Rob stood under the soft glow of a streetlamp, watching as Lindsey worked late into the night at her home. The light from her desk lamp cast a warm halo around her as she poured over the case files. He knew she was dedicated, but she would never be able to solve this case, making him feel even more guilty over what he was about to do.

Shaking it off, he clenched the bottle of whiskey tightly in one hand, and with the other Rob knocked on her door. When Lindsey opened the door, surprise flickered across her face before being replaced by a tired smile.

"Thought you could use a break," Rob said, holding up the whiskey.

"You know I could arrest you for having that when you are underage?" she teased, Rob's face turned bright red with the realization that she was right.

"But you won't because it is me." He half-joked, half-hoped.

Lindsay reached over and took the bottle from him. "Thanks, I really needed this," Lindsey replied, letting him in.

They sat down together on the couch, the clink of their glasses punctuating the silence between them, Rob's contained diet Coke Lindsey had found in the back of her fridge. Rob watched Lindsey carefully refilling her glass whenever it got too low, waiting for the right moment to ask about the case. As the alcohol loosened her tongue, he steered the conversation towards the people killed by Gluttony. "Still working on the Ethel murder case, eh?"

"Yeah, and we still have no idea where she is hiding," Lindsey confessed with a sigh.

"I wonder how Ethel chose her victims?" he prosed.

"Y'know, That's...that's the easy part," Lindsey slurred, struggling to focus. "The victims all had some connection to that fire that killed Ethel's family. Greg was the fire inspector, and there were rumors he covered up the true cause of the fire."

"Really?" Rob asked, now he could see Gluttony's plan. "Why the others?"

"Rachel, Peter, Wes, and Adrian all had arson histories. They were suspects at some point or another," she continued, her brow furrowing as she tried to recall more details. "Oh, and there was some rumour about it being the result of a cult, old ghost stories about strange things going on in that house, most likely Ethel is just looking for revenge for her loss." Lindsay paused staring out into space. "I can't say I really blame her for it."

Rob understood what Gluttony needed to restore his full power, Kyle needed to find the one who started the fire and if he found them then he would win. But as Lindsey seemed lost in thought about Ethel's loss, her thoughts drifted towards memories of her brother.

"I miss Ryan much," she whispered, tears filling her eyes. "I miss talking to him and watching him play with you. And taking you both for ice cream...those were good times."

Rob nodded, his own heart aching at the mention of Ryan. "I miss him too," he admitted softly. He couldn't lie to her anymore, " Lindsey, listen there is something I need to tell you," He began but as he looked over he found her slumped over the arm of the couch.

Lindsey's eyes drooped closed and Rob tucked her in. As he went to make his exit, a case file on her coffee table caught his attention. It was the original case file for the fire five years ago and Rob knew that an original suspect list was most likely included inside. He knew it could cost Lindsey her job if anyone ever found out she left sensitive files out and a civilian got a hold of them. He also knew Gluttony already had this list, most likely from Greg when he held him hostage for days. Rob flipped open the file and searched for Gluttony's potential targets, most of whom were dead, and that is when he found it. He quickly closed the file and left out into the cold night, The sight of Abby's name still fresh in his mind.

-----

Zack sat in his dorm room, his focus scattered as he tried to work on his philosophy paper. His mind raced, as he thought about the email that told him he'd need an extension if he wanted to pass the class. He sighed, rubbing his temples.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts, and Deb entered, her eyes filled with concern. "We need to talk, I think I know why you have been so secretive and protective, some things on campus just don't add up. I don't know how you got mixed up in it all but I am starting to see it too." Zack went to speak but she continued "I don't know all the details but I think Jessica and Abby are involved in it too, I have heard them talking about me, and nothing they do seems to make sense. I mean what is it? Is it drugs? Boon said he saw a glowing-eyed monster, which isn't possible, but what if someone dosed him before the attacks? I need to know right now what is happening at this school, please I can handle it." Her eyes searched Zack's for any sign of what he was thinking.

Before he could respond, their conversation was cut short when Kenzie burst in, excitedly announcing that she had a date.

"I have a date and he will be here any minute!" she squealed, "I just need like five more minutes, Deb could you help me?" Not wanting to continue their discussion in front of her, Deb nodded.

Kenzie turned to Zack "He is downstairs. Just tell him I will be right down."

Zack took the elevator down, dreading having to finish the conversation with Deb once Kenzie was gone. His heart dropped as he approached the glass doors, his supernatural senses filling him with a heavy dread. There, waiting patiently, was Kyle - the last person he expected to see taking Kenzie out on a date.

