A cabin in Salem

Chapter 3 - Halloween

—Aman... —His lips vanished, sealing his mouth so he couldn't make a sound. He was terrified, thinking this was the end, and he was running out of air. No one could help him; he felt everything was lost, and there was no escape. Finally, he collapsed on the floor with a loud thud that woke Amanda.

—Johnny! —She cried, jumping out of bed and turning on the lights. She rushed to find him and discovered him passed out on the floor. —Johnny! —She tried to wake him but couldn't. So, she simply lay down beside him while they were being watched from the shadows. They spent the night in the hallway, and the sunlight streaming through the window finally woke them.

—Good morning, sleepyhead. —She greeted him with her radiant smile. But Johnny woke up startled and tormented, raising his hands to his lips. He breathed deeply when he realized he could talk. —Let's go. Let's grab what we need and get out of here, come with me. —He urged, his desperation and frustration evident, though he didn't want to leave her behind.

—You know I can't leave. I can't get out of Salem.

—Then let's find that book. We'll start searching the whole house. —Her determination was admirable. Amanda felt even more drawn to him, but she also feared for his life. She was afraid the spirits would seek revenge again and consume his soul. They stood up and started searching through a huge bookshelf in a small room with a desk, a chair, and a shelf that covered the entire wall behind them.

—Perfect, let's find the book. — he said enthusiastically, flashing a smile at her. — Remember, we're looking for a thick black book. —They started searching, but nothing matched that description.

—I can't find it.

—You're right, it's not here.

—What if it's hidden behind these books?

—Let's take them all out.

They began pulling out books until one acted as a lever. A sound like something unlocking echoed, but nothing happened. —It looks like you found something. —Amanda commented. They exchanged glances and began scanning the room.

—I think we need to say something for it to finish opening.

—Let's check over there. — He said, pointing to a shelf on the other side. As they searched, the book returned to its place the moment they let go. They explored the shelf, finding various ancient ceramic and wooden artifacts, but nothing significant. Then Johnny noticed something beneath the shelf.

—Look, there's something here. — He said, pulling her closer as she wiped away the cobwebs. There was a symbol—the witches' symbol. —I've seen this symbol before. —He said as he pressed it, and the same sound from before echoed.

—Still nothing. —Johnny said, disappointed.

—What if we have to do it simultaneously? —She suggested, rhetorically glancing at Johnny, then at the book.

—It's too far apart; we can't do it without separating. —She replied, looking into his eyes. He returned her gaze and gave her a long, passionate kiss. —I hope you find the book in time.

—Wait, what? —She asked, confused as he pulled away and ran to the other side.

—Now! —He shouted, but nothing happened. The book disappeared, and everything turned dark.

—I hope that worked. —Johnny said, bracing himself for what was next.

—Johnny, I don't think it worked. —Amanda said, looking at him with concern.

—Amanda? He said, surprised. She tried to get closer, but he didn't trust her.

—No! Stay away from me.