Whispers in the Dark

The Serpent's Circle

Outside Pikeswood General Hospital, sat on a bench, Greta and Penn eagerly wait for Emma's release. Her doctor called Greta a day ago, informing her of Emma's condition. The shrapnel that pierced Emma's side, missed the vital organs and any arteries in that quadrant of her abdomen. The doctor was able to remove the shrapnel and stop the bleeding before further damage could occur. And besides Emma experiencing a moderate amount of pain, her condition was stable – indicating her release.

"I don't know if Emma should continue forward with us" Greta said, regrettably. "She's been hurt enough, we can't put her in any more danger."

Penn, glanced warily at Greta. "That's probably a good idea. But you know she won't back out of this. Not now when we are so close to ending this curse."

Unaware of Emma's presence, as a porter pushed her in a wheelchair up behind them, Emma exclaimed "Exactly! Took the words right out of my mouth!"

Greta and Penn jump up with surprise of her sudden appearance and joy because she was looking and doing much better.

"I'm so glad you're okay, Emma." Greta said, as she wrapped her arms around her. "I would have never forgiven myself if something worse were to happen"

"You won't get rid of me that easily." Emma grinned.

"Good to see your humor is still intact." Penn stepped forward, sharing a warm smile with Emma.

Greta, taking Emma's duffle bag "Come on, let's get out of here. We'll catch you up in the car"

----------

Back at Greta's home, the trio, now reunited, rifled through the scrolls they found in the hidden chamber. The smell of old parchment filling the air as they peruse the scrolls one by one.

Greta's fingers trembled as she unfurled another scroll, her eyes scanning the faded ink for any sign of the symbol they sought. Penn and Emma were equally engrossed, each absorbed in their task, the silence broken only by the occasional rustle of paper.

"We have to find it," Greta muttered under her breath, her voice tinged with urgency and frustration. "It has to be here somewhere."

Emma, perched on the sofa, glanced up briefly. "It's in here somewhere. We'll find it Greta. Just keep looking."

"I know," Greta replied, her voice steely with determination.

Penn, his brow furrowed in concentration, carefully unrolled another scroll. His eyes widened as he spotted a familiar pattern etched into the parchment. "I think I found something!" he called out, his voice echoing through the room.

He rushed over to Greta and Emma, their hearts pounding in anticipation. Penn held the scroll up to the dim light, revealing the intricate design of The Serpent's Circle. The symbol was as Greta had saw it in her dream: a serpent devouring its own tail, encircling three interlocking triangles with a radiant sun at their center.

"This is it," Greta whispered, her voice filled with awe and a touch of fear. "The Serpent's Circle."

Emma traced the outline of the symbol with her finger, her expression thoughtful. "Look at the runes around the edge," she pointed out. "They must be part of the incantation."

Penn nodded, his gaze fixed on the scroll. "We need to translate these runes and understand the ritual. This is our only chance to break the curse."

Greta carefully laid the scroll on a flat surface, smoothing out its fragile edges. "But how will we translate it," she said, her voice desperate. "We don't have much time."

"I think I might know of someone who could help." Emma grinned.