-----

Back at the school, Boon was in the locker room, changing out of his basketball practice gear. The scent of sweat and old sneakers hung heavy in the air as he tried to shake off his frustration over Zack's constantly acting like he was the crazy one. He slammed his locker shut, startling himself with the sudden noise.

"Boon," Ethel said, stepping out of the shadows, her voice soft and seductive. "We need to talk."

"Ethel?" Boon asked, taken aback. "What are you doing here?"

She stepped closer, her eyes locked on his, their unusual green hue even more vivid than usual. "I've been watching you, Boon. You're strong and determined... but most importantly you are right about everything."

"Really? You and Zack are vessels?" Boon asked, his curiosity piqued despite his apprehension.

"Of course and you could be one too," Ethel purred. "Together, we would be unstoppable."

A jolt of excitement ran through Boon's entire body. For months, he'd watched Zack use supernatural abilities to dominate on the court. If becoming a vessel meant he could finally step out of Zack's shadow, then it was worth giving up everything for. Swallowing his fear, he nodded. He knew he wasn't crazy and now he would able to surpass Zack, "Show me what I need to do."

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Follow me," Ethel instructed, her eyes glinting with satisfaction.

-----

Zack fought to keep his panic in check as he raced back to his room. Kenzie had just left with Kyle. He couldn't let Kyle hurt Kenzie; he had to do something. Bursting through the door, he grabbed his phone and dialed Rob's number. Deb looked up from her seat on his bed, confusion etched across her face.

"Rob, meet me in the parking lot," Zack blurted out. "It's an emergency."

"Zack, what's going on?" Deb asked, her concern growing.

"Deb, I'll explain everything when I get back. Please, just wait for me here," Zack implored before bolting out of the room.

As Kenzie and Kyle drove away from campus, Kenzie noticed that Kyle had missed the turn for the restaurant. "I think that wa-" Before she could question him, a car bumped into theirs from behind, jolting them both. Shocked, she looked back to see Rob behind the wheel of the other vehicle.

Kyle smirked at Zack as they all stepped out to survey the damage. "Impressive move, Zack. But you are focused on the wrong problem as usual." He whispered.

"What are you talking about?" Zack demanded, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Think about it, my only goal is to eliminate problems," Kyle revealed. "This girl isn't a problem. My little stunt here was just a distraction. Only one of your little friends has become an issue." Kyle smiled as a look of confusion overtook Zack's face.

"Zack, Boon, and Ahmed are the only ones uncounted for and let's face Ahmed hasn't exactly been poking around for answers." Rob reasoned, overhearing the two's conversation. Kenzie was too busy surveying the damage to hear what anyone was saying.

"Rob," Zack said, his voice tense. "Make sure Kenzie gets home safe. I've got to go." And with that, he sprinted away from the gathering crowd, his mind racing with fear for his teammate.

"Kenzie," Kyle said, feigning disappointment. "It looks like our date will have to wait for another time. I need to get my car to the shop."

"Fine," Kenzie replied, her eyes filled with disappointment as she stepped back from his jeep. She couldn't shake the feeling that she wouldn't be seeing her date again.

--

Ethel led Boon through the charred remains of a once stately home, its blackened walls standing as a haunting testament to the tragedy that had occurred there. The moonlight pierced through the skeletal structure, causing Boon's heart to race with a mix of excitement and dread.

"In order for the ritual to work you have to be inside," Ethel said, her voice barely above a whisper. She stepped over the debris with ease, her eyes glowing dimly green in the darkness.

Boon followed her cautiously, his breath hitching when he realized that he'd seen this house before - in his dreams. He could almost hear the crackling flames and the screams of those trapped inside, and it sent a shiver down his spine. As they ventured deeper into the house, away from the scarce light filtering in through the broken windows, Boon's unease grew exponentially.

"Ethel," he said, swallowing hard. "Why do we have to be here for the ritual? What does this have to do with becoming a vessel?"

"Patience, Boon," she replied, her voice silky and enigmatic. "All will become clear soon."

As they entered what must have been the living room, Boon expected to see ruins or an altar of symbols carved into the walls. As he took in the barren room he felt more confused, there was nothing but scorch marks and scattered leaves. He glanced at Ethel, who was studying him intently.

"Ethel, I don't understand. How can this place give me everything I want?" His voice wavered as he spoke, his fear beginning to bubble over.

"Ah," Ethel said, a sinister smile playing at the corners of her lips. "It's simple, really. You want power, don't you? To be better than Zack, to be stronger, faster, and more skilled? You would do anything for that, risk us all for it."

"No...No I would keep it a secret, N..nobody wou...ld ever know," Boon said hesitantly, his stomach knotting with apprehension. "I would never tell anyone what happened here."

"This is the place where things end," she replied, sounding almost apologetic. "Where we lose our humanity."

