Marked By Darkness

Chapter 102- Finding Peace

Eventually, they pulled up in front of a familiar church.
Ruhi realized it was the same one she and Jenesis used to visit after school. Ruhan parked the car and got out, heading straight inside. He was searching for Father Daniel, but one of the church workers informed him that the priest was out for some important work and would return shortly.

While waiting, Ruhi wandered around the church. The quiet space, filled with light filtering through stained glass windows, brought back memories of her time with Jenesis. She walked slowly, her fingers trailing along the wooden pews.

Ruhan followed her, watching her closely as she stopped near the altar.

"Me and Jenesis used to come here sometimes after school," Ruhi said suddenly, breaking the silence. She turned to Ruhan and continued, "She always prayed for her grandmother and for her brother, Aiden."

Ruhan's voice was quiet as he asked, "What did she pray for?"

Ruhi smiled faintly. "She prayed for her grandmother's health and for every happiness in her brother's life."

"And what did you pray for?"

Ruhi stopped and turned toward him, her expression thoughtful. "I prayed for my mom and Hina. I prayed for my family, obviously."

Ruhan remained silent, his gaze fixed on her as she turned and walked away. They waited a while longer, and when Father Daniel finally returned, he greeted them warmly.

Ruhan got straight to the point. "Father, how do we close Hina's chapter? How do we put all of this to rest?"

Father Daniel, however, wasn't looking at Ruhan. His eyes were fixed on Ruhi. "Do you have something to say, child?" he asked gently.

Ruhi gave a small smile. "You know everything, don't you, Father?"

Father Daniel smiled knowingly. "Yes, I know everyone's burdens and struggles."

Ruhi pressed further. "Then you also know about Evelyn, right?"

"Yes," Father Daniel said, his voice calm.

"Then you must also know the real reason behind Jenesis's death. Why didn't you ever tell us the truth?" Ruhi asked, her voice trembling with emotion.

Father Daniel sighed deeply before replying. "Because everyone misunderstood Evelyn. People thought she was the cause of all the tragedy, even her grandson Aiden. Evelyn knew that one day Aiden would come to me, searching for answers. But she made me promise not to reveal anything until the truth found him first. And now, through you, Ruhi, the truth has come to light."

Ruhan's voice cut through the tension. "What are you talking about? I don't understand."

Ruhi gently took Aiden's hand and looked into his eyes.
"Aiden, listen to me carefully. Your sister, Jenesis, was assaulted by a boy from her school. Some girls from her class helped him hide what happened. Jenesis kept all her pain inside, and no one understood what she was going through."

She took a shaky breath.
"After Evelyn discovered the truth, she was consumed by grief and anger. She couldn't accept that Jenesis was gone. She made a terrible mistake. She performed a dark ritual to bring Jenesis back to life."

Ruhan listened silently, his face filled with pain.

"But the ritual demanded a life in exchange for another life. Evelyn made a vow to the ritual that whoever came near the mansion first would be sacrificed so Jenesis could return."

Her voice trembled.
"She also planned to bring the people who had hurt Jenesis to the mansion and sacrifice them as punishment for what they had done."