus," Zack suggested, his eyes scanning their surroundings for any clue that could lead them to their friend.

    "Or maybe he went back to Kyle''s house," Rob replied, his brow furrowed in thought. "He could be under some weird spell, maybe the curse was different from the one he said it was, I mean can we really trust a sin?"

    As they debated, Boon appeared from around a corner, his green eyes landing on a clearly deshelled woman. He approached her as she was rummaging through the trash.

    "Hey, lady!" Boon called out, causing the woman to jump. "You''re making a mess of things here! Why don''t you go somewhere else to find your lunch!"

    "Leave her alone, Boon," Zack said sharply. Boon sneered but backed off, leaving the woman to continue her search undisturbed.

    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    "Better get in there Zack before she takes all the good stuff." Boon taunted before wandering off. Zack shook his head, frustrated, he hadn''t missed Boon for a second over the break.

    "I was thinking tonight we split up and search the campus," Rob suggested. "We''ll cover more ground that way."

    "Good idea, meet you at the dorms tonight." Zack agreed, and the two friends parted ways as they headed to their classes.

    -----

    Meanwhile, Boon was grappling with a problem of his own. As he walked through the halls, he felt a sudden wetness on his upper lip and realized that a crimson viscous fluid was leaking from his nose. Panicking, he rushed to the nearest bathroom and attempted to stem the flow with toilet paper, but it only seemed to make matters worse.

    "Damn it," he muttered under his breath, his anxiety rising.

    Just then someone else entered the bathroom, Ethel appeared outside the stall door. Without warning she knocked and then broke the door from its hinges without waiting for a response.

    "Boon, where''s Ahmed?" she demanded, her brown eyes filled with suspicion.

    "Why the hell would know where he is," Boon replied quickly, attempting to hide the blood pooling in his hands. "I just got back to campus today, all I know is that Grand River has a massive lawsuit coming their way for this. Now get out, I am kind of in the middle of something here."

    Ethel eyed him skeptically, clearly unconvinced. Boon started coughing, swallowing hard to prevent her from seeing the blood.

    "Take better care of yourself, Boon," Ethel warned as she turned to leave. "Remember, I''ll be watching you carefully."

    "Looking forward to it," Boon managed to choke out between coughs, relief washing over him as the bathroom door closed behind her.

    -----

    At Abby''s funeral, a chill wind whispered through the cemetery, washing over the mourners gathered around her grave. Deb stood among them, her dark hair whipping across her face as she clutched a bouquet tightly in her hands. She found it hard to shed tears for the woman who almost killed her boyfriend and who burned two families alive.

    Suddenly, a commotion near the edge of the gathering caught her attention. A man with short, strawberry-blonde hair and piercing blue eyes strode towards a news photographer, his steps deliberate and aggressive. Deb watched as the man, whom she didn''t recognize, snatched the camera from the startled photographer''s hands and shoved him away.

    "I have seen your pathetic excuse for new coverage and you have about fifteen seconds to get out of here before I make you." The intensity of his gaze caused the cameraman to scramble to his feet and race back toward his van. The man turned his attention to the rest of the news crews. "This is a private event, leave or be forcefully removed" As the news crews complied, Deb watched the scene unfold in awe.

    "Who is that?" Deb asked, she had never seen a man with such an intimidating presence.

    "That''s Pablo," Jessica replied, smirking as Pablo tossed the camera onto the gravel road. "Abby''s ex-husband."

    "Ex-husband?" Deb echoed, momentarily taken aback. She hadn''t known that Abby had been married.

    "Yep," Jessica said, her eyes remaining locked on the man. "The three of us did our training together."

    As Deb processed this information, she spotted Zack and Rob hiding behind a nearby gravestone, their faces pale and anxious. She wasn''t the only one to spot them, Lindsey also noticed the boys doing their best to hide.

    "Hey!" Lindsey shouted, rushing over to pair. "What are you doing?"

    "Oh. well, you know.." Rob started.

    "You have no business being at a serial killer''s funeral," Lindsey snapped, shoving Zack and Rob into the backseat of the car. As they attempted to protest, Lindsey slammed the door shut, drowning out their voices.

    Deb watched helplessly as the car pulled away, leaving her alone with Pablo and the exorcists. As she turned to walk back to the group of mourners, she overheard a snippet of conversation from others, blaming Gluttony for her death but clearly, they had no idea what the true story was, the darkness that lived inside Abby.

    -----

    Meanwhile, Lindsey drove with Rob and Zack, trying to discuss their risky and weird behavior, the patrol car''s tires humming on the road. Rob sat in the back seat, feeling a mix of anger and frustration, while Zack did his best to remain silent amidst the growing tension.

    "Look, Lindsey," Rob began, desperate to convince her of his version of the truth. "It is just that we knew her, and she was close to Deb and we wanted to pay our respects."

    "Save it," she replied curtly, her eyes fixed on the road. "It goes beyond this, you seem to be turning up every time there is trouble. I don''t know what you are up to but it needs to stop before you get hurt."

    Just then, a figure emerged from the woods up ahead, stumbling onto the road. Lindsey slammed on the brakes, and the car screeched to a halt mere inches from the disoriented person.

    "Ahmed!" Rob cried out, recognizing him immediately.

    In a torn hospital gown and shivering, Ahmed looked at them with wide, pleading eyes. "Please...I need a coat."

    Without hesitation, Lindsey leapt from the car and removed her jacket. She rushed over to him, draping it around his shoulders. "Are you okay?" she asked, concern etched on her face. "Where have you been?"

    "Thank you," Ahmed whispered, his voice hoarse. "I...I don''t know what happened."

    "Let''s get you out of the cold," Lindsey said, helping him into the backseat beside Rob. "I am going to take you right back to the hospital and we will get this whole thing sorted out."

    As they resumed their drive to campus, Rob held Ahmed close, relieved to have found him alive. His mind filled with questions about what Ahmed had done or where he had been over the past 48 hours, but for now, just knowing he was safe, was good enough.

    -----

    With Rob staying at the hospital, Zack returned to their dorm for the night. As he went to settle in for the night, he sensed something, the familiar aura of a vessel close by. He shot out of bed and headed to the door, the only thing he knew was the aura wasn''t Ethel. The aura was weak but he could still follow it into the wood in the park. His heart raced with each step, adrenaline pumping through his veins as he prepared to meet a new vessel for the first time.

    A sudden snap of a twig made him freeze. He scanned the shadows, trying to discern any movement or sound that might give away his location. As he crept forward, he noticed a figure caught in a snare, her arms bound and her body dangling from a tree limb.

    "Hey!" Zack called out, starting toward the trapped woman. But before he could take another step, a hand clamped down on his shoulder, yanking him back.

    "Shut up," Ethel hissed, her grip firm and unyielding. "We''re too late."

    "Too late? She needs help!" Zack struggled against Ethel''s hold, desperate to reach the struggling woman.

    "Quiet." Ethel''s eyes narrowed, her voice cold and commanding. "The exorcists are already here."

    As if summoned by her words, several exorcists emerged from the shadows. One approached the captive vessel, brandishing a blessed crucifix. A flash of recognition struck Zack as he realized the woman was the same homeless person he had seen earlier at the University.

    "Please... I''m not a monster," the woman pleaded, her voice trembling with fear. "I haven''t killed anyone. I was held captive for months."

    One of the exorcists, a young man with piercing blue eyes and short strawberry-blonde hair, eyed her skeptically. His gaze was calculating and sharp, betraying no sympathy for the woman''s plight.

    "Interesting story," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But it doesn''t change the fact that you''re a vessel. Possibly kicked out of a covenant... or maybe you chose to be alone. Either way, not wise."

    "Please, don''t..." the woman''s eyes widened with terror as Pablo unsheathed a cursed sword from its scabbard.

    "Sorry, love," Pablo said with a cold smile before swiftly slicing the vessel in half. "No vessel is a good vessel."

    "Enough, Pablo," Jessica said, stepping into view. Her brown eyes locked onto Pablo''s, her face etched with disapproval. "We have a code, remember?"

    "Abby''s murder changed everything," Pablo replied coldly, cleaning his cursed sword with a rag. "The code is out the window until we find all of Gluttony''s vessels and make them pay."

    Zack could only watch in horror, his stomach churning at the gruesome sight. It was the same guy from the funeral earlier, his entire being gave off a cold and dethatched energy.

    "Abby''s death has brought her crazy exe to Waterloo" Ethel whispered in his ear, her grip on his shoulder finally loosening. "You need to be careful, he is hunting Gluttony''s vessels and that means you too. This is why most vessels are drawn to form covenants, there is strength in numbers."

    As the exorcists vanished back into the shadows, leaving behind only the grisly remnants of their handiwork, Zack realized just how high the stakes had become.

    "Go home," Ethel told him. "Go be a normal student and stay out of this, and if you can do that then you will survive." Zack could tell she was worried about him.

    "I will," he said as he walked back to the dorms, but he knew that was a lie.

    -----

    Meanwhile, Boon was hunched over the bathroom sink in his bedroom, coughing up blood. The thick, viscous substance flowed from his nose and mouth, staining the sink and filling him with fear.

    "Is this how I die?" he wondered, his green eyes filled with terror as he stared at himself in the mirror. "Why does Zack get the powers and I get this? How is this fair?"

    His body convulsed with another fit of coughs. Boon turned on the faucet, desperately trying to wash away the evidence of his condition.

    "I am the one who should have gotten that power" Boon whispered, choking back a sob. "Zack doesn''t even know what to do with it." In his rage he brought his fist down hard, causing the sink to crack ever so slightly, but he was too caught up in self-pity to notice.

    -----

    John''s footsteps echoed on the rain-slicked streets, the dark sky above offering no comfort as he walked home. He couldn''t shake the feeling that someone ¨C or something ¨C was watching him.

    "Get a grip," he muttered under his breath, his brown eyes flicking from shadow to shadow as he walked. "You''re just being paranoid."

    But as he rounded a corner, a gust of wind sent chills down his spine and stirred the hairs on the back of his neck. Instinctively, he turned around, only to find a woman standing there, her long black hair caught in the breeze and her thin frame shrouded in an oversized coat.

    "Who are you?" John gasped, his shock quickly turning to annoyance. "What do you want?"

    "The name is Ethel. And your greeting could use some work," she smirked, her brown eyes gleaming with secrets. "Or is this how you address everyone who wants to help you?"

    "You seem more like a stalker than someone who wants to help," John shot back, folding his arms defensively as he glared at her. "Why are you following me?"

    "Fine, no need for pleasantries, I guess." Ethel sighed, rolling her eyes. "We need to talk. I know what you are, I know you are a...."

    "a monster?" John spat, his anger flaring like a match. "Yeah, sorry if I''m not in the mood for chit-chat."

    "But you feel it don''t you?" Ethel asked, her voice showing concern. "You feel that darkness growing in you, that voice telling you to hurt others, to do terrible things to them."

    "Dammit!" John snapped, clenching his fists. "I didn''t ask for any of this! I''m trying to figure out how to live with it, I just want to finish school and move on with my life."

    "I understand," Ethel said softly. "You don''t have to go through this alone, John. You can trust me." She allowed her eyes to shift to their brilliant green color.

    "You''re like me?" John asked, his voice thick with doubt. "You weren''t in that basement with us, how many more of us are there?"

    "More than you know," Ethel replied, her voice firm. "I was born a vessel, I have lived with my powers my whole life and have found the secrets to controlling them. I can teach you so you get that normal life you want."

    "You would teach me how to control my powers?" John asked, his anger slowly fading as he looked into Ethel''s eyes. "Why? what do you get out of this?"

    "We both get protection out of this, there are people out there who hunt people like us," she explained, offering him her hand. "If we stick together then we survive." John thought about it for a moment before shaking her hand.

    As they walked side by side, John couldn''t help but wonder if he was making the right choice. Could he really trust this stranger he had just met, why did he feel almost compelled to follow her? One thing was certain: he was no longer alone in his struggle. And maybe, just maybe, he would get to live a normal life after all.

 Vol 2, Chapter 3: Vessel

    Freezing rain pelted down on Chuck''s Roadhouse, the neon sign reflected on the wet street outside. Inside, John sat across from Dean Ray of the University of Waterloo, he tapped at the table nervously. They were discussing his possible return to the football team after his disappearance.

    "Look, John," Dean Ray said, swirling the ice cubes in his glass. "The team found someone else when you vanished. It wouldn''t be fair to just remove them from the team now, maybe you can stay on as a reserve, and focus more on getting back into the swing of things after such a traumatic experience."

    John''s jaw tightened, and anger bubbled up inside him. He didn''t understand why the dean would have called him out here if he was just going to say no anyway, he had wasted his time thinking he could just slide right back into his life before he was kidnapped. With his emotions high, he struggled to keep control of his newfound vessel abilities. His grip on his lemonade shattered the glass into pieces, shards flying like daggers across the table. One sliced into the Dean''s cheek; another embedded itself in John''s hand.

    "Damn it!" John cursed, staring at his bleeding hand. He pulled the small shard of glass from his hand and as he freed it from his skin the wound began to close on its own. John watched himself heal in shock but he wasn''t the only one, Ray watched with his mouth a gape.

    "Wha- What are you?" the dean stammered, blood trickling down his cheek. Unable to pull his gaze from John''s hand, which now looked as if nothing had ever happened.

    "I uh, I have to go" John muttered, pushing back his chair and sprinting out of the roadhouse. The freezing rain quickly soaked him to the bone, but he didn''t care. He needed to escape, to get back to Ethel before anyone came after him for this.

    "John! Wait!" Dean Ray called out, stumbling after him into the downpour. But John had already vanished into the darkness. Frustration and confusion settling in, the dean still couldn''t believe what he had witnessed. His mind replayed John''s hand healing itself instantly and he thought about the scientific advances the University could make with this discovery.

    A rustle from the dumpster nearby caught his attention, and he approached cautiously. "John, is that you?" he asked hesitantly. A sudden force gripped him, dragging him behind a dumpster. The last thing he heard was the sound of his own scream as his invisible attacker sunk its fangs into him.

    -----

    Meanwhile, in Deb''s dorm room, Zack and Deb cozied up in her bed, preparing to watch a movie. The clandestine meeting felt like something out of a classic Shakespeare play, the rain adding an element of drama to their whispered conversation. They had stolen away from Jessica and Father Bill, who were attending a parish prayer night.

    As Zack leaned in for a kiss, his elbow pressed into the remote. The TV sprung to life with the news coming it view. The sudden noise caused both Deb and Zack to jump, before laughing at the events. Deb reached for the remote and took aim at the TV, but stopped short of changing the channel.

    "The dean is dead." Deb mouthed, her voice barely audible over the rainfall. She was watching the story unfold on the news coverage.

    Zack''s attention turned to the new anchor, who was standing in the freezing rain while police roamed the scene. "What? How?"

    "Judging by the amount of police officers, it wasn''t natural causes," Deb replied, adjusting her glasses that flashed with the colors of the TV. "Just what we need, another murder. Jessica will probably use her connections at the morgue to see the body and make sure the supernatural wasn''t involved."

    Zack frowned, piecing together the information in his mind. "I haven''t sensed anything off around campus, I doubt it has anything to do with the supernatural. Though it could have been one of Gluttony''s vessels, we have no idea how many are still out there or who they are."

    "Is it wrong for me to hope it is just a regular murder? I feel like Pablo is enough for us to worry about," Deb said, her dark eyes serious. "He has every exorcist tracking every lead they have on Gluttony''s vessels, he wants to find them and eliminate them. He really wants to avenge Abby''s death."

    "Which is why we need to find them first before they are killed," Zack murmured, knowing the stakes had never been higher. "I''m not sure Ethel is really trying to save them, not after she let Pablo kill that woman in the woods. I might have to find them myself."

    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    "you don''t have to do it alone," Deb said, taking his hand in hers and giving it a little squeeze, "You have me and Rob and we will find them and make sure they are safe from Abby''s psycho ex." She moved in and gave him a single tender kiss, that filled him with reassurance that they really could save the missing vessels.

    -----

    The following morning, at the University of Waterloo, Zack stood in the crowded locker room, filled with the sounds of lockers slamming and teammates bantering. A peculiar sensation washed over him, like an electric current surging through his veins; he could sense another vessel nearby. His eyes scanned the room trying to locate the source of the aura.

    "Alright men, let''s hit the court. The season is almost over so let''s finish with a bang." Coach Reynolds instructed as he motioned toward the change room doors.

    As his fellow athletes filed out onto the basketball court, Zack followed suit, determined to identify which of his teammates had been turned. He tried to play it cool, but his attempts at nonchalance were clumsy at best. During practice he went from teammate to teammate, trying to get a better sense of their auras. He would get a little too close while on defense, grazing his fellow players as a way to sample the aura, but to his team, it was getting a bit creepy.

    The coach blew the whistle to switch drills and the team made their way toward the net. Zack raced up to Yusuf and Mike, the last team members he needed to test.

    "Hey, man," Zack said, clapping Yusuf on the shoulder, "you''ve been hitting the gym? You''re looking... different."

    "Uh, thanks?" Yusuf replied, visibly confused by Zack''s invasion of personal space.

    Zack didn''t bother to continue the conversation, instead, he offered Mike an awkward fist bump. "Nice moves today. Keep up the good work," he said, attempting to sound casual while scrutinizing Mike''s dull aura.

    "Thanks, Zack. You too," Mike replied, raising an eyebrow at Zack''s odd behavior.

    No one on his team was a vessel, but the aura was so strong in the gym that it almost overwhelmed Zack. Zack scanned the stands and that is when he spotted John cleaning the stands. As their eyes met, Zack felt a jolt of recognition¡ªthe same sensation he''d experienced when he met Ethel, only stronger. He knew instinctively that John was the other vessel.

    Just as Zack went to approach John, Lindsey burst into the gym, her blonde ponytail bouncing as she ran towards the team. Her blue eyes were wide with concern, and her voice trembled as she spoke. "Please remain calm, I am looking for an eyewitness to a crime committed last night. I need to speak to Nathaniel Boon."

    A ripple of shock spread through the court as murmurs and questions filled the air. Seizing the opportunity, Zack whispered to Rob, "That guy sweeping over there is a vessel."

    "What! Are you serious?" Rob said louder than he should have, some of their teams'' eyes turned toward the pair. Rob and Zack both did their best to avoid making direct eye contact and acted like they were also looking for the source of the outburst.

    Once everyone returned to their own discussions and Lindsey started to lead Boon away, Zack continued "He could be one of Gluttony''s we need to talk to him,"

    "I agree, but I also think we might need to listen in on what Boon saw last night, the only crime I can think of is the Dean''s murder. He may be able to tell us if it is supernatural or not." Rob reasoned. "The vessels are Ethel''s deal, text her and let her know. She can take care of him while we take care of this."

    Nodding in agreement, Rob and Zack trailed behind Lindsey and Boon, careful not to be seen. They watched as she entered the Dean''s office with Boon to get a witness statement to the authorities. Pressing themselves against the wall outside the door, they strained to hear every word.

    "Yes, John and the Dean got into a fight last night," Boon said, his voice sounding cold and uncaring. "I was at Chuck''s Roadhouse, and I saw it all godown. John broke a glass and then took off."

    Zack exchanged a worried glance with Rob as they listened, neither one knowing who John was. Rob quickly googled John but without a last name, it was too generic, however, John''s missing poster came up. He turned his phone to show Zack, it was the guy cleaning the stands in the gym.

    "You don''t think..." Rob started as his mind filled with possibilities.

    "No, there is no way," Zack said seeing where Rob''s mind was headed, "It is just a coincidence. He didn''t kill the dean." but Zack wasn''t sure of anything right now, he needed to speak to Ethel to figure out exactly how to approach this situation.

    As Zack tried to figure out what they should do, Rob grabbed his sleeve and gave it a yank, Zack turned to meet his friend who was pointing at the door to the Dean''s office. For a moment he thought they were caught, and he would see Lindsey''s disapproving stare but instead, he saw something far worse. Pablo Rodriguez had taken the Dean''s place, his name displayed prominently across the door.

    As Zack processed this startling turn of events, he couldn''t help but feel a growing sense of unease. Whatever was happening, they now knew a vessel could be involved, and that meant that their chance to be normal University students had to be put on hold again.

    "Things are getting complicated," Zack muttered to Rob, his mind racing with questions and concerns. "We need to talk to Ethel, she knows more about this stuff than we do."

    "Agreed," Rob replied, determination shining in his dark brown eyes. "I don''t like her, but she always seems to know exactly what is going on."

 Vol 2, Chapter 4: Jail Break

    The cold steel bars of the jail cell slammed shut behind John, the sound echoing through the dimly lit police station. He sank onto the uncomfortable cot and buried his head in his hands, feeling a chill creep up his spine that had nothing to do with the drafty room.

    "John isn''t safe in prison, the exorcist will kill him before they even get to trial," Ethel said urgently as she pulled up next to Zack, the scarlet sky casting eerie shadows on her face. "I need your help to get him out."

    "Of course, but next time you find one of Gluttony''s vessels, a heads up would be nice," Zack said, still put off but Ethel''s lack of communication with him. He and Rob had rushed to Ethel with their discovery that John was a vessel only for her to explain she knew that already and he had joined her covenant. Zack couldn''t help but feel they wasted so much time figuring out his identity when they should have been figuring out how to keep him safe.

    "I''ve already apologized for that but Zack you are not a part of my covenant, I don''t owe you anything." She explained.

    "Really? Because without us you wouldn''t have been able to take on Gluttony and become a Supreme in the first place." Zack retorted.

    "Fine you''re right," Ethel admitted, "And on the note I did discover where Gluttony was keeping them. I think you should see it." she opened the passenger door for Zack, who slid into the seat without hesitation.

    They drove to the old house where John had been held captive by Gluttony, their headlights slicing through the swirling fog. The dilapidated building loomed before them like a haunted specter, its dark windows staring sightlessly at the two intruders.

    "He kept them all here?" Zack asked grimly, as Ethel led him inside.

    The house was even colder than it looked, and they could see their breaths forming clouds as they searched through the debris. Ethel gasped when they found the door to the basement, its door hanging open to reveal a cramped space that still smelled faintly of fear and despair. She clenched her fists, her brown eyes blazing with anger.

    "You can still feel it here," she whispered, her voice shaking. "fear and pain, the vessels that were trapped here knew nothing else." Zack could feel it all, four distinct auras all laced with fear and despair and caused his whole body to start shaking.

    Zack''s gaze was then drawn to the chains on the floor and the locks on the door. He reached out and touched each lock but couldn''t sense anything, not a trace of aura. He looked up at Ethel "Who let them out?"

    "Someone powerful, but the question that I have been asking myself is why would someone let them out?" Ethel''s gaze never left the door, "I wasn''t close to finding them, this place wasn''t even on my radar so why would anyone release a bunch of weak vessels into the world?" Zack thought about the question, nothing about this was adding up.

    -----

    Elsewhere, Deb slipped unnoticed into St. Jerome''s Parish, the candlelight flickering across her face as she listened to the hushed conversation between Jessica and Pablo. She hoped to learn what the exorcists'' next moves were so she could warn Zack.

    "The boy must be eliminated," Jessica insisted, her brown eyes steely. "It''s for the greater good, a witness puts him at the murder scene."

    Deb''s heart raced as she realized they were plotting to kill John. She had to let Zack know. As she crept away, she caught sight of an exorcist dressed as a police officer, carrying a box marked with the symbol of the holy grail. She remembered Zack telling her about how Abby poisoned Ethel with something similar. She tried to call Zack but there was no answer, so she went with plan B.

    She called Rob, her voice barely above a whisper. "Rob, I can''t get a hold of Zack but the exorcists are moving ahead with their plans tonight. They are going to try to kill John, they have a cop with them."

    "Slow him down if can," Rob said, though he wasn''t sure how she was going to be able to do it. "I''ll find Ethel and Zack. We''ll meet you at the station."

    "I have an idea," Deb said as she followed to police exorcist. "I will meet you there" She then hung up and turned her focus to stopping the assassin from reaching his target.

    Deb brandished a throwing knife and crept around the side of a car, her eyes narrowing in concentration. She aimed at the tires of the assassin''s car, puncturing one with expert precision. The exorcist cried out in surprise, and the car swerved crashing into a lamppost close by. Deb approached the car and found the man alive but out cold. She thanked god he would be ok, and swore she would never do something that risky again.

    Rob paced outside the police station, hoping Zack and Ethel got one of his texts and were on their way to help him stop the exorcists from killing John without knowing the truth first.

    Ethel''s car pulled up and Rob was surprised, "Where is Zack?" Rob asked taking note of the empty passenger seat.

    "He won''t be joining us on this one, he looking into something else," Ethel explained as she stepped out, taking in the police station.

    "Something more important than stopping exorcists from killing John before we figure out if he is actually a murderer or not?" Rob couldn''t believe Zack wouldn''t show up to this.

    "First of all John isn''t a murderer, he has been living with me since I found him and he is way too timid to kill anyone. Secondly, I am sure your BFF will fill you in on all the wonderful details of his investigation during one of your tea parties or whatever it is the two of you do." Ethel didn''t really want to answer a million questions right now, she wanted to save John. "now let''s go save an incent life." Rob fell silent and nodded. leading Ethel around back.

    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    Ethel''s heart pounded as she and Rob slipped through the shadows behind Waterloo police station. She knew a bond was formed between Supremes and their vessels, but she never imagined the strength of it. A force that compels her to push her usual self-preservation instincts aside to protect her vessels. Ethel''s fear for John warred with her determination to save him.

    "Keep low," Rob whispered, his dark brown eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger. They reached a back door, and Rob expertly picked the lock, allowing them to slip inside undetected.

    "Remember, John still isn''t in full control of his powers if things go sideways," Ethel reminded him, her voice barely audible. As they crept down the dimly lit hallway, she couldn''t help but feel like time was running out for John.

    "Stay behind me," Rob instructed, he knew that if he was caught, no one in the station would find it out of the ordinary because he was constantly visiting Lindsey. They inched closer to the holding cells, their footsteps muffled by the worn carpet beneath them. As they turned a corner, Ethel caught the aura of an exorcist in a police uniform, standing guard outside John''s cell. Her heart skipped a beat.

    "Rob, that''s not a guard," she breathed, fear and anger surging within her. She had never felt this way about another vessel or anyone for that matter, but she was a Supreme now and this connection to her vessel seemed all too natural.

    "Shit, how are we going to take him down without alerting the entire police department?" Rob asked, steadying himself. But before they could come up with a plan, an intense flash of light blinded them momentarily. They blinked away the spots in their vision, only to see the exorcist unconscious on the floor, his body crackling with residual energy.

    "That was John," Ethel whispered, realizing he had used his powers to knock out the guard. John reached out from the cell and retrieved the keys. The holding cell door swung open, and John crept out slowly. He knocked the guard with his foot to make sure he was out before looking up to meet Ethel and Rob''s gaze.

    "Ethel and..... I''m sorry I don''t know you," John''s voice sounded relieved, his body relaxed at the sight of his Supreme.

    "I''m..." Rob went to shake his hand but the sudden motion caused John''s PTSD to trigger. He lunged at Rob, his hands crackling with energy. Caught off guard, Rob stumbled back, struggling to fend off John''s attack.

    "Stop!" Ethel cried, her own aura flaring to life, the air around her shimmering with power. She forced John into submission, his powers fading as he collapsed to the floor, gasping for breath.

    "John, I''m sorry," she told him, her voice firm but gentle. "If you run, it will make them believe you are guilty, and they will never stop looking for you. But, my family is an old and powerful one, once they set bail, you won''t ever spend another night in prison. I can promise you that."

    "What about people like that guard?" John cried, "I could feel his murderous intent seeping off of him, What if there are more?"

    "I''m not going anywhere, I will make sure they never get this close to you again," Ethel promised, the sincerity in her eyes convinced John she was telling the truth.

    Defeated, John nodded and crawled back into his cell.

    I Promise it won''t be for much longer Ethel said, one last time before helping Rob drag the unconscious exorcist from the scene. Ethel and Rob exchanged a tense glance before leaving the exorcist by the dumpster outback, they knew they had bought themselves some time but they didn''t know how much. They drove off hoping bail would be set soon.

    As they left, Lindsey came around back after thinking she heard voices, her blue eyes widening in shock as she discovered the unconscious man on the ground. Her instincts kicked in, and she hurriedly called for an ambulance. As she approached the man, a chill ran down her spine, he had a belt with grenades strapped to it and a larger hunting knife strapped to his leg.

    "What the hell were you trying to do back here," she murmured, her mind racing with questions about what the unknown man''s intentions were.

    -----

    The dim light from a lone, flickering bulb cast eerie shadows on the basement walls as Deb descended the creaking wooden stairs. Her dark brown eyes surveyed the room, taking in the unsettling sight of the dungeon Gluttony had created to hold his vessels. Zack stood in the midst of the chaos, his blue eyes filled with pain and determination.

    "So this is where Gluttony kept them," Deb said, her voice echoing in the dank space. "Zack, I don''t think he locked them all up just because he couldn''t control you." She could tell by Zack''s face he blamed himself for this.

    Zack nodded solemnly. "I still feel responsible for what happened to these people. I need to make sure they''re safe."

    Deb studied her boyfriend''s resolute expression before stepping closer and placing a reassuring hand on his arm. "I know we will find them, I just don''t want you to blame yourself for anything that happens to them, some things are out of our control."

    She leaned in, her lips meeting Zack''s in a tender kiss that spoke more than words ever could. As they parted, Deb gave him a small, determined smile before turning to leave. "I''ll keep listening in to the exorcist chatter when I can, hopefully, that will keep us one step ahead of them. Now let''s go back to campus, it''s been a long day."

    "Thank you," Zack said taking in the basement one last time.

    As Deb reached the top of the stairs, she froze, feeling an unexpected presence. Before she could react, an invisible force struck her, sending her crashing into the wall. Panic surged through her as she struggled to regain her footing.

    "Zack!" she cried out, her fear piercing the air.

    Bounding up the stairs, Zack rushed to Deb''s aid. She was lying on the floor but as he scanned the room there was no sign of anyone else there. Suddenly he could sense its malevolent aura and in the silence, the sound of breathing came from an invisible source.

    "Get away from her!" he snarled, he threw a punch in the direction of the sound, connecting with the leathery skin of the invisible attacker.

    With a guttural growl, the invisible creature retreated, escaping into the night. Breathless and shaken, Deb and Zack exchanged worried glances, there was something else stalking the streets of Waterloo and it was like nothing they had seen before.

    "Are you okay?" Zack asked, concern etched in his features.

    "Fine," Deb replied unsteadily as she dusted herself off. "But what was that thing?"

    While the young couple pondered their harrowing experience, Boon sat hunched over his laptop. He had filmed himself every night, hoping to catch a glimpse of himself using his powers. But as he watched the footage, he found no trace of the change he so desperately sought. Instead, he saw his own sleepwalking figure, a haunting reminder of just how human he really was.

    "Nothing," he muttered bitterly, his green eyes clouded with disappointment and fear. "I''m still just...me." After all the weirder things he had gone through, after fighting Gluttony and seeing vessels in action, he hadn''t hesitated to make his deal for that power. He looked down at his arm where the symbol had once been burned into his arm, he had done all of that for nothing.

 Vol 2, Chapter 5: Entropy

    Deb frowned as she walked back to her dorm room at St. Jerome''s, they had spent hours trying to figure out a way to prove John was innocent and ended up nowhere. As she turned the corner she was suddenly aware of just how empty the park was. Her dark brown eyes scanned the area, her grip tightening on the strap of her bag. The only other person she could see was a large man, sitting on a bench and engrossed in his phone. Deb squinted at him, her glasses reflecting the dim light.

    "Evening," the guy muttered, barely glancing up from his phone as he gave her a curt nod.

    "Thanks," Deb replied hesitantly, quickening her pace. She could feel his eyes following her as she went.

    As she put some distance between them, the distinct sound of crunching gravel rang out behind her, shattering the eerie quiet. Panic surged through her veins, and Deb broke into a sprint, her heart pounding in her ears. In her haste, she dropped her phone, the screen cracking upon impact with the ground.

    "Damn it," she muttered under her breath, skidding to a halt and bending down to retrieve it.

    But before she could grasp the broken device, a rough hand yanked a bag over her head, cutting off her vision and muffling her startled scream.

    -----

    When Deb finally regained her senses, she found herself bound to a chair, her wrists chafing against coarse ropes. Beside her, Jessica was similarly tied up, fear and anger battling for dominance in her racing thoughts.

    "Comfortable?" a deep voice echoed through the dark, its source seemingly invisible.

    "Who are you?" Deb snapped, her thoughts racing to make sense of the situation. "What do you want?"

    "Ah, straight to the point. I like that," the voice responded, amusement tinging its tone. "Tell me where the exorcists are hiding and I will let you go."

    "Exorcist?" Deb asked incredulously, there was no way she was going to risk putting people in harm''s way. "I have no idea what you are talking about?"

    "Don''t play coy with me," the voice continued, undeterred by her response. "There are forces at work in this world that most people cannot even fathom. Demons and other supernatural beings pose a constant threat to humanity, and I know you fight them."

    Deb''s eyes darted to Jessica, who stared back at her with a fearful glint in her gaze.

    "I have no clue what you are talking about! You are confused, there are no such things as demons! Please just let me and my friend go and we won''t tell anyone about this." Deb lied, her anger flaring as she struggled against her bindings.

    "So you''re saying you have no idea what I am talking about," the voice replied cryptically. "You''re not a very good liar."

    "I am not lying, I don''t know anything about exorcists. You have the wrong people!" Deb challenged, unwilling to give up anything to her captor.

    "I am very impressed with your resolve," the voice answered calmly. "The exorcists have existed for centuries, the force that shields humanity from the true darkness that lurks beneath the surface. You have been chosen to join our ranks, and you''ve just passed your first test."

    As silence settled over the basement once more, Deb realized this was planned from the beginning, she was being tested and that meant that Jessica was in on it too.

    "Awesome," she whispered finally, annoyed with her situation. So guessing this is the part where you come out and untie us."

    "Not exactly," The voice informed her.

    As if on cue, Jessica''s bindings seemed to unravel and fall away from her wrists. With a confident smirk, she stood up and walked over to the source of the disembodied voice. To Deb''s surprise, Jessica revealed a man tucked behind a false wall. Deb immediately recognized him as the man from the park bench.

    "Meet Pete," Jessica said with a sly grin, clapping the man on the back. "He tests all our recruits."

    "Nice introduction," Pete remarked sarcastically as he stepped out of the small hole in the wall. "Now, let''s get down to business."

    "Business?" Deb asked skeptically, her eyebrows raised as she eyed the phone.

    "Your training," Jessica replied, her tone serious. "You''re not going to like this, but we''ve got to start now. Your connection with the supernatural world has accelerated our timeline."

    "I take it neither one of you is going to untie me?" Deb asked, still unconvinced of their intentions.

    "You would be right," Jessica answered without hesitation. "There will be situations where you will left to your own devices to survive. You''ll have to learn how to make those tough choices if you want to walk away with your life."

    She paused, then reached into her pocket and produced a single dagger. Deb''s eyes widened in recognition. She''d used these very blades to slash an exorcist''s tire and caused the to car crash.

    "I can explain," Deb started hesitantly, she knew she had been caught.

    "No need," Jessica replied, silencing Deb with a wave of her hand. "I know what you did and I know why. Friends are important but your duty as an exorcist needs to be placed above them."

    "I don''t want to kill anyone," Deb defended herself, her brown eyes fierce. "And you don''t even know if he is guilty of killing the dean."

    "We have to act quickly when something like this happens," Jessica explained, clearly frustrated by Deb''s response. "These things have super strength and can heal themselves, if there is even the smallest chance they are turning on humanity then they need to be put down. You have to understand that we are doing this for every human who cannot defend themselves."

    Deb turned away from her and with a sigh, Jessica pocketed the daggers and handed Deb a spoon. Confused, Deb stared at the seemingly insignificant object in her hand.

    "Alright, I''ll bite. What''s the spoon for?" Deb asked, her tone laced with sarcasm.

    "Your second test," Jessica replied. "Pete, start the timer."

    "Wait, what am I supposed to¡ª" Deb began, but was cut off by Jessica.

    "Escape your bindings using only that spoon," she instructed. "Good luck."

    As Pete started the timer on his phone, Deb glanced down at the ropes encircling her wrists and ankles. She couldn''t help but feel a small thrill of anticipation as she contemplated the challenge before her.

    "Okay," she murmured under her breath, gripping the spoon tightly as she set to work. "Let''s do this."

    For two and a half grueling hours, Deb painstakingly scraped away at the ropes with the edge of the spoon. Sweat dripped from her brow, her fingers ached, and her wrists chafed, but she refused to give up. As the last strand of rope gave way, she felt a rush of triumph and relief.

    "Two hours, thirty minutes," Pete announced as he stopped the timer. He gave her an approving nod. "Not bad for your first try. It took me three."

    "Thanks," Deb panted, rubbing her sore wrists. She glanced around the dimly lit basement, all she wanted was to return to her dorm and rest.

    "Alright," Jessica said, clapping her hands together. "That is enough for tonight."

    "Glad you think so," Deb muttered sarcastically, her dark eyes meeting Jessica''s gaze defiantly.

    "You may think I am being harsh, but I am just trying to protect you." Jessica''s tone was stern, but her eyes held a hint of sadness. "You can''t trust vessels, eventually they kill, it is in their nature."

    Deb stood up, stretching her stiff limbs, "I wouldn''t go preaching about how vessels can''t be trusted when Abby killed more innocent people than any vessel I know," Jessica fell silent, burned by the truth of her words.

    "Uh, I am going to let you too sort this out on your own. See you tomorrow, kid," Pete called out, patting her on the shoulder as he exited the parish.

    "Tomorrow," Deb echoed, staying back to talk to Jessica. The moment the door closed behind Pete, they heard a pained scream ring out from the other side. Deb''s heart raced, as she tried to push the doors open, but something held them shut. There were sounds of struggle, followed by a choked cry.

    "Shit," Deb whispered, her pulse pounding in her ears as she continued to push against the doors.

    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    "Get down!" Jessica ordered, Deb ducked just in time for Jessica to unload her pistol into the door. The doors creaked open, the mysterious force no longer holding them closed.

    Outside, Deb found Pete in the snow, his face contorted in pain. He clutched at his throat, trying to stem the flow of blood from a deep gash. His other hand fumbled for a gun that had fallen out of reach. Jessica rushed towards him, to help with the bleeding.

    "Help... me..." he rasped, his eyes wide with terror.

    "Stay with us, Pete!" Deb urged, scanning the area for the assailant. The courtyard was silent ¨C as if whatever had struck Pete down had vanished into thin air.

    "Jessica... it''s..." Pete''s voice trailed off as the life drained from his eyes. Jessica held his lifeless body and removed his hands from his wounds. Now that she could see it, she knew what they were dealing with wasn''t human, the deep fang marks on Pete''s neck proved it.

    "NO!" Deb screamed, rushing to Jessica''s side. Neither of them knew what had killed Pete, but they could feel it eyeing them from the shadows.

    -----

    The next day, Deb stood at the foot of the rock climbing wall, her fingers tracing the cold, rough surface. The gym was alive with the sounds of climbers calling out instructions and encouragement to each other. The tension from the previous night''s events still weighed heavily on her mind, she could still see the fear in Pete''s eyes before they dulled. Was it the thing that attacked her at the abandoned house? Was it following her?

    "Ready?" Zack asked, tightening his harness as he glanced over at Deb. She nodded as she came back to reality, pulling herself onto the first hold and beginning their ascent side by side.

    As they climbed higher, Zack leaned closer to whisper, "I asked Ethel about what could have attacked Pete, she doesn''t know. What if it was that this from the house... I don''t think it''s a vessel, or I would''ve sensed it."

    Deb frowned, her grip tightening on the holds as she realized Zack was as confused by this as she was. "So what do we do now? How do we catch something we can''t see?" she asked, her voice barely audible above the clamor of the gym.

    "Your guess is as good as mine," Zack replied, shrugging. He paused for a moment, then added with a smirk, "Nice view up here, by the way."

    "Excuse me?" Deb shot him a glare, her cheeks flushing.

    "Your butt. It''s pretty fantastic from this angle." His grin widened as he spoke, clearly enjoying her embarrassment.

    "Seriously, Zack?" Rolling her eyes, Deb swung her leg over, using her momentum to knock him off the wall. Laughter erupted from Rob and the other climbers below as Zack tumbled onto the padded mat, groaning theatrically.

    "Totally worth it," he gasped between chuckles, earning a playful eye roll from Deb.

    Meanwhile, Rob had begun his climb alongside a girl named Olivia. Her hands were steady as she gripped the holds, she began to scale the wall with ease. Deb watched in awe and with some suspicion.

    "Hey, isn''t she super asthmatic?" Deb asked Zack in a hushed tone. "I could have sworn she told me when we were partnered for a psych project last semester."

    "Really? She looks like she is doing just fine up there," Zack replied, keeping a close eye on Olivia as she continued her climb.

    Eventually, Olivia reached the top, and with one push off she descended the wall with grace. Zack watched her go with a concerned frown, as she touched down in front of him, he could feel her aura.

    "Something about her feels... off," he murmured to Deb, who nodded in agreement.

    "Let''s keep an eye on her," Deb suggested, her eyes never leaving the retreating figure of Olivia.

    -----

    The locker room was buzzing with post-workout chatter and the scent of sweat. Rob leaned against a row of lockers, his towel draped around his neck as he spoke to Zack, who was tying his shoes.

    "John might be a lost cause," Rob said hesitantly, a look of worry on his face. "We just don''t have evidence that it wasn''t him and I don''t think his aura not matching would hold up in court."

    Zack sighed, brushing a strand of damp blonde hair away from his forehead. "I know, but every day he is still locked up is a day he could be killed."

    "Come on, lighten up!" Rob retorted, pulling his shirt over his head. "Ethel is watching over him, she can handle anything an exorcist can dish out."

    "Easy for you to say," Zack muttered, his hand suddenly trembling as though struck by an invisible force. His blue eyes widened, and without another word, he sprinted out of the locker room and into the darkened gym.

    "Zack, wait up!" Rob called, chasing after him. "I wasn''t trying to say we shouldn''t help!"

    Zack reached the gym just in time to see a female figure dart across the floor, her movements swift and agile. Just as she reached the exit, Zack moved closer, catching a glimpse of her face before she vanished through the door.

    "Who was that?" Rob panted, skidding to a halt beside his friend. "And how did you know she''d be here?"

    "I could just feel it like we were connected in some way," Zack replied, his heart pounding in his chest. "I think I could be connected to the rest of Gluttony''s vessels. I think that was Olivia."

    -----

    Olivia continued her sprint across campus, trying to escape the powerful aura she had sensed. The fear for her life transported her thoughts back to a cold November night at the hospital. Kenzie had been visiting her, concern etched across her face as she confronted her patient after Olivia''s most recent asthma attack.

    "Olivia, I know you haven''t been taking your medication," Kenzie said softly, her deep blue eyes filled with worry. "You can''t keep doing this to yourself, you could die."

    "Leave me alone," Olivia muttered, turning away as Kenzie reluctantly left the room.

    Moments later, Gluttony materialized disguised as a doctor, his eyes scanning the pill bottle on the bedside table. He read aloud the side effects, a sinister grin spreading across his face. "Anxiety, weight gain, acne... What if I told you that I could make it all go away?"

    "Really?" Olivia whispered, desperation and hope mingling in her voice. "How?"

    "It is really a simple procedure." Gluttony''s eyes glowed orange.

    "I''ll do it, whatever it is I''ll do it," Olivia said, desperate for the chance to be normal.

    "Well then, let''s seal this deal with a handshake," Gluttony said extending his hand toward her. Olivia reached out and shook it and Gluttony smiled a malevolent smile. The glow from his curse cast eerie shadows on the sterile walls, sealing their dark pact.

    Back in the present, Olivia shook off the memory, trying to focus on finding the Supreme she had sensed. She knew she needed them for protection, her instincts told her it was her only chance.

    -----

    The projector''s hum filled the dimly lit immunology classroom, casting flickering images of microscopic organisms onto the screen. Sarah sat beside Boon, her brow furrowed as she clenched a tattered camera strap in her hands.

    "Boon, I can''t believe you dropped my camera," Sarah whispered, her voice tight with frustration.

    "Sorry, Sarah. It was an accident," he mumbled, avoiding her gaze. "I will buy you a new one, I promise."

    Sarah huffed but remained silent, her attention drawn back to the film playing before them. Boon, however, found his mind wandering until a specific word caught his attention: vaccination. He leaned forward, suddenly engrossed in the concept of immunity and the idea of being protected from disease. Was it possible to be immune to a Sin''s curse? After all Gluttony''s curse hadn''t done anything to Ahmed either. He looked over at his friend who was following along with the lecture, how did they become immune? Boon thought.

    As the lecture ended and students began filing out of the room, Boon''s thoughts raced, was it possible that being around Ahmed somehow vaccinated him from supernatural effects? He spotted Ahmed among the sea of faces and made a beeline for him, grabbing his arm firmly. "Ahmed! What did you do to me!" Boon accused, his eyes wild with desperation.

    "What are you talking about? I didn''t do anything to you," Ahmed asked, confused and alarmed by Boon''s aggression. "Why are you acting so weird?"

    "I am not acting weird, I am trying to figure out why it didn''t work!" Boon''s voice shook, struggling to control his anger and fear.

    "Boon, what didn''t wor¡ª"

    "Enough!" Boon released Ahmed''s arm and stormed away, leaving a bewildered Ahmed in his wake.

    Fighting back tears, Ahmed retreated to the nearest bathroom and locked himself in a stall. Tears streamed down his face as he wondered why Boon would attack him like that. As he tried to regain his composure, he noticed a pair of dirty, unshod feet beneath the stall door. Ahmed frowned, wiping away tears. "Uh, you should be wearing shoes in here," he managed.

    The feet shifted and departed without a word. Intrigued, Ahmed followed the muddy footprints, sniffling as he tried to catch a glimpse of the mysterious figure. The unknown person stopped at the trophy case, their back turned to Ahmed as they studied the awards displayed behind the glass. Ahmed watched as the man then faded from existence.

    Ahmed hesitated for a moment before curiosity propelled him forward. He peered at the trophies just as the figure wandered away, disappearing around a corner. Among the gleaming metal and polished wood, one award caught his eye¡ªan old photo of Kyle. He was smiling, unaware of the dark path that lay ahead. A shiver ran down Ahmed''s spine as the memory of Kyle transforming into Gluttony flashed in his mind, a sinister grin etched on his monstrous face.

    "Who was that?" Ahmed murmured under his breath.

    -----

    Rob and Kristian stood in the bustling Student Life Center, their voices barely audible over the chatter of students socializing and making plans. The tension between them was palpable as they continued to negotiate.

    "Look, man, I told you I need those keys to get into the pool tonight," Rob insisted, his voice firm but not aggressive. He knew better than to push Kristian too hard¡ªthey needed him on their side. "I can''t wait until next week."

    Kristian crossed his arms over his chest, narrowing his eyes as he sized up Rob. "Fine, but the cost has doubled," he finally said, "it''s gonna cost you one hundred bucks."

    "Are you serious?" Rob scoffed, his jaw clenching with frustration. But he saw the conviction in Kristian''s eyes and knew he had no choice. Reluctantly, he fished several crumpled bills from his pocket and handed them over.

    "Thanks," Kristian said smugly as he accepted the money and produced a key ring. Rob snatched the keys from him, trying to hide his annoyance. "A pleasure doing business with you." he turned and left Rob standing in the middle of the SLC.

    Zack wandered over to Rob, "Hey, check out who just walked in," Zack said suddenly, nodding toward the entrance of the SLC. Rob glanced over his shoulder and saw Olivia. She was surrounded by guys offering to carry her books and buy her lunch. She sauntered through the crowd, drawing appreciative stares from both men and women alike.

    "Damn," Rob muttered, impressed. "Do you think that is a part of her vessel powers?"

    Zack frowned, curiosity gnawing at him. "I don''t know, but I''m going to find out." Without waiting for Rob''s response, Zack followed Olivia outside, keeping a safe distance he watched as she slid into a car with Ethel. He clenched his fist as the car pulled away, his frustration with Ethel not keeping him in the loop was starting to boil over.

    -----

    That night, Zack found himself working at Night School. He stood at the bar, polishing the same glass. The place was packed, the pulsating music and swirling lights adding to the chaotic atmosphere. But all he could think about was Olivia and Ethel. He checked his phone but Ethel still hadn''t responded to his text about it.

    "Everything okay?" Paulina asked with concern as she noticed his troubled expression.

    "Ah, just having an existential crisis is all," Zack replied, trying to force a smile. He lifted a bottle of vodka, but his hand shook and it slipped from his grasp, shattering on the floor. "See? That''s a metaphor for my life right now. Everything''s slipping through my fingers."

    "Entropy," Paulina said thoughtfully, leaning in closer to be heard over the music. "The natural tendency of things to move toward disorder. It''s a fundamental law of the universe."

    "Maybe so," Zack agreed, his blue eyes staring into the depths of the pooling liquid. "But there has to be a way to get things back in order. I don''t think I can handle any more chaos in my life right now."

    "Zack," Paulina began cautiously, her voice softening, "sometimes, things may fall out of sync but they also tend to resync in the end. And hey," she added with a wink, "I think you have earned a raise in pay, so that''s one thing preventing total chaos as you said."

    "Thanks," he said, forcing a smile. But he still couldn''t stop thinking about the murders, the invisible creature, Ethel''s weird secrecy, and Pablo''s plans for revenge. No pay raise was going to fix any of it.

 Vol 2, Chapter 6: Pool Party

    Deb sat cross-legged on her bed, watching Jessica meticulously sharpen a set of silver knives on a whetstone. The rhythmic scraping was oddly soothing and she found herself inadvertently matching her breathing to the motion. Her mentor had her headphones on, her head bobbing to some tune Deb couldn''t hear.

    "Jess," Deb said, breaking the silence. "I''ve been thinking about Ahmed."

    Jessica glanced up, pausing her knife work. "What about him?" she asked, pulling off her headphones.

    "I know the exorcists were suspicious that he was a vessel but Ahmed''s been acting normal since he came back to school," Deb explained. "I know his whole hospital escape was weird, but I can''t help but feel it is over now."

    "Normal is a relative term when you''re dealing with curses," Jessica replied, her voice tinged with concern. "We can never be too careful. But this would make a good first assignment for you, keep an eye on Ahmed for us."

    "Spy on him, you mean?" Deb said, raising an eyebrow.

    "Call it what you will, but we don''t know why Ahmed hasn''t changed like he should have," Jessica insisted. "Something about this whole situation is off and even Pablo doesn''t seem to understand it."

    "Alright," Deb agreed reluctantly, knowing that if she said no Pablo would just have someone else watch over Ahmed. At least this way she could protect him if she needed to. "Anyway I am late for study group so I will catch up with you later," Deb said grabbing her backpack and heading for the door.

    "Enjoy the studying," Jessica said with a wave as she continued her work. She had no idea Deb had hidden her swimsuit at the bottom of the bag, with no intention of actually studying.

    -----

    The calm water glistened under the bright overhead lights, Rob unlocked the doors letting the group into the pool area. Ahmed, Rob, Zack, and Deb stepped onto the pool deck, their beach day in January plan finally happening.

    "Alright, so if we get caught no one can say we got the key from Kristian," Rob called out, walking over with a grin. "I''d like to keep my head on my shoulders." He watched as his friends nodded in agreement.

    Ahmed gave Rob a bemused smile. "You know I thought you were kind of a badass getting these keys, and then you ruined it with that statement."

    "Shut up," Rob blushed, falling back into the water with exaggerated disappointment.

    "Come on, Zack," Deb encouraged, taking his hand. As it turned out, Zack''s vessel abilities didn''t seem to offer any advantage when it came to the water. He hesitated, still haunted by a dream he once had about this very situation, gripping Deb''s hand tightly for support.

    "Or we can just stay out of the water for now," Deb said sympathetically, her patience evident. "Ahmed brought a pretty awesome picnic, we can sample some of the brownies." Zack shook his head, he needed to face this fear. the pair took a running start and leapt into the warm water.

    Zack tried his best to follow Deb''s advice and just enjoy the swim, and before long, he found himself letting go and enjoying the water. As he swam without focus, he didn''t notice he was heading right for the side of the pool. With a crash and a yelp of surprise, Zack collided with the unforgiving surface.

    "Ouch," Deb winced, paddling over to help him up. "You alright?"

    "Nothing bruised but my ego," Zack joked, rubbing his shoulder. As they looked over, they noticed Ahmed effortlessly swimming laps, leaving Rob floundering in his wake.

    "Show-off," Rob muttered good-naturedly, shaking his head.

    "Alright, let''s blow up some of the floaties," Deb said, offering Zack a reassuring smile. As she helped him find his footing on the slippery surface, together they climbed out of the pool.

    She reached into her bag and her hands came across a familiar hard surface. "Smile!" Deb exclaimed, holding up the Instax mini camera as she and Zack posed against the backdrop of the diving board. The flash went off, and a photo emerged with Zack''s glowing pink eyes clearly visible. They laughed at the strange effect, continuing to snap pictures while Ahmed and Rob swam nearby.

    "It''s so weird, why are your eyes glowing in all of these?" Deb asked, shaking another developing photo. "I have a ton of photos on my phone of us and your eyes don''t glow in those."

    "Maybe it has something to do with the flash," Zack offered, his eyes searching for a logical explanation. But beneath his lighthearted exterior, he worried that if a flash really could expose his vessel eyes, then anyone could figure out what he was with the press of a button.

    Meanwhile, Ahmed noticed something peculiar at the bottom of the pool. A trail of delicate lily petals led him away from the others, drawing his attention to a full flower seemingly growing out of the pool drain. Intrigued, he reached out to examine it closer.

    "What''s this?" Ahmed thought. As he brushed the dirt away from the flower, he suddenly felt someone entering the water behind him ¨C he turned to find Kyle''s face staring back at him.

    "NO!" Ahmed screamed, losing the breath he had been holding. Ahmed clawed his way to the surface, coughing and panicking as he broke the surface. The sound echoed through the room, jolting Deb and Zack from their photos. They rushed over, finding a hysterical Ahmed in Rob''s arms, his eyes wide with terror.

    "Ahmed, what''s wrong?" Deb asked, her heart pounding with concern.

    "There was someone else in the pool," Ahmed stammered, still trembling from the sight of Kyle. Zack raced to the edge of the pool to try and catch the infiltrator but there were no one there and no flowers either.

    "Take deep breaths, Ahmed. It''s going to be okay," Rob reassured him, his own fear hidden behind a comforting smile. "It''s totally normal after what you have been through to have visions of your attacker."

    -----

    The next day, Zack approached Olivia, hoping to learn more about what Ethel was up to. "Hey, Olivia," He said in a hushed tone, trying his best not to draw attention to them, "I''m your vessel and I know Ethel is your Supreme now, I need to know what is going on with Ethel. Why has she been ignoring me?"

    "Zack," she purred, her eyes gleaming with newfound confidence. "Ethel has told me all about you, I suppose I should be thanking you for getting rid of Gluttony. I mean look at me now. I am free and more powerful than ever. As far as Ethel goes, you know I can''t tell you anything about her, she is my Supreme and I am bound by her will."

    "But she is planning something, is she going after Pablo?" Zack replied, his voice tinged with anger. As he glanced over, he saw Deb observing their interaction, her expression clouded with concern. "She''s playing a dangerous game. We need to work together to get Pablo to leave."

    "She doesn''t need you anymore," she retorted, defiantly turning away from him. "She has us now, her covenant can handle the supernatural of Waterloo. Why don''t you just sit back and enjoy that normal life you want so badly."

    As Olivia walked away, Zack turned to Deb, seeing the worry etched on her face. They both knew Ethel was planning something and keeping them in the dark about it.

    -----

    In the Student Life Center, Zack and Deb sat back to back at different tables, attempting to give off the appearance of disinterest in each other. Their whispered conversation was punctuated by pauses for scanning their surroundings.

    "Olivia won''t tell us anything," Zack murmured, his eyes flicking towards Deb''s reflection in a nearby window. "A vessel has a natural undying loyalty to their Supreme and that is Ethel now."

    "Jealous?" Deb asked, trying to sound light-hearted.

    "Hardly," Zack replied, shaking his head. "I''m just concerned about the battle lines being drawn between Ethel''s covenant and the exorcists, I''m worried someone might get hurt."

    "Me too," Deb confessed, her voice barely a whisper. "It is bad enough that Pablo has started talking about his master plan to lure out the remaining vessels. I am beginning to worry that a war is about to begin."

    "How are we supposed to stop it," he questioned softly.

    Rob suddenly appeared, sliding into the empty seat beside Deb. "You won''t believe what I saw when I returned Kristian''s keys," he said, his eyes wide with excitement. "Claw marks on the walls. I think Kristian could be the last vessel you''ve been looking for"

    "Kristian''s a vessel?" Deb''s heart raced as she exchanged glances with Zack.

    "Maybe Ethel hasn''t gotten to him yet," Zack said, his gaze fixed on Rob. "We need to find him first and convince him that Ethel doesn''t want what is best for him."

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    "Do you think that will work?" Deb asked, her eyes locked on Rob and Zack''s as she gripped the strap of her backpack. "I mean you said it yourself, vessel instincts are to follow a Supreme."

    "Yeah, I don''t know how convincing of an argument we have here," Rob said skeptically, raising an eyebrow. "Ethel is offering power and the chance to wipe out the only threat to them. It seems like a pretty sweet deal to me."

    "Right, but a holy water bullet will mess Kristian up, permanently," Zack argued, his voice tense. "They don''t know what an actual fight with the exorcists means. He at least deserves the truth before he makes a choice."

    "Ah, the hero complex rears its head again," Rob teased, a grin spreading across his face. "You know, I''ve always been attracted to your heroism, Zack. Want to make out?"

    Zack snorted, shaking his head at Rob''s attempt to lighten the situation. "Not now, Romeo. We''ve got to find Kristian."

    "Fine, fine," Rob chuckled, getting up from the table with Zack. "Let''s go try to convince a vessel to go against their very nature, then."

    As they set off, Zack couldn''t help but worry about the situation and its potential consequences. Even if Kristian joined them, it meant that he would have to go against Ethel and that could lead to a fight in the future.

    -----

    Meanwhile, Boon approached Ethel''s house with a determined stride. He clenched his fists, desperate to know why the curse hadn''t changed him like it had the others. When no one answered his pounding on the door, frustration bubbled over, and he kicked it in.

    "Ethel!" he shouted, stepping into the dimly lit foyer. The sound of guns cocking made him freeze, and he slowly raised his hands in surrender.

    "Stand down it''s just Boon," Jessica''s stern voice filled the silence, her dark eyes fixed on him. The exorcists lowered their weapons as Jessica approached the boy, "I thought we warned you not to pursue supernatural status anymore."

    "Or we''d come after you," another exorcist added, leveling his gun at Boon''s chest.

    "Wait," Boon stammered, fear and confusion battling within him. "You don''t understand. I just want answers."

    "Answers, why do you need answers?" Jessica asked, her gaze unyielding. "Is there something we should know about?"

    "No, I just wanted to know more about John," Boon''s voice trembled as he considered the implications. "I know his bail was set and she paid it, and I wanted to know why." he lied

    "You know why," Jessica said, lowering her gun. "Leave now, Boon. And stay away from Ethel. Trust me, it''s in your best interest."

    Boon nodded and stumbled out of the house, his heart pounding in his chest, his views of not having power had changed for a moment and he was glad the exorcist wasn''t after him.

    -----

    The frost of the evening air clung to Rob''s skin as he stood outside Kristian''s off-campus house, his dark brown eyes scanning the area for any sign of Ethel or the other vessels. Zack had gone around to the back entrance to find a way in, leaving Rob to wait and worry about a possible vessel confrontation.

    "Hey there, handsome," a sultry voice purred in his ear, making him jump. Olivia leaned against the wall beside him, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Waiting for someone?"

    "Olivia." Rob tried to keep his voice steady, as his heart returned to its usual rhythm. "What are you doing here?" he tried to seem surprised by her presence.

    "Oh, don''t play dumb with me, you aren''t nearly as cute when you do." She stepped closer, running a finger down his arm, her lips curving into a teasing smile. "I take it Zack is already inside."

    "Look, we are just trying to talk to him," Rob said, trying to pull away. But as he attempted to create some distance between them, Olivia''s grip on his arm tightened.

    "Well unfortunately Ethel needs Kristian," she whispered, her eyes locked onto his. "So I''m afraid I have to remove you from the property." She scooped up the snow and let it melt in her hands, shifting the water to take on the shape of a small frying pan. Before Rob could ask what she was doing, she hit him with the pan. Rob''s vision blurred, and then everything went black.

    -----

    The wail of Night School''s alarm pierced through the darkness, jarring Paulina from her thoughts in the back office. The nightclub owner moved swiftly through the dimly lit space, her pulse racing with adrenaline. The last thing she needed was trouble at her club.

    A cold shiver ran down her spine as she entered the bar, the sight that awaited her making her stomach churn. A human body lay sprawled across one of the tables, lifeless eyes staring blankly at the ceiling. The gruesome scene looked like something out of a macabre painting.

    "Who could have done this?" Paulina muttered to herself, her voice barely audible over the blaring alarm. She her eyes scanned the shadows for the person responsible for the late-night delivery.

    "That is exactly what we want to know," Jessica''s voice cut through the darkness, her imposing figure emerging from the shadows. "I think it''s time we had a little chat."

    "Jessica," Paulina said coolly, trying to remain composed despite the fear gnawing at her insides. "You know this is highly unusual behavior for the exorcists."

    "Let''s cut to the chase," Jessica replied, her eyes flicking to the body on the table. "I want to know what killed Pete. And I know you''re more than just a nightclub owner, Paulina."

    Paulina sighed knowing the jig was up. Her meddling in the plans of Gluttony had most likely caused the exorcists to look into her as well.

    "What makes you think I know anything about¡ª" she began, but Jessica cut her off with an icy glare.

    "Save it," the exorcist snapped. "I''m not here to play games. Tell me the truth, there is something out there. Something faster, stronger than anything we''ve seen before."

    Paulina hesitated, her mind racing as she considered her options. She had always lived by the rules of protecting the balance, which could mean helping Jessica shift it too far to one side. With a deep breath, she made her decision.

    "Alright," she said quietly, her voice barely more than a whisper. "I''ll take a look at the body for you. But you have to promise me one thing: that whatever this creature is, you kill it quickly."

    -----

    Zack had been able to get in through the back door of Kristian''s house but there was no sign that anyone was home. He scanned the room, his blue eyes finally landing on Kristian, who sat alone on the couch near the bay window. With a determined stride, Zack made his way over.

    "Kristian," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "We need to talk."

    "About what? How did you even get in here?" Kristian asked, looking up at him with guarded brown eyes.

    "Oh um, I just wanted to check on you and you didn''t answer when I knocked so I went around back," Zack tried to explain, before getting straight to the point. "Look I just need to talk to you so you know what is really going on."

    "Ethel told me everything," Kristian replied, worry flickering across his face. He hesitated before adding, "I don''t have to be alone anymore."

    "Listen, there are better ways to make friends than aligning yourself with Ethel," Zack urged, trying to make Kristian see reason. "She doesn''t care about you, she''s only interested in getting more power so she can take on the exorcists."

    Just then, footsteps echoed nearby, and Zack turned to see Ethel entering the room, followed closely by her minions: Olivia and John. The Supreme''s thin frame was wrapped in a dark cloak, her long black hair cascading around her shoulders. She regarded Zack with an icy stare, her brown eyes filled with disdain.

    "So you''re trying to do some recruiting of your own, Zack," Ethel sneered. "I thought you were staying out of this, besides they all chose to join my covenant willingly"

    "Life has been transformative since I met Ethel," Olivia chimed in, loyalty shining in her eyes. John nodded in agreement, his expression resolute.

    "Zack, why don''t you go home?" Ethel suggested sweetly, a cruel smile playing on her lips. "I don''t need your help with Pablo or the exorcists."

    Anger flared within Zack, and he clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. He drove a punch into the wall, shattering it in a cloud of dusty debris. He could feel his control slipping as his emotions took over.

    "I won''t let you start a fight with the exorcists," he growled. "Not if it means using other vessels."

    "You shouldn''t underestimate them" Ethel replied "They are stronger than you think." She nodded and John and Olivia began to close in on Zack.

    As Kristian and Ethel watched, Zack faced off against John and Olivia. The three vessels tapped into their supernatural abilities, their eyes glowing as their bodies shifted. Zack moved with lightning speed, striking John with a telekinetic blast that sent him crashing into the old crumbling fireplace. With John out cold he then turned to Olivia, who had created a blade out of a sports drink left on the table.

    She rushed at Zack, aiming for his stomach, but Zack easily stepped out of the way. She lunged again but Zack created a wall with his barrier, then he focused, manipulating the psychic barrier to wrap around Olivia incapacitating her.

    "You can''t even beat a lone vessel!" Zack shouted at the defeated minions, his breath heavy from the effort. "You don''t stand a chance against Pablo!"

    "You haven''t fought me yet," Ethel called out, stepping forward. Her eyes locked on Zack as she approached him, her voice cold as steel. "They may not be a threat but I am."

    Ethel went after Zack, her supernatural strength bolstered by her anger and her new vessels. She easily scored a hit that shattered his barrier and knocked him onto his back, then she stepped on his chest, pinning him to the floor. As she pressed down, squeezing the air from his lungs, Zack desperately tried to push her foot off of him. "I didn''t even have to stop time to stop you." She hissed.

    Suddenly, she released him and left without another word. Gasping for breath, Zack looked up at Kristian, who stood by the open door, wide-eyed and horrified.

    "Kristian, you shouldn''t go with them," he rasped, struggling to sit up. "You can still choose a different path."

    "Zack," Kristian whispered, uncertainty etched on his face. "I already agreed to join Ethel. But I don''t want to be like her. I want to be like you." Kristian hung his head and followed Ethel and the others out into the snow.

    -----

    Meanwhile, Rob awoke with a start, the taste of stale garbage lingering in his mouth. His body ached as he realized he was lying in a dumpster, cushioned by several black garbage bags. He groaned as he clambered out, each movement sending a fresh wave of pain through his battered frame.

    "Damn you, Olivia," he muttered under his breath, knowing full well how he ended up here. But there was no time to dwell on that ¨C Zack was in trouble, and Rob had to find him before things got worse.

    Meanwhile, Zack limped into Night School, his breaths came in ragged gasps as his chest continued to throb, and he couldn''t shake the feeling that something was wrong with it.

    "Paulina," he called out as he entered her office. "I need your help."

    "Zack, what happened?" she asked, concern etched on her face as she took in his disheveled appearance.

    "Ethel," he replied tersely. "She got the better of me. But I''m not healing like normal. What''s going on?"

    Paulina studied his chest as he removed his shirt, her brow furrowing. "This is the work of a Supreme," she said, her voice grave. "Their power is different, more potent. It won''t heal as easily. If you still feel pain in a few days come back and see me, it looks like she broke a few ribs."

    "Thank you," Zack said, as he pulled his shirt back on.

    "It is not a problem, just be sure to get plenty of rest ok" Paulina instructed.

    "will do," and with that Zack left the club, unaware of the exorcist''s body hidden just one room over.

    -----

    Across town, Boon was alone on a basketball court, the streetlights casting eerie shadows over the cracked pavement. The ball sailed through the air as he practiced shot after shot, but he knew he could never be the best as long as Zack was around.

    "Enough," he muttered, tossing the ball aside. His thoughts consumed about how he would always be second best as long as he remained human.

    As Boon reached his car, he noticed the tire had sunken into the soft earth, it was clear it wasn''t going anywhere. Annoyed, he tried to push it out ¨C only to slip and fall face-first into the slush.

    "Damn it!" he shouted, his anger boiling over. The frustration of the night, of everything he''d been through, reached a breaking point. And then, without warning, something within him snapped.

    Boon felt a surge of power coursing through his veins, his eyes shifting to blue and red DNA strands, and with a roar, he lifted the entire back end of his car out of the mud. A wild, manic grin spread across his face as he stared at his newfound strength, maybe the curse had worked after all.

    "Finally," he whispered, exhilarated by the fact he and Zack were now on equal footing.

 Vol 2, Chapter 7: Pizza

    As the first of February settled in like a freezing blanket over the city, Zack found himself back at work. Paulina''s worried gaze fell upon him as she examined his chest, making sure his ribs were healed. The dim lighting lent an air of intimacy in her back office, but their conversation was anything but.

    "Your ribs seem to be back in place, Zack," Paulina said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I need to tell you something more troublesome than Ethel''s current behavior."

    Zack''s blue eyes flickered with confusion. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice equally hushed.

    Paulina shook her head and sighed. She leaned in closer, her words urgent. "Jessica brought me the body of an exorcist, with wounds that I have never seen before. Now I remember you saying an invisible creature attacked Deb at the house, what are the chances two mysterious creatures show up in Waterloo at the same time?"

    "Are you saying that whatever killed the exorcist is the creature who attacked Deb?" Zack began to feel fear creep up inside him.

    "That is my current theory yes," Paulina confirmed

    Before Zack could ask any more questions, the camera picked up Jessica and Pablo heading toward the back office. Paulina''s eyes widened in alarm. "Quick, out the back door!" she urged, giving Zack a gentle shove.

    As Zack slipped away, he couldn''t help but linger for a moment, eavesdropping on the unfolding conversation.

    "Paulina," Pablo greeted her coolly, his blue eyes glinting like ice. "I thought you had retired."

    "I thought the exorcists operated by a code," Paulina shot back, her tone suggesting that she knew things had changed.

    Jessica, her brown eyes narrowed, stepped forward. "We need to know what killed Pete. Please tell me you found something."

    "Ah, yes," Paulina replied, her expression grave. "It seems our mystery creature left its mark¡ªquite literally. The bite on Pete''s neck was the cause of death; a potent venom coursed through his veins." She paused, her voice lowering further. "The deep gashes across his chest and abdomen, however...those were inflicted after he had already died."

    "Post-mortem wounds?" Jessica asked, her brow furrowing.

    "Indeed. That is what should concern you most. Whatever this thing is, it was exploring with Pete, testing its abilities," Paulina mused, her voice tinged with bitterness.

    "How exactly does this venom work?" Pablo asked, clearly intrigued by this new creature development.

    "Paralysis comes first," Paulina said, in a hushed voice. "Then massive organ failure and internal bleeding follow in quick succession." She shuddered, almost as if she could feel the venom coursing through her veins. "In my years of experience, I have never seen anything quite like it."

    Jessica''s eyes widened in alarm. "So, what you''re saying is that this creature is fast, powerful, and can render its victims dead within seconds?"

    "Exactly," Paulina affirmed. "We should be very afraid. In the natural world, predators with venom use it to catch and eat their prey. But the creature that killed Pete didn''t consume him¡ªit only wanted to kill. I believe that may be its sole purpose."

    Zack''s heart raced as he absorbed this new information. He wanted to know more about the invisible assailant but knew the longer he stayed the more likely it was he would be caught. He snuck away from the scene, knowing that time was of the essence.

    As he made his way through the shadows, Zack texted Deb and Rob about what he had learned. He knew something supernatural had killed in Waterloo and that meant it was to them to stop it, Zack welcomed the distraction from Ethel and a war with the exorcists.

    -----

    Rob read Zack''s text as he walked into Pisa Pizzeria, he reached the counter and switched over to his order on his phone. He squinted at the bill, convinced that he was being overcharged. Maria, the chef, eyed him sternly from behind the counter.

    "Listen, I think there''s been some sort of mistake," Rob began, trying to keep his voice level. "There is a delivery charge on here but¡ª"

    "Sshhh, I am not a computer specialist, I make pizza and if you want yours, then sit and be quiet," Maria warned, her eyes flashing dangerously.

    Rob swallowed hard and retreated to a chair by the door, not noticing that it had opened on its own. His gaze fell upon a picture hanging on the wall: Maria, clad in a University of Waterloo cheerleader uniform, beaming proudly. He couldn''t help but chuckle at the sight, pulling out his phone to text Zack about his encounter with the feisty chef. Before he could hit ''send'', an invisible force gripped his hands and clamped down on his mouth. Panic surged through him as his phone clattered to the floor, his hands bound tightly together, and tape secured over his mouth. The unseen creature had rendered him helpless, and now it was moving on to its true target.

    Rob''s mind raced, he knew that he needed to warn Maria, but how? His voice was muffled behind the tape, and his hands were bound tight as steel. Desperation clawed at Rob, he tried to pull himself from his chair prison. His eyes scanned the shop but there was no sign of the attacker, he needed to find where it was, but was it even possible?

    " Maria!" he tried to shout, but it came out as a feeble moan.

    Hearing the commotion, Maria her eyes fell on the bond Rob. Before she could make a move the creature was on her. Bite marks appeared on her throat, and she screamed in agony, blood pouring from the wounds. Rob strained against his bindings, managing only to topple the chair over, his body crashing painfully to the floor.

    The invisible creature lifted Maria''s limp form effortlessly, carrying her towards the pizza oven. Rob''s fingers fumbled for his phone, struggling to dial 911 while dread settled like a heavy stone in his gut. As the oven door slammed shut, the creature fled into the night, leaving no sign it even existed.

    -----

    Deb checked her text from Zack as her breath fogged up the car window, revealing "9 PM" hastily scrawled across the glass. She glanced at the clock, she was excited to meet Zack at their secret spot. But when she looked back up, Pablo stood outside her car, an unreadable expression on his face.

    "Hey, Deb," Pablo said smoothly, leaning against the car door. "We need to talk."

    "Can''t it wait?" Deb asked, irritation creeping into her voice as she checked the time once more. "I have somewhere to be."

    "It can''t wait, come now." His eyes bore into hers, unyielding.

    Meanwhile, Zack waited anxiously under the ancient elm tree, glancing at his phone to check the time: 09:00 pm. He knew something wasn''t right, Deb was never late before.

    "Where are you, Deb?" he muttered under his breath, worry gnawing at his insides. He went to text her but his phone buzzed with an SOS from Rob, his meeting with Deb would have to wait.

    -----

    Deb couldn''t stop thinking of Zack as she and Pablo stood in the dimly lit courtyard of St. Jerome''s, the shadows of the ancient stone walls seeming to close in on them. The air was thick with tension as Deb tried to maintain her composure, as she tried to figure out what was so important.

    "Before we continue, I need to tell you that I have been impressed by your training. Keep this up and you will earn your demonology book in no time, the prize of all exorcists, our shared collection of knowledge of the supernatural world," Pablo said but then started shaking, Deb watched as the man desperately fumbled for something in his pocket. As he did so, a leather-bound book slipped out and fell to the ground with a soft thud. Deb quickly picked it up and handed it back to him.

    "Thanks," he mumbled, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his face. "I''d be lost without this." Clutching the book to his chest like a lifeline, Pablo swallowed a handful of pills dry. "I take my health very seriously, you know."

    "So this Demonology book is what you wanted to talk to me about?" Deb asked, her impatience barely concealed.

    "No," Pablo replied, fixing her with an intense gaze. "This is about trust, Deb. You need to trust your fellow exorcists." He paused, then added defensively, "Even Abby. She had her reasons for setting that fire, and she got the job done."Deb bristled at the mention of Ethel''s family but held her tongue. Pablo continued, "You remind me of her, you know. Fierce, determined... but sometimes blind to the bigger picture. There will come a time when you''ll have to question the trust of those closest to you. But remember, the one trust you never question is that of the church."

    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    "Can I trust you, Deb?" Pablo asked, his eyes searching hers for any sign of doubt.

    "Y-yeah," she stammered, caught off guard by the intensity of his question.

    "Speak with conviction!" he barked, his voice echoing through the courtyard. "Yes or no?"

    "Yes," Deb answered firmly, her dark eyes meeting his without flinching.

    "Good," Pablo said, seemingly satisfied with her response. "Now, prove it to me."

    -----

    Meanwhile, at the pizzeria, Rob sat opposite Lindsay, who was watching him with a mixture of concern and suspicion. The lingering scent of charred flesh permeated the air, making it difficult for Rob to breathe.

    "Tell me again what happened to Maria," she prompted, her blue eyes searching his face for any hint of deception.

    "I... I walked in and found her in the oven," Rob lied, trying to keep his voice steady. "It was horrifying."

    "Did you see anyone?" Lindsay pressed, leaning in closer. "Are you afraid they''ll come after you if you tell the truth?"

    Rob hesitated, then shook his head. "No, I didn''t see anyone. I swear."

    Lindsay sighed. "We''re going to have to ask you more questions later. Do you want to get something to eat before we continue?"

    "No," Rob replied, his stomach churning at the thought. "I''ve lost my appetite." Rob hoped Zack would arrive soon, he needed to tell him the invisible creature had killed again.

    -----

    Underneath the gnarled branches of ancient trees, Deb approached the designated meeting spot in the woods. She knew she was late but hoped Zack would still be there, she wanted to tell him all about Pablo''s weird confrontation. Instead of Zack, she found a message etched into the bark of a nearby tree. The words, "COULDN''T WAIT MISSED U" were carved viciously, as if by claws.

