The Pact

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The Prologue
Sunday Evening,
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center.

The room was filled with the radiance of the sunset. She was sound asleep and her breathing was as stabilized as its been for the past few weeks. Just about a month ago, I was told my daughter suffered from pneumonia. I've been working harder than ever just to pay all of the medical bills. She's the only one I have in this world.

I grabbed her hand and squeezed it tightly. I prayed that all of this would end soon, and my prayers were answered, but not in the way I was expecting. The subtle, continuous beep of the monitor put me to sleep as my grip on her hand loosened.

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Unexpectedly, the monitor started beeping loudly and rapidly. The doctors rushed inside to check her vitals. "Her breathing is way too fast," said Dr. Davis as he pushed me towards the back of the room. My heart started pounding as the monitor flatlined. The nurses reached under her bed for the defibrillator and began getting it ready to use. As they were shocking my daughter for any sign of life, the ringing in my ears took over until it was all I could hear. Everything seemed to be going in slow motion as the sun was setting and darkened the room.

Time of death, 8:06 p.m. She was only a child, she had such a long life to live.

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Thursday Morning
Cindy's Bedroom

As I sat on my bed, staring at the wall, my mind began to run a million miles an hour. I haven't slept at all since Sunday, and my appetite has been fading.

I miss her so damn much. If I could switch places with her, I would.

Today, we begin planning the funeral, but I can't focus on anything else other than my daughter. I need to get ready to drive to the funeral home before I'm late.

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I was at a red light when I looked to my left and noticed a blinking "Open" sign that caught my eye. I had some time before my appointment, so I thought I would check out the stores. I needed a distraction. I parked and made my way towards the store with the blinking sign. As I walk in, I notice the shelves filled with crystals, herbs, candles, and a lot of weird things. Is this some sort of witchcraft store? As I'm walking through the aisle with the crystals, I was reading what they represented. A light yellow one stood out to me.

"Are you looking for abundance crystals?" A sudden voice startled me, "Oh, no I was just looking at them, they seem pretty." – "The one you're holding is called Citrine. It brings happiness and aids in self-healing." Her smile died away into a concerned look as she squinted at me. "Have you lost someone recently?" My back started to sweat as she asked me that. "I'm sorry?" I froze in place. "I can sense sadness, but I also sense anger in you." I put the crystal back in the shelf and back away slowly. "Your daughter, isn't it?" That's when my heart sank. "I have to go," I told her as I swiftly left the shop.

When I got back in my car, I turned up the AC. My mind started spiraling as the cold air hit my face. What were all of those questions about? Who was that woman, and why does she know all of that? I let out a loud sigh and left to the funeral home.

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Later That Afternoon

When my appointment was over, I started to drive back home. I decided to make a stop by that store again to buy the crystal. Maybe everything she said about it is true. I would love some happiness right now. When I got to the store, I found the same crystal from earlier and went to purchase it. The cashier smiled at me as she handed me the bag. When I turned around, I saw that crazy woman from earlier, staring blankly at my eyes. "One reading," That was all she said to me. "Pardon?" – "One reading to answer all of your questions." I was really confused, but I didn't want to talk to this woman. "I'm sorry ma'am, but I don't have time for this," I say trying to walk past her. "Please. I won't charge any money for it." She was desperate, but I still didn't want anything to do with her. "Cindy, please." – "How do you know my name?" I reply. "Come with me." She grabbed my hand and pulled me into a separate room.

She served me coffee and made sure I was comfortable. When she knew I was ready, she sat in front of me and began asking questions. "Cindy, right?" She asked politely. "Yes, how do you know so much about me? Who are you?" – "I'm a psychic, I work here giving readings to people." I could tell she was legit from the expensive furniture in her office and the case with money spilling out onto her desk. "You recently lost your daughter, right?" She said grabbing both of my hands. "Yes, I lost her." I started tearing up. I didn't want to show my feelings, but I couldn't help but cry in front of this woman that I didn't know. "If I could give my life to bring her back, I would," I said sobbing. The room silenced, as she let go of my hands and leaned back in her chair. I gave her a puzzled look as I wipe the tears off my face. "What if I told you that such a thing is actually possible?"

I didn't think twice. Everything she's said so far has been nothing but the truth. If there's a chance that I can bring my daughter back to life, I'll take it.

"What do I have to do? I'll do anything, just name it." She can see that I have a desperate look on my face. "If you would like to know so badly, then I will definitely tell you." She smirked while grabbing a paper and pen.

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Sunday Night
Cindy's Livingroom

I have no time to waste. I made a mess moving all my furniture to make room for the setup. I grabbed the chalk and began to messily draw the pentagram on the floor. I drew the symbols in each part of the star, finishing with the symbol in the center. I scattered the black crystals and lit the six candles around the pentagram. I grabbed the Ouija Board and planchette and sat down. It was 8:05 p.m. The psychic told me I had to perform this ritual at the same time my daughter died. I was shaking, but if this is what it takes to bring her back, I'll do it. When the clock struck the time of death, I began the ritual.

I place my fingers on the planchette and circle it around the board multiple times before calling out to Satan himself. I took a deep breath and held the paper up so I could read out the words the psychic had written down for me.

"Ut satanas te, da mihi alterum servare vitam."
"(To you Satan, I give my life to save another.)"

I repeated it multiple times until the candles went out and the planchette began to move. Whatever presence was there felt strong. It began to spell something out slowly. "P...A...C...T." I decided to ask who I was talking to, but it didn't respond. After a few seconds, I said, "I need to know who you are so I can make a pact with you." My voice became shaky and weak as my eyes began to water. It still hasn't responded. "You're my only hope, I need her back!" I yell while pouring my feelings out. Soon after, the presence became stronger and began to spell something out again, this time faster. "Luciel." I stopped to think for a second. "Is that your name?" I ask as the planchette moved rapidly to "Yes." – "Luciel, I want to make a pact with you."

Suddenly, the temperature of the room shifts and a tall, dark horned figure appeared in the corner of my eye. It was hard to see, but I could tell it was hunched over. I was terrified, but I have to finish what I started. "I will make a pact with you." I made myself sound firm and confident, even though I wasn't. "What do we get in return?" He asked with a deep, raspy voice. It was unnatural. It was terrifying. "My soul," I stood up. "To the Underworld, I give my soul to save another." My breathing became heavy as I spoke that statement aloud. "Who is the lucky soul?" He asked with his demonic voice.

"My daughter, Xena Hendrix."