𝑆𝐸𝐶𝑅𝐸𝑇𝑆 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝑉𝐸𝑅𝐶𝑅𝐸𝑆𝑇 ( BOOK 1)

Chapter 26: Chthonic Pact

The rain pelted against the windows of Tilda Swythe’s headquarters, a relentless downpour that mirrored her rising fury. She summoned Harrison to her office, her voice sharp and cold. "Harrison, where is Riley? I haven't seen him all morning."

Harrison, sensing the storm brewing within her, replied, "I'll find him, Ma'am. He can't have gone far." He searched every corner of the headquarters, but Riley was nowhere to be found. Returning to Tilda, he reported, "Riley's not here. I’ve checked everywhere."

Tilda’s eyes flared with anger, and the energy in the room crackled. The lights flickered ominously. "Find him, Harrison. Now."

"I will, Ma'am. ASAP," Harrison responded, feeling the pressure of her volatile power.

Meanwhile, at Gregory James' mansion, the rain was equally relentless, creating a somber atmosphere. The family and their allies gathered around the dining table, ready for a critical meeting. William broke the silence, turning to Riley. "Tell us everything about Tilda. We need to know what we're up against."

Riley took a deep breath, determination replacing his fear. "Tilda is onto something big. A few days ago, I overheard her and Harrison talking in her office. She had this ancient book... something about a Phoenix. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I was curious. The door was slightly open, and I couldn’t help but listen."

Sol leaned forward, her eyes intense. "A Phoenix book? What did you hear?"

Riley nodded. "Yes, the Phoenix Book. It grants six wishes to whoever possesses it. I overheard Tilda talking about her first four wishes."

Gregory’s eyes widened with concern. "What were those wishes, Riley?"

"The first wish was for her wealth. The second was... the mother monster," Riley revealed, causing a murmur of shock and confusion around the table.

"The mother monster?" Susan echoed, trying to process the information.

Riley continued, "The third wish was for the offspring. And the fourth... I almost heard it, but someone was coming, so I had to leave. I don’t know what it is."

William's face darkened with anger and betrayal. "She's been manipulating us all along." Susan placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, grounding him in the moment.

Tom and Clara spoke up. "We need to find out Tilda’s remaining wishes. They could be even more dangerous."

Sol nodded in agreement. "Thank you, Riley. This information is invaluable."

Gregory stood up, a thoughtful expression on his face. "If Tilda has the Phoenix Book, we need to understand its power and how it works. I have a vast collection of old books. Let's find out more about this Phoenix."

The group moved to Gregory’s extensive library. After several tense minutes of searching, they found a book with detailed information on the Phoenix. As they read, the truth became clear: the Phoenix’s power could be used for destruction or good, depending on the bearer’s intentions.

Gregory closed the book with a heavy sigh. "We need to be prepared for whatever Tilda might do. Sol, especially you. We start training tomorrow. We must be ready for the horror that’s coming our way."

The gravity of the situation settled over them. They knew the road ahead would be perilous, but they were ready to face it together. United, they would confront the darkness and fight for the light.