CHAPTER TEN

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MASSACRE

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‘-realization…’

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Hearts raced with a frenzied tempo, breaths became increasingly ragged, and bone-chilling shivers coursed through their bodies as Allen and Emery hurriedly fled the locker hallway, making their way into the main corridor leading to the classrooms. The screams of agony drew them closer, and as they arrived, their eyes widened at the gruesome tableau before them.

The entire hallway appeared as though a brutal massacre had recently unfolded, leaving a scene of unimaginable carnage in its wake.

The entire expanse of the hallway was adorned with gruesome splatters of blood, tangled intestines, scattered skulls, and even skeletal remains soaked in crimson.

Emery's scream of horror pierced the air, accompanied by anguished sobs.

Meanwhile, Allen remained rooted to the spot, trapped in his own tormenting thoughts, convinced that the blame rested squarely on his shoulders, even when he was far from being responsible for the horrific scene that had unfolded before them.

Allen's eyes remained locked onto the lifeless form of a young boy, sprawled in a pool of blood, his stomach torn open, and a macabre exhibition of his spilled intestines and organs. The horrific spectacle stirred a torrent of tears, staining Allen's cheeks as he grieved for the tragic sight before him.

His silent tears mingled with the anguish in his heart, deepening the profound sense of desolation. However, his focus shifted when Emery called out his name, providing a small respite from his inner anguish.

"Allen! What is happening here? Please, I need to know," Emery implored, her voice quivering as she fought back tears, striving to maintain her composure amid the senseless brutality that had claimed the lives of innocent people. The heart-wrenching reality that her two childhood friends lay dead, grotesquely mutilated in a pool of their own blood, threatened to overwhelm her.

As her closest friends, the loss of their lives was a devastating blow, and it took all of her inner strength to confront the gruesome scene before her. Emery knew she had to find the strength to face the horrors unfolding around her.

Allen turned to face Emery, who, despite her tearful state, was making every effort to project a facade of strength in the midst of overwhelming circumstances. He brushed his own tears away and took a deep breath, striving to regain his composure. With a voice that quavered, he began to explain the harrowing truth.

"Emery... I know this might sound strange, but the girl you saw, the one with the red raspberry hair... she's a demon. And Adalyn's group... they were responsible for binding me to that malevolent demon for their own amusement. They performed a ritual last night, which has led to all of this... this horrifying bloodbath."

Emery's reaction was a gasp of utter astonishment upon learning the sinister revelation from Allen. The nature of this information was so malevolent that it filled Emery with an overwhelming urge to scream in sheer frustration.

This frustration was compounded by the fact that for an entire year, both she and Allen had been subjected to relentless bullying at the hands of Adalyn's group. Emery seethed with anger at the sheer foolishness of Adalyn's clique. To make matters even more complicated, she had developed romantic feelings for Allen, and the idea of confessing her emotions to him now seemed more distant and perilous than ever, given the presence of a menacing demon poised to strike at any moment.

Moreover, it was these foolish jocks who bore the primary responsibility for the gruesome bloodshed and the savage demise of her dearest friends. While Emery harbored numerous pressing questions that demanded answers, her immediate concern was Allen's well-being. She needed to ascertain whether he had been injured and explore potential avenues to halt the unfolding madness.

"Are you alright? I mean, you're not injured or anything, are you?" Emery inquired gently, her voice a comforting presence amidst the grim scene that had entranced Allen as he gazed upon the lifeless forms of fellow students and educators.

Amidst the macabre tableau, he had come to realize that no one had been exempt from the violence that had swept through the institution's grounds. For a fleeting moment, he pondered whether Circe's malevolence would extend beyond these walls, leaving him as the sole survivor in a world devoid of life. However, his morbid contemplations were disrupted by the soothing timbre of Emery's voice and her urgent inquiry.

Allen turned to Emery and replied in a hushed tone, "No, I'm... okay." Emery acknowledged his response with a nod before following up with another question, her eyes narrowing with concern. "So, how do we... deal with this situation? It seems like it's up to either you or both of us to clean up the aftermath of that group's wrongdoing. I've cautioned you countless times, Allen, not to get involved with them, but your innocence and your kind-hearted nature always seem to lead you astray."

