SECRETS OF EVERCREST (BOOK 2)

Chapter 4: The Dominion of L***th

In the other world, Jane Brenner was growing weaker by the day. The horrors she faced were relentless, yet she managed to survive. Curiously, the woman who trapped her there provided her with food daily. Jane couldn't understand why she was being kept alive.

One day, Jane wandered near the gate and heard voices. Sol’s voice was among them. Her heart raced with hope, but the tunnel was heavily guarded by monstrous creatures. She tried to use her powers to fight her way through, managing to fling a few monsters aside. But then a massive creature blocked her path. She could hear Sol, but she couldn't reach her.

Exhausted and disheartened, Jane fled from the tunnel, tears streaming down her face. "I'm so tired," she whispered to herself, "so tired of hiding and surviving."

Back in the real world, the Bellweathers drove away from Ravencroft Mining, escaping just as Finnegan arrived. William, his face etched with worry, spoke up. "I’m worried about Max. He’s in the lair of that monster."

Sol, seated beside him, tried to reassure him. "Max is strong, Dad. He can defend himself if something happens."

Meanwhile, at Ravencroft Mining, Max watched Finnegan closely. He recalled Sol’s warnings about Finnegan and felt uneasy. He tried to read Finnegan’s mind but found it impossible; Finnegan’s thoughts were shielded.

Determined to confront Finnegan, Max made his way to his boss’s office. A guard stood outside the door. "I need to speak with Mr. Finnegan," Max said. The guard opened the door, and Finnegan greeted Max with a disarming smile.

"Max, come in. What brings you here?"

Max forced a smile, thinking, "You’re literally a two-faced monster." He took a deep breath. "I’ve decided to resign."

Finnegan’s face twisted in confusion. "Why? What’s the reason?"

Max didn’t answer. Instead, he struck out at Finnegan, but before his blow could land, Finnegan unleashed a telekinetic force, throwing Max across the room. Both were stunned—Max, by the power of Finnegan’s attack, and Finnegan, by Max’s powers.

Max struggled to his feet. "Where is Jane Brenner?"

Finnegan’s expression turned to one of mocking amusement. "So, you’re part of their little group." With a wave of his hand, he lifted Max into the air. "I know what you and your friends are doing. You think you can stop me?"

Max gritted his teeth, trying to summon his power, but Finnegan’s grip was too strong. Finnegan made Max unconscious with a flick of his wrist. Then, to Max’s horror, Finnegan transformed into a woman. As she stepped out of the office, the workers in the mining area revealed themselves as her monstrous soldiers.

"Take him to the other world," the woman commanded.

The creatures responded in unison, "Yes, Mother Lilith."

Lilith’s eyes gleamed with malevolence. This was just the beginning of her plan.

(End of Chapter 4, Book 2)