Marked By Darkness

Chapter 59- The Arrival of Hope

Ruhan's POV...

I paced anxiously inside the bungalow, the leather-bound diary clutched tightly in my hand. Esha stood beside me, scanning the room for any other signs of Hina's dark influence. The air was thick with tension, and time felt like an enemy.

Just then, a car pulled up outside. My heart raced as I recognized Elijah's vehicle. I exchanged a quick glance with Esha before rushing to the door.

Esha- Who's coming now? Is it more of your friends?

She asked nervously.

I turned, a glimmer of hope in my eyes.

Ruhan- No, it's my friend, Elijah. He's bringing Father Daniel with him.

Esha- Father Daniel? Who is that?

She again asked with confusion.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of emotions inside me.

Ruhan- I messaged Elijah earlier, explaining everything. I knew we needed help, especially after I realized Anshika was possessed. We have no other way to save Ruhi. This is our last shot.

Esha- Do you really think he can help? What if Hina tries to stop him?

Ruhan- Father Daniel has experience with exorcisms. He knows how to handle these situations. We need to trust him. I waited for you all because I believed we could fight this together.

Esha- Okay, let's be ready. We can't waste any more time.

__

Ruhan- Stay alert.

I warned as I opened the door.

Elijah stepped out, a tall figure beside him an older man with a solemn expression. The moment I saw the priest, a flicker of hope ignited within me. This was the man who could help them confront Hina and free Ruhi from her grasp.

"Ruhan!" Elijah called, rushing up to me.

Elijah- This is Father Daniel. He's here to help.

I nodded, swallowing hard.

Ruhan- Thank you for coming.

Father Daniel stepped forward, his eyes sharp as he surveyed the surroundings.

Father Daniel- What's the situation?

I took a deep breath, remembering the conversation we'd had earlier that day. The priest had agreed to come, knowing the dangers that lay ahead.

Flashback: Early Morning...

I stood at the threshold of Ruhi's house, the morning sun barely breaking through the horizon. I had left earlier than planned, a knot of urgency in my stomach. I quickly texted Elijah to summon Father Daniel, knowing I would need the priest's guidance.

As I drove to the church, the weight of my family's history bore down on me. I had poured out my fears to Father Daniel, explaining everything: Ruhi's connection to the bungalow, Hina's haunting presence, and my grandmother's dark legacy.

Ruhan- I need your help.

I had said earnestly.

Ruhan- Ruhi's life is at stake.

Father Daniel had listened intently, nodding as I revealed the chilling details.

Father Daniel- I'll come with you when you need. We will confront this spirit together.

End of Flashback:

Back in the present, I returned to the moment, urgency flooding me.

Ruhan- Anshika is possessed by Hina. We need to find a way to get to her. You can't enter when she's in the hallway.

Father Daniel frowned, deep in thought.

Father Daniel- We need to create a diversion. It might be possible to lure her away from the hallway using an object or a sound that could attract her attention.

Esha chimed in, her voice firm.

Esha- What about the diary? It might hold the key to breaking the spell. If Hina thinks it's a threat, she might leave Anshi to investigate.

I nodded, the pieces beginning to fall into place.

Ruhan- That could work. But we need to be quick. Anshi can't remain possessed for long, or we risk losing Ruhi forever.

As we prepared our plan, I felt a surge of determination. With the diary in hand and Father Daniel by our side, we might finally stand a chance against the darkness that loomed over us.

---

Ruhan’s hands trembled slightly as he led Father Daniel deeper into the bungalow, the heavy air pressing down on them like a weight. The priest walked silently beside him, his face lined with concern and focus. Esha followed closely, glancing nervously around the dimly lit rooms.

They finally reached a small alcove where Ruhan stopped abruptly. His voice was strained, barely hiding the fear that gripped him.

Ruhan- Father, Ruhi’s spirit is stuck here in this bungalow... and Hina, she’s working for the bungalow. It's like the house itself is feeding her strength.

Father Daniel frowned, absorbing the gravity of the situation.

Father Daniel- Hina is bound to this place, then.

He murmured, his brows furrowed.

Father Daniel- The spirits tied to such cursed locations can become extremely dangerous. The longer they're trapped, the more they feed on the energy around them.

Ruhan nodded, his eyes filled with desperation.

Ruhan- But what can we do? Ruhi... she's in danger.

Father Daniel's expression darkened. He seemed to be calculating the risks, his mind racing through possibilities. After a tense pause, he finally spoke, his voice low and serious.

Father Daniel- Ruhan, we don't have much time. Ruhi is in great danger. If we don't get her spirit out of this place before the morning sun rises, we won't be able to save her.

Esha gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. Ruhan’s heart sank.

Ruhan- What are you saying?

My voice cracked, raw with emotion.

Ruhan- You're saying we could lose her forever?

Father Daniel nodded grimly.

Father Daniel- Hina's spirit is becoming more powerful with each passing hour. The longer Ruhi's spirit remains here, the stronger Hina will become. We can't stop or fight Hina directly right now. She's too powerful for that. But if we can get Ruhi's spirit out before dawn, we may still have a chance.

Ruhan clenched his fists, determination surging through him.

Ruhan- Do whatever it takes, Father. Just save Ruhi. Please... we can't lose her.

Ruhan's POV...

The priest's eyes softened for a moment, but his resolve quickly returned. He glanced around the room, then back at me.

Father Daniel- Where is Hina now?

Father Daniel asked, his voice steady, but urgent.

I swallowed hard, knowing the answer would complicate things.

Ruhan- She's... she's inside one of our friends. Anshiks. Hina has possessed her.

Father Daniel's eyes darkened further.

Father Daniel- That makes this even more dangerous.

He said quietly.

Father Daniel- Possessing someone gives Hina more control. She'll resist anything we try.

He straightened his shoulders, his face set with grim determination.

Father Daniel- We need to act fast. Let's go find Hina-there's no time to waste.