Death Has A Name

Chapter 20

Melanie pulled up outside a block of flats. The building had seen better days, the windows were covered in grime and the door was hanging off its hinges. It wasn’t much better than the area she had come from.

She felt the ball begin to heat up against her neck, the warmth helped ease her aching throat. She grasped it, holding it for the reassurance. As her fingers stroked it, she felt a tiny opening. Unlatching the chain she peered at it. A tiny glow emanated from it.

Her resolve strengthened, as she placed the chain in her pocket and left the car.

The shadows were darker here, as if all light; even man made could not penetrate the darkness that surrounded the building. She knew Harper would not be in one of the flats, he was in the basement.

As she entered the building, she was aware that her heels clacked along the floor making too much noise. She slipped them off and left them by the stairs; it would be easier if she had the element of surprise.

She found him standing over the baby, watching as it squirmed and cried.

“Harper.”

He whipped round, his eyes entirely black.

“No – there’s no Harper here.” He smirked.

“Who are you?”

“Ah my name. There’s too much trouble with names I believe.” He moved closer to her.

Melanie tried to move towards the baby but the demon blocked her way.

“Such a pretty witch. A shame really.”

“How so?”

“I don’t like wasting such potential. You have been a nuisance, and I’m not inclined to keep you alive like last time. You should have run away and saved yourself.”

“I want the child.”

He laughed, “Well as do I. Though my need is greater than yours.”

The demon lunged at Melanie, his hands grasped again for her neck as Melanie pulled out the knife, she plunged it into his side as he screamed in pain. He let go of her and staggered back. Melanie grabbed the necklace and yanked open the silver ball and threw it at him. The room lit up with a brilliant light.

“Adramalech – I name you. And I command you to leave, in all that is right and holy I command you!”

The demon screamed with fury as the light surrounded him, it settled on him like a cape. As Melanie watched, she saw the light engulf what appeared to be half man, half octopus. Its tentacles thrashed wildly at the light but it was bound.

It screamed again in pain as the light turned from white to a deep dark red and obliterated the demon form.