Echoes of the night

Chapter 4: Shadows of the Past

The next few days dragged by, each one feeling like an eternity as Jess waited for the call from The Occult Nook. Her days were filled with restless energy and sleepless nights, her mind consumed with thoughts of Emily and the dark mysteries surrounding her disappearance. Jess found herself unable to focus on anything else, the pendant and book a constant reminder of the unanswered questions that loomed over her.

On the third evening after their visit to the bookstore, Jess sat in her apartment, her eyes glued to the phone as she waited for the call. Chloe was there, trying her best to distract Jess with conversations about mundane things, but the worry was palpable.

"Have you heard anything yet?" Chloe asked for the hundredth time, her concern evident.

"Not yet," Jess replied, her voice strained. "I keep checking my phone, but nothing."

Just as Jess was about to lose hope, her phone rang, the screen lighting up with the number of The Occult Nook. Jess grabbed it with trembling hands and answered quickly.

"Hello?" she said, her voice tight with anticipation.

"It's me, Miriam from The Occult Nook," came the familiar voice of the elderly woman. "I have the translation ready. Can you come by?"

"Yes, absolutely," Jess said, her heart racing. "I'll be there in a few minutes."

Jess and Chloe hurried out of the apartment and made their way back to the bookstore. The streets seemed to blur past as Jess drove, her thoughts racing faster than the car. The anticipation of finally uncovering the book's secrets was almost too much to bear.

When they arrived at The Occult Nook, Miriam was waiting behind the counter, her expression solemn. Jess and Chloe approached, and Miriam handed Jess a neatly typed sheet of paper.

"I've translated the relevant sections of the book," Miriam said, her voice low. "But I must warn you, the contents are unsettling. This book details a ritual known as the 'Veil of Shadows.' It is said to open a gateway to other realms, often used by secret societies to summon entities from beyond."

Jess's blood ran cold. "What does that mean? Is there a way to find Emily?"

Miriam nodded slowly. "The ritual is complex and dangerous. It requires specific elements and precise timing. According to the book, the ritual can reveal hidden truths or entities tied to the person in question. However, it also carries significant risks, including the potential for summoning something malevolent."

Jess felt a chill run down her spine. "So, it might help us find Emily, but it could also... bring something bad here?"

"Precisely," Miriam said. "The book also includes instructions for conducting the ritual. If you choose to proceed, you must be extremely careful. The ritual is intended for those with experience in occult practices. If done improperly, it can lead to disastrous consequences."

Jess looked at Chloe, who was visibly unsettled. Chloe nodded, clearly trusting Jess's judgment. "We need to know if this can help us find Emily."

Miriam handed Jess the translated instructions. "Be cautious. The instructions include a series of tasks and preparations. You'll need to gather specific items and perform the ritual at a designated time. It's essential to follow every step precisely."

Jess took the sheet of paper, her hands shaking. "Thank you, Miriam. We'll be careful."

As they left the bookstore, Chloe glanced at Jess. "Are you sure about this? This sounds really dangerous."

Jess nodded, her expression determined. "I have to try. This is the best lead we have."

They headed to Jess's apartment to review the instructions. The paper detailed a series of preparations, including gathering ritualistic items such as candles, incense, and specific herbs. The ritual had to be performed during a certain phase of the moon, adding another layer of complexity.