The Deadly Charm

Part 61 : Beneath the Veil of Spells (Part 2)

When the truth is darker than the lies, would you still want to know?

The location Akira sent him was not a café or a private office—but a massive library nestled on the outskirts of the city.

As Nattapat stepped out of his car and laid eyes on the building before him, he paused in awe.

The structure was majestic—timeless. A blend of classical and modern design, its white marble floor gleamed against towering oak doors etched with delicate carvings. High, arched windows caught the soft morning light, casting a golden glow across the entrance.

It didn't feel like just a library.
It felt like a vault of forgotten truths.

He inhaled deeply and approached the grand doors. The moment he stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted. Silence greeted him—not the ordinary hush of a library, but a quiet that pressed into the soul, as though the air itself held secrets.

"You must be Mr. Nattapat?"
The calm, cultured voice belonged to William, the library's butler.

"Yes," Nattapat nodded.

"Right this way, sir."

As they walked deeper into the library, Nattapat took in the surroundings—floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined every wall, filled with ancient tomes preserved with reverent care. The pristine marble floors reflected the soft light from the crystal chandeliers overhead, creating a tranquil and mysterious ambiance.

Eventually, William led him to a grand reading hall where soft golden light spilled from the high ceiling. Seated at the central table were Kritin, Akira, Nattrinee, and Teerathep.

All eyes turned to him as he entered.

"Good morning," Nattapat greeted them, offering a small smile to ease the tension.

"Glad you could come. I assume you have some questions. Please, have a seat,"
Kritin stood to welcome him.

He sat beside Akira and Nattrinee, who exchanged a quick glance. Despite the calm air, Nattapat sensed an unspoken tension swirling beneath the surface.

"I'm sorry for the intrusion," he began.
"But I believe you may have answers—answers about my father, and what's been happening to him lately."

Akira and Nattrinee gave each other another look. Akira nodded subtly, as if she had expected this.

"You're right," Kritin replied with a faint smile.
"The question is—are you ready to hear the truth?"

Nattapat hesitated.

He looked around the table again.
Everyone waited for his response.

He could feel it—this wasn't just some strange rumor. This was something far more serious than he had imagined.

"...I'm ready," he said firmly.

What followed was a revelation that left his mind spinning.
Kritin laid it all out—the spells, the dark influence, the spiritual manipulation.

It aligned disturbingly well with the reports he'd received from the private investigator. But this time, the abstract ideas took shape. The details made it real.

His father, Ekawat, was under the grip of a powerful black enchantment—stronger and more consuming than Nattapat had dared to imagine.

His thoughts went back to the pale face he saw that morning, the lifeless eyes, the withering strength.
A wave of helplessness washed over him.

He didn't want to believe it.
He couldn't.

But he had no choice.

"I... I don't know what to do," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I'm scared he won't survive this. And I can't even see a path forward..."

Akira leaned forward, her voice gentle but resolute.

"The first step is to remove the spell—cleanse his spirit. This isn't just a physical illness. This is a spiritual affliction. A darkness that's wrapped itself around his mind and heart."

"...Is there a chance?" he asked.

"There is."
"But you need to brace yourself," Kritin cut in.

"We've saved your father once before. But this time... whatever's behind it has gotten bolder. Stronger. I'm not sure we'll have the upper hand."

Their eyes met.
The room fell silent.

Nattapat lowered his gaze for a moment—but when he looked up again, his expression had changed. There was determination now.

"If there's even a chance of saving him... I'll take it. No matter what happens."

Akira nodded and began explaining.

"You'll need to perform a cleansing ritual. It's intricate, and must be done precisely. You must be present, Nattapat—because your blood connection with your father is key. That bond will be what pulls him back."

"The ritual has to be done at your home. You'll need to light sacred candles, recite the chants I'll give you, and use something meaningful to your father—something deeply personal—to anchor his spirit."

"But be warned..."
She hesitated, her tone darkening.
"The dark energy won't go quietly. It may try to lash out, cloud your mind, instill fear. You'll need to stay strong."

He nodded slowly. He wasn't sure if he was truly prepared—but he was ready to try.

"When can I start?"

Kritin gave a small smile.

"I'll send you everything you need. You must perform the ritual on the night of the full moon. Until then, I'll be handling the other side of the problem."

"What other side?" Nattapat asked, puzzled.

Kritin didn't answer.
He simply gave a knowing smile.

✨ Next chapter: "Blood Moon Rites"The full moon rises... and with it, something darker.