    "Damn it," she muttered under her breath, frustration clear in her furrowed brow. She really needed to vent and Zack was the only one she could share this with. But she trusted Zack, whatever he was dealing with must have been important.

    At the pizzeria, the grim scent of tragedy still hung in the air. Zack arrived to pick up Rob, who appeared shaken and pale. As they walked out of the restaurant together, Rob hesitated before speaking."Zack, it was that invisible creature," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "The creature... It''s clearly targeting these people. It could have killed me but it just tied me up and left me, luckily I was able to wiggle free before the police arrived."

    "Go on," Zack urged, concern etching itself onto his face as he listened intently.

    Rob rubbed his temples, trying to recall the details. "It made everything feel cold and was icy to the touch. And there was this smell... almost like cologne, but I just can''t place it." He sighed heavily, frustrated with himself. "I wish I could remember more."

    Zack placed a reassuring hand on Rob''s shoulder. "Don''t worry, you did really well. I am sure we can use this info to help catch this thing," he said, determination shining in his blue eyes.

    "Sometimes, I wonder if we''re in over our heads," Rob admitted, breaking the silence between them.

    "Me too," Zack agreed solemnly.

    -----

    The morning sunlight filtered through the dusty blinds of Ethel''s apartment. The sound of heavy breathing and shuffling feet filled the air as John lunged at Ethel, his face set with determination. With a graceful movement, she sidestepped his advance, tossing him aside with an ease that belied her slender frame.

    "John? That''s all you''ve got?" Ethel taunted, her brown eyes flashing with amusement.

    Kristian sat on the stairs, watching the scene unfold with keen interest. He knew the importance of learning from Ethel, but he couldn''t help feeling a twinge of fear at the display of her power.

    "Again!" Ethel commanded, and John charged once more, only to be effortlessly rebuffed.

    "Enough," she sighed, just as Olivia leaped forward, attempting to catch Ethel off guard. But with one hand, Ethel used Olivia''s own momentum against her and sent her crashing to the floor.

    "Is that all?" Ethel questioned, her voice dripping with disappointment. "Your attacks are undisciplined and obvious. Give me something unpredictable."

    Olivia''s eyes narrowed as she sprang up, straddling Ethel and planting a passionate kiss on her lips. The room fell silent, as Ethel grabbed the girl and threw her into the bookshelf.

    "Never do that again," Ethel hissed. "It''s not as clever as you think besides I have someone else in mind for you."

    John, now nursing a bruised ego and some minor injuries, grumbled, "You''re supposed to be teaching us how to fight, not using us as punching bags."

    "Wrong," Ethel corrected sharply. "I''m teaching you how to survive. The exorcists want us dead, and we have to be ready. Rushing into a fight isn''t the way to survive a war."

    As Ethel''s words sunk in, each member of her convenant grew more resolute in their commitment to learn from her.

    -----

    Across town, Ahmed groaned as his mother roused him from his troubled sleep. "Get up, you''ll be late for your counseling session at the university," she warned.

    "Five more minutes..." he mumbled, burying himself beneath the covers.

    "Ahmed!" his mother scolded, yanking back the duvet. Both gasped in surprise at the sight of dirt covering the sheets. Ahmed''s hands were caked with soil, and on the dresser lay several lilies, ripped out by the roots.

    "Wh-what happened?" Ahmed stammered, his heart pounding with fear and confusion. "I don''t remember anything..."

    His mother looked at him with concern. "It''s ok, the doctor said sleepwalking could be a side effect of the medication." Ahmed wasn''t sure medication explained the gardening but decided that it had to be the case. He quickly washed up and left for school.

    Ahmed was lost in thought as he entered the counseling office. The dirt-streaked lilies from that morning haunted him, where had he found lilies in the winter? He tried to shake off his unease as he took a seat in the waiting area outside the counselor''s office.

    "Rough night?" asked the guy next to him, smirking as he noticed Ahmed''s disheveled appearance. "Or is this just your regular look?"

    "None of your business," Ahmed snapped, his nerves on edge. "I have an acute phobia of people prying into my personal life."

    "Ouch, touchy!" the boy replied, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I was just trying to make conversation with a guy I think is cute."

    Before Ahmed could formulate a retort, the counselor''s door opened and Amed''s name was called, swallowing him into its depths and leaving the other student behind.

    In the Guidance Counselor''s office, Ahmed fidgeted in his chair, feeling the weight of Ms. McLeod''s questioning gaze. He couldn''t help but let curiosity get the better of him as he eyed the small flags in her pen cup. "So, you''re Scottish?"

    Ms. McLeod raised an eyebrow, amused by the question. "Aye, that I am. And before you ask more about my interior decorating choices, Those framed certificates are my Master''s in Behavioral Psychology and over 300 hours of fieldwork under my belt." She pointed to the frames hanging behind her.

    Ahmed nodded, impressed but still uneasy. He had never been to therapy and didn''t really know where to start. He didn''t want to tell her about the weird dreams or the sleepwalking so he settled on something safe, "My friends have been supportive since I was attacked," he began, his voice barely above a whisper. "They are really trying to help me process it all the best they can."

    "And yet," he continued, quoting Gluttony without realizing it, "sometimes the people closest to you can be the ones holding you back the most."

    Ms. McLeod''s eyes sharpened at the statement, sensing there was more to it than mere teenage angst. "Where did you hear that, Ahmed?"

    "Uh, I''m not sure," he admitted, a puzzled look crossing his face. "Maybe I heard it in a lecture."

    -----

    Meanwhile, in the hallway, Rob found Zack pacing back and forth, his brow furrowed in deep thought. As Rob approached, Zack looked up, his blue eyes searching for answers.

    "Zack," Rob began, his voice cracking with emotion. "I''m so sorry. I''m trying, I am. This distance between us is only temporary. We''ll get through this together, I know we will because... because I love you."

    Tears welled up in Rob''s eyes as he broke down, shoulders shaking as he laughed. Zack rolled his eyes at Rob''s attempt to play messenger.

    "Keep it together," Zack said, placing a hand on Rob''s shoulder. "I need you to send another message to Deb."

    Rob paused, wiping away his tears. "Yeah, I can''t be the messenger between you two anymore. It''s too much, can''t I just forward you each other''s texts."

    "Rob," Zack said firmly, gripping his friend''s shoulder. "You''re the only one both of us can trust right now. We need you."

    Rob looked into Zack''s eyes, seeing the desperation. He took a deep breath and nodded, accepting his role as the link between his two closest friends.

    "Alright," he agreed, though he had wished he had spent some more time focusing on his cardio before this. "I''ll do it for now. But we seriously need to figure out a better way of doing this."

    "Oh shit, I almost forgot. Deb said there''s a book -" Rob hesitated for a moment, searching for the right word, "- that the exorcists have. It contains details on all the creatures they''ve encountered."

    "Like some kind of demonology?" Zack suggested, his eyes narrowing with interest.

    "Exactly," Rob confirmed, nodding. "I think we need to get our hands on that book if we want to figure out what that invisible creature is."

    "How exactly are we going to get our hands on this book though, we can''t exactly ask the exorcists to give us a copy." Zack wondered aloud.

    "We will have to get Deb to do it," Rob declared, he knew the risks but they didn''t have anyone else on the inside. "She''s the only one who could get it without raising the alarm."

    "You''re right," Zack replied, but it was clear he didn''t like the idea of putting Deb in possible danger. "I am sure she can do it."

    -----

    The air in the Warrior''s weight room was thick with the smell of sweat and damp towels. Boon stood by Leona''s bench, the memory card from Sarah''s damaged camera gripped tightly between his fingers. He glanced around nervously before approaching her.

    "Hey, Leona," he said, trying to sound casual. "I have a favor to ask."

    Leona looked up from her bench, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah? The last time you asked me for a favor you broke Sarah''s camera."

    Boon hesitated, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. "I know and I still owe her for that. This time I promise it doesn''t involve you asking your friends for something for me, I just need you to increase the resolution on this video," he said, holding up the memory card. "It''s... well, it''s me in bed."

    Leona''s eyes widened, and she let out a short laugh. "Thanks but no thanks, we broke up remember?" she laughed, amusement evident in her voice.

    "Trust me, it''s not that kind of video," Boon replied, his face flushing. "Your camera broke before I could look at the video. I finally figured out how to upload it to my computer, but I think there might be corruption. It is pretty fuzzy."

    Leona studied him for a moment, intrigued by the mystery in his words. "Alright, give it here," she said, extending her hand. As their fingers brushed during the exchange, Boon felt an unexpected jolt of electricity pass between them. He tried to shake off the feeling, focusing on the task at hand.

    "Thanks," he said, watching as Leona placed the card into her bag.

    "Not a problem, I let you know as soon as I find anything." She said returning to her workout. "Do you mind spotting me?" Boon nodded and as he helped her with her set he wondered if there was still a chance for them to fix things between them.

 Vol 2, Chapter 8: Iced

    Rob searched for Deb among the library bookshelves, a week''s worth of planning was about to pay off. He needed to make sure everyone was on the same page for the night. The late winter sun was setting, dying the library interior a glowing orange.

    "OK, so you''re sure you can get the keys from Pablo?" Rob said, struggling to catch his breath. "I''ll search Pablo''s office, I never play anyway."

    Deb, leaning against her chair with her arms crossed, raised an eyebrow. "We still have to worry about him leaving the game early. If you get caught, I don''t know how you will be able to talk yourself out of it."

    Rob sighed, understanding the gravity of the situation yet wishing there was another way. "It''s fine, Deb. You know if there is one thing I am good at, it''s talking. Just get me the keys and I can take care of the rest."

    "Deal," Deb agreed, a faint smile appearing on her face. "Now let''s get you to the locker room before people start to wonder where you are." Rob nodded, realizing he was cutting it close to came time.

    It was the last basketball game of the season, the bleachers were filled with excited fans, their cheers echoing through the gym. Rob sat on the bench as usual, eyes scanning the crowd in search of Deb and Pablo, she had assured him that he would be there. Instead, his gave fell on Leona as she arrived at the game.

    Leona weaved her way through the masses with Sarah trailing behind her. They took their seats close to the Waterloo bench, directly behind Boon. Leona leaned in to speak to him, her voice barely audible over the cheers.

    "Boon, we found something," she said urgently. "That weird pixelation you were talking about is the result of the video being tampered with."

    "What? So it has nothing to do with the fact I dropped the camera?" Boon asked, his confusion flaring momentarily before curiosity took over. "Can you fix it?"

    "We might be able to fix it. Someone edited out about two hours of footage," Sarah explained, her eyes darting around nervously. "My question is why anyone would bother editing a movie of you sleeping, the run time isn''t really the problem with that one."

    "Something must have happened during those two hours then, right?" Boon''s eyes widened. "I mean why else would someone edit it out."

    "Well I mean maybe, but are you sure you didn''t accidentally cut out a section of footage when you were trying to upload it?" Leona asked, clearly trying to figure out a logical explanation for the footage.

    "Is that possible?" Boon asked, now unsure of himself.

    "It doesn''t matter," Sarah said, "We''ll restore the footage and it will be as good as new." Before Boon could thank them, he was called subbed into the game.

    The basketball court was alive with pounding sneakers, sharp whistles, and raucous cheers. The University of Waterloo players were being decimated by Western, all thanks to one enormous brute named Bijan. Bijan''s monstrous form barreled down the court with a single-minded fury, leaving injured UW players in his wake.

    "Zack, you''ve got to do something," Boon urged, his green eyes blazing with frustration. "Use your vessel powers and take that guy down."

    Zack glanced over at the stands, where Pablo sat, watching intently. "I can''t," he replied through gritted teeth. "Pablo''s here. He''s an exorcist." Zack hoped their plan for the night would go off without a hitch as he looked up at Deb, who had taken her seat next to Pablo.

    Deb shivering dramatically. She turned to Pablo, feigning a wide-eyed vulnerability. "Pablo, I''m so cold. Can I borrow your coat?"

    "Of course," Pablo said, draping his coat around Deb''s shoulders without hesitation. As she settled into its warmth, her nimble fingers searched the pockets, finally closing around a set of keys.

    "Got it," Deb whispered, carefully dropping the keys behind the bleachers for Rob to find.

    Rob had moved from the bench while the coach was distracted by a bad call, slipping under the bleachers to retrieve the key and head to Pablo''s office.

    Above him, Sarah sat on the bleachers, her camera in hand. Kenzie had sat next to her, she was watching the game with a mixture of awe and horror.

    "Hey, I''ve seen you at a few games, are you one of the player''s girlfriends?" Sarah asked, her voice barely audible over the noise of the crowd.

    "Oh, no," Kenzie replied, concern etched on her face. "A friend of mine is on the team." she pointed to Zack, who was racing up the court.

    "Oh same here," Sarah agreed, snapping a photo of Zack.

    "Are you with the University paper?" Kenzie asked.

    "No, photography is just a passion of mine." Sara gestured to her camera. Sara turned her camera to the stands, pausing when she got to Deb.

    "Nice," Kenzie said absentmindedly, her attention returning to the game.

    -----

    Rob hurried through the parking lot towards the dean''s office, the cold metal of the keys pressing into his palm. He could hear the gravel crunch with each footstep as he half-ran through the lot. As he turned the corner an unexpected sight brought him to a sudden halt.

    Ahmed''s car was parked, inside, Ahmed sat alone, tears streaming down his face as he stared blankly at the steering wheel. Rob hesitated before making his way over to the car and tapping on the window.

    "Ahmed?" he called softly, as Ahmed rolled down his window. "Are you alright?"

    Ahmed''s red-rimmed eyes darted up to meet Rob''s gaze. "I... I don''t know," he choked out, his voice cracking with emotion.

    "Can I come in?" Rob asked gently, and Ahmed nodded before unlocking the passenger door. Settling into the seat beside him, Rob wracked his brain for something comforting to say, but the words eluded him.

    "Listen, Ahmed," he started, placing a reassuring hand on his friend''s shoulder, he knew he should be looking for the book but he couldn''t leave Ahmed this way. "You don''t have to tell me what''s going on, but I promise you when you are ready to talk I will listen, okay?" Ahmed nodded but still didn''t say a word, he just kept looking straight out the front window, "I have to take care of something important right now, but I''ll right come back. Hang in there."

    Ahmed nodded, wiping away the fresh tears that had begun to fall. With a final pat on the shoulder, Rob left the car and resumed his mission, his heart aching at the thought that he wasn''t able to help his friend.

    -----

    Back on the court, the game continued to escalate in intensity. Bijan, was relentless, easily making his way through their defense. As yet another teammate was removed from the court due to injury, the coach scanned the bench, desperate for a replacement. His eyes landed on Kristian, whom he''d all but forgotten was part of the team.

    "Kristian!" the coach barked. "Get in there!"

    "Wait, Coach," Olivia whispered, grabbing Kristian''s arm. "He can''t play tonight, he is on rest."

    "Olivia, the team needs me," Kristian insisted, shaking off her grip. "I have to help them." He moved towards the court, determination etched on his face.

    "Fine," Olivia huffed, rolling her eyes. "But just remember if Ethel finds out, she will be pissed. I am not sticking around to be blamed for letting you do this." With an exasperated sigh, she stood and left the game, disappearing into the crowd.

    As Kristian joined his teammates, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of purpose wash over him, he was going to his new abilities to the test and come out on top.

    -----

    Rob finally slipped into Pablo''s office, his heart pounding in his chest. The dimly lit room was eerily quiet, the only sound being the ticking of a small wooden clock on Pablo''s desk. He scanned the bookshelves, they were filled to the brim with dusty leather-bound first editions of the classics, but there was no sign of a master text of all supernatural creatures.

    "Looking for something?" a voice whispered in his ear, causing Rob to jump.

    "Olivia!" he gasped, clutching his chest. "What are you doing here?"

    "The game got boring," she replied, her brown eyes narrowing suspiciously. "I thought I would see what the Scooby gang was up to."

    "Ha ha, very funny," Rob muttered, running a hand through his curly hair. "Well, sorry to disappoint you but it looks like there is nothing here, so you can just go."

    "I don''t think so," Olivia said, she smiled at him, "Ethel has been wanting a one-on-one with you. This seems like a good time for it, wouldn''t you agree." Her words had Rob''s blood run cold. It was clear to him Ethel only wanted to intimidate him into telling her what they knew.

    ---

    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    Back in the gymnasium, Kristian was proving himself to be an unexpected force on the court. With each powerful stride, he dodged and leaped past the opposing players, his agility catching the coach completely off guard.

    "Who knew the kid had it in him?" Reynolds murmured, his surprise mirrored on the faces of the crowd.

    Bijan, charged towards Kristian with a sneer, clearly intending to knock him out of the game. But Kristian anticipated the move and sidestepped at the last moment, sending Bijan crashing to the floor.

    "Didn''t see that one coming, did you?" Kristian taunted, unable to suppress a grin. Then, without warning, his eyes shifted to an almost navy blue, his vessel side peeking through if only for a moment.

    "Get a grip, Kristian," he chastised himself mentally, attempting to will his eyes back to normal. "You''re dead if anyone saw your eyes." He glanced around nervously, hoping that none of the exorcists sitting in the crowd had seen the commentary change.

    -----

    Elsewhere Rob was struggling against his captor, "Ow, ow, ow!" Rob yelped as Olivia grabbed his ear and practically dragged him towards the university ice rink. "It is going to be hard to answer Ethel''s questions if you tear my ear off."

    "You''ve got two don''t you?" Olivia said curtly, her grip on his ear unrelenting.

    As soon as they entered the arena, Ethel stood by the edge of the rink, her eyes like daggers piercing into Rob. "We need to talk, I know you saw what happened to Maria. You need to tell me everything," she demanded.

    "Maria? I don''t know any Marias" Rob feigned confusion, trying to keep any details hidden for now. "Sorry, but I think you got your wires crossed."

    "Shut up, Rob," Ethel snapped, clearly not fooled. "I read the incident report, it wasn''t hard to steal. Now, tell me what you really saw that night."

    Rob swallowed hard, clearly, ethel wasn''t going to let him go until he told her everything. At that moment he wished he had just stayed at the game.

    Back at the basketball game, Kristian''s sudden talent was causing a stir. Zack approached him, urgency in his voice. "Kristian, you have to tone it down. you''re going to..."

    "Win the game," Kristian interrupted his focus on the game. "I''m just doing what you are too scared to do."

    "Fine," Zack conceded, knowing he couldn''t force Kristian to leave without causing a scene. As he returned to the game, part of his focus was still on Kristian and he didn''t see the Western player. Zack was sent flying backward from the impact, landing on his arm with a sickening crunch. The crowd gasped, and even Pablo winced at the sound.

    "Zack!" Kristian yelled, rushing to his side along with the rest of the team. But before they could reach him, Zack''s healing powers kicked in, and he was already on his feet.

    "I''m fine" Zack reassured them, waving his arm. "It sounded worse than it was." The whole gym seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief as Zack appeared unharmed.

    ---

    Back at the rink, Rob hesitated before answering Ethel''s question. "I didn''t see anything, whatever it was, I literally couldn''t see it," he explained, his voice barely a whisper.

    "So this thing is invisible, that complicates things," Ethel said icily, her disappointment and frustration evident in her tone. "This thing is more dangerous than I thought, and with Pablo still looking for us it is going to be hard to take care of it."

    Rob watched Ethel become lost in thought, she was clearly trying to think of a solution. He knew Ethel wasn''t really their enemy but she wasn''t really reliable either. As he questioned how much he should really tell Ethel about the invisible creature, a familiar scent wafted through the air.

    Dread settled in Rob''s stomach like a stone. The creature was here, with them, in the room. Before he could say anything, the invisible force grabbed Olivia and hurled her against the wall with a sickening thud. She crumpled to the floor, unconscious.

    "Run!" Ethel instructed, but the creature moved too fast. Its fangs sank into her neck, and she let out a cry of pain before managing to pull it off of herself.

    Rob rushed to Ethel''s side, helping her limp away from their unseen pursuer. Fumbling for his phone to call Zack, he dropped it, letting go of Ethel for just a moment attempting to retrieve it. But that moment was all it took, Ethel lost her balance and fell onto the ice, prompting Rob to ditch his phone to make sure she was ok.

    Trying to slip, Rob made his way to her side, her body now paralyzed by the venom coursing through her veins. They could only wait in terror as the sounds of the creature told them it was circling the rink.

    -----

    The basketball game had ended in a victory, Jessica and Father Bill were busy preparing dinner when Pablo and Deb arrived with Zack in tow. Both hosts were rendered speechless by the unexpected appearance of Zack. The ensuing meal was punctuated by long, awkward silences, broken only by Pablo''s seemingly naive questions about Zack and Deb''s past relationship.

    "Tell me, why did you two break up?" Pablo asked innocently. "From what I was told by Abby, the two of you were inseparable."

    "Our families really just didn''t get along." Zack lied, trying to sound convincing.

    "Awe, a real Romeo and Juliette situation," Pablo mused, "Shame it broke up such a promising relationship."

    "At least no one died in the end." Father Bill said as he ate some of his salad.

    "They are still young," said Jessica, as she eyed Zack. "I need some help plating dessert, Zack why don''t you help me out." Zack followed her to the kitchen, worried about what she was going to do to him.

    Jessica cornered Zack the moment they were out of sight, pinning him against the refrigerator with a stern expression. "You do realize how dangerous this is, right?" she hissed. "If Pablo figures out that you''re a vessel, we''re all in trouble."

    Zack swallowed hard, acutely aware of the precarious situation they were in. He knew he had promised to stay away but he couldn''t come up with a reason to say no to Pablo''s invite at the time. He knew that every moment he spent here put him at risk of being exposed, but he also knew Pablo was perceptive and just leaving would only raise more questions.

    -----

    Back at the rink, Rob''s muscles ached as he dragged Ethel''s limp body to the bench. Sweat mixed with chilled air stung his eyes, but he dared not let go of her. The creature paced around the rink''s edge, its claws clicking against the boards like a sinister metronome. Rob could feel it watching them, he wondered why it hadn''t killed them already.

    "Can you...reach your phone?" Ethel whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of their labored breathing.

    "Maybe," Rob replied, gritting his teeth as he steadied himself with one arm and stretched out the other toward the phone lying precariously close to the rink''s edge. His fingers brushed against the device, snatching it away just as the creature lunged forward with a screech of frustration. With trembling hands, Rob dialed Zack''s number and prayed he would answer.

    "Zack? We''re in trouble, please pick up." He said out loud as the phone rang.

    -----

    Meanwhile, at Father Bill''s house, Zack and Deb had excused themselves from dinner under the guise of needing some fresh air. They slipped into Pablo''s room, searching for the demonology book. His room was cleaner than any room Zack had ever seen, he was sure if they moved anything even an inch Pablo would know.

    "Look, a safe!" Deb exclaimed in a hushed whisper, pointing to the small metal box hidden behind a stack of books. "Looks like it needs a four-digit number to open it."

    "And how do we figure that out?" Zack questioned, knowing they only had so much time before they would have to return the others.

    "Easy, the faded numbers are the ones he uses for the combination," she points to the four faded numbers. "I think he is using Abby''s birthday," She pressed the numbers, 0 5 2 9, and the safe clicked open to reveal a leather-bound book, She pulled it out to get a better look.

    "Damn, it''s just about herbs and flowers," Deb muttered in disappointment. The shrill ring of Zack''s phone interrupted their search, causing him to fumble and almost drop the device.

    Zack tried to turn it off before they could get caught. He didn''t register Rob''s name scrolling across it, too focused on the potential danger of being caught in Pablo''s room. Hanging up abruptly, I thought struck him as he stared down at his phone. "What if the demonology book is digital, a file would be easier to carry and you can search for the keywords you need to help you identify the creature you are dealing with."

    "That does make sense, and Pablo is always carrying around a flash drive, " Deb suggested, remembering the one on Pablo''s keyring. "Oh my God, Rob still has it."

    As Zack raced back to the university, following the faint trail of Rob''s aura, he couldn''t believe they had forgotten about Rob. He checked his phone seeing the call he missed was from Rob and wondered why Rob hadn''t tried to call him back since.

    "Please be okay, Rob," he muttered under his breath as he sprinted through the darkened campus, determined to face whatever awaited him head-on.

    -----

    At the arena, Rob did his best to keep Himself and Ethel at center ice. His fear for their survival peaked, he noted that the creature never tried to step foot on the ice, he strained his hearing to try and figure out where it was around the rink, and that''s when he heard a voice that gave him hope.

    "I''m here," Zack yelled, his voice strained and distorted in his vessel form. Rob was filled with relief as he pushed Ethel''s paralyzed body towards Zack. With a mighty roar, Zack leaped into action, sending a wave of telekinetic energy through the arena in an attempt to locate the creature.

    "Zack, be careful!" Rob shouted, watching as something came from behind lifting Zack into the air. The creature tossed Zack through the glass above the boards, causing it to shatter. Zack got to his feet and used his telekinesis to cause the glass around him to rise up, he made the glass from a wall in front of him. The creature noticed its lack of reflection, causing it to become confused as a whimper left its mouth. In a frenzied panic, it fled the scene.

    "Is it... gone?" Ethel whispered, her breath ragged.

    "Seems so," Zack replied, reverting to his human form, the glass falling on the ice around him. "But that was too close, we got lucky this time."

    Zack went over and helped Ethel back to her feet and she regained control of her body. "Let''s get out of here before it decides to come back," Rob suggested, as he helped Olivia.

    As they made their way to the parking lot, Deb appeared with the flash drive in hand. "I need the keys back, Pablo is looking everywhere for them and I told him I would check the gym." she held out her hand for them.

    "Great, now we will never know what that thing is," Rob muttered, feeling like they have lost again.

    "No, I will make a copy of the Demonology book before I return them," Deb promised, taking the keys back.

    "You don''t need that book to know what that thing was," Ethel interjected, her eyes narrowing in thought. "That creature... it''s a Familiar. They''re rare but can occur when something is both alive and dead."

    "So we are dealing with some kind of invisible zombie," Rob suggested, the words carrying a weight of dread.

    "Worse," Ethel said. "They can heal like vessels and have super strength, this one can even create some kind of toxin." She looked over at Zack. "Looks like you are going to get what you want, after all, this takes priority over the exorcists."

    "So you''ll help us?" Zack questioned, concern lacing his voice.

    "No," Ethel snapped, her determination unwavering. "This is too dangerous for you, you have no idea what you are dealing with." Zack went silent, there was no countering that. Ethel and Olivia disappeared into the night.

    Feeling defeated, Deb left to make a copy of the demonology book, to see if there was more information on Familiars inside. Rob wanted to head back to the dorms to sleep off the whole incident, but Zack didn''t go with him. Instead, he decided to walk around Ring Road to clear his head.

    "A vessel and a thief," a voice interrupted from behind Zack. He froze, feeling the cold steel of a knife pressing into his side. Pablo stood there, smirking as he twisted the blade, pain searing through Zack''s gut. "And here I thought all of Gluttony''s vessel had found a covenant to hide in." Pablo eyed him like a predator eyeing its prey.

    "Wh-what do you want?" Zack choked out, struggling to stay standing as blood oozed around the knife.

    "Simple," Pablo leaned in close, whispering in Zack''s ear, his breath hot and menacing. "You''re going to do me a favor. And if you don''t comply, well," he reached into Zack''s pocket and retrieved his phone, tapping the screen Pablo showed Zack''s background photo of Deb to him, "let''s just say she doesn''t heal the same way you do."

    "Fine," Zack gritted his teeth, suppressing a groan as he fought against the pain. "What do I have to do?" It was taking all that he had to remain standing, he could feel the blood loss making him weak.

    "I knew you would see things my way," Pablo said, withdrawing the knife. "I have a simple request, I want Ethel."

    "I''m not a part of her covenant, I don''t know where is is living right now," Zack explained, knowing there was no way he could turn Ethel over to Pablo even if he wanted to.

    "I''m sure you''ll think of something," Pablo said coldly, then he turned and started walking away. "I look forward to our next little chat." he waved as he disappeared into the night, leaving Zack alone with his thoughts.

 Vol 2, Chapter 9: Lab

    Boon''s chest heaved as he lay on the bench press, sweat dripping from his brow. He slipped the last forty-five-pound weight onto the bar, preparing to test his strength. Leona stood nearby, her arms crossed in a mix of amusement and concern.

    "That is way more weight than normal, are you sure you can handle this?" she asked skeptically, eyeing the excessive weight he had loaded onto the bar.

    "Of course," Boon replied, almost annoyed by the suggestion he couldn''t. "I''ve got it."

    He gripped the bar tightly, knuckles turning white, and began to lift. The immense weight bore down on him as the bar began to bend under it. His muscles screamed in protest, but he refused to surrender to them, he knew if he had vessel strength then he could handle it. The bar lifted a mere millimeter off the wrack before slamming back down, Boon''s body trembled from the attempt.

    "See?" Leona said, smirking. "Told you so."

    "Shut up," Boon muttered, embarrassed.

    Leona shook her head "I''m going to hit the showers, I have class in an hour," She headed out, leaving Boon alone with his bruised ego.

    As he layed under the bar, Boon felt his rage building up. For a fleeting moment, his body convulsed. The strain and pain he was feeling only moments ago vanished and he felt normal again. He reached back out for the bar and this time he lifted it with little effort.

    Just as quickly as it had come, the sensation vanished, and he dropped the bar hard again. What is happening? he wondered.

    "Boon," Olivia''s voice cut through his thoughts. He turned to see her standing in the doorway, her brown eyes intense. "Ethel wants to see you. Now."

    "Olivia?" Boon stammered, thrown off by her sudden appearance. "Why would she want to see me?" He hoped that Olivia hadn''t seen his feet of strength.

    "She''s been watching you and she has some concerns," she explained, grabbing his arm and leading him out of the gym. "Now get moving before I hurt you."

    As they entered the parking lot, Ethel stood waiting, her long black hair framing her narrow face. Her brown eyes bore into Boon, searching for answers he didn''t have. "Boon," she began coldly, "You didn''t break the rules did you? Remember what I told you about trying to become a vessel."

    "No I swear I''m still human," he insisted, feeling his heart race. He now knew Ethel wasn''t the one who changed him. "Test me, I can prove it."

    "You see vessels and Supremes can sense the auras of all living things," Ethel explained, her voice tinged with suspicion. "Your aura has been off for a while now."

    "So?" Boon said, exasperated, "I''ve been under a lot of stress. I mean with classes and basketball, not to mention you harassing me. Maybe that is what you are feeling."

    Ethel narrowed her eyes, unconvinced. "There''s one way to be sure." She moved closer, and before Boon could react, she thrust a handful of palm ash into his mouth, forcing him to swallow. "If you''re telling the truth, this won''t hurt you."

    Boon choked and coughed, feeling the gritty ash scrape against his throat. His stomach roiled, but the expected pain never came. He looked up at Ethel, confusion written across his face.

    "Fine," Ethel conceded, stepping back. "It seems you''re still human after all. But I am still watching you. I know your type, you''ll do something stupid eventually. Now get out of my sight."

    Boon looked at Ethel and then at Olivia, still confused about what they had just done to him. As he left the parking lot, Boon replayed the tone of Ethel''s voice, she was positive he was just a human. Boon kicked the curb hard, how could she be so sure?

    Boon made his way back to his car, still wearing his sweat-drenched clothes. As he went for his key, he felt the familiar buzz of his phone in his pocket, the screen displaying John''s name across the front. He hesitated before answering, not knowing what John could possibly want.

    "Boon," John said coldly when he answered, "I need you to retract your statement to Lindsey about the night Dean Ray died."

    "Why would I" Boon started.

    "You know what I am and what I can do to you if you don''t" John threatened. "I didn''t kill the dean, but that doesn''t mean I won''t kill if I have to. Do you understand?"

    "Ye-Yeah I will." Boon stammered, unsure if John was bluffing and not wanting to find out.

    "Good," John replied, his tone icy. "Make sure it is done by tonight, I knew I could count on you."

    As Boon hung up, he punched the dashboard in a rage. He knew he was nothing to these vessels, who held all the power.

    -----

    In the hallway, Rob cornered Zack, he looked ready to burst. "What did you find?" Zack asked, giving his friend the excuse he needed to spill.

    "Zack! You have to hear this. My research on the Familiar shows it''s some type of witch''s assistant, aiding in spells and tracking targets.: Zack went to speak but Rob cut him off. "I know, I know, that doesn''t fit with what we know about our Familiar problem ¨C it''s killing, not tracking."

    "Right," Zack said, trying to keep up with his friend''s rapid-fire explanation. "So why is this one different?"

    "Well I don''t know," Rob admitted instantly sucking the energy from the room "Clearly Wikipedia and Google don''t have all the answers. We need Deb and the copy of the Demonology book to really know the truth."

    "Fair enough, I just hope she was able to make a copy before she gave Pablo back his keys," Zack trailed off as his hearing began to sharpen, bringing Olivia and John''s hushed conversation into focus. Their words echoed in his ears, amplifying until every other sound fell away.

    "John, we can''t just kill Ahmed," Olivia whispered. "We need to test him first."

    "Fine," John growled, his frustration evident. "But he is the only one who survived Gluttony''s curse and didn''t become a vessel, so who else could it be?"

    "I know but we have to be sure," Olivia agreed.

    Zack snapped back to his conversation with Rob, but his focus was now on Ahmed. He knew he had to do something ¨C anything ¨C to protect him, knowing if he was the familiar then Ethel wouldn''t hesitate to kill him.

    "Rob," he murmured, cutting him off, "I just overheard John and Olivia, they think he could be the familiar. They are going to give him some kind of test to figure it out."

    "Ahmed?" Rob repeated, as he tried to process this information. "No, that can''t be right. He hasn''t shown any signs of being anything other than human."

    "We need to find Ahmed," Zack insisted, his mind racing with possibilities. "We have to protect him from them until we can come up with a plan of our own."

    -----

    The organic chemistry lab buzzed with the hum of anxious students, each one feeling unprepared for the Lab midterm. Prof. Dowding stood at the front of the room, his stern gaze sweeping over the assembled young faces.

    "Alright," he began, his voice commanding silence, "I cannot emphasize enough how important it is you succeed today. You will have two hours to complete the midterm today. Now to go over some basic rules for a lab midterm."

    Boon seized the opportunity of Dowding going over the rules, leaning in close to Zack and Rob "Ethel is a real freak you know. She forced this weird powder down my throat, you two need to do something about this."

    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

    "We don''t have to do- wait a weird powder?" Rob asked, as what Boon said finally clicked. "What does this powder look like?"

    "Know you care, it was black and tasted like ash," Boon explained. "Now are you going to tell her to back off or not?"

    "Sure, whatever," Rob said glossing over Boon''s concerns, "It''s a black powder, and what better place to sneak something like that in without raising suspicion than a science lab." Zack and Rob looked over the lab benches and saw several different black powders.

    "Rob, you''re sure it can''t be Ahmed?" Zack asked, needing some reassurance.

    "Positive," Rob replied firmly, his eyes locked on Boon''s. " I have smelled Ahmed''s cologne a million times and it isn''t what the creature smelled like."

    "Wait what is going on?" Boon asked, confused by the conversation.

    "You passed that test so they are moving on to Ahmed, we have to stop them," Zack explained, watching Olivia take her seat on the bench in front of them

    Boon leaned back realizing that rob and Zack didn''t really care about what happened to him, their mind was on something else. Deb entered the lab, earning a glare from Dowding who was still explaining the rules for a partner''s midterm.

    "Alright," Zack whispered, his voice barely audible as Deb took a seat next to Rob. "We need to make sure that John and Olivia don''t get anywhere near Ahmed tonight."

    "And how do we do that?" Deb asked, her dark eyes flashing with worry behind her glasses. "We can''t exactly fight them during class or talk once the exam starts."

    "Remember," Rob added, "they could have hidden that powder anywhere in here, so we have to be extra cautious."

    At that moment, Prof. Bobby Dowding launched into what they will actually be doing for the midterm: "Fools gold; just because it looks like gold doesn''t make it so." His voice boomed through the room, signaling the beginning of the lab session.

    "Today, we will switch lab partners at each step of the experiment," Prof. Dowding announced, his brow furrowed beneath a mop of graying hair. "This will ensure that it is your own work you are handing in and at the end of this experiment you should have created your own fool''s gold."

    As the students shuffled around the tables, Zack made sure he started next to Olivia. Her brown eyes seemed to smolder as she leaned in dangerously close. "Oh Zack, what are you so worried about," she purred, her hand resting on Zack''s thigh, lingering just a moment too long. "Relax, I can feel your aura from across the room."

    Deb, now seated across from them, narrowed her eyes at the display. But before she could react, her lab partner toppled over their beaker. the chemicals spilled all over the floor and they were shuffled to a different table out of view.

    Meanwhile, Rob found himself paired with John, who seemed agitated as he recounted a story about his high school basketball career. "Ahmed always bested me on the court," John spat bitterly, his anger barely restrained. "And then he didn''t even try out for the University team, it is like he is mocking me."

    "You need to chill out," Rob replied tersely, unwilling to engage in John''s vendetta. "It''s just the demon side of you talking," John shot Rob a look that stopped him from finishing his thought.

    As they switched partners, Zack and Rob kept a watchful eye on John, who had been partnered with Ahmed. As they worked away on their solutions, they watched as John reached into his pocket and pulled out a small baggy of black powder. Zack went to move but Prof. Dowding''s stern glare held him in place.

    "ACHOO!" John feigned a sneeze, releasing a plume of palm ash toward Ahmed. The fine particles swirled around Ahmed''s face, making him cough and gag, desperately gasping for air. His eyes watered, and he stumbled from the room, clutching his throat.

    Zack''s heart raced as he shared a panicked glance with Rob. Ahmed began to collapse unable to breathe and confirming he was anything but human. As Prof, Dowding rushed to Ahmed''s aid, all Zack could think was how could they protect him from Ethel?

    As the lab let out, Zack, Deb, and Rob huddled together in the bustling hallway. The air was thick with tension as they brainstormed how to protect Ahmed from Ethel.

    "Okay, first things first," Zack began, his blue eyes glinting with resolve. "We need to get Ahmed somewhere safe, where Ethel can''t touch him."

    "And where would that be?" Deb muttered, adjusting her glasses. "She now has proof Ahmed in the familiar and she has a covenant willing to fight with her."

    "Right," Rob added, frowning. "John, Olivia, and Kristian will do whatever she tells them to do. We only have you as our supernatural muscle, I don''t think this is a fight we can win."

    As they talked near the green lockers outside the lab, the trio spotted Ethel making her way down the hall. Her long black hair swayed as she walked with purpose toward the lab.

    "Ethel, listen," Zack pleaded, stepping in front of her. "All we know for sure is Ahmed isn''t human. We can''t just assume he is the familiar without any real¡ª"

    "Save it," Ethel interrupted coldly. "We can''t risk letting that thing continue to kill."

    "Please," Deb chimed in, her voice firm yet compassionate. "Just give us time to prove Ahmed isn''t the familiar. We just need a little more time."

    Ethel regarded them for a moment before sighing. "You think I would help an exorcist?" she asked, stepping around Deb. I am going to handle this now." she reached for the door.

    Rob quickly pulled out his phone and turned it on Ethel. "Then I hope you don''t mind me live-streaming this," Rob Threatened, holding his finger above the button. "I am sure a few trained exorcists would find the footage really interesting."

    Ethel hesitated, very eyes shifting to their dazzling green. "You think you won? I will be back for him and I will kill anyone who gets in my way" Ethel turned and left, clearly infuriated by Rob''s stunt.

    Rob let out a huge exhale as he slid down the locker, "Shit that was too close"

    "That was amazing," Zack said, helping Rob back to his feet. "Now we need to get Ahmed out of here."

    -----

    Meanwhile, in the lab, Ms. McLeod gently guided Ahmed through a vision test.

    "Tell me what you see, Ahmed," she instructed, holding up a card with several words written on it.

    "Butterfly," he read, attempting to keep his voice steady. In truth, the words began to shift to become Gluttony, but he didn''t dare share that with the counselor.

    "Interesting," Ms. McLeod murmured, switching to an image card. "And what do you see here?"

    "A beautiful beach," Ahmed said, masking his discomfort as the monstrous figure loomed on the beach''s shore.

    "Alright," she nodded, setting down the cards. "Thank you for your cooperation, Ahmed. You seem fine, doesn''t appear like whatever was dumped on affected your vision."

    "Thank you, Ms. McLeod." Ahmed quickly exited the lab, but the image of Gluttony still crept into his mind.

    As Ahmed entered the brownstone hallway, Zack, Deb, and Rob rushed to his side, relief washing over them.

    "Ahmed, are you alright?" Zack asked, gripping his friend''s shoulder.

    "I''m fine," Ahmed assured them, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of fear. "It was just dust or something, everything is fine."

    "Are you sure? I didn''t know you were so allergic to dust, it was scary seeing you react like that." Deb explained. "If you want you can come over and we can take our minds off it with movies and drinks."

    "Definitely," Rob agreed. "I know an amazing pizza place, we can pick it up on our way."

    "Thanks, guys," Ahmed murmured, touched by their unwavering support. "I don''t know what I''d do without you."

    -----

    Boon sat at a table in the library, his fingers drumming against the wooden surface. The musty scent of old books and polished wood filled his nostrils, making it difficult to concentrate on the textbook in front of him.

    "Hey, Boon," Sarah said, approaching him with Leona by her side. Her long blonde hair swayed as she walked, she seemed concerned by something. Boon couldn''t help but wonder if they had found something in the video.

    "Sarah, Leona," he acknowledged, nodding towards them. "Did you find something?"

    "We have some questions for you," Leona explained, her voice surprisingly gentle but her gaze showed concern. "About that missing footage from your video."

    "Right," Boon sighed, running a hand through his red hair. "What do you want to know?"

    "Who else might have had access to your house?" Sarah asked, her blue eyes narrowing as if suspecting everyone and no one all at once.

    "Why," Boon muttered, deep in thought. "I mean, you don''t think someone I know tampered with it? Who would want to do that?"

    "That is what we are trying to figure out," Leona cut in. "Now we both know I have a key because we dated and I haven''t had the chance to give it back. But in my defense, I would be happy never going to your place again.... no offense" she said realizing Boon was giving her a hurt look.

    "I could have gotten in too," Sarah added, a hint of mischief in her voice. "Considering I know your back door''s lock doesn''t really work. Maybe we staged the whole thing together just to fuck with you?"

    Leona''s eyes twinkled, clearly picking up on Sarah''s flirtatious tone. "But in all seriousness, someone purposely tampered with the footage, and if we can figure out who, then maybe we can figure out the why."

    "True," Boon agreed, as he wracked his brain for a possible suspect. That is when it hit him, "But there is someone else who might have done it... Ahmed has a key to my place."

    "Ahmed?" both girls echoed, surprise evident in their expressions.

    "Ahmed," Boon confirmed, nodding gravely. "He comes over all the time, I wouldn''t have noticed if he had done something to it."

    "So now we have our suspect," Sarah said, her voice suddenly serious. "Let''s figure out what his motive could be for ruining your video."

    -----

    Deb walked through the campus, scrolling through the Demonology book she had downloaded. Her face twisted with confusion as several sections were written in languages she didn''t recognize, including the section on familiars.

    "cup cupida... cupiditate serv...," she tried to read it out, her dark eyes glued to the phone. She didn''t notice her reading had drawn the attention of Ms. McLeod, who was sipping her coffee nearby.

    "Cupiditave serviendi" Ms. Mcleod finished for her, "It''s Latin."

    Deb looked over at the woman before sitting down on the old wooden bench, next to her. "Do you know Latin?" Deb asked.

    "I know over seventy languages," Ms. McLeod answered in a matter-of-fact tone.

    "Could you translate this?" Deb asked, holding out her phone. "I am trying to translate it for a mythology assignment."

    The counselor scanned the page on the phone, examining the archaic script with a furrowed brow. "There really isn''t a direct translation for it," she confessed, tracing her finger along Deb''s phone screen. "But it seems to speak of... a supernatural spirit with a desire to serve, created by a rift between living and dead. Slow is the master who creates it."

    "Is there anything else you can tell me about it?" Deb asked, her heart pounding in her chest.

    "Unfortunately, no," Ms. McLeod shook her head. "That''s all it says about it."

    "Thank you," Deb replied, disappointed but grateful for the small piece of information.

    As she headed back to the dorm, she hoped this little bit of information would be able to help them in some way.

 Vol 2, Chapter 10: Unmasked

    The sun was dipping low in the sky as Zack headed toward the ION train station. His heart pounded in his chest, a mixture of anxiety and adrenaline fueling his every step. He knew he needed to get to Ahmed''s before Ethel did. They knew Ethel had been waiting for another chance to kill him, and with his entire family away at a basketball tournament, tonight would be her chance.

    Turning a corner, Zack found himself face-to-face with Kristian, he stood like a wall in front of Zack, blocking him from his destination. Kristian was taller and broader than Zack, an imposing figure that would make most people think twice about engaging him in any sort of conflict.

    "Kristian," Zack began, his voice steady despite his racing thoughts, "I don''t have time for this right now."

    "Make time," Kristian replied, a smug grin on his face, "You know I can''t let you go to Ahmed''s, Ethel says she needs you out of the way to deal with the problem."

    Zack smirked, using Kristian''s underestimation of him to his advantage. In one swift movement, he sidestepped and hooked his leg behind Kristian''s, sending the larger boy crashing to the ground.

    "Please just stay down," Zack said, but his triumph was short-lived.

    "Enough!" a voice called out, and there stood Ethel, the glow of the setting sun behind her made her seem even more imposing them usual. Her brown eyes were filled with anger, clearly unimpressed with how quickly Kristian was taken down.

    "Ethel," Zack pleaded, "let me handle Ahmed, I know we can save him if he is a familiar. You know better than all of us that there is always some kind of spell or ritual or artifact that can undo a curse."

    "If Ahmed is the familiar then he has killed innocent people," she said dismissively. "In his familiar form, he will be unstoppable, we need to kill him before he gets any stronger."

    "Please, just listen to me," Zack insisted, desperation creeping into his voice. But before he could continue, Ethel cut him off.

    "I''m sorry we don''t see eye to eye on this one Zack," she said, her voice carrying some sincerity with it. "But it is already being handled."

    Zack knew what she meant, there was no sign that Olivia or John were anywhere close by. Panicked, Zack tried to dart past Ethel and Kristian, but the latter quickly recovered and slammed a well-placed fist into Zack''s side. The impact sent him sprawling onto the ground, gasping for breath.

    "Ahmed doesn''t have to die," Zack choked out, fighting through the pain. "Even if he is the familiar we can save him."

    "Not everyone can be saved Zack," Ethel explained, her tone almost bored. "You can''t just wish a solution into being. Sometimes you have to make the hard choices."

    "If you kill him, then I will never forgive you!" Zack shouted, picking himself off the ground.

    "And I will learn to live with that," Ethel shrugged, her apathy unnerving. "All that matters now is stopping him from causing any more deaths."

    Zack clenched his fists, anger, and frustration bubbling within him. His blue eyes shifted to their dim pink, his muscles becoming more pronounced and he started to sprout fangs and claws. If it was a fight Ethel wanted, then he was going to give it to her.

    "Ethel," he said, his voice firm and resolute, "If that is how you see it, then there is no point in talking it out."

    "Please Zack," she challenged, her eyes narrowing in defiance. "You really think you can take on a Supreme?"

    "Ethel," Zack said, his voice distorted by the demon within. "I am willing to die to protect my friends, are you?"

    "Don''t test me," Ethel scoffed, crossing her arms. "You and I both know Ahmed isn''t human. You saw how he reacted to the palm ash."

    "Not being human doesn''t mean he''s the familiar," Zack countered, recalling his own experience with Gluttony. "He could be a vessel just like me."

    Ethel looked momentarily taken aback, but her expression quickly hardened once more. "That may be true, but I can''t risk being wrong, not with Pablo out there hunting us. I need to solve this problem fast so I can take care of the other."

    "Then I''m sorry Ethel," Zack said, his voice firm. "for what I am about to do."

    Before Ethel could react Zack lifted Kristian into the air using his telekinesis and threw with immense force toward her. Think quickly Ethel froze time with Kristian mere centimeters from her face. She moved aside and released Kristian from the freeze, who flew by and slammed into a tree with a thud. Ethel turned back to find Zack gone, vanished from view and concealing his aura.

    -----

    As Zack raced across campus, having missed his train, he almost slammed into Sarah as he looked back to see if Ethel had followed.

    "Hey watch it!" Sarah yelled after him but he didn''t have time to acknowledge her. She huffed and turned her attention back to Leona on their video call. "Any luck with the video?" Sarah asked, trying to ignore the fact she was almost run over.

    "Almost done," Leona replied, her gaze fixed on the progress bar inching across the screen. "Just a few more minutes."

    "Good," Sarah said. "Oh, I also sent you some pics of the Basketball game for the school paper."

    Leona then opened the file, starting to look for some good ones to include in the story. She looked through them until she got to a close-up shot of Zack, his eyes a dim pink color. "What''s with Zack''s eyes in these pictures? It''s kind of creepy."

    "Beats me," Sarah shrugged, swiping through the images on her camera. "It happens every time I take a picture of him."

    "Maybe it''s just a weird coincidence," Leona suggested, though she couldn''t shake the feeling that there was something more to it. She couldn''t take her eyes off the photo and wondered what secrets lurked behind those eyes.

    -----

    As Zack raced toward the bus stop, he called Deb and Rob. "Where the hell are you?" Rob asked when he popped into the frame.

    "I was held up by Ethel and Kristian, but I am on my way. Also, Olivia and John might already be there. Get Ahmed somewhere safe until I get there.

    "Aye, Aye, captain," Rob said, giving Zack a little salute.

    "be safe and get here soon." Deb said, "I Love you."

    "Love you too," Zack said with a warm smile, they pair hung up and Zack refocused on getting to them before Ethel did.

    As he watched the bus come into view, Sarah emerged from a corner and snapped another picture of him. The telltale pink lens flare appeared around his eyes again.

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    "What are you doing?" Zack asked, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

    "Just taking a candid for a project," Sarah affirmed, her expression troubled.

    "I''m pretty sure you have to ask my permission to use that photo," Zack said, trying to keep his frustration under wraps. "And you don''t have my permission."

    "Fair enough," Sarah agreed, pretending to delete the photo. "Some people have no chill" she muttered as she wandered off down the street.

    Zack''s clamored onto the bus as his phone buzzed, he quickly read the message from Deb. "Zack, we need you now!" Deb wrote. "Olivia and John are waiting outside."

    "Damn it," Zack muttered under his breath, his mind racing to process the information. "Stay inside and keep Ahmed safe. I''ll be there as soon as possible." he texted back.

    He looked up at the bus driver who was still waiting for him to tap his student card, but Zack stepped back out of the bus. There was no way he would get there in time if he took the bus. He would have to use his vessel speed to make it.

    -----

    Deb paced in Ahmed''s room, her dark eyes flicking to the door every few seconds. Rob sat at the edge of the bed, his hands clenched into fists as he contemplated their next move. The tension in the air was thick, and even Boon and Ahmed could feel it as they huddled together near the window.

    "Maybe we should call Jessica," Deb suggested, biting her lip. "She might be able to help us."

    Rob shook his head resolutely. "No. We can''t afford to get the exorcists involved in this. What if Pablo shows up with her, then everyone is dead."

    "Then what do you propose we do?" Deb snapped, frustration edging her voice. "Take on two vessels all by ourselves?"

    "We can try," Rob said, rummaging through a duffel bag on the floor. He pulled out a small pistol, loaded with tranquilizer darts. "I took this from the police station. I figure it should buy us some time at the very least."

    "John''s not outside," Ahmed pointed out, peering cautiously through the window blinds. "I can only see Olivia. Can someone please tell me what the hell is going on here?"

    "Latter," Deb muttered, her brow furrowing in concern. "I have to go make sure he didn''t find a way in."

    Ahmed rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed that his friends were keeping him in the dark. As Deb left the room and Rob stood guard at the door, Boon turned to Ahmed, green eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Give me my key back," he demanded, holding out his hand.

    "Your key?" Ahmed asked a little confused as to why Boon was bringing this up now. "You guys show up to my house and say Olivia and John are after me, and my key to your place is what you are concerned about?"

    "I need it," Boon growled. "Some broke in and messed with my stuff so I am making sure no one can get in without my permission ever again."

    "You think I messed with your stuff? Fine take your stupid key back," Ahmed relented, reaching beneath his shirt to unclasp the chain around his neck. He handed the key over, clearly hurt that Boon could think he would do that. "I can''t believe you think I would do that."

    "I am just being careful," Boon scoffed, pocketing the key. "You don''t exactly keep track of your things"

    "If you have something to say then just say it," Ahmed replied, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. "Clearly you think I did something wrong. At least have the balls to tell me what it is you think I did."

    As they stared each other down, Boon couldn''t find the words he wanted to say, a look of discomfort crossing his face. Ahmed was too upset to notice, that the left side of Boon''s neck seemed to shimmer and fade, becoming almost translucent.

    Suddenly there was the sound of shattering glass echoed through the house, followed by snarls and shouts. Ahmed''s heart pounded in his chest as he raced out of his bedroom, leaving Boon behind. Boon''s body began to twitch and spasm, his mouth opening as he attempted to call out for help but no sound left it.

    "Deb! Rob!" Ahmed called, as he walked down the eerily quiet hallway. He rounded the corner to find Deb and Rob held up behind the couch as John launched tiny balls of energy their way. Deb removed a blade from her guard and sent it flying towards the man. John leapt out of the way just in time as the blade embedded itself in the wall where his head once was.

    "Ahmed, get back in the room with Boon!" Deb ordered between clenched teeth, as Rob handed her the tranquilizer gun. "We can handle this!"

    Ahmed hesitated for a moment, torn between helping his friends and following Deb''s command. But one look at John''s glowing silver eyes and he knew that he couldn''t fight him or anyone for that matter. Reluctantly, he turned and sprinted back towards his room.

    "Boon, we have to¡ª" he began but stopped dead in his tracks when he realized the room was empty. His drapes danced in the breeze coming from the now-open window. As he approached the window to close it, he found claw marks marking its edges.

    "What the hell?" he muttered under his breath, his mind racing as he scanned the room for a possible attacker. No longer feeling safe in his room, Ahmed locked himself in the bathroom and dialed the police, praying that they would be able to help before everything spiraled out of control.

    Meanwhile, Deb burst into Ahmed''s room, slamming the door shut behind her and twisting the lock. Her heart hammered in her chest, adrenaline coursing through her veins. She scanned the room, taking note of the claw marks on the window frame.

    "Ahmed, we have a serious problem," she panted, trying to catch her breath. Before Deb could recover, the door shuddered under the force of a powerful blow. Olivia burst into the room, her eyes now glowing a baby blue.

    "Get out of my way, Deb!" she snarled, her gaze fixated on the locked bathroom. "You don''t have to die protecting him."

    "I don''t plan dying here," Deb retorted, her hand darting to her pocket and withdrawing a small knife. With a flick of her wrist, she sent the blade flying towards Olivia, who caught it with ease, a smug grin playing on her lips.

    "Really, Deb? You think that''s going to stop me?" Olivia taunted, but her triumphant expression quickly dissolved into one of shock as she realized the knife was coated in a fine layer of palm ash. She dropped the weapon, gagging and coughing, her body convulsing in pain.

    "Seems like it did," Deb replied coolly, her body shaking as the adrenaline began to wear off. With Olivia down and out, she hoped she bought them enough time for Zack to get here before she got up again. She moved to the window to get a better look at the claw marks and her heart almost skipped a beat when something came crawling in threw it. Deb readied another knife, and prepared for another fight, but Zack raised his hands in surrender.

    "Deb it''s me!" He said, Deb raised forward embracing him.

    "Thank God you''re here, I don''t know how much longer we could have held out."

    Zack gave her a small peck, "You did great, Where are Rob and Ahmed?"

    "Rob is holding off John downstairs and Ahmed is in the bathroom," Deb explained.

    -----

    Outside the house, Ethel and Kristian stepped out of her Jeep, the cold night air greeting them. The sounds of struggle and chaos echoed from within the home, drawing their gazes toward the entrance.

    "Something''s not right," Kristian murmured, his brow furrowed in concern.

    "I can feel it too," Ethel agreed.

    Suddenly, the door to the house burst open, and Olivia and John were sent flying onto the lawn. John lay motionless, unconscious with a tranquilizer dart in his shoulder, while Olivia continued to cough violently, unable to catch her breath.

    With a mixture of triumph and weariness, Zack, Rob, and Deb emerged from the doorway, standing united against Ethel and her covenant. The trio were breathing heavily, clearly exhausted but unwilling to give up. Their eyes met, and Ethel could see the unwavering determination in Zack''s gaze.

    "Of course," she whispered to Kristian, realization dawning. "He never needed a covenant because he already had one."

    "How is that possible," Kristian muttered, studying the trio with newfound respect.

    The wailing sirens in the distance signaled the approaching police force. As Ethel and Kristian. As Kristian gathered up Olivia and John, a strange sensation filled Ethel''s body. Her eyes were drawn to the roof of the house. Even though she couldn''t see it, she could the dark aura of the familiar. She could see Zack''s eyes also following the aura as it moved off the roof and disappeared into the trees, leaving only a lingering sense of unease in its wake.

    Ahmed exited his house in confusion, taking in the tense scene before him. "Can someone please explain to me what is going on!" he asked, his voice shaking slightly. Seeing Ahmed still a human, Ethel realized she had been wrong, she got back into her Jeep as Kristian laid Olivia and John across the back seats. Then they drove off into the night.

    "Boon," Zack said quietly, his eyes still locked on the spot where the Familiar had vanished. "He''s the Familiar."

    "Makes sense, there isn''t much he wouldn''t do to get power," Deb said, her heart sinking at the thought of Boon transforming into a monster.

    "The question is how, Ethel wouldn''t have done it and Gluttony is sealed away so how did he get cursed?" Zack asked, his voice heavy with sorrow. The trio looked at each other knowing in order to save Boon they would have to find who cursed him.

    -----

    Meanwhile, on a deserted street, the Familiar approached a parked PT Cruiser. He crept cautiously closer, his hand reaching out to touch the window. A gloved hand from within mirrored the gesture, separated only by the thin barrier of glass.

    "I have a new target." a muffled voice called from inside the car.

    The familiar hissed in response, no longer human enough to use words.

    "Excellent," the voice replied, knowing their familiar knew the target. "Now go. We''ll meet again soon."

    With a final glance at the car, Boon scampered off into the woods, leaving behind nothing but an eerie silence. The car''s engine roared to life, and it peeled away into the night, carrying with it secrets yet to be discovered.

 Vol 2, Chapter 11: White Rabbit

    Leona sat hunched over her laptop, as she meticulously completed the restoration of Boon''s video. Her fingers danced across the keyboard with practiced precision, the tip of her tongue pressed against the roof of her mouth in concentration. With a few more clicks, she slid back in her chair satisfied with her work.

    She pulled out her phone to text Boon the good news, as the full video played out in the background. Only half paying attention she missed the hooded figure that slipped into the room on the video. She would have seen their face if only for a brief second, she would have known exactly who tampered with the video.

    Leona did look up at the video it was time to see Boon rise from the bed and stumble toward the door. "Unbelievable..." she whispered, her voice barely audible even in the quiet of her room. With a sigh, she saved the file and closed her laptop, stuffing it into her backpack before heading out into the night.

    -----

    Elsewhere Ahmed and Deb sat alone in a Tim Hortons. "Ahmed, listen to me," Deb pleaded, she reached across the table taking his trembling hand, "Now you know why we can''t go to the police about the other night."

    "So demons are real?" Ahmed''s chocolate brown eyes were wide with fear and frustration, running his fingers through his curly black hair as he grappled with this information. "So Zack, Ethel, John, Olivia, and Kristian are all super-powered creatures of the night. And you are too?"

    "No, I hunt them, well I am being trained to hunt them," Deb said quietly, she looked around to make sure no one was listening in. "My family are exorcists and they sent me here to train. There is a secret training ground under St. Jerome''s campus."

    "Deb, that is kind of badass. Totally insane but badass," Ahmed replied, his face then changed again as if a sudden thought crossed his mind. "And what is Rob?"

    "Oh, Rob?" Deb''s dark eyes softened, as she pushed her glasses up her nose. "He''s just Rob."

    Ahmed stared at her for a long moment before letting out a small laugh. Finally, "Yeah that tracks, Rob would be the one to into a supernatural world completely unprepared."

    "Right?" Deb laughed, relief flooding her features. "I know this is a lot, but I am here for you. If you have any other questions let me know."

    Ahmed let all that he had learned sink in, he wondered what else could be out there lurking in the shadows. Then he looked back at Deb and knew whatever was out there didn''t matter, his friends would always be there to protect him. "Can I get another iced coffee?"

    "That I can do," Deb said with a smile before heading to the counter.

    -----

    The light full moon gave the silver VIA rail tracks an unnatural glow. Ethel, her breath visible in the frigid air, tensed as she faced off against the invisible Familiar. The only way she could avoid its devastating blows was by sensing the intent behind its dark aura. As she leapt out of the way of another strike, she wondered how much longer she could keep this up.

    "Who are you?" Ethel asked, more to herself than to the creature. There was a hiss in response, sounding almost serpant-like.

    Extending her claws, Ethel managed to land a few blows, but they didn''t affect the invisible being. She felt its scaley hide and knew her claws never actually penetrated it.

    The Familiar grabbed Ethel, wrapping its snake-like body around her and preparing to squeeze the life out of her. Jessica arrived on the scene, wearing infrared goggles. Without missing a beat, she fired several bullets into the creature''s back, causing it to release its grasp on Ethel. It turned its attention to the new threat and charged toward Jessica.

    "Damn it!" Jessica yelled and dodged the Familiar''s attempted strike. But she wasn''t ready for its tail, it wrapped around her ankle, sending her flying through the train station window. With Jessica down and out, Pablo revealed himself, stepping out of the shadows.

    The Familiar slid over to Pablo, but Pablo remained rooted in place. It paused, staring up at him with an unsettling intensity. Pablo looked down at the creature, as if he was trying to figure out exactly what to do with it. Then, without warning, the creature hissed and fled the area with supernatural speed. Ethel watched the strange scene unfold before making her own escape, wondering why the creature didn''t attack Pablo.

    -----

    Meanwhile, Zack and Rob wandered the streets of Waterloo, trying to figure out exactly what they could do with Boon, now that they knew he was the Familiar.

    "I still don''t get how Boon passed Ethel''s test if he is the Familiar," Rob mused, struggling to piece together the puzzle. "I mean shouldn''t have reacted like Ahmed did?"

    Zack thought about it, unsure how to explain it. As they walked past The White Rabbit, he suddenly froze in place. A familiar dark aura was seeping from its walls.

    "He''s in there," Zack whispered, unable to take his eyes off the line out the door. The two friends exchanged glances before making their way around the back of the building.

    Zack tried to pull on the door knob but it wouldn''t budge, stepping back he used his telekinesis causing the knob to snap off with a muffled crack. He glanced nervously at Rob before they slipped inside the club. The bass from the music caused the whole building to shake, and Zack scanned the dancing couples for any sign of Boon.

    "Are you sure he is in here?" Rob asked, as he tried to peer through fog and strobe lights. He noticed a guy checking him out from a nearby table and gave him a friendly wave. The guy moved over and motioned for Rob to join him but Zack grabbed his arm.

    "Stay focused," Zack reminded him, as his eyes finally fell on Leona. She was sitting at the bar, looking at the dancing couples with a longing in her eyes. He felt a pang of sympathy for her, but also knew she could be why Boon was in the club.

    Rob followed Zack''s gaze, "We should stay close to her," Rob suggested, making his way to the bar. "Two Bud Lights, please" he motioned to the bartender.

    The bartender raised an eyebrow "I don''t suppose you have some ID on you?" the bartender asked, Rob''s face went beet red knowing he was caught. "I''ll get you two some Cokes instead," Rob nodded, thankful he wasn''t kicking them out.

    The bartender returned with the drinks and Rob started to fish his wallet out of his pocket. The bartender raised his hand, " No need, that guy over there paid for them." He pointed down the bar to a strikingly good-looking man. The man looked right past Rob and smiled at Zack.

    "Someone''s popular tonight," Rob muttered, taking a swig of his coke. Clearly jealous that Zack was getting the attention, "Oh shit, where did Leona go?"

    "What?" Zack gasped, now realizing Leona had left the bar area while they were distracted. "We need to find her, she might be meeting up with Boon." The pair weaved their way through the crowd, trying to find her. But Zack''s attention was torn away when the overwhelming dark aura began to surround him, Boon was there, but he wasn''t human anymore.

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    "Rob, he''s in familiar mode!" Zack hissed, trying to keep his voice low. "We need to get everyone out of here now!"

    "Got it," Rob replied, as he pushed his way toward the fire alarm.

    Zack knew that if Boon was here as the Familiar then someone in the crowd was a target, all he could think about was buying them time so everyone could escape.

    Zack''s eyes darted around the club as he tried to keep track of the Familiar''s movements. He knew he couldn''t fight it here, not with all these witnesses around. The screaming sound of the fire alarm filled his ears and stopped the dancers on the floor. Everything froze for a moment as it sunk in, and then the panic began.

    "Rob, get Leona!" Zack shouted, hoping he could hear him over the noise. "I''ll take care of Boon"

    Rob nodded grimly, pushing his way through the fleeing crowd as he tried to reach Leona. Was also struggling to get to Boon, who slithered deeper into the crowd. Suddenly, chaos erupted as dancers were picked up and thrown across the room by an invisible force. Boon had started his attack and it was clear he was making a B-line for Leona.

    "Leona!" Rob cried out in horror, he was almost able to reach her, but she was pulled away by Boon. Rob and Zack watched in horror as the Familiar dragged Leona to the back of the club, clearly aiming to escape with her out the back.

    As it reached the swinging doors, Ethel stepped through them in full vessel mode, her claws extended and gleaming in the strobe lights. With swift, brutal precision, she slashed the Familiar''s throat, causing it to howl in pain and fury. It dropped Leona to the floor, she scurried away as fast as she could.

    With a snarl, the Familiar clawed its way up the wall, tore the grate off the vent, and slipped inside. Zack wasted no time in giving chase, now that the club was empty he used his telekinesis to tear the ventilation from the ceiling but Boon was gone.

    "Damn, it got away!" Zack lamented.

    "Don''t worry about it Zack, Leona is safe and that is what matters," Rob said, putting his arm around his friend. "Besides I think Ethel went after him," The pair noticed that she was nowhere to be seen either.

    "Wait, if Boon was targeting Leona then she must know something," Zack said, they moved to the parking lot as the fire trucks arrived on the scene.

    Wandering through the rows of cars they came to a sudden halt when they discovered Leona''s car, which had been viciously vandalized. Tires were slashed, windows shattered, and deep gouges marred the once pristine paint job.

    "What do you think it was looking for?" Zack asked, as he took in the carnage.

    "Beats me. But judging by the looks of things, if it was in that car, then he found it." Rob said, "Maybe Leona can tell us more."

    As they made their way back to the front of the club, they arrived just in time to watch the paramedics load Leona up into the ambulance. The club''s flashing neon sign highlighted the emergency response vehicles, and Zack exchanged a worried glance with Rob, who was standing nearby.

    "Come on," Zack said, determination etching his features. "We need to find Boon before Ethel does."

    They turned to leave but were greeted by Lindsey''s stern gaze. She had her arm crossed over her officer uniform and looked almost annoyed that she had found the pair at the scene.

    "Zack, Rob," she said, with a tone that let them know she wasn''t happy, "Funny seeing you two at yet another crime scene, and a bar no less."

    Rob, ever quick-witted, feigned nonchalance. "Well, Lindsey, Zack here has a problem. But we talked and he is going to AA first thing in the morning"

    Lindsey laughed, dismissing the notion. "Please, Zack is not a drunk, His record is clear and there is no alcohol on his breath right now."

    She fixed Rob with a piercing stare. "Seriously, Rob, what''s going on? It feels like you have been lying to me nonstop for months now."

    Cornered, Rob concocted another lie on the spot. "Lindsey, we were here with Leona. She came out as bisexual recently, and we wanted to support her."

    Lindsey''s gaze softened, and she didn''t fully accept this new explanation, but she also knew she didn''t want to press them further. "Alright, next time just tell me the truth from the beginning."

    As she walked away, Zack felt a mixture of relief and guilt bubbling inside him. They couldn''t keep lying to Lindsey forever, but how would she react if she knew the truth?

    "Let''s get out of here," Rob said, he had the same worried look on his face that Zack did, "Maybe Boon went back to his place? I mean if he has what he wants, he could go back home right?"

    "Well we don''t have anything else to go on," Zack said and the pair headed out to hopefully find Boon.

    -----

    The car''s engine hummed softly as Rob guided them through the dark, empty streets towards Boon''s house. Zack couldn''t shake the feeling of unease gnawing at him, his mind replaying the chaotic scene at the club over and over again. He wasn''t sure if they were doing more harm than good trying to save Boon.

    "Alright, we''re here," Rob announced as they pulled up beside Boon''s house. It was a modest building with a small porch, but it was offset by Boon''s brand-new porch in the driveway. "Looks like he''s home,"

    "Right, but we need to be ready for anything in there," Zack reminded him as he got out of the car. They knocked on the door but there was no response, Zack focused his telekinesis on the front door, feeling the lock click open under his mental pressure.

    The faint sound of snoring led them to Boon''s bedroom, where they found him sprawled across the bed, tangled in the sheets.

    "Do we wake him up?" Zack asked, unsure what they should do next and feeling like a stalker standing over his sleeping teammate.

    "Oh yeah sure, I am sure that will play out just great," Rob responded sarcastically, "Hey Boon we just broke into your house and kidnap you, please don''t turn into an invisible killing machine and take us out," Rob looked at Zack flatly.

    Zack took a deep breath, knowing Rob was right. "Sorry, buddy," Zack whispered before delivering a swift punch to Boon''s face, knocking him unconscious.

    "Are you serious?" Rob asked, raising an eyebrow. "You could have just used your telekinesis to gently lift him up and bring him with us."

    "Better safe than sorry," Zack replied, grimacing. "We can''t risk the Familiar making an appearance right now." Zack hoisted Boon over his shoulder and the boys retreated into the night.

    -----

    Meanwhile, near the White Rabbit, Jessica climbed into her car and gave Pablo a rundown of the events that had transpired within the club. "Seven people were injured, and the authorities think it''s drug-related," she explained, her voice tense. "Eyewitnesses claimed they saw a demonic monster on the dance floor."

    Pablo listened intently, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully.

    "Why didn''t you do anything when the Familiar circled you earlier?" Jessica asked, thinking back on the night''s events.

    "Intuition," Pablo replied cryptically. "I know what a Familiar is, and it plays by certain rules that don''t bend easily."

    "Should we put a hold on tracking down Ethel until take care of the Familiar?" Jessica asked, she was concerned about the damage this seemingly unstoppable creature could do.

    "Sometimes, the best way to eliminate a threat is to get someone else to do it for you," Pablo mused, a sly grin flashing across his face. "Why not wait to see who wins this fight, and then take out the victor." Pablo knew patience would ensure his victory in the end.

    ---

    As the night came to an end, Ahmed stepped out into the chilly night air, holding the door open for Jack, his tabby cat. But Jack hesitated, claws locked on the door frame, and refused to move any farther. Ahmed frowned, concern etched on his face. "What''s got you spooked, buddy?"

    He scanned the yard, looking for anything out of the ordinary. As his gaze swept across the darkness, Ahmed caught a fleeting glimpse of a shadow against the wall - its shape elongated by the glow of the streetlights.

    "Hey there," a familiar voice called softly from the shadows. The guy from Ms. McLeod''s office emerged, clutching a bouquet. Ahmed tensed, his heart racing.

    "Is there a non-rapist reason for you being in my backyard in the middle of the night?" Ahmed asked, making sure to keep some space between them.

    The stalker inched closer and replied, "I live nearby actually, I''ve seen you around. I thought I would come over and properly introduce myself."

    "At three A.M," Ahmed retorted, crossing his arms defensively.

    "I lost track of time, it took me a while to build up the courage to talk to you again," the stalker said boldly, a mischievous glint in his eye. "You''re not like anyone I have ever met before."

    "Still, you should have waited until morning, this is kind of creepy," Ahmed replied, trying to hide the fact he felt a little flattered by the attention.

    "Right, though technically it is morning" the stalker teased, inching closer.

    "True, but technically you are trespassing," Ahmed warned playfully, a hint of defiance in his eyes.

    The stalker smirked, seemingly unfazed by the threat. He then reached out, offering the bouquet of white lilies to Ahmed. "I brought these for you," he said. "I picked them myself."

    Ahmed hesitated before accepting the gift, the flowers'' petals were as white as the surrounding snow. "Thank you," he said, tucking the flowers under his arm. "But next time ask me out a more reasonable hour, got it?"

    "Deal," the mysterious young man replied, a sly grin playing on his lips. And with that, he made his exit, leaving Ahmed alone in the backyard again.

 Vol 2, Chapter 12: Kidnapped

    Boon''s eyes fluttered open, the dust danced in the sunbeams that slipped through the old blinds. But this wasn''t his room, it was coated in dust and he was laid out on an old mattress. He winced and raised his head, noticing the graffiti-covered walls.

    "What the fuck!" he muttered under his breath, his head was still in a bit of a fog from when Zack had punched him out.

    "Where the hell am I?" Boon shouted, his voice echoing through the empty house. Outside, Rob and Zack exchanged concerned glances, Boon was awake and they weren''t sure how they were going to explain why they locked him into the old shack in the woods.

    "Stay calm, Boon," Zack called out, trying to sound calm and collected. "We''ve brought you here to protect you."

    "To protect me? Protect me from what?" Boon demanded, as he tried the door and realized it was sealed shut.

    "Ethel and possibly the exorcists," Rob replied, deciding telling him the truth may be the best course of action. "You know because you turn into an invisible creature and have killed a few people."

    "Bullshit, you are not making any sense," Boon muttered, feeling a growing sense of unease as he processed the information.

    "I know it is a lot," Rob said, "I bet you are hungry, you''ve been out for a while." he pulled a sandwich out of his backpack. He hesitated for a moment before sliding it under the door, revealing Boon didn''t touch the sandwich, even though his stomach groaned in protest until he knew exactly what was going on he wasn''t going to trust anything.

    "I didn''t hurt anyone," Boon said, "The curse didn''t work on me, I know because I have tested it all, I am just a human." Boon finally picked up the sandwich, his stomach growling louder than his pride.

    "You don''t remember any of it," Zack asked, surprised Boon couldn''t remember killing anyone or attacking them.

    "Any of what? I am telling you I haven''t done anything!" Boon insisted.

    Zack and Rob exchanged glances "How is that possible?" Rob asked.

    "I don''t know but I am going to find out. Stay here, I''ll be back when I know more." Zack stepped off the front porch, he needed to know why Boon didn''t remember any of it.

    In an attempt to keep Boon''s friends and family from worrying, Rob sent each a text from Boon''s phone while Boon ate. "and with that, we have time to figure out exactly what is going on with you." He showed Boon the last text he sent to his mom.

    "You idiot, I don''t say that shit to my mom," Boon snapped, anger and frustration boiling inside of him. "Now they''re going to know something''s wrong."

    "You don''t tell your mom you love her?" Rob asked, clearly confused by Boon''s response "Who doesn''t tell their mom they love them."

    "That is none of your business," Boon said bitterly, taking a bite of his sandwich. " But any time you thought you bought yourself, you just lost."

    -----

    In Pablo''s office at the University of Waterloo, sat across from his hand-carved mahogany desk, she shifted on the velvet green chair as she waited for him to speak. Pablo leaned back in his chair, scrutinizing her with piercing blue eyes.

    "Deborah, I must know," he began, tapping his fingers on his desk. "Where were you during the Familiar attacks last night?"

    "Studying with Ahmed," Deb replied, it was true for once. They had spent the night memorizing mathematic equations.

    "Ah, yes," Pablo said, with a slight smile. "''Know your enemy. It does seem odd that where that boy goes, the familiar seems to follow."

    "Ahmed isn''t our enemy," Deb said, fidgeting with her glasses.

    "So it is just a coincidence that Ethel targeted him," Pablo asked, narrowing his eyes, "Do you think I am stupid? I have eyes everywhere."

    "No, that isn''t what I''m saying" Deb stammered, heart racing.

    Without warning, Pablo stood and moved behind her chair, placing two fingers on her carotid artery. "Is Ahmed the familiar?" he asked.

    "No," Deb responded, trying to free herself from his grasp but he held firm.

    "But you know who the Familiar is, don''t you?" He demanded.

    "No, I have no clue who the familiar is, I swear." Deb cried, her whole body shaking with fear.

    "Your pulse jumped," he observed, releasing her neck.

    "Y-you scared me," she managed, still shaken.

