SECRETS OF EVERCREST (BOOK 2)

Chapter 26: The Gatekeeper's Curse

Chapter 26: The Gatekeeper's Curse

December 24, 2024 - 10:00 PM

The atmosphere in the safe house was warm despite the chaos outside. Christmas lights twinkled gently around the room. The tree, half-decorated by Penelope and Peter, stood in the corner, a beacon of hope amidst the danger that loomed over them. Susan busied herself in the kitchen, the comforting smell of food filling the air, while Max and Sol helped with the final preparations for their Christmas Eve meal.

"We can't let fear ruin this for us," Susan said softly to Max and Sol as they placed food on the table. "Even now, family is what matters most."

"Yeah, but it’s hard to ignore what’s happening outside," Max muttered, arranging plates. "Feels like the world’s falling apart."

Sol, concentrating, nodded but remained quiet. Something had been bothering her all day, a lingering feeling of dread that she couldn’t shake.

Meanwhile, William slipped away to visit his father. Entering the room, he found Gregory typing on his computer, deeply engrossed in something. William hesitated, but then spoke up.

"Dad?" William's voice cracked the silence. "Can we talk?"

Gregory looked up, his face softening. "Of course, William."

"I'm sorry. For doubting you. For everything," William admitted, lowering his head. "I just... didn't know how to process everything."

Gregory sighed, leaning back in his chair. "You're my son. There's nothing to apologize for. I had my reasons, but I never wanted to hurt any of you. I thought I was protecting everyone."

The two men shared a long, understanding look. "I'm not mad at you, son," Gregory continued. "But this war... it’s bigger than any of us."

When the two emerged from the room, they were met with the heartwarming sight of the family preparing for their small Christmas celebration. The decorations sparkled under the dim lights, and Susan smiled as she carried dishes to the table. Penelope and Peter ran to Gregory, hugging him tightly.

"Grandpa!" Penelope grinned. "We’re sorry for being mad."

Gregory knelt, embracing them both. "No need to apologize, sweetheart. I'm just glad we’re all together tonight."

As the family gathered, the tension between them seemed to ease, even if just for a moment. Sol looked around, feeling something stirring inside her—a fleeting peace.

Meanwhile, in the Nightshade household...

Logan Nightshade sat at the dinner table with his parents, though he hardly touched his food. He felt distant, disconnected. The memory of Sol using her powers to save him weighed heavily on his mind.

"You okay, son?" his father asked.

Logan nodded absently, pushing his plate away. "I’m fine. Just... not really in the mood to celebrate."

His mother gave him a sympathetic look. "You've been quiet ever since the incident at school. Do you want to talk about it?"

Logan shook his head. "I just need some air." Excusing himself, he went to his room and sat on the edge of his bed, staring out the window. He couldn't stop thinking about Sol—what she had done, and how it didn’t make sense. Who was she really?

In the dark woods...

Jane Brenner sat by a small fire she had made, her hands trembling slightly as she held a match. She had found temporary shelter under a large tree, its branches offering some protection from the cold night. She nibbled on food from her bag, but her mind was elsewhere.

As she stared into the flickering flames, her thoughts drifted to the family she left behind. Using her powers, she projected herself astrally, observing them from afar. They were happy, preparing for Christmas, sharing smiles. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she wiped them away quickly.

"I chose this," Jane whispered to herself, her voice shaking. "I have to end this."

Suddenly, she snapped back to her surroundings, sensing movement below her. A group of people wandered the woods aimlessly, but something was off. Their movements were unnatural, their eyes vacant.

"What the hell...?" Jane whispered, carefully watching. She held her breath, ensuring they wouldn’t notice her, feeling the cold bite of fear creeping into her bones.

11:40 PM - Evercrest University...

The gymnasium echoed with the sound of footsteps. Lilith strode across the empty space, her presence commanding the dark energy that surrounded her. She had come with a purpose, her eyes set on a plan that had been in motion for far too long. Her lips twisted into a sinister smile.

Without hesitation, Lilith began to chant. Her voice rose in a low, ancient language, its power reverberating through the walls of the gymnasium:

"O, ancient forces of the abyss, rise from beyond the veil. By my blood, by my will, I command the gate to open! Tear the fabric of worlds, let the beasts of darkness emerge! O, gate of the forsaken, mother of all terrors, I summon thee!"

Her words hung in the air like a curse. Lilith raised her arms and summoned a dark blast of energy, striking the center of the gymnasium’s wall. A deep crack began to form, glowing with a menacing red light.

The wall began to warp, shifting and twisting unnaturally, as the crack spread wider. Soon, it became clear that it was no longer a wall but a portal—a gate.

From the other side, a growl echoed, low and guttural, sending a shiver down Lilith’s spine. She smiled wickedly, stepping back as the creatures began to stir.

"The time has come," Lilith whispered, her voice filled with dark satisfaction.

End of Chapter 26, Book 2.