Marked By Darkness

Chapter 60- The Possession Game

Esha's POV...

The weight of Father Daniel's words lingered in the air, thick with urgency. I turned my head, scanning the darkened room, when my gaze fell on a familiar figure standing just a few feet away.

"Sounak!" I called out, surprised to see him there.

Esha- Did you find anything?

Sounak stepped forward, confusion etched on his face.

Sounak- What did you mean when you said Ruhi's spirit is stuck here?

His voice wavered with uncertainty, his eyes narrowing as the realization began to sink in.

Sounak- And wait... Is this the same bungalow where my cousin was found dead? What are you all hiding from me?

I swallowed hard, glancing at Ruhan and Father Daniel. I knew they didn't have time for long explanations, but Sounak deserved to know the truth-at least part of it.

Esha- Yes, Sounak.

I replied softly, my voice steady but my heart racing.

Esha- This is the same bungalow where your cousin's body was discovered. The bungalow is cursed. We didn't understand the full extent of it at first, but now... now we know. Hina's spirit is tied to this place. Ruhi's spirit is trapped here too, and we need to help her before it's too late.

Before Sounak could fully process my words, Father Daniel stepped forward, his voice sharp with impatience.

Father Daniel- We don't have time for explanations. Every second counts. If we're going to save Ruhi, we need to act now.

Sounak's eyes darted between us, his confusion deepening. I reached out and gently placed a hand on his arm, trying to calm him.

Esha- Sounak, please trust us.

I pleaded.

Esha- I know this sounds unbelievable, but I was just like you-I didn't understand any of this either. But now, it's all becoming clear or still I'm confused. I just understand only one thing, Ruhi's spirit is in danger, and we're running out of time. We may need to perform an exorcism to release her, but we need your help. Hina's spirit will try to harm everyone Ruhi loves if we don't stop her. And you know very well that you are also one of those whom Ruhi loves very much.

Sounak stood silent for a moment, his face a mix of fear and doubt. But then he looked into my eyes, seeing the desperation there, and slowly nodded.

"Alright," he said quietly, his voice firming with resolve.

Sounak- If Ruhi's in danger, I'll help in any way I can.

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, relief washing over me.

Esha- Thank you, Sounak. We need everyone Ruhi cares about. Hina is dangerous, and the more of us there are, the better our chances.

Father Daniel gave them a short nod.

Father Daniel- Good. Now, let's prepare.

Without wasting a moment, we began organizing ourselves for the exorcism. Me, Ruhan and Sounak hurried down one of the hallways, determined to find Anshi so the priest could begin his work. The corridors felt darker, as if the very walls were pressing in on us, thick with the energy of Hina's presence.

But as we moved deeper into the house, something was wrong. Anshi was nowhere to be found.

Esha- Sounak, do you see her?

I called out, my voice tense. I pushed open door after door, but each room was empty.

Sounak shook his head, his brow furrowed in concern.