    "I''m sorry," he said with a nod, returning to his seat. "But you must understand, we are searching for a killer and time is of the essence." He waited for Deb to respond but she remained quiet, sunken into the chair. "You may go."

    As Deb left the office, she noticed an abundance of new surveillance cameras lining the hallways. She swallowed hard, uneasy under their watchful gaze. She rushed back to her English class and away from the man who terrified her.

    -----

    Back in the woods, the wind rustled through the trees as Rob paced on the front porch of the shack, frustrated. He knew they were running out of time but Boon was still insisting he didn''t know anything.

    "This doesn''t make any sense," he said, " You attacked Leona at the club, trapped Ethel and me on ice, and killed Maria at the Pizzeria. But you don''t remember any of it?"

    "None of it" Boon interrupted, his voice tinged with desperation. "I remember none of it! After the game, I went home, there is no way I was at the rink trying to kill you."

    "Are you certain?" Rob asked, searching Boon''s eyes for any hint of deception.

    "Positive," Boon replied firmly. "I can''t explain it, but it wasn''t me."

    "But it is you, your cologne is what I smelled when the familiar tied me up and you disappeared from Ahmed''s house when John and Olivia attacked us," Rob conceded, deep in thought. The pair still could not figure out how Boon was and wasn''t the Familiar at the same time.

    -----

    Deb reached her English class but spotted Father Bill leaning against the wall outside the classroom, his piercing eyes fixed on her. It was clear she had missed the class and was about to get the third degree from the old priest.

    "Deborah," Father Bill started warmly, pushing off the wall and approaching her.

    "I know, I know, I''m late but Pablo" Deb started but Bill cut her off.

    This isn''t about that, I couldn''t help but notice there have been quite a few calls between you and...the odd one, Rob."

    "Ah, yeah," Deb replied, hastily gathering her thoughts. "We have classes together, not to mention we have both been looking after Ahmed since Gluttony attacked him. Rob kind of has a thing for him."

    Father Bill nodded slowly, his gaze searching Deb''s face for any hint of deception. "Your loyalty is commendable, my dear. But Rob is too connected to Zack," he added with a sympathetic smile. "It must be difficult enough for you having to be in the same classes, knowing what you felt for him. I am worried being around Zack''s friend may stir up old emotions."

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    Deb felt a surge of emotion tightening her chest. "Trust me I am fine," she admitted quietly. "I know Zack and I can never be together, I would never go against the exorcists." she felt the weight of her lie.

    "You are very strong, Deborah," Father Bill said, his voice filled with compassion. "As long as you remain steadfast, Zack will live through this."

    The words hung heavily in the air, and Deb nodded solemnly, she knew their secret relationship was dangerous but she also knew whose side she would choose if she had to.

    -----

    Zack stood at the entrance of Leona''s hospital room, trying to figure out how to get her to talk without letting her know about the supernatural. The rhythmic beeping of machines and the faint hum of fluorescent lights filled the air as he took a deep breath and stepped inside.

    "Hey, Leona," Zack greeted softly, pulling up a chair beside her bed. "How are you feeling?"

    "Been better, They said whatever cut me had some kind of toxin on it," she replied with a weak smile, her voice strained from the recent ordeal. "What brings you here, Zack?"

    "I need to ask you something." Zack leaned forward, his brow furrowed in concern. "Is there any reason anyone would be mad at you? I just don''t understand why anyone would do this to you."

    Leona hesitated, her gaze shifting away from Zack''s earnest eyes. After a moment, she sighed, relenting. "I don''t think anyone is mad at me but I did have something that someone might have wanted." She paused trying to find the words to explain " Boon''s been filming himself, don''t ask why because I don''t know. But someone tampered with one of his tapes, I was restoring it."

    "So you think whoever tampered with the tape was the one who attacked you and went through your car?" Zack pressed gently, hoping to coax more information from her.

    Leona bit her lip, reluctant to divulge further details. "It would make sense, if someone went through the trouble of breaking into Boon''s house to delete whatever was on that tape, they clearly don''t want it getting out," she said, finally meeting Zack''s gaze again. "My laptop with the video was in my trunk, that has to be what they were after. Whatever was on that tape was serious."

    "Yeah," Zack agreed without hesitation, this is what they needed, Boon couldn''t be acting alone or he wouldn''t have had Leona restore the video in the first place. Not to mention Boon was attacking the club while Leona''s car was destroyed, meaning someone else could be pulling the strings. "I''m glad you made it out safe, hopefully, you won''t be in here much longer.

    "Thank you," Leona said as he walked out of the room

    Zack entered the hallway and his phone buzzed, it was an email from the University. He scanned it quickly, and his heart sank. He was failing three of his classes and the email informed him he would be put on academic probation until further notice. He didn''t have time to dwell on it though, lives were at stake and he needed to get back to Rob with this new information.

    -----

    Zack, Deb, and Rob stood on the rotting front porch of the shack as the sun dipped below the tree. They huddled together trying to ensure that if Boon was listening in, he wouldn''t be able to hear them.

    "Alright, let''s lay it all out," Zack began, his voice low and steady. "The Familiar didn''t kill any of us when it had the chance. It just ran past Deb, tied Rob up at the pizzeria, and only seemed to keep Ethel and Rob trapped on the ice."

    "Kind of like it was trying to buy some time," Deb suggested, her brow furrowed in thought. "If someone else is involved it could explain the line about having a master in the Demonology book."

    "Right but there is still something we are missing," Zack insisted. He paced back and forth, his mind working furiously to piece together the puzzle. "Why kill the dean and two other random people? how were they connected?"

    "I am more concerned about the fact someone could be controlling Boon," Rob interjected darkly, "If that''s true and Boon can''t control it then we aren''t safe here. We might need to consider getting rid of him."

    "Kill Boon?!" Zack snapped, sound betrayed. "We aren''t going to kill anyone. Remember Boon has helped us before and we are going to do the same for him."

    "Zack, he only helped because he wanted to become a vessel himself," Rob countered, his voice tight. "He''s dangerous, and we have no idea who is next on the kill list."

    "Rob, listen to yourself," Zack pleaded, trying to make his friend see reason. "Boon doesn''t know what he''s doing any more than I did when I first started turning. I had Ethel and you to help me figure it out; Boon has nobody. We can''t give up until we know we can''t save him."

    "Guys," Deb interjected, her voice wavering slightly, "right now all we can do is watch over Boon and make sure he doesn''t kill anyone else."

    They thought they were quiet but Boon had heard every word, his supernatural hearing had kicked in at the worst possible time. He really was a monster, and as this thought settled in an overwhelming wave of despair washed over him, and silent tears streamed down his cheeks.

    "Rob, you''ve been out here all day," Zack said, seeing the fear and tiredness in his friend''s eyes. "Go home and rest, Deb and I can take the night shift. This will seem better after a few hours of sleep."

    Rob wanted to argue but deep down he knew Zack was right. He was tired and frustrated that he still couldn''t figure out how all these victims were connected. "Ok, I''ll go but you two need to actually watch him, not spend the night making out."

    "Go!" Deb insisted as her face turned red, Rob laughed and retreated into the woods.

    the hours passed and Deb and Zack sat in her car, the radio playing a soft melody as they watched over the shack. They held each other close and Deb whispered, "I love you, Zack."

    "Deb, I love you too," Zack replied, his voice full of emotion. Their lips met, and they lost themselves in a tender embrace, their secret meetings had been put on hold for so long they couldn''t help but take advantage of this moment together.

    In the shack, Boon''s breathing grew labored as he felt a sudden surge of energy. His body began to vanish from sight, fading into the background. His eyes shifted, and spiraling DNA strands replaced his pupils. His breathing became ragged gasps as his humanity slipped away.

    The Familiar wasted no time, with a single strike it sent the front door flying off its hinges before it fled into the night.

    "Did you hear that?" Deb asked, breaking their kiss. Her eyes scanned the darkness until they came across the door to the shack lying in the snow. "Boon''s escaped!"

    Zack''s eyes widened, and his heart raced. "We need to find him before he hurts someone ¨C or worse."

    "We have to call Rob," Deb said, "The more people we have looking, the better." The phone buzzed for only a second before Rob picked up.

    "Boon got out," Zack explained. "I think it is time we tell Lindsey about all of this, we could really use someone who actually knows how to investigate." There was a silence on the phone as Rob mulled it over.

    "Ok," Rob relented. "I think I should be the one to tell Lindsey. Zack I''m going to need your help too. If things go sideways you''re going to have to show her your vessel side." Zack nodded, agreeing with Rob''s plan.

    Zack hung up and looked over to Deb, "I''m going to go back over to Boon''s, maybe he will show up there" she said with a slight grin, "You be careful ok." she instructed.

    "Always am," Zack leaned in and gave her a peck before the pair split up in search of Boon.

    As Zack and Rob approached the police station, Rob could feel the knot tighten in his stomach. He had no idea how Lindsey would react to the knowledge that the supernatural existed, or if she would even believe them in the first place. What if Zack shifted and she shot him or she had them both locked up in a mental hospital somewhere? With so much uncertainty Rob felt like he was going to be sick.

    As they entered the station, they found Boon standing in the lobby of the station, his mother and an attorney by his side. Boon caught sight of Zack and Rob, and his eyes widened in surprise and fear.

    "Zack," Boon whispered, his voice tremulous. "I don''t know how I got here, but please ¨C help me."

    "Boon," Zack said softly. "We''ll do everything we can to figure this out. I promise."

    "Stay away from my son!" Boon''s mother placed herself between them. " I want these two arrested for kidnapping." she insisted.

    "Now hold on there Mrs. Boon, your son never said he was kidnapped," Lindsey explained, unable to mask her worry that Rob was about to get in a kind of trouble she couldn''t protect him from. "I''m sure there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for what happened." The woman turned their gaze to Boon.

    "I just want to go home," Boon said, not looking his mother in the eye.

    "This isn''t over." his mother warned as they walked away. "You''ll be hearing from our lawyer!"

    Zack and Rob watched them leave before turning back to face Lindsey''s wrath. "The two of you really did it this time! What were you thinking? Oh don''t answer that because clearly the two of you weren''t thinking at all." she huffed.

    "Look Lindsey we can explain everything," Rob started, but Lindsey wasn''t having it.

    "I don''t want any more excuses, I want the two of you out of my sight. And you better pray that Boon doesn''t press charges because there is nothing I can do to protect you from this."

    The boys hung their heads, aware there was no talking to Lindsey now. They slipped out into the night, completely defeated.

    -----

    Deb walked back to her dorm room, her eyes glued to the messages from Zack explaining the fallout at the police station. The day''s events had taken a toll on her, leaving her feeling emotionally and physically drained. She reached her building, only to find Ahmed waiting by the door, his eyes wide with urgency.

    "Ahmed, what are you doing here?" Deb asked, her voice strained.

    "You said if I had any questions I could come to you," he replied. He fidgeted with a crumpled piece of paper in his hand, clearly agitated.

    "Look, I really don''t have time right now," she said, rubbing her temples to fend off an impending headache. "I''ve got enough on my plate."

    "Please, hear me out," Ahmed pleaded, he reached for Deb, accidentally knocking her phone from her hand. "I''m so sorry." He reached down and picked up the phone.

    Deb reached the device, he thumb accidentally tapping her notes app and opening up the Familiar translation. "Thanks, and I am sorry for snapping. Let''s just say we took a major loss today." Deb''s expression softened but then she noticed Ahmed was staring at her phone.

    "That''s not right," Ahmed said, pointing to text on her screen. "Desidia doesn''t mean slow."

    "Then what does it mean?" Deb asked, leaning in closer to examine the text.

    "It means Sloth" he explained, he said factually. "Sloth is the master who creates it."

    Deb''s eyes widened as she absorbed the implications of this revelation. Of course, another sin was on the loose in Waterloo and Boon was its puppet. It all made sense now, Sloth was using Boon to kill those on its host''s list.

    "Ahmed, this changes everything," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you."

    "Really? I helped?" he replied, a genuine smile spread across his face. "So what do we do now?"

    "We tell the others and then we take Sloth down," Deb assured him as her mind raced with possibilities and strategies.

 Vol 2, Chapter 13: Fight

    The wind howled outside the window causing them to shake, as Tom and Nancy argued over the sea of bills spread across their flimsy coffee table. Tom paced the room trying to figure out how they could come up with the money, while Nancy sat on their stained couch with her head in her hands.

    "Tom, we can''t keep living like this! It was a stretch when we bought this place but with the interest rates increase we can''t keep it up much longer." Nancy''s dark eyes flashed with frustration, her hands trembling.

    "Well, what do you suggest we do?" Tom replied, running his fingers through his short blonde hair, "If we sell, we won''t make back enough to put down for a smaller place, we can''t afford anything right now."

    As if on cue, the lights flickered and went out, plunging the room into darkness. The only illumination came from the sliver of moonlight slipping through the dusty window shades. Tom searched the drawer for a candle. "Great the storm must have knocked down a powerline somewhere. At least this will lower our bill."

    Nancy didn''t find his attempt at humor funny at all, "You won''t find the candles in there." She informed him "They are in the garage remember."

    "Oh right, part of your spring cleaning thing." Tom left the room feeling his way down the hallway and to the garage door. Nancy heard the old door creak open and Tom entered it. A moment passed and then a loud thud rang out from the garage.

    "Tom, are you ok?" she asked peering through the dark, but only silence answered her. Then more sounds emerged from the direction of the garage, things falling and smashing. Nancy leapt off the couch, her hand searching the darkness for some kind of weapon she could use as her mind filled in the darkness with the vision of an assailant.

    ''Seriously Tom, if this is you it isn''t funny!" Nancy warned. A hooded figure entered from the garage door and raised a hand to point directly at her. Nancy''s hand found a heavy glass ashtray, which she wielded like a weapon just as Tom''s body was dropped from the ceiling in front of her. Nancy screamed at the sight of her husband''s body sprawled across the floor, she looked up but her eyes couldn''t locate the creature that dropped him.

    "Stay away from me!" Nancy shrieked, backing against the wall, and swinging the ashtray as she desperately tried to fend off her attacker. The Familiar approached her slowly, gliding down the wall behind her. The familiar prepared to strike but then it noticed Nacy was pregnant and hesitated. As it paused, Nancy was able to make contact with its invisible form, the ashtray shattered on impact and the Familiar rushed out into the night. Nancy slid down the wall trembling, noting the hooded figure had also vanished into the night.

    -----

    Across the city in their dorm room, Zack and Rob huddled around a speakerphone, the pair listened closely to every word. Deb''s voice explained the true Demonology translation.

    "So we are dealing with another sin here," she said. "If we want to seal Sloth, then we need to figure out where they died."

    "Don''t we need to know who Sloth is first?" Zack suggested, his blue eyes narrowing in thought. "Paulina said that sins are drawn to the places they were created."

    "I think our bigger problem is our lack of a blood moonstone unless Deb just happens to have another one lying around," Rob mentioned, he was starting to feel like their chances of stopping Sloth were slim. "Let''s face it, knowing what we are dealing with doesn''t help us in the slightest if we don''t have what we need to stop it."

    Before they could discuss it further, the doorknob to Zack and Rob''s room began to giggle. Zack hung up as the door creaked open, revealing Lindsey standing in the doorway, her ponytail swaying behind her. They could tell by the look on her face that she wasn''t there just for a visit, she sighed before removing some papers from her satchel.

    "Well I can''t say I didn''t see this coming," she said, laying the papers on the small table in the room. "Boon''s mother has taken out a restraining order against you two. You are not to be within a hundred feet of him at any time and yes the University and your parents have been informed about the document"

    Zack looked up to see his own mother had appeared in the doorway, she looked devastated by the news. Zack''s heart sank realizing she had made the three-hour trip down here after hearing the news. She motioned for him, not wanting Rob or Lindsey to hear their conversation, and Zack followed her out into the hall.

    Lindsey took advantage of this moment to talk to Rob one-on-one. Her eyes flickered between him and the restraining order, Rob could tell she was exhausted, most likely from Boon''s mother badgering her for the last forty-eight hours.

    "Rob, you''re lucky Boon isn''t pressing charges," she whispered, she looked at him as though she didn''t recognize him. "What is going on, for months now you haven''t been yourself. You''ve been in trouble more times than I can count and Kidnapping Boon was reckless and stupid."

    "We didn''t kidnap him, we were all hanging out and just lost track of time" Rob stammered, trying to make his lie a reality. "It''s not our fault Boon''s mom is a psycho."

    Lindsey sighed, looking unconvinced but leaving the subject alone for the time being. Meanwhile, Zack faced his mother''s wrath in the hallway.

    "Zack, this restraining order is just the latest in a long line of concerning issues," she scolded, her voice making her sound as though she was on the edge of tears. "Not to mention the seeking out at night over the break and the fact you are failing three classes. I had to beg Professor Dowding to let you make up that chemistry midterm!"

    "Mom, I¡ª" Zack began, trying to find the words to explain everything that had happened since September.

    "This is about your father isn''t it?" His mother interjected before Zack could finish forming his thoughts. She looked at him as if she were trying to confirm her own theory, understanding replaced her anger.

    "Maybe," Zack relented, his gaze fell to the floor. "We haven''t really talked about it since it happened."

    "We''ll talk about it this summer, anything you need," His mother pulled him into a tight embrace. "I promise things will get better, we don''t need him to be happy." she pulled away looking at Zack, who couldn''t bring himself to return her gaze. She released him "I love you." She whispered.

    "I love you too," Zack returned the words, feeling even more guilty for lying. With that, she left the dorms, Zack watched her all the way down the hall and wondered if he would ever be able to tell her the truth.

    -----

    The storm had ended the night before but there was a different one brewing in Ethel''s apartment. John paced restlessly on the hardwood floors, he had questions but Ethel''s cryptic answers were getting tiring.

    "Ethel, why do we need Zack''s help to handle this creature?" John demanded, his voice tight with frustration. "You said it yourself¡ªhe is weaker than you are. How exactly can he add anything to this fight."

    "John, I understand your concerns," Ethel replied calmly, her eyes steady on his face. "But Zack has his powers mastered and we underestimated him. He will get his powers boosted by his covenant, strange as it may seem."

    "Well if you just trained us better we would be at his level too," John said, not willing to trust Zack as an ally. "Honestly everyone throws us around like rag dolls, I am beginning to think Zack was right about you just using us to increase your own power."

    "We just haven''t had the time," Ethel tried to explain, ignoring the truth of John''s words. "It''s hard to train when exorcists are on high alert, there is a Familiar on the attack and Zack getting in the way."

    "These all just sound like excuses," John countered, anger rising in his chest. "Zack only gets in our way because you seem to have it out for his friends, and the Familiar isn''t after us so why worry about it? Pablo and the exorcists are actively trying to find and kill us, and guess what? If we can''t fully control our abilities then they will!"

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    "John, please," Ethel implored, almost annoyed by this whole conversation. "As a Supreme, it is my duty to look after and protect my domain."

    "It is your duty to protect and look after your covenant too," John retorted, trying to get her to see just how powerless he had been feeling.

    "I am doing the best I can," Ethel said firmly. "I found you all, I hid you from the exorcists. If it wasn''t for me Pablo would have found and gutted you by now. You don''t have to agree with me on everything but as your Supreme, you better show me some respect."

    "Fine," John agreed, his jaw set in defeat. "So what do we do now."

    "Now we gather more intel," Ethel replied, turning her attention to Olivia, who had been silently observing the exchange. "Think you can get Zack or Rob talking, I have a feeling they know more than they are letting on."

    "It would be my pleasure," Olivia said with a smile, her eyes landed on John and he could feel her gloating as she left the apartment.

    -----

    Meanwhile, at the Dana Porter Library, Deb covertly met with Zack and Rob on opposite sides of the reference book section. They tried to make it look like they were scanning the aisle for a book, while they whispered back and forth to each other. As Deb slid a tablet through a gap in the books, Zack caught it deftly, his fingers brushing against the screen as read stories about sole survivors and mysterious deaths in the area.

    "Sloth could have been created from any of these," Zack whispered, as he read a story about a man who came back to life after being declared dead for ten minutes. "Honestly I am not sure we are going to find Sloth this way. Are sure there is no other connection between the victims?"

    "None," Rob muttered, his expression grim. "The only connection is that they all graduated from the University of Waterloo, which doesn''t really limit the suspect pool."

    "Maybe," Zack knew what he was about to say wasn''t going to make anyone happy. "We need more victims."

    "That would help," Deb said, but just saying the words made her feel gross. "But we could also try following Boon around, maybe he could lead us back to Sloth."

    "It''s too dangerous," Zack murmured, "Besides if Rob or I got caught, we could actually go to jail, thanks to his restraining order."

    "Right" Deb agreed, but she had no intention of letting Boon just wander around campus, it was too risky in her mind not to follow him. "I''ve got to go, Jessica has more hand-to-hand training she wants to cover." She gathered her things and left, neither Rob nor Zack had noticed that Boon was leaving the library at the same time.

    She followed close behind him as he made his way to the biology building. But when he entered one of the small lab classes, she waited outside, ear pressed to the door, listening for any signs it was meeting between Boon and Sloth.

    In the sterile lab, Boon''s eyes scanned the shelves, he shifted through the boxes. His fingertips brushed against glass jars and metal trays and finally found a box marked for direction, containing several ravens. A sinister grin spread across his face as he carefully removed one from the box. His eyes darted back to the door of the lab as if he could sense the eyes on him.

    -----

    "Deb you are late for training." Father Bill said as he stepped inside Deb''s empty dorm room, she had never been late before. Finding her room empty he turned to leave, but Deb''s odd behavior tempted him to investigate the room for clues, she had seemed distracted recently. He hesitated, then decided a quick look wouldn''t hurt. Tossing items from her drawers onto the floor, riffling through her books, he finally discovered a 12-pack box of condoms. Upon upending it, he found only one remaining. His brow furrowed in disapproval believing he had found the reason she was so distracted. But there was a new nagging question in his mind, how was she seeing?

    -----

    Deb continued to trail Boon through the university halls, ensuring he never actually laid eyes on her. She hadn''t seen anything out of the ordinary yet but she knew it was only a matter of time before Sloth would have to make contact. As they approached the gym locker room, she prepared herself to slip in after him.

    "Deb!" A voice called out, causing her to jump. She turned to see Sarah standing behind her with an innocent smile. "Are you about to go into the guy''s locker room?"

    "Oh, uh no," Deb stammered, suddenly feeling exposed. "I was just going to talk to Boon, I guess I wasn''t paying attention to where he was going."

    "Oh no worries," Sarah replied. "I get lost in my own head all the time, my mom says it is a gift."

    "Sounds more like a curse," Deb said dismissively, quickly trying to redirect her attention back to Boon. She could hear muffled choking sounds coming from within the locker room.

    "It feels that way sometimes, I have ended up in some weird places while thinking about stuff," Sarah said, clearly wanting to continue the conversation. "This one time..."

    "Sorry but do you hear that? I think someone in there is choking." Deb said, still listening to the gaging. "Go get help!"

    "Right, shit I didn''t hear a thing." Sara took off down the hall.

    Deb breathed a sigh of relief before cautiously entering the locker room, the sound of running water filling her ears. Steam fogged the air, making it difficult to see. She followed the sound of choking and found Boon naked in the shower, bent over the drain.

    She took a step forward and Boon''s face jerked unnaturally toward her. "Looking for me?" he sneered, getting to his feet. "What? Did your precious Zack send you to spy on me?"

    "No I heard you choking," Deb explained, unsettled by Boon''s sudden recovery. "I just wanted to make sure you were ok."

    "Am I OK?" he laughed, his gaze was like a predator eyeing its prey. "You''re pathetic. You don''t care about me, you just want the master." As Boon began to close the gap between them, Deb knew she was in trouble.

    -----

    The university quad was bustling as students headed towards their last class of the day, creating a few students lounged on the grass, enjoying the sunset. Rob, however, was far from relaxed. He felt a strong grip on his shoulder, forcing him to remain in place. He looked up to see Olivia, her dark hair framing her determined face, her claws ensuring he didn''t escape.

    "Listen, Rob," she snarled, her brown eyes narrowed. "I couldn''t help but notice Zack and Deb aren''t around today. Such shame, I was hoping we could exchange notes."

    Rob''s heart raced, but he forced himself to remain calm. "I''m sorry but your notes aren''t really up to our standards," he said, trying to maintain an air of nonchalance. His gaze flicked to the CCTV cameras mounted on the surrounding buildings, and he subtly gestured towards them.

    Olivia followed his gaze and hesitated, retracting her claws. She stepped back, her voice low and measured. "I think you might find what I have to interesting, I have been sitting on something even Ethel doesn''t know about. Some Boon-related things.."

    "What exactly do you think you know?" Rob replied cautiously, rubbing his shoulder where Olivia''s grip had been moments before.

    "I know Boon is the Familiar," Olivia said as if it were common knowledge.

    "What, no-"

    "Please I saw Boon enter that house the night we went after Ahmed. Do you know who I never saw come out? Boon." Olivia laughed. "John was too worked up to notice."

    "Why didn''t you tell Ethel?" Rob crossed his arms, wondering why a vessel would keep things from their Supreme.

    "The only person you can trust is yourself. If Ethel taught me one thing it''s that," She shrugged, "Keep a trump card makes me valuable and keeps me safe, so where can we talk without getting seen?"

    "I have a key to the basketball team''s locker room, no one should be there now," Rob suggested, even though he was still unsure if he could trust Olivia.

    "Lead the way" Olivia gestured. Rob nodded and shot a quick text to Zack about where he was headed and with whom.

    -----

    Zack''s phone buzzed in his backpack while he sat at a small desk in Professor Dowding''s office, he chewed the eraser as he looked over mid-term, he hadn''t had time to study for this one either. He felt sick knowing he was going to fail again. Suddenly a strong aura of pain and fear filled the room, Zack knew who it was as soon as he felt it.

    "Professor," Zack began, pushing back his chair. "I have to¡ª"

    "Sit down, Dawson," Prof. Dowding interjected, not looking up from his book. "You can''t leave until you''ve completed the exam."

    Zack sat down but the aura was overwhelming, He knew if he didn''t act soon it would be too late. He circled C on every answer on his scantron sheet, placed it on the professor''s desk, and bolted from the room.

    -----

    The steam from the hot showers shrouded the locker room in a foggy haze, as Boon held Deb by the throat. Her feet dangled off the ground, his expression was hollow. his movement was twitchy and his voice sounded distorted as he spoke.

    "Oh Deb, you didn''t even bring a single knife," he sneered, "Shameful for an exorcist really."

    Her heart hammering in her chest, Deb swung at Boon and tossed her side. With surprising speed, he was on her again, pulling her up by her arm. Deb gasped, she could feel his supernatural strength crush her arm, But then Boon trembled and the light returned to his eyes.

    "Wh¨Cwhat''s going on?" he stammered, confusion flooding his eyes as he looked around the locker room and released Deb''s arm. He looked at her before realizing he was naked, his face turning a crimson red, "Why are you..."

    At that moment, the door burst open, and Zack rushed into the room, breathing heavily. He took in the scene before him ¨C Deb on the floor, Boon standing in front of her, naked. Zack''s eyes shifted to their dull pink, as the whole room began to shake with telekinetic power.

    "Get the hell away from her!" Zack demanded, his crushing aura could be felt by everyone in the room.

    "Zack?" Boon seemed confused, pointing at Zack.

    Zack scoffed. "I told you to step back." With a flick of his wrist, Boon was sent spiraling into a set of lockers, but he didn''t stay down long.

    Boon lunged at Zack, landing a well-placed punch to his jaw. With Zack momentarily stunned, Boon jumped on him and the boys tumbled backward. They rolled on the floor as they tried to subdue each other.

    As Rob and Olivia entered the gym, she froze. She could feel two powerful dueling auras. She grabbed Rob''s arm.

    "What the hell." Rob protested but Olivia didn''t say a word, she just started dragging him through the facility. "Let go of me you lunatic,"

    "Something terrible is happening right now." She didn''t look back, she just kept pulling Rob along behind her, the aura''s source.

    "How terrible are we talking here?" Rob began, he didn''t feel ready for a fight right now. "Maybe we should call Zack?"

    "It is Zack," Olivia whispered, as they turned the corner.

    Just then, the locker room door burst open, and Zack was flung out into the hallway, landing at Rob''s feet. Boon followed, his face contorted in anger as he continued to wrestle with Zack.

 Vol 2, Chapter 14: Death and Birth

    Boon and Zack wrestled on the smooth cement floor as Rob and Olvia watched in shock. Jumping into action Olivia pulled Boon off of Zack, he continued to kick and swing his fists in Zack''s direction. Snapping back to reality, Rob stepped between Zack and Boon, ensuring that Zack wouldn''t try anything.

    "Are you crazy!" Rob shouted, his voice filled with frustration. "Did you suddenly forget that he has a restraining order on you? Zack pull it together!"

    Sarah came rushing around the corner, she seemed panicked and was dragging Prof. Dowding behind her. "He''s just over here. Deb thinks he''s choking," She explained to the teacher. But as they got closer the old man''s face changed from worry to anger. Sarah froze when she saw the scene in front of them.

    "I on Earth do you think you are doing!" Professor Bobby Dowding shouted, his stern gaze sweeping the group, including Sarah. "Look at the mess you''ve all made, no one is going anywhere until it is cleaned up and I get some answers."

    "But I had nothing to do with this." Sarah protested "I was getting you, so you could help Boon."

    "Boon looks fine to me." Bobby eyes him, "Though he may want to consider putting some clothes on."

    "Shit," Boon muttered, his face turned bright red before he ducked back into the locker room.

    "Well the rest of you need to get to work, I''ll pull you aside as I need you," Bobby commanded.

    -----

    Father Bill sat hunched over the CCTV feeds in the university dean''s office, his eyes scanning for one person in particular, Deb. He knew she was seeing someone and had his suspicions as to who it was. He needed proof to confront her, as so far he had come up with nothing.

    There was a knock on the door and Kenzie entered the room. her fiery red hair framing her face as seemed confused by Father Bill''s presence. "I''m sorry, Father, I was hoping to speak to the Dean. My nursing schedule came out for the month and it interferes with some of my dawn duties. Is he around?" her eyes scan the room for Pablo

    Father Bill looked up, his blue eyes meeting Kenzie''s. "I''m sorry, the dean is attending to an important matter across campus today." He paused, his expression turning thoughtful. "Tell me, Zack is a resident on your floor right?"

    Kenzie''s face brightened. "Yeah, though I haven''t seen him around the dorm as much lately."

    "Oh," Father Bill said with a nod. "I was hoping I would be able to catch him, talk to him about his recent confession."

    "Isn''t at St Jerome''s a lot?" Kenzie asked, her curiosity piqued. "I mean he is dating Deb, after all, I see them heading off together all the time.

    "Oh is that so?" Father Bill replied, trying to hide his disdain "I will just have to keep a better eye out for him around campus, thank you, my dear." He escorted her out of the office, closing the door on the confused young woman.

    -----

    Meanwhile, in the locker room, Zack, Deb, Rob, Olivia, and Sarah were hard at work cleaning up the mess left by Boon and Zack''s outburst. As Rob and Zack straightened an out-of-place locker, Sarah muttered angrily to herself as she mopped up the floor. She whispered about getting payback for being forced to clean up their mess and uttered it aloud.

    Deb rolled her eyes as she overheard Sarah''s empty threats, but she quickly composed herself, not wanting to rock the boat. Zack on the other hand could barely keep control of his anger, his eyes flickering with pink energy.

    "Rob, I think you might be right about having to kill Boon." He hissed through gritted teeth. "And that is just fine with me."

    "Zack, we can''t kill him," Rob sighed, knowing it was just Zack''s anger talking. "He may not have control of his actions, besides if we kill him Sloth could just create another Familiar. It doesn''t solve anything." He gave Zack a reassuring look, trying to soothe some of his rage.

    As they continued to debate, Boon''s head began to throb painfully. He winced, clutching at his temples, and raced toward the bathroom stalls. Professor Dowding followed him with a worried frown.

    "He is just such a smug asshole," Zack muttered, watching Boon run. "He attacks Deb and I just have to let it go because he may not be in control?"

    "We all know Boon is the worst on his best day. You don''t have to forgive him for attacking Deb if it really was him attacking her. Otherwise, save that rage for Sloth," Rob said, as the sound of a stall being forced open echoed through the room.

    Boon stumbled into the stall, his face pale and sweat beading on his forehead. He bent over the toilet, gripping the edges tightly. His green eyes were clouded with pain and confusion. As his mouth opened, a torrent of crow feathers spilled out. Boon coughed, choking back bile as he flushed the evidence of his last meal down the pipes.

    "Damn it," he muttered under his breath, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He could feel Bobby Dowding worrying on the other side of the door.

    On the other side of the wall, Rob and Zack joined Olivia in her effort to reset the tipped-over lockers. She didn''t actually need the help but if she had lifted the lockers on her own, Sarah might have seen. Olivia''s voice was quiet but firm as she spoke to Zack.

    "I know Boon is the familiar, and I know he can suck but there is a good reason for it" She explained, "Jaymie Boon, Boon''s father, left their family after a messy affair, it totally ruined the family." she paused unsure if she should say more but seeing the anger in Zack''s face soften was all the go-ahead she needed. "He fought for custody of Boon''s sister but not him. All that fighting was for nothing though, Boon''s father was killed in a hit-and-run accident on Hespeler Road shortly after."

    "How do you know all this?" Zack asked, now feeling pity for Boon. He kind of understood why Boon was so desperate to stand out and be the best, to prove his dead father was wrong for not choosing him.

    "Believe it or not I actually grew up with Boon," she said, making sure Sarah wasn''t listening in. "They were our next-door neighbors."

    Before anyone could respond, Zack''s phone rang, the shrill tone cutting through the conversation. Glancing at the screen, he saw that the University was calling him.

    "Hello?" he answered cautiously.

    "Zack, this is Father Bill. I need to see you in my office immediately," Father Bill demanded, his voice stern and unwavering.

    "Alright, I''m on my way," Zack replied, ending the call. He looked at Rob and Olivia, who were listening in. "This can''t be good."

    "I can come with you, in case he tries anything," Rob assured him.

    "No, I can handle this. You stay here and don''t let Boon out of your sight." Zack instructed before leaving. He knew that Father Bill sounded serious but he also knew his deal with Pablo hadn''t expired yet so he would be safe for now.

    -----

    Upon reaching Father Bill''s office, Zack found the older man hunched over his desk, using an electric pencil sharpener to shave down several pencils. He didn''t look up from the sharpener, just motioned for Zack to take a seat.

    "Zack," Father Bill began sternly, "I saw you little tussle on camera." He glared at Zack

    He paused, removing a pencil that was barely an inch and a half long from the sharpener, holding it up for emphasis.

    "You''re lucky I''m here to explain away things like ripping sinks from walls, to shield you from those who would like to see you dead. But we had a deal and new evidence suggests you broke it." he continued, an anger burned behind his like Zack had never seen before. "Are you having sex with Deb?"

    The question caught Zack off guard, causing his cheeks to flush with embarrassment. "No, we''re broken," he stammered, he wondered how Father Bill had found this new evidence.

    Father Bill stared at the tiny pencil, clearly not convinced. "Well, I certainly hope not," he finally said, setting the pencil aside. "You know the consequences of breaking that promise, and believe me you will not see the exorcists coming until it is too late."

    "I swear that nothing...." Zack started.

    "I don''t need you to swear anything, I need you to stay away from Deb." Father Bill instructed. "Now get out of my sight and clean up your mess." Zack nodded and walked away, knowing they had been found out.

    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    -----

    Meanwhile, back in the locker room, Professor Dowding approached Deb and Rob "I have to step away for a moment, I expect you to keep cleaning, no one leaves until it is finished," he said sternly, pointing at the wreckage surrounding them.

    As Bobby slipped out the door Zack slipped back in. He made his way over Rob and Deb but he had no interest in filling them in on the conversation he just had.

    "Well? What the hell did the good Father want?" Rob asked, trying to make sense of Zack''s distorted features. "Is he onto us?"

    "Uh, no he doesn''t know about that," Zack said, he tried to think of a logical response for the next inevitable.

    Deb adjusted her glasses before asking it. "So then what was it all about? Rob, said it didn''t sound good."

    Zack sighed, "He was trying to me to give up Ethel again, they are getting impatient."

    Danm, that''s not good," Rob rubbed his chin, "Just pulling you away like that, they are getting careless."

    Sarah continued to mop in through the locker room in the background, making her way to the bathroom. She banged on Boon''s stall. "Hey, are you actually going to help clean anything or are you just going to fake sick until we are done?"

    The stall was spinning for Boon, and Sarah''s banging made his head throb. The writing that filled the stall walls started to wiggle like snakes. the words unwound and reformed to create "Boon" and then, as he blinked in disbelief, the message changed to "Close Your Eyes Boon" before morphing again into "Close Them Now!" unable to stop himself, Boon closed his eyes.

    A loud thud rang out from the bathroom, Rob, Zack, Deb, and Olivia all gave each other looks before racing toward the source. As they pushed through the door, they found Sarah lying in a puddle of blood on the floor. Zack raced to her side, turning her over on her back to reveal two thick gashes across her chest. Deb reached Sarah next, she reached down and searched for a pulse. "She''s alive" She assured them.

    "We need to get her to a hospital." Rob reached for his phone.

    "Where is Boon!" Olivia scanned the room, but there was no sign of Sarah''s attacker.

    Before anyone could answer, the stall door was ripped from its hinges and thrown toward the group. Zack stepped up and caught it with his telekinesis, sending fly back at the unseen attacker. Light fixtures cracked and shattered, ceiling tiles rained down upon them like storm debris as the familiar avoided the door. With a guttural roar, Zack transformed into his vessel form, focusing his aura to try and locate the Familiar.

    "Where is he!" Deb''s voice rang out as she looked for signs of where the familiar had gone. She didn''t have to wait long for an answer, two deep fang marks appeared in Olivia''s neck. I permanent look of shock was stuck on her face, the paralysis set in quickly, and she collapsed to the floor. There was the sound of shattering glass, and they knew Boon was gone.

    Zack''s thoughts raced as he knelt down beside Olivia, concern etched on his face. "We need to get them to the hospital," he said urgently.

    "Take me to Ethel," she insisted weakly. "She can help me, the hospital isn''t safe."

    "Rob, help me carry her," Zack instructed, Rob rushed over, and together they heaved Olivia onto her feet. "What about Sarah?"

    "Don''t worry, I''ll stay here with Sarah until the ambulance arrives," she said firmly, her dark eyes meeting his. "I will text you the moment I hear anything."

    "Thank you," Zack agreed, knowing that time was of the essence. As he and Rob carried Olivia away, Deb kept her fingers to Sarah''s wrists, monitoring her pulse.

    -----

    Ethel was jolted awake when Zack came barreling through the door of her apartment. She didn''t have time to ask what was happening before Rob emerged from behind, with Olivia draped over his shoulders. Olivia seemed almost like a puppet with its strings cut, her breathing shallow and labored. Ethel raced to her side, concern etched across her features as she studied Olivia. She noticed the deep fang marks on her neck and knew what had happened.

    "How did this happen," Ethel demanded, her voice firm but full of worry.

    Rob hesitated unwilling to give up Boon, "We were attacked by the Familiar at in the locker room, it got away." He brought Olivia to the closest couch and laid her down on it.

    "Thank you," Olivia whispered, even speaking felt like a struggle. She glanced over at Rob, her eyes portraying her gratitude, his expression was a mix of fear and concern.

    "You make a good Batman," she said with a weak smile.

    "I am not really a hero" Rob replied, the corners of his mouth turning up into a small grin.

    Ethel knelt down beside her vessel and took her hand, her eyes shifted to their dazzling green color and Olivia''s body began to twitch. "Explain exactly what happened to me, why was the Familiar in the locker room?"

    Zack looked down at Olivia, he knew they were in over their heads. We know who the Familiar is," he admitted, he saw a look of shock grace Ethel''s face for a split second. "I can''t tell you who it is though, I can''t be responsible for their death." He hoped Ethel would understand.

    "Then why bother telling you know who it is?" Ethel began, her voice firm but annoyed. "I can''t do anything if I am kept in the dark, and you know getting rid of the Familiar will save lives."

    " Kill the Familiar won''t save lives, Sloth will just make another one," Zack finally said, unable to make eye contact with the Supreme. "Because that is the problem, there is another sin in Waterloo and we have no clue who it is or what they want. But if we can find them then maybe we can save the Familiar."

    Ethel mulled it over for a moment "OK you''re right if we don''t eliminate the Sin they will just create another, so we need to come up with a plan that forces the sin out of hiding,"

    "And how exactly do we do that?" Rob asked.

    "We lay a trap for its precious Familiar and force it out to free it," Ethel said without skipping a beat. "First things first we need to gather a few things to make sure it can''t escape from this trap."

    -----

    Meanwhile, at the hospital, Kenzie hurried down the sterile white corridor, her red hair tied back in a tight bun. She had been working tirelessly since the beginning of her shift and was running on fumes.

    Entering the room at the end of the hallway, she approached Nancy, who had just given birth to a beautiful baby girl. As Kenzie checked the new mother''s vitals, Nancy suddenly grabbed her arm, her grip surprisingly strong.

    "It''s coming," she whispered urgently, her voice trembling with fear. "It''s coming to get me, it knows what we did."

    "Shh, try to stay calm," Kenzie soothed, attempting to hide her own unease at the woman''s words. "You''re safe here, no one is coming to get you." Nancy''s shakey hands released Kenzie as she took in her words.

    "I am just going to check your vitals and then you can rest again," Nancy nodded, giving Kenzie the go-ahead. After ensuring that Nancy was stable, Kenzie left the room, worried about the new mother''s mental state. Kenzie was so wrapped up in thought she did not pay too much attention to the hooded figure passing her in the hallway.

    The hooded figure slipped into Nancy''s darkened room. Gloved hands moved with practiced precision, pressing down on the new mother''s mouth and nose until she drew her last breath.

    -----

    Ahmed could feel the cool night air as he stepped out of his last class of the day. He pulled his jacket up over his shoulders and started to make his way across campus to the bus stop. As he reached the small structure, a familiar face was sitting on the bench

    "Hey," the stalker said, a coy smile playing on his lips. "Any plans for the rest of the night?"

    "Of course," Ahmed replied, trying to seem nonchalant. "Why do you ask?"

    "Well I was hoping to take you to dinner tonight," the stalker said, the mystery in his voice palpable. "But if you''re busy...."

    "I suppose I could squeeze you into my schedule," Ahmed agreed trying to maintain his cool.

    "Perfect." The mystery boy said with a smile. "Let''s head out then." He motioned to the bus, allowing Ahmed to get on first.

    Ahmed''s heart pounded in his chest, was both excited and nervous around this mystery man. There was something about the guy he didn''t quite trust, like something was just slightly off. He eyed the young man beside him and realized he didn''t even know his name.

    "Uh, this is pretty embarrassing but I don''t think I ever asked you your name," Ahmed mused aloud, he could feel his cheeks turning bright red.

    The boy looked perplexed "Oh shit, Yeah you didn''t." He laughed "The name''s Curtis."

    "Where are you taking me to dinner?" Ahmed asked, blasting himself for not having asked these questions sooner.

    "It''s a surprise," Curtis said putting an arm around him, "Trust me, you are going to love it." While Ahmed liked Curtis'' confidence, every dateline he watched had told him going to an unknown location with a stranger wasn''t a good idea.

    As the bus pulled to a stop Curtis got up. "This is us," He hooked his arm around Ahmed''s and led him out the door at the back of the bus.

    Ahmed was even more confused when he realized they were in a residential neighborhood. He pulled himself free of Curtis and took a step back. "Ok, seriously where are we, I thought you were taking me to dinner but there is no way there is a restaurant around here."

    Curtis looked almost hurt by Ahmed''s reaction. "I wasn''t going to take you to a restaurant, I was actually going to cook for you at my place," he admitted.

    "But I thought you said that you lived close to me?" Ahmed said skeptically, eying Curtis. "This isn''t anywhere close to my house."

    A sheepish look spread across Curtis'' face, "Yeah I kind of lied about that, I just really want to talk to you again. I think you are amazing."

    "You don''t even know me." Ahmed countered.

    "I''ve seen you around, I know you have the top grades in all your classes, that you love to read, and drink brown sugar chai tea lattes. I know you survived being attacked last semester and I knew I had to meet you, you were so strong."

    Ahmed couldn''t help but feel flattered, "OK I will let you cook for me this one time, this dinner better be amazing."

    "I promise it will be," Curtis said with a smile.

    Moments later, Ahmed''s heart raced as he stepped cautiously into the modern kitchen, the black granite countertops sparkled under the crystal chandelier. He could feel his pulse quickening as the door creaked shut behind him.

    "This is it," Curtis said as he made his way over to the stainless steel fridge, "this is where the magic happens." he began pulling out ingredients and setting them on the counter.

    Ahmed took a seat on the black leather bar stool by the island, "This is a really nice place," Ahmed took in the room, trying to ignore the uneasy feeling that still gnawed at the back of his mind.

    "Yeah, It''s my parents'' place really but they are out of town," the young man murmured, drawing closer. They locked eyes, and Ahmed found himself unable to resist, leaning in for a kiss.

    The moment their lips met, Ahmed felt something was terribly wrong, Curtis'' lips were icy cold. As he pulled away, he caught sight of their reflection in the fridge ¨C and what he saw made his blood run cold.

    The reflection wasn''t Curtis; instead, he stared back at Kyle, fangs bared and orange eyes glowing menacingly. Panic welled up within him, and he stumbled back, breaking free from Kyle''s embrace.

    "What is this?" Ahmed choked out, his voice barely more than a whisper. His surroundings began to shift before his very eyes, the once elegant home crumbling into the charred remains of Kyle''s house.

    Ahmed struggled to process the now-destroyed home he was standing in. The truth finally dawned on him as the fog around his mind cleared: every encounter with Curtis had been nothing more than an illusion.

    Kyle appeared before him, a sinister smile playing on his lips. "Oh my boy you are something truly special," he explained, his voice dripping with malevolence. "It was my lucky day when I discovered you."

    "What are you talking about?" Ahmed demanded, trembling with anger and fear. "If you try anything, I''ll scream"

    "Ahmed," Kyle said slyly, "you are far more valuable to me alive." Before Ahmed could ask anything else Kyle faded from existence, leaving him alone in the remains of the old home.

    A sudden weight in his hand drew Ahmed''s attention downward, where a delicate lily bloom rested in his palm. As he stared at the fragile petals, the reflection of glowing orange eyes flashed in the shattered windows, watching him from behind the veil.

 Vol 2, Chapter 15: Exposed

    As Boon sat up in bed, surrounded by discarded fast food wrappers and his Kinesiology notes, his phone buzzed with an incoming text message. He felt for it on the desk until his finger grazed the cool metal and he flipped it over: "Come to me." The words on the phone blurred and he couldn''t stop the room from spinning. His body moved as if under someone else''s control and he couldn''t stop himself from heading out into the night.

    The Boon that arrived at the small apartment complex was more of a Zombie, he stumbled through the line of young adults as if he couldn''t see them, even pushing Sarah aside, as he approached the man selling tickets. Their voices were a mix of anger and annoyance as Boon forced his way through the line. With a glare, Boon silenced the line a darkness radiating from his body. Sarah shook before shrinking away behind the person in front of her ¨C her mind on what happened last time she antagonized Boon. But Boon wasn''t the only one making his way through the line, Zack had been watching him ever since the locker room assault.

    "Hey, Sarah," Zack whispered, joining the line behind her, he made sure Boon couldn''t see him. He tried to sound casual, but his gaze never left Boon. "Looking forward to the...." He realized he didn''t know what the line was for.

    "Rave," Sarah replied, her voice barely audible. "Yes, I have been saving all month for this."

    Zack winced. "A month? How much are these tickets?"

    Sarah shook her head, her blonde hair swaying gently. "They are 175 dollars each." Sarah gave him a Why are you really here look.

    "Oh, crap," Zack pretended to pat himself down. "I forgot my wallet, damn." Zack stepped out of line. "Guess I''ll have to miss this one."

    "Guess so," Sarah said, neither one noticing that Boon had made it to the front of the line

    The man turned around with the ticket, only to be met with Boon''s intense gaze. "That will be 175." He whispered, a sudden fear gripping him. Boon didn''t respond, he just kept staring into the man''s eyes. "Uh just take it then," The man forced the ticket into Boon''s hand but the boy didn''t react. "Fuck this, shows over folks!" the man yelled before slipping into the apartment. The line could hear the lock click behind him.

    "No," Sarah whimpered, clearly disappointed by the turn of events. "Now I am going to have to try to find them online for three times the price."

    "Oh, that sucks," Zack said half-heartedly, watching Boon walk away. He took note of the ticket in Boon''s hand as he walked by.

    -----

    Elsewhere Rob approached the police station with McDonalds in hand, it was his peace offering for Lindsey, since he had caused her so much trouble recently. Rob approached her office and couldn''t help but notice the murder board pinned to the wall. Photographs, newspaper clippings, and scraps of paper detailing the recent killings cluttered the corkboard.

    "Hey sorry about everything," Rob said as he entered, his eyes never leaving the board. "You could even say I''m McSorry."

    Lindsey chuckled, "That was bad even for you." She motioned for him to take a seat at her desk.

    "Not my finest work, I''ll admit" Rob took a seat on the green fabric chair and sat the bag on the desk. "How''s the investigation coming?"

    Lindsey paused, as she reached for the bag. "Not great. We have two new bodies but still no connection between any of them. But we shouldn''t be talking about this, the last thing I want is for you to play detective."

    "I would never." Rob tried to act taken aback by the accusation.

    Lindsey raised an unconvinced eyebrow. "You forget about how well I know you."

    "Touche," Rob leaned back in the chair, taking another glimpse at the board. "That''s interesting. All of them were the same age?"

    "Not all of them, the dean was far older," Lindsey replied, her blue eyes thoughtful. "But... But this isn''t any of your business, I know what you trying to do," Lindsey caught herself.

    "Fine, I promise that was the last you will hear from me on this case." Rob gave her his scout''s honor.

    "I doubt that," Lindsey mused, she didn''t know what he was up to but she was sure he wasn''t done meddling in the investigation.

    The rest of their evening was spent talking about Rob''s classes while they enjoyed their meal.

    -----

    The next morning, Rob''s fingers raced across the keyboard as he dug into the Dean''s history, All the other victims were twenty-four years old. Then he found an article that created a possible connection. He turned to Deb, who sat on his bed, watching over his shoulder.

    "Here it is," Rob said, his eyes widening in realization. "The dean had a daughter who died two years ago due to a heart condition." His eyes scanned the article "Teresa would be twenty-four if she had lived, what if the Dean was just a replacement because Sloth couldn''t kill her."

    "Ok but just being twenty-four to be a target doesn''t limit the target pool," Deb murmured, her brow furrowed in thought. "there has to be another connection. Something we are missing."

    "Well if we factor in Teresa as the intended victim..." Rob replied, his finger typing away. "Then maybe we can find a connection the police overlooked because they were trying to fit the Dean into the killer''s plan."

    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    As Rob began to go farther down the rabbit hole, Deb''s phone chimed, she looked down at it "I have to go," she shot up from the bed. Before Rob could ask her where she was going, she was out the door.

    -----

    Deb raced through the doors of the morgue, "What happened?" her heart was racing from Jessica''s emergency text. Jessica stood between the silver tables, the bodies of Tom and Nancy lying on them. The sterile smell of disinfectant hung heavy in the air, and Jessica seemed almost angry with Deb.

    "Two killers," Jessica explained, her voice quiet yet firm. "Tom was killed by the Familiar, and Nancy was killed by something else." She paused, glaring at Deb.

    "Both leave behind a newborn baby girl," Jessica continued, her eyes fixed on Deb. "This is what happens when the exorcists fail. We have a duty to protect humanity from the supernatural because they don''t know about what really lurks in the dark."

    Jessica stared intensely at Deb, but she remained quiet. "I know you have still been sneaking around with Zack. Do you really think the three of you could stop a creature like this, you thought sparing its life was the heroic thing to do. Look what heroism bought you, these deaths are not you. Their daughter will grow up an orphan because you thought you knew better than the exorcists."

    Deb looked away, her guilt gnawing at her. "We didn''t think.."

    "I know you didn''t think, but know it is time to do your duty as an exorcist and speak up before another human life is lost," Jessica instructed.

    "Alright," Deb whispered, her voice barely audible. She looked at the bodies one more time. "I''ll tell you everything I know."

    -----

    Zack slipped into the back office at Night School. John, Ethel, and Paulina waited for him inside. "Sorry I''m late." he huffed.

    "Look who decided to show up," John said to Zack bitterly. "You think you are so special that you can just waste our time."

    "Enough," Ethel said. "We don''t have time for this, the Familiar''s next target will most likely be at that rave. We need a plan to catch it before it kills again and a way to draw Sloth out to it."

    "She''s right, your feud will have to be put on hold for now" Paulina agreed, her eyes narrowing as she stared them both down. "We know that Sloth has full control over the Familiar, and we know due to Sloth''s nature they most likely only created the one."

    "Right," Ethel interjected, leaning in from her seat at the large wooden desk. "We can assume that Sloth will try to conserve as much of their power as possible, so they will try to free their Familiar before they create a new one."

    "What if you''re wrong?" Zack asked without hesitation.

    "Then we die," Ethel explained, just as quickly.

    "Let''s discuss this rationally," Paulina suggested, pulling out a spice rack filled with small jars, each labeled with a symbol. The clink of glass caught everyone''s attention.

    "Are you some kind of witch?" John asked, eyeing the jars warily.

    "No," Paulina replied with a smirk. "I''m a mixologist. I am sure we can make a special drink for our Familiar friend. It will buy you some time, use it wisely."

    Ethel chimed in. "So we just get the familiar to drink it while they are human and we are good?"

    "You don''t want the human side to drink it," Paulina mused, tapping a silver medallion adorned with an image of Cernunnos, the Wicca Horned God, on her necklace. " A Familiar has two faces, its living human side, and the dead animalistic side. This will only affect the animal side, the supernatural side."

    "That''s why Boon passed Ethel''s supernatural test," Zack speculated. "Because he was human when she did it to him."

    "So we have to get close enough to the Familiar to give it this cocktail," John seemed a bit overwhelmed. "And we have to do it while it is in invincible killer mode."

    "Not exactly," Paulina said, her voice firm, "Striking while the Familiar is shifting will also have the desired effect."

    -----

    The next day at the University of Waterloo, Sarah caught up with Zack and Rob between classes. Her blue eyes were troubled as she asked, "I saw Boon on campus, can you believe it." Sarah seemed shocked. "Submitted a report to the dean''s office and the police but he is still walking around campus like nothing happened."

    "I''m sure they are just investigating it," Rob murmured, sharing a glance with Zack.

    "Still," Sarah continued, "You''d think they would have at least suspended him while they investigated."

    "True, that does seem odd," Zack admitted.

    "Right, all I''m saying is...." She noticed Leona approaching "I have to give Leona something, but I hope if the police contact you, you will tell them what you saw,"

    "Of course," the boys agreed, though they both knew they would never actually tell the police the truth. Sarah raced off to join Leona, digging a ticket out of her pocket as she went.

    Prof. Dowding intercepted Zack, and Rob, his brow furrowed. "We need to discuss your Mid-term, Zack" he demanded, looking at Rob.

    "You know what, I just remembered I have a thing," Rob replied, taking a few steps back.

    "Better get to that thing quickly," the professor grumbled as Rob walked away.

    Rob made his way over to Leona "Why did Sarah need to see you so badly?" he asked as he caught up to her.

    "Oh, she was just giving this ticket to this underground rave thing." Leona flashed Rob the ticket. "It isn''t really my scene but Sarah is into it so I figure I would give it a shot."

    Rob eyed the ticket, he thought about stealing it for a moment so they could get into the rave to stop Boon but decided against it. "Well just be careful ok, raves can be dangerous."

    "Yeah if you do drugs or something, I will be there with friends and will be watching my drinks," She smiled. "thanks for your concern though." As Leona walked away John swooped in with a devious grin.

    "I solved our biggest problem," he announced, holding up three tickets that he had "acquired" from another student. His knuckles were bruised, but he held the tickets triumphant.

    -----

    Zack broke away from Prof. Dowding berating his low effort on the midterm, he needed a pick me up and hoped Deb would be in their secret spot in the Library. He slipped into the corner private study booth and found her hunched over a textbook.

    "Thank god," Zack murmured, he went to hug her but she pulled back. "Is everything ok?"

    Deb''s dark eyes seemed distant. "Yeah I am fine, I''m just worried that Jessica may be on to us. She has been asking a lot of questions."

    "Maybe," Zack admitted, "but I"''m still alive and she made it pretty clear I wouldn''t be if she caught us together." He hesitated before continuing, "But maybe you''re right, we might need to slow things down for a while."

    "Yeah, I was thinking about going with Sarah for the girls'' night so she thinks I found other friends," Deb said, considering the idea. "She says she still has another ticket available."

    Zack nodded, his face showing relief. "It''s perfect. With you on the inside with us, we will be sure to catch Boon and Jessica will just think you are out with the girls."

    With a sigh, Deb agreed. "Then it''s settled." She moved and hugged Zack but couldn''t bring herself to kiss him, knowing she had betrayed him. But neither of them noticed Father Bill watching their embrace, his eyes burning with rage.

    -----

    The following morning, Paulina met Zack and Rob, presenting them with vials of general anesthesia. "This is back in case you can''t get the Familiar to drink our potion." She turned to Rob before continuing, "Use this ash made from palms blessed for Palm Sunday. It will create a barrier supernatural creatures can''t cross, including the Familiar, I believe." Paulina spoke with confidence. "For it to work however there can''t be any breaks in the line of palm ash."

    Rob hesitated, clearly reluctant to take on such a responsibility. But Paulina was adamant. "This task is yours, Rob," she insisted. "Zack and John will be too busy trying to subdue the Familiar, besides a vessel in prolonged contact with palm ash could be killed by it." Rob nodded, taking on this responsibility as his own.

 Vol 2, Chapter 16: Rave

    Deb sat in the corner of the room hidden in the depths of St. Jerome''s Parish, The small room was packed with exorcists. Jessica, with a sense of authority and purpose that commanded respect, was in the process of handing out blessed weapons as they prepared to strike down their target.

    "Nathan Boon is our target tonight," she said, pausing for a moment to let the information sink in. "Sources tell us he will attending a rave in an old warehouse in the industrial park tonight. Our goal is to strike while he is in human form, as a Familiar his skin is almost impossible to penetrate and his healing factor is too great for any meaningful damage."

    Pablo, his face partially hidden by the shadowy depths of the room, popped open a small bottle and took more herbal supplements. A subtle smirk danced on his lips as he listened to Jessica''s words.

    "Deb will be the key to our plan''s success," Jessica continued, her voice softening for a moment, "She''ll lure him away from the rest of the people before we strike. We want to reduce the chance of collateral damage as much as possible." Faces turned to look at Deb, but her gaze was glued to the floor, she knew she had betrayed her friends by turning Boon over to the exorcists.

    Deb just nodded solemnly, understanding the importance of her role. She rose from her seat and left the basement, her stomach tying itself in knots as she went. Pablo watched her exit with an intrigued smile, he was sure she had finally chosen her side in all of this. The other exorcists followed Deb up the stairs, ready to take a life that night.

    -----

    Zack could feel the pulsating beat of the music reverberating through his chest as he entered the rave, the strobe lights nearly blinding him as he scanned the crowd for the others. He spotted Deb, Leona, and Sarah dancing together. For a moment Deb made eye contact with him, before averting her gaze quickly. Why did Deb look so uncomfortable? He worried as he made his way through the crowd to her.

    "Deb!" Zack said as he pulled her away from the group, trying to make sure they couldn''t hear him. She stopped dancing and turned toward him, a sheepish smile on her face.

    "Hey, Zack," she said, the moment their eyes met she blurted out. "They know, Jessica and the exorcists know Boon is the Familiar." tears streamed down her face, "I''m so sorry, they guilted me out of it, I felt so lost and they took advantage of it. They are here tonight, they are going to try to kill him."

    "Damn it, Deb!" Zack snapped, frustration simmering within him. "Do you know what you''ve done! This changes everything. Just... stay out of the way, alright?"

    Deb''s expression shifted from sheepish to hurt, but she nodded in agreement. "I''m so sorry, really I am. Please if there is anything I can do..."

    "You can try to make sure your choice doesn''t get anyone killed." Zack retorted, so upset by her betrayal that he was shaking. Fearing he would say something to her he would regret, he pushed his way through the crowd away from her. Now they had Sloth, Boon, and the exorcists to worry about. There were too many variables at play, and he feared that the plan wouldn''t work.

    Zack found John and pulled him aside, John noticed the worry on Zack''s face immediately. He held out a syringe filled with anesthesia, his voice low and urgent.

    "Listen, John, I need you to take this and try to get Boon."

    "But I thought you.." John started.

    "The exorcists are here, I am going to do everything I can to keep them busy. That means it is up to you and Olivia to deal with Boon. Be careful, alright?"

    John took the syringe, feeling the pressure from the change of plans. "Ok, I''ll do it, and don''t worry I won''t hurt Boon"

    "Boon is not who I am worried about," Zack replied firmly, his eyes intense. "You need to be careful, Boon is undead and will survive almost anything, you won''t so don''t do anything that will get you killed." John nodded realizing Zack was genuinely concerned about his well-being.

    -----

    Outside the warehouse, Ethel and Kristian noticed Jessica and a small group of exorcists heading toward the back of the warehouse. They stepped out of the Jeep and placed themselves between the exorcists and the warehouse. The tension was palpable, as both groups refused to back down.

    "Ah, Ethel," Jessica sneered, her curly hair whipping around her face. "It was stupid of you to come out of hiding."

    "You know why I''m here" Ethel retorted, her brown eyes narrowing. "You know we want the same thing. Do try to act like you are somehow better than us, we both intend on killing someone tonight. Using a book as an excuse for it doesn''t mean it isn''t murder, at least I own my actions."

    "A demon giving us a lesson on morality, I''ve heard enough!" one of the exorcists shouted, and suddenly two Tasers were aimed at Ethel. They fired simultaneously, but just before the currents reached her, Ethel''s eye turned to a dazzling emerald color as time froze around her.

    Ethel moved quickly snatching the two exorcists and hurling them aside before time snapped back into place. The remaining exorcists turned their attention to Kristian, shooting him multiple times. To Ethel''s surprise, he didn''t heal.

    "Those bullets are soaked in holy water," Ethel gritted out, clenching her fists. "You need to run now!"

    "I''m not going anywhere," Kristian grunted. With all his determination he tapped into his control over water, he summoned a torrential downpour from the sewers that forced the exorcists to retreat to their cars. Kristian faltered slightly from the pain but kept the water pressure up, Ethel knew it was only a matter of time before he succumbed to his wounds.

    -----

    Inside the warehouse, the music pounded and glow sticks waved, as dancers lost themselves to the music. Boon finally entered the party, his long red hair swaying in time with the rhythm.

    "Hey there, handsome," Olivia purred, sidling up to him and grinding her body against his. The sultry smile on her full lips hid the tension in her dark eyes, she needed to keep Boon distracted.

    "Get off of me, I don''t have time for you," Boon said, pushing away from her. His gaze seemed to be more focused on the dancers, his movement jerky.

    "Oh come on, don''t you have time for just one dance?" she said, batting her lashes innocently as she continued dancing, skillfully keeping Boon from moving forward.

    John took advantage of Boon''s distraction to weave through the dancers, his brown eyes locked onto Boon''s back. He clutched the anesthesia syringe tightly in his hand, feeling almost grateful for Zack trusting him with this, John could feel the adrenaline surging through his veins, this was it, his chance to end it right here and now.

    John moved in to strike, his focus solely on Boon. Suddenly, something sharp pierced his side, causing him to gasp and freeze in place. Olivia experienced the same sensation, her face contorting in pain as their movements stuttered to a halt.

    "Wh-what was that?" John asked through gritted teeth, scanning the crowd for any sign of their attacker.

    "Venom," Olivia whispered, recognizing the creeping weakness that began to spread through her limbs. She realized Sloth was here, watching to make sure Boon carried out the task, she scanned the crowd but couldn''t make out who their attacker was.

    "John, he''s changing," Olivia shouted, her voice strained. Boon had frozen in place, as his skin became translucent.

    "Right," John fought through the pain and lunged forward. He caught up to Boon and plunged the syringe of Paulina''s potion into the side of his neck, pushing down on the plunger with all his might. "Sorry, mate," he grunted as Boon''s eyes widened in shock before his body began to slump as the potion took effect.

    -----

    Back outside, Rob''s eyes narrowed with intense focus as he sprinkled the last of the Palm Ash dust around the warehouse perimeter. But with the bag empty he realized he didn''t have enough to close the circle and activate the barrier.

    "Shit, what do I do now?" Rob whispered to himself, closing his eyes and trying to think about a solution. He kicked at the dirt and that is when it hit him. "The power of belief." Paulina had said the circle needed to be completed and he needed to believe it would work.

    He took a deep breath and, with an unyielding conviction, shoveled some of the dirt into the bag the palm ash had been in. He shook the bag hard, trying to mix the remnants together before using the mixture to complete the circle.

    As Rob exhaled, a triumphant smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. This had to work, he thought.

    -----

    Zack left the warehouse looking for Ethel and Kristian, he needed to let them know the exorcists were on their way if they weren''t there already. With his focus elsewhere, he didn''t notice the figure racing toward him in the dark. The figure drew a taser and slammed it under his ribs, the shock sent him sprawling to the ground, consciousness slipping away as blackness engulfed him.

    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    When Zack awoke, he found himself face down in one of the back rooms of the warehouse, his muscles aching from the current that had flowed through them. Blinking groggily, he noticed a faint metallic scent in the air and realized that Father Bill kneeling next to him. Panic surged through Zack as he tried to force himself up, but he was too weak.

    "Ah, good. You''re awake," Father Bill said coldly, looming over Zack with a malicious glint in his blue eyes. "I warned you that there would be consequences for continuing to see Deb, but you didn''t listen."

    There was a whizzing sound as a fog machine close by continued to pour smoke into the room, Zack''s body shook, and the fog caused his mind to fog. "What.. What did you do to me?" he croaked, struggling to breathe through the thickening haze.

    "The fog is infused with the blood of Christ, it makes vessels weak and cancels out their powers," Father Bill replied, his voice dripping with disdain. "You should feel honored, this tactic is only ever used against the most powerful of vessels." He stood up and made his way over to the duffle bag. "Know the only question is how to make this look like an accident."

    -----

    Meanwhile, inside the main area of the warehouse, Rob joined Olivia, John, and the seemingly unconscious Boon. Olivia and John were still feeling the effects of the venom as their bodies advanced healing pushed it out of them. John, leaned against the wall, still unable to move his legs.

    "Where''s Zack?" Rob asked, looking between the pair.

    "The exorcists are here, I think he went to deal with them," John said, still watching Boon for any signs of movement.

    "What, how did they know?"

    "How would I know that?" countered John. "Right now we need to make sure that Boon is actually out cold. We can worry about how the exorcists found out later."

    "Right, we need to move Boon out of here," Rob agreed, reaching for Boon''s arm. But in a flash, Boon''s hand shot out, grabbing Rob''s wrist and pulling him in close. Rob''s face distorted from the pain, knowing he couldn''t pull himself free from Boon''s grip. He looked over at Olivia and John but both still couldn''t move

    "So I take it the potion didn''t work," Rob addressed the possessed man, trying to run out the clock. "I assume I am talking to Sloth now. That''s how this works right, you get full control the moment Boon is out of commission."

    The voice that emerged from Boon was strange and unlike its host''s, as it addressed Rob. "Smart boy," Sloth rasped, their words laced with malice. "I don''t need Boon to use his body, in fact, it is so much easier when he is sleeping."

    Rob swallowed hard, "You know we will figure out who you are, Zack never gives up on people and you made a poor choice for a Familiar."

    "Rob, don''t provoke it" Olivia warned, her dark eyes narrowed in anger. "Sloth is here and we can''t protect you."

    "This is what Sloth wanted," John added through gritted teeth, his legs shaking. "We can''t do anything to stop him from killing his target."

    -----

    Outside the warehouse, Pablo slipped past Ethal and Kristian. He approached the warehouse, a smile gracing his lips. He was a few feet away from a chained-off door when he came to a stop. He spotted the line of palm ash on the ground and eyed it cautiously.

    "Curious," Pablo muttered under his breath, extending his hand towards the invisible barrier. He hesitated for a moment before moving his hand closer to the barrier, only to draw them back quickly, as if he''d touched a hot stove. "Clever."

    -----

    Inside the warehouse, Deb found herself standing next to Sarah, her mind racing with thoughts about how she could make up this betrayal to Zack. She assumed Zack would break up with her for sure if she didn''t find a way to fix things. Sarah could see the sadness in Deb''s eyes and decided to make her move.

    "Deb," Sarah said, her voice barely audible over the pounding bass. "I''m so sorry about Zack being here, I know he is your ex. Don''t let him get in your head."

    "It''s complicated," Deb started. She stopped herself not wanting to share her feelings with a practical stranger and wishing Ahmed had come with her tonight.

    Sarah moved closer and placed her arm around Deb, when Deb didn''t pull away she made her misguided move. She tipped Deb''s head toward her and pressed her lips against the confused young woman''s.

    As they broke apart, Sarah''s eyes widened in horror at her own actions. "Deb, I''m so sorry. That was a mistake. I didn''t mean..."

    But Deb was already gone, turning away from Sarah and disappearing into the crowd, wanting to get as far away from Sarah as possible. She felt gross and taken advantage of as she slipped out into the night.

    "Deb!" Sarah called out to no avail, her voice drowned out by the relentless beat of the music.

    Just a few feet away Boon continued to hold firm on Rob''s wrist. Boon''s eyes shifted to DNA strands, as he began to vanish from sight. Rob felt his grip loosen as the change took hold, and he pulled himself free. He crawled over to Olivia and John.

    "I can''t see him anymore!" Rob shouted, his voice barely audible over the pounding music.

    The Familiar, now fully transformed, turned its attention to its target. It stalked towards the dance floor, eyes locked on its prey ¨C William, danced in the center of the crowd unaware of what was about to take place. With swift, predatory grace, it sank its fangs into him before he could even react, and his body collapsed to the floor in seconds.

    "Shit!" Rob called out as partygoers realized William was dead. the crowd raced to the exits as panic took hold. Rob, Olivia, and John attempted to follow, but the barrier of palm ash prevented Olivia and John from leaving. Despite their frustration, Rob realized that Boon and Sloth also wouldn''t be able to leave the building.

    -----

    Elsewhere, Father Bill sneered down at Zack, who lay weakened and disoriented on the cold concrete floor. He prepped the needle full of a black liquid.

    "Well this is it," Father Bill said like he was ending a business deal. "This will mimic a drug overdose, you will be just another victim of addiction."

    Zack''s eyes narrowed, anger igniting within him. "I''m not going to die here," he whispered, focusing all his remaining strength into expanding his aura.

    Outside, Ethel''s senses picked up on Zack''s energy. Kristian''s water surge began to fade as ran out of energy. Then she saw the crowd of people fleeing the warehouse. She turned to Kristian, urgency etched on her face. "Zack is in trouble, use the crowd to escape, we will meet at the safe house after." Kristian nodded and rushed toward the crowd, releasing the surge of water and letting the exorcists free.

    Ethel found Rob near the doors with John and Olivia still inside. "We need to open the barrier."

    "What why? if we do then Sloth escapes." Rob informed her, clearly confused.

    "If you don''t then Zack dies," Ethel said, feeling the desperation in Zack''s aura.

    "Are you sure?" Rob hesitated, worried about the consequences.

    "Trust me," she replied, determination shining in her eyes.

    With a nod, Rob broke the protective barrier, allowing Ethel to enter the warehouse and John and Olivia to limp to freedom. As she followed the aura deeper into the back rooms and stopped short of injecting Zack, he could hear her movements as she made her way to them. Father Bill drew a knife from his belt and as Ethel pushed through the door, he sent it flying in her direction. She barely avoided the blade and lunged at the man. The pair wrestled on the floor while Zack watched helplessly.

    "Zack," Ethel grunted, trying to maintain her grip on Father Bill''s arm. "You have to get out of here."

    "I can''t... I can''t move..." Zack wheezed, his vision swimming as the blood of Christ vapor filled the room.

    Ethel used her knee to send the priest flying off of her, she knew she needed to unplug the smoke machine ASAP if they wanted to escape. Ethel activated her future sight, in order to ensure her success. She dodged Father Bill''s next attack, causing him to stumble and crash into a nearby scaffolding. A heavy pipe slid from above, impaling the man. Gasping for breath, Ethel unplugged the vaporizer and rushed to Zack''s side.

    "Save him," Zack managed to choke out as Ethel tried to help him to his feet. "I''ll be fine."

    Ethel hesitated for only a moment before assessing the man''s fatal injuries. She placed a hand on his chest, a spiraling mandala seared into his chest. As his wounds began to heal, Ethel returned her attention to Zack.

    "Thank you," Zack murmured, his voice weak but full of gratitude.

    "Don''t thank me, we may have just made things a whole lot worse," Ethel replied, supporting him as they made their way towards the exit.

    -----

    The sound of sirens pierced the air as multiple police cars pulled up to the warehouse. Lindsey stepped out of her vehicle, eyes scanning the chaotic scene before her in hopes she wouldn''t find Rob among them.

    "Officer," a gruff voice greeted her. She turned to see Detective Harris approaching, his brow furrowed in concern. "We need you to gather some statements from the group over here"

    "I''ll get right to it," Lindsey replied, her voice tense. "I heard there was a casualty over the scanner."

    "Yeah," Harris said, raising an eyebrow. "A young man inside."

    "Do we know who it is?" Lindsey asked, her mind insisting it could be Rob.

    "William Saunders," Harris replied, consulting his notepad. "He was the organizer of this illegal event."

    "What was the COD?" Lindsey asked, holding her breath.

    "You have some good instincts," Harris replied. "If you are thinking this is tied to our serial killer you would be right, same puncture wounds in the neck."

    "Damn," Lindsey muttered, frustration evident in her voice. She chewed on her bottom lip, deep in thought. There was another victim and still no clear ties between them.

    -----

    Back at Night School, Paulina carefully tended to Zack''s wounds. His face was pale, and beads of sweat formed on his brow as he fought against the lingering effects of the poison.

    "Stay put," Paulina advised, her voice gentle but firm. "I''ll grab something from the bar to help clear the poison."

    As she made her way to the bar, Ms. McLeod intercepted her. The older woman regarded Paulina with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Do you really think it''s wise to let a couple of kids handle this situation?" she questioned, with clear skepticism.

    "Those ''kids'' are more capable than you might think," Paulina replied confidently, her gaze never wavering from Ms. McLeod''s probing stare. "They''ve been through hell and back. I know they can take care of Sloth."

    "Are you planning on telling them about what''s coming?" Ms. McLeod asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

    Paulina hesitated for a moment, considering her response. "They already have enough to worry about," she finally said, her voice steady. "When the time comes, they''ll be ready. The balance will be maintained."

    With that, Paulina moved past Ms. McLeod and began preparing a soothing concoction for Zack. As she worked, she couldn''t help but feel guilty, Zack''s true test was coming and he was nowhere near ready to face it.

    -----

    Jessica paced the parking lot where the exorcist where supposed to meet, a chilling wind swept through the air, as she waited for Father Bill to return. The flickering light from a distant streetlamp cast a light on an approaching figure. The figure limped forward, looking almost intoxicated as they stumbled forward.

    "Jessica!" Father Bill called, his voice hoarse and strained. He clutched at his chest, pain etching lines across his face as he fought to remain standing.

    "Bill!" Jessica''s eyes widened in disbelief as she sprinted towards him. She reached him just as his legs gave way, catching him before he could collapse onto the cold ground. Struggling under his weight, she managed to lower him gently onto the pavement.

    "What happened?" Her hands trembled as she searched his body for wounds. But nothing was out of place, no signs of broken bones or deep gashes.

    "Jessica," Father Bill breathed, his blue eyes clouded with pain, "there''s...something you need to know." His voice trailed off as his eyelids fluttered shut, his body going limp in her arms.

    "Bill stay with me!" Jessica cried, panic rising within her. She shook him gently, trying to rouse him from unconsciousness.

    "Damn it," she muttered, brushing a strand of curly brown hair out of her face. She gently lifted the unconscious man, hoisting him around her shoulders.

    As she held her mentor, Jessica''s thoughts raced. She assumed he must have suffered some sort of internal injury that night and needed immediate medical assistance.

    "Think, Jessica, think," she muttered under her breath, her eyes narrowing in determination. "There has to be a way out of this." She wasn''t sure how she would be able to explain the man''s injuries to the doctors, but her training was clear she would drop him off and claim she had stumbled upon him in the streets. She just hoped he would be able to recover.

 Vol 2, Chapter 17: Robs Birthday

    Ahmed stood under the water, letting it cascade down his face and shoulders, his thoughts drifting back to Kyle and what he was planning. As the water ran off his body, he tried to silence his thoughts, but he could still feel the sin watching him.

