Whispers of the Forgotten

Chapter 15

The tension was palpable as Thomas and the group returned to Jesse's house. Each member of the crew wore expressions of worry and determination, the night's events weighing heavily on their shoulders. Jesse flipped on the living room lights, illuminating the space, but the brightness did little to alleviate the darkness that seemed to seep into their thoughts.

"Okay, we need to think," Tyler said, pacing back and forth, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. "We can't just rush in without a plan. We need to figure out where Alice might be."

"What if they're already doing something to her?" Benji's voice was strained, his usual bravado faltering. "What if she's in trouble right now?"

"We'll get her back," Thomas said firmly, trying to muster confidence for the sake of the group. "But we need information. We need to know what they're planning, and if they're using Alice to summon Azazel."

"Do we know where they might be holding her?" Jesse asked, leaning forward, her elbows on her knees. "The community center could have been just a meeting point. They might have another location for the ritual."

"There's the old church," Tyler suggested, stopping to face the group. "It's been abandoned for years, but it has a history with the cult. I remember reading about it in some of the local legends."

"Great idea," Thomas replied, feeling a spark of hope. "If they're going to summon a demon, they'd likely choose a place with strong energy. The church is perfect for that."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Benji said, his eyes lighting up with determination. "Let's go get Alice!"

Jesse shot him a cautious look. "We have to be careful. If we walk in there without a plan, we might end up just like her."

"Let's gather supplies first," Tyler suggested. "We need flashlights, maybe some tools. And we should come up with a way to distract them if they see us."

As the group dispersed to gather their things, Thomas found himself alone for a moment, staring at the wall covered in photos and mementos of their friendship. He thought about Alice and how they'd all been there for each other through thick and thin. The guilt of leaving her behind gnawed at him.

Benji approached, sensing Thomas's inner turmoil. "Hey, man," he said softly, placing a hand on Thomas's shoulder. "We'll get her back, okay? We can't lose hope."

"Yeah, I know," Thomas replied, forcing a smile. "It's just hard. What if we don't make it in time?"

Benji shook his head. "We have to believe we will. I've got your back, and I know you've got mine. We're in this together."

Thomas met Benji's gaze, feeling a swell of gratitude and affection. Beneath the chaos and fear, there was a sense of camaraderie that bound them all together. "Thanks, Benji," he said, his voice sincere.

The moment was cut short when Jesse returned with a backpack full of supplies. "All set?" she asked, glancing at the two boys.

"Ready as we'll ever be," Thomas replied, straightening up.

"Let's get moving, then," Jesse said, her voice resolute. "Time is of the essence."

As they drove toward the old church, the night air felt heavy with an oppressive silence. The streets, once lively, now seemed like a ghost town. Thomas felt a sense of foreboding as they approached the crumbling structure, its spires reaching into the starry sky like dark fingers clawing at the heavens.

"Stay close," Jesse instructed as they parked the car and exited. The group moved cautiously toward the entrance, flashlights flickering in the darkness. The church loomed before them, its rotting wooden door slightly ajar.