Emery paused, exhaling a frustrated sigh, and went on, "I've emphasized this to you before, in this world, if you extend your kindness and naivety to the wrong individuals, you'll end up betrayed repeatedly until one day they expose you to dire consequences. Now, tell me, how do we address this issue when Adalyn's entire group is already dead?"

Emery found herself consumed by a level of anger she had never imagined. Well, it was understandable, given that just half an hour ago, she was on the brink of death, and now countless innocent lives had fallen prey to a vile creature released by a group of dim-witted bullies for their amusement.

She harbored no remorse for her anger, and she knew, deep down, that Allen wasn't to blame either.

Allen remained silent, his lower lip caught between his teeth, as he contemplated Emery's words. After a moment, he replied softly, "I'm sorry... you're right... it's my fault. Can you forgive me?" Emery's once-narrowed eyes softened, and she walked closer to him. She gently lifted Allen's chin, making him meet her gaze as she responded, "Allen, I never said it was your fault. Emotions got the best of me, and that's why I vented my anger and frustration on you, but understand this—your naivety isn't to blame here. Sometimes, you have to hurt people's feelings to save others from their own downfall. To do that, you need to find strength in your heart and your will. Can you do that? If not for yourself, then at least for me?"

Allen nodded earnestly, his eyes reflecting gratitude and affection.

Emery's smile was tender as she leaned in and gently kissed Allen's rosy cheek, leaving him blushing with a mix of emotions. Allen couldn't fathom the true meaning behind Emery's heartfelt actions until she bashfully clarified, "Umm... it's just in case we or one of us doesn't make it... consider it as... a farewell in advance. Yeah, a farewell in advance. I've liked you for a long time, Allen. I still do."

Allen was taken aback by Emery's unexpected confession, causing his cheeks to redden even further. He quickly responded, "I...I like you too, Emery. I'm sorry I couldn't confess sooner." Emery's smile was radiant as she shook her head and said, "No need to apologize, Allen. It's okay.

What matters is that you feel the same way, which you already do. Thank you for accepting my feelings."

Emery and Allen exchanged affectionate smiles before Emery shifted to a more serious tone, asking, "So, what's our plan now? How do we even begin to stop this demon, especially without knowing its origin and motives?"

Allen swallowed hard and responded, "I'm not entirely sure, but I was thinking we could pay a visit to Adalyn's aunt. She's a Shaman, and the spell that was used to summon the demon was borrowed from her. Maybe she has some insight into how to halt this gruesome catastrophe."

Emery found the idea agreeable and nodded in confirmation. She inquired, "Do you know her address?" Allen nodded in response, and Emery decisively stated, "Alright, it's settled then. Let's go. The sooner, the better." And with that, Allen and Emery departed from the high school, leaving behind the horrifying scene which was more like a slaughterland.

They reached the blood-stained school parking lot and got into Emery's white car which had an intestine draped over its bonnet but without even picking it up and tossing it away, they just got in and drove away from the school grounds entirely. They continued until they passed a deserted park, where lifeless bodies lay scattered around, a gruesome and chilling sight to behold. However, to their relief, the intestine on the bonnet fell down when Emery accelerated the speed to escape the horrifying scenes as soon as possible. Yet only blood remained back staining the white car.

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After several wrong turns, navigating to Aunt Erica, Adalyn's aunt's residence became quite the ordeal for Allen, who had never visited her before, yet only heard of her place. Eventually, around five in the evening, they found themselves standing before Erica's house. Hurriedly, they exited the car and made their way to the house's brown wooden front door.

Surprisingly, this part of town had been spared from the misfortune that had befallen others, remaining pristine and peaceful, as if it had been patiently awaiting its turn.

Upon arrival at Aunt Erica's doorstep, they rang the bell twice, and an elderly woman with grey hair answered the door.

"Hello, dears! How can I help you?" The elderly woman greeted the teens with a warm, beaming smile as they stood at her doorstep. "Are you both here for some trick or treats?"

An awkward exchange of glances passed between Emery and Allen before Emery took a step forward and said, "Umm, no, thank you. Actually, we're friends of Adalyn, and we need to have a conversation with you, right now." Emery offered a reassuring smile, to which the old woman responded with a welcoming one, inviting the teens into her warm and cozy home.

Allen and Emery laid out all the events and challenges they were currently grappling with to Adalyn's grandmother. However, Allen decided to omit the fact that he had been marked by the demon. He considered it unimportant, possibly just a result of the demon's fascination with him.