    "Ahmed..." Kyle''s voice rang out, barely audible yet undeniably real. Startled, he scanned the mist as if Kyle was going to come charging out of it.

    "Ahmed!" Kyle cried out again, this time sounding closer than before. With trembling hands, he pulled back the shower curtain and found himself standing on the quad, a gentle wind whistled through the trees. He looked down to see he was wearing his navy blue suit from the winter formal.

    Darkness began to creep in from all sides, hiding the path ahead of him. Ahmed looked back to find his shower had disappeared. Kyle called out to him again, layered with a demonic tone, and with no other way to go Ahmed stepped onto the gravel pathway, his breath visible in the chilling air.

    "It''s almost time," Kyle whispered.

    As he walked farther down the path, Kyle emerged from the shadows, his eyes glowing orange like embers in a dying fire. Ahmed paused, unsure if this was a dream or reality. Kyle''s body began to ripple and jerk, his muscles expanded as his limbs twisted and elongated. Fangs sprouted from his jaw and his transformation to Gluttony was complete.

    "It''s almost time," Gluttony snarled once again, saliva dripping from his fanged jaws.

    "NO!" Ahmed screamed, jerking awake in his bed. He was drenched in sweat, he could feel his heart beating in his chest. He rolled over in bed and caught a glimpse of the hanging mirror in the far corner, glowing orange eyes stared back at him in the night.

    "Just leave me alone" Ahmed trembled under the covers.

    "If only I could," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "But if all goes well, you and eye will be parting ways soon."

    "Wh-what do you want?" Ahmed stammered, trying to catch his breath.

    "Ah, all good things come to those who wait," Kyle explained, his grin widening. His orange eyes seemed to drill into Ahmed, forcing a vision to emerge. He could see his house, with colorful strobe lights flashing from the windows. The sounds of pulsating music filled the air but Ahmed could feel something was off. The vision pulled him closer to the window and horror overtook him, bodies, dozens of bodies laid out on the floor.

    "And now you can see the future," Kyle warned. "Follow my plan, or everyone will die."

    "Y-you''re lying!" Ahmed shouted, but fear gnawed at the edges of his thoughts. Kyle shook his head, feigning disappointment.

    "Care to test your theory?" Kyle asked, Ahmed fell silent. Kyle simply smiled as he faded from the mirror, leaving Ahmed alone with his thoughts.

    -----

    In the dimly lit basement of St. Jerome''s Parish, Jessica paced back and forth, her eyes never leaving Father Bill, whose eyes shift between his regular blue and a lime green, his hands shaking as he tried to stop the transformation. Jessica knew the rules around what happens if an exorcist is cursed, she prayed that Bill''s body would reject the curse and he would remain human but every passing hour made it feel less likely.

    "Bill," Jessica whispered, kneeling beside him, "I believe in you. You''re stronger than this curse."

    "Jessica..." Father Bill rasped, sweat beading on his forehead, "I don''t think that I..."

    "Don''t say it," she urged him gently, her hand gripping his. "We''ll figure out a way to fix this before anyone else finds out."

    The sound of footsteps on the wooden stairs echoed through the otherwise silent basement, causing Jessica to tense up. Pablo appeared at the bottom of the stairs, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation.

    "What''s wrong with him?" he asked, his voice cold and detached. His gaze firmly locked on Father Bill.

    "Nothing, he just hasn''t fully recovered from his fight with Ethel," she replied, attempting to maintain an air of confidence. "He''s not a young man anymore."

    "Please, you call this convincing," Pablo shot back, crossing his arms over his chest. "Even the newest exorcists would be able to tell the good Father Bill is no longer human."

    "You''re wrong!" Jessica burst out, anger and fear mingling in her voice. "He''s right here and he''s fighting!"

    Pablo shook his head, his expression darkening. "He''s not Bill anymore. He''s just a thing, a cocoon waiting to hatch. And by the looks of it, he is close."

    "Have some compassion, Pablo," Jessica protested, her eyes darting between Father Bill''s pain-stricken face and the cold, unyielding gaze of her fellow exorcist.

    "Compassion is a waste of time, a way to ignore reality," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "The reality is we have rules for a reason, now it is time for him to do what he knows he must."

    With that, Pablo turned on his heel and ascended the stairs, leaving Jessica to grapple with the weight of his words.

    -----

    Deb sat in the back of her sociology lecture, her thoughts on the crime stats being discussed. Sarah fumbled to get the seat next to her before looking over at Deb, her cheeks flushed.

    "Hey, um, I just wanted to say sorry again," she stammered. "For trying to kiss you the other night."

    Deb waved her hand dismissively. "Forget about it, okay?" she said, without looking in her direction.

    "Right," Sarah said, nodding. She hesitated, then asked, "So, what''s going on with you and Zack, anyway?"

    Deb sighed. "It''s... complicated."

    "Ah," Sarah said, her voice tight. "I see."

    Sarah felt Deb''s unease and annoyance with her, she wanted to make things less awkward but couldn''t find the right words, with one more quick look at Deb, Sarah gathered her things and moved a few rows over. As soon as Sarah left, Deb noticed her camera had fallen out out of her bag, Deb reached for it, curiosity getting the better of her. She scrolled through the pictures - there were dozens of shots from different sporting events around the university, but as she scrolled deeper Deb discovered photos of herself and Zack. She began to panic as she came across a photo of Her and Zack that had been taken through her dorm room window.

    "Jesus, Sarah," Deb whispered, her heart pounding in her chest.

    Suddenly someone tapped her on her shoulder, and Sarah leaned in snatching her camera from Deb. "Were you looking at my photos?" she asked sharply.

    "Uh, no," Deb lied, trying to act casual. "I just noticed it on the floor and picked it up, I was going to bring it over to you."

    "Sure," Sarah said, her tone unreadable. "Why don''t you come to my dorm later? I can show you some of the shots I''ve taken."

    "Actually," Deb said, not wanting to be alone with Sarah, "I am really busy studying for finals, maybe when they are done we can hang out."

    "Come on," Sarah insisted, her eyes narrowing. "It''ll just be one night."

    "Seriously I can''t afford to fail," Deb said, her body leaning away from Sarah without her trying to.

    "Another time then," Sarah said in a cheery tone, but as she turned away from Deb her expression darkened.

    -----

    The buzzer rang throughout Ethel''s apartment. She sat at the island and looked at the camera feed, a pizza delivery man stood at the entrance. "Teenagers," She muttered as she hit the button to let him in. John emerged from his room, clearly still half asleep, he took a seat on the black leather stool next to her.

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    "Who was that?" he asked with a yawn.

    Kristian glanced over from his spot on the sofa, "Someone ordered a pizza."

    "Oh, I thought it might be Zack," John said. "You know come to help us out with our plan to take out Pablo, since you saved his life."

    "Saving Zack''s life just makes us even," Ethel replied, her voice firm. "If it wasn''t for him I don''t think I would be here today."

    Kristian snorted. "Then how come you''re the Supreme and he isn''t?."

    Ethel rolled her eyes, but deep down she had asked herself the same question before.

    -----

    Ahmed arrived at Deb''s place, arms laden with three bags full of outfits for the surprise party he was throwing for Rob. He set them down just inside the door, excitement shining in his eyes. Deb, however, was still shaken from the exchange with Sarah.

    "Ahmed, who exactly did you invite to this party?" she asked, hoping Sarah wouldn''t be on the guest list.

    "Invites? What are we, five?" Ahmed replied, waving a dismissive hand. "I''ll just tweet about it later and throw out a quick Instagram post, people will show up. Easy."

    Deb hesitated, Ahmed''s popularity had wavered ever since the rumors of his hallucinations spread through the campus, but feeling compelled to say something. "Ahmed, I don''t mean to be a downer, but... you were you know... attacked and then disappeared, are you sure throwing a massive party is what you need right now?"

    Ahmed frowned, clearly not appreciating the implication. "Of course, it is what I need right now," he muttered defensively.

    "I just wanted to make sure you felt up to it," Deb sighed, changing tack. "So, have you talked to Boon lately? You guys haven''t really talked since you found out....."

    "He''s a ghost snake under the control of a demon," Ahmed insisted, his voice tight. "He''s still Boon, deep down. Besides Zack says you can save him so I''m not worrying about it." The energy in the room was tense and Deb could tell she had put Ahmed on the defensive.

    As if on cue, Father Bill appeared at the door, his face pale and slick with sweat. He was wearing sunglasses, even though the sun had set hours ago. "Deb," he whispered, "I need to talk to you."

    Deb, already on edge from her conversation with Ahmed, snapped back, "It''ll have to wait, Father. I am in the middle of something right now."

    Father looked at the two friends, their expressions tense. Disappointment flashed across Father Bill''s face as he turned to leave, he glanced back to look at Deb one last time, the last exorcist he would ever train. With a mournful sigh, he turned and staggered away, leaving Deb feeling guilty about snapping at the man.

    -----

    Meanwhile, Rob sat in his dorm, leafing through old articles about the University of Waterloo. He paused at an article featuring their sports teams and charities, and he remembered the photo of Maria in the Waterloo cheer uniform. He began to search for a photo of her team as his phone buzzed.

    "What''s Zack? Have you found anything?" Rob asked, his eyes still scanning the photos as he tried to find one with Maria in it.

    "Nothing here, but they arrested Professor Dowding," Zack reported. "I saw the whole thing go down. They think they have evidence placing him at some of the crime scenes, but that is all I could overhear."

    "Wait, I remember seeing him at the warehouse rave with some date," Rob interjected, a frown creasing his brow. "But he doesn''t strike me as the Sloth type. Evil? sure, but the reincarnation of a sin....."

    As he spoke, Rob noticed a year of the cheer team was missing. the photos jumped from 2017 to 2019, and there was no sign of Maria in any of the other photos. This was it, he thought, something happened in 2018 to the cheer team and someone covered it up. Now that he knew where to look, he knew he could figure it out.

    "Are you still there?" Zack asked, returning Rob''s attention to the call.

    "Zack," Rob said urgently, "I think I found something. We need to look into why the University of Waterloo didn''t have a cheer team in 2018. If we can figure out what happened, then we can figure out who Sloth is. I''ll call you back when I know more."

    Rob switched to Maria''s Facebook page but it wasn''t public, he swapped over to Nancy''s profile and thanked God it was public. scrolling down through the photos he found a single photo from 2018 with her arm around Tom. To most, it just seemed like a happy couple out for a night, but Rob took note of her skirt and his pants, both clearly a part of the Unversity of Waterloo cheer uniform. Why were all the other photos the team missing?

    -----

    Ahmed strode into the locker room, clearly on a mission. After his conversation with Deb the night before he decided to finally try talking to Boon again. As he spotted Boon standing by his locker, Ahmed felt a pang of nostalgia for the way their relationship used to be. Approaching him, he called out with a half-smile, "Hey, Boon! You up for some one-on-one later?"

    Boon''s gaze met Ahmed''s, but he quickly looked away. As Ahmed tried to move closer, Boon recoiled sharply, his gaze never leaving the floor.

    "Ahmed, you don''t want me around," Boon murmured, his voice strained. Ahmed bit his lip, unsure what to do. He assumed Boon was trying to protect him from the monster he had become.

    "Boon, it will be ok. I am sure we will figure this out," Ahmed reassured him, reaching out for his friend. But Boon grabbed Ahmed''s arm, his grip was like iron.

    "Listen to me," Boon insisted, his grip tightened. "You don''t want me near you."

    Ahmed winced in pain, and he pulled back, alarmed by the look in Boon''s eyes. Swallowing hard, he managed to stammer, "Don''t come to my party this weekend." As he turned to leave, he caught a glimpse of Boon''s eyes, they welled with tears as he turned away.

    -----

    Deb walked alone up the driveway to Ahmed''s house, her arms laden with an enormous wrapped package. She could hear the doorbell from outside as she pressed it, the sound muffled and faint. When Ahmed answered the door, Deb attempted to squeeze the package through, but it stubbornly refused to fit. Ahmed watched her struggle for a moment before guiding her through the door.

    "Thanks for coming and don''t forget to try the jungle juice," he reminded her, he left Deb to place the gift with the others, not wanting to talk to her after their last conversation.

    Deb took off her shoes and then turned around to take in the party, the living room was almost empty. A couple made out on the grey fabric sofa under the window, a table filled with far too many snacks lay untouched in the dining room, and the sound of music trickled in from the backyard. Zack and Rob stood by the back door of the barren party, lost in conversation.

    Deb made her way over to the pair, she could hear Ahmed humming to himself as he worked away in the kitchen. As she approached the guys, she overheard Rob''s whispers "The old cheer squad," he said, running his hands through his curly brown hair. "Someone worked really hard to erase all evidence that there even was a cheer team in 2018, maybe the Dean had something to do with it."

    Zack noticed Deb and shot Rob a look, Rob stopped immediately, turning to greet Deb with a smile. Deb chose to ignore the fact they were cutting her out of the investigation, She knew Zack was still upset with her after she told the exorcists about Boon. Instead, she turned their attention to the empty party, "Nobody''s coming," she said, her voice tinged with concern. "Everyone thinks Ahmed is totally out of his mind, and it''s all because of us and the supernatural shenanigans."

    "Ahmed''s not exactly blameless," Zack pointed out, crossing his arms defensively. "He hasn''t exactly been friendly towards Rob or me. He only started to pay attention to us after we saved his life."

    Deb fixed Zack with a determined stare. "He is not a bad guy, he just gets a little full of himself. He was popular until the rumors about him freaking out in classes started to circulate. And we all know those are our fault, they are because we failed to stop Gluttony and now he has to live with that PTSD."

    "Fine," Zack relented, he knew she was right. He pulled his phone out of his pocket, "I''ll invite the basketball team." Rob nodded, inviting everyone on his friend''s list.

    As people began to at Ahmed''s party, the atmosphere transformed; people poured out of the house into the backyard, and the sound of people''s conversations filled the air. As the host, Ahmed seemed to be filled with energy, ensuring everyone had a glass of jungle juice in hand.

    "Zack," Rob said, taking a sip of his drink, "you need to apologize to Deb."

    "I haven''t done anything wrong," Zack protested, his blue eyes narrowing.

    "You know she was just trying to do what was right." Rob countered, taking another sip. "She is one of us but she is also an exorcist, I don''t think we have the right to judge her. Being a part of two teams must put her under some massive pressure."

    Zack fell silent, mulling over Rob''s words. Seeing Zack hesitate, Rob launched into a speech. "The two of you have a real Romeo and Juliet situation going on. You belong to two very different worlds but you are soulmates dude, don''t let one fight ruin it for you. Go get your girl, oh, and avoid the whole dying at the end bit." Zack let out a laugh before heading off to find Deb among the guests.

    -----

    Boon slipped into the party trying to avoid Ahmed but wanting to be there for his friend, he ducked behind some fellow basketball players but his fiery red hair stuck out like a sore thumb. Ahmed approached him with a wide smile, handing him a glass of jungle juice. "Glad you could make it," Ahmed said warmly, clapping Boon on the back.

    "Wouldn''t miss it for the world," Boon replied, confused by his friend''s behavior. Boon thought Ahmed would kick him out for sure, the warm welcome felt off given their last conversation.

    As Ahmed turned to prepare more glasses for the growing crowd, he furtively poured a vial of glowing elixir into the bowl of jungle juice. The liquid shimmered as it mixed with the fruity concoction, and Ahmed continued to him to himself as he worked, as if on autopilot.

    "Um is everything ok?" Boon asked, wondering if Ahmed was just too drunk to care about what happened in the locker room.

    "Everything is great." Ahmed chuckled, but his voice was almost robotic.

    -----

    Meanwhile, all hell was breaking loose in Ethel''s apartment. Olivia and Kristian shifted between vessel and human form, and their control slipped further away, causing water pipes to burst and flood the area around them. Ethel shifted, prepared to fight the out-of-control pair, her mind racing with questions about how this happened. Behind her John also began to lose control of shifts.

    "Ethel," he asked, his voice steady, "What is happening to us?"

    "I don''t know," Ethel replied without looking up, she tried to hold Kristian down. Her gaze settled on the pizza boxes. "Who ordered the pizzas?"

    "I didn''t," John, Olivia, and Kristian said in unison as they fought to keep control.

    "You''ve been drugged, by exorcists most likely." Ethel could feel the room closing in on her as the fact the exorcist may have found them. "You need to fight it, find an anchor to help you keep control."

    "An Anchor?" John asked as a cold sweat broke out across his forehead.

    "It is something that grounds you, keeps you human and in control. For me, it is my anger, the loss of my family, and the hands of my so-called friend." Ethel explained, her eyes almost burning with rage as she recalled the memory.

    John tried to think about her words, but Olivia was too far gone. She fully transformed into her vessel form, letting out a roar as she lunged for Ethel.

 Vol 2, Chapter 18: Ritual

    In the dimly lit chamber, Jessica stood before the sacred altar under the parish, watching Father Bill''s face as he prepared a tea. The candlelight flickered as he reached into his jacket pocket to retrieve the small vile of cyanide. The scent of Earl Grey tea hung heavy in the air, mixing with the sweet almond smell as he opened the vial.

    "Please, Bill," Jessica pleaded, her voice strained with emotion. "You don''t have to die. You could live as a vessel."

    Father Bill shook his head firmly"You know the exorcist code, child. As exorcists, our soul must remain pure." His eyes, filled with regret and sorrow, met hers. "I brought this upon myself, I was so blinded by my own beliefs I couldn''t see how I had become the villain."

    "But if we find Ethel and kill her for what she has done to you," she said, tears welling up in her eyes. "You could be freed from the curse."

    Father Bill extended his hand. "You''re not listening, all Ethel did was protect Zack from me, and then try to save my life. I instigated it, I kidnapped the boy and I intended to kill him. I became like Abby, so lost in my own experiences that I couldn''t acknowledge something new like the love between an exorcist and a vessel. I hope that Deb shows us the way otherwise the exorcist may just die out. Now if you truly want to help me, get me a pen and some paper."

    As Jessica fumbled in her pockets for a scrap of paper as Pablo entered the chamber, his eyes flashing with intensity. "Is the Father ready yet, the council has approved your request," he urged, his voice firm yet gentle. "Jessica you may carry out the exorcism in any manner you see fit. Please ensure Father Bill will die with dignity and the demon is cast down to hell."

    -----

    At Rob''s birthday party, laughter and cheerful conversations filled the air. The guests had reached the giggly stage of drunkenness, their faces flushed with amusement and desire. Ahmed, seeming dazed, continued passing out jungle juice to as many guests as possible. As he came around the corner he spotted Sarah all by herself without a cup in her hand.

    "Here you go, Sarah," he said, handing her a red solo cup filled with the deceptively sweet concoction. As Sarah raised the drink to her lips, her gaze locked onto Deb, who stood across the yard. Deb caught her staring and glared at Sarah before slipping deeper into the crowd. This was all Sarah needed to confirm that in her mind Deb saw the photos on her camera.

    "That bitch," muttered Sarah under her breath, tossing the drink into the garbage. Ahmed watched the cup disappear into the trash and seemed almost annoyed but continued to his other guests.

    Ahmed then approached Zack, holding out another glass. "Come on, have a drink!" he insisted.

    "I can''t drink tonight," Zack replied, casting a wary glance toward where Deb had disappeared. He didn''t want to risk ruining his apology to her. "It''s...I have something I need to do."

    "Is this about Deb?" asked Ahmed following Zack''s gave.

    "Maybe," Zack admitted, "Things have been shakey since she told the exorcists about Boon. I know she was just trying to keep people safe but it felt like she was giving the enemy our secrets. Like how can I trust her with vessel info if she is just going to turn around and hand it over to the people who want to kill us?

    "Wow, sounds like you actually could use a drink," Ahmed said as he took in Zack''s words.

    "You know what," said Zack with a sigh. "You''re right." He downed the glass of liquor in a couple of swigs, hoping to calm his nerves. He turned to thank Ahmed for listening but he was nowhere to be found, shrugging it off he decided to continue looking for Deb.

    Deb had made her way back into the house with Sarah close behind. They entered Ahmed''s room which was being used to store the guests'' coats, stacks were piled high on the floor and bed. Sarah moved to close the door, but Deb shot her a warning glance, prompting her to leave it open.

    "Look, Deb," Sarah said, wringing her hands together and avoiding eye contact. "About those photos, you saw... they were just candid shots. That''s what photographers call them."

    "Really?" Deb replied, crossing her arms over her chest. "Because police officers call it stalking."

    Sarah bristled at the accusation, her cheeks flushing red. "Oh please, leave it to someone like you to see a few photos of yourself on a camera roll and immediately jump to stalking. Not everything is about you."

    "You had photos of me and Zack that you took from outside my dorm room window," Deb shot back, her voice dripping with anger. She turned to leave, but Sarah reached out and grabbed her arm in desperation.

    "Please, just hear me out!" Sarah pleaded. But Deb was having none of it. In one fluid motion, she grabbed Sarah''s shoulder and twisted her arm with surprising strength, causing Sarah to crumble onto the floor.

    "Touch me again, and you''ll regret it," Deb hissed before storming out of the room.

    As Deb walked down the hallway, her surroundings began to warp and distort. The once-straight walls seemed to twist and bend, creating a disorienting maze. Panic clawed at her chest as she tried to navigate the shifting passageway.

    "Sarah, what the hell did you do to me!" she called out, her voice wavering with fear.

    A hooded figure emerged from the stairwell, wielding a gleaming sword. The cloaked figure charged toward her, Deb''s hands searching her pocket for any kind of weapon she could use to protect herself. She looked up just in time to feel the cold metal cut into her shoulder, blood spilling from the wound. Gasping in pain, she watched as the figure removed their hood with their free hand revealing Deb''s face beneath it.

    "Pathetic," sneered Deb''s doppelganger, mocking her for yelling for help. "Look at you, how can you protect anyone? All you do is get others to fight your battles for you. You should have died by now." Pulling back, the doppelganger freed her sword from Deb''s shoulder, causing her to collapse in pain.

    "You betrayed the exorcists and you betrayed Zack, there truly is no place for you in this world." the the doppelganger raised the sword again, aiming for Deb''s head this time. But as the weapon descended, both the hallucination and the wound vanished. Deb found herself gasping for breath in the empty upstairs hallway, her heart pounding against her ribs. The vision had been so life-like and she looked down at her phone to discover she had lost an hour. Something was very wrong and she knew she needed to find her friends quickly.

    -----

    Rob lounged on his makeshift birthday throne in the backyard, basking in the glow of the full moon and the laughter of his friends. Guests wandered through the garden, their faces flushed with euphoria, fingers tracing patterns on each other''s skin or lingering on the leaves of the trees.

    "Rob!" a voice called out, high-pitched and distraught. He looked up to see Lindsey, her face pale and eyes wide with distress. But this wasn''t the Lindsey he knew from college; she was younger, wearing a black dress that clung to her slender frame. He could feel his stomach twist itself into a tight knot, he remembered that dress from the worst day of his life.

    "Ryan''s dead," she sobbed, pushing her way through the crowd toward him. "And it''s your fault!"

    As she approached, Rob started to breathe heavily, this can''t be real he thought. She locked eyes with him, her gaze accusing and cold. "You were supposed to go to the creak with him," she spat. "But you were too busy racing your stupid bike. You killed my brother."

    "Lindsey, I¨C" Rob stammered, he felt like the world was spinning faster than normal. Before he could form a coherent thought, she jabbed a finger at him, her voice rising to a scream.

    "You killed Ryan, and now you''re killing me! You''re killing me with the lies and the secrets!" Rob remained frozen, watching his worst nightmare come to life.

    In an instant, the hallucination evaporated, leaving Rob shaken and disoriented. He glanced around the party, his heart pounding as he realized none of it was real. "Zack!" he shouted, scanning the crowd for his friend. "Where''s Zack?"

    -----

    Inside the house, Zack made his way to the basement in search of Deb. As he reached the laundry room, he spotted Boon and Deb making out, Deb sat on the dryer while Boon stood in front of her. A surge of anger and confusion welled up inside him as he made his way over to them. But as he got closer Boon shifted into the Familar and dug his fangs into Deb''s neck.

    "Deb!" he shouted, his voice cracking as he started to transform into his vessel form. But before he could fully transition, the hallucination disappeared, and Zack was left standing in the empty room, his body trembling with adrenaline and fear. What was happening to him? And why did he have a vision like that? All he knew was he needed to figure it out before the vision became reality.

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    -----

    Boon staggered into the bathroom, his stomach churning violently. He slammed the door shut and turned the lock, desperate for a moment of privacy. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he leaned over the toilet bowl, trying to force himself to throw up. But it was too late¡ªthe tainted alcohol had already taken hold.

    As Boon struggled, his ears picked up the sounds of a man and woman arguing outside the door. Their voices were muffled, but their distress was unmistakable. The woman pleaded with the man to stay, her voice strained with desperation. The man''s response was cold and dismissive: "You and the kid are holding me back, I want to make something of myself."

    Curiosity getting the better of him, Boon cracked open the door slightly, just enough to catch a glimpse of the couple. To his shock, the man''s reflection in the mirror looked exactly like Boon himself. His heart pounded in his chest as his own face began to fade before his eyes until the mirror reflected nothingness at him.

    "Wh-what''s happening?" Boon whispered, terror gripping him as he slammed the bathroom door closed once again. He slid down the door and curled up in a ball on the floor, too afraid to leave the small bathroom.

    -----

    Meanwhile, at Ethel''s apartment, Kristian and Olivia continued to lose control and attack Ethel. With their water control abilities, they sent her flying back into the fridge. Not wanting to harm the vessels, she fought back as best as she could, trying to find a way to subdue with without killing them. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a figure race by, John was caught between shifting into a vessel and fled through the door.

    She swore at herself for not watching him but Ethel didn''t have time to go after him right now. She froze time and managed to lock down Olivia using some electrical tape she had in the utility closet, but her time stop didn''t last long enough for her to do the same to Kristian. He wiggled free from her grasp and made a B-line to the door. To Ethel''s astonishment, John returned to the apartment in full vessel form, he seemed more in control than before. John touched Kristian''s arm causing Kristian''s eyes to change to a silver colour before he sat down calmly on the floor and began acting like he was playing video games.

    "John, you''re in control?" Ethel asked, her voice tinged with relief and admiration. "How did you get Kristian to do that."

    "Yeah, all that stuff you said about having an anchor worked," John replied, his gaze steady. "I thought about my father and the metal of honor he was awarded, how I want to make a difference in this world like he did."

    "He would be proud." Ethel said, recalling their earlier conversations. "and what about Kristian

    "He believes we are playing video games together," John admitted. "I am not sure how I did it but I didn''t want him to escape and I wanted him to calm down. I remembered all the time we let off steam playing Mortal Combat and it was like I could make him feel like he was actually there in that memory"

    "You unlocked your secondary ability," Ethel explained. "Every vessel has two unique powers tied to the demon within them, but only when you truly gain control can you use the secondary skill. Thank you for saving." Ethel embraced John, thankful for his progress.

    -----

    Rob searched the yard for Zack, his vision still playing in his head. The guests had reached the point where all they wanted was to be left alone to sleep.

    Zack heard Rob''s calls and found him stumbling around the backyard.

    "Rob, thank God you are ok," Zack smiled pulling his friend into a hug. "Something isn''t right here."

    "I know, my head feels so fuzzy," Rob groaned, stumbling back when Zack released him.

    "Amateurs," Cole muttered, appearing at Zack''s side. "Here, let me handle this."

    Before Zack could protest, Cole grabbed Rob''s head and forcefully dunked it into the cooler. Water splashed around them, drenching Zack as well. As Rob''s head emerged with a gasp, his eyes snapped wide open.

    "What the hell, Cole?!" Rob sputtered, coughing water from his lungs.

    "Cleared your head, didn''t it?" Cole retorted smugly. "Your friend wants to speak to you."

    "Fine," Rob grumbled, pushing himself to a stand. "Thank you Cole." he waved Cole away before returning his attention to Zack.

    "I just saw the weirdest shit," Zack said, his voice laced with urgency. "It felt so really but it wasn''t, it was like...." Zack struggled to find the words to describe his vision.

    "Like your worst fear was brought to life?" Rob asked a look of realization washing across his face. "We need to find Deb and Ahmed right now!" the boys nodded and headed into the house to search for their friends.

    -----

    Meanwhile, beneath the parish, Father Bill knelt before the sacred altar, the explanation he wrote for Deb clutched tightly in his trembling hands.

    "Jessica," Father Bill began, his voice heavy with regret, "This is for Deb. She''s going to need your help to understand all of this."

    "Of course, Father," Jessica replied solemnly, her eyes also brimming with sadness.

    As the moon rose higher in the sky, casting an eerie glow through the chamber, Jessica began to recite the incantation and sprinkle him with holy water. His skin burned where the tiny droplets made contact and he knew he truly had changed.

    "Are you sure about this?" Jessica asked hesitantly, she made her way over to the tainted tea.

    "Absolutely," Father Bill replied firmly. "It''s the only way to protect those I care about. This demon inside me must be stopped."

    As Jessica poured the Father a cup, he took a deep breath, feeling the demon within him clawing at his insides. "Jessica," he said with a pained expression, "we need to come up with a plan for what to tell parishioners when... when this is over."

    "Of course, Father," Jessica replied, her hands shaking as she brought him the cup. "What do you suggest?"

    "Tell them I had a history of depression," Father Bill suggested, his voice heavy with worry. "That way, they won''t think to ask questions. They will just accept it."

    "I will," Jessica reassured him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "And your fellow exorcists know that you did the hardest thing you''ve ever had to do, all for those you loved."

    "Thank you, Jessica," Father Bill whispered, his green eyes glinting in the candlelight. "Thank you for everything." he took the cup from her hands and began to drink.

    -----

    Hours later at the hospital, Deb rushed through the sterile hallways, anxiety and anger knotted together in her chest like an unbreakable cord. She spotted Jessica in the distance, talking to an officer, tears streaming down her face.

    "Jessica!" Deb shouted, pushing past the unsuspecting medical staff and patients. As she approached, she noticed the sheet-covered body on a gurney in the room behind her mentor. Her heart hammered in her chest, threatening to burst. "You''d better tell me if this is another one of your sick training sessions!"

    "Deb..." Jessica choked out, reaching out to embrace the distraught young woman.

    "No, this isn''t real!" Deb screamed, struggling against Jessica''s hold. But the force of her emotions was too much, and she crumbled in her mentor''s arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

    "Deb, I''m so sorry," Jessica whispered into her hair, the pain in her voice palpable.

    -----

    Back at the party Rob and Zack continued their search, the party had taken a turn for the chaotic. Guests stumbled and laughed, their inhibitions lowered by the tainted drinks Ahmed had been passing out all night. The once orderly gathering had devolved into a spectacle of reckless abandon, with people daring one another to perform increasingly dangerous stunts.

    "Hey, check it out!" someone shouted, pointing to an old inflatable pool that had been hastily filled with water. The air was thick with anticipation as two guys hoisted a struggling young woman above their heads, ignoring her pleas not to be thrown in.

    "Please, don''t! I am afraid of water!" she screamed. But her cries fell on deaf ears as the two revelers tossed her into the pool with a triumphant whoop.

    "What the hell! Are they nuts?" Rob asked as he pushed his way through the crowd to help the woman. Zack followed suit, concern etched on his face as they drew closer to the small pool, taking in the wild scene before them.

    The woman flailed in the pool, bobbing up and down as panic began to set in. Just as Rob and Zack reached the pool''s edge, Boon appeared from the crowd, reaching down to pull her to safety.

    "Sarah!" Zack exclaimed, realizing who the girl was.

    "Thanks for nothing," Sarah spat, Boon''s hand still wrapped around her and glaring daggers at Zack and Rob. "You could''ve done something!"

    "Sorry, Sarah," Rob said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "We tried but the crowd was thick and Boon beat us to you."

    "Whatever," she replied icily, stalking away, water still dripping from her clothes. "The two of you are useless!"

    "She might just be right," Zack muttered, watching her go.

    "She is just upset, we got to her as fast as we could. Don''t beat yourself up over this, she made it out OK" Rob tried to reassure Zack but he could tell Zack was already blaming himself.

    Before Zack could respond, the wail of police sirens cut through the night air. "Cops!" someone shouted, and a mass exodus of partygoers ensued, each person scrambling to make their escape.

    "We''ve looked everywhere and Ahmed and Deb are not here. We got to go!" Rob urged, grabbing Zack''s arm and pulling him toward the side gate.

    As they ran, Zack spotted Sarah making her way down the street with Boon, her eyes glowing an eerie yellow in the darkness. Boon''s body contorted as he began his transformation into the Familiar. And then, just as suddenly as she had appeared, Sarah and Boon vanished from sight.

    "Did you see that?" Zack gasped, stopping short. He wasn''t sure if it was another vision or if he had actually just witnessed Sarah as Sloth.

    "Later, Zack," Rob insisted, pulling him along. "We need to get out of here before we get arrested and give Lindsey another reason to worry."

    -----

    Ahmed had left the party hours ago in a trance, he wandered the street with his backpack. He reached Ethel''s apartment and entered her code to get into the lobby. As he reached her floor, he removed the key from his pocket that he had stolen earlier when delivering the pizza, with a click from the lock he was in. Everyone inside was asleep, their exhaustion evident from having to subdue Olivia and Kristian earlier. Ahmed entered Ethel''s room and stood over her sleeping form.

    "Ethel," Ahmed whispered, readying the holly berry powder in his hand. Ethel didn''t wake, Ahmed blew the fine powder into her face. Her eyelids fluttered but remained closed, her breathing slowed, and she seemed at peace.

    "That should keep you out for a while," Ahmed murmured, quickly snipping a small lock of Ethel''s hair before slipping out of the apartment.

    His next stop was Kyle''s burned-out home, the moon hung heavy above him. The air felt charged with energy, and Ahmed felt drawn into the home. Entering the house, his trance took over, and placed a series of mirrors around the door frame, angling them so that the moonlight would reflect onto the scorched wooden door frame.

    Ahmed placed the lock of Ethel''s hair and a lily under the door frame. Then, with careful precision, he poured fungicide around the mushrooms growing around the home, watching as they withered and died almost instantly.

    Ahmed muttered, beginning to hum a haunting melody that echoed through the hollow shell of the house. The moonlight intensified, reflecting off the mirrors and onto the door frame, which began to glow with a terrifying red light. Orange eyes appeared within the crimson illumination, staring right at Ahmed.

    Within seconds, the door frame seemed to buckle and warp as Kyle emerged from it, no longer trapped in his otherworldly prison. He spat out the blood moonstone onto the grass as he stepped out onto it.

    Ahmed continued to stare blankly ahead as the sin approached him. "You won''t remember any of this, but I do owe you a thank you," Kyle said, he placed a hand on Ahmed''s shoulder. "With a gift like yours, I''m surprised the Wiccan didn''t see this coming."

    Kyle pushed past Ahmed taking the sights and sounds of the night. He turned back to Ahmed. "Now the real question is where to start, you''re gone for a few months and suddenly other sins begin to think it is open season on your territory. Shameful really, but I think I am going to need some help in my current state to get them to disappear." Kyle looked over at Ahmed as if he was expecting a response. "Oh right the trance thing, well we are all done here you can go." Ahmed''s eyes clouded over, and he began his walk back home.

 Vol 2, Chapter 19: Prime Suspect

    It had been months since that bitterly cold December night when Sarah watched Boon leave Ethel''s house, his breath visible in the frosty air. His frustration was palpable, emanating from him like the fog that clung to the ground. She could sense that he was still human and desperate.

    "Perfect," she murmured under her breath, cloaking herself in a shadowy veil before following Boon to the dimly lit parking lot.

    She glided to his driver-side door, and tapped on the window, "Boon" she whispered.

    He turned around, confusion etched on his face. "What do you want?"

    "I can give you what you want most," she said, feigning concern.

    "Really?" Boon''s eyes widened with hope.

    "I can give to the curse and change you into a vessel," Sarah explained, keeping her true identity hidden. "You will have more power than you could ever imagine."

    "Even more than Zack. " Boon replied clearly eager to surpass his rival.

    "You''ll be able to crush him and anyone else in your way." She reached out, her clawed hand grazing Boon''s skin, leaving a dark, sinister symbol behind. As Boon''s body contorted and changed, Sarah smiled wickedly.

    -----

    In the present, Rob knocked on Lindsey''s door, He knew he had to convince her that Sarah was the killer before anyone else got hurt. Zack stood nearby, prepared to reveal himself to Lindsey if they needed to.

    "What are you two doing here?" Lindsey asked as she answered the door. "I am in the middle of a dinner party."

    Rob and Zack turned to see the small row of cars lining the street. "So sorry Lindsey but we have some important information about the case and it will only take a minute, promise." Rob looked at Lindsey with pleading eyes.

    "Fine, one minute and that is it," she ushered to boys into the living room. "this dinner is with the heads of the department so let''s make this quick."

    Lindsey walked back to the dining room and explained some old friends had dropped by to pick something up before returning the boys. "My office now." once tucked away Rob explained that Sarah was the killer, being sure to leave out all the supernatural elements of the murders.

    "Think about it, Lindsey. Bobby Dowding doesn''t fit the profile, he was at one of the crime scenes with his girlfriend. Who takes their girlfriend to a murder?" Rob argued. "Sarah on the other hand is a loner and a stalker, always watching everyone through her camera. She is getting revenge on the 2018 Waterloo cheer team, taking them out one by one, she was at the rave too."

    "Sure, but that''s just speculation. There is still no hard evidence that Waterloo had a cheer team in 2018." Lindsey countered skeptically, her arms folded across her chest. "You need more proof, either of the cover-up or someone who can place Sarah at another crime scene."

    "Fine," Zack interjected, he was ready to give up but then he saw some stills of the security camera footage from the hospital the night Nancy was killed hanging on the murder board. The killer was walking by the nurse''s station and in the reflection was Kenzie walking towards the killer. "Kenzie saw the killer!" Zack announced pointing out her reflection in the corner mirror.

    Lindsey spun around so fast that she almost fell off her chair. Her eyes scanned the photo until she found the reflection.

    "Wait a second," Lindsey said, her brows furrowing as she remembered. "Kenzie mentioned something about that night. She said she talked to a young blonde woman because she seemed lost, but the woman didn''t want any help."

    "That sounds like Sarah, if we can get Kenzie to positively ID her then you can start investigating Sarah," Zack replied, dialing Kenzie''s number without waiting for Lindsey''s response. "Kenzie, we need you at Lindsey''s house now, she has some suspect photos she wants you to look at."

    Zack hung up and turned to meet a clearly unimpressed Lindsey. "She could have come down to the station in the morning to make the ID. Have you forgotten I am kind of in the middle of something tonight?" Zack winced, having completely forgotten the fact Lindsey had her dinner party guests waiting for her in the other room.

    -----

    Lindsey left to attend to her guests, After running Sarah''s information through the system, tracking calls, and credit card purchases. "Look at this," Rob said, gesturing toward a series of photographs hung on the walls. "They found a woman''s footprint at the scene of Tom''s murder," suddenly the computer pinged flagging a credit card receipt from Pisa Pizzaria on the night that Maria was killed.

    Zack leaned in to examine the evidence. "We can place her at Maria''s murder too."

    Lindsey poked her head back into the office, "I heard a ping, what did the system find." Lindsey made her way over to the computer on her desk and scanned through the results. "Well, this puts her at two murder scenes on the nights they happened. It is certainly enough to get an investigation going."

    "Alright then," Zack replied, pulling out his phone. "So if Kenzie can positively ID Sarah as the hooded figure in this photo, then you can bring her in for questioning right?"

    "That would be the plan," Lindsey agreed, watching as Zack checked his phone for any word from Kenzie.

    Rob''s stomach growled "Um, would it be ok if...." He started to ask.

    "Go for it, there is plenty of food out there, make yourself a plate," Lindsey said, Rob smiled and made his way toward the dining room.

    He could smell the roast before he even turned the corner, but as he entered the room he realized just how quiet it was. It took him a moment to realize that the guests were lying face down in their meals. Rob rushed to the closet woman, pulling her blonde hair back so he could check her pulse. As her neck became visible. so did the two large puncture marks in it. Before he could react, he felt the clawed hand wrap around his neck from behind.

    "Hello, Rob," Sarah''s chilling voice greeted him, her once-blue eyes glowing yellow.

    -----

    Ethel floated adrift in a formless white void, her naked body covered in sweat. A distant voice called her name, its breath coming in short gasps. "We don''t have much time," it warned before an ear-splitting, low-pitched sound assaulted her senses.

    Suddenly, Ethel awoke in her bed, disoriented and dazed. Paulina sat over her, concern etched on her face. "What was that sound?" Ethel asked weakly, trying to sit up but nearly collapsing from the effort.

    "Sub-sonic dog whistle," Paulina explained, holding up the small instrument. "Your holly poisoning put you in a coma, but this sound seemed to do the trick. Now we have a more pressing issue to deal with."

    "More pressing than finding the person who put me in a coma?" Ethel rolled her eyes, her mind racing with questions.

    "The scales have been tipped and not in a good way. Before your mother died we had an arrangement," Paulina admitted. "It has always been my duty to protect the balance of the world, but I am barred from ever directly influencing the outcome. Your mother would help reset the scales whenever they tipped too far, and now I need you to take on her role."

    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    "She changed fate for you, what did she get out of it?" Ethel murmured, remembering the whispered conversations between her mother and Paulina.

    "She got you, and your safety. That was our arrangement and I will hold up my end until the day I pass on from this world." Paulina could see Ethel was still trying to process this information. "I know this is a lot but recently I discovered Gluttony has escaped his imprisonment."

    "Wait, Kyle escaped?" Ethel asked, her eyes betraying a hint of anger. "How, how could he escape it? the blood moonstone seal can''t be broken by a demon." She paced the room, her hands clasped behind her back. "So was he the one that did this to me? Is he going after Zack too?"

    "I know you have a lot of questions but we have multiple sins on the loose now and if you don''t act quickly it could lead to the destruction of the city," Paulina said, crossing her arms over her chest.

    "Ok, so what should I do?" Ethel asked, looking to Paulina for advice.

    "I can''t tell you what to do directly but perhaps you and Zack should meet and discuss the current situation," Paulina suggested, knowing she was bending the rules.

    "Right," Ethel said softly, her gaze unwavering. "Zack needs to know what''s coming for us."

    -----

    Meanwhile, at Lindsey''s, Sarah marched Rob down the hallway to Lindsey''s office. His heart raced in his chest, but he kept his composure, as he tried to figure out a way he could get out of this mess alive. As the door to the office opened, Zack looked up and saw the fear on Rob''s face. Lindsey also noticed and reached for the gun in her desk drawer.

    "I wouldn''t try it if you value his life," Sarah sneered, she pushed Rob forward blocking Lindsey''s shot. There was a thud from the dining room and Lindsey attempted to look around Sarah, but she ensured to block her view. "I think you have bigger things to worry about."

    Lindsey didn''t understand how Sarah could have known they were looking into her, her voice shaky but earnest. "Sarah, what are you doing here? What did you do to the officers in the other room?"

    "They won''t be bothering us, you should really be more concerned about yourself," Sarah snapped. "I haven''t decided if I am going to kill you all yet, so I suggest you follow instructions. Handcuff yourself to the radiator and toss me the keys or I will blow his brains out." Lindsey did as instructed. Sarah turned to Zack, "Gather up all this evidence and follow me." With a nod Zack gathered up everything and followed Sarah out into the hall, Leaving Lindsey alone in the office.

    -----

    Back at St. Jerome''s campus, Deb sat alone on her bed, her fingers worrying the edge of a green bathrobe. The room seemed colder ever since Father Bill had died, she had become a shut-in and avoided Jessica and Zack at all costs. With a soft knock, Pablo entered, his eyes filled with concern and determination.

    "Deb, we need to talk," he said, holding a letter in his hand.

    "Leave me alone," she replied, her voice barely a whisper. "I don''t want anything to do with you."

    "I am not here for me, I am here because before he died Father Bill asked me to give you this." Pablo extended the letter towards her, his expression earnest.

    With an unsure look, Deb took the letter from his hand and began to read. As she did so, Pablo sat quietly at the foot of her bed. The letter painted a picture of Father Bill''s suffering at the hands of Ethel and her covenant, fueling Deb''s anger and hurt. By the time she finished reading, her hands were shaking, and her resolve hardened.

    "Ethel needs to pay for what she''s done," she whispered, clenching the letter in her fist. "We''ll make sure of that."

    "Good," Pablo replied, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Now, burn the letter. It was Bill''s dying wish."

    Deb placed the letter in the waste bin and set it ablaze, the orange flames consuming Father Bill''s words, for a long time she didn''t know which side she truly belonged on. She made up her mind right then and there, with a determined fire in her eyes, and began tearing down pictures from the walls and the reminders of his old life.

    By the time she finished, her room was stripped bare ¨C nothing remained but her exorcist equipment, holy water, and knives. This was who she was now, a soldier in the war against the supernatural and Pablo couldn''t have been happier to have watched the change.

    -----

    In Lindsey''s living room, Sarah forced Zack and Rob to burn the physical evidence connecting her to the murders, her eyes never leaving them as they carried out her orders. As the last of the documents were tossed into the fireplace, they heard a car pull up outside. The boys exchanged fearful glances, believing Kenzie was about to walk in on this. But when the door opened, it was Ethel who stepped through the threshold.

    As Ethel laid eyes on the pair kneeling by the fireplace with Sarah standing over them, she collapsed onto the floor, her body wracked with pain from the Familiar''s paralyzing bite. Boon stood behind her, becoming human once again, an unsettling grin on his face.

    "Ethel!" Zack cried out, his heart sinking at the sight of her sprawled out on the floor. He fought the urge to rush to her side, knowing that any sudden movement could provoke Sarah into killing Rob.

    "Any other unexpected guests on their way to join us?" Sarah snarled, her eyes locked on the helpless woman before her. "I guess this saves me the trouble of hunting you down later."

    "How did you know we were here? How did you know we were turning you in?" Zack demanded, drawing Sarah''s attention to himself.

    "Ah, Zack," Sarah''s voice dripped malice as she paced the room. "You two really think I wouldn''t be watching you? I know you sealed my brother Gluttony away, I don''t plan on sharing the same fate." Her yellow eyes glinted with menace. "I will admit, I never thought one vessel could cause so much trouble. I mean you teamed up with an exorcist and a..... well honestly I don''t know exactly what Rob is?"

    Rob, his hands trembling didn''t miss a beat. "I''m a garden gnome." He smirked. "Just so you know, that transformation requires a song and dance."

    Sarah''s face contorted with anger. "always the smart ass." She snapped her fingers, and Boon advanced towards Rob, a sinister grin on his face. In one swift motion, Boon tied Rob up and threw him to the floor on top of Ethel.

    As he struggled against his bonds, Rob muttered, "Bitch" under his breath.

    Zack''s mind raced, trying to find a way out of this impossible situation. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of another car pulling up outside. He knew exactly who had just arrived and his heart sank, there was no way to warn her about what she was about to walk into.

    "Sounds like the guest of honor has just arrived, I suggest you don''t try anything Zack if you want her to live.," Sarah warned, her voice cold. To drive home her point, she rolled Rob off Ethel and pressed her boot against his chest, making it impossible for him to breathe.

    Kenzie entered the home just in time to see Sarah pressing her boot down on Rob and pointing a gun at Zack. Zack instinctively moved to protect Kenzie, Sarah fired, the gunshot ringing through the air. Zack gasped in pain as the bullet tore through his flesh just below the right side of his rib cage. Sarah then turned her threatening glare to Kenzie, who stared in shock at the scene before her.

    "Please," Kenzie begged, her voice shaking as tears filled her eyes, "I''m a nurse, I need to make sure he is ok."

    "Silence!" Sarah snarled, grabbing Kenzie by the arm and dragging her down to the basement. "You leave this place and I kill them all." Sarah closed the door and headed back to find Zack gasping on the floor as his wound started to heal. Sarah removed Zack''s phone from his pocket and used his face to unlock it while he was too weak to fight back.

    -----

    Deb stared at the text message on her phone, her dark eyes narrowing in suspicion. The message was supposedly from Zack, asking her to come to Lindsey''s house. Beside her, Pablo watched Deb''s face closely, waiting for an explanation as to why she asked him to come back to her room.

    "Zack didn''t send this," Deb stated firmly, her voice cold and determined. "We fought and he doesn''t trust me. He wouldn''t have given me this information on Sarah or asked for my help."

    "So what should we do?" Pablo said, his voice almost excited. "This is your fight Deb and your friends, anything you need for the exorcists is yours."

    Before Deb could respond Jessica entered the room, "Deb do you have a minute there is something important we need to talk about," Jessica began until she noticed Pablo standing next to Deb. "Oh, what''s going on here?"

    "Someone is trying to lure our Deb to Officer Lindsey''s," Pablo replied, casting a sidelong glance at Deb. "We are coming up with a plan of attack."

    "Wait, there could be innocent people in that house," Jessica cautioned, her voice laced with concern. "Deb doesn''t have the training yet to run a mission like this, not to mention we don''t know exactly what we are dealing with here."

    "If you don''t want to help then leave, I am sure other exorcists will leap at the chance to take down Sloth." Deb spat before turning back to Pablo. Jessica watched with worry as Pablo and Deb plotted their assault on the home, she wondered what Deb would become if she didn''t get the Father''s letter soon.

    -----

    In Lindsey''s front foyer, Ethel and Rob lay on the cold hardwood floor, both unable to do much to stop Sarah. The two shared a look of desperation as they tried to wiggle and move.

    "Sarah''s Sloth," Ethel whispered hoarsely, her body weak and trembling. "I should''ve seen it coming, I should have sensed her. I should''ve been more prepared." She chastised herself for being so distracted by the exorcists that she lost focus.

    Rob, his chest still aching from Sarah''s boot, shook his head. "You couldn''t have stopped her or Boon. Honestly, if Zack and I had treated Boon better, maybe he wouldn''t have been so desperate for power that he would have turned to Sloth for it. All we can do now is try our best to save the ones we can."

    Ethel nodded, she could feel some sensation returning in her hands and knew that was all she needed. She extended her claws, hesitating for only a moment before digging them into her leg. The pain was intense, but she gritted her teeth and bore it, willing her body to heal and force the Familiar venom from her system. She knew Rob was right, they needed to save who they could instead of focusing on who they failed to save in the past.

    "It''s working, I can feel the venom being forced out," she whispered, her voice audible only to Rob. "We just need a few minutes of time." something both of them were unsure they had.

 Vol 2, Chapter 20: Caught

    Zack''s vision swam as he stirred on the cold hardwood floor of Lindsey''s living room, his head throbbing from when he hit the floor after being shot. As he blinked away the grogginess, he couldn''t hear Kenzie''s plea to help him anymore and wondered what Sarah had done to her while he was out. He looked up to see Sarah standing over him, she must have been waiting for him.

    "You heal faster than I expected," she began, "It''s amazing the power you get for making a deal with the devil isn''t it? You and I, we used to be nothing. Just two ordinary people destined to live boring ordinary lives. But now we have the power to take anything we want in life."

    Hauling himself to a sitting position, Zack rubbed his temples, his blue eyes scrutinizing her. "I didn''t have a choice, Gluttony chose for me just like you chose for Boon," he said.

    Sarah took a deep breath. "I gave Boon exactly what he wanted, endless power, it''s not my fault he didn''t ask for more details. And you did make the choice, Ethel could have killed Gluttony and you would be human and yet here we are." She paused, collecting herself. "You seem to think less of sins because we chose to be sins, but our only alternative was death. We chose to survive, that night at cheer practice I chose to survive."

    "And then you chose to kill." Zack spat.

    "Things are black and white to you, aren''t they? unfortunately for you, our world operates in shades of grey," Sarah continued, a haunted look crossing her face. "The Dean wanted to celebrate our progress that night and asked us to meet him for dinner. Tom, Nancy, Maria, William, Pete, and Mark all went pre-drinking and then drank even more at the dinner. I don''t even think they noticed I left early, I only lived a few blocks away."

    Zack felt a cold shiver run down his spine as he imagined what happened next.

    "They didn''t see me, Zack," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I remember feeling the car slam into me, and the feeling of the blood leaking from my head, I knew I was going to die. I could hear them talking, not about calling 911, no, about how to get rid of my body. They buried me in a shallow grave close to Grand River, even though I still had a pulse."

    Zack felt sick to his stomach, he still didn''t have the strength to fight. All he could do was listen, and question who the real monsters were in this story.

    "After I made my deal I tried to go to the dean," she added bitterly. "He warned me not to tell anyone, blaming me for drinking too much. He said dismantling the team was punishment enough and I was alive so no harm, no foul."

    "But what about Kenzie and Lindsey, they are completely innocent in all of this," Zack asked, trying to Sarah to see what her quest for revenge causing.

    "If it weren''t for you trying to stop me, they would have been fine," Sarah replied. "But I do have to thank you for something Zack, getting rid of Gluttony was a huge help. We sins tend to be very territorial so he wouldn''t have been very welcoming of my presence."

    Zack listened intently, confused by her words.

    "I could feel it when you sealed him away," Sarah continued, her voice steadier now, "A so I started with the dean, waiting until he was alone. With Gluttony gone and the exorcists weakened, it was the perfect moment to strike."

    For a moment, Zack sat in stunned silence, processing the gravity of her confession. "Sarah, I''m sorry... but killing isn''t the answer. You should have gone to the police to get justice."

    "Zack, you have no idea what it is like to die," she said coldly. "This is true justice."

    -----

    Just a few feet away in the front foyer Ethel still had your claws extended into her leg, the venom almost completely drained from her body. She could feel sensation returning to her legs and arms.

    "Damn it," she hissed through gritted teeth, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

    Just then, every light in the house went out, bathing the room in darkness. Ethel looked over at Rob, who also seemed concerned by the sudden unexplained power outage. Outside, headlights swept over the home as exorcists armed with automatic weapons surrounded the exits. They began firing through the windows, bullets shattering glass and sending shards flying.

    "Shit!" Sarah shouted, diving behind the couch and avoiding the hail of bullets. Zack also threw himself to the floor as the bullets zipped through the air above his head, cushion stuffing and shattered nick-nacks filled the air.

    A smoke grenade crashed through one of the broken windows, releasing thick plumes that filled the room and obscured their vision. Coughing and disoriented, Zack scrambled to his feet, hoping this distraction would let him find Kenzie and get her to safety.

    "Rob!" he called out, making his way through the fog until he saw his figure lying on the floor. Boon was nearby, his body beginning to vanish from view and Zack knew Sarah was activating him.

    "Zack, look out!" Rob warned, his eyes wide with fear.

    But Zack was already moving, narrowly avoiding Boon''s sharp claws as he grabbed Rob and hoisted him over his shoulder. "Where''s Ethel?" Zack asked as he raced up the stairs. He could feel the heat of Boon''s breath on his neck as they ran. The adrenaline coursed through his veins, as he tried to think of a place they could regroup.

    Finally, they reached Lindsey''s bedroom, and Zack let out a shaky breath as he placed a barrier between them and the Familiar, momentarily safe. He sat Rob down and untied him.

    "I don''t know where she is," Rob said as he massaged his wrists. "She healed herself and took off."

    "OK, stay here and stay safe. I''m going back for Kenzie and Lindsey." Zack instructed and Rob nodded in agreement. As Zack raced back down the stairs, he encountered Deb in the hall. Her dark eyes blazed with fury as she brandished a knife.

    "What are you doing here?" Zack asked even though he was pretty sure he already knew the answer.

    "Where are Sarah and Ethel?" Deb replied, ignoring his question. She couldn''t look Zack in the eye as she asked the questions.

    "I don''t know but listen Ken...," Zack began.

    "The exorcists can handle this, if you don''t know where they are then you are useless here. Go home before you get yourself killed," she warned her gaze finally meeting his. With one final glare, she turned and disappeared down the hallway, leaving Zack standing there, his heart pounding in his chest as he realized the exorcists were there too.

    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    ---

    Deb continued down the hall to the spare bedroom where Jessica waited by the door, her gun raised. Deb''s heat-vision goggles illuminated the otherwise dark space, revealing Boon''s hulking figure curled up on the wooden dresser against the far wall. Jessica''s whispered voice broke the silence, her words clipped and precise.

    "Stay low, and be ready."

    "Got it," Deb replied, her hand gripping the hilt of her knife tightly. She tried to push away the fear gnawing at the pit of her stomach, focusing instead on the task at hand ¨C eliminating Boon before he could kill again.

    As Jessica inched closer, Boon suddenly sprang from his perch, a snarl ripping through the air. Deb lunged forward, plunging her knife into the creature''s head. It pierced right between Boon''s eyes, but he barely seemed to notice, simply pulling it free and healing instantly. Deb could see the creature tilt its head as if deciding what to do with her through her goggles.

    "Run!" Jessica shouted, pushing Deb toward the door.

    Deb sprinted, unsheathing another knife and dousing it with holy water as she went. She could hear Boon thundering after her, the sound of his ragged breathing echoing through the hall. In the stairwell, Deb turned to let her dagger fly, her heart pounding in her ears. There was no sign of Boon anywhere, there was nothing but eerie silence in the hall.

    Then a scratching sound echoed down the halls and a growl filled the air. Deb turned her head to find Boon''s heat signature on the ceiling above her, she seized her chance, throwing the dagger and driving the holy-water-soaked blade into his chest. Boon merely snarled and grabbed her by the throat, his grip vice-like. Desperate, Deb managed to unsheathe yet another knife and plunged it into his side. But Boon was unfazed, hurling her down the stairs with a guttural roar.

    Deb''s world went black as she crashed to the floor, pain blossoming through her skull. She barely registered Sarah''s presence as she sauntered over, a twisted grin on her face.

    "Ah, Deb," Sarah crooned. "So nice of you to join us." Sarah''s claws began to extend.

    A sudden strong aura pulled Sarah''s attention away from Deb, who lay dazed and struggling for breath. Deb''s vision blurred as she watched Sarah stalk off, leaving her broken and vulnerable.

    Moments later, Jessica emerged from the smoke. Her face was a mask of concern as she swooped down to lift Deb into her arms, carrying her out of the house to safety.

    "Stay with me, Deb," Jessica urged, her voice urgent but gentle. "You''re going to make it. I''m not losing anyone else tonight."

    As darkness threatened to engulf her once more, Deb clung to Jessica''s words like a lifeline.

    -----

    With a determined grunt, Lindsey finally managed to pry the fixture loose, freeing herself from her handcuffs. As she rubbed her sore wrists, she noticed the door opening, ducking out of sight she watched as Rob entered. She hurried over to him, concern etched on her face.

    "Rob, are you alright?" Lindsey asked, her voice strained with worry.

    "Been better," Rob wheezed, pain and exhaustion evident in his voice. "But I''ll manage."

    Before Lindsey could say anything else Sarah slipped through the doorway with an ominous smile and a rifle. With a swift strike, she coldcocked Lindsey into unconsciousness.

    "Sorry, sweetheart," Sarah said, stepping over Lindsey''s limp form. "Can''t have you meddling any further." Sarah looked at Rob and raised the gun again, but a bullet ripped through the door and embedded herself in her back. Enraged Sarah turned and charged back through the door at her attacker.

    Outside smoke billowed out from the shattered windows, filling the night air. Pablo smiled to himself as he watched the chaos he had unleashed. He retrieved his silver pill case from his pocket, popping open the lid and swallowing the contents in one gulp. Licking the remnants from his hand. As if sensing an invisible presence, his gaze was drawn to the far end of the property.

    "Planning on coming out to play?" Pablo called, his voice laced with suspicion.

    But the figure remained silent, watching the chaos unfold within the home.

    Inside, Kenzie pleaded with Sarah, who had taken shelter from exorcist gunfire in the basement. "Please, let me see Zack. I need to know he''s okay."

    "You really don''t know anything," Sarah said with a dismissive wave. "You should be more worried about yourself." Sarah pulled a camera from her pocket and snapped a photo of Kenzie''s fear.

    No sooner had she spoken than Ethel broke through the door at the top of the stairs, her full demonic form casting an eerie glow. The Familiar followed close behind, snarling and snapping at her heels. The two supernatural beings clashed in a whirlwind of violence, as they tumbled down the staircase.

    The Familiar turned its attention to Kenzie, the unseen force moving in on its prey. But before it could reach her, Zack lept down the stairs, his eyes shifting to their dim pink color. Using his telekinesis, he yanked the creature away from Kenzie and sent it crashing into a shelf full of boxes.

    "Stay back, Kenzie," Zack warned, his voice tense and focused as he positioned himself between her and the Familiar.

    As Ethel recovered and re-engaged the Familiar, Zack turned to help Kenzie up. She recoiled in horror at the sight of him, her mind unable to understand the events unfolding in front of her.

    "Zack...what are you?" Kenzie whispered, tears streaming down her face.

    "I can explain it all to you," Zack replied, his voice trembling with emotion. "But right now, you need to get out of here before you get hurt."

    Kenzie nodded but still refused to take his hand. Zack guided her to the side of the door and she slipped through without a word. Her face still betrayed her fear of Zack and his power.

    Swallowing his pain, Zack turned back to help Ethel fight Boon, his heart pounding in his chest. As he rounded the corner Ethel and Boon were nowhere in sight, instead, Pablo was leaning laundry machine.

    "Zack," Pablo said coolly, as he approached. "Where is Ethel and the familiar."

    "They were just here," Zack retorted, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "What are you doing here? I thought I was supposed to handle things with Ethel and Boon. And if I did that then you would keep the people I love safe."

    Pablo took a deep breath, clearly annoyed. "Oh Zack, can you blame me for getting a little impatient? It''s been months and you still haven''t found out where Ethel and her covenant are hiding," Pablo said, his voice as cold and calculating as ever. "Unless of course, you have been protecting her this whole time."

    "Why would I do that? All I want to do is get my friends out of here in one piece." Zack retorted "Now if you''ll excuse me I am going to get Rob and Lindsey." As Zack hurried away, he failed to notice Ethel hidden beneath the stairs.

    -----

    Outside, Sarah raced through the backyard to the bridge that crossed the small ravine. With adrenaline pushing her forward, she sprinted toward her only path to freedom, her breath ragged and her legs burning. To her surprise, Pablo was already there as if he read her mind and moved with supernatural speed.

    "Wrath," Sarah breathed, relief washing over her as she saw Pablo''s aura shift to a deep indigo. "I knew you were clever, but this... truly impressive."

    "Silence!" Pablo snarled, his anger palpable. "You''ve been nothing but an embarrassment, nearly ruining everything for me. If you had killed Ethel tonight everything would have been over for me."

    Sarah fell silent, she could feel Wrath''s powerful aura suppressing her own. "I... We can fix this, I just need one more and I will be at full power."

    "Oh I am afraid that doesn''t work for me, but good news you will still help me in the end." Pablo made his intentions clear as he gestured toward the water. Sarah peered over the railing to find the swirling whirlpool beneath the bridge, it seemed endless even though the water was less than a foot deep, and she knew he intended to seal her way for another century.

    "Wait!" she cried, struggling against his iron grip. But it was futile; Pablo''s strength bested her easily, and with one final push, he sent her hurtling into the abyss. The whirlpool vanished the moment she slipped below the surface, leaving only the echoes of her screams behind.

    With a sinister grin, Pablo turned to the Familiar standing motionlessly by the edge of the bridge, placing a hand on his chest he burned his own mark into Boon. What Pablo didn''t realize was that Kyle lurked nearby, watching Wrath and the Familiar with keen interest.

    The echoes of Sarah''s screams were heard by Zack as he helped Rob and Lindsey out of the home, and somehow he knew she was gone, her aura vanishing from this plain of existence. As Ethel scrambled back to safety down a nearby ally, she also felt Sarah vanish, wondering who could be powerful enough to eliminate the sin.

    Back at Ethel''s apartment, John shot up in bed, waking Olivia and Kristian.

    "What''s wrong?" Olivia asked, still half asleep.

    "Didn''t you feel that?" John asked, still unsure of exactly what caused him to wake up.

    "Feel what, dude?" Kristian asked, annoyed that John had woken him up.

    "That weird feeling like something just vanished, but I don''t know what." John tried to explain.

    "Just go back to sleep, you aren''t making any sense," Kristian demanded, as he returned to his room. Olivia followed suit, leaving John alone in the living room to contemplate the weird sensation that woke him.

 Vol 2, Chapter 21: Therapy

    Rob clutched the stress ball in his hand, squeezing it with more force than he should. The once-blue sphere was now a pale, distorted shadow of its former self. It was early April, and a week had passed since Sarah vanished.

    "Did you know that thousands of people go missing in Canada every year?" Rob asked Ms. McLeod, Paulina had suggested they talk after seeing Rob''s stress level increase. He stared out the window as if searching for those lost souls himself. "Most of them are never found."

    Ms. McLeod leaned forward in her chair, her brow furrowed with concern. "And that is what scares you? Or is that fear Sarah will be one of those people that are never found?"

    He considered this for a moment. "It scares me that they have no leads. For the longest time, I thought I was the charge-into-action type when I was afraid but now I feel like I freezing up. I know it is a natural response and can actually be helpful to prevent being seen by a predator. But I can''t freeze up, not now."

    "Why can''t you let yourself freeze for a moment, like you said it is a natural response to being afraid." The counselor''s voice was gentle but probing. "Giving yourself a moment to collect yourself after experiencing such a traumatic event last week, is not a bad thing."

    Rob shook his head firmly. "Because she could still be out there, Sarah could be out there right now plotting her next move."

    "Right, isn''t there a special task force tracking her down?" Ms. McLeod continued, "I can tell you with full confidence that you will never have to worry about Sarah again, let the police worry about her and everything will work out."

    "How can you be so sure?" Rob hesitated, recalling the disturbing images. "Do you know what they found on Sarah''s computer? She''d photoshopped herself into a bunch of photos with Deb, making it look like they were holding hands or kissing. Based on all this, I think Sarah is insane enough to try to kill us again."

    "Have you talked to your friends about your concerns?" Ms. McLeod asked as she scribbled some notes down in her open book.

    "Actually, I haven''t talked to anyone much is we were attacked at Lindsey''s." He paused, remembering the recent events. "Zack has his own problems to worry about. Kenzie has been avoiding him entirely, he''s tried going to her room every night this week."

    "That must really hurt him?"

    "It does," Rob answered, rubbing his temples. "He just stands at her door asking her to talk to him, begging to explain. I don''t think she is ready to accept what happened in that house. The only other person I could talk to was Deb; she''s not speaking to anyone right now. It''s her choice though. The death of Father Bill hit her hard, and she has changed, she is colder now."

    "She has lost a lot this year in a very short time," Ms. McLeod said softly. "Perhaps what is best for her is giving her the space and time she needs to grieve before trying to reestablish your friendship."

    Rob nodded, his grip on the stress ball tightening once more. He peered out the window wondering if Deb would ever actually speak to them again.

    -----

    Deb sat in her car, the chilly air causing her breath to fog up the windows. As the condensation spread, she noticed faint words etched into the mist on the glass ¨C "12:00 PLEASE." A message from Zack. She quickly wiped away the moisture, erasing the plea along with it. She couldn''t bear to see Zack she felt so angry with him for protecting Ethel, for siding with the woman who killed Father Bill. Taking another breath she stepped out of the vehicle and made her way to the parish.

    Upon entering the church basement, Deb found Jessica hunched over a table, engrossed in studying a series of maps that covered Kitchener, Cambridge, and Waterloo. The maps were marked with a grid pattern, several squares bearing an X. Deb''s eyes zeroed in on one unmarked square at the very center of the map ¨C Lux Towers.

    "Have you found her?" Deb asked, her voice echoing in the dimly lit space.

    "Maybe," Jessica replied, not looking up from the maps. "But listen, Deb, we need to talk one on one. I have something I really need to share with you, it''s about Father Bill."

    "Not now, we need to focus on our mission," Deb muttered, her mind racing with thoughts of finally confronting Ethel face to face.

    Jessica didn''t say anything else, she knew Deb was still processing everything that had happened. But Jessica was worried, Deb had completely disconnected from her friends and spent every free moment with Pablo plotting the takedown of Ethel''s covenant.

    -----

    Back in therapy, Rob continued to squeeze his stress ball, as he discussed his other friends'' current states. " And I can''t talk to Boon, we have never actually been real friends," he confessed to Ms. McLeod. "That just leaves me with Ahmed, and after everything he has been through would it really be fair to drag him into any of this."

    "Maybe you two could actually bond over your shared experiences, talking to Ahmed could help you both process your trauma" Ms. McLeod suggested.

    "I guess," He shook his head. "Though coach has had us too busy to talk to anyone anyway. There is this basketball game for charity that he''s planned."

    Ms. McLeod nodded slowly, her gaze penetrating. She then turned the conversation to the charity basketball game. She hoped discussing a less stressful topic would allow Rob to destress a little.

    "But you must be looking forward to being back on the court?" she explained. "I know both you and Zack love the game." She paused, then steered the topic back to Rob. "You have worked hard to earn your place on that team."

    "Right but I haven''t been playing well," Rob began hesitantly, his fingers digging into the stress ball until it looked like it might burst. "I haven''t been sleeping well either. I''m jumpy all the time and I can''t shake this feeling that something terrible is about to happen."

    The counselor leaned forward, her eyes filled with concern. "It sounds like you''re experiencing hypervigilance, Rob. It''s a common symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder ¨C a persistent feeling of being under threat."

    "Under threat?" He scoffed, shaking his head. "It''s more than just a feeling. It''s my reality and I am too scared to do anything about it."

    "Ah," Ms. McLeod nodded, connecting the dots. "This takes us back to our earlier discussion about freezing up when under threat. Perhaps, as a metaphor, you should hide and freeze. It might give you more time to escape or get rescued."

    Rob scowled, unconvinced. "And what if they find me before I make my move? What if they get to my friends before I can think of a solution?"

    "All those thoughts are fair but they are just distractions. The longer you spend fighting them, the less time you will have to focus on your real problem," Ms. McLeod replied, quoting Winston Churchill. "If you''re going through hell, keep going."

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    -----

    Meanwhile, in Zack''s dorm room, he stepped out of his shower, steam billowing around him. He wrapped a towel around his waist and stepped out into the bedroom to the sound of a strange hissing noise.

    He held his breath as he scanned the room and found the Familiar''s aura clinging to the wall, its arm wrapped around Kenzie''s throat, suspending her above the floor. Pablo sat on Rob''s bed, smirking at Zack''s obvious distress.

    "I wouldn''t do anything stupid," Pablo chuckled as Zack flicked them out his claws in an instinctive response. "You and I need to have a little chat. You haven''t been answering my calls, so I thought a more direct approach was in order." He gestured to the Familiar. "I have been nothing but patient with you, now you are going to tell me exactly where Ethel is hiding."

    "Honesty I don''t know where she is," Zack replied as he struggled to maintain his composure, his eye never leaving Kenzie. "She always comes to me."

    "Is that so?" Pablo shrugged, his eyes cold and calculating. "Then I suggest you arrange another meeting, I would hate to have to take the life of this promising young woman."

    Zack looked over to Kenzie, who was starting to turn blue. "Ok, I will and I will let you know when and where it is happening. Just let her go!"

    Pablo looked deep into Zack''s eyes as if he were trying to read his mind. With a nod, Pablo and the Familiar left the room and Kenzie collapsed to the floor, trembling and gasping for breath. Her eyes wide with terror, she whispered, "I don''t understand what''s happening, Zack. What was that thing? And what have you gotten yourself into?" the terror was clear in her voice.

    "Kenzie, it''s complicated," Zack tried to explain, but she cut him off.

    "Please, just give Pablo whatever he wants," she begged, tears streaming down her face. "I can''t go through this again."

    Zack went to comfort her but she pulled back. He clenched his fists, feeling powerless. "I don''t know if I can," he whispered, deep down he knew turning over Ethel would be like signing her death warrant.

    -----

    The cold, moonlit forest seemed to come alive as Olivia and Kristian walked side by side, their breath visible in the crisp night air. They had come to enjoy their night hikes, the only time it was really safe for them to be outside on their own. Suddenly their sense were put on high alert, and they could feel it - an overwhelming, powerful aura that made the hairs on the back of their necks stand up.

    "Can you feel that?" Olivia whispered, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and curiosity. "Could that be the aura of another sin?"

    Kristian nodded, his gaze scanning the shadowy trees around them. "It''s so strong... Do you think it could be a whole other covenant?"

    "Maybe," she replied hesitantly, clutching her coat tighter. "We should head back and tell Ethel."

    At her apartment, Ethel sat at her kitchen table, buried in a pile of old books and scrolls when Olivia and Kristian burst through the door.

    "Ethel, we need to talk," Kristian announced, his voice filled with urgency.

    "OK," Ethel replied, looking up from her research. "What''s going on?"

    Olivia took a deep breath before explaining, "We were just in the woods for a walk, and we felt this incredibly powerful aura. We think it could be another sin or maybe even a whole new covenant."

    "Another covenant?" Ethel asked, raising an eyebrow. "That seems unlikely. But I''ll look into it. You two should stick together and stay close to home for now."

    Olivia and Kristian shot each other concerned looks. "Let us look into this new covenant," Kristian declared. "John is busy tracking the exorcists and you are working on the Familiar problem. Let us take care of this one."

    "Are you sure?" Ethel interjected, her face growing pale. "I mean are you really sure? It might not be what you think it is. Some Supremes can control and intensify their auras to make it seem like there are more vessels in their covenant. They do this to lure in lone vessels."

    "We''ll be careful" Olivia insisted, exchanging a glance with Kristian. Both of them were tired of being sidelined by Ethel.

    "Just don''t get too close," Ethel insisted, her voice wavering slightly. "Trust your vessel instincts and stay together."

    Olivia and Kristian nodded in agreement, excited by the chance to find others like them. They eagerly returned to the woods determined to discover the truth behind what they were sensing.

    No sooner had the door closed behind Olivia and Kristian, than a sudden gust of wind blew through Ethel''s living room. The pages of her open books fluttered wildly as Kyle appeared before her, his grey eyes cold and calculating.

    "You don''t call first?" Ethel spat, hurling a dull knife at him with frightening speed.

    In the blink of an eye, Kyle caught it just an inch from his throat, smirking triumphantly. "Now, now, Ethel," he chided. "Is that any way to greet the only other person who understands your loss?"

    Ethel glared at him, her fists clenched by her sides. "You have no right to be here, I believe that last time we talked you tried to kill me."

    "Fair point," Kyle conceded, "but I came to offer my help. You''re clearly struggling as a Supreme¡ªI mean only one of your vessels has unlocked their secondary ability, that''s just sad."

    "Did you forget you were the one who turned them into vessels," Ethel snarled, her anger barely contained. She knew Kyle was here to help out of the goodness of his heart.

    "Face it, Ethel," Kyle continued, his voice dripping with condescension. "You need me. As Gluttony, I can teach you more about power than you could ever imagine."

    In a flash of rage, Ethel lunged forward and punched him across the room, sending him crashing into a bookshelf. Books cascaded down around him as he struggled to regain his composure.

    "Fine," he grumbled, pushing himself up from the wreckage. "Have it your way. I will wait for you to come begging for my help, it is only a matter of time."

    With that, he vanished as quickly as he''d appeared, leaving Ethel seething in the silence of her home. She was surprised he didn''t try to kill her to take his power back, and then a thought crossed her mind. Was it possible that being resurrected drained his power even more?

    -----

    At Night School, John had tracked Zack down as he served shots to a birthday party. He could feel the rift developing in his covenant and knew he couldn''t talk about it with Ethel. Zack brought him back behind the bar to talk. "I don''t know what to do, Olivia and Kristian are talking about leaving Ethel and finding a new Supreme" he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck anxiously. "They are tired of hiding and they want me to go with them. I need your advice, Zack, because I trust you."

    "John," Zack said, his eyes filled with compassion. "I don''t know what the right answer is here. I honestly have no idea what I''m doing most of the time."

    "Still," John pressed on, "I feel like I''m being pulled in two different directions and I thought you of all people would know how that feels. I mean the draw to follow Gluttony was so strong but you still chose a different path." He hesitated for a moment before adding, "How did you know it was right for you?"

    Zack took a moment to think about it. "I''ll say this," he replied, deep in thought. "I stuck to my morals and my friends chose to help me. If we are a covenant it is because we choose to fight for the same goals. Before you make your choice you need to figure out what your beliefs are." John thought talking to Zack would help him decide but instead, it just left him with more questions.

    -----

    That Saturday the sound of sneakers squeaking against the polished gym floor echoed down the empty hallway, mingling with the distant whispers of fans and donors awaiting the upcoming basketball game. Zack ran some drills while keeping his eye out for Boon, he wasn''t sure if Boon would even show up to the game since he missed most of the practices. But with Pablo seated in the audience, he was sure that if Boon did show up he way try to attack Kristian.

    As Boon came out of the changing room late, Leona caught him in the hallway, "Boon!" Leona shouted, her voice tinged with concern and frustration. "Where the hell have you been? Have you heard about Sarah, can you believe what they are saying about her?"

    From his blank stare, Boon''s muffled reply came: "Sorry, I just...I''m just not feeling like myself recently."

