Nameless Ghoul

Midnight Mass

As the little gathering in the woods wound down, everyone headed back indoors for Papa’s mass. Midnight was fast approaching.

Papa’s ghouls and ghulehs, barring Sunshine, were on security detail along with most of Secondo's and Terzo’s. They'd be dispersed throughout the crowd, wearing glamour to appear completely human.

Omega told Itzal the Abbey’s main chapel would be full to capacity. Members of the congregation who lived outside the Abbey always made a special effort to attend, and they often brought friends and family with them.

Terzo, being Terzo, insisted everyone had plenty to drink whilst they were in the woods, so most of them were glowing with the buzz from the alcohol.

Itzal felt nowhere near drunk, but the warmth of the mulled wine gave him a contented glow. He checked in on Sunshine through their bond, getting the hang of how it worked now. She seemed to be on the same page as him.

By the time they got back to theAbbey,y it was almost time to begin. The chapel was full, as Omega has predicted. Terzo and Secondo took their places on the seats reserved for them at the front of the chapel, but Sunshine and Itzal stood right at the back, near to the main exit. Staying in the shadows on the edge was fine by him. He’d much rather observe from here than be in amongst the crowd. 

Itzal sensed one of Secondo’s ghouls close by, and looked over to see Air standing to the side behind the congregation. The dark-haired ghoul wore a plain black tailored suit tonight, rather than the military style clothing Secondo’s ghouls usually wore. Itzal supposed they were trying to blend in, what with so many humans being present. Air caught Itzal’s eye and grinned, nodding before his purple gaze resumed scanning the crowd.

The noise of conversation died down when Papa appeared at the front, dressed in his most extravagant robes and swinging his thurible. The air thickened with the smell of rich incense. It was not the same one Santos had used. Didn't have the same bitter tang. It was sweeter and gentler on Itzal's nose. The Clergy probably used that one because of the amount of ghouls who lived at the Abbey. Their noses were more sensitive than humans’, and overpowering smells often bothered them.

Papa offered a prayer to the Dark Lord, to which the congregation bowed their heads quietly in contemplation, and then he began his sermon.

Itzal found himself captivated by Papa’s words. They were inspirational and uplifting. As Itzal looked out over the crowd, he noticed the congregation hung off his every word. His charisma and his love for the Dark Lord shone through for all to see.

He'd been right. This was nothing at all like the sermons that Santos gave. They, more often than not, spilled over into a sacrifice or an orgy or some kind of ritual to gain power.

Itzal felt Sunshine snuggling into his side, and he put his arm around her shoulder. She looked up and smiled. Her cheeks and the tip of her nose were still rosy from the frosty night air and the heat of the mulled wine.

When the mass was over, and the bells had chimed midnight, signalling that Yule was officially here, the congregation filed out. They exchanged hugs and polite pleasantries, marking the official start of Yule.

Itzal and Sunshine waited where they were for the chapel to empty. He sensed movement from Air’s direction, and glanced over. The ghoul was touching his earpiece, brow furrowed as he listened to what was being said through the comms link. His gaze rose to meet Itzal’s briefly, and then he turned away, hurrying towards the side door of the chapel.

Itzal’s nose twitched just then. His heart stuttered as the scent reached him.

Blood and sulphur.

Sunshine clutched his hand as anxiety spiked, sending something was off.