THE MONSTER INSIDE ME (#ONC2024)

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: PLANS

Fifteen days have passed without a word from my uncle or his wife, Theolinda. The silence feels deliberate, almost ritualistic, as if I've been sealed inside a pause in time. Alexander has come to see me several times during these days. He is unfailingly polite, attentive, and kind. His visits bring a strange comfort—proof that I haven't been entirely forgotten.

The demon is hidden.

I haven't seen Zamon again. I don't know what happened between him and my uncle Ryan. Perhaps Ryan confronted him. Perhaps he banished him. Or perhaps the demon is simply waiting. Evil has patience.

During therapy today, Georgiana tells me my uncle is coming to see me. The news unsettles me more than it reassures me. His visit feels like a test, though I don't know of what. Obedience? Sanity? Guilt?

When the door opens, a priest enters first. The sound makes me flinch. My heart races. Then my uncle follows him inside.

Ryan looks exactly as he always does—handsome, composed, controlled. I immediately look away. Certain thoughts must remain buried. Some desires, once awakened, never truly disappear; they only learn to hide.

"Arabella, how are you?" he asks, his voice careful.

"Good," I reply, without meeting his eyes.

The priest stands beside him, calm and assured, and his presence fills the room with unease.

"This is Father Lewis," my uncle says. "He will help us defeat Zamon."

Father Lewis smiles warmly and places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. He is around my uncle's age—tall, dark-haired, with a friendly expression that feels practiced rather than naïve.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Arabella," he says.

I look at him directly. "Can you really help us?" I ask. My voice lacks polish. Social graces have never been my strength.

"I've been trained in exorcism," he replies calmly. "I have experience with entities like Zamon. You are not alone in this."

My uncle clears his throat.

"Sit down. We need to explain what will happen. You are not going to intervene. Father Lewis and I will handle the demon."

The words strike me harder than I expect.

"That's not fair," I protest. "The demon is after me. I should be involved."

Ryan remains calm. Too calm.

"We're going to perform a ritual to summon Zamon," he explains. "It will take place outside the psychiatric facility. You cannot leave this place. It's for your safety."

I say nothing, but something hardens inside me. Fear battles with defiance, and beneath both, a flicker of resolve ignites. I nod, obedient on the surface, while privately making a promise to myself.

I will not stay behind.

I need to know when they plan to perform the ritual. And where.

The next day, after therapy, Alexander visits me as he usually does. His presence steadies me. He sits across from me while I lean against the window, staring out at the courtyard I'm no longer allowed to enter.

I need information. Alexander is my uncle's friend. He knows more than he realizes.

I decide to pretend.

"Alexander," I say casually, "I know about my uncle's plan to defeat Zamon."

He nods without suspicion. "Yes. Ryan is powerful. With Father Lewis, he should succeed."

"They chose a good place for the ritual," I say carefully. "Very appropriate."

Alexander smiles. "Yes. The land where Forestvale Manor once stood. It's a strong place of power—the only one on Ablington Island."

My heart skips.

"Isn't it too soon?" I ask, pressing gently. "I'm worried."

"I told Ryan the same thing," Alexander admits. "But he's determined. Tonight, Zamon will be gone. You'll be free."

Tonight.

Forestvale Manor. Glouminster.

Now I just need a way to get there.

Viera Alistor is the nurse I trust most. She's young—only twenty-one—but confident, curious, and kind. Her red hair frames her face like fire softened by compassion. When I ask her about Forestvale Manor, I expect confusion.

Instead, she smiles.

"It was in Glouminster," she says. "About twenty minutes from here. I love mysteries."

"Viera," I say quietly, "I need to go there tonight. Will you take me?"

She hesitates, concern clouding her expression.

"I promise I'll come back," I add quickly. "I won't run away."

The silence stretches. Then she exhales.

"All right," she says. "I'll take you. And I'll bring you back."

"Wait at a distance," I insist. "It could be dangerous."

Her worry deepens. "You're making this harder."

"My uncle will be there," I reassure her. "Nothing will happen to me."

That seems to calm her.

"I have the morning shift," she says. "What time?"

"Around nine. After dinner."

I smile, my pulse racing.

Tonight, I won't be a spectator anymore.

Tonight, I will face the darkness that chose me.