    "Clearly," Leona said, exasperated. "We should be going through this together, it''s dangerous to isolate yourself when shit like this happens. What''s going on?"

    "Leona, listen," Boon said, his voice strained. "You need to stay away from me tonight. Something''s not right, and I don''t want you getting hurt."

    "Boon, you''re scaring me," Leona replied, her eyes widening in alarm. "What are you talking about?"

    "Promise me, Leona," Boon insisted, his emerald eyes intense and imploring. "If I run towards the audience during the game, you run the other way¡ªfast."

    "Boon, that''s crazy talk!" Leona protested. "Why would you even say something like that?"

    "Please, just promise me," Boon whispered, his fingers gripping the doorframe tightly. "I can''t explain it right now, but...just trust me on this."

    Leona hesitated for a moment, her gaze darting between Boon''s desperate expression and the gym beyond. Finally, she let out a shaky breath and nodded. "Alright, Boon...I promise."

    "Thank you," Boon said, some of the tension leaving his face as Leona''s words registered. He gave her a weak smile before staggering down the hallway and onto the court.

    Zack noticed Boon the moment he entered the gym, running a hand through his short blonde hair as he considered his options. Right now there was no sign of Kristian or any of Ethel''s covenant. Would Pablo still try something if none of his intended targets were at the game? How could he break Pablo''s control over Boon before he forces Boon to kill again?

    "Think, Zack, think," he muttered under his breath, his blue eyes scanning the crowd as if they were going to shout out the answer. He needed to save Boon before someone else used him as a weapon.

 Vol 2, Chapter 22: Line in the Sand

    The stench of sweat and anticipation hung heavy in the hallway as the team gathered for one final pep talk from their coach before the game. Kenzie pushed her way through the suited team members, searching for Zack.

    "Clear eyes, full hearts, can''t lose!" Coach Reynolds bellowed, reciting his favorite speech from the film Friday Night Lights with all the conviction of a true believer. He paced back and forth in front of the team, his face beet-red with passion as he explained why it was the best sports movie ever made.

    Rob caught Kenzie as she pushed past him, explaining the significance of the speech. "He does this every game," he whispered, smirking. "The man worships this movie."

    As the coach concluded his speech, the players erupted into cheers and applause. It was then that Pablo sauntered up to Coach Reynolds, his predatory gaze scanning the team. Kenzie instinctively shrunk back behind Rob, her heart pounding in her chest. Pablo sneered at the enthusiastic scene before him.

    "Winning isn''t enough, boys. I want you to kill them out there. Never show the enemy mercy," he commanded, his voice cold and menacing.

    "Right but be sure to have fun out there too," the coach interjected, trying to maintain authority in the face of Pablo''s chilling presence. "Except for you Zack" The coach points at him from his perch, "You''re benched. If you pass those exams, maybe we''ll see you on the court next year."

    -----

    Meanwhile, at the remains of Kyle''s old home, Ethel stood scanning the area, she still didn''t know how he escaped the prison they had made for him. As she stepped through the threshold of the home, she could feel Gluttony''s weakened aura. She stepped into the kitchen to find Kyle leaning over the charred island as if he had been waiting for her.

    "That took longer than expected, Ethel," he taunted, as he crossed the room toward her. "I suppose you are trying to put it all together? Trying to figure out how I made my daring escape."

    Ethel gritted her teeth, her anger flaring. "Shut up, we both know you couldn''t have done it on your own!" she snapped, her voice cracking with the weight of her own doubt.

    "Does it really matter now?" Kyle pressed on, his eyes boring into hers. "I''m free and I''ve hidden the stone so I am not going back. I offer still stand though, I am more than willing to join your covenant and share all my knowledge of sins with you."

    Ethel knew that in his weakened state Kyle wasn''t a threat to her, she also knew that he had a scheme and was most likely trying to use her to complete it. Maybe, she thought she could use that to her advantage.

    -----

    The gymnasium erupted with anticipation as the players took their positions on the court. The atmosphere was electric, and Zack could feel the weight of Pablo''s ultimatum pressing down on him as he sat on the bench beside Rob. He tried to focus on the game, but his mind kept wandering back to how he could protect everyone from Pablo''s vengeful game.

    "Hey," Rob nudged him gently. "You alright, man?"

    Zack sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I just... I feel so helpless, you know? After what happened with Lindsey and Sarah, I can''t shake the feeling that we''re losing our grip on this whole situation."

    Rob nodded solemnly, his eyes clouded with concern. "Yeah, I get it. I''m beginning to think we are trying to play checkers in a game of three-dimensional chess."

    "Right," Zack agreed, his mind wandering back to how he could save Kenzie without giving up Ethel.

    "Alright, listen up!" Coach Reynolds barked, calling their attention. "Gorth, you''re out. Harris, you''re in." He pointed at Rob, who looked shocked.

    "Why?" Rob stammered.

    "Because Gorth sucks, and you suck slightly less," the coach replied bluntly. "Now get out there and don''t totally screw this up for us!"

    As Rob jogged onto the court, the crowd cheered wildly. Among them, Lindsey and Kenzie were jumping up and down, shouting words of encouragement. Their excitement brought a small smile to Zack''s face, but it quickly faded when he noticed Pablo sitting on the bleachers, his eyes locked on him. His phone buzzed with Pablo''s call.

    "Tick-tock, Dawson," Pablo whispered, his voice barely audible yet somehow reaching Zack''s ears. "My patience is wearing thin, I wonder how many people Boon could kill at this game before you stop him. If only Ethel had come tonight, maybe this tragedy could have been avoided."

    "Leave innocent people out of this," Zack muttered under his breath, clenching his fist.

    "I wonder who to start with?" Pablo replied coldly. "The redhead, the cop, and or perhaps our new arrival." He glanced over at Ahmed, who had taken a seat next to Kenzie in the stands. "Oh, and let''s not forget your ridiculous Coach Reynolds. You have until the end of the game to get Ethel and her covenant here or someone is going to die."

    Zack felt fury boiling inside him as he watched Rob dribble the ball down the court, his every move fueled by determination. Zack knew he couldn''t give up Ethel, but the thought of putting his friends in danger was unbearable. His mind raced, frantically searching for a solution.

    "Come on, Zack," he muttered to himself, his eyes darting between Pablo and his friends. "Think. There has to be a way out of this."

    -----

    In the shadowy woods, Deb, Jessica, and another exorcist moved with purpose, their flashlights cutting through the darkness as they set up trip-wire traps. They stopped every so often to place synthetic aura devices along the forest floor, hidden from view.

    "Remember," Jessica instructed, her voice low and steady, "these devices will draw the vessels in but they aren''t stupid, they will figure out they have been tricked once they get here."

    "Right," Deb replied, eyes narrowed as she surveyed their handiwork. "We''ll have to make our move quickly then. There is some good coverage over there, they won''t see us coming." She smirked, confidence brimming in her every move.

    Unbeknownst to the exorcists, Kristian and Olivia crouched behind a cluster of trees, their breaths shallow and hearts pounding. They had been tracking the strange auras in the woods for days and knew they knew the truth behind it. They knew they were in trouble, the slightest motion could alert the exorcists of their location. The pair exchanged anxious looks, their eyes wide with terror.

    "Wh-what do we do? If they find us we''re dead," Olivia whispered, her voice trembling.

    "Stay quiet and stay down," Kristian advised, his own uncertainty masked by a firm tone. "We have to wait for the right time to make our move."

    -----

    Meanwhile, Ethel had Kyle by the throat. Sweat glistened on her face, as she tried to decide what to do with him. Kyle''s gaze flickered between determination and vulnerability as he spoke.

    "Look at me, Ethel," he implored, as he gasped for air. "I''m too weak to challenge you. My resurrection came at a price."

    Ethel regarded him warily, her eyes narrowing as she weighed his words.

    "Even so," she countered, "why should I trust you? What do you get out of all of this?"

    "I get protection," Kyle insisted, his voice taking on a note of desperation, "we need each other. I need a covenant to protect me from my enemies, and you need someone who knows who is really pulling Boon''s strings."

    "I already know who is in control of Boon," Ethel scoffed, strengthening her grip. "I''ll find Sarah and finish her off when I do."

    "You can''t seriously be that stupid?" Kyle challenged, arching an eyebrow. "You felt it, didn''t you? The sensation of a mass darkness leaving the Earth, the feeling of a sin dying. Sarah isn''t your problem, not anymore. But I know who is."

    Ethel hesitated, the truth of his words sinking in like a stone to the pit of her stomach. Her silence spoke volumes, and Kyle seized the opportunity.

    "Join forces with me," he urged, his voice softening. "Let me help you ensure the safety of your covenant, and if it happens to ensure my safety as well then that is a bonus."

    -----

    Rob''s heart thundered in his chest as he dribbled the ball down the court, sweat pouring down his face. His teammates darted around him, their sneakers squeaking against the polished floor. The opposing team closed in like a pack of wolves, and Rob''s grip on the ball faltered. Once again, it was snatched from his grasp, sending a wave of groans through the crowd.

    "Come on, Rob!" Zack called out from the sidelines, clapping his hands together encouragingly. "Focus!"

    But focus seemed impossible for Rob, who felt more like a clown than an athlete. Every movement was clumsy, every decision a misstep. The scoreboard loomed above them, a glaring reminder they were losing: 14-6.

    A figure slipped into the gym unnoticed, his eyes scanning the chaos. It was John, in search of Zack once again. Pablo traced his movements as he made his way over to the bench.

    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    "Hey," Zack whispered to John as John sat down behind him. "It''s not safe for you to be here right now."

    "We have to talk, Olivia and Kristian still haven''t come back tonight and I can''t find Ethel," John explained, worry in his eyes.

    "Ok, but Pablo is here and he wants you dead," Zack explained. "You need to leave now, I''ll meet you at my place after the game. We will them don''t worry."

    "OK," John agreed, getting up and making his way out of the gym. Zack watched him go before the sound of someone calling out in pain drew his attention back to the court.

    The gym echoed with the sharp sound of a whistle as coaches rushed over the dangled-up boys on the court. Two players were taken out, leaving gaping holes in the lineup. The coach''s eyes narrowed as he assessed his remaining options. Then, without much choice, he beckoned Zack to join the game.

    "Get in there, Dawson. We need you." The coach instructed. As Zack stepped onto the court, he realized Boon was nowhere to be found.

    John had made his way to the dark parking lot, and then an unseen force tackled him to the ground, delivering a small bite that left him partially paralyzed. John tried to pull himself along the gravel to his car but two exorcists flanked him on either side. They lifted him to his feet and guided him back into the building.

    -----

    Kristian and Olivia had stumbled into a trap of their own, they sprinted through the underbrush as they attempted to outrun the exorcists. But in their haste, they didn''t see Deb perched up in the trees. She leaped out of hiding and with a swift motion, she threw a blade at Olivia, sinking it into her leg. Olivia screamed before collapsing to the forest floor in pain.

    "Run, Kristian!" Olivia cried, clutching her wound and gritting her teeth. "Just go!"

    Kristian hesitated, his heart heavy with fear and loyalty. But ultimately, he dashed away, leaving Olivia behind. As Deb advanced on her prey, knife at the ready, Kristian burst through the trees just in time to catch her arm.

    "Stop!" he growled, Deb dropped the knife to her free hand and sunk it into Kristian''s side. He released her arm letting out a cry of pain.

    Deb grinned wickedly, preparing to throw another knife at the injured boy. But before she could, Jessica appeared, shooting the blade from her hand. This unexpected interference left both Kristian and Olivia confused as they gasped for breath.

    "What was that for?" Deb said flippantly, her eyes narrowing at Jessica.

    "What the hell do you think you''re doing?" Jessica shot back. "You nearly killed them! That''s not how we operate."

    "Because the way we operate saves lives?" Deb retorted, her voice dripping with defiance. "Why don''t you tell that to Father Bill, things always turn out so well when you follow the rules."

    "Deb, you don''t know what you are talking about." Jessica started.

    Rolling her eyes, she held up a hand silencing Jessica, and dialed Pablo''s number, leaving him a voicemail message. "Pablo," she began, smirking, "I''ve caught two of Ethel''s vessels, I am sure she will come to save them."

    -----

    The whistle blew, signaling halftime as Zack stepped off the court. Kenzie raced towards him, her eyes wide with concern. "I need to talk to you," she whispered urgently.

    "Kenzie, you need to leave," Zack warned, his voice tense. But she shook her head stubbornly.

    "I''m sorry, I let fear cloud my judgment," she said, determination in her deep blue eyes. "I may not understand everything that is going on but I know you, I know you are trying to help everyone and are willing to put your life on the line for them. I just want to let you know that I have been thinking about everything and I don''t want to live my life in fear, so if I can help in any way to get rid of that monster, you let me know."

    For the first time in a long time, Zack felt a little lighter hearing Kenzie''s words. "Thank you, after this game I am going to tell you everything." He promised her but as he looked past her, he noticed that Pablo was no longer watching the game from the sidelines. Instead, he could sense an aura of fear coming from the direction of the changing rooms, then he realized it was John''s aura.

    "I have to go take care of something," Zack said to Kenzie stepping away. "Just meet me after the game, and thank you for forgiving me." He turned and raced toward the locker room.

    -----

    In the locker room, John was crawling helplessly along the floor, trying to escape the looming threat of Pablo and two other exorcists. Pablo held a small blade, taunting the injured boy. "Just one more and I will have the whole set," he sneered, aiming the blade at John.

    John managed to use the sink for support as he staggered to his feet. Pablo prepared to strike when a smile crossed John''s face. The exorcist''s eyes widened in surprise when he saw Zack''s reflection in the mirror, pink eyes glowing with power.

    "Our deals off," Zack informed him, his voice cold.

    "Ah, so the hero in you finally wins out," Pablo laughed, but there was an edge of uncertainty in his voice.

    "I won''t help you kill anyone, so let him go!" Zack demanded, his eyes never leaving the exorcist''s face.

    "Or what?" Pablo challenged, tightening his grip on the dagger. "You''ll kill me? You don''t have it in you."

    "Maybe not," Zack admitted, he knew Pablo had him pegged. "But I don''t have to kill you to teach you a lesson."

    "You are such a waste of potential," Pablo sighed, turning to face Zack. "The saddest part is it never mattered what you did, in the end, I was always going to come out on top."

    "We''ll just see about that," Zack replied, taking a deep breath and summoning all the courage he could muster. "I''m done talking." extending his arms sent out a blast of telekinetic energy that sent the two exorcists flying into the lockers behind them. Their bodies crumbled to the floor and Pablo sensed a shift in Zack''s power, causing his confidence to waver.

    -----

    The gymnasium echoed with the cheers and chanting of the spectators as it entered the fourth quarter. The game was close now, but one person was missing that could ensure their victory: Zack Dawson. Coach Reynolds paced the sidelines, his brow furrowed in frustration as he scanned the crowd for any sign of his star player.

    "Where is that boy?" he muttered under his breath, clenching his clipboard until his knuckles turned white.

    Meanwhile, on the court, the ball shot through the air like a cannonball, ricocheting off the backboard in a dizzying display of confusion. As if by some stroke of luck or divine intervention, it rolled directly to Rob''s feet. His eyes widened as he realized that, somehow, all the other players had lost track of the ball.

    "Go, Rob! Go!" screamed the throng of spectators in the stands.

    In an instant, adrenaline coursed through Rob''s veins, propelling him into action. He scooped up the ball and stutter-stepped toward the basket as if on autopilot. As he neared his goal, he stopped short, staring down the opposing team''s defense, who seemed equally stunned by the turn of events.

    "Come on, Rob!" shouted Kenzie from the sideline, her face flushed with excitement.

    With a deep breath and a silent prayer, Rob let the ball fly ¨C and watched in amazement as it sailed past the defenders and straight into the net. The crowd erupted into cheers, drowning out everything else.

    "Rob, you did it!" yelled Lindsey, jumping to her feet in the stands. the whole crowd erupted in cheers and Rob stood in the key, clearly still in shock that he actually scored the basket that put their team in the lead.

    The applause could be heard from the locker room where a chaotic battle between Zack and the exorcists was taking place. The duo had gotten back up and shot at Zack, who narrowly dodged their gunfire. With a surge of telekinetic force, Zack flung larger of the pair into a row of lockers, before twisting the metal around them to ensure they wouldn''t be getting back up. He then sent the other slender man flying across the room, smashing through a bench before hitting the ground in a heap. As he turned to face Pablo, he discovered the cunning exorcist had vanished without a trace.

    "Damn you, Pablo," Zack muttered under his breath, as he raced to John''s side. He let John use him for support as they left the locker room before anyone could blame the mess on them.

    ----

    "I''m glad you could see reason," Kyle said, now free from Ethel''s death grip. "Pablo is winning because your covenant isn''t strong enough and now he controls Boon too."

    "But how?" Ethel scoffed, crossing her arms defensively. "I mean with Sloth gone shouldn''t Boon have reverted to being human?"

    "You don''t know anything about Familiars do you?" Kyle almost laughed. "There''s a myth ¨C an old legend ¨C that says you can only cure a Familiar if you can get it to see its true self. They don''t operate by vessel rules. Boon''s identity is buried beneath the Familiar, but he could be brought back if someone can remind him of who he really is."

    "So until that happens Boon will what? Just keep getting passed between masters forever?" Ethel retorted skeptically, raising an eyebrow. "I don''t know if you noticed this but Boon has never let anyone get close enough to know who he really is."

    "Ah, but that''s where you''re wrong," Kyle countered, leaning in closer. "He has one person who would never give up on him ¨C a deep connection that you could use to save him. Trust me, Ethel. We can end this Familiar problem."

    "Even if that were true," Ethel began, uncertainty creeping into her voice, "How do I know this isn''t just a ploy so you can take control of Boon next?"

    "Honestly I''m offended, I would never stoop to using a Familiar," Kyle replied softly, his gaze never wavering, "Even a sin has standards. Those creatures are knocking on death''s doors, and they make for truly terrible conversation."

    "Alright you can join my covenant," she whispered, steeling herself for the battle ahead. "But if you try anything at all, I''ll kill you on the spot."

    "I wouldn''t expect anything less from you," Kyle said with a grin.

    -----

    Back at the game, Rob dribbled the ball across the court, his eyes locked on the prize. The game had reached its final minutes, and Rob was determined to make one final basket. With a burst of speed, he charged toward the basket, on a high from his previous success. He leaped into the air, releasing the ball just as a towering defender lunged at him. The ball soared through the air, spinning gracefully before it sank through the hoop, adding another two points to their score.

    "54 to 48, University of Waterloo!" the announcer shouted, his voice booming through the gymnasium. The crowd roared in approval, their cheers deafening. As Rob landed back on the court, he caught sight of Ahmed in the stands, smiling and cheering for him. He could feel himself blush, knowing that his crush was there to witness his best game ever.

    After making sure John was safe, Zack returned to the court, his eyes scanning the scene for any sign of danger. Boon stood away from the rest of the team, as they hoisted Rob into the air in celebration. Zack watched the sheer joy on Rob''s face as everyone chanted his name.

    Suddenly, the lights went out, plunging the gymnasium into darkness. Screams pierced the air, followed by the sound of panicked footsteps and terrified whispers. "Shit, what''s happening?" Zack swore, fear tightening his throat.

    "Someone''s hurt!" a voice rang out from somewhere nearby. "We need help!"

    Just as abruptly as they had gone out, the lights flickered back on, revealing the extent of the chaos. People were frozen in place, their faces pale with fear. A large crowd had gathered around something at the far side of the court and Zack''s heart sank with the thought of Pablo having made good on his threat. He pushed his way through the crowd to discover Boon. His eyes had turned a cloudy white, and there were fang marks deep in his neck as if a venomous snake had bitten him.

    "Boon!" Ahmed cried out, rushing to his friend''s side. Kenzie was already there, trying to coax a response from the injured boy, her eyes filled with concern. "He''s not responding," she said, her voice shaking. "Someone call 911. We need to get him to a hospital, now!"

    "Ahmed, call an ambulance!" Zack ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. Ahmed snapped out of his fear spiral and dug his phone out of his pocket to make the call. Kenzie worked to clear the panicked crowd away from Boon, creating enough space for medical help to arrive. She felt for a pulse, finding it weakly beating beneath her fingertips.

    "Zack, look at this," John called out, motioning for Zack to join him by the trash can. Zack made his way over and noticed the two syringes at the top of the trash.

    Both he and John could sense Pablo''s aura on them, leaving them with little doubt as to who was responsible. "What do you think was in these?"

    "Whatever it is, it''s bad news for Boon," John muttered grimly.

    "But it doesn''t make sense, why would Pablo attack Boon? Boon was under his control. Before John could answer a familiar voice calling out drew their attention.

    "Rob! Where''s Rob?" Linsey shouted, running onto the court with panic in her eyes. Her gaze swept across the chaos as she searched for her missing friend, fear gnawing at her insides.

    "Rob!" Zack looked over to John. The realization that something terrible might have happened to him too filled them with cold dread, as Zack realized Boon may have only been a distraction.

 Vol 2, Chapter 23: Drafted

    The excitement from the charity basketball game had completely subsided as Boon lay perfectly still in the back of an ambulance, his eyes fogged over and unresponsive. His skin had become almost translucent, giving him the appearance of shedding his skin. Kenzie stood by the EMTs, her eyes filled with concern as she watched them work.

    "Thanks for your help," one of the EMTs said to Kenzie, wiping sweat from his brow. "We''ll load him up and take it from here."

    "Actually, I''d like to ride with you to the hospital," Kenzie insisted, her voice firm but trembling slightly. "I''m a nurse and know about the patient''s medical history." The EMT nodded along, clearly not expecting her request. Without another word, he helped her into the ambulance, and they sped away from the basketball court, sirens wailing into the dusk. As the crowd looked on, Zack worried about Rob''s disappearance and whether Boon would live or not.

    -----

    Meanwhile, Rob found himself being manhandled down the steps of the parish basement by a large man with a pencil mustache, whose grip on his arm was vice-like. As they descended into darkness, Rob could hear other exorcist making their way through the facility as if it were just another day. The man forced him through a small door at the end of the hall, with a flick of the light everything came into focus, Rob gasped when saw who else was a prisoner.

    Kristian and Olivia were trussed up and hanging from a support beam by a tangle of electrical wire. Black Gaffer''s tape covered their mouths, their eyes wide with fear as they looked down at Rob. The man remained silent and placed himself between Rob and the door, ensuring there was no escape.

    "Nice bit of interior decorating you''ve got going on here," Rob quipped, trying to mask his horror with sarcasm. He knew he needed to keep his wits about him if he was going to find a way out of this situation.

    "Shut up kid." The exorcist''s voice was icy and emotionless.

    "Look," Rob began, trying to buy some time while he scanned the room for a weapon, "I have been captured by a literal sin, your little hostage operation here isn''t exactly impressive."

    "You aren''t a hostage," the exorcist replied coldly. "Pablo has requested a meeting with you."

    Surprise surged through Rob as he stared at the exorcist, he knew about Zack''s deal with Pablo to keep them safe, something must have changed. He couldn''t let fear paralyze him; he needed to figure out exactly what Pablo''s plan was.

    "Well, where is he then?" Rob asked, his voice wavering only slightly. "Seems rude of the host to be late."

    The exorcist regarded him with a mixture of surprise and mild amusement before breaking into a cruel smile. "He said you were the talkative one," he mused. "He will be here shortly." All Rob could do was wait to get his answers.

    -----

    The dimly lit gymnasium seemed to shrink around Lindsey as she paced back and forth, her mind racing with worry. The cheers from the game had long since faded and no one she interviewed seemed to know where Rob had gone off to. She couldn''t shake the nagging feeling that something terrible had happened to him.

    "Zack, John," she called out as she entered the locker room, finding them sitting on the bench in front of their lockers. "Have you heard from Rob? I''ve been trying to reach him and nobody seems to know where he went."

    "Relax, Lindsey," Zack reassured her with a small smile as he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Rob''s probably just freaked out by all the attention after he scored that winning basket. He''s probably already back at the dorm freaking out."

    "Maybe, but..." Lindsey hesitated, biting her lip. "He always answers my calls? And with the attack on Boon, I can''t help but think Rob''s disappearance could be related. I don''t know how many times I told him to stay away from all those crime scenes and now who knows what he has gotten himself into."

    "Look, we''ll try calling and emailing Rob again," John offered, his eyes meeting Lindsey''s worried gaze. "You know Rob, if he is in trouble he will find a way to talk himself out of it. He''ll be ok, we''ll track him down."

    "Alright," Lindsey sighed, her shoulders sagging slightly. "But please, let me know if you hear anything from him."

    "Of course," Zack agreed, giving her a reassuring nod.

    As Lindsey left the locker room, Coach Reynolds approached Zack, his usually gruff demeanour softening. "I need you on the court, Dawson," he said, his voice heavy with emotion. "You know I yell a lot, but it''s only because I care. I don''t hate any of you guys ¨C well, except Eric, because... he''s Eric." He chuckled dryly before continuing, "Improve your grades, kid. Next season will be a bust without you."

    Zack nodded, he knew he had let things slip this year but he promised himself he would do better. "I will, Coach. I promise."

    Once the locker room had emptied, Zack approached Rob''s locker, determination written across his face. With a swift movement, he ripped the door off its hinges, revealing the contents inside. "John," he called out, holding up one of Rob''s shirts. "We''re going to track him by aura. Grab a shoe or something."

    "Got it," John said, grabbing a worn-out shoe from the bottom of the locker. They began to focus in on Rob''s aura until a stronger darker aura filled the room

    Both John and Zack''s gaze were drawn to the doorway as Ethel and Kyle appeared, the pair seemed chummy as they entered. Surprise flickered across Zack''s face as he stared at Kyle, his mind taking him back to the night they sealed Gluttony away.

    "How the hell did you get out?" Zack remarked cautiously, eyes narrowing.

    "What can I say, I am full of surprises," Kyle replied with a smirk. Zack prepared for a standoff with the sin, his claws slowly extended as the sin watched with a smirk.

    -----

    In the dark and damp parish basement, Rob wandered over to Olivia and reached out a hand toward her, only to receive a sharp shock that sent him stumbling backward. Pablo entered the room, watching Rob fall to the floor, "And here I was thinking you were the smart one. Those wires aren''t just for show, they are keeping them from using their abilities. I am halfway to wiping out the covenant responsible for Abby''s death, unfortunately, these two are hardwired not to turn on their Supreme. They aren''t like us, they can''t see reason."

    Rob bristled, anger flaring within him. "And the reason for kidnapping me would be?" he spat, defiance burning in his dark brown eyes. "Zack will never help you now. And before you go saying he will have to or he will never see me again, he will find no matter what you do to me. He would find me even if you buried me six feet under in a lead-lined box, at the North Pole."

    "An interesting picture you paint," Pablo mused as he crossed his arms over his chest, his expression unreadable. "But once again you are jumping to conclusions. I have every intention of letting you go, you''re not a disgusting monster like them."

    "Then what do you want from me?" Rob asked, desperation seeping into his voice. "You brought me here for something,"

    "I just need you to send a message for me." With a cold laugh, Pablo delivered a powerful backhand across Rob''s face, followed by a series of brutal punches. As Rob''s vision blurred and pain overwhelmed him, the last thing he saw before slipping into unconsciousness was Pablo''s cold, satisfied smirk.

    -----

    Zack kept his eyes locked on Kyle as if she were about to launch a full-scale attack on him. His thoughts were stormy with suspicion as he wondered if Ethel had somehow let him out of his otherworldly prison.

    "I am going to need an explanation here," he said, his voice low and tense. "How did he get out? And are you with him, Ethel what is happening here?"

    Ethel hesitated, her eyes flicking towards Kyle for a moment before returning to Zack. "I don''t know how he did it Zack but we don''t have time to figure it out now," she deflected, her voice betraying a hint of unease. "What matters is that Kyle knows how to turn Boon human again."

    "So hold up," John interjected, unable to contain his anger any longer. "We are just going to trust the psychopath who held me captive for months?"

    Ethel looked at her vessel, trying to show him some empathy, "We don''t really have a choice."

    -----

    At the St. Jerome''s Dorm, Jessica arrived in Deb''s room and found her talking to Pablo. He had been watching over Deb like a hawk ever since Father Bill''s death and Jessica was beginning to suspect why. But she wasn''t there for that, she had heard about the basketball game and had done a little investigating of her own.

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    "Boon," she snapped, her voice dripping with venom. "What did you do to him?" she tossed one of the empty syringes on the floor in front of them.

    Pablo smirked, unfazed by Jessica''s fury. "I don''t know what you''re talking about. What''s with the syringe?"

    "Don''t try to play dumb with me," Jessica demanded, she needed Deb to hear this. "This syringe comes from the school nursing program, I looked into it and a case went missing from the shipment after you signed for it."

    "You can''t be serious," Deb muttered, her expression darkening. "You''re accusing Pablo of being a killer? You seem so eager to accuse him but when it comes to real murders like Ethel, all you do is talk about being sure she deserves death." She paused, narrowing her eyes at Jessica. "How can you call yourself an exorcist."

    "He''s just manipulating you, don''t you see that. Once Ethel and her covenant are gone who do you think he will target next? He will go after Zack, he''s just like Abby was," Jessica insisted, her words laced with sincerity.

    "Since when have you cared about what happens to Zack? you spent all winter threatening his life," Deb''s response was cold, delivered with no emotion.

    "Deb, I was trying to protect you both," Jessica implored, desperation creeping into her voice. "Don''t you see what you''ll become if you continue to follow Pablo?"

    "I''ll become stronger," Deb answered, turning away. "Get out of my room. And don''t forget you owe me a new knife."

    "Fine," Jessica agreed, picking up her knives and tossing them out the window in frustration. "Now I owe you a whole new set."

    -----

    Kenzie stared at the translucent coating that seemed to envelop Jackson''s body, her heart pounding in her chest. The ICU was cold and sterile, the only sounds being the steady beeping of monitors and the faint hum of fluorescent lights overhead.

    "Here goes nothing," she muttered, steeling herself as she gently pressed her fingertips against the slick, viscous film. It felt simultaneously slimy and solid, like some bizarre combination of gelatin and syrup.

    "Ugh," she grimaced, quickly withdrawing her hand and wiping it on her jeans. "What is this stuff?"

    Just then, she heard the distant sound of Lindsey''s voice coming from down the hall, sounding both frantic and irritated. Kenzie strained to listen, trying to make out the words.

    "And you''re sure you haven''t found any John Does...," Lindsey asked at the nurses station, as she paced in front of it.

    As if summoned by her words, Rob staggered up behind her, his face battered and bruised. A large red welt crossed his cheek and a split lip marred his usually calm expression.

    "Ask and you shall receive," he said weakly, wincing as he spoke.

    "Rob!" Lindsey cried, rushing to his side. "What happened? Who did this to you?"

    "So jerks from the other team," he admitted reluctantly. "I kind of mouthed off about how much better I was than them and they didn''t take it well."

    Lindsey''s eyes flashed with fury. "Give me descriptions. I''ll go to the University and pistol whip them myself!"

    "Easy there, cowgirl," Rob interjected, managing a slight smile despite the pain. "It was my fault. I shouldn''t have provoked them."

    "Still," Lindsey fumed, softening her stance as she wrapped her arms around him. "You don''t deserve this."

    "Thanks," Rob said, returning the embrace. "All I really want to do is go home. Could you drive me?"

    "Of course," Lindsey agreed, her anger momentarily forgotten.

    -----

    Zack and the others had moved to Ethel''s apartment in the meantime, Kyle was hunched over his laptop, fingers flying across the keyboard as he delved into the vast digital repository of supernatural knowledge he had amassed as Gluttony. Ethel, Zack, and John watched a few feet away, none of them fully trusting the man.

    The sudden ringtone of Zack''s phone shattered the tense silence. He hastily answered, recognizing Kenzie''s number.

    "Kenzie? What''s wrong?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

    "Boon... he''s not slimy anymore, More scaley like he is going to shed his skin," she stammered, her voice thick with fear. "You need to come see this."

    "Okay," Zack agreed, his heart racing. "John and I will be right there."

    "I''ll stay here with Kyle and make sure he keeps up his end of the deal," Ethel said, her eyes locked on Kyle as he continued his search for answers. "You too need to be careful, we have no idea what Pablo did to Boon or the effects it will have on him. As soon as we know anything I''ll call you."

    "Thank," Zack replied, worrying about what he was about to find at the hospital as he and John prepared to head out into the night.

    -----

    Rob lay on his bed, the pain in his lip and cheek throbbing. He tried to focus on the rhythmic ticking of the wall clock as he tried to figure out how he could make sure Zack never saw him like this. A knock at the door broke his concentration.

    "Come in," he called out, wincing as his split lip stretched.

    The door opened slowly, revealing Ahmed''s tear-streaked face. "They won''t let me see Boon," he sobbed, clutching a basketball so old it was smooth. "I need to give him this."

    Rob sat up, concern etched on his bruised face. "What is it?"

    Ahmed held out the faded ball for Rob to see. "This was the ball we used to win our first-ever high school basketball tournament. They gave it to Boon for being MVP. He gave it to me on the drive home, he told me that he never would have been MVP if I hadn''t gotten the ball to him every chance I could." His voice cracked with desperation.

    "Ahmed, I''m sure Boon will be fine," Rob said, trying to reassure both Ahmed and himself. "Why don''t you come sit down and tell me what happened to him."

    -----

    Zack, John, and Kenzie stood around Boon in the ICU, staring at him in disbelief. The once athletic young man now appeared almost grey, like a snake about to shed his skin.

    "Is it bad?" Kenzie asked, her voice shaking.

    John hesitated before answering, "It doesn''t look good."

    As if on cue, Boon twitched on the bed, causing the three friends to jump back in shock. Zack turned to Kenzie, desperate for answers. "Did they find anything in his blood work?"

    "None of the usual poisons," Kenzie replied, her eyes never leaving Boon. "But they did find something strange ¨C Baby''s Breath oil."

    "Baby''s Breath oil?" Zack echoed, "What is that?"

    "It is the essence of a flower, and it shouldn''t do this," Kenzie informed them.

    -----

    Down in the dimly lit parish basement, Jessica paced back and forth in front of the bound vessels, eyed her warily. The hum of the electrical current running through the wires binding Kristian and Olivia almost drowning out their shallow breaths.

    "Exorcists have been studying vessels like you for quite some time," Jessica began, her voice cold and detached. "We''ve discovered that electricity, when applied properly, can interfere with your abilities." She paused, her fingers tracing the edges of the control panel on the wall. "A certain level of current will keep you from transforming, while increasing the current will disrupt your healing ability, and even more will stop your enhanced strength."

    Kristian and Olivia exchanged fearful glances as Jessica continued, her eyes fixed on the control panel. "Such scientific accuracy causes one to wonder where the line between the natural and the supernatural begins."

    The two vessels seemed to panic as Jessica''s hand inched toward the knob controlling the current within their bonds. But instead of turning it up, Jessica hesitated, her expression turning reflective.

    "Sometimes, the lines blur, and you find yourself surprised by which side you end up on," she murmured, almost to herself. With a sudden twist of her wrist, she turned the knob, lowering the electric current running through Kristian and Olivia''s restraints. Their faces relaxed as the pain eased and Jessica started to cut them free from their restraints.

    -----

    Back at Rob''s dorm room, Ahmed wiped his tears on the roll of toilet paper that Rob had handed him, trying to regain his composure. As he did so, he noticed Rob''s phone buzzing on the desk and picked it up.

    "Seventeen missed messages from Zack?" Ahmed raised an eyebrow at Rob, who shrugged sheepishly. "Are you ignoring him?"

    "Not really," Rob muttered, avoiding Ahmed''s gaze. "I just don''t want him to see me all beat up."

    "Why not? You know he is worried about you, right?"

    "I know." Rob rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "But Zack needs to keep his head in the game. Pablo only did this to get a rise out of him, so he would lose focus. We can''t afford mistakes this late in the game, It is better for everyone if I just stay out of the way."

    Before Ahmed could respond, another message from Zack arrived on Rob''s phone. With wide eyes, he thrust the device into Rob''s hands. "You''ll definitely want to read this one."

    -----

    Ethel paced the small apartment, her brow furrowed as she relayed Boon''s bizarre condition to Kyle. "It''s like he''s a snake about to shed its skin, does that mean anything?" she asked, her voice a mix of concern and frustration.

    Kyle''s fingers flew over his laptop keyboard, searching through his digitized records. "So he''s a reptilian Familiar," he said, eyes scanning the screen, "Reptilian Familiar are very rare, most are some form of mammal. They are also infinitely more powerful ¨C literally being able to shed their humanity."

    "Is there any way to stop it once is started?" Ethel asked, biting her lip.

    "Give me a moment," Kyle replied, as he scanned the page. Ethel grabbed her phone and spoke to Zack, informing him of their findings and instructing him to bring Boon to them. Zack hesitated, unsure if there was enough time given Boon''s rapidly worsening condition, but agreed to try.

    As they ended their call, Kyle found the information they were looking for. "Once the transformation is complete, the familiar becomes invulnerable. It can not be killed." He read out loud. Then he noticed a video clip attached to the page. With a click a guttural screech filled the room, causing both Ethel and Kyle to wince. Kyle quickly closed the laptop, shaking his head. "We can''t wait for Zack to get here. We need to meet him halfway."

    Ethel and Kyle raced out the door, their footsteps echoing off the walls. Ethel wrestled her phone out of her pocket and texted Zack to bring Boon to the Charles Street Greyhound terminal. As they reached Ethel''s car, Kyle skidded to a halt, his eyes filled with thought.

    "Wait, we''re going to need Ahmed" he blurted out, finally revealing the trump card he had.

    "Ahmed? He the one who truly knows Boon," Ethel snapped, her frustration evident in the way her fingers dug into the dashboard. "We don''t have time to get him, Boon could become invincible any minute now."

    "Exactly," Kyle replied, his voice measured but urgent. "We''re focusing on what Pablo wants us to focus on. We''re playing right into his hands." He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "He''s been manipulating you from the start, pulling the strings like you''re all puppets in his twisted game. If we don''t slow down and think, we are all going to end up dead."

    Ethel thought about it, her grip loosening on the dashboard. They couldn''t afford to make mistakes. She sighed heavily, her eyes narrowing with determination. "Alright, but let me make one thing clear: if this doesn''t work then we have to kill Boon. No matter what it takes."

    "Understood," Kyle nodded solemnly, though a faint smile graced his lips. "I''ll text the odd one, I''m sure he can bring Ahmed to us,"

    -----

    Zack and John, dressed in EMT uniforms, carried Boon in a body bag through the hospital parking lot. It was all they could think of after receiving Ethel''s message. As they moved swiftly through the garage toward the ambulance bay, Zack stumbled, accidentally dropping Boon''s head onto the pavement. He winced, hoping the impact didn''t just kill Boon.

    As he leaned down to pick his end up, they found themselves illuminated by a car''s headlights, Jessica stepped out to greet them. "The two of you are hopeless," she declared. "Pablo is on his way here to pick up Boon, you need to get out of here now."

    "Why are you telling us this?" Zack asked, eyeing Jessica warily. "Aren''t you on his side?"

    "Things have changed," Jessica replied, her voice firm. "Tonight I am making sure the real monster doesn''t win."

 Vol 2, Chapter 24: Revival

    Ahmed''s hands trembled as he thought about Kyle''s text, his heart pounding in his chest. He glanced over at Rob, who was pacing the small dorm room like a caged animal, worry etched into every line of his face.

    "SO they can save Boon but I am the only one who can do it," Ahmed questioned, breaking the heavy silence that had settled between them. "Why does it have to be me?"

    Rob stopped dead in his tracks, giving Ahmed a look that was equal parts fear and disbelief. "It doesn''t matter, you aren''t going."

    "I am," Ahmed insisted, waving his phone to emphasize his point. "Boon needs me."

    "Absolutely not," Rob snapped, sitting next to Ahmed on the bed, his hands gripping his shoulders tightly. "It is too dangerous for someone like you, Ahmed. You just learned about the supernatural and now they want you to go toe to toe with a Familiar. Keep in mind Boon has no control and Pablo won''t hesitate to have him kill you if you get in the way. I won''t let you get yourself killed."

    Ahmed pulled himself free from Rob''s iron grip, feeling both frustrated and useless in this situation. He could see the realization dawning in Rob''s eyes - that he''d taken out his own fears on Ahmed, who only wanted to save his best friend''s life.

    "Look, I know you want to save Boon," Rob muttered, staring down at his hands. "I just don''t want to lose you too."

    "I know," Ahmed replied softly, "but I have to try. For Boon." With a determined tilt of his chin, he added, "And for myself. I am not as fragile as you all think I am, I can handle this."

    "Ahmed, wait!" Rob called out, but it was too late. Ahmed had already left the dorm room, the door clicking shut behind him. Rob knew Ahmed was right and with a sigh, he pulled his bat out from under his bed and followed him out into the night.

    -----

    Meanwhile, Jessica leaned against her car in the dimly lit parking garage, arms crossed as she spoke to Zack and John. The shadows cast by the flickering lights danced across her face, making her look even more severe than usual.

    "I want to help you," she said, her voice low and urgent. "Pablo has manipulated Deb this whole time, making her believe Bill''s dying wish was to get revenge. I''m losing her to a madman and I need your help to save her. To do that I need to make sure Pablo''s plan fails."

    Zack''s eyes narrowed as he processed this information, uncertain if Jessica was telling him the truth or if this was another trap set by the exorcists. "You can come with us but I''m telling you where we are going," he said, his voice wavering ever so slightly. "I am still not sure I trust you."

    "Fine," Jessica conceded, nodding toward her car. "But we''re taking my car. You can guide me there, Pablo won''t be expecting to be betrayed by one of his own."

    As they slid Boon in the body bag across the back seats and climbed into the vehicle, Zack worried about just how far Deb would be willing to go to carry out Father Bill''s will.

    -----

    Rob made his way out of the dorms but lost sight of Ahmed. He sank onto the edge of the curb, rubbing his face with both hands as the weight of what Ahmed said settled in. He wondered which way Ahmed had gone.

    Just then, a soft tap on his shoulder snapped him out of his reverie. Kenzie looked down at him, her eyes filled with concern. "Hey," she said hesitantly. "I saw Ahmed storm out. Are you okay?"

    Rob managed a weak smile. "Yeah, I''m fine. Just...a lot going on right now."

    "Mind if I sit?" she asked gently. At his nod, she took a seat next to him. She studied his face before asking, "Does this have anything to do with what happened at the game tonight? About what happened to you?"

    Sighing, Rob shook his head. "No. It''s about how scared and useless I''ve become."

    "Ah," Kenzie murmured, understanding dawning in her eyes. She reached over to give his hand a reassuring squeeze. "Listen, Rob. I know things are rough right now, but Zack and John are getting Boon to safety as we speak. Everything is going to work out. And you are far from useless."

    He raised an eyebrow, curious but skeptical. "Oh really? How so?"

    "You single-handedly won the game," she reminded him, a hint of pride in her voice. "The game was pretty much over, and then you got the ball. You turned the entire tide of the game, Rob. You were a hero."

    "Hero?" he scoffed, looking away. "Hardly."

    "Seriously, Rob," Kenzie insisted, her gaze steady and earnest. "You made a difference out there. Don''t sell yourself short. You don''t need to be the biggest or the strongest player out there to change the game, you just need to never give up ."

    As she spoke, a small, grateful smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, "Thank you, you don''t know how much I needed to hear that." Rob said.

    -----

    The abandoned Charles Street Bus Terminal loomed before Jessica, John, and Zack as they pulled up. The doors to the building were chained and plywood replaced some broken windows.

    "Boon''s stopped moving," John noted, peering back at the body bag. Zack and John both hurried to get Boon out of the bag, while Jessica cut the chains off the door.

    As if on cue, Ethel appeared in her vessel form, bounding down the street towards them. From the shadows where Kyle hid, a snide comment echoed: "Someone certainly enjoys making an entrance."

    She followed, Zack and John as they moved Boon''s motionless body inside one of the empty buildings. Zack glanced around, concern etched on his face. "Where are Kyle and Ahmed?"

    Ethel looked around the dusty space, searching for a place they could lay Boon down. She found an old bench and gestured to the boys to bring him over, still not answering Zack''s question.

    "Seriously Ethel, where are they? We can''t save Boon without Ahmed, you said so yourself." Zack protested, the worry clear in his voice.

    Ethel''s voice was firm as she countered, "We''re doing the best we can Zack, but we may need a plan B."

    They finished laying Boon across the red rusted bench, Ethel noticed the split in the film coating his body, his eyes closed and body still. Ethel explained "Baby''s breath is usually just a small white flower added to a bouquet for filler, but it is extremely toxic to us. It triggered Boon''s final transformation and once it is complete the part of the Familiar that was Boon will be gone."

    Jessica shook her head, understanding what was about to happen. She looked over to see Zack and John still seemed confused about what this had to do with a plan B, "If Boon''s a dog, he''s turning rabid. Once the symptoms appear it is too late to save them."

    As if summoned by her words, Pablo appeared in the doorway, concurring: "Anything that dangerous, that out of control, is better off dead."

    With that Zack knew exactly what plan B was but before he could react, Ethel drew back her arm to thrust her claws into Boon''s chest. For a moment everything fell silent before Boon''s arm shot up his own claws plunged into Ethel''s chest. Boon got up from the bench lifting Ethel off her feet with one hand before hurling her through the wall and into the empty diner next door.

    Zack watched the entire scene in total shock as Pablo stepped deeper into the building, a twisted smile on his face. "I have to say, Zack, you did surprise me tonight," he said, clapping mockingly. "You almost slipped through my fingers with Boon but you really should make sure your phone is off when conducting your master plan." Pablo lifted Deb''s phone into view with her Find My Friends app open.

    Deb, who had slipped in through a window at the back, hurled a knife from the shadows. Time seemed to slow as Zack instinctively ducked, and the blade found its mark in John''s chest. As John crumpled to the ground with a muted gasp, Zack rushed to his side, cursing under his breath.

    "John, hold on!" he whispered, but his focus was interrupted by the sound of gunfire. Jessica had opened fire on Boon, who writhed beneath the hail of bullets. They didn''t seem to hurt him, but they did trigger his full transformation, causing the invisible entity to finally shed Boon''s skin.

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    With a flick of his tail, Boon disarmed Jessica before she could squeeze off another shot. She sprinted away, reaching for her goggles and a backup weapon in her jacket. She slipped the goggles on and prepared the knife in on fluid motion. As she turned, ready to face the invisible threat, Boon batted her aside like an insect.

    "Jessica!" Zack called out, panic rising in his chest. He looked at Ethel, who had adopted her demon form, her eyes blazing with fury as she stepped out of the diner. She froze time and viciously assaulted Boon until she was out of power. When time snapped back to its regular rhythm Boon healed instantly, showing the true power he now possessed.

    "Damn it," Zack muttered, gritting his teeth as he transformed into his vessel form alongside John. John picked up a small rock and charged it with his energy before sending it flying through Boon, but the hole vanished within seconds. Boon lunged at the pair but Zack quickly put up a telekinetic barrier to protect them. Zack''s barrier shattered under Boon''s onslaught, sending him crashing into a wall, while John was knocked to the floor.

    Deb saw her moment to strike, watching as John rose unsteadily to his feet, and started to charge a small piece of debris with energy. As he tried to line up a shot at Boon, Deb intercepted the attack, armed with a knife in each hand. She slashed John''s gut, then spun to stab both knives into his back. As he crumpled to the floor, she turned her attention to Ethel.

    "Deb," Zack warned through clenched teeth as pulled himself free from the wall, "Don''t! He won''t let you!" But it was too late, Boon disarmed Deb and grabbed her by the throat, lifting her off the ground as she clawed at his arm. Zack turned to Pablo, "Stop this!"

    "Stop it?" Pablo laughed, as he strode towards Boon. "Why would we stop now? This is what I came here to do."

    Deb still hung in the air, confusion spread across her face, Zack turned to her. "He''s Wrath. I''m sorry I didn''t tell you sooner but he could never let you be the one to kill Ethel. He has to do it if he wants to be at full power."

    Pablo smirked. "You are far more clever than I thought. But it doesn''t matter now, I''ll have my revenge on the Supreme and everyone else who caused Abby''s death."

    "If you let Deb go, I will help you," Zack pleaded, grabbing the still-weakened Ethel and forcing her to her knees.

    Pablo smiled. "Well isn''t this just so sweet, saving the one you love by betraying the one who taught you everything you know." Pablo drew a small dagger from his belt loop. "It is coated in a special poison, I want her death to be excruciating."

    John watched helplessly, trying to crawl his way over and defend his Supreme. Deb was still restrained by the Familiar as she realized that Pablo had been playing her the entire time. Pablo looked back to make sure Jessica was still out before preparing for the killing blow ¨C only to freeze mid-motion, inches from Ethel''s exposed neck.

    "Wh-what''s happening?" Deb choked out as Pablo remained frozen for what left like an eternity.

    Pablo gasped, stumbling back with a syringe lodged in his stomach, with Zack''s hand still outstretched. He collapsed, black goo oozing from his eyes and nose. "What have you done to me?" he choked, his hands trying to stem the flow of the ooze.

    "I figured out how to stop you. That night you stabbed me, you let your aura slip just for a second but it was enough for me to know you were Wrath. You should learn to control your anger, it gives you away. When I told Paulina she realized those pills you were taking were mood stabilizers to prevent you from having any slip-ups." Zack said coldly. "It took time but Paulina created a compound she thought would weaken you. I just dosed you with a mix of palm ash and Azalea oil."

    Ethel looked up at Zack, a mixture of gratitude and hurt in her eyes. "Why didn''t you tell me?"

    "We haven''t exactly been working together," Zack replied softly, "you''re not my Supreme."

    Pablo''s face contorted with rage, black goo still oozing from his orifices. "Kill them all!" he shrieked at the Familiar, but as he collapsed to the floor, the creature''s grip on Deb slackened. The connection between the servant and the master had been severed. Seizing the opportunity, Deb elbowed it in the face. With a snarl, the Familiar flung her aside, sending her sprawling.

    Just then, Rob and Ahmed came barreling through the front doors of the bus station in Rob''s car, headlights blazing and tires screeching. Rob''s eyes were almost squeezed shut as he swerved the vehicle toward the Familiar, guided only by the shadowy figure illuminated in the beams. The car slammed into the creature with a sickening crunch, but it was back on its feet in seconds.

    Boon leaped onto the hood of the car, claws outstretched and fangs bared but still unable to attack with its master unconscious. Ahmed threw open the door and jumped out, Rob hot on his heels. Face to face with the Familiar, Ahmed called out, "Nathan!"

    In the shadow of the headlights, they could see the creature hesitate, drawing back its clawed hand as though preparing to strike. Rob started to rush toward Ahmed, but Zack held him back. "Let him do this," he insisted.

    Ahmed, undeterred by the creature, reached into Rob''s backseat and emerged with the tattered basketball. Boon stared at it, and for a moment his green eyes became visible. Memories surfaced ¨C training for basketball tryouts, hanging out at his pool over the summers, the laughter they shared every time they watched a movie together, and every secret they ever shared. "I''ve never had a best friend before," Boon''s voice confessed from the creature.

    "You''ve always had one," Ahmed whispered, reaching out to take Boon''s hand.

    The Familiar''s shadow began to twitch and shake as it took Ahmed''s hand. The snake-like qualities began to shed from it as it took on a more human appearance. Boon began to fade back in view.

    "Time to ensure the familiar in Boon can never be awakened again." Kyle''s voice rang out from the shadows, as he sprang into action. He plunged his claws into Boon''s abdomen, hoisting him off the ground, and once Boon was over his head, he threw the boy to the floor.

    Boon coughed, blood staining his lips as he lay on his back. Ahmed rushed to his side, cradling him in his arms. "Do you still..." Boon gasped, struggling for breath.

    "I do, I love you," Ahmed repeated, voice choked with emotion. As Boon''s life slipped away, his limp hand slipped from Ahmed''s. Rob and Zack watched the scene play out with tears in their eyes.

    Ahmed laid Boon''s lifeless form on the concrete as Ethel approached them. The room was silent, each person processing the events that had just unfolded ¨C a mix of grief, shock, and disbelief etched on their faces.

    Deb looked away from Boon''s body just in time to notice Pablo was gone. Ahmed stood up and turned away from Boon''s lifeless body as Ethel crouched down next to it.

    "Ahmed," Rob started tentatively, taking a step forward, but then stopped, his gaze fixated on the floor where Ethel placed her mark on Boon''s chest, hoping she wasn''t too late to save him. Boon''s clawed hand twitched, leaving jagged lines behind.

    "Boon!" Ahmed cried out as he spun around, watching in disbelief as the wounds on Boon''s abdomen began to heal themselves. Boon''s eyes flashed open, a brilliant purple that seemed to pierce the darkness of the abandoned building. Slowly, he rose from the floor, his naked form silhouetted in the harsh glare of the car''s headlights.

    "Ahmed..." Boon whispered hoarsely, his voice barely audible. As he straightened, his head snapped back abruptly, and his claws vanished. His eyes returned to their normal hue, and Ahmed embraced him tightly, relief washing over them both.

    Rob watched the scene wiping tears from his eyes, Zack approached him placing an understanding arm around Rob''s shoulder. "He scratched my car," Rob whispered trying to hide the real reason for his tears.

    Zack smiled, a hint of sadness lingering in his blue eyes. "Yeah," he replied softly, "he did."

    Deb approached Zack, looking hesitant and apologetic. "Zack, I''m so sorry about all of this."

    "Hey, it''s okay," he reassured her, placing a hand on her shoulder. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she had to say next.

    "Zack, I think we should break up," she said, her voice tight. "I just... After everything I did, everything I was willing to do. I need time to sort myself out." She pulled away from his hand.

    "Of course," Zack nodded, understanding. "Take all the time you need, Deb. I''ll wait because I know we''re meant to be together."

    "Zack, there''s no such thing as fate," Deb replied, her brow furrowing.

    "Maybe not," Zack countered with a small smile. "But then again, there''s no such thing as demons either." He reached up and wiped a tear from her cheek with his thumb. They shared a bittersweet kiss before he stepped away, leaving Deb to help Jessica back to her feet. Ahmed retrieved a blanket from the trunk of Rob''s car and wrapped it around Boon. With Pablo now powerless and the Familiar gone, Ethel and Kyle disappeared into the night with John.

    -----

    Kristian and Olivia sprinted through the woods and away from their exorcist captors. They took a moment to catch their breath, hidden amongst the trees. Before they knew what was happening, they were surrounded by shadowy figures with claws, their eyes glowing brilliantly as they closed in on the two vessels.

    -----

    The next day outside the bus station, Paulina examined a trail of black goo that seemed to be left from Pablo''s escape. Dressed in a black leather jacket and gloves, she gathered a sample of the ooze for testing.

    "Getting involved again, are we?" Ms. McLeod asked, stepping into view. She too was clad in black leather, her knee-high boots as she strode toward her fellow Wiccan.

    Paulina smirked. "I am not sure I understand the question."

    "Of course, you don''t," Ms. McLeod replied. "I never did like the idea of you being retired anyway."

    "Retired?" Paulina raised an eyebrow. "When did I ever say I was retired?"

    -----

    The sun cast long shadows across the city as Ethel, John, and Kyle arrived at Kyle''s penthouse. A large, intricate mandala adorned the front door, the marking still smoldering.

    "Looks like we avoided some late-night company," Kyle said, gesturing at the mandala. He could see the confusion on John''s face, "That''s the mark of a fellow sin. It''s the mark of Greed."

    John frowned, studying the symbol. "What does it mean?"

    "It''s a challenge," Kyle explained. "You see Greed is a collector of sorts, only the best will do for him. This means he wants to test someone in my territory, the new Supreme. If he finds them to his liking, he will force them to join his covenant"

    Ethel''s eyes narrowed, she had no intention of joining Greed but she wasn''t sure she could defeat him either.

    -----

    Elsewhere, Rob and Zack headed to the park''s basketball court, both eager to finally have some downtime to themselves. As they walked, Zack spoke confidently.

    "Deb will come back to me, I know it."

    Rob sighed, then grinned ruefully. "Of course, you two are meant to be. As for my ten-year plan to make Ahmed fall for me, I might have to stretch to fifteen now, but it''s definitely still in motion."

    "Or you could just ask him out," Zack suggested, smirking.

    "Ha, very funny. We both know he and Boon are trying to figure out what they are to each other now," Rob retorted. "Now, get in position and help me practice, alright? I''ve got to make sure I actually play next year."

    "Sure thing," Zack agreed, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

    "But remember, no vessel powers during training!" Rob warned, trying to seem authoritative.

    "Of course!" Zack insisted, feigning innocence. "I wouldn''t dream of it."

    As Rob successfully got around Zack''s defense and lobbed the first ball toward the basket, Zack''s eyes glowed a subtle pink. The ball shifted ever so slightly, missing its target.

    "Hey!" Rob yelled, catching on immediately. "I said no powers!"

    Zack laughed, the sound echoing through the court, mingling with Rob''s indignant protests. For a moment, they were simply two friends caught up in the joy of life, temporarily free from the shadows of the supernatural world.

 Vol 3, Chapter 1: A Vision

    The dust-covered room remained silent, except for the rhythmic breathing of the slender, hazel-haired woman performing CPR. "Come on, John," she urged under her breath, as she pressed down on his chest so hard she could hear the ribs crack. John didn''t flinch, his body covered in bruises and slash marks.

    Nicole knew she wasn''t making any progress, cursing under her breath she pulled a gold coin from her pocket. She pressed her lips to it before pressing it to his chest, with a sputter and a cough, John started to breathe again as the coin dissolved into his chest. His eyes flickered open.

    "Who are you..." he rasped, unable to focus on the woman with his vision blurred.

    "Shh, save your strength," she whispered, scanning the dimly lit basement. Her fingers danced over the cold ground, her power to manipulate luck guiding her to a sharp-edged rock shard that gleamed faintly in the darkness. It was the perfect size and shape for the lock on John''s cuffs. Without skipping a beat, she picked the lock.

    "Can you walk?" she asked, draping his arm over her shoulder, feeling the solid weight of his muscular form.

    "Try and stop me," John muttered, following her lead as they walked together.

    Together, they stumbled toward the wooden stairwell, carefully navigating each step until they emerged from the storm basement into the overgrown yard. The woman''s grey car sat at the edge of the property waiting for them. Once she loaded John into the passenger side, she quickly slid over to the driver''s side. The engine roared to life, cutting through the night''s silence as she peeled away from the area. But as they put some distance between them and the storm cellar, John felt an overpowering aura. John''s head whipped around, his gaze locking onto something behind them.

    "Someone''s coming," he said, his voice barely above a whisper as the car sped away.

    Through the rearview mirror, Nicole saw two figures emerge from the shadows, their strides unnaturally swift, their eyes shining through the night. "Supremes," she spat the word out like a curse.

    "They''re gaining on us," John warned, watching the pair move in on the car.

    "Strap in," Nicole warned, swerving the car onto the main highway. The streetlights streaked overhead as they flew down the road, but they didn''t make it far when one of their pursuers, with a snarl of effort, punched the road causing the ashvault to splinter. Tree roots erupted from under it, gnarled and grasping, causing Nicole to veer wildly and crash into the guardrail.

    "Shit looks like I am going to have to do this the hard way," Nicole reached over and popped open her glove box, she could feel the Supremes moving in on them.

    "We need to move, now!" John panicked, wincing in pain as he reached for the door handle.

    With demonic speed, the two hulking Supremes surrounded the vehicle, their faces twisting into their demonic forms, the one with black eyes reaching a clawed hand for the driver''s side door. The green-eyed one leaped over to the passenger side to prevent their escape.

    "Stay down and don''t get in my way," Nicole instructed, pulling a gun with practiced ease from the glove box. She aimed and fired in one fluid motion. A bullet, its tip appearing to have some clear liquid inside, found its mark in the green-eyed one''s chest.

    The effect was instantaneous ¨C the poison searing through his veins, consuming him with an otherworldly fire. He collapsed, twitching violently on the asphalt.

    "Kenneth!" the black-eyed one''s voice cracked as he rushed to his to put out the fire.

    "They never see it coming," Nicole said to John, her lips curving into a grim smile. She slammed on the gas, the car jumping forward, and they vanished into the night¡ªleaving their attackers in their dust.

    ---

    The musty scent of the basement apartment clung to the air as Zack and Rob heaved the last box down the narrow staircase. "You think we should warn the landlord about potential demonic damages?" Rob quipped, setting the box down in the cluttered living room.

    "Oh ha, ha. You know I have gotten way better at controlling it over the summer," Zack replied, setting his box down with a thud that echoed off the concrete walls. "I can hold my barriers for a solid two minutes."

    "Very impressive, that should come in handy," Rob arched a brow, skepticism written all over his face.

    "Well it''s something," Zack affirmed, leaning against the cool wall, as he took in their new basement dwelling. "Ethel says she still hasn''t been able to find Kristian or Olivia. I''m worried they were taken by Greed."

    "So all that training over the summer," Rob looked over at Zack, the humour draining from his tone. "You''re planning on actually facing off against Greed¡ªaren''t you?"

    "If he really did take Olivia and Kristian," Zack muttered, following Rob into the dimly lit kitchenette. "I don''t think we will have a choice."

    The boys fell silent, their second year of university hadn''t even started yet, but they both knew their next fight had already started.

    "Hey, the fridge is empty, why don''t we go pick up a few things?" Rob suggested, "The Superstore is around the corner, the night air might do us some good.

    After gathering grocery bags, the duo left out into the night, the cool fall air greeted them as they made their way down the sidewalk. Rob couldn¡¯t help but ask some questions still pressing on the back of his mind. "Why were Kristian and Olivia on their own in the woods to begin with? They would have been more helpful fighting the Familiar."

    "Ethel said they sensed more vessels in the woods," Zack reasoned, looking up at the stars. "They were just looking into it for her."

    "Still feels like it could have been done after we defeated Wrath and turned Boon back. Don''t you think?" Rob¡¯s voice held an edge of accusation.

    As they rounded the corner, a car rolled past, Ahmed behind the wheel, Deb in the passenger seat, both seemingly lost in conversation. Ahmed was promising a group thing, insisting it wasn''t a double date¡ª

    "We are just going to hang out at that new arcade bar," Ahmed tried to reason, looking hopeful.

    "I don''t know," Deb tried to avoid making eye contact with him, her voice barely audible through the open window, "It just kind of sounds like you are trying to set me up with this guy."

    "I would never, it is just a fun thing to do. And if sparks happen to fly then..." Ahmed nudged her playfully.

    "I don''t think I am ready... things with Zack are complicated," she sighed, her gaze shifting to the side window.

    "I get it. Boon''s situation got... complicated too," Ahmed disclosed, his eyes briefly meeting Deb''s before quickly looking away. "He was dead, then not. Cops, doctors¡ªall had so many questions to ask. Then Ethel had to train him on how to keep control and use his powers."

    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    "Maybe we both need a fling." Deb leaned back in her seat, looking over at Ahmed with a soft smile.

    "Agreed," Ahmed nodded, as they approached a red light. "Something with a little less drama would be nice right now."

    The car idled at the red light, its engine a soft purr in the dusk of Waterloo. Ahmed''s fingers drummed on the steering wheel, as he waited for it to change.

    "Hey, you think Boon will be okay, right?" Ahmed asked, glancing over at Deb. "I mean he moved so far away, New Zealand is just so far away."

    "I know," Deb replied, placing her hand on his shoulder. She chewed on her bottom lip, as she tried to think about what would comfort her friend.

    "Ahmed," she began until she caught sight of the two figures approaching, "you''ve got to go¡ªnow."

    "Deb, it''s a red light," he reminded her, though his foot twitched toward the accelerator.

    "Please." She motioned to the rearview mirror and Ahmed could see Rob and Zack heading their way down the sidewalk.

    "Deb, I can''t get another ticket, my mom will kill me," he sighed, staring up at the red light, willing it to turn green. Rob and Zack, deep in conversation, didn''t notice the car as they walked alongside it.

    "Man, you''re handling this whole Deb thing pretty well," Rob said, clapping Zack on the back. "No calls or texts all summer? That takes some serious discipline."

    "I guess," Zack grumbled. "The last thing she told me was she was leaving the exorcists, I doubt she will even come back to Canada this year."

    "Are you kidding?" Rob laughed, noticing the car at last. He could see Deb clearly shrinking away in the passenger seat. "I have no doubt she will be back this year, she may even be closer than you think."

    As Rob and Zack came to a stop at the passenger side door, Ahmed¡¯s resolve wavered and he eased off the brake, allowing the car to roll forward. Deb let out a huff, as she glanced over at Zack.

    "Stop, Ahmed," she commanded. "I need to do this."

    "Are you sure?" Ahmed asked, skeptical but complying.

    "It was going to have to happen at some point," she sighed, her voice steady now.

    "Alright." He brought the car to a standstill by the roadside, hazards blinking into the growing night.

    "Hey, guys!" Deb rolled down her window, Zack jumped at the sound of her voice.

    "Deb, you''re back," Zack stuttered, a lopsided grin spreading across his face.

    "What a surprise," Rob added, his own smile genuine. "We were just talking about¡ª" Rob wasn''t able to finish before Zack delivered a quick jab to his side.

    Rob shot a glare at Zack, whose face had turned bright red. Deb watched them with an amused look on her face. But Ahmed just stared forward as his vision blurred, the world seemed to get coated in a fog. From out of mist, a young man appeared, sprinting, his face twisted in terror as he cried out for help. Ahmed''s breath hitched, and panic clawed up his throat.

    "Help me! Please!" the dark-eyed man begged, voice tearing through the night. He caught Ahmed''s eye, looking right at him. "Please, you''re the only one that can help me." He then collapsed in the street.

    "Ahmed? What is it?" Deb''s concerned voice cut through his trance, he hadn''t noticed her gripping his arm before. Both Zack and Rob looked concerned through the window. Ahmed turned back to the road but the young man was gone.

    "Didn¡¯t you see him? The guy¡ªhe needs help!"

    "Who?" Deb¡¯s eyes darted around, finding nothing. "There was never anyone there, Ahmed."

    Zack looked out into the road, his expression shifting as he scanned the darkness. "I don''t sense anything,"

    "Was it a vision like the ones when Gluttony was controlling you?" Rob asked, touching Ahmed''s shoulder, "Have you been having them still?"

    "No, I''m fine," Ahmed shook his head, but the image of the terrified young man wouldn''t leave it. "I think I just need some rest," he assured them.

    "Ok, then we''ll let you guys get going," Rob said stepping back from the driver''s side. Zack and Deb exchanged one last small smile before the car drove off.

    ---

    The paramedics raced down the sterile hallway of the hospital as Kenzie''s green eyes followed the gurney''s rushed journey. John, with deep slash marks down his just and back, lay upon it, his breathing laboured. She fell into step beside him, her nurse''s scrubs rustling softly.

    "John, you''re not healing," she whispered, more an observation than a question. Her concern for his condition is evident.

    "Something''s wrong," he replied with a great effort, his voice a hoarse whisper. "The woman, what happened to the woman?"

    Kenzie looked around, her red curls bouncing as she hastened towards the second gurney being wheeled in, the doctor barking orders as they rushed her in. The sight that greeted her was a young woman who seemed to be fighting a battle even in unconsciousness, murmuring deliriously "I need to find the Supreme."

    "Ethel," Kenzie whispered, brushing Nicole''s light brown hair from her sweat-drenched forehead. But there was no recognition in those fluttering eyelids, no sign she understood.

    ---

    The morning sun had barely risen but there was already motion in Zack''s room, his bed already neatly made as he hung in the doorway. A one-armed pull-up transitioned smoothly into another as he flipped through the dense text of his biology textbook in his other hand. He had spent the summer redoing all the courses he failed¡ªhe had no intention of failing anything this year.

    He dropped from his perch and placed the book down, he turned to the shower, a smile playing on his lips. With a mere thought, water cascaded from the showerhead, the curtain drawing back with an obedient sweep. His handle on telekinesis had also improved immensely over the summer, he was certain nothing would stop him this year.

    ---

    "And you''re sure it was a vision," Jessica asked Deb, striding confidently through the clutter of unopened boxes. Her tall frame moved with ease, her brown hair catching the light from the window.

    "It definitely seemed like one," Deb flipped through the pages of a book about psychics. "What if there is still a connection between him and Gluttony?"

    "That could be, I think it is best you watch him then." Jessica gave her a look. "Just in case."

    "Ok," Deb closed the book, she checked her phone to find the text from Ahmed waiting for her in the parking lot. "Got to go,"

    In his car, Ahmed caught his reflection in the rearview mirror, the white T-shirt clinging just right, the leather jacket giving him a look of effortless cool. He smiled to himself as his phone buzzed.

    "Real date? ??" Steven''s text read, Amhed hesitated for a moment.

    "Maybe," Ahmed replied, not really excited about an actual date.

    "How about a round 2 tonight? ??" came the next message, Ahmed smiled down at the phone.

    "Sure," he typed back quickly, hitting send without a second thought.

    With the message sent, he adjusted the jacket, watching Deb making her way to the car¡ªthis year was off to a promising start.

    ---

    Zack slipped into the lecture hall of Kin 210 like a shadow, his arrival unnoticed by the few students scattered among the seats, their heads bent over notebooks and phones. The room hummed with the hushed pre-class energy, but Zack''s focus was elsewhere; his mind dissected the syllabus he''d already committed to memory, a small smirk playing on his lips as he anticipated the semester ahead.

    "Overachiever much?" Rob''s voice broke Zack''s contemplation, as he sat next to Zack. "You didn''t even wait for me to get up,"

    "I didn''t want to wake you," Zack replied, his eyes flicking toward the hallway outside the classroom door. "Especially when it was pretty clear you were up all night researching visions."

    "Oh, you saw the book," Rob''s face went red, "I just think that there could be something to what Ahmed thought he saw last night. Did you know there were these things called fates that knew when people were going to die?"

    "You think Ahmed Might be a fate?" Zack considered the idea. "But how does that explain the connection to Kyle, can sins turn people into fates?"

    "Fair point, I mean there are lots of other creatures out there tied to visions and death," Rob conceded with a nod, "But Ahmed is more than human." before Zack could speak their professor entered, ready to start the lecture.

    ---

    Across campus, sunlight glinted off the student life centre''s windows, as Ahmed stood by the bookstore, his eyes scanning the crowd. Freshmen lined up outside, the air ripe with the scent of new books and nervous excitement.

    "Look at them, freshmen," Ahmed said, as he took them all in.

    "Yup, those are freshmen" Deb answered, without looking up from her book.

    "I think I need to get me one of those. You know someone who doesn''t know about the craziness of last year," Ahmed reasoned, his eyes tracking a group passing by.

    "You make it sound like you are shopping for a new outfit." Deb finally looked, taking in a group of guys in line. "You know it takes more than pointing at someone and saying you want them to be your boyfriend."

    "I never said I wanted a boyfriend," Ahmed corrected her, his gaze still following a young Chinese man with chiselled features.

    "Then what are you looking for?" Deb asked, locking eyes with him. "Some kind of distraction?" she half-joked.

    "Distraction, that''s a good word for it," he murmured. The young Chinese man met with an equally attractive Filipino man, they clapped their hands together as they met.

    "So which one is it going to be?" Deb nudged him, her gaze following his.

    "The gay one obviously," Ahmed muttered, watching the pair disappear around a corner.

    "How do you..." Deb started, clearly confused as to which was which.

    "Please, it was pretty obvious." Ahmed pushed himself off the wall, "Now come on, we are going to be late for our next class.

 Vol 3, Chapter 2: Signs

    Kenzie''s fingers trembled as she unravelled the last of John''s bandages. She held her breath, expecting the marks to have vanished overnight. Underneath the blood-soaked gauze ¡ªfour deep claw marks still remained, their edges ragged. She swallowed hard; noting that most of the other wounds had closed up.

    "John, the claw marks aren''t going away," Kenzie whispered, her voice strained with disbelief.

    "They are from a Supreme," he grunted. His face was pale but determined. "They take longer to heal, I''ll be fine."

    "They don''t look good, John. I''m just starting to wrap my head around... all this." She gestured vaguely toward him. "But I think you need more help healing."

    "Call Ethel," he said through clenched teeth.

    "I already have...five times. No answer," she replied, frustration lacing her words. "Is there anybody else?"

    "Zack, call Zack." John moaned.

    "Zack?" She reached for her phone but stopped short when Lindsey breezed into the room, her blonde hair swinging with purpose.

    "Kenzie, is the Jane Doe from last night in here? I need to talk to her," Lindsey demanded, her expression set in a grim line. "She is our only witness to whatever happened out there last night."

    "She is in the room next door" Kenzie pointed to the doorway, "I don''t know how much you will be able to get from her though, she was out of it when she came in," She led Lindsey to the next room over only to freeze in the doorway.

    "She''s gone," she managed to say, glancing towards the empty bed. "She took out her IV."

    "Great. Just what we need." Lindsay''s eyes narrowed as she reached for her radio. "This is Officer Lindsey, our Jane Doe is on the run, block all exits and start searching each floor,"

    While Lindsey and Kenzie were distracted someone quietly made their way up behind them. The nurse stood in the doorway, her eyes glowing with a faint red colour. Her gaze fell upon Nicole¡¯s empty bed and the pair searched it for any signs of where she went. A guttural growl rumbled from her throat, as she turned and made her way to the room next door.

    A sudden chill spread through the room as a nurse entered, her stride directed and ominous. She leaned over John to make sure he was still sleeping, before plunging a syringe into his IV line.

    "Consider this a gift," she hissed, her lips curling into a sinister smile as emptied the syringe into the IV bag. "Greed sends his regards."

    ---

    In Psych220 Deb''s heart pounded as she scrawled a note intended for the person sitting behind her: "Can we talk?" Slipping it back to Zack, she watched his eyes skim the words, before he looked at her.

    "Sure," Zack whispered back, just as Rob burst into the lecture hall.

    "Zack, you need to get to the hospital. Now!" Rob''s urgency cut through the lecture causing students to stare as Rob grabbed Zack and started dragging him toward the door.

    "What is going on?" Zack''s voice held a hint of dread. He looked back at Deb, his eyes meeting hers for a fleeting second.

    "It''s John, he is in rough shape," Rob urged, not noticing Zack''s longing stare at Deb. "Dude, do you ever pick up your phone?" Rob continued once they were in the hallway. Zack glanced at his phone to discover the five missed calls from Kenzie

    "I had it on silent for the lecture" Zack admitted, cursing himself for not at least putting it on the desk where he could see it.

    "Well, he''s not healing and they need you before the hospital attempts surgery and realizes they can''t because he insta-heals every time they try to cut him" Rob explained. "Don''t worry about the class, I''ll take notes for you."

    "Right," Zack nodded, leaving Rob to head to the hospital and hoping he didn''t just miss his only chance to talk to Deb.

    ---

    With Zack gone, Ahmed took his seat. His fingers traced the margins of his notebook, and the drone of the professor''s voice seemed distant as his thoughts walked him back to his vision of the panicked young man. Rob slid into the seat beside him with the subtlety of a bull in a china shop.

    "Hey, you doing alright? You look like you''ve seen a ghost," Rob whispered, watching Ahmed absentmindedly scribble in his notebook.

    "I''m fine," Ahmed murmured, "I just didn''t get much sleep last night." His gaze was vacant, as he stared straight ahead.

    "Visions again?" Rob prodded gently, leaning closer, "They''re trying to tell us something, Ahmed."

    "Gluttony and I aren''t connected anymore, these are just bad dreams." Ahmed''s voice was low, and Rob got the hint. Rob leaned back in his seat to focus on the lecture.

    Ahmed returned to his own notes when a droplet fell onto his open page, crimson blossoming against the white. Then another. Blood dripped steadily, rhythmically, leaking from an unseen source. Ahmed lifted his eyes and swept over the sea of unsuspecting students, no one else seemed to have noticed the leak.

    "Something''s here," he breathed, just as a figure slammed against the window, bloodied hands streaking the glass. A young woman, her eyes wide with terror, mouth open in a silent scream. Ahmed jumped at the sight of her, before feeling a calm hand on his shoulder.

    "Did it happen again, just now?" Rob''s voice, laced with urgency, as he stared into Ahmed''s eyes. Ahmed looked back at the window but it was clear, the girl had gone as swiftly as she had appeared.

    "Was it the same guy from the other night?" Rob pressed, his eyes searching Ahmed''s face for answers they both knew weren''t there.

    ---

    "Slow down, Zack!" Kenzie gasped as they dodged gurneys and nurses, her curly red hair a fiery comet tail behind her.

    "Can''t¡ªJohn needs aura¡ª" Zack panted, as he raced down the hallway.

    "I should have called you sooner," Kenzie admitted between breaths, "I just thought with all the work you put in to get back on track, I didn''t want to set you back."

    "This doesn''t set me back. I planned for this. I''ll be ok," Zack replied, flashing her a reassuring smile.

    They skidded to a halt before the elevator, Zack slamming the call button with more force than necessary. The bing let them know it was right there and they clambered in. But before the doors could obediently slide shut, a cane shot out, halting their progress.

