Julia Lelieveld and the battle with the underworld

~18~

I took a seat on the comfortable couch in Hannah's homely office. She sat down opposite me and smiled kindly. The sun shone seldom through the large glass wall on the garden side. I was happy that this was my last appointment for this year for now. It became increasingly difficult to schedule the appointments due to all the events with the circle and evil. And finding excuses was even harder, because Hannah and Dad didn't know about it. Should I keep it a secret? Yes, I couldn't help it. Firstly, they would think I was completely crazy and have me admitted immediately and secondly, it was for their own safety. That was the most important.

"How are you Julia?" Hannah asked sincerely. I had to admit, because of all the changes I was able to put everything in perspective a little better.

I nodded. "Okay, I'm starting to feel more and more at home."

"You also look better than last time. Nice to hear."

She seemed to think for a moment. "Is there anything you want to talk about yourself?"

But when she asked, the atmosphere completely changed. What happened? It seemed to be getting darker outside. I looked back at Hannah from the large glass wall. I was shocked by her view. Her eyes seemed to be spinning in her sockets. Her face was pale and dark circles under her eyes. I rushed over to her and called her name, but she didn't respond. I darted back to my bag and grabbed my phone. I was about to call 911 when she suddenly looked up and smiled at me again. But this was different from before. This was not sincere. I sat down slowly and looked at her. She tilted her head a little and seemed to be observing me. Somehow I couldn't say anything. She looked like herself again, but something wasn't right. She looked like Hannah, but then she wasn't.

"We'll meet again there," she said in a calm tone. But the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. This wasn't Hannah. Somehow I recognized this way of talking. I recognized it from the roof. This was Evil. I tried to stay calm.

"Looks like that," I drew.

"Oh come on, don't be so depressed."

"What do you want?" I asked hostilely.

"What do you think? I'm coming for you."

"I've already told your helpers I'm not coming."

"No, I understood that, so I thought I'd come and see you myself."

"How did you get Hannah to consent?"

"Oh girl, don't you know who I am? I am the Evil. I don't need permission," he said with a satisfied smile on Hannah's face.

"The problem is I can't kidnap you and bring you to the underworld. A practitioner can only enter it of his own volition."

He crossed Hannah's legs and brought his hand to his face and seemed to think for a moment.

"I've asked nicely, but you're not listening. So I'll have to force you." He continued in a calm tone. My stomach contracted at these words.

"That's not going to be fun for you," he said quietly again.

I was nailed to the couch, unable to move.

"You know what, just because I like you. I think your rebelliousness is cute," he said with a laugh.

"I'm giving you an ultimatum. I'll give you until Friday to surrender voluntarily. You just have to say it and I hear you. If someone asks for access to the underworld, I hear it. Then I will guide you."

Hannah's eyes looked at me insistently. I wasn't trying to release anything. He just wanted that.

"If I haven't heard from you by Saturday, I'll come and persuade you. And like I said, that's not going to be fun for you. So the choice is yours."