Fifteen days have passed without any word from my uncle or his wife, Theolinda, leaving me in a state of eerie silence. Alexander came to see me several times. He is extremely polite and considerate. I appreciate his effort to check in on me during this time of silence from my uncle. It's comforting to have someone like Alexander care and show concern.
The demon is hidden. I never saw the demon again. I'm not sure what transpired between him and my uncle Ryan. It's possible that Ryan managed to confront and banish the demon, putting an end to its presence in our lives.
Georgiana informed me today during therapy that my uncle will be visiting me. I believe his visit is some sort of test. Anxious and apprehensive, I await his arrival, unsure of what the encounter will bring. As the door opens, a priest enters the room. The sudden sound of the door opening startles me, causing my heart to race. My uncle is following him. He's as handsome as ever, so I look away. Such thoughts about him should remain buried and forbidden.
"Arabella, how are you?" My uncle asks nervously.
As I struggle to find the right words, I can sense the tension in the room. The priest's presence only adds to my confusion and unease, making me wonder what exactly is going on.
"Good," I say, avoiding his look.
"This is Father Lewis, and he will help us defeat Zamon."
Father Lewis smiles warmly, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder and reassuring me that we are not alone in this battle. He is a man of similar age to my uncle; he is tall, has dark hair, and has a friendly demeanour.
"Hello, Arabella. I'm delighted to meet you," the priest says.
I ask directly, my voice tinged with scepticism and desperation, "Can you help us?" I'm not sure whether I informed you that I have no social skills.
Father Lewis nods, his smile unwavering. "I have training in exorcism and experience dealing with entities like Zamon," he replies confidently. "Together, we can overcome this darkness."
My uncle says:
"Sit down, and we will explain to you what we are going to do. You are not going to intervene in anything. Father Lewis and I will take care of the demon."
I respond, offended:
"But it's not fair. The demon is after me! I have to participate."
Uncle Ryan calmly explains:
"We are going to perform a ritual to summon the demon, but it will be outside the psychiatric facility. You cannot leave here, and you must stay here for your safety."
I fall silent. The weight of his words sinks in, a mix of fear, defiance, and a glimmer of hope battling within me as I struggle with conflicting emotions. With determination burning in my eyes, I pledge myself that I will escape the asylum and join them in defeating the darkness, no matter the cost.
I have to find out when my uncle and Father Lewis will perform the ritual. But how will I find out?
It's the next day, and after my therapy, Alexander enters my room to greet me like he always does. His visits are wonderful to me. I feel at ease with him.
Alexander sits in the chair in front of me. I'm resting against the window, gazing out at the patio, wishing to be outside. They won't let me out because of all that transpired. Maybe Alexander has information about the ritual's location. He's a friend of my uncle. How can I ask him without raising suspicions?
What if I pretend to know the place so that he gives me a clue without realizing it? Excited to gain information, I plan to approach Alexander.
"Alexander, it's nice to see you. I believe you know of my uncle's plans to defeat Zamon."
Alexander responds:
"Yes, of course. Don't worry, he has excellent magical powers and, with Father Lewis' assistance, will be able to fight the demon."
"It's a good place they chose for the ritual; it's very appropriate," I say.
"Yes, the area where Forestvale Manor once stood was a strong place of power. It's the only place of power on Ablington Island," Alexander responds, unaware that he has just given me a hint.
"Isn't it too soon? I'm deeply concerned," I respond, eager to learn the specific day.
"I told Ryan the same thing, but he is determined. Tonight, you will be free of Zamon. You can be confident," Alexander said reassuringly.
Forestvale Manor, where would it be? How can I get to it? I have to consult a nurse.
Viera Alistor is the nurse I trust the most. She is only 21 years old and exudes confidence. With her beautiful red hair, brown eyes, and peach complexion, she embodies the image of a compassionate nurse. I asked her where Forestvale Manor was, expecting her to say she didn't know, but she did because she enjoyed mysteries.
"Forestvale Manor was located in Glouminster, about a 20-minute drive from here," Viera replied with a smile.
"Viera, I want to go there tonight. Could you take me? I promise I'll return later. I won't run away," I beg.
She listens to me with concern in her eyes but eventually agrees.
"Okay, I'll take you, and then I'll bring you back here."
"That's fine, but please wait for me at a safe distance. It might get dangerous, and I don't want you to be scared."
"God, I'm hesitant to help you now," Viera said, worried.
"Do not worry. Nothing will happen to me. My uncle Ryan will be with me."
Viera calms down since she knows my uncle.
"I have a morning shift. What time should I pick you up?" she asks.
"Around 9:00 PM, after dinner," I say, eager to go help. "I'm certain I will be invaluable."
YOU ARE READING
THE MONSTER INSIDE ME (#ONC2024)
Terror#ONC2024 Round two Ambassadors' pick. :D SHORTLIST ONC 2024 My prompt is number 3: Your greatest fear is monsters in the dark. The last thing you expect is to become the monster in the dark. Arabella Dagon was always afraid of the dark. In the dar...