    "Second floor, please," a smooth voice requested. The man smiled at them, charm oozing from every pore even as he leaned on his prosthetic leg.

    "Um, sure," Zack acknowledged with a nod, but the hair on the back of his neck began to stand on end.

    "Such a kind young man, we need more men like you these days. Do you mind?" Asked asked, motioning to his prosthetic leg. Zack nodded and the man gripped his shoulder, causing Zack''s entire body to stiffen.

    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    "Are you ok?" Zack asked, watching the man adjust his leg with his free hand. The numbers above the door blinked in sequence, a countdown to an uncertain confrontation.

    "I''m fine," The man smiled, disarmingly handsome. "Just an old battle scar that acts up every once in a while."

    The man finished adjusting and straightened up, taking his cane back off the wall. Zack couldn''t explain it, but he felt trapped in that elevator, the minutes felt like they stretched into hours and all he wanted to do was get away from this man.

    On the second floor an orderly, a tall lanky man, unlocked the wheels on John''s bed and began to roll him toward the elevators. He scanned every corner as he tried to avoid as many of the cameras as he could.

    Zack and Kenzie, still shaking off the weird encounter in the elevator, rounded the corner just in time to see the back of the orderly stroll past him. This time he knew exactly what he was dealing with, the powerful aura radiated from the orderly, a Supreme. Without hesitation, Zack launched himself at the orderly, just as he made it into the elevator. His body shifted mid-leap, sprouting claws and elongated canines, the transformation tearing through his clothes as his telekinesis prevented to doors from closing.

    The impact threw him against the orderly, who caught Zack with inescapable strength. With a swift blow to the gut, the Supreme winded Zack. The man slammed Zack into the ceiling, then the floor, his own shape morphing¡ªclaws extending from his gloved hands, and his muscles increasing in size.

    "You''re in over your head, kid," the orderly sneered, his voice a guttural growl as the elevator arrived on the bottom floor. "I am Supreme."

    "Good to know," came a calm voice, just as the elevator pinged open. Ethel stood there, her dark hair flowing over her shoulders. She struck quickly, her hand morphing into a claw that raked across Duncan''s back.

    "So am I," she declared, flinging Duncan out of the elevator. He hit the opposing wall with a thud that left him slumped and unmoving.

    "Don''t you have classes today?" Ethel asked Zack, an eyebrow raised in wry amusement.

    "Oh is that where I''m supposed to be," he grunted, rolling his shoulders to ease the pain. Zack looked over to where the orderly had been only to see they had vanished. "He got away," Zack huffed.

    "Don''t worry about him, I''m sure he''ll be back," Ethel said looking at the space where he had just been. She turned to Zack. "We need to talk,"

    ---

    Soon they found themselves in Ethel''s apartment, a sparsely furnished but safe space. Zack sent a quick text to Rob: ''Need you at Ethel''s. Urgent.''

    "Sold the old place," Ethel mentioned, glancing around. "I have to stay off the exorcist''s radar. Besides this place is perfect for training vessels, a lot more space."

    John lay still on the couch, his breathing even. "He''ll recover," Ethel assured, though her gaze lingered on the healed wounds. "But some scars don''t heal with supernatural power."

    "That orderly was one of Greed''s. And he was on the weaker end too," she started, then stopped herself. "There is no doubt in my mind that they have Kristian and Olivia. They are trying to lure me out. It''s why they went after John too."

    "So what do we do," Zack asked, watching John breathe. "They''ll just keep targeting you until you agree to be tested by Greed. Who knows who they will go after next?"

    Ethel looked at Zack, "That''s my problem isn''t it? You need to go back to school and be a regular student. Hanging around with me puts a target on your back," Zack went to argue but Ethel''s glare shut him down, for now there was nothing he could do.

    ---

    As Deb and Ahmed made their way through the parking lot, a woman came stumbling into view. "The Supreme, I need to talk to the Supreme," she muttered. She slid on the gravel and Ahmed raced to catch her.

    The moment they touched, Ahmed''s eyes were distant, clouded with the fog of a premonition. He began to hum quietly to himself, freezing in place while the woman staggered away.

    "Ahmed, what''s wrong?" Deb queried, she rushed to his side trying to snap him out of it.

    "It''s dark, and it''s so cold," he said, tugging at the collar of his shirt as if it suddenly choked him.

    From Ahmed''s view, he was no longer in the parking lot. He was in a dark and dingy room he had never seen before. But he wasn''t alone, he could hear whispered voices from the shadows.

    "who''s there?" He called out into the darkness, the voices suddenly fell silent. He moved closer, and the shape of a body laid on the dirt floor came into view, he felt a chill race through his body as he realized who he was looking at.

    "Ahmed?" Deb nudged, finally breaking his trance. He quickly looked around for the woman but she was long gone.

    "Olivia," he finally breathed out. "Cold... dark... I don''t think she made it..." The words tumbled out disjointedly, as he tried to recall the vision.

    "Let''s get you out of here," a familiar voice interjected. Jessica had arrived, she looked at both of them with concern. She slung an arm around Ahmed, lifting him off the ground and guiding him toward the car. "I don''t know what is going on here. But by the sounds of it our time is running out," she said, as they reached the car. The trio, now very concerned about their miss acquaintances.

    ---

    Zack''s hand hovered over the fresh paint on Ethel''s door, as he waited for Rob to arrive to pick him up. It was too deliberate, a cover-up that screamed of secrets beneath. With a flick of his claws, he chipped away at the paint, revealing the stark outline of Greed''s symbol etched into the wood.

    "Damn," Zack muttered under his breath, feeling the hum of energy pulsating from the mark. "How much trouble are you in."

    Ethel, who had been watching him with an impassive gaze, finally spoke. "I thought I told you to go home, Zack. You are going to have to pay for that door now."

    "What door?" Rob interjected, as he made his way to them. "Oh shit, that is Greed''s symbol, he found you even after you moved?"

    "He wants a Supreme with time manipulation powers," Ethel explained as she surveyed the symbol on her door. "He will do whatever it takes to force me to follow him."

    "Like kidnapping your vessels?" Zack asked, his claws vanishing and running a hand through his tousled hair.

    "We''ll find them," Ethel replied, her eyes distant like she was calculating her next move in a war only she fully understood.

    A sound came from inside the apartment and John appeared in the door frame. His voice was rough with disorientation, "The woman who saved me... where is she?"

    Ethel and Zack exchanged a look before asking in union, "What woman?"

    ***

    The empty locker room reeked of sweat and desperation. The woman, who had saved John, gripped the splintered broom handle fending off her attackers. The nurse, the orderly, and the handsome Chinese man encircled her¡ªtheir eyes glowing as they moved in.

    "Come on, Nicole," The orderly goaded with a twisted grin, he took a swipe at her. She countered quickly, ducking under his intended arm before thrusting the jagged end of the broom handle into his armpit. The man roared in pain as he stumbled back

    Nicole kept a tight grip on the broom handle, watching the other two closely. It was the nurse who moved next, and Nicole thrust the broom toward her but she caught it. Flames erupted from her fingertips, engulfing the handle in a blistering inferno. The heat seared, and Nicole released that handle, losing her only defence against them.

    Nicole waited for them to finish her, but they both took a step back as the sound of metallic clicking filled the room. The man with the prosthetic leg entered the room, wiping crimson from his hands with a cloth that seemed too fine for such a task. He leaned on his cane, his brilliant blue eyes glowing so brightly she could see them through his sunglasses.

    "A bounty hunter and a Leprechaun," he said, almost as if he admired her. "I have to say that is quite the unique use of your talents."

    Nicole looked at the sin, trying to get back on her feet before the nurse forced her down again. "It was nothing personal, Danny, just business. They needed John to be on the board. They paid me a lot for it."

    "Was it worth it," Danny asked with an unsettling calm. "Do they think one vessel will change the game? And as for you, well I hope you had a chance to spend that money, hate to think it is just going to be sitting untouched in an offshore account somewhere."

    "You really think you can kill me?" she raised an eyebrow, "Far more talented people than you have tried."

    "Well, why don''t I just test out that claim?" Danny chuckled lowly, turning to make his exit. "Finish her," he commanded without looking back, leaving his covenant to snuff out the last sparks of Nicole''s resistance.

    ---

    Ahmed gingerly peeled back the sleeve of his sweater, wincing slightly as the fabric brushed against the tender skin of his forearm. Deb, sitting cross-legged on her bedroom floor amidst a fortress of cardboard boxes, glanced up from the photos she was unpacking.

    "Everything alright?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern as she caught sight of his grimace.

    "That woman must have scratched me when I caught her," Ahmed replied, as he looked over the small scrapes along his arm.

    "Let me see," Deb urged, abandoning the photos and moving closer.

    As she did, Ahmed''s arm shifted into the light, revealing an odd configuration of small cuts that looked like strokes of a pen. They seemed to be almost intentional, forming a symbol that neither of them recognized, but a pattern was clear.

    "Looks like... some kind of ancient writing," Deb murmured, her brow furrowing.

    "I''ve never seen anything like it," Ahmed couldn''t take his eyes off it, his mind racing. He could not shake the feeling that this symbol was a message, like the woman was still trying to tell him something.

    "Maybe we are reading too much into this, I mean what are the chances there actually is a secret message hidden in some scrapes" Deb suggested, half-joking yet half-serious.

    "Right it would be pretty lucky if this was a secret message to help us," Ahmed added, his tone sombre. "I just feel like we are running out of time."

    "I know," Deb sighed, watching his expression darken.

    "Seeing Olivia like that felt so real," he whispered, almost afraid to say her name aloud. "I felt her fear and her pain and then nothing."

    "It was just a vision," Deb tried to calm him. "You know they aren''t always easy to understand,"

    "We have to find her," Ahmed cut in, standing abruptly. "I have to be sure she is ok."

    "OK, then we better start looking for her," Deb decided, her determined nature taking over. "Tell me everything you can remember about the room she was in."

    "Ok," Ahmed nodded. "It was underground, there were no windows or lights..."

    Deb listened carefully, making mental notes about possible locations, if Olivia was really on the verge of death then she would stop at nothing to save her.

 Vol 3, Chapter 3: Sobering

    "Seriously, Rob? Do we really have time for a party?" Zack crossed his arms as he eyed his friend, the dim glow of a streetlamp catching his look of disproval. "We still have no leads on where Greed is keeping Olivia and Kristian."

    "And you think we are going to make a massive break in the case tonight?" Rob asked, raising an eyebrow. "Nemo''s my lab partner and a great guy, plus he knows how to throw a party. We are nineteen, can''t we just be nineteen for one night?"

    "I guess one night won''t hurt," Zack relented, looking up at the house with party guests spilled out onto the lawn.

    "Exactly!" Rob''s grin was irrepressible, lighting up his face in a way that made him almost seem innocent. Almost. "We need a night of fun. It will clear our minds, so we can get back to searching with fresh eyes."

    Zack let out a sigh, his instinct was to text Deb to join him but that really wasn''t an option anymore. He pocketed his phone with a decisive click. "Alright, let''s let''s do this. But if it''s a bust, you''re buying me breakfast tomorrow."

    "Deal!" Rob said, already ushering Zack towards the home.

    Inside, the party was in full swing, red Solo cups in the hands of every guest as the music blared. Nemo, a muscular figure with deep dark eyes, toasted his own cup with Samantha, his sidekick for the evening.

    "Three months sober today," he confided to her, a note of pride threading through his words. His cup held nothing more intoxicating than tonic water.

    "Which is all the more reason to celebrate tonight," Samantha insisted, nudging him playfully. "You''ve earned this."

    "Plan on making the most of it," Nemo assured her, his gaze suddenly tracking to the front door where Zack and Rob had just stepped through.

    "Rob!" Nemo''s voice cut through the noise, high on excitement as he bounded over to him. Without warning, he took both of Rob''s hands in his, causing Rob''s face to turn red. "Meet me in the backyard later?" Nemo winked, before dissolving back into the crowd.

    "Sure thing, Nemo," Rob replied, a little too late to be heard, though he cast a glance at Zack as if to say, ''Can I?'' Zack gave him and nod and Rob followed after Nemo.

    Once they maneuvered behind the shed, slightly removed from the pulsing heartbeat of the party, Nemo leaned in, closing the distance between himself and Rob with a kiss, this one lingering like a promise.

    "You are really cute," he confessed, his breath warm against Rob''s ear. "I have wanted to do that since our first lab together."

    "Oh, wow, you are a good kisser," Rob murmured, doing his best to flirt.

    "I was hoping to do more than just kiss you," Nemo added, a touch shy now, as he caressed Rob''s chest.

    "Oh, right, yeah." Rob realized what Nemo wanted, he could feel his palms start to sweat. "I would... I would be down for that."

    "Cool," Nemo beamed, a playful glint returning to his gaze. "So, think you can sneak into the upstairs bathroom and grab some...protection?"

    "Your wish is my command," Rob quipped, winking as he turned to execute his mission¡ªleaving Nemo alone in the quiet of the backyard.

    ---

    The car''s interior was dim as Deb and Ahmed drove through the city. Ahmed''s hand was steady, with his scabbed-over cuts still visible. I made Deb uncomfortable to look at, it seemed so familiar yet so foreign.

    "It''s healing up pretty nicely," Ahmed half-joked, looking over at Deb. Deb nodded before quickly adverting her gaze, her focus now outised her window.

    Deb''s eyes then scanned over some passing graffiti, squinting at one of the artworks. "Stop," she yelled, grabbing Ahmed''s arm. Ahmed slammed on the brakes, shooting her a look that screamed ''What the hell!''

    "Geeze Deb, you almost got us killed," Ahmed scolded, as he turned to meet her gaze. Deb didn''t say anything, she simply lined up his injured arm with the graffiti on the old home across from them.

    "It''s the same," Deb suddenly exclaimed, as the pair looked at the run-down home. Neither one was willing to leave their seat, unsure of what could be lurking inside. "Could they be in there?"

    "I mean it''s possible," Ahmed nodded. "But I don''t exactly have a weapon on me, what if it is guarded by vessels or something?" Ahmed shifted in his seat as he thought about it, he could feel a knot forming in his stomach.

    "Zack," Deb said, her voice urgent. "We need Zack."

    ***

    Nemo''s feet felt the cool grass beneath them, he had stripped down to his underwear while he waited for Rob to return. The night embraced him, and he practised different poses behind the shed, wondering which one would impress Rob the most.

    "Beautiful night for a celebration, isn''t it?" A voice cut through the quiet, silken and enticing.

    Nemo jerked around, startled and trying to cover himself up, to find a young man stepping out from the bushes, the moonlight giving him an otherworldly glow around his chiselled features. In his hand was a bottle of wine, adorned with a massive bow.

    "I''m so sorry, I didn''t think anyone else was out here?" Nemo explained, pulling his shirt back on over his head.

    "No I get it, got to have some fun while you can," the stranger replied, offering the bottle with a flourish. "Speaking of some fun, care for a drink?"

    The offer dangled before Nemo, as he looked at the clearly expensive bottle. "I... I can''t," he stammered, the struggle evident in his tone.

    "Ah, man of principal. I can respect that," the man smiled, moving even closer to the Nemo. He opened the bottle and took a swig. "You don''t mind holding this for me, do you? I need to take a leak." Nemo could smell the sweet wine on the young man''s breath, close up he realized just how much this man looked like Rb.

    Compelled by a force he couldn''t quite understand, Nemo reached out hesitantly, fingers brushing against the cool glass. "Yeah, I can hold it for you." He watched as the man turned and went deeper into the bush. Once out of sight, he looked down at the wine bottle, would a sip really hurt, he was celebrating after all.

    He brought the bottle to his lips, the liquid inside touching his tongue, and for a moment Nemo was reminded of how much he loved the taste of it. He never noticed that the man had vanished or the wind had begun to pick up. He didn''t see the vines slithering toward him until it was too late. with a single gasp, they dragged Nemo into the bushes, where no one could hear him scream.

    ***

    "Hey, Deb!" Zack called out, waving her over to the front yard of the party. "What did you need to talk about?" He smiled seeing her make her way toward him.

    "Sorry we couldn''t explain over the phone but we think we found something" Deb huffed, breathless as she approached with Ahmed in tow. She thrust forward Ahmed''s arm and her phone with the photo of the home with the graffiti on it. "They match don''t they?"

    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Zack studied the mark, his face a mask of concentration. "They are similar, that''s for sure. How exactly did Ahmed get these cuts?"

    But the answer would have to wait. Rob burst through the front door with a look of worry on his face. "Hey, have any of you seen Nemo out here?"

    "Wasn''t he with you?" Zack asked, turning to face him.

    Rob shook his head, his voice tinged with panic. "He told me to go get.... a drink. And when I came back he was gone, I''ve looked everywhere for him." Rob''s eyes continued to scan over the party-goers, "this is his place, he wouldn''t just go,"

    "Don''t panic, I am sure he just wandered off. Take me to where he was last and I''ll track his aura for you," Zack follow Rob to the backyard, ready to help his friend. Deb and Ahmed followed too, hoping to discuss their findings further after locating the missing Nemo.

    They arrived together behind the shed, only to be greeted by an eerie silence and a single, open bottle of wine lying discarded on the ground. Zack looked confused "You are sure you were back here?"

    "Of course I am sure, I haven''t even had a drink yet." Rob tapped his foot impatiently on the grass. "Why?"

    "Because the only aura here is yours," Zack whispered, feeling an unease settle into the pit of his stomach.

    ---

    John''s shadow paced back and forth across the polished concrete floor, his hands folded neatly behind his back. The click of his boots echoed through the large loft space.

    "Kyle''s on his way," Ethel said, as she set her phone down. She was perched on the edge of her desk, her dark eyes fixed on John as he paced.

    "Great," John muttered, the word laced with sarcasm. "Because spending an evening with the guy who turned me into this is always a pleasure."

    "Only a sin can unlock your forgotten memories," Ethel replied, unfazed by his tone. "He''s all we got."

    "Yeah, well, Zack doesn''t trust him, and neither do I." John stopped pacing long enough to lock eyes with her.

    "Zack isn''t you Supreme John. I am, you need to trust me," Her words were pointed, demanding an affirmation.

    "I do, Ethel. But Kyle..." He shook his head, frustration evident in every line of his body.

    "Nobody likes Kyle," she said flatly as if stating a universal truth.

    The door swung open, and Kyle stepped into the loft, his presence immediately filling the space with an uncomfortable energy. "Heard my name. Hope you''re not talking behind my back," he quipped, a half-smirk playing on his lips.

    "Wouldn''t dream of saying anything about you behind your back," Ethel shot back, crossing her arms. "We don¡¯t like you."

    "Charming as ever." Kyle¡¯s gaze shifted between them. "But let''s get down to business. Touching souls, seeing lives¡ªit''s messy, dangerous work."

    "And you can do it?" John asked, skepticism heavy in his voice.

    "Let''s find out." Kyle approached John, who stood rigid, preparing himself. A finger reached out, barely touching John''s temple.

    As Kyle''s eyes glowed orange, John''s body slackened, his breaths coming slow and deep. In the trance, images flickered past: a flash of Kristian''s smile, the darkening scowl of Danny.

    "Got something," Kyle announced, his voice low but triumphant. "Kristian and Danny are together. Danny is keeping him locked away. He''s got plans¡ªsomething about Ethel saving them or else..."

    "Or else what?" Ethel interjected, her face pale.

    "Or they die by the 15th," Kyle finished, just as Ethel''s phone began to ring. She glanced at the screen¡ªZack''s name lit up.

    "Now who could that be?" Kyle remarked, but Ethel ignored him, answering the call.

    "Ethel, we think we might have found where greed is keeping Olivia," Zack''s voice came through, urgent and filled with hope.

    "Okay, text me the address and I''ll meet you there," she responded, looking over at John. Every second mattered now. She hung up, turning to Kyle and John.

    "You two are coming with me, Zack thinks he has something," she declared, making her way to the door.

    ---

    The amber glow of the streetlights illuminated the small home, where Zack stood with his arms crossed, standing guard in front of it. Ethel exited the home, her eyes scanning the desolate space, landing on Ahmed who held out his arm, showcasing the cuts that had become the night''s unsolved riddle.

    "Well, was there anything in there?" Zack urged, his voice low and insistent as tried to read the disappointment on Ethel''s face.

    Ethel''s gaze was dismissive, and she barely spared the blemish a second glance before saying flatly, "It''s a dead end."

    "Nothing?" Ahmed muttered, pulling his sleeve back down. "It felt so real in my vision and the graffiti looks exactly like it."

    "You''re seeing meaning where there isn''t," Ethel snapped, her patience wearing thin. She turned her sharp gaze to Zack. "You''re sure he can be trusted?"

    "Are you sure we can trust you?" Deb interjected, stepping forward with a tilt to her chin.

    "Excuse me?" Ethel raised an eyebrow, turning her full attention to Deb despite Zack''s protests. "Zack, remind me, who freed Gluttony from his prison?"

    "Hey, now," Rob cut in before Zack could respond, he placed himself between Ethel and Deb. "Fighting isn''t going to help us find anyone. Remember we are all on the same team here... we should be focusing on finding Oliva and Kristian and possibly Nemo."

    "I don''t know if I can trust a killer," Deb retorted sharply, her words hanging heavy in the air.

    "what are you... oh, you still don''t know the truth about that night do you,?" the realization dawned on Ethel, she almost laughed at the whole situation.

    "Look," Zack interjected, taking Ethel aside with a gentle firmness. "She doesn''t need to know what Father Bill was doing that night, it won''t fix anything."

    "Won''t it?" Ethel asked, raising an eyebrow. "She should know he was trying to kill you." She glared back at Deb. "We''ll be going now Zack, good luck with her."

    As Ethel stalked off, frustration radiating from her as she went, Zack let out a sigh, exchanging weary glances with his friends. The group''s energy had dwindled to nothing. "Let''s call it a night," He said.

    ---

    Later, amidst the hushed whispers of turning pages in the university library, Rob hunched over a scatter of books, his brow furrowed in concentration. Zack sat adjacent, lost in thought, his fingers tapping an uneven rhythm on the table.

    "Do you think that symbol could be some ancient pictogram? Or maybe¡ª" Rob mused aloud, his theories trailing off as he caught Zack''s distant expression.

    "Zack?" He nudged his friend, trying to reel him back from wherever his mind had wandered.

    "Hmm?" Zack''s attention snapped back. "Right, the symbol could be anything."

    "Ok, what is up with you?" Rob asked, leaning back in his chair with a thoughtful frown.

    "Deb, she doesn''t know why Ethel placed that curse on Father Bill." Zack explained, "She sees the man who tried to kill me as a hero,"

    Before Rob could speak, the young Filipino and Chinese freshmen walked by, engaged in a quiet, intense conversation. A flicker of something unreadable crossed Zack''s face as he watched them leave, something familiar about the pair.

    "Supremes?" Zack said abruptly, standing up and shuffling his books into a bag. "They aren''t human." Rob followed his gaze.

    "Those two don''t look all that tough, are you sure?" Rob asked, also gathering his things.

    "Very," Zack said, never taking his eyes off the pair. "We need to keep an eye on them too."

    "Great," Rob said flatly, "I will add that to our list of things to do, speaking of which basketball practice starts in ten minutes," both boys zipped up their backs and raced out.

    ---

    The scent of varnished hardwood and the echo of whispered voices filled the gym as Coach Reynolds paced before the team, his gaze sweeping over the young athletes. "Gentlemen," he began, his voice resonating with a seasoned timbre, "Basketball is like the Stock Market. It operates on two fundamental principles¡ªany guesses?"

    A sea of hesitant faces met his question until Zack''s hand shot up, causing the group to fall silent. Coach Reynolds'' eyes narrowed skeptically. "Zack, if you need to use the restroom, now''s the time."

    Undeterred, Zack leaned forward, his voice steady. "Risk and reward, Coach."

    Astonishment flickered across Coach Reynolds'' features before giving way to a broad grin. "Exactly! Just like in basketball."

    "Speaking of risk," the coach continued, turning his attention back to the group, "who¡¯s up for a challenge?"

    Rob, quick on the draw, threw his hand up before the coach could elaborate, nearly hitting Cody, who was seated next to him.

    "Here''s the game," Coach said, ignoring Rob''s hand. "Make a three-pointer¡ªyou skip suicides." He paused for effect, then pointed at the towering figure of Cliff. "And Cliff here says they''re not that hard anyway."

    "Who''s first?" Coach challenged, locking eyes with Zack. The weight of expectation hung heavy in the air.

    "Oh did I forget to mention, miss your shot and you add twenty push-ups to everyone''s workout," Coach added, his expression unwavering.

    "Or..." his voice trailed off, purposefully inviting the suspense, "you can choose not to play. But remember, your past experiences inform whether or not you take the risk. So, what¡¯ll it be, Dawson?"

    Zack''s mind raced as he looked from the ball to his team and then to the net. After a moment that stretched too long, he shook his head. "No, I''m out."

    A murmur rippled through the team. "Fair enough," the coach said turning back to the rest of the team. "Would anyone else like to give it a go?"

    Rob stepped up, his hand extended for the ball, the entire team groaned, already knowing exactly how this was going to end. Suddenly the melody of a phone call filled the space.

    "Oh shit!" Rob called out, racing back to his bag by the bench. He fumbled through his things until he finally found it in the bottom of his bag. He went to turn it off when a text message from Lindsey arrived.

    "A young man named Nemo Hardez was reported missing this morning. According to an eye witness, he was last seen leaving the party with you. You need to call me right away, we need to get to the bottom of this as soon as we can, please call me back." Rob froze staring down at the message, it felt like all the air had just been sucked out of the room.

 Vol 3, Chapter 4: Breakout

    Deb scribbled away on her notepad, sketching the symbol on Ahmed''s arm and the old home. Her laptop perched precariously on the edge of the coffee-stained table, displaying a seemingly endless stream of pictograms and logos. She squinted at each, hoping to find a match to the symbol and finally understand its meaning.

    "So when do we give up on this whole the scratches on my arm have a meaning thing?" Ahmed mused, watching other students wander through the library.

    "Don''t you think it is strange you had a vision after pumping into so random girl and she leaves with scratches that match the graffiti on a house we have never seen before?" Deb asked without looking up, the tip of her tongue poking out in concentration as she perfected a curve on the symbol.

    "Sure, but you know the definition of crazy is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a new outcome." His voice was light, but it also sounded tired.

    Deb didn''t respond, too consumed by her research. Ahmed rolled his eyes and continued to people-watch, a blend of caffeine-fueled study sessions and procrastinated assignments, when Leona stepped off the elevator. With her gaze locked onto the young handsome Filipino man, who sat with his usual partner at a nearby table, she failed to notice another student in her path. The collision sent books tumbling, causing a minor spectacle. The Filipino man, his eyes meeting Leona''s in a moment of charged recognition, offered a half-smile before quickly shaking it off.

    "Sorry!" Leona''s cheeks flushed a deep rose as she hurriedly gathered the scattered pages, her attention still flickering towards her dark-eyed crush.

    Deb, finally tearing her gaze from the symbol, reached for her coffee cup. The familiar logo caught her eye, and it clicked¡ªthe sign she had been drawing, the one haunting her thoughts, mirrored the emblem on her cup.

    "Ahmed, look¡ª" Deb turned, her revelation perched on the tip of her tongue, only to find his seat empty. Scanning the room, she spotted him, deep in conversation with a young Chinese man, while Leona watched with envy.

    Deb laughed to herself, a soft smile playing on her lips before she returned to her laptop and dove deeper into the small St. Jacob''s brewing company where she had bought the cup. She read through the articles until she found a recent one about them moving from their original location into the city of Waterloo.

    "This is it!" she shouted before becoming very aware the entire student body in the library was now staring at her. "So sorry," she mouthed shooting everyone an apologetic glance.

    "You figured it out?" Ahmed made his way back to her, eyes wide with curiosity.

    "It''s to logo for the Celtic Coffee Shop," Deb whispered, turning her cup so Ahmed could see the logo. "Their old building in St. Jacobs is still empty. It would be the perfect place for two vessels, it was an old mill before the coffee shop bought it."

    "Then why aren''t you texting Zack right now? This could be huge!" He leaned closer, and Deb could smell the sandalwood cologne.

    "I can''t," Deb hesitated, recalling just how angry Ethel was the last time they brought her out for nothing, "I need to find something concrete first. Proof that Greed really has them there." Her gaze fell back to the images of the historic building, she was going to get to the bottom of this herself.

    "I''m not sure I like that look in your eye," Ahmed chuckled softly, watching Deb hunt for blueprints. "It makes me feel like we are about to do something stupidly dangerous."

    "Not at all, it will just be a small stakeout." Deb closed her laptop with a decisive snap, turning to Ahmed. "We get in, take a pick of Greed and his cronies and get out."

    "Well if it is that easy," Ahmed said sarcastically, shifting in his chair.

    ---

    In the dimly lit corner of Night School, Zack wiped down the bar after serving shots to a small group of women, eyes fixed on Rob sitting at the edge of the bar. The soft glow of neon lights danced across Rob''s face, as he sat as stiff as a board.

    "Think about it, Zack," Rob insisted, his voice barely rising above the thumping bass. "Nemo... he wouldn''t just vanish without a word. I shouldn''t have left him alone in the yard. Lindsey says they are doing everything in their power to find him but I don''t know if human cops will be able to. I mean to just disappear like that, something supernatural must be going on here."

    Zack raked a hand through his blond hair as he listened. His demon half wanted to rage but his human side prevailed. "We will find him Rob. But for now, we need to focus on one thing at a time, Paulina should be ready by now, let''s head to her office."

    Rob agreed with a half nod and followed Zack through the crowd and to the back office. Inside John sat in the leather chair across from Paulina''s desk, with Ethel standing in the corner.

    She watched Paulina pull different herbs and animal parts from the large cabinet adorned with Wiccan symbols for healing. Her hands moved with practiced grace, pouring liquids that shimmered like the night sky into a glass. They watched as she finished the concoction with a flourish, a drop of something potent enough to make every person in the room shiver.

    "Drink this, John," Paulina instructed, her tone both soothing and commanding. "But be warned, it''s easy to get lost in your own memories. If you do, I won''t be able to pull you back."

    John gave a short nod, his muscular frame tensed as though preparing for battle. With a steady hand, he lifted the glowing blue liquid to his lips and took it back like a shot. His eyes rolled back before he crumbled in his chair.

    Minutes stretched into eternity before John''s eyes snapped open, and he gasped for air. "The grain silo," he gasped, "behind the old mill. They have them... They are waiting..." His breath hitched as if the words pained him, "They''re starving them."

    "Of course they are," Ethel muttered, the rage evident in her voice. "Every one of my vessels they take from me weakens my power. It will be easier for them to beat me if they kill you all."

    "Then we save them," Zack declared, rising to his feet. "We find the mill, we get them out, and we bring them back."

    "But what about Greed and his covenant of Supremes?" Rob asked, knowing there was no way the sin would just let them walk in there. "What if this is part of his plan, he would have us all right where he wants us."

    "We have to try," John huffed, his voice barely above a whisper, "I couldn''t save them on my own, but together maybe we can."

    "They are a part of my covenant," Ethel said, her gaze distant yet intense. "I won''t let Greed kill them without a fight."

    Rob''s brows drew together in skepticism. "That''s all well and good, but Greed knows all your vessel weaknesses, remember. He is a powerful sin who has survived centuries on Earth. We need a solid plan,"

    "I have a plan." With an elegant flick of her wrist, Ethel''s eyes flashed emerald green. The apartment froze in a tableau vivant; dust motes hung suspended in a beam of light, and the hum of the city beyond the walls halted. All five people in the room however continued to move, unaffected by her hold on time.

    "Damn," Zack muttered, his voice returning to the stillness as time resumed its flow.

    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    Ethel smiled at the group. "I have learned a few things as a Supreme like now I can control who is affected by my time freezes."

    "Show-off," Rob grumbled, crossing his arms. "Still not much of a plan."

    "We don''t need a plan, we just need the element of surprise," Ethel began, "I freeze time, Zack tears the door open with telekinesis, we grab Olivia and Kristian, and bail before the Supremes know what hit them."

    "With just Zack and I, there will be less risk of screw-ups" she explained, casting her gaze around the room.

    John snorted. "You''re all mad if you think I''m going to stay back while you have all the fun. Besides my illusions can offer some cover if things go sideways."

    "We can take my car," Rob sighed, glancing at Zack.

    "Then it is settled," Zack replied, standing up resolutely. "We are going to rescue Kristian and Olivia." His eyes locked on Paulina then shifted to Ethel. "And we are doing it tonight."

    ***

    The old mill loomed in the dark, cold and forgotten. Deb gripped the bolt cutters as she approached the back door, their metal teeth biting through the chains with a satisfying snap. She slipped inside the darkness, ready to find the truth.

    "Well, it was only a matter of time before one of you showed up," a familiar voice came from behind her as a hand gripped her shoulder. Ms. McLeod''s stern face emerged from the shadows. "Your timing is terrible, like always. Get in the walk-in fridge and stay quiet, wait for my signal."

    Before she could protest, Deb found herself shoved into the cramped space, inhaling the musty air mixed with the scent of old spices. Ms. McLeod spilled a powder from a small flask the threshold, before closing the door.

    As the door closed, Deb could hear the clicking of claws in the distance. They paused for a moment and Deb held her breath. Then the tapping continued until it faded into the background. Relief flooded Deb as she took a step back from the fridge door. It was officially time to text Zack.

    Fumbling with her phone, Deb cast a weak light across the room. Her breath hitched; there, slumped against a shelf, was Olivia¡ªor what looked like her. The body moved, ever so slightly, crumbling further to the ground.

    "Olivia?" Deb whispered, but no response came. With shaking fingers, turned the body over and gasped, the hollow eyes of a long-gone Olivia stared back at her.

    ---

    "Can someone remind me why we invited Kyle to this?" Rob asked, eyeing the man in his backseat.

    "You''re going up against Greed. Clearly, you need someone well-versed in his tactics," Kyle drawled, leaning against the car door with an amused smirk. "It should be fun watching get yourselves killed."

    "Again, why?" Rob looked up, eyebrows arching high.

    "Asks the human." Peter rolled his eyes before looking out the car window. "This is a great location," His gaze narrowed on the silos behind it. "Greed most likely has them spread out across the grounds."

    "I can''t sense any of them," Zack interjected, his expression clouded with doubt. "They are masking themselves if they are here."

    "So you''re basically going in blind." Rob stared out the window at the structure. "Great."

    "We can still do this," Ethel decided, urgency lacing her tone as she pushed open her door, "I can feel Kristian''s aura, he''s in there."

    Zack turned to Rob, "Stay here and stay out of sight, text us if you see anyone coming our way," He stepped out of the car, casting one lingering look back at Rob, John, and Kyle before disappearing into the night.

    Noticing the old locks had been removed from the front door, Zack and Ethel crept forward, quietly slipping inside the building. Zack took a breath focusing in on Kristian''s faint aura trail.

    "Kyle thinks this place is booby-trapped," Rob''s text lit up Zack''s phone, as they walked. "He says whatever you do don''t close any doors behind you, and don''t touch anything."

    "Great," Zack muttered, flashing the text at Ethel, whose jaw tensed.

    "Of course, Greed would have a trap set," Ethel carefully slid another door aside, "The problem is just how quiet this place is, either they are going to ambush us or they want us to find Kristian."

    "Why would they want us to find Kristian," Zack wondered aloud, as the edge of a silo came into view. "I thought the point of taking him was to make you weaker."

    "Right," Ethel said as the entrance to the silo came into view. "But there are ways to corrupt a vessel, forcefully changing their loyalty. All it takes is feeding them a sin''s blood."

    "What happens to them exactly¡ª" But Zack''s words were cut short as Ethel opened the door to the silo to reveal Kristian inside.

    Kristian paced like a caged animal, his eyes wild with something darker than fear. At the sight of Ethel, he stumbled back, his voice a ragged growl. "Get out, Ethel!"

    Ethel dashed to his side, her presence a calm amid the chaos. "Not without you," she insisted, reaching out to steady him.

    "No, they did something to me," he hissed, muscles bulging, veins darkening.

    "Ethel you need to get back now!" Zack shouted, sensing the sudden change in Kristian''s aura. They had walked straight into a trap.

    ---

    "What do you think this is about?" Rob was reviewing the blueprints, a look of confusion spreading across his face. John looked up over his shoulder, trying to get a better view of the plans.

    "Let me guess," Kyle smiled, his tone less mocking now. "Those silos are lined with iron bars."

    "How did you know," Rob looked back at Kyle through the rearview mirror, his eyes narrowed.

    "That symbol on the coffee cup makes a cute logo, it is also the symbol a select group of Celtic exorcists use to mark prisons for the supernatural," Kyle pointed to the old mill.

    "You knew that this entire time and you didn''t say anything?" Rob yelled, fighting the urge to punch the sin.

    "You never asked," Kyle shrugged.

    "I hate you," Rob said, pulling his phone from his pocket to shoot Zack a text to warn him.

    ---

    Back at the silo, Ms. McLeod''s hand found the door, her fingers trembling against the metal before she forced it shut with a click that echoed through the silo like a gunshot. Zack whipped around to see their only exit sealed off, his heart sinking when he recognized the telltale shimmer of palm ash lining the room.

    "We''re trapped in here," he informed Ethel, who was still trying to coax Kristian out of the shadows.

    Outside the silo, Danny listened with an unreadable expression, his cane folding with a precision that matched the coldness in his voice. He turned to Ms. McLeod, "Don''t pretend this is beneath you, Norma. You''ve dirtied your hands before."

    Without a word, she linked her arm to his, and they disappeared down the corridor.

    Within, Kristian began to shake uncontrollably. His body contorted, expanding beyond its usual size, his skin becoming a deep blue colour. Ethel stood her ground, her claws slowly extending as she prepared to fight her vessel.

    "Kristian, please!" she pleaded, but her words were drowned out by the roar of pain from Kristian.

    Deb, hidden in the shadows, heard Kristian''s roar, She peeked through the small fridge window in time to see Danny and Norma walk past it. As they walked by Norma gave a small nod in her direction, the signal she thought. She emerged from her hiding place and headed in the direction they had come from. She reached the silo just in time to witness Kristian''s claws sinking into Zack''s belly, lifting him off the ground.

    "Kristian, stop!" Deb cried out, her voice laced with desperation. She lunged for the door handle, ignoring Ethel''s vehement protests.

    "Deb, don''t¡ª"

    But it was too late; the door swung open, and at the sound of his name, something in Kristian''s feral gaze flickered. He released Zack, who crumpled to the floor and bolted past Deb, disappearing into the maze of the building.

    Ethel glared at Deb, barely able to contain her fury. "Do you know what you''ve done!"

    "Ethel she saved my life," Zack rasped, clutching his wounded stomach. His gaze met Deb''s, gratitude mingled with pain.

    "I am trying to help!" Deb shot back, her own anger rising as she helped Zack sit up. "If it weren''t for me, he would have killed Zack and then you."

    "We don''t someone like you helping us," Ethel spat, her eyes flashing with accusation. "You were so quick to turn on us in favour of the exorcists. What were you even doing here in the first place?"

    "I was trying to find proof that greed was here before I told you about this place," Deb said, her voice barely above a whisper. But Ethel wasn''t finished.

    "Really or were you trying to take Kristian out of the picture?" she challenged.

    Confusion washed over Deb''s face, her mind racing. "I would never do that, I follow the code,"

    "So did your beloved Father Bill,"

    Both women turned to Zack, their expressions demanding answers. Zack caught between pain and the weight of secrets, knew it was time for the truth to come out.

    ---

    Ahmed''s eyelids fluttered, his breath hitching in the quiet of his room as tossed and turned in his bed. He twitched, a bead of sweat trickling down his temple as his body convulsed. Then he went still, a solemn tune escaped his lips as he started to hum.

    His eyes snapped open as his eyes adjusted to the dimly lit room. Moonlight spilled through the window, causing him to catch the movement at the foot of his bed. Nemo stood at the end of the bed, but there was something off about him. Ahmed could clearly see his dresser through him, but it felt like he was really there.

    Nemo''s translucent finger extended, pointing towards the window where moonlight danced across the glass. Reflected there was the young man Ahmed had seen before in his vision, his features twisted in terror, his eyes wide with silent pleading.

    "Help," the reflection seemed to mouth, though no sound escaped.

    Ahmed slid from the bed, his movements fluid as he slipped on his slippers. He continued to hum the haunting melody as he moved to his door. He reached the top of the stairs, each step deliberate, drawn towards the front door as if by unseen strings.

    "Where are you taking me?" Ahmed whispered, though in reality no words ever left his lips. The ghostly figure of Nemo remained silent, as he guided Ahmed out of the house.

    "You''re not ok are you?" Ahmed asked, feeling the chill radiating from Nemo''s image. Nemo looked at him teary-eyed, shaking his head.

    "But I can save this one?" Ahmed looked hopeful, praying that he was being led to protect someone. With a deep breath, Ahmed turned down the street, ready to follow Nemo wherever he led him.

 Vol 3, Chapter 5: Back in the Game

    Ashley Turner''s breath fogged in the chill as she searched the trash can for anything worth selling. Her thick brown hair spilled over her face, as she dug through it. She was pulled from her search by the scraping sound approaching her, she whipped her head around just in time to them ¡ª a predatory glow of navy blue eyes.

    "Can''t control it..... run!" a voice rasped, the figure lurking forward from the shadow. Kristian''s silhouette was tall, his skin still a deep blue colour.

    Ashley bolted, sneakers slipping on the wet cement, but her terror pushed her forward. The trash cans clattered as she brushed past them, throwing the odd one down behind her to slow her attacker. But Kristian was too fast; he ran along the wall, closing the space between them.

    Kristian growled as his claws raked through the air, catching Ahsley''s back. A sharp cry tore from Ashley''s lips before she crumpled to the ground, the pain blinding, all-consuming.

    "Please don''t!" She begged, her voice was a hoarse whisper, fading with her consciousness. But it was no use Kristian continued to slash at her.

    A distant crash echoed through the alleyway, seemingly snapping Kristian back to reality for only a moment. He began to shake, seeing what he had done, and then, he fled the scene.

    ---

    "The sun will be up in an hour and we still haven''t found him," Zack''s voice crackled through the phone, frustration clear as he tried to sense Kristian''s aura. He walked through the streets, careful not to miss a single dark parking lot or empty building. "If someone sees him the way he is now... We need to regroup and figure out a way to bring him to us."

    "I agree," Ethel replied, scanning the alleyway for signs of Kristian. "I think he may be heading toward Waterloo, he is running on instinct and Waterloo was his home."

    "Ok, I will let the others know and we will all head that way. Meet up at the university if we find nothing." Zack said before hanging up.

    Stoic as always, Ethel knelt beside Ashley, whose breaths were shallow and ragged. With a shaky hand, Ethel traced a symbol on the girl''s forehead, searing it into her. The mark seeped into Ashley''s skin, her wounds began to heal as her breathing eased.

    "I''m sorry about what he did to you," Ethel whispered, as she scooped the young woman up off the ground. "I promise you, I will make sure you are never the victim again."

    Ethel knew that Zack would never forgive himself or her if anyone died because of Kristian tonight. Looking down at the young woman in her arms, she prayed that no one else would end up in his way.

    "I will save you, Kristian," Ethel affirmed, making her way back to the street. "And then you can make it up to her."

    ---

    Ahmed hummed the solemn tune, as he weaved through the streets of Waterloo. Even with his eyes glossed over in his trance-like state, he slipped between pedestrians and darted across streets just as traffic lights shifted from green to yellow. The song led him deeper into the city, all the while he followed Nemo''s ghostly form.

    "You''re here," Nemo muttered under his breath, as he faded from existence. With a jolt, the trance shattered, leaving Ahmed standing in an alley reeking of stale beer and vomit. The White Rabbit''s neon sign buzzed overhead, as the fog lifted from his view. It was then he saw it: a human shape wrapped in a blanket lying next to the dumpster.

    "Please don¡¯t be dead, please don¡¯t be dead," he whispered, approaching the shape slowly. His hand reached out, fingers brushing against the cold plastic of a manikin. A sigh escaped him, one cut short by the sticky warmth coating his palm. Blood. His eyes followed the crimson trail leading to a gruesome discovery¡ªa mummified corpse propped against the dumpster. Ahmed gasped and stumbled backward, reaching for his phone.

    ---

    Meanwhile, Deb sat in her car, flipping one of her daggers through her fingers as she thought about what Zack said. Zack''s voice echoed in her head, recounting how Father Bill tried to kill that night a the rave, how Ethel tried to save Father Bill''s life by turning him into a vessel.

    "Father..." Deb''s whisper was a ghostly plea for clarity. She shook her head, banishing the images of the man she thought was perfect. A decision roared to life within her, as she tucked her blade away. Her hand moved with purpose, retrieving the keys from the glove box, and the vehicle roared to life. She didn''t know what she was, but she would never call herself an exorcist again.

    ---

    Flames danced in Shannon''s eyes as she told a tale of spectres and curses, her voice sent shivers through the spine of her only listener. Across from her, Madison sat on the edge of her seat, occasionally tossing another log onto the fire, as she hid under her blanket. There was a small rustling in the bushes nearby.

    "Did you hear that?" Madison whispered as she tried to peer through the darkness.

    "Probably just a squirrel with a taste for dramatic timing," Shannon laughed, but her gaze couldn''t help but drift to the source of the sound.

    "Shh, look!" Madison hissed, pointing to a figure lurking at the edge of the clearing. A young man, with perfectly blue eyes, stumbled out of the bushes with his phone held out in front of him.

    "Hey! Can we help you?" Shannon called out, drawing his attention to them.

    "Oh, shit, sorry. I hope I didn''t scare you or anything," the stranger replied, stuffing his phone back into his pocket. "I''m a bit lost, and this stupid GPS isn''t working out here."

    "Not much works out here," Shannon muttered, she walked toward the man, "I can show you the way back to the parking lot, I know these woods pretty well."

    "Wait, Shan¡ª" Madison began, but Shannon was already striding forward.

    "Call for help if I''m not back in five," she threw over her shoulder.

    As they walked, the young man pulled a micky from his jacket pocket, he took a sip before offering the bottle to Shannon. Shannon hesitated for a moment before, before taking the bottle. Her whole body fighting her mind to take a sip. "Are you ok?" the man asked, eyeing her suspiciously

    "Uh, yeah... I just haven''t drank in a while, that''s all," Shannon raised the bottle to her lips before taking a gulp, under the man''s watchful eye.

    "You didn''t have to do that," he said, his eyes suddenly aglow with a malevolent ruby red. "You didn''t have to give in so easily, Shannon. It would have been more fun if you hadn''t."

    Before Shannon knew what was going on, the roots of the trees ensnared her legs and she was dragged into the shadows.

    Back at the fire, Madison dialled frantically, her hands shaking. "Come on, come on," she urged the silent phone.

    A rustling sounded from the trees, heavy breathing accompanying the approach of a hulking figure. She peered through the dark, trying to make out who it was.

    "Shannon?" Madison turned her phone flashlight on and aimed it in the figure''s direction. Kristian stood before her, claws extended and fangs bared. Madison let out a scream as she stumbled back over her camp chair.

    John burst from the foliage, muscles tensed and eyes fierce. "Get away from her!" he bellowed, launching himself at Kristian.

    Kristian caught him by the throat and slammed him into the ground, before lifting him up and sending him sailing back into the trees. Then Zack appeared, his eyes glowing pink, a log he lifted with his telekinesis slammed into Kristian''s chest, sending him sprawling.

    "Don''t just stand there, run!" Zack commanded Madison, his blonde hair sticking to his brow, as he looked down at the girl.

    Before she could respond, Ethel emerged, racing toward Kristian. Kristian, recognizing the challenge, fled into the night.

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    "Go, now!" Zack pressed, and Madison needed no further prompting. She sprinted, stumbling through the underbrush, leaving behind the still-burning fire at the campsite.

    "Stay safe," Zack murmured to the forest, before turning to join the hunt once more, he hoped that they would catch Kristian before he could do any real harm.

    ---

    The neon sign of the White Rabbit bar buzzed in the humid night, as Rob pulled up behind the bar. Rob¡¯s boots crunched on broken glass as he approached Ahmed, who stood motionless, shock etched into his features.

    "Show me," Rob said placing a hand on Ahmed''s shoulder, he tried to remain calm but knew what he was about to see.

    Wordlessly, Ahmed pointed towards the dumpster where the body lay slumped, almost like a prop at a haunted house. The man''s skin was like leather, and his wide eyes were hollow and empty.

    "I''ve never seen anything like this. We need to call Ethel and Zack right away," Rob muttered, running a hand through his hair.

    "I also called the cops, this is just too crazy," Ahmed shivered, unable to look away from the body.

    "Well, that doesn''t give us much time then," pulling out his phone to dial Zack, Rob tried to find the right words for this one. "Zack, we''ve got a situation down at the Rabbit. There''s a mummified body here."

    "Could it have been Kristian?" Zack¡¯s voice crackled through the speaker, laced with worry. "He can control water, can he pull it from a body?"

    Bending down, Rob examined the body, noting the victim''s clothes were untouched, with not a claw mark in the site. A stamp from the bar was on the back of his hand, the ink smudged but readable. He relayed the details to Zack, who fell silent for a beat too long.

    "I don''t think that''s him then," Zack finally said, his tone betraying his doubts.

    "Ok, but if it isn''t him then we have another problem here," Rob gestured at the body, even though Zack couldn¡¯t see.

    "Right now our main concern should be Kristian. He''s the one out of control," Ethel''s voice cut in from the other end of the line, her skepticism clear.

    "Oh great, I''m on speaker aren''t I?" Rob asked, rolling his eyes. "You know Ethel, a dead body is still a pretty big deal."

    "Rob''s right, we can''t just ignore it," Zack''s voice cracked.

    "I''m not saying we ignore it, I am saying we put a pin in it for now," Ethel¡¯s voice was clearly annoyed with the whole conversation.

    "Alright," Rob interjected, "Ahmed and I will handle this. You two find Kristian and turn him back to normal."

    "Are you sure?" Zack pressed, his concern was clear. "I can be there in a few."

    "Zack, we need your strength to capture Kristian," Ethel reminded him, her voice firm. "You need to be here."

    "Ethel''s right," Rob pointed out, eyes never leaving the lifeless body. ¡°You take care of the supernatural problem.¡±

    "Our only issue is just how fast Kristian has become," Ethel said, as she thought about how they could capture the man.

    "Maybe we need to change our approach," Zack suggested. "Stop chasing him."

    "So like what? we set a trap for a rabid animal?" John¡¯s voice joined the fray, his skepticism clear.

    "Kind of," Zack said slowly, an idea beginning to form. "We find someone who knows how to set a trap for an out-of-control vessel."

    "Sounds like you have someone in mind," Rob said, as he thought about their options. "You really think there is someone we know who can do that, someone we trust?"

    "Trust isn''t the word I would use," Zack replied, more to himself than to the others. "But I know they can do it." With that, he ended the call.

    ---

    The damp earth of the forest floor sloshed beneath Detective Mike''s boots as he circled Madison, his keen eyes scanning her jittery demeanour. Officer Lindsey stood a few paces away, her notebook in hand, scribbling furiously as Madison recounted the night''s events.

    "Alright, Madison," Lindsey started, her voice calm and authoritative, "you mentioned taking ecstasy with Shannon. It''s not uncommon for MDMA to cause hallucinations."

    Madison nodded, her lower lip quivering. "I know... but I swear, this guy came out of the bushes and took Shannon. And then these glowing-eyed monsters showed up and attacked me."

    "I''m sure what you saw felt real," Lindsey suggested, her gaze never wavering. She made a mental note to send the girl to the hospital. Confirming what substances were involved could shed light on these alleged glowing eyes.

    "Mike," she said quietly after ensuring Madison was safely on her way to an ambulance. "They did find a wallet belonging to a Shannon Wright in the tent. I can''t shake the feeling something terrible happened here."

    "Let''s get the girl sobered up first," Mike replied, his voice a low rumble. "Then we''ll reassess the ''glowing eyes'' situation."

    ---

    Meanwhile, in the parking lot of a twenty-four-hour convenience store, Jessica''s fingers brushed against the smooth metal of her car as she loaded groceries into the back of her yellow Beetle. The sudden crash of a bag hitting the pavement startled her, and she cursed under her breath as a dozen eggs met their untimely end. As she reached down to salvage what remained, a presence caused her to whip around, gun drawn in a swift motion that spoke of experience.

    "Whoa, Jessica!" Zack exclaimed, holding his hands up defensively, his eyes wide with fear.

    From a nearby car, Ethel peered through the windshield, her dark eyes betraying her skepticism. "This isn''t going to work," she muttered, almost to herself.

    John shifted in his seat, eyeing Jessica from a distance before asking nonchalantly, "So this whole ignoring the people who tried to kill us going to be a common thing now?"

    The stern look Ethel shot him was enough to make John clear his throat, abruptly changing the subject. "I guess if Zack trusts her she can''t be all bad."

    "Keep focused," Ethel bit back, her gaze still locked on Jessica and Zack.

    "Right," John mumbled, still unable to sit still in his chair.

    "Listen, Zack," Jessica began, lowering the firearm slowly, as she realized who it was. "Whatever you want, I''m not¡ª"

    "I just want you to listen," Zack cut in, his voice barely above a whisper. He tilted his head, as if tuning into a frequency only he could hear. "Greed is here, and he did something to Kristian. He is out of control."

    "Another sin is here?" Jessica seemed to be considering the information, her earlier irritation giving way to curiosity. "And you have no idea what they did to Kristian?"

    "Well we have a theory," Zack replied dryly. "We think Greed might have force-fed him some of his blood. We can''t seem to catch him on our own."

    "Dammit, Zack," Jessica sighed, holstering her gun. "I''m not an exorcist anymore. After everything with Abby and Pablo, I needed out."

    "I know and I''m sorry I have you ask you this," Zack whispered with a sidelong glance. "Help us stop Kristian and protect the city, and I won''t ask for your help again."

    "Fine, I will help you this one time," Jessica retorted, standing up to meet Zack''s gaze. "Give me the rundown. I need to know everything that happened so far."

    "Deal," Zack said, a hint of relief in his tone. "And Jessica? Thanks."

    "Save it until after we''ve caught him," she replied, her tone all business once again. "With any luck, it was a simple blood poisoning that will wear off eventually."

    With a nod from Zack, Ethel pulled away from the curb, she turned to John, her expression unreadable. "Keep an eye on her. We can''t afford any more mistakes."

    "You think Jessica will try something?" John asked as they drove. "Zack doesn''t seem to think so."

    "Zack is too optimistic," Ethel murmured, her gaze fixed on the horizon as the sun rose. "He doesn''t see the danger coming until it is too late."

    "He stopped Gluttony and Wrath," John muttered, his eyes never leaving Ethel''s. "Seems to me like he knows what he''s doing."

    "He got lucky," Ethel admitted, she looked back in her rearview mirror to make sure Jessica and Zack were following them. She could feel a shiver snake down her spine when she made brief eye contact with Jessica. "Eventually luck runs out," she said pointedly.

    As they followed Ethel''s car, Zack couldn''t help but ask his burning question. "Why did you leave the exorcists?" Zack looked over at Jessica, his voice confused. "I mean I know Abby and Pablo were monsters. But doesn''t quitting mean that they won?"

    Jessica''s grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, her arm lowering as if the weight of her memories was dragging it down. "I watched Pablo play god with Deb''s mind," she said, her voice cracking with emotion she couldn''t suppress. "I thought we were saving people¡ªthat we protected them¡ªbut we killed innocent people...our code was a lie."

    "A lie?" Zack''s brows knitted together, as he thought about it. "You followed that code and you were nothing like them? Jessica, you could have killed me, like a hundred times over but you didn''t."

    "It doesn''t matter," Her words were bitter. "They corrupted the exorcists and poisoned it, being an exorcist now means turning a blind eye to that darkness,"

    "I''m sorry," Zack whispered. "I know what it''s like to feel like you are the monster in the story. After this, I hope you can find your peace again."

    "Thank you, Zack," she said, never taking her eyes from the road. "Of all my regrets, keeping you alive isn''t one of them."

    "Thanks, I think,"

    Jessica paused, her gaze wandering past Zack, where a couple holding onto each other for dear life wept over a body bag being loaded into an ambulance.

    "Text Ethel and tell her to take a right," she finally whispered. "We are going to bring Kristian to us, and we are going to do it my way."

    "Deal." Zack''s relief was palpable. "Where should I tell her we are going?"

    "We are going to Green Acre Park," Jessica responded as she turned down a side street. When they reached their destination she turned to the Zack, Ethel and John, their faces etched with concern and determination.

    "Listen up," Jessica began, her voice taking on an authoritative tone. "You''re all wasting a ton of energy suppressing your demon sides. It''s a distraction. A wall. You can''t detect the small traces of aura around you if you are focusing on staying human."

    Ethel glanced at John, both of them suddenly attentive. Zack looked on, eager to learn.

    "What you need to do to find Kristian is to let go. Become the demons you are, so you can feel his emotions, sense every change in his temperament...it is what he is doing to avoid all of you."

    "Are you saying we should just become animals like him?" John asked skeptically.

    "Not exactly," Jessica reasoned. "I am suggesting you let your guard down, just a little, so you can track your target."

    "Even blood carries some aura," Jessica continued, as paced in front of them. "Pain, fear...it''s like a beacon. If you want to draw him out, so he stops running from you. You need to fake your pain."

    "Ok but once we have him, what do we do?" Zack asked, a hint of concern lacing his words.

    "Well we contain him," Jessica replied with a wry smile. "then all we have to do is wait it out."

    As if on cue, a rustling sounded from the underbrush. They all turned, and Jessica reached for her sidearm, preparing for whatever was coming their way.

    "Whatever comes out of there," Jessica said, her eyes sharp. "Stand your ground."

    All the while, unbeknownst to them, Deb stood at a distance, her own blade pressed against her pale skin. With a determined breath, she drew the dagger across her arm, her blood dripping onto the forest floor, an offering to the unseen.

 Vol 3, Chapter 6: On the Brink

    Deb crouched low, her fingers carefully tying the transparent thread between two trees. The tripwire was nearly invisible in the dense underbrush of the woods, she smiled to herself as she slipped back into the woods.

    Elsewhere all eyes were on the rustling bushes until a small squirrel wandered out of them. "Well that tracks," Jessica sighed lowering her gun and relaxing her stance. "Kristian could be anywhere in the city, the chances of him being here are slim to none." She reached into her bag and removed a pair of infrared goggles.

    Zack watched her slip the goggles on, he could hear the hum of them activating. "So we have two options, use auras to lure him here or let go so we can track him."

    "Both aren''t exactly foolproof," John muttered, adjusting his jacket and slightly annoyed.

    Ethel stood apart, her eyes flashing a vibrant emerald that pierced the darkness. "Don''t forget we can see in the dark too," she said, looking over to John and Zack.

    "Remember, he may be feral, but Kristian''s still sharp underneath," Jessica warned, her brown eyes intense behind the lenses. "He can smell your fear, track your aura, evade traps. He''s no mere animal¡ªhe''s the top of the food chain."

    As they set out in formation, Jessica sidled up next to Ethel. "The woods may be a little too open to hold Kristian. We need to lure him somewhere that can hold him until the poison runs its course."

    "We don''t have many options out there," Ethel replied, looking out into the darkness as if an answer would appear. "The university isn''t too far but the morning classes will start in an hour."

    "Then we don''t have much time, do we?" Jessica said, concern furrowing her brow.

    "Our best bet is the Dana Porter Library basement," Ethel looked up at the stars as she thought. "The archive doors should be thick enough to hold him and there is less risk of getting caught."

    Jessica turned her attention to Zack, who seemed to shrink slightly under her gaze. "And what about you? Think you can handle luring Kristian to campus?"

    "Most days, I''m just trying to keep the world from overwhelming me," Zack confessed, looking her dead in the eye. "There are so many auras, it can be a lot, so many different feelings."

    "Use that," Jessica advised, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Lock on to Kristian''s. Find out where he is and I will take care of the rest."

    "The rest?" Zack was confused.

    "The three of you are too powerful, your combined auras are repellent to any vessel lower than you," Jessica said making her way back to her car and popping the trunk. Inside were several small devices that looked like garden lights. "These mimic the aura of a wounded vessel, Kristian won''t be able to resist it."

    "let''s get going," Ethel said heading back to her car with John trailing behind her. "We all know the plan," She nodded over to Jessica who gave a small nod back, Jessica removed the devices from her trunk.

    Jessica¡¯s fingers fumbled with the cold metal of the aura projector as she planted them along the forest leading to the campus. The small devices hummed to life, casting an invisible net designed to snare Kristian. She smiled at her handy work¡ªthe exorcist part of her was excited to see her trap play out.

    "I hate these stupid things, they make my head feel like it is going to explode," John muttered, setting his own projector down with a click that echoed in the empty night.

    "We don''t really have much of a choice here," Jessica said, as she watched from the library entrance. "We know Kristian has fallen for this trap before, it caught him caught by the Deb. Let''s hope he falls for it again,"

    They worked silently, forming a spectral corridor toward the library archive. Deep in the woods, Deb''s tripwire in the woods snapped under the pressure of a foot a net dropping from the trees and ensnaring Kristian. He struggled against it until he was able to claw his way through it. As he slipped from it, a new sensation caught his attention.

    "Where are you going?" Deb whispered from her perch in the trees, she watched Kristian''s jerky movements as he suddenly changed course.

    They spotted the small aura emitter as Kristian ripped in from the ground, crushing it with his strength before moving on. Deb realized an exorcist was onto Kristian, so she decided to follow him to make sure he wasn''t killed.

    ---

    Unbeknownst to John and Jessica, two professors, Jake and Boddy, were deep in conversation within the very room they had chosen for their trap.

    "Wait here," Boddy said to Jake, adjusting his glasses. "I have a first edition in my office that I think you will find very interesting." His footsteps receded, leaving Jake alone among the stacks. He scanned over the books with his deep brown eyes, unaware of the rabid vessel heading his way.

    "Perfect timing," Jessica whispered, as Zack and Jessica arrived at the entrance to the library.

    Then, Zack froze in place¡ªhe could an uncontrolled aura approaching fast. "Kristian," he whispered, drawing the attention of the rest of the group. They all turned ready to face off with their former ally.

    ---

    Meanwhile, across town, Ahmed ushered Rob into his sparse room, making sure to check to see if any of his family was trying to listen to the conversation. He gestured toward his bed and as Rob sat, he noticed the weird sketch of a symbol Ahmed had drawn on his dresser.

    "It was Nemo who brought me to the body, well a vision of him anyway," Ahmed confided, his voice a mixture of fear and bewilderment. "This feels so different from when Gluttony got into my head."

    "What do you mean?" Rob murmured, trying to understand what Ahmed was trying to say.

    "When Gluttony was in control, my visions scared me. They felt comfortable and wrong," He sat on the bed next to Rob. "These visions are still scary but they feel natural, like breathing."

    Their conversation was cut short by Kenzie''s urgent call. Her words were clinical, as Rob put the call on speaker. "Another one, same as the guy from the club¡ªcompletely drained. They look like.."

    "Like mummies..." Ahmed interjected, his eyes wide with the realization.

    "Exactly," Kenzie affirmed over the phone. "But here is where it gets really weird, police identified the man as Cliff Preston. there is footage of him in the bar less than two hours before Ahmed found him."

    "That''s impossible, you can''t mummify a person that quickly," Rob whispered. "Our killer isn''t human."

    "That''s why I called you, I think you and Zack need to get on this and fast. I get the feeling whatever this is has just started." Kenzie said.

    "I''ll be right there," Rob said before hanging up, hen turned to Ahmed, "Are you going to be ok?"

    "I''ll be fine, you go save the city," He offered a small smile. Rob gave him a small hug before heading out to the hospital.

    ---

    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    Back at the university, the trap was set. The team lay in wait, their breaths shallow as they suppressed their aura. Kristian, guided by the small emitters, sprinted toward the library. He destroyed each one as he found it.

    "Get ready," Jessica instructed, while they hid out of the sight. "We still need to get him into the archive."

    The chilly autumn air of the University of Waterloo campus whipped around them as Kyle approached Ethel, his hands tucked into the pockets of his leather jacket. His stride was casual as he moved closer to John and Ethel.

    "So you still haven''t caught him?" Kyle asked, leaning against the wall next to her, a smile on his face. "I thought for sure this would be done by now. Oh and by the way are you aware of the girl sleeping on the couch in your loft?"

    Ethel''s gaze remained fixed on the library building ahead, her lips pressed into a thin line. She didn''t need to look at Kyle to know he was enjoying this.

    "I''m aware," she said curtly, her voice steady despite the fact Kristian was now in view.

    "Ah so she is your newest member," Kyle surmised, pushing away from the wall. "You know your vessels have a nasty habit of dying. She was probably better off the way you found her,"

    "You don''t know anything," Ethel replied, her tone unwavering.

    "Oh, you felt responsible for this one? Did Kristian''s tantrum have anything to do with it?" Kyle''s glance flickered to the side where John stood, a confused look on his face.

    Ethel remained silent, not wanting to give Kyle the satisfaction of seeing her break.

    Inside the Library, Jessica checked her watch, anxiety etching lines across her face. "We''re running out of time," she stated, addressing Zack. "He is taking too long to get here."

    "Right," Zack agreed, his jaw set. He waited at the stairwell, ready to seal the exit once Kristian was inside. He could feel Kristian getting closer but the emitters had become more of a distraction for Kristian than a guide.

    "At this rate, students will be on campus and see him," Jessica noted, peering through the infrared glasses in the dark library. "We need to get him moving faster."

    "What do we do?" John asked, already moving to intercept.

    ---

    In the dingy cold morgue, Kenzie''s hands shook slightly as she revealed the remains on the gurney. "This is the second body they found near a river bank tonight," she whispered, before removing the sheet.

    Rob''s breath hitched, tears pooling in his eyes as he recognized the jean jacket, now on a dead husk of the man. The room seemed to close in around him, as he tried to breathe.

    "God, Nemo..." Rob choked out, gripping the table for support. "Why?"

    "Rob, I''m so sorry," Kenzie said, embracing him. She held him tightly as he struggled to stay standing, "I had no idea you knew him. I''m so sorry."

    "Why chose these two people," Rob swallowed hard, "What happened at that party."

    "Rob, you don''t have to do this," Kenzie whispered, her green eyes filled with worry. "You just realized you knew one of the victims, give yourself time."

    "Someone''s hunting people in Waterloo," Rob muttered, a cold realization settling over him. "We don''t have time to waste grieving when someone else is about to lose someone they love."

    "Someone might already have, a young woman named Shannon vanished from her campsite earlier tonight," Kenzie said, "Her friend Madison is upstairs being treated. She said a man lured Shannon away from the site."

    "Whoever he is we will find him," Rob said, wiping away the tears, his sorrow fueling a newfound determination. "For Nemo..."

    ---

    The silence of the campus was broken by the roar of Kristian as he crushed another emitter. Deb, with a swift underhand motion, sent a knife spinning through the air. It shattered another emitter; Kristian, his eyes wild and movements erratic recoiled from the threat and barreled into the library. She could see John on the move.

    "Quick, John!" Deb''s voice was sharp as she gestured toward Kristian.

    John lunged forward, his claws digging into Kristian as he forced the man into the stairwell. With Zack''s help, they forced Kristian down the stairs. Ethel, her stern face betraying no fear, helped force Kristian into the archive.

    "Zack, now!" she commanded, and Zack stepped back, his hands outstretched as he focused on the door. With a low groan, the metal hinges twisted and the door frame contorted, the very essence of the barrier warping at his will until it was sealed shut.

    "Done," Zack exhaled, as John collapsed on the ground breathing hard. But Zack''s gaze fell back to the door that Kristian was sealed behind, he could feel the enraged aura of the trapped vessel but there was something else too, a faint aura filled with fear.

    "Someone else is in there," Zack murmured, his voice laced with dread.

    "Who?" Deb asked, joining them in the basement.

    "I don''t know," John added, "But Zack is right, there is someone else in the archive with Kristian and Ethel."

    Inside, Jake placed a book back on the shelf his quiet thought was abruptly cut by an ominous thud. He straightened up, his heart hammering against his chest as he scanned the room for the source.

    "Ethel, someone else is in there," John shouted, hoping she could hear him through the door.

    "I know," Ethel acknowledged, steeling herself. "I go in after them. And Kristian." She turned to focus her aura, reaching out to find exactly where the mystery person was.

    "Be careful," Deb shouted through the door. "Try not to be seen,"

    "Right not getting seen is my top priority here," Ethel shook her head, hearing Kristian crash through a stack of books nearby.

    "Right," John nodded, stepping back from the warped door. "She is going to need our help. he reached into his pocket and pulled out a pen, popping the cap off, he charged in with kinetic energy until it was glowing. Flinging it toward the metal door, shards of metal scattered across the floor. Zack used his barrier to ensure no one was hurt in the blast

    "Showtime," Zack muttered as his barrier faded from existence.

    The scene inside was pure chaos and destruction. Kristian, more beast than man, was facing off with Ethel, his snarl filling the space. Her movements were calculated and price as she dodged his swipes. As he lunged, she caught him, her arms a brace against his assault. His claws raked across her skin, causing her to bleed.

    "That''s right focus on me," she growled, drawing his fury away from the cowering figure of Jake.

    "Ethel!" Zack called out, his voice tinged with panic as he watched her being torn apart.

    "Stay back!" she commanded between grunts of pain.

    As Kristian''s teeth sunk mercilessly into her shoulder, she howled in pain. Kristian stopped his assault at the sound of her cry; his features softened, the blue tinge to his skin fading, his eyes returning to their normal colour.

    "Get him out of here," Ethel gasped, her body sagging with the effort of holding him. "Now!"

    Without hesitation, Zack and John sprang into action, lifting the dazed Kristian between them and dragging him away from the scene.

    "Are you ok?" Ethel whispered, turning towards the frightened man huddled behind a tipped-over shelf. Her hand extended, as she offered to help him up. He looked up, meeting her gaze with fear in his eyes.

    "Come on," she urged, her voice soft but commanding. "Let''s get you out of this nightmare."

    He reached out, their fingers touching, as Ethel hoisted him from the wreckage. He continued to shake as Ethel guided him from the room, unsure how she was going to make sure he didn''t tell anyone about what happened that night.

    ---

    Rob entered the small hospital room, his gaze fixed on Madison. She sat on her stiff hospital bed, her fingers laced together in her lap, Her eyes staring off into space.

    "Are you Madison?" Rob''s voice was gentle but insistent. "Would you be able to answer a few questions?"

    Madison nodded, her eyes never leaving the wall in front of her. "I can answer your questions. You sound a little young to be investigating," she whispered.

    "I''m part of a special unit, can you tell me what you were doing out in the woods?" Rob asked, watching her reaction closely.

    "She needed to get out of her house," Madison breathed out, her voice barely audible. A profound sadness filled her eyes, and she looked down at her intertwined hands. "She felt like she was going to drink, she worked so hard to stop. She just wanted out for a little while and to not be alone,"

    "Wait, so your friend, Shannon, she had recently quit drinking?" Rob asked, as his brain went into overdrive. He gave her shoulder an empathetic squeeze as he processed this information.

    When he was being questioned about Nemo''s disappearance, he learned that the leading theory was that Nemo had relapsed. Once he was cleared he tracked down Samantha, she said Nemo was in rehab over the summer.

    "What are the chances," Rob muttered, thinking about how Shannon also struggled with alcohol. "Thank you Madison, you''ve helped us more than you know." He stood up from the bed and headed to the door, glancing back one more time at Madison as he left.

    Kenzie met him in the hall. "So what did you learn."

    "Two of our victims were struggling with alcohol," Rob replied, his eyes narrowing in thought. "They were chosen because of their addictions. I''m sure the John Doe will be someone who struggled too."

    "I can check hospital records, see if anyone fits our John Doe''s description." Kenzie suggested, "Also they still haven''t found Shannon, she may not be a victim yet." Kenzie tried to reassure Rob as they made their way to the nurse''s station.

    ---

    A police vehicle pulled into Waterloo Park, his radio crackled to life. "Officer Lindsey here. I can confirm the reports a true. There is a mummified body in the park."

    "Where?" Officer Mike''s hand clenched around the device, his knuckles going white.

    "That''s the weird part, it''s on home plate on the baseball field" Lindsey''s voice was grave, strained. "They didn''t even attempt to hide it like the others. And that''s not all that is different.."

    "What else is different?" Mike muttered as other officers began to arrive on the scene.

    Lindsey stared down at the body in front of her. "This one is a woman," she concluded. "She''s wearing the clothes Shannon was last seen wearing."

    "That''s impossible," Mike froze in place, his expression grim.

    "I wouldn''t believe it if I didn''t see it myself," Lindsey explained, urgency in his tone. "We have another serial killer on our hands here,"

    The police closed off the scene, and crowds began to gather as the sound of sirens filled the air. It was only a matter of time before the news broke, another stranger then a fiction serial killer was calling Waterloo home.

 Vol 3, Chapter 7: Into the Woods

    The blaring of music and shouted conversations mingled filled Zack''s ears as he navigated the crowded dance floor. The Night School was bustling, there was a line out the door. At the bar, Paulina poured twelve shots with mechanical precision while Zack restocked the glasses, his mind elsewhere.

    "Zack, Eath to Zack! I need another bottle of vodka up here," Paulina instructed as she flashed a smile that said ''is something wrong?''

    "Right, sorry, I was just a little distracted," Zack replied, sliding the bottle down the polished bar with practiced ease.

    Their would-be conversation was interrupted by the approach of Lori, her cheeks flushed as she wobbled up. Her laughter bubbled over as she leaned against the bar and waved back to her group of friends, a diamond engagement ring sparkling under the flashing lights.

    "Hey there, I need another round of shots for my table!" she slurred, turning her attention back to the bar.

    Paulina looked Lori over before speaking. "I''m afraid I am going to have to cut you off, you can stay and dance but I can''t serve you more."

    Lori rolled her eyes before turning to Zack, batting her eyelashes at him as she spoke. "C''mon, just one more round? I''m getting married,"

    Zack shook his head, his expression unmoved. "Sorry, she''s the boss. But I can call you a cab if you''d like."

    With a pout that would have been comical under different circumstances, Lori stumbled away from the bar, her huff audible above the noise.

    Lori pushed her way outside and started to fumble with her phone, attempting to find a ride share for her and her friends. A sleek car pulled up, its windows tinted, the look matched the car Lori had ordered. The door opened, revealing a man who looked almost identical to her fiance.

    "Lori? I''m here to give you a lift," he gestured to the back seat, his voice smooth like velvet.

    "Thanks! Just gotta grab my friends," Lori said, swaying slightly as she spoke.

    "For sure, why don''t you just text them from my car? I hate to see such a beautiful woman standing in the cold," the man got out of the car and came around to her side, he opened the door for her.

    "It is cold out here," Lori reasoned, "I guess warming up while they gather their thing wouldn''t be a bad idea."

    "I think that is a brilliant idea." The man helped her into the back seat, he gently closed the door behind her. Lori got comfortable before reaching for her phone, but something caught her eye on the seat beside her. I small baggy left by the last passenger, or at least that is what she thought.

    Back at the club, amid the thrusting bodies and the low hum of conversation, Zack scrubbed at a stubborn spot on a glass. One of Lori¡¯s friends approached, her eyes darting around in search of something.

    "Have you seen Lori?" She flashed him a picture on her phone, "She hasn''t come back."

    Paulina glanced towards the door, her lips pressed into a thin line. "I believe your friend went out to get some air. I saw her leave a few minutes ago."

    Zack set the glass down and followed Paulina''s gaze. When his eyes reached the doors, something felt off. It was like they were distorted in some way, he couldn''t stop himself from moving toward it, drawn by the strange energy he had never felt before.

    Outside, people chatted in line and traffic raced by. No sign of Lori, no idling car. What caught Zack''s attention, however, was the solitary cell phone abandoned by the roadside, its background lit up with a photo of Lori and her fiance.

    "Where are you?" Zack muttered, his heart sinking. He crouched to pick up the phone and immediately froze when his fingers made contact with it. It was the strongest aura of pain and fear that he had ever felt.

    ---

    The lights flickered to life and the projector started booting up as Jake Rivers entered the lecture hall. His eyes wandered the empty rows of seats until they landed on Ethel, sitting near the front of the room. He froze in place, unsure where to run.

    "Please," he said, voice quivering. "I swear I won''t tell anyone about what happened that night, please don''t kill me."

    "Relax," She pushed herself up and made her way over to him. "I''ve been following you all week, I know you won''t tell anyone."

    "Then why are you here, you know your secret is safe..." He trailed off as Ethel came to a stop right in front of him.

    "Because I don''t know why," she said, eyeing up the young professor. "Most people would spill their guts to a police officer or their therapist or someone after they saw what you saw, so why didn''t you?"

    "You saved my life," Jake offered a small smile, his eyes finally meeting hers. "I''m a history professor, I know what happens to people that others fear."