Little did Allen realize how mistaken he was.

On the other hand, Emery was cautious not to disclose the tragic demise of the old woman's granddaughter. She believed it was essential for Adalyn's grandmother to focus on the issue at hand instead of being consumed by grief. They were determined to address this dire situation, even if it seemed like a daunting task at this point.

In a harsh twist of fate, Allen and Emery found themselves resorting to a white lie, knowing the gravity of the situation at hand. They felt that their small act of deception might serve as a beacon of hope in saving the world from impending doom. They informed the woman that Adalyn and her companions were currently occupied, making efforts to alert the public about the impending calamity. Little did they reveal the grim reality that even carnival grounds and amusement parks had been mercilessly transformed into arenas of demonic horror.

The crimson stains and the haunting silence bore witness to the fact that these places had become scenes of mass slaughter, devoid of life, a fact they had witnessed while passing through the desolation.

"My dear," the elderly woman began, her voice laced with a sense of understanding, "I comprehend the situation fully. However, I must admit that it's been quite some time since I've practiced the arts. There exists a reversal spell that can undoubtedly counter the ritual you, my foolish children, have enacted. Yet, you must be aware that this particular ritual is exceptionally energy-demanding. Should I attempt it, it may come at the cost of my own life. Therefore, the most viable solution is for both of you to perform the reversal ritual under my guidance. Are you both prepared to take on this responsibility?" Her words resonated with such sincerity and unwavering determination that Allen and Emery found themselves wholly convinced that with her guidance, nothing could go amiss. Filled with confidence, they nodded in unison, offering their resolute approval.

With a nod, the elderly woman rose from her seat and guided the distraught teens down into a chilly basement, which also doubled as a storage area. In this dimly lit space, she retrieved an antiquated, rust-covered black tome from a cupboard tucked into the corner.

Approaching the table positioned in the heart of the basement, cluttered with an assortment of papers in various languages, alongside snippets from daily newspapers, she placed the aged book upon its surface and carefully unfurled its pages.

Upon discovering the page she sought, the elderly woman faced Allen and began to elucidate, "Allen, my dear, this is the French reversal ritual for the spell that was initially cast in French to conjure the soul-eater demon. You'll need to recite it and then offer a few drops of your blood onto the spell's words. Given that your blood was employed in the initial incantation, it must be you who reverses it by using your own blood to end the spell. I will utter the incantations, and you must echo them, clearly and resolutely. Do you comprehend my instructions, my dear?"

Allen nodded in agreement before moving closer to the table. As he reached for the knife placed beside the book, curiosity got the best of him, and he inquired, "Umm... what will happen to the demon?"

The elderly woman responded promptly, "Dear, she will be banished from the Earth. Once the blood pact is reversed, she will return to the hellish realm from which she originated." Allen nodded once more, comprehending the task at hand.

"Guess I can omit the part about the bond mate since I won't be encountering Circe after this," thought Allen, preparing himself for the ritual.

While the elderly woman intoned the incantations, Allen echoed each word, and Emery observed them closely while holding Allen’s other hand to channel her energy into the spell as the elderly had instructed. Her expression turned to one of concern when Allen ran the silver knife over his palm, allowing the blood droplets to fall onto the words of the spell.

As a result, the pages became stained with his blood.

As the incantations continued with unwavering determination, unlit candles in the basement mysteriously ignited, only to be extinguished as swirling winds swept through the room.

These phenomena signaled the spell's success.

Upon the completion of the spell, the elderly woman promptly closed the book and offered a reassuring smile to the anxious teens. Their tension ebbed away, knowing that things had seemingly returned to normal. However, that's what they hoped for, and what they would continue to hope for.

Allen and Emery hurried back upstairs, eager to express their gratitude to the compassionate woman. Before taking their leave, they switched on the television, tuning in to the news channel. Relief washed over them as the reporter announced the sudden disappearance of the malevolent creature responsible for the bloodshed in their town.

Exhaling deeply, both Allen and Emery exchanged a swift, heartfelt embrace, their smiles radiating warmth and their cheeks flushed with joy. They were on the verge of another embrace but paused mid-step as the elderly lady approached them with a broad, warm smile of her own.

Grateful, they returned her smile and expressed their profound thanks for her role in saving them from the horrors they had faced.

