THE NUN IN THE PENTAGRAM

Chapter Two: Who Art In Heaven

"So, you're leaving for Rome tomorrow?"

Father Zach's husky voice reverberated in the small and windowless quarter of the bishop. He then placed a half-full bottle of pinot noir on a wooden bedside table. His face was as red as a Carolina Reaper and his eyes began to flop.

Clearly, he was intoxicated; but he's still able to gain absolute control on his own mind and body.

"What about her?"

The priest continued with a sorrowful tone while drinking his red wine and watching the bishop packed a few things and clothes inside a black leather-skin suitcase.

"You know a bishop's presence during a nun's ceremonial rites is immensely crucial," he added.

"She's no longer a girl, Zach. She's a grown-up lady now-a woman,"

Danielle Evans, the local bishop, countered as he locked his suitcase shut and took a load off on a small wooden stool.

"Besides, you'll be the one to administer the Veiling. I guess she'll have no problem with her brotherly figure leading her anticipated rites anyway," the bishop explained smoothly.

"But-"

The priest was about to speak further when a strange aura suddenly shrouded the room. Was it from the outside...or the inside?

He knew that aura. He'd encountered it before he retired as an exorcist in the country. After all, demonic possessions haven't occurred since Arne Johnson's era. And deep down in Zach's guts, he hoped that those would stay eternally dormant below this earthly dominion. Still, he knew that evil would always find a vessel-whether physically or spiritually.

"So, anything else you would like to protest?"

Bishop Danielle asked as he checked the time on the grandfather's clock that was situated on the north side wall. Its rotating hands were telling him that it was already a few minutes before it stroke to nine in the evening.

Yet, Father Zach was not paying attention and seemed to be lost in his thoughts. So, the bishop reached forward and tapped his arm.

Zach was suddenly flabbergasted as a cold and decaying hand touched his tan, veiny arm. Instantly, he jolted away from the bishop.

"Are you okay?" Danielle asked.

"Wha-uhh, yeah," he replied after he recovered his composure and let his eyes wander around the room while sensing the source of that unearthly ambiance.

"Well, that's it. I'll leave first thing in the morning," Danielle effused and waved a hand to Father Zach, signaling him to pull him up.

Zach immediately grasped his hand and helped him stood.