    "So you''re keeping quiet to protect us." Ethel narrowed her eyes, as she took a step even closer, so close their noses almost touched. "People have claimed to be on our side before. It''s never ended well for anyone."

    "Look you saved my life and I just want to return the favour. I have so many questions about you," Jake admitted, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

    "I''m not going to answer any of your questions." She stepped back and turned toward the exit. "Just pretend like last week never happened and you will be fine, got that?"

    "Yes... I got that," he breathed out. "Your secret''s safe with me."

    "Good. Because next time, you may not be so lucky."

    ***

    "Rob, do you think Lori might fit with the other serial killer victims?" Zack asked sitting up on the bench, the weights still in his hands.

    "You did say she was plastered but her friends were there with her right?" Rob frowned, as he set his own weights down. "Doesn''t sound like someone who was trying to recover like the others,"

    "Right, they would be pretty shitty friends if she was," Zack huffed, starting another set. "But the police have looked everywhere for her. She just disappeared like the other three."

    "True, maybe the whole recovering alcoholic thing was just a coincidence," Rob looked up at the gym ceiling, trying to piece this all together. "There is something we are missing here. Until we figure it out more people are going to get hurt,"

    "And here I thought we would get a break from killers for a while," Zack finished his set, dropping the weights at his side.

    "Are you guys talking about the freak that mummifies people?" Chris interjected, coming to a standstill in front of their benches. "Read about the killer in the paper. Dad says the RCMP''s getting involved on this one."

    Zack and Rob exchanged a glance, the weight of their silent communication palpable.

    "Great," Rob muttered. "Hopefully they catch this guy fast." he flashed Chris his best fake smile.

    "Thank you for the info Chris," Zack murmured before faking the need to check the time. "I wish we could talk more about it but we are late for practice," Zack started gathering his things while Rob gave him a weird look.

    "We don''t have..." Rob caught on to what Zack doing, "Time to wait around. Let''s go." He shot up and followed Zack out.

    ---

    "Welcome back," Coach Reynolds clasped John on the shoulder with a firm grip that belied his age. "You know the drill¡ªas assistant coach you will be leading the run today. Make them sweat."

    "Of course," John replied, bending to tie his running shoes.

    "Oh and before you take off, we have two new members joining us." Coach Reynolds motioned to the bench and John''s jaw dropped. "This is Brian and Kenneth,"

    The young Chinese man extended his hand, "I''m Brian," John didn''t even attempt to shake it.

    Coach watched the awkward interaction of a moment, "Well ok then, why don''t we just get to running then?

    No sooner had the coach''s footsteps faded than John felt the prickle of eyes on him. He looked up to find Kenneth and Brian watching his every move, a terrifying gleam in their eyes.

    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    "Is it normal for the assistant coach to not welcome new members of the team?" Brian asked loud enough for the rest of the team to hear, in a hurt tone, but his eyes never left John.

    "Less talking more running," John answered, leading the group to the trails. He wasn''t going to give him the satisfaction of a confrontation, he knew who they were, and what they wanted.

    Zack, jogged near the back of the group as they got going, still trying to work out their serial killer problem, until he sensed something. A new powerful aura was somewhere nearby. Picking up his pace, realizing John had raced so far ahead of the group that no one could see him. He wondered if John could feel it too.

    Farther ahead John was dealing with his own problems. "Come on, John-boy, can''t you go any faster?" Kenneth taunted, moments before Brian''s shove sent John tumbling down an embankment, leaves and dirt kicking up around him.

    The pair descended upon him, eyes glowing¡ªbut they hadn''t counted on Zack. Kenneth froze in place, before being lifted from the ground, and tossed into an old oak tree.

    "Zack!" John scrambled to his feet as his eyes shifted to a silver colour, he transformed into his demon form.

    "Who are you?" Zack growled as he stared down Brian. John and Zack began circling the man, who for the first time looked nervous.

    But a scream pierced the woods causing them all to freeze. When Zack looked back Kenneth and Brian were gone. Zack made his way over to John, "You ok?"

    "I''m fine, but Zack those two were the ones that held me hostage over the summer," John stumbled over to him. "They are a part of Greed''s covenant,"

    Zack shivered at the thought that Greed now had eyes on them on campus. "At least we know they''re here now, let''s find the rest of the team, they will be less likely to attack us in a group," The pair turned and headed in the direction of the scream.

    Farther down the trail officers had started to gather. "Over there!" Lindsey''s voice cut through the chaos as she led a group of officers behind the caution tape.

    "Stay back," she ordered, the growing crowd. Zack and John joined the crowd, they could make out the body lying under one of the trees, Zack felt his gut tie itself into a tight knot. The body was mummified like the others and he recognized the clothes immediately

    "Lori," he murmured, cursing himself for not doing more to find her that night.

    Keith, her fiance, stumbled onto the scene, grief overtaking him as he collapsed next to yellow tape, sobs wracking his body.

    Rob approached him, trying to seem as caring as possible. "I am so sorry for your loss, do you know if Lori was struggling with addiction?"

    "Get away from me," Keith spat out between tears, pushing Rob away. "Are you trying to accuse her of something? She was perfect,"

    "Oh no... I was..." Rob sputtered, taking a step back

    "What are you doing!" Lindsey snapped, pulling Rob back. "Don''t harass him, you''re not a detective Rob. The RCMP is here; we''re dealing with a serial killer and I can''t be wasting time babysitting you."

    "I''m sorry, I was just trying to help," Rob muttered under his breath.

    "You can help by staying away from all of this," Lindsey instructed before guiding Keith away from the scene.

    "This was Brian and Kenneth wasn''t it?" John accused, as the Supremes rejoined the group, exchanging guarded looks. Rob joined him and Zack as they watched the scene.

    "I mean it could be one of their abilities, but their focus is on Ethel," Rob pointed out, trying to keep his voice steady. "Why kill four random people."

    "Because they are monsters, they are the reason Olivia is dead," John seethed.

    "I know but we can''t jump to conclusions, there is no evidence Greed or his covenant have anything to do with this," Zack interjected, as the officers zipped up the body bag.

    "Maybe," John conceded, but his eyes were dark as he stared dead ahead. "But look at them, they know something."

    They looked over to see Brian and Kenneth, the pair seemed worried as they watched the officers work. John watched them with rage in his eyes, his foot tapping uncontrollably.

    "John, don''t do anything stupid. Think this through," Zack whispered, placing a hand on his shoulder.

    "Can''t." John pushed his hand aside, storming off.

    "Great," Zack sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Just what we need another fight."

    "Good luck to him," Rob said, watching him disappear. "He''s going to need it."

    ---

    Ashley''s muscles flexed rhythmically as she hauled herself up for another pull-up, her grip slipping ever so slightly. Dropping to the floor, she transitioned into push-ups without missing a beat.

    "Stop," Ethel commanded from the corner of the cramped apartment. Her long dark hair was pulled back, and she seemed almost annoyed by Ashley.

    Ashley pushed harder, her voice resolute. "I have to be stronger¡ªI have to be able to defend myself."

    Ethel strode forward, her eyes flashing with concern. With a swift motion, she kicked Ashley''s supporting hand. The younger girl tumbled to the ground with a grunt of surprise and frustration.

    "Control before strength," Ethel reprimanded. "You should have been able to sense that coming."

    "I''m tired of your rules," Ashley shot back, picking herself up. "I want to be able to fight now."

    "You are too eager to fight, you shouldn''t be," Ethel replied, meeting Ashley''s gaze evenly.

    An alarm pierced the air, drawing their attention. As if summoned by the sound, the nurse and orderly from the hospital burst through the door. Tearing it from its hinges.

    Ethel moved quickly, placing herself between them and Ashley. the orderly, moved with unexpected grace, avoiding Ethel and pinning Ashley beneath him. The nurse, with her striking blonde hair, turned her attention to Ethel, breathing a ring of fire around her.

    Amidst the ambush, a new darkness enveloped the room. Danny stepped into the room, his aura suffocating the space around him.

    "I already told you I don''t want to join you," Ethel glared between the flames.

    "Please," Danny scoffed, almost looking insulted. "You think too small, Ethel. I''m offering you more than a place in my covenant, your time abilities are very rare."

    "So this is just about my powers" Ethel spat.

    "Imagine how being a part of my covenant would amplify them," Danny countered smoothly. "I know as a Supreme, your instinct is to build your own covenant."

    "I have my own covenant" Ethel rolled her eyes at the man.

    "You call this a covenant," Danny said, motioning to Ashley. "What you have here is a halfway house at best. If I were you I would cut my losses."

    "You want to kill my vessels?" Ethel asked, the realization struck her hard.

    "Close, I want you to do it," Danny corrected, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "Amanda, Duncan¡ªthey''ve become stronger after doing it. As their Supreme, you can absorb their energy when you do it, increase your own power."

    "You''re sick," Ethel sneered. "I would never kill an innocent person."

    "Oh come now," Duncan shot back, "we both know that isn''t true,"

    "Why don''t I give a couple of weeks to think it over," Danny declared, holding his hand up to silence Duncan. "I sincerely hope you change your mind before my next visit."

    As Danny and his entourage retreated from the loft, Ethel and Ashley recovered from the attack. They exchanged looks, both wondering how they could be ready for Danny and his covenant next time.

    ---

    Deb''s fingers drummed a staccato rhythm on the wooden armrest of the chair in the guidance office, her mind racing with memories of Father Bill. He would have still been with her if he hadn''t let his hate win out. Her chain of thought broke as the receptionist¡¯s voice sliced through the silence.

    "Ms. McLeod will see you now."

    Standing, Deb took a breath and entered the office, eyes locking with the guidance counsellors. With every step closer to Ms. McLeod¡¯s desk, the air seemed to thicken, as she took in the unassuming woman.

    "Sit down, Deb," Ms. McLeod said calmly, motioning to the chair across from her desk. "Let''s cut to the chase, shall we?"

    "Sure, let''s," Deb shot back, all business. "At the mill. You were with Greed¡ª"

    "You know I don''t have a side in this," Ms. McLeod interrupted smoothly. "I am a true Wiccan, my only goal is balance."

    "How does helping Greed create balance?" Deb leaned forward. "He would have killed Kristian too if we hadn''t found him,"

    "You can''t see what I see, you don''t get the big picture," Ms. McLeod sat back at her desk, looking out the large window over campus.

    "Then enlighten me," Deb retorted.

    "I''m afraid I can''t do that," Ms. McLeod pushed a pamphlet across the desk. "You know, I''ve heard you suffered a loss last school year, perhaps group therapy will help you process it."

    "Don''t change the subject," Deb muttered, snatching the pamphlet. "You are helping the enemy. People got hurt because of you,"

    "People were always going to get hurt, Deb," Ms. McLeod concluded, signalling the meeting''s end. "Can you handle that?"

    Deb couldn''t find a response to that, she shot out of her chair and out of the room. The hallway outside the guidance office was filled with students watching the scene unfold, John''s confrontation with Brian and Kenneth. As Deb made her way toward the commotion, she caught the tail end of the altercation¡ªBrian delivering a brutal blow to Kenneth, who crumpled against the wall.

    John watched in confusion, not noticing the crowd parted like the Red Sea, and Professor Bobby emerged, his face red with anger. "What the hell is going on here?"

    "He attacked us," Brian accused, propping up Kenneth. He pointed a shaky hand at John.

    "You," Bobby grabbed John''s shoulder in an iron grip, "My office, now!"

    "Wait, it wasn''t¡ª" John protested, but Bobby wasn''t having any of it.

    Brain and Kenneth watched John getting led away with smiles on their faces. The crowd had already vanished the moment a professor had shown up. Ahmed emerged from the stairwell to meet up with Deb.

    "What happened here," Ahmed asked noticing Kenneth''s black eye. Kenneth didn''t say anything but Brian slid next to Ahmed.

    "Baseball injury, he''ll be fine," Brian explained, eager to not look bad in front of Ahmed.

    "Looks bad, he should be Icing it," Ahmed inspected the bruise.

    "That''s what I told him but he never listens to me," Brain said leaning into Ahmed''s view. "I was actually looking for you, I''ve seen you around campus and was wondering if you wanted to get dinner?"

    "Oh, I mean... I kind of already have plans," Ahmed declined politely, smiling over to Deb.

    "Oh, no problem," Brian half smiled, "Maybe some other time?"

    "I''ll think about it," Ahmed agreed, giving a polite nod before making his way over to Deb.

    ---

    The small conference room had three other students in it when Deb arrived. Her eyes caught John''s and he looked away quickly, Deb made her way over to him and sat down next to him. "hey, mind if I sit here?"

    "Whatever," John grumbled, still nursing a grudge. "Just don''t talk to me."

    "I''m sorry," she whispered shooting him a look. "Are you mad at me for something?"

    "You really don''t remember do you," John sighed, looking up at her. "the last time I saw you, you stabbed me,"

    Deb spent the rest of the session silent as she remembered how she had tried to kill Ethel and her covenant. She could feel her guilt building and she decided to hang back when the session ended.

    "Hey can we talk," Deb asked John as the room emptied. John rolled his eyes but did stay back with her.

    The door slammed shut, and the sound of a filing cabinet scraping echoed from outside. The pair shared a look before racing to the door. Bioth trying to free themselves from the small room.

    "Hey! Let us out!" Deb pounded on the door, her frustration mounting.

    "Damn it, not again," John muttered, his breaths turning ragged as memories of his time locked in the basement flooded his mind.

    "John, stay with me," Deb urged, but it was too late. His eyes flicker between human and demon, his claws extended, and his fear began to take over.

    "John, it is ok. We are going to be ok," she cried, trying to bring him back, but he pushed her away, his claws digging into her arms as he did.

    There was another scraping, the door burst open, and Zack stood there, taking in the scene.

    "Enough, John," Zack commanded, extending a calming aura that surrounded John like a cocoon.

    "Zack... I..." John stumbled over his words, as he became human again.

    "Save it," Zack replied, helping John to his feet. "Just get out of here." John gave Zack a hurt look before leaving the room.

    Deb clutched her bleeding arm. "Zack he didn''t mean it." She explained reaching for him. "He couldn''t control it," Zack didn''t respond, he took her hand and together they made their way to the university clinic.

 vol 3, Chapter 8: Recovery

    Kristian''s fingers trembled slightly as he pinned the photograph to the corkboard of the makeshift memorial. The image captured laughter, a moment frozen in a time when he was still happy. Beneath it, the note card clung, the Sharpie message stark against its pale surface: "12 steps to a better life, Lori. I will miss you."

    "Didn''t expect to see you back on campus," came Rob''s voice, as he approached the memorial, taking in the pictures and messages left by Lori''s friends and family.

    Kristian turned, towering over Rob as he glared at him. "We aren''t exactly friends, are we, Rob? Why would I report my comings and goings to you?"

    "Fair point." Rob stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jacket, his gaze drifting to the photo. "You and Lori were close, then?"

    "Group counselling, we both had some issues," Kristian said, his voice flat. "It doesn''t make us friends."

    "Yet here you are," Rob observed, nodding toward the memorial.

    "The only real friend I had is dead," Kristian muttered, both boys looked down at the ground, Rob knowing he was talking about Olivia.

    Rob shifted uncomfortably, but when he spoke again, his tone was scholarly, almost detached. "You know they say there is a gene that can determine whether you are likely to become addicted to things or not. Did you know that? It is genetic, not really the person''s fault at all. We can''t change the way we were born."

    "Why are you telling me this?" Kristian interjected, looking back up at the growing memorial. "Not quite following."

    "I think someone is targeting people who struggle with addictions," Rob explained, his eyes darkening. "Shannon, Cliff and Nemo were all killed while being recovering alcoholics. Her fiance claims she wasn''t one but..."

    "She wasn''t one, she only drank on special occasions" Kristian offered, his expression both inquisitive and solem.

    "So my theory is off," Rob conceded. His eyes scanned over the memorial until they landed on Kristian''s note. "Wait, this talks about the twelve steps. Isn''t that an AA thing? Maybe she didn''t tell anyone about it. If Lori..."

    "the twelve-step program isn''t just for alcoholics," Ahmed cut in, a hint of annoyance in his voice. "It was painkillers, she was in a car accident. It really messed up her leg."

    "Painkillers," Rob echoed, as he rubbed his chin in thought. "Maybe my idea was too specific, maybe having any addiction could make you a target. If she was in the program trying to get clean¡ªthat also tracks with the others."

    "What do you think she was in group for?" Kristian said, rolling his eyes, "Now can you please get out of here, some of us are trying to mourn."

    "Right, sorry," Rob gave Kristian a worried look, Kristian was in the same group as Lori¡ªhe was a possible target, and now they both knew it. Rob walked away from the memorial, a look of worry drawn across his face.

    ---

    Out in the university parking lot, Deb''s fingers worked quickly to rework the wires under the steering wheel. The car''s engine roared to life, and she flashed John a triumphant grin. "There we go," she said, patting the steering wheel. "Now, listen closely. If this goes sideways I will deny everything."

    John nodded, hands gripping the leather wheel with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Deb stepped away from the car, her black hair whipping around her petite frame as she shut the door, leaving John alone in the stolen vehicle.

    "Remember, don''t get caught," Deb called out, stepping back onto the curb.

    John revved the engine, taking a deep breath. He eased the car forward, picking up speed as he navigated the parking lot labyrinth. With each turn, his confidence surged.

    Meanwhile, inside the biology lecture hall, Zack slipped unnoticed into the back row where Kenneth and Brian were seated. He slowly unzipped his backpack, and without missing a beat, he began to pull out car parts¡ªa spark plug, a side mirror, even a gear shift knob¡ªand casually placed them on the empty seat beside him.

    Brian''s eyes widened in horror, recognizing the dismantled pieces of his beloved car. As realization dawned, he shot up from his seat, his face contorted with rage. Kenneth grabbed at his arm, but Brian shrugged him off and bolted for the door.

    Outside, John was now fully in stride, the car barreling along the path reserved for students. Brian emerged from the building just in time to see his car whizzing by. With a supernatural burst of speed, he chased after it.

    "Stop!" Brian bellowed, planting himself squarely in front of the speeding car.

    John''s foot slammed on the brakes, but it was Brian who brought the vehicle to a halt, his hands pressing against the hood with a force that caused it to dent. He peered through the windshield, eyes burning with fury. "Get out!"

    John lept out of the car, he flipped over Brian, landing gracefully on the pavement behind him. He dusted off his jeans and sprinted away, leaving Nic to seethe.

    "Absolutely not!" Professor Jake Rivers appeared, flanked by curious students and campus security. "This is a walkway, not a racetrack!" He turned to Brian with an expression of disappointment. "Your parking privileges are revoked. In fact, your vehicle is banned from campus."

    Brian sulked back to his immobilized vehicle, defeated and humiliated as whispers and murmurs rippled through the crowd.

    ***

    Ahmed''s pen scratched across the page, as he stared off into space. The lines formed distinct stones, each one unique and filled with detail. Lost in the motion, he didn''t notice Leona''s approach until her shadow fell across his artwork.

    "Wow, that''s... pretty grim, they look like tombstones," she commented, as she looked over his work. "You really should be in an art class, you know."

    With a jolt, Ahmed looked up, suddenly noticing he was on the stage, the expectant faces of students in elaborate costumes peering curiously at him from backstage. Leona stood before him, painted tears on her cheeks.

    "Um, why am I on stage?" Ahmed asked, bewildered.

    "I mean you tell me right? You were here when we got here," Leona explained, seeming confused by the question. "I was actually coming to ask you if have you seen Mr. Millar. He''s late for rehearsal."

    "Who?" Ahmed mumbled, still disoriented.

    "Doug Millar," someone shouted from the wings. "He is still not here!"

    "Twenty minutes and counting," Leona sighed, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "Looks like we''re going rogue¡ªrehearsing without him."

    The murmurs of agreement turned into action as the students began to organize themselves. Ahmed slid off the stage and he started making his way back to the doors. But he stopped mid-stride when he spotted something glowing under a theatre seat. He moved closer and realized it was a cell phone abandoned in the aisle.

    The weirdly eerie ringtone drew him to it, Ahmed picked up the device and noticed a message was recorded on it. With the press of a button, the recording started to play¡ªa conversation half-heard, a man''s voice talking to no one about temptation. Then, the recording ended, but a woman''s voice escaped the phone:

    "One more, he''ll take one more..."

    Ahmed stood frozen in the aisle, grip slipping from the phone. It clattered to the floor as Ahmed''s gaze whipped back to the stage. His eyes landed on a ghost-like figure but it wasn''t Nemo this time, it was Prof. Dowding staring back at him before fading away.

    "Did you see that?" Ahmed gasped, pointing to the stage.

    "See what?" Leona asked, turning to follow his finger, seeing nothing but an empty stage.

    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    "Never mind," he muttered, picking up the pace as he headed for the doors. He needed to find Prof. Dowding, he could feel his time was running out.

    ---

    Rob found Paulina in the dim light of her candle-laden office. Books lay open, as she studied their writing.

    "Paulina, I think I figured it out," Rob began without waiting for her to acknowledge his presence, his expression grave. "They are recovering addicts, I don''t know why exactly this thing is targeting them though."

    "A recovering addict can be particularly vulnerable," Paulina replied dryly, leaning back in her leather chair.

    "So it is targeting them at their most vulnerable," Rob said, pacing now. "Maybe it has something to do with temptation. Like it is testing them and if they fail, they become a victim. But who is it finding them."

    "You''re dealing with a supernatural entity that drains everything from its target," Paulina mused, her eyes narrowing. "Your killer is most likely some sort of incubus or succubus¡ªseducing their victims is their whole MO."

    "Right, ok, so how do we find it? I mean there has to be some way to lure it out. If I knew how they were finding their victims," Rob started to pace, trying to piece everything together.

    "You can''t just find one of these creatures, Rob. They are rarely seen because they have to find you," Paulina explained closing her book, her gaze holding his.

    "So what are you saying?" Rob countered. "That we can''t stop this thing? That it is pointless? I can''t just sit around while people are dying."

    "I''m not saying that," she shook her head, sliding her book over to the edge of her desk. "I am saying it will be hard, but there are a few methods that have been known to work from time to time."

    "Maybe we should tell Lindsey about all of this," Rob said, his voice barely above a whisper, as he considered letting Lindsey into the world of the supernatural.

    Paulina''s office fell silent while they both held their breath, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Rob leaned against the wall, deep in thought, knowing they needed more help with this. Paulina sat with her legs crossed, he expression unreadable.

    "Why?" she began, "What made you come to this decision? For most discovering this world breaks them, humans don''t have a good track record among us."

    "But if she knew, then she would be able to use the police resources to figure out how the victims are being chosen," Rob reasoned, doing his best not to make eye contact with the woman.

    "It would be risky." Her voice was steady, but there was a tremor of something else. "The problem is when people start asking questions. They start snooping, they start seeing behind the veil and then they start killing."

    "How do you¡ª" Rob''s question was cut short by the urgent buzz of his phone.

    Ahmed''s voice crackled through, panic lacing each word, "The killer took the theatre director! and I saw more, Deb isn''t picking up. I need you now!"

    "I''m on my way," Rob said, grabbing his coat. he looked over to Paulina, who also stood up.

    "We can finish this conversation another day," She reached for her own coat, "I''m coming with you."

    ---

    The university loomed ahead, as Rob pulled up next to the university theatre. Inside, Ahmed raced to the vehicle, the phone clutched in his hand. He played the recording¡ªa muffled conversation and Lori''s haunting words¡ªand Paulina''s face tightened.

    "Send me a copy," she said, her mind already dissecting the audio. "Being able to hide its voice isn''t normal for them. This one must be very powerful."

    "Ok," Rob interrupted, getting out of the car. "Let''s think this through. First, it kills Nemo, Cliff and Shannon but then it stops for weeks. Now it''s killed Lori, and taken this director within days of each other."

    "You''re suggesting it kills in cycles, which would mean there is still a third person needed..." Paulina''s voice trailed off.

    "I think I know who the third person is," Ahmed interjected, looking back toward campus. "I saw Prof. Dowding on the stage in there when no one else did. I think he is the last one if you''re right about these cycles."

    "You''ve been having visions?" Paulina raised an eyebrow.

    "Um yeah," Ahmed murmured. "For a few months now."

    "Interesting," Paulina whispered to herself, looking Ahmed over. She seemed to want to say something more but held herself back.

    ---

    On the other end of campus, the last set of classes were let out of the night. John and Zack stepped out into the cold air, they both sensed the presence of Kenneth and Brian almost instantly, they turned their heads just in time to see Brian appear from the shadows, his eyes as black as the night. Kenneth''s lime-green eyes pierced the night as he approached them from behind.

    "Run!" Zack yelled, dragging John along, but the Supremes were faster, Kenneth summoned roots to trip them. They landed hard, as the root entangled their bodies.

    "Damn it," John muttered, gripping some dirt in his hand, charging it with kinetic energy.

    "Just be careful, don''t blow us up too," Zack warned, watching John work.

    Then, as if summoned by the chaos itself, Danny made his way up the path. Kenneth and Brian reverted back to their human forms under his piercing gaze, shame replacing their earlier rage.

    "Really, boys?" Danny chided, his fingers finding the secret compartment in his leg. A knife appeared in his hand with a flash of silver, he marked each of them, the cuts appearing on their cheeks. Blood poured from the wounds that didn''t seem to heal.

    "Discipline must be maintained," Danny stated coldly, watching as his minions recoiled from the sting.

    "Get ready," John muttered, eyeing the knife warily.

    "If you are going to do it, do it now," Zack added, watching Danny move closer to them.

    "Please gentlemen, I refrain from doing anything idiotic here," Danny replied, "We will be leaving and you are free to go," He shot Kenneth a look and the roots instantly receded back into the earth. Brian kept his head down as he touched a shadow and all three vanished within it.

    ---

    The rhythmic scratch of pen on paper ceased abruptly as a knock echoed through the office. Prof. Bobby Dowding glanced up, his eyes landing on the silhouette of the person behind his door. He closed his day planner, and he rose, setting the pen down with deliberate care. He crossed the room, footsteps muffled by the dense carpet, and opened the door.

    "Evening Bobby," The mystery figure greeted, devoid of any warmth.

    "Good evening, you''re on campus pretty late aren''t you?"

    "I could say the same for you," The man responded.

    "I admit, I may have lost track of time," Bobby replied, stepping out of the office. He closed the door behind him and everything fell silent.

    Minutes later, the silence shattered as his door was kicked in, Paulina''s leather boot announcing their arrival as they entered the space. Ahmed and Rob clambered into the small office space, each scanning the room hungrily for clues.

    "Search the place, we need to know where he could have gone," Paulina commanded as she moved toward the man''s desk.

    Ahmed zeroed in on the planner sprawled open on the desk. His fingers traced over a day with just the letter ''S'' written on it, flipping another page revealed a day marked with a single ''U''. Ahmed continued until two other days were marked with a single letter, ''L'' and ''T''. "Lust," he breathed out, without thinking.

    Paulina leaned over, her gaze sharpening. "This is worse than I thought, Lust is a sin like no other. There is no covenant, no curses, just death and power."

    "But normal sin rules apply right?" Rob asked, looking from Paulina to Ahmed. "We figure out what deal Lust made with its host and we figure out who the real target is."

    "You will have to figure this out quickly, if lust reaches full power then no force on Earth will be able to stop them," Paulina concluded, shooting Rob a worried look.

    ---

    Ethel was scrubbing the scorch marks off her floor when John finally arrived home.

    "You need to leave, John," Ethel said, without looking up from her work.

    "What? What are you..." a look of confusion painted John''s face, he stepped toward her to try to see her face.

    "Stop right there. I''m serious, you need to leave," she snapped, turning away so he couldn''t see the tears streaming down her face.

    "Ethel, please¡ª" He reached out for her but she pulled away, he stepped back, his own tears staining his face.

    "I''m serious, I know you want to join Zack''s covenant." She was near tears, "So stop wasting both our time and just do it already," She wished she could tell him she was doing this to protect him. Kristian and Ashley didn''t have a way out like John did.

    John stumbled back out the door, he turned back but Ethel didn''t follow him, he wiped his tears away and headed out into the night. Ashley, hidden from view, watched it all play out. "Are you sure about this?" she asked.

    "It is the only way to protect him from Greed, I''m just sorry I can''t do the same for you." Ethel lamented, "You and Kristian are too loyal to me as your Supreme, you would never abandon me, it''s what you are programmed to do." Ethel felt a wave of guilt wash over her.

    In the cold embrace of the night, with nowhere else to turn, John found himself pacing outside of the entrance to Rob and Zack''s apartment. He went to knock when the door swung open.

    "So are you coming in or not? I could feel your anxiety from the other side of the apartment," Zack said, motioning for him to come inside.

    "Oh, uh yeah." John''s replied as he stepped inside. "I just um... I didn''t want to disturb you."

    "We just discovered that Lust is responsible for the mummy murders," Rob explained, clapping John on the back. "A late-night visit from you isn''t exactly disturbing,"

    "It might be more than a night," John muttered avoiding eye contact. Rob and Zack shot each other a look before guiding John to the couch.

    "Stay as long as you want," Zack offered "Do you want to tell us what happened?"

    "The funny thing is. I''m not sure what happened," John sniffed.

    As the rain began to tap a morose rhythm against the windowpane, the trio settled in, deciding the answers could wait for one night.

    ---

    The rain slammed against the old bridge drowning out all other sound. Bobby Dowding''s soaked shirt clung to his body, as he struggled against his restraints, desperate to escape.

    "Please," he implored, as his captor tightened the ropes on his hands, "I made a mistake, but I can change, I swear."

    A set of ruby-red eyes glowed from his attacker''s hoodie, as they pulled the ropes so tight Bobby winced. Satisfied with the knot, the figure dragged Bobby under the bridge.

    "All you had to do was pass the test," the figure said, the voice was chillingly calm, "I don''t give second chances."

    Bobby''s eyes darted wildly for any sign of other people, but the bridge was empty, the storm ensuring no one would be around anytime soon.

    "Look on the bright side," the figure continued. "Your death will have meaning, by dying here you will increase my power."

    "Please," Bobby repeated, his plea drowned out by the rumble of thunder.

    With a movement swift and precise, the figure clasped Bobby''s head, fingers entwining in his hair like serpents. A sound escaped Bobby''s lips¡ªa mix of a gasp and a sob¡ªas the killer began the grim ritual. His life began to be siphoned away, and Bobby''s vision began to blur as his body rapidly aged.

    The rain intensified, battering the bridge relentlessly. The river below roared as the energy was released from Bobby''s body.

    Bobby''s struggles waned, his body becoming limp, his skin like leather. As the last breath fled his lips, the killer released him, allowing the body to crumple into the river, discarded and empty. With a final glance at the fallen professor, the figure turned and vanished into the night.

 Vol 3, Chapter 9: Confrontation

    Zack retraced his steps through the old mill, now abandoned by Greed, his eyes landing on something unexpected on the floor. It glinted ominously under the harsh fluorescent lights of the old coffee shop. He reached for the necklace with narrowed eyes, recognizing the craftsmanship immediately¡ªit was Wiccan.

    An uneasy knot formed in his stomach as he pocketed the jewellery deciding to talk to Deb, the only other person outside of the silo that night. He was worried Greed may have a Wiccan helping him, which would mean their chances of defeating him were slim. He drove to her apartment.

    "Deb," Zack began, when she opened the door to her apartment, "I found this at the mill, do you know anything about it?" He pulled the necklace from his pocket and held it up to her.

    Her eyes flicked to the necklace and back to his face, a perfect poker expression in place. "Looks Wiccan to me. Wonder what it was doing there."

    "Right," he scoffed, flipping the necklace so the symbols faced her. "It''s just you said you were hiding in the walk-in where you found Olivia, this necklace was right across from it. If you looked out the window you would have seen who it was."

    Deb''s jaw tightened, but she remained silent. Zack stepped closer, his voice low and edged with a warning. "Why are you keeping things from us? Greed is dangerous and if a Wiccan is helping him then we need to know."

    A smirk played on her lips and she rolled her eyes. "Like how you told everyone about your plan to stop Wrath? What you think I can''t handle a situation without your help?"

    "I think we need to do this one together, Greed is far more powerful them the others," Zack explained, trying to sound commanding.

    "I can take care of myself, I''ve fought a sin before." She stood her ground, the tension between them growing until Deb grabbed Zack''s arm and twisted it behind his back. "I''m not just some weak girl you need to protect," She muttered into his ear.

    Zack''s eyes flashed pink and he twisted his way out of her grasp before putting her in the same hold. "I never said you were weak, but you are human," Deb slammed her heel down on his toe, causing him to howl in pain and release her. She turned to face him, their faces centimetres apart; breaths mingled, as they both started to lean toward each other.

    "Kenneth and Brian," Zack whispered against her lips, "they could have killed John and me the other night but Greed stopped them."

    Deb pulled back, looking into Zack''s eyes. "What are you saying?"

    "I''m saying be afraid," he said, stepping away from her, the moment broken. "I know I am."

    The silence hung heavy as he left, but not before catching the uncertainty in her eyes. In the elevator, he found Danny waiting for him, claws extended in a casual display of power.

    "Zack," Danny greeted with an all too charming grin. "What a surprise running into you here."

    "What are you doing here?" Zack demanded, leaning against the wall, attempting nonchalance.

    "Oh come now, are you still mad about the whole Brian and Kenneth spat? Believe me, they''ve learned their lesson." Danny seemed all too thrilled at the memory of what he did to the pair.

    "You didn''t answer the question," Zack said firmly, meeting Danny''s gaze head-on.

    "Well a may be a sin but I still need a roof over my head" Danny chuckled, the sound echoing off the elevator walls. "I was told this was a particularly charming neighbourhood. I must say the neighbours here are quite unique,"

    "Stay away from Deb," Zack countered.

    "I have no intentions of harming her," Danny retorted, then added, "I don''t lay a finger on other''s covenants, not really my thing."

    Zack stiffened. "You killed Olivia,"

    "That was not part of the plan. She attacked Duncan and defended himself." Danny shrugged, the doors dinging open to his floor. "But trust me when I say this, Duncan learned his lesson too. Now I believe this is where you get off,"

    As Zack exited onto the ground floor, unease coiled tighter within him. He couldn''t shake the feeling that Deb¡ªand all of them¡ªwere in more danger than ever. Danny had eyes everywhere, but Zack couldn''t explain why they seemed to be on him and not Ethel.

    ---

    The moment Zack stepped into Ethel''s dimly lit apartment, he could feel something was off. He found the group huddled around a cluttered coffee table that bore the weight of countless books and maps of Waterloo.

    "I got your text," Zack said, as he approached the table. "I have some new information on Greed, he''s living in Deb''s apartment building."

    "We know," Ethel retorted without looking up from the map she was studying. Her fingers traced the lines that marked the streets of downtown Waterloo with surgical precision. "Ashley and Kristian saw Brian driving him over there. Brian and Kenneth seem to be the weak points."

    "Or maybe they just don''t care if we know," Kyle interjected from his perch on the armrest of the couch, an amused smirk playing on his lips. "They''re confident enough not to bother with subtlety."

    "Overconfidence is their weakness then," Ethel declared, her gaze lifting to meet Zack''s. "We strike tomorrow night. You''re coming with us."

    "Tomorrow?" Zack shook his head. "We need a plan before we attack,"

    "We don''t have time to plan," Ethel stated coldly. "Greed paid me a visit and he made it very clear his next one would be the last."

    "And your first thought was let''s make it easy for him," Kyle chuckled, shaking his head.

    "I can''t believe I am saying this but Kyle is right," Zack looked over to Ethel, "All you are going to do is put your covenant in the line of fire, which is exactly what Danny wants,"

    "Enough!" Ethel slammed her hand down on the table, causing everyone to fall silent. "We either wait for him to come to us or we strike first. Our only chance of winning is catching him off guard and we need a hands on deck."

    "Speaking of all hands on deck," Ashley piped up, her brown hair falling into her face as she leaned forward. "Is John not coming? and followed up do we really need Mister Cautious over there?"

    "John can''t make it tonight," Ethel replied, her tone softening for a moment as she looked at Zack. "And Zack has proven himself in a fight against a sin. I know we can''t defeat the entire covenant, but we can cut off the head."

    "Which is...?" Zack hesitated, knowing the answer but dreading its confirmation.

    "Danny," Ashley said, flicking the picture of the man over to Zack. "Take out Greed, and the rest will crumble."

    "Are you sure?" Kristian chimed in, finally looking up from the table. "What if we take out Danny and nothing changes."

    "Revenge is a powerful motivator," Kyle remarked dryly, breaking the silence. "If we strike at Danny, do we honestly believe the Supremes will just scatter like frightened mice?"

    "More likely they''ll come at us with everything they''ve got," Zack thought out loud, his face clouded with worry. "They''ve gathered strength from every covenant they''ve destroyed. We''d be walking into a bloodbath."

    "Bravo, Zack," Kyle said, giving him a slow clap. "You''re the only one here who managed to grasp the obvious."

    "Look this is happening with or without you, Zack," Ethel finally said.

    "Can you just give me a day to think about it?" Zack pleaded, he needed time to think of an alternate solution.

    Ethel looked around at the others before turning back to Zack, "You have twenty-four hours,"

    "Thank you," Zack said with a look of sincerity. He headed for the door needing a plan to stop the bloodbath before it began.

    With a frustrated sigh, Zack dug through his pocket for his phone. He needed a voice of reason and someone who could offer him some clear advice. Finally pulling out his phone, he dialled Paulina.

    "Paulina," he started, words tumbling out in a rush. "I have a massive problem. Ethel is determined to attack Greed and his covenant, but there is no way we win in a head-on fight. I can''t save them from themselves."

    "Zack," Paulina''s voice was steady, unwavering, as she spoke. "Right now they are operating on fear. That fear is driving their survival instincts. Maybe that''s what they need is a voice of reason."

    "Ok, but without a voice of reason they are going to end up dead," Zack ran his fingers through his hair.

    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    "There is another option," she replied. "An understanding voice, a leader who speaks to their fear but offers a better solution. You need to be that leader Zack."

    "I don''t know if I can be," He felt heavy with responsibility.

    "You won''t know until you try. Remember this though, you have already proven yourself time and time again. You resisted your sin''s calls, you built a covenant without being a Supreme. You can do this if it is what you want."

    "Thank you," Zack whispered, he ended the call, it was time for him to make his choice.

    ---

    Meanwhile, Deb sat cross-legged on her living room floor as she scrolled through her messages. The message from Rob caught her attention: Ethel plans to go after Greed and his covenant. She had to reread the message to make sure she was reading it right, "I have to help them." she muttered

    "Help who?" Jessica''s voice caught Deb off guard and she jumped, looking up to meet Jessica''s gaze.

    "Zack and Ethel. They might be going after Greed tomorrow," Deb said, showing Jessica the message.

    "Deb, we agreed¡ªa normal life. Remember? My job at animal control, your focus on your studies. That''s our world now," Jessica reminded her gently, yet firmly.

    "But we can''t just do nothing," Deb scoffed, tossing her phone aside. "You know they are walking into the lion''s den,"

    "It isn''t our problem, we aren''t exorcists anymore," Jessica returned, as she made her way over to the kitchen. "We made a deal remember. They let us walk away and in return, we promised not to meddle in the supernatural world again."

    Deb''s argument faltered against the truth in Jessica''s words. Yet, the idea of abandoning her friends to face the unknown alone made her feel sick to her stomach.

    "That''s easy for you to say, they aren''t your friends," Deb murmured, more to herself than to Jessica. Her eyes met Jessica''s, pleading with her to help.

    "I already broke the rules once," Jessica replied after a long pause, "I won''t get pulled in again, the only thing that waits for us in that world is death."

    "Fine you can stay here then," Deb started again, a note of desperation creeping into her voice, "I''m not going to abandon them. If I can help then I will."

    Jessica leaned against the kitchen counter. "Threading the needle, Deb. That''s what we need to do here. We navigate this life carefully, without getting too close to one side."

    "Sounds like a fancy way of saying we need to save our asses," Deb retorted.

    "It''s a way of saying you are too close to this," Jessica admitted, sparing a glance at Deb. "Zack is your ex and you clearly still have feelings for him. You can''t approach this situation without bias."

    "And you lost Abby, Bill and Pablo in a year," Deb shot back, her eyes fierce. "All connected to Ethel, so don''t act like your choice isn''t fueled by bias too."

    Jessica paused, her hands gripping the counter until her knuckles turned white. She looked up, her expression softening just enough as she released her grip. "I know, but that is why I can''t lose you too. I''ve lost too much, I need you to choose us."

    Deb felt the argument slip through her fingers like sand. She wanted to scream, to argue, to do anything but feel this helpless. Instead, she turned away and disappeared into her room.

    ---

    Zack fumbled with his keys, the familiar jingle sounding far too loud in the hush of the hallway. He decided he needed to talk to Danny again, alone. This wasn''t a conversation he could risk having other emotionally charged people there for.

    "Hey, where are you off to?" John''s voice came from behind him, casual but carrying an undercurrent of suspicion.

    "Grabbing some food," Zack lied smoothly, tucking his keys into his pocket and hoping John would just move on.

    "Mind if I join? I''m starving," John said, falling into step beside Zack despite the clear reluctance written in the lines of Zack''s posture.

    "Well. I was kind of going to just walk around and do some thinking too," Zack fumbled through his words, his mind churning as he tried to figure out how to ditch John.

    "Oh no worries, I can be quiet. You won''t even know I''m there," John pressed with a smile.

    "I guess that would be ok," Zack could think of any other reason John shouldn''t come.

    "Great!" John clapped him on the back as they headed out into the night.

    After grabbing their food, Zack led them to the Blackwood Industries building. The small office building stood like a dark sentinel in the evening light, its windows reflecting their approach. Danny was easy enough to google, as Greed he amassed a tech empire and this was just one of his buildings. As they entered the front foyer, Danny was there waiting, his cool gaze assessing.

    "Zack, I thought you wanted to have this meeting alone," Danny said, his tone deceptively mild.

    "I did, but John was.. persistent," Zack offered weakly, cursing his luck.

    "Of course," Danny drawled, a smirk playing on his lips. "But it isn''t John that I''m concerned about,"

    Then, as if on cue, Ethel stepped forward from the shadows, her presence commanding and unyielding.

    "Ethel," Zack started, shocked by her sudden appearance, "What are you doing here? I still have time left."

    "Oh no did Ethel break the rules of your agreement?" Danny quipped, amusement lacing his words. "Who could have predicted that?"

    From above, Amanda slid down a concrete column with the grace of a cat, landing softly next to Danny. Duncan appeared from a nearby office, his lanky frame casting a long shadow across the floor. In the periphery, Brian and Kenneth lurked silently, their intentions as clear as the menace in their eyes. Kristian and Ashley moved forward from their hiding places, their eyes locked on Danny.

    "Danny, I came here just to talk, we don''t have to fight each other," Zack tried to de-escalate the situation, but he could see some claws begin to extend. Eyes began to glow and Zack realised he was losing control of the situation.

    "You see that''s your problem, Zack, you believe the best in people. So you are shocked when they reveal their true natures," Danny replied, seeming almost excited about what was going to happen.

    Ethel''s eyes shifted to their vibrant green, and time slowed to a halt around her. She moved quickly, knowing there was a limit to her power and the clock was ticking. But as she reached for him she felt an intense heat like no other, Danny was encircled with blue flames, so hot they couldn''t be seen with the naked eye. Amanda had anticipated Ethel''s move and countered it with her own. With her time up, everyone snapped back into motion.

    "Predictable," Amanda taunted, her lips curling into a smirk as she turned to see Ethel pulling away from Greed.

    With that, the rest of the vessels and Supremes sprung into action. Brian melted into the shadows, and vanished from sight, leaving only the echo of his departure. Kenneth plunged his hands into the ground causing thick roots to erupt from the earth.

    Kristian, using all of his strength, lunged at Duncan, but the wiry Supreme stepped aside, evading the attack with ease. Frustration mounting, Kristian focused his energy on a nearby water pipe. Water burst from it, Kristian guiding its spray to send Duncan stumbling backward, drenched and caught off guard.

    Meanwhile, John squared off against Kenneth, sending several kinetically charged stones his way. Kenneth struggled to dodge the minor explosions each one created, but John didn''t notice Brian rising up through his shadow. Brian breathed a black smog that surrounded him and he collapsed asleep on the ground.

    "Dammit, John!" Zack swore under his breath. He turned away from Greed, his eye shifted pink as his human side slipped away. He rushed to John''s aid, but Kenneth''s vines catapulted him into the cold embrace of the concrete wall. Pain blossomed across his back, but he gritted his teeth, forcing himself to heal.

    Ethel, meanwhile, glimpsed a momentary advantage. Her gift of foresight revealed an opening, and she seized it, contorting Amanda''s arm with a swift maneuver and following through with an elbow to her opponent''s face. The crack of cartilage was satisfying as she broke Amanda''s nose, even if she knew it would heal.

    "Good shot," Amanda spat, blood trickling from her lip.

    Ashley joined Kristian and clashed with Duncan, determination etched into her features. But Duncan had already recovered from Kristian watery assault; with a savage twist, he summoned chains from within his body, and they moved like vipers toward the young vessel. Ashley cried out as they ensnared her, causing Zack to turn toward her.

    "Now where do you think you''re going," Kenneth''s voice dripped with condescension as he and Brian pressed their advantage, pinning Zack and the recovering John to the ground with the roots.

    "Let Zack and John go, you don''t get anything for killing them. They aren''t a part of my covenant," Ethel bargained with Greed while holding Amanda back.

    "Kill Kristian," Danny proposed, his voice a smooth caress in the tumult, "and I will let them walk away."

    "No!" Ethel''s laugh was bitter. "I won''t be like them,"

    "Come now," Amanda chimed in, her gaze flickering to Ethel with contempt. "Don''t act like you are better than us. You may be a Supreme but to what? A bunch of useless vessels,"

    "Careful, Amanda," Danny said, his eyes locking onto Zack struggling to hold back the roots. "Some have more promise than others."

    "Looks like you have a choice to make here," Amanda cooed as Duncan approached with Kristian and Ashley in chains. "Your vessel or Gluttony''s?"

    "This attempt to fight us was pathetic," Brian hissed, his claws digging deeper into Zack''s flesh. Zack stifled a groan, his mind racing for a solution that got everyone out of this alive.

    "I won''t do it," Ethel bellowed, looking Greed dead in the eye. "You might as well kill me because I won''t kill them."

    "Oh sorry, but that wasn''t one of your choices," Amanda threatened, lifting the chained Ashley up by the throat. "I guess I will just have to make it for you,"

    "Stop," Zack interjected through clenched teeth, "If you do this there will be no going back."

    Amanda almost laughed at his thin threat, "This isn''t my first kill kid, you''ll have to do better than that,"

    The clang of metal against stone echoed as two knives sailed through the air, their blades glinting ominously before burying themselves into the flesh of Brian and Kenneth. They crumpled to the ground, gasping from the sudden assault. From the shadows, Deb watched the men crumble, before tossing three flash bangs into the center of the room.

    "Cover your eyes!" Danny''s warning came too late, a series of blinding flashes erupted, scattering light like shrapnel across the room. The Supremes recoiled, momentarily disoriented by the detonation of flash-bangs.

    "This is our chance to get out of here," Zack grunted, shaking off the haze as he rose to his feet. His gaze fixed on Duncan, who had placed himself between them and the exit. They charged at each other, an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object, and when they collided, it was with a sound like thunder, sending ripples through the air.

    "Get out of our way!" Zack spat out, as they both skidded across the floor, neither gaining ground.

    "You all die here tonight," Duncan retorted, standing his ground. But as he locked eyes with Zack, he caught a shimmer of brilliant pink flared within them like a rose quartz. Duncan hesitated, and that was all it took.

    With this new glow, Zack''s telekinesis forced Duncan through the front of the building. As the dust settled Zack''s eyes dimmed back to their usual shade, while everyone made their move to the exit.

    But Duncan wasn''t done with them yet, with his covenant still recovering he needed to buy them time. this time it was Ethel who charged forward, hands gripped his shoulders, aiming to use his own momentum against him. She twisted his body, and their struggle moved closer to the edge of the construction site next door¡ªa four-story drop dug for the building''s new parking lot.

    "Ethel!" Zack shouted, raising his hands in an attempt to catch her before they went over the side. But Duncan''s reflexes were swift; a chain shot out, striking Zack in the face. John rushed over to catch him but Zack''s concentration was broken by it.

    "Ethel!" Zack shouted as Ashley and Kristian raced past him toward their Supreme. They were too late, Duncan spun around, his arm hooked around Ethel''s waist, pulling her along as gravity claimed them both.

    "No!" Zack''s shout echoed through the night as a sickening thud filled the air.

    The dust settled in the aftermath, the silence of shock filling the air. Zack rushed to the edge, peering down into the darkness below. There, among the debris of construction, lay Duncan and Ethel¡ªmotionless in a growing pool of blood that seeped into the ground.

    There was commotion from inside the building, "Zack we need to go now," John murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. He started to drag Zack away from the scene, but Zack still couldn''t move his feet. "Please Zack, if we don''t go now we will die just like her," John begged. But Zack couldn''t bring himself to move, it was Kristian who helped John get Zack to his feet and led him away before the Supremes arrived. All four of the survivors felt the sting of their loss.

 Vol 3, Chapter 10: Trauma

    The bus sped along the rain-slicked highway, the wiper working overtime to clear the downpour. Inside the basketball team swayed with the motion on their faux leather seats, Coach Reynolds sat in the front reading over his playbook. A few rows back, John leaned forward, his elbows braced on his knees, casting a sidelong glance at Kristian who was staring daggers at Kenneth.

    "Hey," John said, voice low but firm, "you need to let it go, Kris. He is a part of the team, you can''t do anything here."

    Kristian''s jaw clenched, a muscle ticking in his cheek. He continued to glare at Kenneth, who sat across the aisle, casually flicking through his phone. Leona, nestled beside him, followed his thumb''s repetitive motion.

    "You seem... not yourself today, is everything alright?" she asked, her tone light but probing.

    "Everything is fine," Kenneth replied with a shrug, his eyes not leaving the screen. "Just trying to focus on the game."

    John caught Kristian moving in his seat and placed a hand on his shoulder, holding him in place. Finally, Kristian turned to look at him, his eyes filled with rage.

    At the back of the bus, Rob quizzed Zack, who was slumped against the window, his face was coated in a thin layer of sweat. They breezed through the basic cell structures like cytoplasm, mitochondria, and ribosomes, and each term met with a perfect definition.

    "Endoplasmic reticulum," Rob said, turning over a flashcard.

    "Network of membranes within the cytoplasm," Zack recited mechanically.

    "Nice. And succubus?" Rob raised an eyebrow.

    "That''s not a part of a cell," Zack muttered, seeming annoyed.

    "I know but we need to talk about it, Lust is out there and we haven''t even tried to figure out who they are." Rob looked to Zack hoping to find some understanding.

    Zack remained unresponsive, staring blankly past Rob. The bus lurched over an unseen obstacle, and Zack''s breath hitched, a hand reflexively clutching at his side.

    "Hey, you okay?" Rob''s brow furrowed, concern etched into his features.

    "I''m fine," Zack muttered, the fabric of his shirt sticking to the deep gashes on his left side, a reminder of the battle with Greed''s covenant only a few days ago.

    "It''s just taking a little longer to heal this one," Zack half smiled, seeing the worry on Rob''s face.

    "Are you sure it should still be like that? I mean John and Kristian are all healed up already," Rob pointed out, looking toward the pair.

    "Duncan just really got me good when I was trying to push past him," Zack said, trying to shift so Rob couldn''t see the blood seeping through the bandages and his shirt. "You know how some wounds from Supremes take a little extra time."

    "Ok," Rob replied, still looking at the crimson stains on his shirt. "But if it gets worse you''ll tell me right?"

    Zack nodded, placing a reassuring hand on Rob''s shoulder. They both took a breath, trying to put on a normal face for each other, but Rob couldn''t hide the worry in his eyes.

    "Let''s keep studying for the lab test," Rob said, flipping to the next card. "Golgi apparatus."

    "Shipping department of the cell," Zack answered, a faint smile ghosting his lips.

    "Right. Now, can you identify them in the image of a cell on a microscope?" Rob asked, digging through his backpack for the flashcards with the images on them.

    The bus groaned to a halt, its heavy frame idling as rain battered against the windows. Coach Reynolds'' voice cut through the muted conversations, "Eric if you''re going to hurl, you better hold it until we get to the University of Ottawa."

    Eric Gorth, pale-faced and sweaty, shook his head vehemently, preventing himself from gagging. "I''m fine, Coach," he managed to say.

    "Good, because I''m a sympathetic vomitter so if you puke on this bus, I am going to start too and things are going to go down him real fast," Coach grumbled, eyeing Eric with suspicion.

    Zack was jolted by the stop and gripped his side in pain. His eyes turned to the front, meeting Coach''s gaze. The coach looked at him with worry. "Not sick, just some pre-game nerves coach," Zack said quickly, straightening up, and offering a smile.

    "Well you should consider getting a nap in Dawson," Coach eyed him skeptically. "You look like hell."

    "Thanks, I try," Zack quipped.

    Rob, sitting next to him, nudged his arm, his brow creased with concern. "Maybe he''s right, I know you haven''t really been sleeping since Ethel..."

    At the mention of Ethel, Kenneth, a few rows ahead, tilted his head just enough to eavesdrop while pretending to scroll through his phone.

    "We can''t talk about that now," Zack whispered to Rob, noting the subtle shift in Kenneth''s posture. "He is trying to listen."

    "Sure, but Kenneth isn''t exactly dangerous when we are surrounded by witnesses and he is outnumbered by us," Rob looked over to Kenneth.

    "It''s not him I am worried about," Zack looked across from Kenneth to Kristian and John. "Kristian''s aura has been filled with rage since we got on the bus, I''m worried John won''t be able to hold him back much longer."

    John looked out the window noting the traffic outside remained at a standstill. He pulled out his phone and started scrolling through traffic coverage. "Jackknifed truck up ahead. We''re gonna be here for a while," he announced loud enough for the team to groan collectively.

    I few cars behind the bus, Deb kept her eyes fixed on the University of Water team bus ahead.

    "So are you stalking Zack now?" Ahmed asked playfully, glancing over from his chemistry textbook.

    "What no... I''m just worried about him. After what happened to Ethel... he hasn''t been himself," Deb replied, hands gripping the steering wheel tighter as the fuel gauge''s warning light blinked ominously.

    "Well if you want to keep an eye on him, we''re going to need gas," Ahmed pointed out, closing his book with a resigned thump.

    "I can''t risk losing the bus," Deb fretted, looking at her gas gauge and back to the bus.

    "Relax, we know where they''re headed," Ahmed reminded her. "And Zack will be fine, he can heal remember, Brian says..."

    "Brian? Are you and him a thing?" Deb raised an eyebrow, trying to figure out just how close they were, Brian was with Greed after all.

    "Brian and I... well I wouldn''t call it a thing," Ahmed stumbled over the words, as his face turned red.

    "Right," Deb drawled, eyeing her friend with suspicion. "Just be careful ok... he may not be seeing you for the right reasons."

    "You don''t have to worry about me, I can handle myself. now there is a gas station off the next exit, we need to stop there," Ahmed muttered, settling back into his seat, trying to change the subject.

    ---

    Ashley stood at the edge of the construction site, staring over the edge that Duncan and Ethel had vanished over. She had returned the day after the battle, but both Duncan and Ethel''s bodies had disappeared by then, she wondered if Greed had taken them.

    "Quite a fall," Kyle''s voice rumbled from behind her, she jumped at his sudden appearance.

    "Why are you here, Kyle?" Ashley replied without turning, rolling her eyes as she calmed herself. "Have you finally decided to get off your ass and do something?"

    "I can see why Ethel Liked you, so spirited," Kyle mused, stepping beside her. His face was unreadable, as he looked into the hole. "odd isn''t it? that Greed would waste his time taking the bodies, this would have easily been glossed over in the news as an accident,"

    "So what are you saying? Ethel''s alive?" Ashley asked, finally meeting his gaze. She tried to read his expression, be he seemed all too eager to keep her guessing. "You know Kyle, I knew you before all of this."

    "Did you?" Kyle''s eyes narrowed, and his statue-like expression cracked ever so slightly. "I don''t remember befriending a child."

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    "I never said I was your friend, you had a son remember? I had the biggest crush on him," Ashley said, staring blankly ahead. "I wonder what he would think of these games you like to plan to play," she glanced to her side seeing the anger grow on Kyle''s face.

    "You are lucky I need Ethel right now or I would have ripped your head from your shoulders," Kyle seethed at the mention of his dead son.

    "So Ethel is alive," Ashley smiled to herself, seeing the realization emerging in Kyle''s eyes, that she had played him.

    ---

    Back on the bus, everything remained at a standstill. Kristian''s body tensed, his eyes flickering to a navy blue colour, hands clawing at the worn fabric of the seat ahead.

    "Kristian," Zack''s voice cut through the hum of the engine, calm but firm as he approached. "You need to get a hold of yourself."

    "He just sitting there, like nothing happened..." Kristian growled, the word a snarl, his gaze locked on Kenneth.

    "Think about this," Zack urged, placing himself between Kristian and potential disaster. "If you start a fight here, innocent people will get hurt."

    "Maybe I don''t care," Kristian spat, but Zack could see the flicker of doubt in his eyes.

    "Zack..." John interjected as he pushed past Kritian to get a better look at blood seeping through Zack''s shirt. Kristian followed John''s gaze, his rage shifting to worry at the sight of the crimson stains.

    "You haven''t healed," Kristian pointed out, unable to take his eyes off Zack''s side. "What''s wrong?"

    "I''m fine, I just need a little extra time to heal up," Zack insisted, clapping a hand on Kristian''s shoulder before limping back to Rob, who was sending rapid-fire texts.

    "Leona won''t tell me why Kenneth is glued to his phone," Rob muttered, glancing up as Zack slumped into the seat beside him. "She''s ignoring my messages."

    "Does it really matter," Zack grunted, pressing a hand against his side. "He is probably texting Danny."

    "Ok but about what and why does he practically jump for his phone every time it buzzes, something is up." Rob narrowed his gaze at the young black-haired man.

    The chorus of text alerts caused Leoan''s phone to vibrate off the seat before she, unable to ignore the digital onslaught, finally caved and texted Rob back.

    "Kenneth''s waiting on some news from his family," Leona relayed after a minute. "Someone close to him is sick."

    "You don''t think Duncan survived that fall?" Rob turned to Zack.

    "I saw it, they were both dead, No one survived that fall, not Duncan or..." Zack stopped himself from finishing and he gripped his side in pain. Rob noticed Zack''s pain and fell silent, his own worry starting to overtake him. He reached for his phone, knowing they may need help.

    ---

    The wind howled while the storm clouds passed over Paulina''s home. Thunder rumbled in the distance as Amanda, her eyes flaring red, stood on her doorstep. Ms. McLeod stood next to her and Brian stood behind them, carrying a dying Duncan in his arms.

    "Let us in, Paulina," Ms. McLeod''s voice was calm, waiting for Paulina to come to her door. "Duncan''s life hangs by a thread."

    "I don''t see how that is my problem," Paulina retorted, looking through the peephole, she observed Duncan''s limp form cradled in Brian''s arms.

    Amanda extended her claws racing toward the door, but as she stepped forward, an invisible force repelled her, sending her crashing through the mud in the front yard. A snarl twisted her features as she picked herself up and turned back to the house.

    "Open this door or I''ll..." Amanda''s threat died in her throat, as she realised she could no longer summon her fire.

    Ms. McLeod rolled her eyes at Amanda''s attempt to break down the door. "Look you know we have to keep the balance, that means you need to help Duncan today," Ms. McLeod continued, her eyes never leaving Paulina''s. "They have a role to play in what''s coming."

    Paulina''s eyes narrowed at the woman, and after a silent, charged moment, there was a click as she unlocked her door. The trio entered, as Paulina led them through her home to a small back room, where a medical table waited.

    ---

    Meanwhile, on the bus, Eric clutched his stomach, his face as white as a ghost''s. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat and avoided eye contact with the coach at all costs.

    "Eric, if you spew, I swear on the hoops of heaven¡ªyou will be benched all weekend." Coach muttered through gritted teeth.

    "Coach, I was wondering if we could stop and grab some lunch," Rob chimed in, glancing down at his phone quickly. "There is an En Route just up ahead."

    "Thanks to this traffic we are barely on schedule as it is, it will be a cold day in hell before I show up late to a game," Coach countered, blowing a piercing note on his whistle.

    Rob, brow furrowed with frustration, texting Ahmed about the coach''s choice to keep going. Ahmed quickly responded, explaining he needed to try again.

    "Coach won''t budge," Rob informed Ahmed, trying to make it clear nothing was going to stop the bus.

    "Then don''t ask the coach" Ahmed responded "I feel like something bad is about to happen on that bus, you need to get it to pull over."

    Rob read the text with a worried expression on his face, he looked around before his eyes fell on Eric, "Plan B," Rob whispered to himself, sidling next to Eric. With the stealth of a confidant, he leaned in and murmured something in the boy''s ear.

    Eric''s eyes widened in horror, and with a lurch, he began throwing up uncontrollably, causing a domino effect of groans and shuffling as everyone recoiled.

    "Fine, fine!" Coach hollered, signalling the driver, as he held back his own. "We''re stopping!"

    As the bus veered towards the rest area, Rob looked back at Zack, passed out at the back of the bus. He had sweat through his clothes and was taking small ragged breaths.

    The En Route''s fluorescent lights flickered above, as Rob guided Zack toward the dingey restrooms at the back. Deb met them around back with the sewing kit, while Ahmed helped Rob prop Zack against the cold tile wall. Lifting Zack''s shirt they all gasped in horror; the deep gashes were oozing pus and seemed to blacken at the edges.

    "Why isn''t he healing?" Deb asked, looking very worried. "Did they use some kind of curse on him?"

    "I don''t know, but I don''t think so," Rob struggled to maintain Zack''s position, "He should have healed by now,"

    "Somatoformic," Ahmed muttered, more to himself than anyone else, as he listened to his friends worry. "He preventing himself from healing, his mind won''t let him."

    "This is about Ethel," Rob offered looking over at Zack, Zack''s eyes traced the floor. "It wasn''t your fault, she showed up there looking for a fight, you wanted to find a solution. Don''t put her death on you."

    Zack didn''t say a word, he continued to stare at the floor. His friend shared concerned glances as they tried to figure out how they could stop it from getting worse.

    "OK, so he won''t heal himself, fine," Deb interjected, "Rob go inside and see if you can buy some gaze, a new shirt and tape." Rob nodded before slipping out of the bathroom.

    "What exactly are you planning?" Ahmed asked.

    "Vessel who struggle to heal sometimes just need an extra push, if I sew up his wounds that could trigger the healing process," Deb explained.

    "And you''re sure that will work?" Ahmed looked at Zack, who was sweating profusely and beginning to shake,

    "I don''t think we have any other options, I need to find some ice or cold water or something to try and bring down his fever," Deb said. Ahmed lowered Zack carefully to the ground before leaving to complete his mission. Alone with Zack, Deb opened the sewing kit, her hands shaking slightly as she attempted to thread the needle. The task seemed impossible with the image of Jessica in the back of her mind.

    "I warned you, Deb. You got to close them, you can''t thread the needle," Jessica''s voice echoed through her mind, "All that waits for you here is death."

    Deb exhaled sharply, as she tried to silence the voice. "Clinically. Unemotionally," she whispered to herself. The needle finally pierced the eyelet, and she smiled to herself and she tied it off and began to sew up Zack''s side.

    "Thanks," Zack murmured deliriously as she finished, his wounds still looking infected and not sealing on their own. His eyes began to flutter shut.

    "Zack?" Deb called, giving him a small shake. "Stay with me, please, we still need you,"

    "It''s my fault," he gasped, not opening his eyes.

    "You''re wrong, You saved them. I was there, I saw it, and you made sure everyone got out of there." Deb''s words cause Zack to lift his head slightly to look at her. "We can''t save everyone, Zack. But you saved four lives that night. John and Kristian are here because of you. Stay with us, help us save more."

    A faint smile spread across Zack''s face, the dark purple colour fading away from his wounds as they began to seal up on their own slowly. Deb smiled as she watched the healing begin. Ahmed and Rob returned to find Zack back on his feet, Rob handed him the fresh shirt to switch into and the group left the bathroom.

    "So what''s the plan now," Ahmed looked over to Deb.

    "We fill the tank," Deb said resolutely. "And then we go to the tournament."

    As they turned the corner, they noticed a fight had broken out in the parking lot. Kristian was laying into Kenneth, every blow making its mark and he pumbled the young man. John was watching the violence unfold with a satisfied smirk he tried to hide.

    "Hey!" Zack¡¯s voice cut through the noise, and he staggered forward. John turned, realizing Zack was healing just in sight. Kristina and Kenneth froze in place at the sight of Zack walking toward them.

    "Idiots," Rob sighed, turning to Ahmed as they watched the coach separate the fighters, his whistle now silent and useless. "Well with Kenneth benched at least I''ll get to play."

    "There''s a bright side to this," Ahmed mused as they parted ways. "I look forward to watching you play,"

    A huge smile spread across Rob''s face as he turned back to catch up with Zack.

    ---

    Ashley and Kyle approached Paulina''s well-guarded abode. If Ethel had survived, there was a good chance she would have come there for help.

    "Ah, the home of a Wiccan, there is no way in unless they allow you in," Kyle remarked, almost excited by the challenge of getting inside.

    "OK, so why don''t we just knock and ask," Ashley retorted, lifting her hand to the dark wood of Paulina''s door as they climbed the front steps.

    Before her knuckles could rap against the surface, a prickling sensation swept over Kyle. "Don''t," he whispered, grabbing her wrist. "She already has company."

    Inside, Paulina stepped away from her medical table. Duncan was still unconscious, his chest rising and falling with the shallow breaths. Paulina wiped her brow, she had sewed up his wounds and given him a concoction of herbs to ensure he remained stable.

    Danny''s arrival was as silent as it was foreboding, as Amanda led him into the room. He appraised the situation with a flicker of his cold eyes before dismissing Amanda with a wave.

    "Your talents remain commendable," he said, leaning over Duncan. Danny leaned down and kissed Duncan''s cheeks.

    "Not many people could save someone so far gone," he moved toward Paulina, who stood her ground.

    "It''s a shame my covenant acted without my approval, but revenge is a powerful motivator" Danny seized Duncan''s head and twisted. There was a sickening crack, and Duncan''s body went slack, the finality of death settling over him as Danny released him with a thud. "Our little secret Doc." Danny placed a single finger over his lips, the threat very clear. He then left the room to give his covenant the news.

    Amanda''s scream pierced the night, raw and full of agony. Car alarms wailed in response, as she collapsed to the ground. Brian wrapped his arms around her, his own tears streaming down his face.

    "McLeod," Paulina chided, her tone sharp as she covered Duncan''s lifeless face with a sheet. "You call this balance? You are putting everything at risk,"

    "We''re not supposed to pick sides," McLeod shot back, looking down at the sheet covering Duncan. "But we always do, don''t we?"

    ---

    Across the city at the University of Waterloo, Jake sat in his car, ready to drive home after a long day. That was until there was a loud thud against his window, a bloody handprint left by the impact. Jake carefully rolled down his window to see if they needed help and was met by a familiar face.

    "Ethel?" Jake''s heart raced as look at the clearly injured woman, reaching up at him from the ground. He undid his seat belt and made his way out of the car.

    "Help me," she breathed, reaching out toward him.

    Without hesitation, Jake was by her side, supporting her trembling frame. "I''ve got you," he assured her, leading her back to his car. "let''s get you to a hospital,"

    "No hospitals," Ethel groaned "Too dangerous,"

    "Ok, then where?" Jake asked, but Ethel didn''t respond. She had passed out in the passenger seat, leaving Jake to figure it out on his own.

 Vol 3, Chapter 11: Haunted

    The white van sped into Bingeman''s parking lot screeching to a halt in front of the entrance, most park goers didn''t notice the man scramble out of it under the glow of jack-o''-lanterns and the flickering lights of the Halloween Haunt event. The man felt his pockets before cursing under his breath and turning toward the fence, he quickly glanced back to make sure he wasn''t followed. His eyes shifted a violet colour and he floated over the fence, touching down gently on the other side.

    "I can lose her," he muttered to himself, racing deeper into the park. The air was thick with the scent of candy corn and plastic masks, but he didn''t have time to take it all in, he scanned the area for anywhere to slip away. He weaved through the crowd, each step quickening as he caught sight of a woman¡ªher eyes flickering with recognition¡ªapproaching him.

    "Exorcist," he whispered, breaking into a jog.

    He ducked into the haunted house, he hardly noticed the actor''s attempts to scare him and he pushed past them. Nothing was more scary than the idea of what would happen if he was caught. Shadows danced along the walls, as he noticed a small side door tucked away, a chance to escape. Clutching his chest, he stumbled through the exit and into the faux graveyard beyond.

    "No!" His voice was a desperate rasp.

    A breeze stirred the silence, and he spun towards the sound of rustling leaves. A young woman with raven hair materialized from the darkness, her face obscured by the moonless night.

    "Sorry," he felt her eyes locked on him. "I just got a little turned around."

    She leaned close, lips brushing his ear as she murmured words and his eyes began to glow. Moments later his exorcist pursuer pushed her way into the graveyard¡ªthe man lay lifeless by the graves, a look of fear permanently embedded on his face.

    ---

    "I''m just saying it''s weird that Lust stopped killing isn''t it?" Rob''s voice cut through the night, filled with disbelief.

    "We talked about this before we got here Rob," Zack replied, his pale eyes scanning the park''s entrance. "Tonight we are just focusing on having some fun like normal university students."

    "Right," Rob nodded, arching an eyebrow. "Normal young adults,"

    "Exactly, we can do this," Zack said with a dismissive wave.

    Deb turned to Ahmed, who hadn''t budged since they disembarked from the city bus. "You okay?"

    "Yeah, it just feels colder than normal," Ahmed confessed, his gaze fixed entrance to the Halloween Haunt.

    "I think I have some gloves in my bag, they are pink but they''ll work," Deb offered, holding up her bag.

    "Deb, I''m fine. I can handle a chill," Ahmed replied, but his eyes never left the entrance as he held up a hand to stop her.

    "Just one more thing before we go in and then I will stop," Rob whispered to them all, pulling up his list of suspects on his phone. "I think Ahmed is a reaper."

    "Me?" Ahmed''s brow furrowed. "Because I see dead people?"

    "Could be," Rob said, scrolling through his massive list of supernatural creatures tied to death. "I mean they are supposed to cross the dead over."

    "Rob," Zack rolled his eyes. "Let''s just go inside, please."

    "Fine," Rob sighed as his friends seemed less than amused by his idea. "For the record though, I think normal is boring."

    They teased Rob about his reaper theory as they joined the queue, Ahmed still seemed on edge, like something was lurking just out of sight.

    ---

    Across the city, the street lights lit up the small bedroom, where Ethel slept. Jake sat at the foot of the bed, his gaze never leaving her as she slowly came to. His loft, clearly lived in by a bachelor, had transformed into an infirmary of sorts.

    "Ethel," Jake began, he started as he watched her stir, "You''re ok, I brought you back to my apartment. I didn''t know where else to go."

    She shot up from the bed, turned to face him, and sighed. Her dark hair flowed over her shoulders. "How long have I been out? I need to use your phone,"

    "You''ve been asleep for almost two weeks, it was really touch and go for a while. I''ve never seen a body heal like that, not a single scar," He seemed totally in awe of her, reaching for his phone to offer it to her.

    "Thank you, I saved my life," Ethel offered a smile as she took the phone, their fingers briefly touching. They held it for a moment before he released the phone to her, Jake''s face turned bright red.

    "I''m sure your family is worried about you," he said, trying to change the subject.

    "My family is dead," she responded coldly, staring down at the phone.

    "I''m so sorry, I didn''t know." Jake looked embarrassed by his mistake. Ethel moved from the bed to let him know it was ok.

    Her legs buckled, and Jake caught her before she hit the ground. "Careful, you haven''t been on her feet in over a week" he pleaded, easing her onto the bed. She nodded as he helped her move back to her original position. He placed the phone next to her.

    "Call who you need to call, I''ll go make you some food," he said as he left the room.

    ---

    Meanwhile, Jessica Lopes strolled through the Blackwood building where Ethel had met her apparent end. With each step, she inspected every inch, breaking down the fight in her mind. Her phone pressed between shoulder and ear, and she spoke with Deb, her tone laced with concern.

    "How is the haunt?" Jessica asked.

    "Honestly after everything I''ve seen, it''s kind of boring," came Deb''s voice through the line.

    "Still, doesn''t it feel nice," Jessica paused, eyeing a flash bang that hadn''t gone off. "You know, to not have some creature trying to kill you,"

    "I guess so. It is nice to be here with friends," Deb said, though the static on the cut the last part off.

    "Alright. Call me if you miss the last bus," Jessica ended the call. She pocketed her phone and squatted down to inspect the flashbang. As she turned it over, wiping away some scorch marks, revealing an emblem¡ªthe exorcist seal. "Deb," she muttered to herself, collecting the evidence. She stood, taking one last look at the inside of the building. She knew if Deb kept disobeying the code, her life would be at risk.

    ---

    Zack''s reflection warped in the funhouse mirror, his head seemed far too big for his body. He blinked, and for a heartbeat, his eyes flashed an unnatural bright pink before fading back to their usual shade. He took another look in the mirror trying to make it happen again but the dull pink glow was all that emerged.

    "What''s up with you?" Rob asked, looking into the mirror that Zack seemed transfixed on.

    "Nothing I just thought there was something in my eye," Zack explained, taking a step back.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    "Your eyes look fine to me," Rob shrugged before following Zack out of the funhouse.

    As he left Rob noticed someone familiar in the park, "Hey, Kristian is that you?" he called out. He found Kristian transfixed by a poster on the wall, his gaze locked onto the image of a raven-haired woman whose eyes seemed to pierce through the paper. "Dude, you okay?"

    Kristian remained silent, his body rigid like a statue. Both Rob and Zack seemed confused by his weird behaviour, as they wandered up next to him.

    "Earth to Kristian," Rob tried again, waving his hand in front of his face. When there was no response, he reached out to nudge Kristian''s arm. "Come on, man. You''re starting to freak us out."

    Without warning, Kristian''s fist shot out, punching straight through the poster. His expression didn''t change; he simply turned and walked away, leaving Rob and Zack staring at the jagged hole in the wall.

    "I think you need to call John, he seems to get Kristian better than anyone," Rob muttered to Zack, but when he turned around Zack was gone too, "Seriously!"

    Meanwhile, Deb navigated the twists of the horror maze, until she came to yet another dead end. She rounded a corner to head back and gasped as Zack suddenly stumbled into view, seeming a little off.

    "Deb," he began, his voice distant as if he were speaking from far away, "Why did we break up? We were so good together. I miss you... I need you..."

    His hand clasped hers and she didn''t pull away, unsure how to feel about this sudden confession. His grip loosened, Zack''s eyes cleared, and he jumped back from her.

    "Where... What... I''m sorry¡ª" he stammered, then darted off through the maze without another word.

    "Zack?" Deb called after him, but he was already gone.

    Deeper in the maze, Ahmed was beginning to feel frustrated, "Excuse me, do you work here?" Ahmed''s voice wavered as he addressed a raven-haired woman ahead of him. He had lost sight of Deb after a particularly pushy ghoul forced them down different paths.

    The figure turned slowly, revealing a slab without a single facial feature. Ahmed stumbled backward, his pulse racing. "You''re what I''ve been feeling."

    "Everyone will pay for what they''ve done," the faceless woman whispered, her voice echoing in the still night air before she vanished through the wall of the maze.

    Ahmed felt something else, a build-up of misery and pain as he slowly turned around. The ground was littered with bodies, their lifeless eyes wide open in silent screams. He let out a cry of terror, and within moments, Deb was at his side.

    "Ahmed! Are you hurt?" she asked, scanning him for injuries.

    "Deb..." His words faltered. "Don''t you see them? The bodies... we need to leave now!"

    "There is nothing there," Deb scanned the area Ahmed was pointing at, worry etching her brow as she gripped his arm, "let''s get you out of here, I just had the weirdest encounter with Zack, we need to find him before we go."

    Together, they hurried through the labyrinth, pushing the haunt''s actors aside until they were finally free from the maze.

    Ahmed stopped by the bathrooms as he tried to catch his breath, he looked back at the maze. "I saw something else too," he insisted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I woman but she didn''t have a face."

    "And you''re sure she wasn''t just an actor?" Deb offered, placing a hand on Ahmed''s shoulder.

    "No, she walked through the maze wall," Ahmed countered with conviction.

    "Ok, I''m going to text the others, something is seriously wrong here," Deb said pulling out her phone.

    Ahmed watched until a murmur from behind the maze wall caught his attention. Ahmed crept closer, pressing his ear to the cool surface, straining to catch the hushed exchange on the other side.

    "Should we really be doing this?" It was a male voice, filled with worry.