Allen exchanged glances with Emery, and her empathetic gaze conveyed the unspoken agreement that they shouldn't be the ones to break the dreadful news of her granddaughter's death to the elderly lady. After all, they were just teenagers, and the magnitude of such tragic information was beyond their understanding. With that silent understanding, they chose to leave the matter be, bidding their farewells before heading to their respective homes, places of warmth and refuge.

Deep down, they held the belief that Adalyn's grandmother would inevitably come to terms with the devastating news in her own way, and in due time.

Exiting the house, Allen and Emery took their places in the car, their hearts infused with an unusual sense of peace, though they chose not to voice their feelings, dismissing them as unfounded paranoia.

The calm after the storm felt unfamiliar, but they decided to cherish it.

Their journey brought them to Allen's residence first. They held each other close, sharing affection and warmth in a fond embrace. With an affectionate yet bashful smile, Allen parted from Emery, stepping out of the car to begin his journey homeward.

A final wave and he entered his house, leaving the quiet serenity of the moment behind.

Upon entering his home, a vague sense of unease washed over Allen, though exhaustion soon overshadowed this feeling. The weariness that clung to him begged for rest, and he intended to oblige.

Around nine o'clock, after a warm shower, he dressed in a white, full-sleeved t-shirt and blue jeans. His immediate plan was to rest, but he couldn't ignore the grumbling in his stomach. Hunger compelled him to prepare dinner first, even if it meant a temporary delay in his study plans for the upcoming January entrance exam.

Allen settled himself at the edge of his bed, close to his pillow, lost in contemplation. His thoughts flitted between Circe and what to prepare for dinner, all while his eyes fixated on his left hand, swathed in bandages.

Inexplicably, a sense of remorse crept in for dismissing her as he did. He ran a hand through his damp hair, whispering softly into the still, chilly room, "I'm sorry, Circe. It was the only way to prevent you from claiming countless innocent lives. I hope... you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

As Allen pondered his dinner options, an unexpected interruption occurred. His initial sigh was swiftly followed by the unmistakable sound of a voice. Glancing towards the obscure corner of his room, he strained to identify the source. Seconds ticked by, devoid of any further utterances, prompting him to avert his attention.

However, a sudden realization gripped him when he beheld a startling sight: a disembodied head with tousled, short blond waves of hair, eerily rolling in his direction.

As he comprehended the surreal scene before him, his fear grew to such an extent that his vocal cords refused to cooperate, and only a fractured sob managed to escape his constricted throat.

The disembodied head and the face it bore belonged to none other than Emery Kinkle.

To describe Allen's emotions as merely horrified would be an understatement of the profound dread and terror that gripped him at that very moment and in the grip of overwhelming fear and despair, he unleashed a piercing scream that tore through the silence, while violent sobs racked his trembling body like a fragile leaf in the unforgiving wind.

Allen's heart raced as he wept after his screams died in nothingness, unleashing his emotions, but his dread deepened when that familiar husky, menacing voice reverberated throughout the room.

"Hello, Allen. Did you miss me?"

Trembling, Allen slowly turned his gaze forward through teary eyes. His breath caught as he met the piercing scarlet gaze, those glowing eyes dominating the space, locking onto his own watery, ocean-blue ones.

Even though Circe's body was completely drenched in blood, her eyes remained stark and conspicuous. Allen couldn't tear his gaze away from those intense crimson orbs.

They seemed to penetrate deep into his very soul.

“Why…” as he whispered in stuttering disbelief, the harsh reality began to sink in. Circe, the demon, had returned from the depths of hell. His words trailed off into the chilly air as he realized that he had never disclosed the existence of his claiming mark to Adalyn's aunt, a colossal oversight on his part.

Nevertheless, the importance of that detail was far less significant to the situation than Allen had initially thought.

Although he sensed a peculiar connection with the demon, he made the decision to hide a crucial part of the entire truth. It was because even if the ritual were to be undone, that would be inconsequential as long as the marked one survived, and Allen was Circe's marked one, her sole and irrevocably claimed mate. Therefore, to permanently remove her from the Earth, Allen would have to forfeit his own life.

This realization left Allen breathless, and Circe's wicked smirk broadened evilly.

She was aware of what he was contemplating, but that wasn't the whole truth.