    "Like she said, it''s the only way out," replied a female, sounding desperate.

    "Are you ready then?" The man''s voice wavered.

    "Wait, I have to tell you¡ª"

    "I know, I love you too, that¡¯s all that matters." there was a pause and Ahmed tried to see the couple through the cracks in the maze lining.

    "Okay, on three... One... two..." They counted together.

    The sharp crack of a gunshot caused Ahmed to stumble back, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. He turned to Deb, who was texting as if nothing happened. Without a word, he dashed around the corner of the maze.

    "Ahmed, where are you going!" Deb called after him.

    Ahmed looked down the maze but there was no sign the couple ever existed. It had felt so real, the park was playing a cruel trick on him, the only problem was he didn''t know if it was all a part of the haunt or not.

    "Ahmed don''t just run off like that," Deb urged, as she finally jogged up next to him. "this park is really starting to freak me out.

    "You have no idea," Ahmed whispered.

    ---

    Meanwhile, within the dimly lit corridors of the haunted hospital, John strolled beside Kristian, feigning interest as fake blood-splattered walls failed to impress him.

    "Hey Kristian, I had no idea you''d be here," John smiled, stepping over scattered newspapers of fake crimes.

    "Sure you didn''t," Kristian mumbled, not even bothering to look over at him. John huffed but continued to follow him through the fake hospital.

    They entered the operating room, where a body lay draped beneath a stained sheet on a gurney. An eerie calm settled over Kristian as a voice whispered his name.

    "Kristian..." It was soft yet insistent.

    "Olivia?" His voice cracked as he approached the table.

    "I''m here, Kristian."

    With trembling hands, he pulled back the cloth to reveal Olivia''s still form, her eyes snapping open to lock onto his.

    "Olivia!" Kristian staggered backward, his mind reeling.

    "Are you ok? That doesn''t look anything like Olivia," John said, staring down at the blonde dummy.

    "It was her, her eyes opened," Kristian stammered, pointing to the figure on the table.

    "That''s not possible, it doesn''t even have eyes." John patted his shoulder, still concerned about Kristian''s weird outburst.

    "Right," Kristian breathed, his eyes still locked on the dummy, it seemed to turn its head toward him, offering a wink.

    "Come on," John urged. "Let''s keep moving, ok big guy?"

    Together, they moved on, leaving the dummy behind, with one last glance back at it.

    ---

    "Why aren''t they here yet," Ahmed muttered, as he paced by the entrance. "We need to leave as soon as possible."

    Deb nodded, scrolling through articles about the Halloween haunt on her phone. "Ahmed, something supernatural is definitely going on here. There''ve been several mysterious deaths linked to the Halloween haunt, most were ruled accidents."

    "Trust me, they weren''t accidents." Ahmed shook just thinking about what he heard. He glanced over his shoulder, half-expecting to see the faceless woman appear again.

    "I know, but if this is supernatural, we might be the only ones who can stop it," Deb explained, reaching an article about a couple found dead in the park four years ago.

    "No! there is no way¡ª" Ahmed stopped mid-sentence, as a breeze blew past him.

    A faint and chilling, a woman''s voice was carried with it, counting. "One... two... three... four..."

    "Did you hear that?" he whispered, goosebumps prickling his arms.

    Deb paused, listening. "I don''t hear anything,"

    "Four... tonight there will be four" The haunting laughter that followed caused Ahmed to stare at Deb hoping she heard it.

    "Still nothing," Deb admitted, finally pocketing her phone. "You are the only one who can hear them."

    "Great," Ahmed signed, his eyes scanning the festive crowd for any sign of Zack or Rob.

    ---

    Meanwhile, John had emerged from the haunted hospital attraction, a confused look on his face. He walked briskly, trying to figure out how he lost sight of Kristian¡ªthe rustling of leaves drew his attention to the haunted trailer park attraction.

    "John," a disembodied voice called out.

    "Who''s there?" John muttered under his breath, his steps faltering as he moved closer to the line for the next attraction.

    "You''re useless, John. That''s why I locked you away," Kyle''s voice sneered from the breeze.

    "Pathetic," Ethel''s whisper condemned, "That''s why I kicked you out of my covenant."

    "Stop it," John grunted, pressing his palms against his ears.

    "You think that you can stop us," Greed''s voice rang through his head.

    "Leave now," the voices commanded in unison.

    "Leave..." John repeated like a mantra, as his eye began to fog over.

    "Are you okay, mister?" A concerned performer stepped forward, jolting John back to reality.

    "Fine," John snapped, too harshly, and hustled past them into the next room, terrified that the voices could return.

    He rounded a corner and came face-to-face with the faceless woman, her aura overwhelming him.

    "God!" His scream was cut off as her cold hands pressed firmly over his mouth, silencing him.

    "Shhh," she hushed, her voice filling his mind.

    "Come find me," she said before vanishing into thin air, leaving John alone, panting heavily, as his whole body shook.

    ---

    Zack was still lost in the maze, racing through the different paths without being able to find the exit. It was like the maze itself was moving, preventing his escape. As he reached another dead end, he stopped to catch his breath. Taking a breath, he thought he heard a voice.

    "Hello?" Zack turned around only to be greeted by nothingness, he could feel a knot beginning to form in his stomach.

    "Zack," the voice came from behind me. "Why didn''t you save me, Zack?"

    Zack felt every muscle in his body tense. "Ethel?"

    "Turn around," she pleaded.

    Hesitating for only a moment, Zack slowly turned. The sight before him snatched his breath away. Danny, eyes glowing like sapphires, had Ethel in a chokehold, her feet dangling inches off the ground.

    "Ethel!" Zack choked out, racing toward them.

    "You''re too late," Danny sneered. "She''s dead, Zack. And it''s your fault."

    Before Zack could reach them, Danny''s claws flashed, and Ethel crumpled to the pavement like a discarded puppet. Zack''s world narrowed at the sight of Danny melting into the shadows.

    "Zack?" Rob''s voice cut through the haze, his hand on Zack''s shoulder grounding him back to reality.

    "Did you see¡ª"

    "There is nothing there, man." Rob''s gaze followed Zack''s blank stare down the darkened passage. "You''re seeing things."

    Zack shook his head. "It felt so real."

    "Come on," Rob urged, helping back to his feet. "Ahmed says we need to go."

    ---

    Meanwhile, Leona and Kenneth stood wrapped in each other¡¯s embrace, their lips locked, oblivious to the onlooker who stared at the perfect couple while they stood in the queue for the graveyard.

    "So you''re finishing the semester and then going?" Leona asked between kisses, her fingers tracing patterns on his back.

    "Yeah," Kenneth murmured against her lips, his arms pulling her closer. "I wish I could stay longer."

    "Then let''s make the most of tonight," Leona said, sealing it with another deep kiss.

 Vol 3, Chapter 12: Bonded

    Kenneth''s arm draped over Leona''s shoulders, keeping her close, as they stepped through the shadowy gate of Bingemans'' haunted graveyard. Synthetic fog wove through tombstones and drifted over their feet, and a zombie sprung from the fog and Leona jumped out of Kenneth''s arms. He stopped himself from laughing and pulled her closer, rubbing her back to calm her down, his fingers traced the outline of something rough.

    "Hey," she pushed his arm aside, "I''m not a cat, I think that''s enough petting,"

    "Sorry, I just thought I felt something stuck to you," Kenneth''s voice was tinged with concern as he looked over Leona, trying to find the mystery item.

    Leona shook her head, strands of hair falling into her face. "If you must know, it''s a scar." She hesitated, then added in a lower register, "From a surgery months ago, I was kind of attacked at a bar."

    "You were attacked? By who?" Kenneth''s brows knitted together.

    "Honestly I don''t know, I never got a look at them," she murmured, her gaze dropping to her feet. "Sometimes, I feel like they weren''t even human, like it was some kind of invisible monster."

    "Wow, that sounds terrifying," Kenneth pulled her closer, giving her a comforting hug. "Do you ever wish those scars could go away?"

    Leona looked up at him and tilted her head, a weird look crossing her face. "Never, these scars are my reminders. I see them and I know I can survive anything."

    Kenneth smiled at her, a truly genuine smile. "I really hope you can," he whispered before leaning in to capture her lips once more.

    As they finished their kiss, Kenneth looked up to find glowing lavender eyes piercing the fog. He instinctively stiffed ready for a fight but the eyes faded. Then he heard the laughter of a young boy and every hair on his body stood on end. Panic clawed at him; he knew that laugh, it was one he could never forget.

    "Leona..." He choked the words out, eyes still locked on the swirling mist.

    "What is it?" Leona''s expression was painted with worry, "Is everything ok?" she searched his eyes for any sign of how he was feeling.

    "Sorry, I¡ªI need the washroom." The lie tumbled out of his mouth, and Kenneth bolted, leaving Leona among the gravestones and ghosts.

    ---

    Meanwhile, Rob, Deb, and Ahmed convened by the park entrance, their breath visible in the chilling October air.

    "I lost Zack again," Rob paced, "He said he needed to use the washroom and then he bolted. I hate vessel speed. We''re missing something here."

    "He has to be in the park somewhere, if we split up we can find him," Ahmed reasoned.

    "That doesn''t normally end well in horror movies," Rob countered, pausing, "We need to figure out why he is acting so weird."

    "The real question is why aren''t we acting like they are?" Deb asked out loud, pushing herself from the wall she was leaning on, "I mean you and I, Rob. Why aren''t we seeing or hearing things like everyone else?"

    "Because you''re not supernatural," Ahmed interjected, walking up to the pair. "I mean think about it, what other explanation makes sense here? Why isn''t there a death at the park every year,"

    They all fell silent as a gust of wind blew between them, carrying with it an old newspaper that clung to Deb''s ankle. She peeled it off, curiosity piquing as she scanned the faded print: Woman Murdered in Animal Attack, 1968.

    "Where did this come from..." Deb trailed off, as she started to read the article.

    "This place is littered with old newspapers, they are just spooky props" Rob speculated, looking out over the park.

    "Right," Deb said, looking up from the article. "But this sounds familiar, like I''ve read it somewhere before."

    "You don''t think they are using real stories about the deaths that happened here," Rob shuddered at his own thought "That would be sick,"

    Ahmed''s finger trembled as he pointed to the grainy, black-and-white photograph in the newspaper Deb had unfolded. "That''s her," he said, his voice a hushed whisper. "The faceless woman I saw in the maze..."

    "So she''s a ghost now, then I''m guessing it wasn''t an animal attack that killed her," Rob mused aloud, running a hand through his hair.

    "That''s our theory?" Deb asked, skepticism lacing her words. "That a ghost is killing the supernatural out of revenge for one who killed her in the ''60s?"

    "I mean does that really sound so strange?" Rob sighed with a shrug. "We fight off demons regularly, a ghost doesn''t seem too far off to me,"

    Deb went to speak but was cut short by the sound of shattering glass from the nearby restroom. The trio turned toward the sound in unison, Rob barreled toward the bathroom, Deb and Ahmed on his heels.

    Kenneth stood in front of the fractured mirror, a jagged shard pointed above his chest as the boy stared back at him through the fractured pieces still on the wall. "I''m sorry, I didn''t want to. But I didn''t have a choice he made us kill you all," Kenneth tried to explain to the ghost with lavender eyes, Kenneth began to press the shard into his own flesh.

    "Kenneth!" Rob shouted, lunging forward and grappling with the shard in Kenneth''s grasp. It wasn''t much of a struggle as Kenneth''s vessel strength easily beat Rob, leaving him sprawled out on the floor.

    "Damn it!" Deb shouted as she grabbed Kenneth''s arm, hanging from it in an attempt to stop him.

    "Guys I don''t think he can hear us" Ahmed saw the fog in Kenneth''s eyes and knew all too well what it was like to be in a trance.

    Rob was back on his feet, he grabbed Kenneth''s hand, pulling the shard out of it and cutting himself in the process. A moment later, Kenneth''s claws extended, slicing into his own sides.

    "Seriously!" Rob yelled, dive-tackling the man, Kenneth fell forward, his claws shattering the sink as he fell.

    Icey cold water sprung for the broken sink, dousing Kenneth. The sudden cold shocked his system, his eyes came back into focus. Dazed, he looked around, confusion replacing the fog in his eyes.

    "Wh-where is Leona?" he stammered before pushing past them, out into the chill of the night.

    "Kenneth wait!" Deb started after him, Ahmed helped Rob back to his feet before they also gave chase.

    Kenneth stared straight ahead, ignoring the calls for him to stop. Then he felt someone grab him, he spun around ready for a fight.

    "Come on, we just saved your life. The least you could do is answer our questions," Rob urged, waving his injured hand at him. "Care to explain what was going on back there?"

    Kenneth looked at the gash in Rob''s hand, and then at Deb and Ahmed. "Honestly," His voice was hollow. "I don''t even understand it myself. I have no clue how I got there or why." He fixed his eyes on them. "All I want to do is find Leona and get out of here."

    "Hey, you''re lying, you saw something in that mirror didn''t you?" Rob shot back, "Tell us what you saw, we saved your life!"

    "And that was stupid of you, don''t forget whose side I am on," Kenneth muttered, turning away. The trio fell silent and watched as Kenneth disappeared into the crowd.

    Deb''s face tightened, as she thought about what just happened. "I''m going to find Zack," she declared, leaving them with the echo of her footsteps.

    "Wait, Deb¡ª" But Ahmed''s call was ignored as Deb raced deeper into the park.

    Rob''s attention turned to Ahmed. "We have another problem. If this thing really does go after vessels, Kristian and John are in the park,"

    "John?" Ahmed crossed his arms, his lips pressed into a thin line. "What is he doing here? I thought he was studying for a midterm,"

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    "I may have called him and told him that Kristian was acting weird and he needed to check in on him," Rob winced at his own words realizing what he had accidentally done.

    ---

    Meanwhile, the haunted hospital attraction loomed ominously as Kristian found his way back inside of it. Olivia''s voice swirled around him, filling every corner of his mind.

    "Kristian, why didn''t you save me?" She cried.

    "I...I didn''t know..." Kristian clapped his hands over his ears, but her accusations were coming from his own thoughts.

    "I needed you. Why weren''t you there for me?" Olivia''s voice sounded like it had been betrayed.

    "Olivia, I tried!" Kristian shouted into the darkness, his voice cracking. "You were everything to me!"

    "Then why am I dead but you get to live?" the voice hissed, morphing into a choir of condemnation. "Why do you get a life when I don''t?"

    "NO!" Kristian roared, tears pouring down his face. "I fought Danny! For you!"

    Kristian''s breaths came in ragged gasps, the absence of sound almost as terrifying as the voices themselves. Then, just as suddenly, they returned "You did it for Ethel not for me,"

    "Stop, please," he whispered, sinking to the ground, feeling the weight of her words. "Just stop."

    Kristian''s knees buckled as he struggled to his feet, the relentless echoes in his head finally offering a reprieve. "You don''t deserve to be here," the voice cooed. He stumbled forward, each step pulling him deeper into a trance, as he finally stumbled away from the attraction.

    ---

    "John! Kristian!" Ahmed called out as he navigated the maze of tombstones, his voice lost among the other screams from parkgoers. They were nowhere to be seen, and he felt panic growing inside himself. He turned in circles, scanning the shadows for any sign of their missing friends, but it was like they had vanished from existence.

    "We could really use a vision right about now," Rob whispered from over his shoulder as they sped through the park.

    "You know it doesn''t work like that." Ahmed raised an eyebrow.

    "I know... I''m just saying one wouldn''t hurt,"

    "Shh, listen." Ahmed knelt beside a large drainage grate, his ears tuned to a whisper coming from it. "Someone is down there. She''s talking about going to the river, she''s going to drown."

    "River? there is no... The mini golf course!" Rob muttered, giving Ahmed a hug. "I never doubted you for a second," He grabbed Ahmed''s hand and led him toward the closed minigolf course.

    ---

    Meanwhile, at the edge of the fenced-off mini golf course, Kristian''s gaze locked onto the stagnant pond, its surface reflecting the moonlight. With robotic movements, he picked up a heavy stone, its weight insignificant to his vessel strength. Tearing a hole through the fence he lowered himself into the water, the heated water kept the fish alive through the winter, and it also ensured he wouldn''t be waking up from this nightmare.

    "Ahmed! There!" Rob pointed, the torn hole in the fence coming into view. There were still ripples in the water where Kristian had been moments ago. Rob wasted no time getting into the water, finding Kristian with the rock on his chest just below the surface, but he couldn''t move the massive stone himself.

    "Shock him! We need to shock him awake!" Ahmed''s memory flashed back to Kenneth being shocked by the cold water in the bathroom.

    "Right, because I carry defibrillators in my back pocket," Rob shot back, clearly frustrated by the dire situation.

    "I know this isn''t ideal, but there has to be something we can do," Ahmed''s brain ticked furiously, trying to piece together a makeshift solution.

    "I have an idea," Rob declared, sprinting out of the water with another explanation, leaving Ahmed to keep watch over Kristian''s still body.

    "Come on, Kristian," Ahmed murmured, his words dissolving into the night. "Just hold on a little longer. Please."

    As the seconds stretched into an eternity, Rob returned, panting, with a small silver pen from the gift shop. He swam back over to Kristian, lifting his hand from the water and wrapping it tight around the pen, before pressing his thumb to the clicker. The jolt caused Kirstain to spring up from the water, coughing and confused.

    "It''s ok, It''s me, Rob," Rob gasped as Kristian thrashed around in the water. "I''m just trying to help you,"

    "You''re going to be ok''" Ahmed called from the water''s edge, he motioned for Kristian to swim over to him. "We''re going to get you out of here,"

    "I just need a minute," Rob huffed lying down on the grass as he pulled himself from the water.

    "I don''t know if John or Zack have a minute," Ahmed explained, helping him back to his feet, they both guided Kristian back to the park entrance, "Stay here and text us if you see Zack or John," Ahmed instructed as he wrapped a towel from the gift shop around Kristian "Whatever you do, don''t go back inside that park until after midnight," Ahmed warned.

    "Now that we have this, we should be able to wake up the others," Rob announced holding up the shock pen. "Kristian, did John ever find you in there?" Rob asked.

    "John?" Kristian asked, still in a little bit of a fog. "Yeah we got separated, he was heading toward that haunted trailer park thing," Kristian murmured as he tried to piece his fractured memories together.

    "So we''ll start our hunt there," Ahmed looked over at Rob.

    "Lead the way," Rob said, following Ahmed back into the park.

    They pushed their way to the front of the line, slipping inside the trailer park. Once inside they searched every inch, ignoring the actors trying to scare them. As they regrouped in the yard they both heard whimpering.

    "Do you think..." Rob started.

    "There is only one way to find out." Ahmed followed the sound around to the back of the trailer. They both froze in horror at the sight of John wrestling with the cap of a bottle of chemicals, muttering about how nobody wants him.

    "That''s not true," Rob said, slowly approaching with his arms raised, John stopped to look over at him.

    "Of course it is, Gluttony didn''t want me, Ethel didn''t want me, I am nothing but a burden." John cried.

    "Oh stop the pity party, You''re one of us John," Rob inched closer, "You''re a part of our covenant of weirdos, like me and Ahmed and Deb. We might not be anyone''s first choice, but we want you." John froze taking in the words and Rob got close enough to jab the shock pen into his side. The bottle dropped from John''s hand.

    "Wha¡ª?" John jerked awake, bewildered, shivering from the sudden cold.

    "You''re good," Rob clapped him on the back, guiding him back to Ahmed. "Let''s get you out of here. This place is bad for your health."

    As they headed for the entrance, Ahmed spotted Deb near the back of the park, "Look," He pointed, "Let''s let her know John and Kristian are safe, we can all look for Zack together," Ahmed reasoned.

    "Sounds good to me," Rob guided John toward Deb with them.

    Their reunion with Deb was anything but happy though, She was standing frozen just a few meters away from Zack. Exposed wires hung ominously from his hands, his silhouette reflected in the puddle beneath him.

    "It''s Zack," Deb informed them as they approached, "I''ve tried talking him out of it but he won''t budge."

    "I''m no leader." Zack''s voice was hollow, hopeless. "You''re all better off without me. All I''ve done is lead people to their deaths."

    "You saved Boon, when everyone else had given up on him," Ahmed tried, but Zack remained unmoved.

    "He never would have become that familiar if it wasn''t for me," Zack murmured, his gaze distant.

    "Well, what about me?" Rob strode towards him, tears carving tracks through the dirt on his face. "You saved me remember? When Ryan died, I wanted to die too."

    With a resolute step, Rob entered the waterlogged ground beside Zack, his eyes locked onto his friend''s. "You were the only one who noticed how I felt, you never left my side. And told myself after that, that I would never leave your side either, so if this is the end, then it is the end for us both."

    "Rob..." Zack whispered as a tear escaped his eye, his grip on the exposed wires loosened.

    "I love you man," Rob stated firmly, prying the wire from Zack''s grasp and casting it aside. But the wind shifted yet again¡ªthe wire was caught in the breeze, blowing it closer to the water''s edge.

    "Look out!" Ahmed lunged forward, throwing himself against both boys, propelling them out of harm''s way just as the wire kissed the pool with a deadly spark.

    "Oh thank god!" Deb cried out, racing around to the other side to hold her friends.

    A chilling presence filled the space around them. The faceless woman materialized her voice a whisper of anguish. "No! No! No! you must suffer," she roared as the wind picked up.

    "Your time here is over." Ahmed stood up, his eyes glazed over in a trance, a song slipping from his lips. The woman froze, almost as though she feared the melody. Ahmed''s song was carried on the wind, whirling around them until the ground splintered, smoke erupting from it as it seemed to drag the woman down, sealing itself after she vanished below the surface.

    "Did you just send a ghost to hell?" Rob asked in disbelief.

    "I don''t know," Ahmed replied, just as perplexed, looking at his friends'' own confused faces.

    "You know that reaper theory doesn''t seem so crazy anymore," Deb said, Helping Zack back to his feet. "Now, can we get out of here, I''ve had enough Halloween for a lifetime."

    "Agreed," Rob nodded, dusting himself off. "I just want to go home,"

    "Sounds good to me," Ahmed added.

    And together, they retreated from the haunting grounds of Bingemans, filing into the bus stop to wait for their escape.

    The bus screeched to a halt and the group climbed inside. The driver peered over the rim of his glasses at the dishevelled group climbing aboard. "You''re lucky, this is the last bus of the night," he grumbled, his eyes flicking back to the road as Kristian, John, Ahmed, Deb, Rob, and Zack shuffled into the dimly lit interior. Kenneth was already on board with Leona, he gave her a peck before approaching them.

    "Thanks," Kenneth muttered, avoiding eye contact. "You saved me back there."

    "We did?" Zack gave Rob a confused look, and Rob confirmed it with a nod.

    "Anyway, I owe you," Kenneth said, dropping his voice so only they could hear. "Ethel''s alive, when we got to the bottom of the pit she was gone already. But Duncan died and Amanda wants her head for killing her cousin."

    "OK, does she know where Ethel is?" Ahmed asked, trying to think of where Ethel could have been hiding these past few weeks.

    "No, but if you want her to live through this, you need to find her before Amanda does" Kenneth finished, looking back to Leona, he left the group to take his seat next to her.

    "Great news about Ethel being alive but how do we keep her that way?" Rob wondered, running a hand through his hair.

    Deb bit her lip. "We have to stop Amanda," she admitted.

    The bus rumbled away, leaving the Halloween Haunt behind them, as they tried to think of ways they could take on the Supreme without getting killed.

    ---

    Meanwhile, at Grand River Hospital, Jessica''s footsteps echoed down the palliative care unit. She paused at the last door, took a deep breath, and pushed it open. Pablo, once imposing, now sat shrunken in his wheelchair, looking pale and sickly. His hands trembled as he faced her, his once piercing gaze dulled but not defeated.

    "I knew you would find me eventually," Pablo offered a weak smile.

    "I always knew where you were," Jessica said coldly, taking a seat in the empty chair by the door. "You remember Bingeman''s, the ghost that targets supernatural beings?"

    "Ah, yes, planning on taking me for a little trip are you?" Pablo rasped, looking up at her. "Seems unusually cruel for you."

    "The ghost is gone," Jessica leaned in, watching his expression carefully. "I need to know what could possibly¡ª"

    "Something powerful," Pablo interrupted, his smile deepening into a knowing grin. "So this is how Gluttony came back, clever indeed. You should be careful if it is what I think it is, it is very old and very powerful."

    "I take it you aren''t going to share your theory with me," Jessica''s brow furrowed as she processed his cryptic words.

    "Not today," Pablo said, "But come back tomorrow and try again,"

 Vol 3, Chapter 13: Emergency

    Grand River Hospital''s Emergency Room was bursting at the seams, patients filled every bed while others waited to be seen. Kenzie darted between gurneys, her curly red hair bobbing like a buoy. "Any word on Dr. Hamilton?" she shouted above the noise, met with only shrugs and a few groans.

    "Still M.I.A.," grumbled a nurse as he adjusted an IV stand for an elderly woman clutching her chest.

    "Unbelievable," Kenzie muttered, looking out over the crowd of patients waiting. The hospital clock ticked mockingly, the minutes dragged into hours.

    "Kenzie!" Zack¡¯s voice caused her to jump, she happened to see him make his way through the throngs of people. She turned to find him looking right at her, it was clear he had something he wanted to ask.

    "Zack, not now," Kenzie said, waving him off without missing a beat as she checked vitals on a clipboard. "We''re drowning here, and Dr. Hamilton¡ª"

    "It will just take a minute." Zack leaned against the reception desk, his eyes scanning the room. "I just need to know if there are any Jane does in this hospital,"

    "Zack, seriously?" Kenzie''s green eyes met his, a silent plea for understanding dancing in their depths. "Why do you need to know that?"

    "We''ve been looking for Ethel..." Zack started.

    "Zack, don''t you think I would have noticed if she was here?" Kenzie shot back as she prepared a needle to get a blood sample.

    He opened his mouth to argue but was interrupted by the heart-wrenching sobs of a child, his leg twisted at an unnatural angle. He sat alone in the small curtained-off space, watching doctors and nurses race by.

    "Why aren''t they doing anything?" Zack asked, his face softening.

    "They''ve done all they can, our surgeon isn''t picking up their phone and he is at the max for painkillers we can give children," Kenzie explained, looking over at the boy.

    Zack hesitated before making his way over to the boy without another word, He knelt beside the boy, his hand tentatively reaching out. "Hey, buddy. I''m going to wait here with you until your parents get back ok?" he soothed, a half-smile playing on his lips.

    "Are you...a doctor?" the kid sniffled, looking up at Zack with hope in his eyes.

    "Something like that," Zack murmured, he placed a hand on the boy''s shoulder, it was all he needed to do to share his aura. A faint glow surrounded them both; Kenzie saw it, watching the exchange quietly. The boy''s pained expression melted away, replaced by a look of relief.

    "Thank you." the child whispered, a small smile chasing away the tears.

    "Don''t thank me, I didn''t do anything," Zack said, sitting back with a self-satisfied smirk.

    Zack''s moment of calm was quickly shattered when a familiar figure burst into the emergency room. Kenneth, his face etched with panic, headed straight for the check-in desk, cradling Leona''s limp body in his arms. "Help! She''s not breathing!"

    "What happened?" Kenzie rushed over, pushing an empty wheelchair over for the girl.

    "I don''t know, I found her like this, she wasn''t breathing" He sounded scared, tears welling in his eyes.

    "Get her to Trauma One, stat!" Kenzie ordered, her voice authoritative as she took charge. They moved swiftly, Kenneth following the team of nurses deeper into the hospital toward the trauma unit. Zack also followed behind.

    "How did this happen?" Zack started, but Kenzie was already checking Leona''s airways, she worked quickly and carefully, a blur of determination and fiery curls.

    "I''ll let you know when we know. Right now we need space to work," she looked up at the boys, it was clear she wanted them anywhere but there, both of them took a few steps back, their eyes never leaving Leona.

    Meanwhile, Kenzie was racing to save Leona''s life as they waited for an available OR, she tried to clear the airway but there was something very large blocking it. Kenneth stood a few feet back, he watched Kenzie work without saying a word, a look of fear on his face. "She just¡ªshe couldn''t breathe, I was late to our date and..."

    "Sounds like Tension Pneumothorax," Kenzie deduced after listening to Leona''s chest, she looked up at Kenneth and Zack. "Air is leaking into her chest cavity, putting pressure on her heart." The words were barely out of her mouth when Leona convulsed forward, a cascade of poker chips clattering to the floor from her lips as she vomited. Then she collapsed again. Kenzie raced back to her side.

    "Her larynx is deviated," Kenzie noted, her mind racing as she wondered if Leona would make it to surgery. She knew she had to do something quickly, Leona was fading fast.

    "I need to relieve the pressure in her chest cavity," Kenzie explained, heading straight for the nurse''s station as Zack and Kenneth hovered nearby, their faces etched with equal parts awe and terror. With no doctor in sight, she started digging for a large needle; she wasn''t going to let Leona on her watch.

    "Kenzie, what are you doing?" Zack asked, looking over her shoulder as she brandished a syringe so large it almost seemed cartoonish.

    "Needle thoracostomy," she replied prepping the syringe. "I''ll need to relieve the pressure or she won''t last much longer."

    With a steadying breath, Kenzie positioned the needle over Leona''s left pectoral. There was no time for second-guessing. Leona''s breathing had stopped. With a swift motion, Kenzie put all of her medical training to the test, the needle pierced the skin, the valve hissing as the trapped air escaped.

    There was a collective pause as the hissing stopped, every eye trained on Leona''s pale face until, with a shuddering gasp, she jolted awake. "Thank you," she managed, before passing out again.

    "That was amazing," Zack muttered, looking right at Kenzie in awe.

    "Hardly," Kenzie countered, her cheeks flushed with exertion as she dapped some of her sweat away. "Just another night in the ER."

    As Zack watched Kenzie check Leona''s vitals again, he realized just how strong she was. She had seemed so scared when she saw his vessel form, but now she didn''t seem scared of anything.

    The rhythmic knocking jolted Dr. Michelle Hamilton from her slumber, it took her a moment to realize where the sound was coming from. Groggy and disoriented, she fumbled for her phone, only to find it was dead, causing her to curse. With a sigh, she tethered it to its charger and shuffled towards the knocking, not even a glance spared for the clock whose hands danced dangerously close to one a.m.

    Dr. Hamilton reached the door, her hand pausing on the knob as she tried to peer through the peephole. The porch light was out, making it impossible for her to see the person on the other side. She felt a shiver run through her not noticing the pair of glowing red eyes behind her. She pushed open the door, a chill nipped at her skin as she peered through the darkness, but no one was there, no neighbourhood kid playing a prank or someone asking for help.

    "Not funny" she yelled, grumbling to herself as she turned to go back inside.

    That''s when she saw him, the man gripping his side in pain. "Please doctor..."

    Dr. Michelle Hamilton took a few steps toward the man, "How did you..." from upstairs her phone began to buzz nonstop from the flow of missed messages. She turned to look at the stairwell, feeling conflicted. As she turned back to the man, their eyes met, a sinister look playing across his face.

    "Who are you?" she demanded, as he dropped the act and straightened up.

    "Just a man who wants to place a wager," he replied, his tone chillingly calm.

    ---

    At Grand River Hospital, an OR was finally available for Leona and Kenzie wheeled her away. Kenneth sat in the waiting room, Zack took a sweet next to him. "I didn''t do anything to her," he insisted, not even nothing to look at Zack.

    "I know, but why her?" Zack asked as he tried to get a read on Kenneth. "You''re part of Greed''s covenant so why are you and Brian even pretending to be in relationships?"

    "We were told to get close to you. Danny wanted us on the inside," Kenneth said, his eyes narrowing. "We thought dating would get us there, I didn''t know I would actually fall for her."

    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Before Zack could dissect his words, the phone at the reception desk rang. "Dr. Hamilton, where are you?" the receptionist asked, but instead of words, an ear-piercing scream filled their ears, causing everyone in the waiting room to fall silent. He exchanged a look of dread with Kenneth before dialling Rob.

    "I think Lust might not have moved on like we thought," he said, trying to keep his voice low.

    "I know," Rob said, seeming unphased by this new information. "I heard them over the radio, another body was just found."

    Zack paused for a moment, surprised at how quickly the police discovered the body. "They found Dr. Hamilton already?" Zack whispered.

    "NO, the guy they found was Robert Sanders. Who''s Dr. Hamilton?" Rob asked, pausing a moment before repeating. "Who is Dr. Hamilton?"

    "She was an on-call surgeon. She never showed up and we just heard her screams broadcast over the phone," Zack informed him, "If two people have already been taken then that means there is still one more," A look of fear spread across Zack''s face, they thought Lust was gone. They let their guard down.

    ---

    Outside the crime scene tape, Brian and Danny pushed their way through the sea of onlookers. Brian''s brow furrowed. "Should we be concerned about this?" he murmured, watching the body bag being loaded into the ambulance.

    "No, Lust has always been one for theatrics," Danny remarked cryptically, his usual amused smile slipping ever so slightly.

    Jessica also stood among the bystanders, her focus more on the crowd than the crime scene. She caught sight of Danny, and he gave her a small knowing nod. She offered him nothing in return, though it was clear to her Greed was tied to these killings in some way.

    ---

    Back in Ethel''s apartment, the door flung open as Ethel pushed her way through it. Ashley rushed to her side, concern etching her features. "You''re ok, you''re alive!" She hugged her Supreme.

    "We''ll have time to catch up later," Ethel breathed, her voice laced with urgency. "We need to pack up everything and get out of here before Greed comes to finish what he started."

    Ashley nodded, knowing Ethel wouldn''t flee from a fight unless there was no chance of winning. Together, they began gathering boxes and packing what they could, Ashley only stopped a moment to text Kristian about the return of their Supreme.

    ---

    Kenzie returned from the OR exhausted from the night already, she spotted John and Zck still hanging around the waiting room. Their faces made it clear they were worried about something, but she didn''t have time to deal with it right now.

    "Leona is going to make it," Kenzie announced as she made her way over to the pair. "Now go home and get some rest, you have classes tomorrow, don''t you?" Her curly red hair bobbed as she shifted her gaze between them.

    "What if the person who did that to her comes back?" Zack replied, looking very worried. "I mean you don''t just swallow poker chips on your own,"

    "Kenneth is with her, I don''t think he will be going anywhere," Kenzie retorted, trying to put their minds at ease. "There was no need to call for backup on this one."

    "Well if a Supreme is looking after her, maybe we should go home," John added, looking at Zack, who relented with a nod.

    "you''ll call us if anything changes?" Zack asked, as they got up to leave.

    "You know I will," Kenzie confirmed, guiding them out of the hospital doors.

    ---

    The next day brought a sense of eerie calm to the University of Waterloo, as a new professor introduced herself to the organic chemistry class. Zack wasn''t paying close enough attention to catch her name, his focus was more on connecting the new set of Lust victims.

    "So I did some research last night and I think gamblers are up," Rob disclosed to Zack in a hushed tone as they sat together at the back of the class. "Robert Sanders had this massive scandal last year where he gambled away the life saving of his clients. And did you see where Michelle lived, on a surgeon''s salary she shouldn''t even know where that neighbourhood is,"

    Zack nodded along, only interrupted by the buzzing in his pocket. He pulled his phone out to see Paulina''s name flashing on the screen, he looked over to Rob, who shrugged. Zack answered the call only to be greeted by her hushed voice. "I''m so sorry Zack, there is a lot about me you don''t know. I''m afraid Lust is here now, and I don''t think I will be able to stop myself from playing his game."

    "What? Paulina? Where are you?" Zack urged, shooting up from his seat, but the line was dead and no answers came.

    ---

    Meanwhile, at Ethel''s apartment, John arrived, panting from their haste. Ethel''s place was almost fully empty now, only the faint scent of old books lingered in the air.

    "You''re late as usual," Kristian said, lifting some heavy boxes out of the room. "We''re almost done here, we''re moving to a safe house. Apparently, only Ethel''s family can access it."

    "Sorry man, I had a midterm this morning" John explained, looking over at Ethel, who didn''t say a word to him. "But whatever you need, I am all yours for the afternoon,"

    "What I need is help setting a trap for those assholes that killed Olivia," Kristian whispered, looking over at Ethel, hoping she didn''t overhear them. "This empty apartment is perfect and all it will take is them over hearing about Ethel''s return to get them here," Kristian seemed excited for the opportunity to finish off the Supremes, but John wasn''t sure it would be that easy.

    Kristian led John to the electrical room, a determined set to his jaw. He flicked off the circuit interrupter with a decisive click.

    "The plan is simple, we electrocute them," he stated. "You see being caught the those exorcists was good for one thing, they taught me how to kill us."

    "But how do we electrify the entire covenant at once?" John responded, rubbing his chin. "If even one of them survives, they could kill us both."

    "I know, which is why we will flood the apartment with a little water to help with conduction," Kristian asserted, smiling to himself about his plan. John nodded hesitantly, looking up at his friend.

    With Ethel and Ashley gone, driving the moving truck to their new home, Kristian started clogging the drains. John followed behind him starting all the water and filling the apartment with its deadly potential. the two men exchanged looks as they finished, their trap was set.

    ---

    At the club, Zack burst through the doors to find it crawling with law enforcement. Lindsey and Officer Mark were discussing something at the bar, faces grim.

    "Did you get here in time?" Zack managed to ask, even though he knew the answer.

    "I''m sorry Zack," Lindsey started, trying to sound comforting. "We got here as soon as we could but she was already gone."

    "Damn it!" Zack cursed, slamming his fist against the wall, Lindsey watched him silently.

    "Easy, mate," Officer Mark interjected, placing a reassuring hand on Zack''s shoulder. "We''ll find her."

    Zack felt defeated, this time being late meant someone he knew was going to die. Rob came pushing through the door a moment later, and their eyes met. "I need to take a breather," Zack muttered.

    "Of course," Officer Mark released his grip on him and Zack motioned for Rob to follow him out the back.

    In the quiet alleyway Zack turned to Rob, "We need to tell Lindsey everything, Rob. We need her to find Paulina," he insisted, running a hand through his blonde hair in frustration.

    "We can''t do that," Rob shot back, upset by the idea. "Paulina was the one who talked me out of it to begin with."

    "We don''t have a choice here," Zack countered, leaning against the door. "Lindsey is the best investigator we know, without her we won''t be able to find Paulina."

    Rob''s face contorted in conflict, his brows knitting together. "But what if she gets hurt?"

    "She won''t get hurt" Zack threw his hands up, exasperated. "She survived Sloth didn''t she and you know she is losing sleep over these murders."

    "I know..." Rob''s voice softened, but a deep-seated fear flickered behind his eyes. "But humans don''t really seem to last long in this world, I can''t¡ª"

    "Can''t what?" Zack pushed, though he already knew the answer.

    "Can''t see her folks mourning the loss of their last kid," Rob whispered, staring at the ground.

    Zack''s stance softened, understanding dawning on him. "I''m sorry..."

    "Don''t be," Rob muttered, his internal struggle giving way. "I get it, this is Paulina we''re talking about,"

    "We''ll find another way," Zack looked up at Rob, offering him a weak smile.

    They re-entered the club, greeted by the sight of a dishevelled Ms. McLeod. She was holding onto Lindsey as if she were the last lifeboat on a sinking ship.

    "Save my sister, please," she implored, gripping Lindsey''s arm.

    "I''ll do everything I can," Lindsey assured her.

    Once Lindsey hurried off, Ms. McLeod turned to the boys, making her way over to them. "Law enforcement won''t find Paulina in time. Someone you know can though."

    "Who?" Rob asked aloud, trying to think about who could be helping Lust.

    "Come on, I thought you were the smart one," Ms. McLeod said, unimpressed. "I believe your friend can see things others can''t,"

    A look of realization spread across Zack and Rob''s face, "Ahmed," they said in unison.

    "And the slowest horse crosses the finish line," Ms. McLeod said dryly, "Now go, you won''t have much time." She turned from the pair and left out the back door.

    ---

    Meanwhile, in Coach Reynold¡¯s office, Ahmed and Brian were lost in their embrace, they tossed aside the belongings of the desk as Brian laid himself on top of it. Ahmed leaned over him and they continued making out until a fire alarm cut through the silence.

    "What timing," Ahmed noted, tearing himself away and adjusting his shirt.

    "It''s probably nothing," Brian protested, his voice husky, attempting to pull Ahmed back.

    "Um yeah, even if it is the fire department will be on their way," Ahmed retorted, already halfway to the door. "I have no intention of getting caught with my pants down,"

    "Damn," Brian conceded, letting go with a reluctant sigh. "You''re right. Let''s go."

    Brian slipped through the door first, his figure disappearing around the corner as the alarm blared. Ahmed lingered for a moment, making sure it didn''t look like they had been in there together, when Ashley appeared before him, blocking his escape.

    "You have terrible taste in men," Ashley sneered, arching a brow at Ahmed''s messy hair and twisted clothes.

    "What do you want? I doubt you came all the way here to tell me that," Ahmed asked, not masking the annoyance tinging his voice.

    "You''re right, Ethel wants to talk to you," she said, fulfilling her mission. "But you should stop seeing Brian, or I''ll pull your tongue out of your head next time."

    "I survived Gluttony and stared down a familiar," Ahmed shot back while fixing his hair, staring right into her eyes. "I''m not scared of you."

    Ashley grabbed his wrist, ready to make good on her threat. Until Rob''s firm voice cut through the tension that her fingers reluctantly unfurled, letting Ahmed pull away from her.

    "Enough, Ashley. Let him go."

    ---

    Meanwhile, Dr. Michelle Hamilton''s body rested on the table in the Grand River Hospital morgue. Lindsey stood over it, with Kenzie reading over the chart.

    "Before the mummification, she was suffocated," Kenzie revealed quietly, pulling back the sheet with a practiced hand. "They found some fibres in her lungs, they don''t match anything we know."

    "So I have a missing person and no leads" Lindsey muttered, her mind racing as it tried to connect the dots.

    "I''m sorry," Kenzie replied, that is all we have.

    "Can I see those fibres?" Lindsey''s eyes narrowed, the cogs in her mind turning. Kenzie gave her the small vile with several golden fibres tangled together in it.

    "I''ve seen these before," Lindsey declared, her memory linking them to her case. "There was a glass beaker in Paulina''s office, something like this was in it,"

    "Are you sure?" Kenzie asked, moving to get a better look at fibres.

    "I''m positive, I need to go back to Night School," Lindsey announced, she rushed out of the room, leaving Kenzie alone and confused.

 Vol 3, Chapter 14: Battle Lines

    Zack sat on the old couch in his living room waiting to hear back from Rob, a strange tapping sound filled the air. He followed the sound to the weather-beaten door of his apartment where Danny stood, tapping his finger to the wall.

    "It''s rude to keep a man waiting, Zack," Danny said, the corners of his mouth twitching into a grin. "Now be a gentleman and invite me in."

    Zack eyed him warily. "Why would I do that?"

    "Because your friend needs help and the clock is ticking," Danny eyed Zack, and Zack stepped aside, allowing him in. "I know how you can save your friend. But I don''t think you are ready to take on Lust, so I propose a challenge, take my knife and I will tell you where she is." He tapped his prosthetic leg and released the blade.

    With a narrowed gaze, Zack lunged, leaping from wall to wall and reaching for the blade but Danny easily sidestepped each attempt. Zack regrouped, choosing to take a swing and the sin, who almost seemed amused by his desperate attempts.

    "This is less than impressive," Danny retorted as he sidestepped another of Zack''s maneuvers. In a swift motion, he swung the blade through the air, grazing Zack''s arm and drawing a thin line of blood. "I was expecting so much more from you,"

    "Why? Why are you playing these stupid games with us?" Zack clenched his jaw, his eyes flickering between human and vessel.

    "I seek out the best and most unique for my covenant. Ethel is the only supreme in history to have time manipulation powers. She had so much potential. It''s a shame really."

    "What are you talking about? Ethel is alive and you know that," Zack muttered.

    "I never told you which friend you could save. Amanda is on her way to Ethel''s, I tried to stop her but she can be so stubborn," Danny called over his shoulder as he exited the apartment. "I wish you luck in stopping her."

    Zack raced to his phone to text John and tell him to meet him at Ethel''s. As he unlocked his phone a text from Deb flashed across the screen, "Emergency!!!"

    ---

    Meanwhile, in Ahmed''s basement, the Ouija planchette remained stubbornly still under Ahmed''s fingertips. "This is pointless," he sighed, pushing away the wooden heart. "We aren''t going to find Paulina like this,"

    "Ok, Plan B," Rob said, handing Paulina¡¯s keys to Ahmed. "Try Psychometry."

    "Psycho what?" Ahmed looked at him confused.

    "It''s like this thing where people can connect to people through their possessions." Rob tried to explain.

    "Rob, I''ve told you, I''m not¡ª"

    "Psychic, I know. Just humour me." Rob''s imploring look was hard to resist.

    Ahmed grasped the cold metal, hoping for a vision, a whisper, anything¡ªbut silence prevailed. Frustration creased Rob''s brow as he passed Ahmed a pencil. "One more shot. Automatic writing."

    "Fine, but when this shows nothing, we''re done with the hocus-pocus," Ahmed grumbled, pencil poised over paper. His hand moved of its own accord, scribbling a series of small stones with symbols over them, like graves.

    "Gravestones? What do you think that means?" Ashley peered over his shoulder.

    "Means I''m still not psychic," Ahmed deadpanned, dropping the pencil with a clatter. "I''ve drawn these same graves in the corner of all of my notebooks for months, they are just fun to draw."

    "OK, so what do we do now?" Ashley asked, looking over to Rob who had started to pace. They were no closer to finding Paulina, and time was a luxury they didn''t have.

    "I suggest you go try to talk to Leona," Ahmed insisted, as he stood up from his desk. "After all you did see the text from Zack mentioning she threw up poker chips,"

    Rob paced Ahmed''s basement like a caged tiger. "Of course, how could I''ve missed it! Lust is targeting gamblers and Leona just happens to have been force-fed poker chips."

    "So Lust targeted Leona," Ashley interjected, putting a hand on Rob, stopping him from pacing, "But then why didn''t they take Leona like all the others?"

    Ahmed turned to her, her eyes narrowing with interest. "I don''t think Leona was a gambler, but maybe she stumbled on to something that Lust couldn''t risk getting out there,"

    "Right, so we need to go to the hospital to figure out what Leona knows," Rob suggested, his gaze flicking to Ashley.

    "So we go to this Leona person and just ask her why Lust tried to kill her?" Ashley asked, clearly unsure about how much Leona knew.

    "We''re going to have to be more subtle than that," Rob said. "Let''s head to the hospital and we can work out what we can ask on the way."

    Ahmed waved them off as they left, hoping they would get answers before Paulina''s body was found.

    ***

    Meanwhile, Ethel''s old apartment was a death trap waiting to spring. Kristian''s hand hovered over a switch. Ready to flick it and activate the electrical current.

    "Everything is good to go," John said, from his position on the kitchen island.

    "We just need them to take the bait," Kristian replied, watching the front door.

    The doorknob giggled and the boys shared a look, their muscles tensed as they prepared for the Supremes, "Remember we need to wait until they all come into the apartment or the plan won''t work," Kristian reminded John.

    The door swung open but they were greeted by Ethel''s unimpressed gaze. "What the hell are you two doing?"

    ***

    Zack arrived at Deb''s apartment, just like her text asked him to. Deb answered the door and quickly pushed him inside. "I found something," she said, leading him down the hall and into Jessica''s officer. "In Jessica¡¯s desk."

    Before Zack could look at the desk, the sound of the front door opening sent both of them scrambling into the closet. Pressed together in the dark, they listened carefully as Jessica moved around the apartment.

    "Deb..." Zack whispered, he hadn''t been this close to her for a while and the scent of her perfume had him a little excited, much to his dismay.

    "Seriously, Zack," she hissed, turning away, her body bushing against his as she tried to turn away from him.

    "That doesn''t really make a difference," Zack admitted, his face bright red in the darkness.

    A sudden noise startled them, drawing their attention back to the office. The front door opened and closed again¡ªJessica was gone.

    "Come on," Deb said, pulling Zack after her.

    A map of Waterloo was positioned on the old wooden desk in front of them. Deb turned the lights off and grabbed a black light from the bookshelf. Under the blacklight''s eerie glow, the map revealed its secrets, three different symbols appeared; R, FD, and D. Zack traced them with his finger, trying to make sense of it all.

    Deb pointed to the D''s "These are where the bodies were found," Deb explained. "I think D means disposal site. Which mean means VD could be future disposal sights."

    "Ok, but how would Jessica know where the future bodies are going to turn up?" Zack asked, still looking over the map.

    "I don''t know, maybe there is a pattern or something only a trained exorcist can see," Deb reasoned, "And I don''t know what the R means either,"

    Zack took out and snapped a photo, "Maybe Rob will be able to figure this out for us," He sent the photo and the pair left the office.

    ***

    At the hospital, Rob stood over Leona''s prone form, it needed her face to unlock it. "Come on, wake up," he muttered, tapping her cheek lightly, then with more force.

    "Ow! What the¡ª" Leona''s eyes snapped open, confusion evident on her face. Rob held the phone out in front of her and it unlocked with a flash of light.

    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    "Sorry, you''re dreaming," Rob lied smoothly, already searching through her notes app. He opened her email and found a recent one for a research proposal on naturally occurring low-frequency sounds.

    "Sound frequencies?" he mumbled to himself, scanning the text. "he clicked on the proposal,¡±

    "Rob, is that my phone?" Leona''s voice held a note of accusation as she shifted in the bed.

    "Uh... yes." Rob handed quickly forwarded the proposal to himself. "It fell out of your bag, I was just grabbing it for you."

    "Right," Leona rolled her eyes, holding out her hand for the phone. "I''ll take that back now"

    "Of course," Rob placed the phone in her palm and took a step toward the door.

    "Thanks for the visit," Leona said, watching him go. "It was weird as usual."

    Rob entered the hall and Ashley pushed off from the nurse''s station to join him, "So what did you find?"

    "Not sure," Rob admitted, opening his email to read the proposal. Ashley looked over his shoulder to see what he was reading.

    "So you found a science project," Ashley said flatly. "How does that help us exactly?"

    "Well she sent it to Bobby Dowding just days before he died," Rob explained. "Seems odd that the two people who read it were targeted, I just don''t know why,"

    Rob''s phone buzzed with a text from Zack. Rob tapped it to discover the map from Jessica''s office, "Wait a minute." Rob switched back to Leona''s proposal and the map of the low-frequency sound waves detected in the region.

    Ashley''s eyes narrowed, her mind visibly racing. "Holy shit, they are the same," she murmured.

    "This is it," Rob said louder than he should have, tapping Leona''s research proposal. "It''s all connected. bodies have been found at every reported location of a naturally recurring low-frequency sound." He ran his fingers through his hair, "Paulina has to be at one of these FD locations.

    "Ok but which one?" Ashley asked, looking at the map. "there are still a lot of those FDs."

    "We''ll have to split up," Rob continued, texting Zack back. "If you, Zack and I check out these locations we might be able to find her in time." He finished his text to Zack who replied immediately.

    "I''ll head out to the St. Jacob''s ones, Deb says she''ll check out the ones in Cambridge," Zack stated. "You two take Kitchener and Waterloo."

    ---

    Meanwhile, at Ethel''s Apartment, Ethel paced the floor. "Are the two of you really this idiotic!" she scolded them. John and Kristian kept their head down as they listened.

    Ethel was about to tear a strip off of them when the lights flicked for a moment before the room was plunged into darkness.

    "Great," Ethel muttered, as she turned to the door, she could feel the powerful auras slipping through it.

    "Ethel," Amanda''s voice rang out as she kicked the door off its hinges, flanked by Kenneth and Brian, who had a firm grip on Jake. "You and I have some unfinished business to take care of."

    "Let him go, Amanda. He has nothing to do with this," Ethel called out, looking at the fear in Jake''s eyes.

    "Don''t you worry your pretty little head about it, he''s just here to make sure you follow the rules," Amanda patted the man on his head, a twisted smile playing on her lips.

    "What are the rules?" Ethel asked, her eyes never leaving Amanda''s.

    "You fight me, one on one," Amanda sneered. "If you little vessels over there try anything, Brian will kill Jake."

    "Is that all?" Ethel asked, raising an eyebrow. Behind her John furiously texted his friends, hoping they would come to their rescue.

    ---

    The mill stood silent, it was the third time Zack had been led to it. Zack could feel a weak aura coming from the silo around back, he went to push the door open but was pushed back. A circle of palm ash was laid around the silo''s base, preventing him from entering. He lunged forward, only to be repelled again.

    "Come on!" he growled, the night illuminating with a vibrant blue as he pushed against the mystical barrier. His eyes, once a pale shade, now blazed with an intense pink glow, the barrier rippling under his new strength.

    "Damn it," Zack cursed as his eye flickered back to their normal dull pink and he was flung back. He hit the ground hard, every muscle screaming in protest. Powerless, he could feel Paulian slipping away on the other side, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

    There was a crunch of gravel as someone else raced toward the silo, Lindsey appeared reaching for the steel silo door, and she slammed into it pushing as hard as she could. The door slipped away, revealing Paulina lying on the dirty ground inside. Lindsey raced to her side and radioed in to send an ambulance to their location.

    "Is she?" Zack exhaled, moving closer to get a better look at Paulina. "Is she ok?"

    "She is still breathing, that''s a good sign," Lindsey replied curtly, before looking up at him. "My question is how did you know where to find her?"

    ---

    Meanwhile, at Ethel''s apartment, Rob, Ashley and Ahmed entered the lobby. "Ok, so what''s the plan here?" Ahmed asked, sensing darkness spreading through the building, he shivered and rubbed his arms trying to keep warm.

    "We need to get to the electrical panel," Ashley pointed, leading the way down to the basement, "If we can turn the power on, Kristian has a plan to defeat Amanda and the others. They found the switches, but were confronted with a new problem, how would they know when to turn the power back on?

    "The longer we wait, the more likely it is someone dies," Rob texted John, thumbs flying over his phone screen. "I let him know they have one minute before we turn it on,"

    John read the message and then turned his attention to Jake, the only one who didn''t have a chance of surviving the shock, John carefully pulled a button off his shirt and charged it. He flicked at Brian, causing the man to fly backwards from the impact. John then flipped over the fighting Amanda and Ethel, securing Jake and getting to the kitchen Islan as the lights came back to life.

    As the current surged through the wet floor, with Kristian getting caught in its path, his body convulsed as he collapsed. Amanda and Ethel also began to shake, the electrical current surging through them.

    "Ethel!" Ashley screamed as she appeared in the apartment doorway.

    "Stay back," Rob grabbed her arm and pulled her back.

    Amanda, breathed fire, clearing the water around her. "Hold her down!" the order sent Kenneth and Brian into action. They forced Ethel to her knees, seeming unaffected by the current. They twisted her wrists so her claws were forced up.

    "Leave him alone!" Ashley cried as Amanda hoisted Kristian into the air and brought him down upon Ethel¡¯s waiting claws. She looked away, as Ethel''s eyes flared and she unwittingly drained the life from Kristian.

    "You killed one of ours and now I''ve killed one of yours," Amanda sneered, standing over Ethel''s broken form. "We''re even,"

    "Monster," Ashley spat, trembling in Rob''s arms from the doorway.

    "You''re next," Amanda said with chilling nonchalance, "If I have to come back here."

    Kristian lay impaled, his body shaking uncontrollably, yet his gaze met Ethel¡¯s with a silent understanding.

    "Forgive me," Ethel whispered, kneeling over him.

    "Always," Kristian breathed, his voice fading as he tried to hold on.

    Amanda pushed past Ashley in the doorway, leaving the shocked group with some parting words. "Consider this our final offer, Ethel," she said coldly. "Join Greed by the end of the month of I kill finish of your pathetic covenant myself." She glanced back at Brian and Kenneth who were trailing behind her. Kenneth''s eyes briefly met Ethel''s¡ªa silent flicker of remorse before he turned away, and followed them down the hall.

    Ethel never looked up from Kristian, even as Amanda''s laughter echoed down the hall. "Kristian, hold on," she urged, her voice trembling.

    "Ethel," Kristian managed, his voice a mere whisper, "it''s okay... I don''t regret this¡ªnot any of it." His pale face as he coughed. "Being part of your covenant, it was all I ever wanted, to have friends."

    "Please, don''t talk like that," Ethel pleaded, feeling his aura fading fast.

    "Don''t let anger blind you," he said, his gaze locking onto hers, "protect Ashley and the others."

    Those were his last coherent words. As the life drained from him, his mind wandered to Olivia. He remembered how her eyes had sparkled when they''d been lost together in the woods, her voice alive with wonder as she spoke of finding a place where they belonged. "It''s you and me," she had mused, "together we can do anything."

    "Olivia," Kristian breathed his last breath.

    The lights turned off again and Rob and Ashley entered the room, time seemed to fracture. Ethel sat motionless, her hands shaking from the cold realization of loss. Ashley''s sobs filled the space as she knelt beside Kristian, her tears spilling down on him.

    "Ethel," Rob said softly, placing his hand on her shoulder. He could feel his own eyes begin to well with tears, they had lost someone else to Greed''s covenant.

    Ahmed finally made it to the apartment spotting John and Jake standing frozen, their shock rendering them speechless. Each of them felt defeated like they were fighting a losing battle.

    ---

    Meanwhile, Jessica approached Pablo once more. "I''ve been back every day since our first meeting, I''ve held up my end but now it''s time to hold up yours," she demanded, staring daggers at him.

    Pablo regarded her through pain-clouded eyes. "I suppose you''re right but I believe we have an uninvited guest this time," he rasped, turning toward the door.

    "Enough stalling," Jessica retorted, looking back at the empty doorway. "I need to know what''s coming."

    "To know what''s coming, you need to know what''s already happened" Pablo countered cryptically, his gaze never leaving the doorway. "You might as well come in, I''d hate to have to tell this story more than once."

    There was a moment of silence before Deb appeared in the frame, Jessica was shocked but Pablo just smiled. "Took you long enough,"

    "Sorry to keep you waiting," Deb shot back, "I take it you aren''t just going tell me this story for nothing."

    "Clever girl," Pablo breathed "You''re right, we need one more guest, you friend Zack," he said with a smile.

    ---

    Zack¡¯s gaze fixed on Lindsey as they sat outside Paulina''s hospital room. An officer stood guard outside and her radio buzzed to life. "This officer Mark, we''ve found another body in Pioneer Park,"

    "Got it," Lindsey said, clicking off the radio and turning back to them with an air of satisfaction. "I''ve got to go. Looks like this psychopath is still out there."

    "Good luck," Zack said, his voice hollow.

    Lindsey nodded, her blonde hair catching the dim light filtering through the grime-coated windows. "Next time you have a hunch, Zack. Call the police, don''t go in there alone. Just imagine what could have happened if I didn''t show up." She spoke sternly. "You got luck I figured out a clue left by the killer at the bar."

    "Right, sorry," Zack said, as Lindsey vanished down the hallway.

    "Zack, we need to talk," Paulina''s voice drifted from the room behind him, it was weak and raspy. Zack entered the room, taking a seat beside her bed. "It''s time you knew."

    Zack frowned, "Knew what?" there was so much going on he already felt lost in it all.

    "Your eyes, Zack," she uttered, almost reverently. "When you tried to break the circle... They changed colour."

    "Changed colour?" Zack repeated, confusion lacing his tone.

    Paulina¡¯s lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. "It''s not normal for a vessel. It''s the mark of a True Supreme. Someone who ascends the rank, without stealing the power from anyone."

    "True Supreme?" Zack felt like this was the least of his problems right now.

    "It''s a once-in-a-century deal... if that," Paulina murmured, her gaze locked with his. "I suspected it could be you after you resisted Gluttony''s calls to join him. You have something within you, Zack. Something rare and powerful."

    "Rarer than time powers," Zack realized, looking down at Paulina. A chill skittered down his spine as he realized why Paulina needed him to know. "Danny wants me too, that''s why he''s let us live this long."

    "He needs to make you reach your full potential," Paulina winced. "He won''t risk tainting your chances of becoming a Supreme."

    "Maybe I can use that," Zack said, trying to think. "turn the tables on him," Zack''s phone buzzed as Rob attempted to call him. Zack looked from the phone over to Paulina.

    "I''ll be ok," She assured him, looking worried at the phone. "You need to answer that call, Zack." Zack nodded and left the room to answer it. Paulina didn''t need to hear the conversation, she could hear Zack''s cries are anger and sorrow from her hospital room.

 Vol 3, Chapter 15: Backstory

    The shrill ring of the final bell was still echoing off the lockers when Ethel dashed through the hallways of St. Benidict''s High School. Panic gripped her heart; as the last of the buses pulled away. Her breath came in ragged gasps as she searched for a hiding place, The school was all but empty.

    "Ethel!" a familiar voice called out down the hallway, and she raced toward it, turning the corner to find a large, muscular teen, Bruce. He grabbed her hand and led her to the school auditorium. As she slipped inside, they heard a group of people approaching. Bruce gave Ethel a worried look.

    "I''ll lead them away from here," He whispered, but Ethel froze, knowing exactly what that meant for him. His hand reached out, pushing her away just as the exorcists rounded the corner.

    "There''s one" A commanding shout brought attention to Bruce''s location. Pablo, flanked by Father Bill and several others, began to surround the sixteen-year-old.

    Bruce pivoted to face them, his eyes shifting to a dull blue. "Stay back," he growled, claws extending from his fingertips.

    "Out of the way, boy," Father Bill warned, raising his rifle. He aimed at the vessel, Pablo stood beside him, and he seemed amused by the teen''s will.

    A shot rang out, stark and final. Bruce crumpled, his eyes flickering before the glow faded from them. As Ethel held her breath on the other side of the door, Father Bill knelt beside the young vessel, while Pablo tucked away his smoking gun. "He killed two of ours," he stated coldly. "We need to find the girl now. That''s the Code."

    ---

    "And how exactly does that story help us find Ethel?" Ashley murmured.

    Kyle ignored her question, turning back to Rob. "Ethel escaped that school along with another vessel girl, Mary." He finished, sitting back on the faded leather sofa.

    "I''m with Ashley on this one," Rob stated as he paced the floor. They had met in the safe house Ethel had prepared for her covenant''s escape. "No one has seen Ethel in days. We need her so we can come up with a plan to stop Greed,"

    Ashley sighed, shifting in her seat. "He just wants to waste our time,"

    "I would never," Kyle seemed almost offended by that remark. "I am trying to help you. If you want to find her, then you need to really know her,"

    "And you really know her?" Ashley raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms.

    "You forget that before I was Gluttony, Ethel''s family and mine were very close," Kyle looked over at Rob, who shook his head in agreement. Kyle smiled, arms crossed, and he continued. "Ethel is at a place next to impossible to find unless you know her story,"

    "We know the story about the fire," Ashley said, she was getting restless. "Abby set it, her family was killed in it, and then you tracked down and killed Abby."

    "Her whole life isn''t a single story," Kyle pushed himself off the couch, standing up decisively. "This is the story of the time she killed someone."

    "She''s killed people before," Ashley retorted.

    Rob¡¯s gaze narrowed, scrutinizing Kyle as he hesitated. "This is about the first time she took a life isn''t it?" he asked as if he was revealing a deep dark secret.

    "Yes" Kyle began, as he paced the room, "she wasn''t always all business. She used to think she could live a normal life,"

    "Ethel wanted to be normal?" Rob echoed, arching an eyebrow.

    "More than that," Kyle interjected, leaning against the wall with deceptive casualness. "She was once like Zack; unbearably romantic, profoundly narcissistic."

    "Ethel was a romantic?" Rob blinked, taken aback. "Ethel?"

    "Her world revolved around one boy," Kyle continued, a trace of a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. "Changed her. Forever."

    "And how would you know this, Kyle?" Rob pressed, skepticism lacing his tone.

    "Because I was close to Tara," Kyle replied, eyes unfocused as he shifted through his memories. "Tara and I... we shared much."

    "Shared much..." Rob repeated, giving Kyle a look.

    ---

    In the Palliative care unit at Grand River Hospital, Zack stood before Pablo, who was now confined to a wheelchair, his blacked veins clearly visible beneath his skin.

    "Before I tell you Greed''s weakness," Pablo rasped, his eyes gleaming with a mix of pain and cunning, "you''ll alleviate some of my suffering. A taste of your abilities, Zack."

    "Fine," Zack said tersely, extending his hand, palm down, hovering above Pablo¡¯s chest. The exchange was silent but for Pablo''s sharp intake of breath as the pain visibly receded from his features.

    "That''s enough," Deb said, she pushed Zack''s arm away, as she looked down at Pablo. "You''ll get more of his aura after you talk."

    "You really would have made a great exorcist," Pablo began, his voice stronger now, "But yes, I know Greed. Not just as a sin but before that."

    "You knew him as a human?" Zack was surprised.

    "Danny was never human," Pablo corrected a wry smile returning to his lips. "He really has been around for hundreds of years, but he''s only spent a few decades as Greed."

    ---

    Back at the safe house, Kyle continued his story, the rhythmic bowing of a cello was interrupted by the distant echo of a basketball''s rhythmic pounding back when Ethel was in high school. Rowan''s concentration was broken by the sound, he huffed as the bouncing threw off his timing.

    "Enough!" he exclaimed, bolting from the music room to confront the source of his irritation. A young woman dribbled the ball in the empty hallway. Rowan ran his fingers through his auburn hair, "Can you please take that to the gym?"

    "Why don''t you make me?" Young Ethel taunted, the ball spinning on her fingertip. "It''s a free hallway, I don''t have to listen to you,"

    Rowan tried a few half-hearted lunges, failing each attempt to take the ball from her, only to be met with Ethel''s mocking grins.

    "You''re childish," he muttered, turning his back on her, and heading back to the music room.

    "Wait," Ethel called after him, following into the music room, tucking the ball under her arm. "Look I''m sorry for being a jerk back there. I just got a D in Mr. Warren''s class and that just got me going you know. Can we start over?"

    "Sure we can start over if you can play any instrument in here," Rowan replied, his back still turned, a challenge in his tone.

    Ethel scanned the room briefly before producing a triangle from a bin by the window, striking it with precision to emit a single, clear note. Rowan couldn''t help but smile for a moment at the choice.

    "Rowan," he surrendered, finally facing her.

    "Ethel," she offered, holding out her hand.

    "I know who you are," Rowan replied, shaking her hand, "Led the girls basketball team to victory two years in a row,"

    "Planning on making it three this year," Ethel quipped, a playful smile tugging at her lips, as she noticed Rowan''s grey eyes for the first time and the way they glistened under the lights.

    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    In the present, Rob had settled on the couch while he listened. He turned to Kyle, who was leaning against the far wall.

    "Wait stop the story," Rob suddenly called out. "You said this happened like twenty years ago, but Ethel is only a few years older than us,"

    "Correction, she only looks a few years older than you," Kyle replied with a noncommittal shrug. "Age is a relative term to someone born a vessel."

    "So wait you stop aging as a vessel?" Rob''s mind raced at the thought of the implications.

    "Don''t be stupid," Kyle glared, "It simply slows down, we still age."

    Rob nodded slowly, processing. "So Zack is going to slowly age too?"

    "Zack''s aging is the least of our concerns," Kyle said dismissively, steering the conversation back to Ethel''s romance with Rowan. "They had their secret spot, an abandoned shack in the woods. A secret space few knew about."

    "Sounds idyllic," Rob commented dryly.

    "The pair were inseparable," Kyle spoke smoothly, eyes avoiding Rob''s gaze. In truth, he had followed the couple into the woods, spying on them as they picnicked on the old wooden porch.

    ---

    The sterile light of the hospital room felt more like a prison, Pablo breathed heavily as he prepared to speak. He glanced at the unimpressed faces that surrounded him.

    "So you killed a vessel," Zack said, crossing his arms. "Shocker,"

    "Ah, but this was the catalyst," Pablo rasped, eyeing the young man. "We didn''t know it at the time, but we had just started a war,"

    "Don''t you mean you started a war?" Deb interjected.

    "Semantics," Pablo croaked, his eyes gleaming as he recalled the killing. "It''s surprising what lengths people will go to eliminate threats. Even those like Danny... or you."

    "Zack isn''t a threat," Deb corrected, she glared at the man.

    "Oh, but our friend Zack is one of the biggest threats. He threatens our very way of life," Pablo continued, gesturing vaguely at his aged visage. "A vessel that fights for human and supernatural alike, unheard of,"

    "I don''t believe that," Zack said, leaning forward, his patience fraying. "You lumped Danny in with me, he reminds you of me doesn''t he?"

    Pablo fixed him with a deliberate gaze. "You do share certain traits,"

    Deb rose, her frustration palpable. "Like their ability to outsmart you? this is a waste of time, let''s go,"

    "Wait," Pablo called, his voice suddenly clear, commanding. As she paused at the doorway, "Danny never outsmarted me, he tried and failed. It all started with that stupid meeting..."

    In the past, a group of covenants gathered at nightfall in the woods. "Another covenant''s loss isn''t my concern," Amanda spat.

    "The exorcists don''t make distinctions between covenants," retorted one of her vessels, eyes dark with shared grief.

    Duncan''s anger was palpable as he pointed to the rope, frayed and swaying softly in the breeze. "Here," he growled, "is where they left him for me to find."

    "They killed one at the school the other day," another vessel murmured, the weight of their collective losses hanging heavy in the air. "His only crime was defending himself when two of them attacked him the night before,"

    "They are taking risks they don''t normally take," Danny whispered to himself, watching the other covenants as they voiced their concerns.

    "He''s not dead, at least not yet," Duncan informed them, his voice trembling with rage.

    "Where is he?" A vessel asked as the group began to mutter.

    "He''s at the hospital, they won''t let me see him," Duncan''s eyes started to well.

    "Family only," One of his vessels informed everyone, as he tried to comfort Duncan.

    "Family?" Duncan roared. "He *was* family!"

    "The local police are getting involved," came a calm interjection. Tara had arrived, her posture both authoritative and relaxed. "We''re working on this, Duncan. But you need to step back."

    "You know they can''t do anything," Duncan spat, but he stepped away, unable to control himself any longer.

    ---

    "Wait did exorcists ever actually follow a code?" Zack murmured, drawing a sardonic laugh from Pablo.

    "Think of the code more as a loose set of guidelines," Pablo replied. He leaned back.

    "Maybe for you," Deb retorted.

    "Says the girl breaking the code as we speak," Pablo said, "Forgive me, but the rules are pretty clear on what happens when you choose to leave. You''re supposed to stay out of this world,"

    "The vessel you killed was Duncan''s?" Zack asked, trying to change the subject.

    "I didn''t really care who he was, but his death did change Duncan," Pablo explained, his gaze distant. "Losing a vessel... It''s like losing a part of your soul when you are a Supreme."

    "So a part of him died that day too," Deb lamented, looking down at the floor. "No wonder he became so angry at the world."

    "It was his own fault, he should have trained his vessels better," Pablo coldly, shrugging off his guilt. "A good Supreme teaches their vessels to control and how to hide. Duncan failed to do both."

    "So that gave you the right to kill a teenager?" Deb retorted.

    "He risked exposing the supernatural world," Pablo tried to justify, he began to cough and reached for his inhaler, taking a deep puff from it.

    "Duncan wanted an eye for an eye," Pablo said, as he looked back on his memories. "It''s why he called the council of covenants together that night, he needed permission,"

    "The council of Covenants?" Zack asked. "How come I''ve never heard of it."

    "They had a bit of a falling out I''m afraid" Pablo smiled to himself, "It happens when three of the four covenants have their Supremes turn on them and the fourth burns."

    "I take it you had someone on the inside listening in for you," Zack answered, his tone solemn. "That''s how you know this."

    "Nothing slips past you," Pablo said sarcastically.

    "So skip ahead to the war part," Deb said, locking eyes with Zack. "Tell us how you defeated Danny so we can do it too."

    "All good things come to those who wait," Pablo looked up to the clock, Deb and Zack followed his gaze. "Visiting hours are almost up for the day."

    ---

    Rob leaned back against the faded leather sofa, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. Kyle watched him and Ashley, a smug look playing on his face as he spun his tale.

    "See, Tara was busy trying to calm her covenant''s fear," Kyle smiled, his voice oozing faux empathy, "Which meant Ethel had all the time in the world to be with Rowan,"

    "Sound''s like normal teenage behaviour," Rob remarked.

    "So she loved a human, big deal," Ashley muttered from her perch on the armrest, her gaze flicking between the two men.

    "It was a big deal," Kyle pressed on, giving her a sideway glance, "One of the first things vessels are taught is to hide, how can you hide from the person you spend every day with? She was petrified of the thought of Rowan discovering what she was..."

    "Scared he would think she was a monster" Rob interrupted, thinking about how Kenzie had reacted to Zack.

    "Spot on," Kyle said, offering a sly grin. "But you see it was my sister, Mary, who had come up with a brilliant idea."

    "What was this brilliant idea?" Ashley asked, her brow furrowing.

    "Well my sister was part of Tara''s covenant," Kyle continued, weaving his tale. "I may have told her about Ethel''s love interest. And she thought that if Rowan became a vessel, then Ethel wouldn''t have to hide that part of herself,"

    "There is no way Ethel would agree to that," Rob protested, crossing his arms.

    "That''s assuming Mary asked her permission," Kyle chuckled. "My sister was rather spirited."

    "She turned Rowan without telling Ethel," Ashley muttered under her breath in shock.

    "As you know a mere vessel doesn''t have that ability," Kyle admitted with a shrug. "Only a Supreme or a sin can change a person into a vessel,"

    "Why would a Supreme agree to change a random teenager?" Rob observed.

    "There are a variety of reasons," Kyle said quickly, drawing their focus back to him. "The person had a strong aura, or, I Don''t know... recently lost a vessel or two and were looking for new recruits."

    "Who''s covenant was Bruce a part of?" Rob asked, realizing what Kyle was implying.

    "You''ve actually met this person," Kyle spread his hands wide. "Bruce belonged to Duncan''s covenant,"

    "So your sister went to him to turn Rowan," Ashley said ominously, her eyes fixed on Kyle.

    "Why would Duncan do it though," Rob asked, glancing around the room. "I mean seriously, Mary wasn''t even his vessel"

    "Your right," Kyle said, a touch too hastily. "but she was Tara''s,"

    "What makes Tara so special," Ashley retorted.

    "She was head of the council, she had the final say on what the covenants would do," Kyle mused.

    "Like green light a plan for revenge," Rob agreed, "Just like Duncan wanted."

    "Do a favour for Tara''s covenant," Ashley suggested, "Earn her favour,"

    "Now you get it," Kyle said with a grin.

    ---

    In the past, the damp air of the cave clung to their skin as Pablo and Father Bill navigated the dimly lit space, their flashlights illuminating the jagged walls. The crude symbols smeared in a dried, rust-like substance demanded their attention.

    "Blood," Father Bill murmured, her voice echoing slightly. "Seems like it has been here a while," he traced a finger over the darkened stone, his brow furrowed in concentration.

    "We aren''t here for cave paintings," Pablo said, his gaze locked on the path ahead of them. "We''re looking for those covenants"

    "I know why we are here," Father Bill said with confidence. "But this place... it feels different like there is a dormant energy here."

    "Oh please, it is an old cave with some pictures in it, not everything is special," Pablo finished.

    "You need to learn to slow down," Bill said. "If you did you would know these symbols are Wiccan, making this place connected to the supernatural world in some way."

    Fast forward to the present, Deb leaned against the sterile wall of the hospital room, arms crossed as she followed along.

    "We had tracked their movements, we thought for sure at least of few of them had taken up residence in that cave," Pablo explained.

    "But it was empty," Deb''s voice was rough, as she watched the time they had left tick away. "So why bring it up?"

    "It was far from empty, we just had it wrong," Pablo coughed. "You see we had actually been seeing the younger vessels using it as a hideout,"

    "So you waited until they came back?" Zack asked, getting angry. "How many did you kill?"

    "Relax," Pablo raised his hands in mock surrender. "Our goal was to find where the covenants were meeting, we had no interest in their offspring,"

    "Did you find it?" Zack asked. "Is this how Danny became Greed, because of something you did?"

    "Zack, I am offended by the mere suggestion," Pablo placed his shaky hand over his chest.

    "What happened to Danny was his own doing," Pablo chuckled dryly. "He tried to play the exorcists and he lost. Or did he win? I mean look at how powerful he has become since,"

    "His thirst for power is the reason so many vessels are dead," Deb muttered.

    "Oh, he is responsible for so much more than that," Pablo countered, his eyes gleaming. "Why it wouldn''t surprise me if both your problems have the same solution,"

    "What exactly are you implying?" Deb moved forward, kneeling in front of the man so they were on the same level. She scanned his wrinkled features for an answer.

    "Greed shows up and then Lust just happens to follow?" Pablo looked right into her eyes. "You truly believe that it is just a coincidence?"

    "I believe you''re, trying to stall... I just don''t know why," Deb threw back as she got up, Zack stood quietly in the corner, taking everything Pablo had said in.