Suddenly, it all clicked into place for Boon. This was a trap, and he'd walked right into it. He was so blinded by the possibility of having more power that he never questioned what was happening. He fell to his knees, hands shaking as he begged for his life.

"Please, Ethel, don't do this! I don't want to die!"

"Unfortunately, Boon," Ethel said coldly, her fangs and claws elongating before his eyes. "You risk exposing us all to the exorcists, we can't trust you. You are a wild card and there's a reason no one is here to save you."

"No!" Boon cried out, tears streaming down his face. "I promise I won't say anything to anyone!"

Just as Ethel was about to strike, a figure burst through the door, eyes glowing an intense pink. Boon stared at his teammate, relief and awe mingling in his expression. Zack raised his hand, forcing Ethel back his a telekinetic wave.

"Get away from him, Ethel!" Zack roared, his voice distorted by the demonic power coursing through him.

"Zack..." Boon whispered, his voice trembling with gratitude. "You...you saved me."

"Of course," Zack said, his attention never leaving Ethel. "I couldn't let her hurt you, Boon."

As Ethel glared at Zack, the plans thwarted, Boon knew that he would never forget the sight of his teammate standing before him, a true force to be reckoned with, a feeling of jealousy still twisting in his gut.

Before any could make a move, Zack cried out in pain as holy water bullets tore through the walls of the house, sizzling upon impact. In that instant, all thoughts of fighting vanished; survival was their only goal.

"Come on, you have to go!" Ethel ordered, her voice strained with urgency. Her eyes flared as she paused time, unsure if she could hold it long enough for them to escape. Zack grabbed Boon's arm and pulled him towards the back door, while he clutched his burning shoulder. As they reached the back door Zack turned back to look at Ethel "I will stay back and try to hold them off." Zack knew he couldn't argue with her and vanish with Boon through the door frame.

Their escape was swift; they hopped over the fence and disappeared into the woods. The trees provided some cover, but Zack knew they couldn't stop running, not yet. Boon raced ahead, his fear driving him forward. Zack tried to keep up, but his body betrayed him. The holy water coursing through his veins overwhelmed him, and he passed out, collapsing onto the damp forest floor.

--

When Zack awoke, he found himself lying on a plush sofa at Night School, the scent of burning sage filling the air. Paulina tended to his wounds with a focused expression. Her light brown eyes met his, and she sighed with relief.

"Thank God you're awake," she said softly, dabbing a homemade ointment onto his wound. "You had me worried for a moment there."

"Paulina...what happened? How did I get here?"

"I found you in the woods, I knew Gluttony would be hanging around the place he was created, lucky for you I have been watching the home for weeks. You were still in your demon form so I brought you here, this way I didn't have to deal with the doctor's questions. Don't worry about the holy water, I simple mix of demon's blood and nightshade removed it from your system."

"Thank you." Zack winced as she applied a bandage to his shoulder. "But how did you know what to do?"

"Because, Zack, Ethel was right, I'm a true Wiccan. One of only two dozen in this world. We are blessed with the sight, we can see the way all things are connected. This sight is a gift we don't take lightly, we guard the balance of all things natural and supernatural. I apologize for keeping this from you, but I'm bound by certain rules. I cannot interfere until it's clear that the scales have tipped too far in one direction."

"Is that why you're helping me now?"

"Yes," she said, her voice somber. "The situation has escalated beyond my expectations, and I must do what I can to restore the balance."

-----

Deb paced anxiously in Zack's dorm room, worried about his sudden disappearance. When her phone buzzed with a text from Abby, she hesitated before reading it.

"Meet me at St. Jerome's Parish if you want to learn the truth," the message read. Unable to resist her curiosity, Deb decided to take action and find out for herself what was really going on.

Upon arriving at the church, Abby led her to an underground facility hidden beneath its halls. "Are you ready to see the truth, to really know what is happening in the world around you?" Abby asked, in a tone that seemed urgent and serious.

Deb couldn't read what it could be, but she was tired of feeling left in the dark and maybe she would finally be on the inside of this secret that seemed to have consumed the quiet campus. "I'm ready," she confirmed.

Abby pushed a large steel door aside and there, Deb's heart pounded in her chest as she was confronted with the shocking sight of Ethel. Her eyes glowing green, her clawed fingers extended, her thin body now laced with thick muscles. She was bound with metal chains and hanging from the ceiling, in a room seemingly designed for this. Deb couldn't move, she couldn't breathe, all she could think was this can't be real.

"Behold the true face of your enemy, demons are real," Abby whispered, her hazel eyes glinting with a dark intensity. Deb stared at Ethel, unable to tear her gaze away from the horrifying sight before her. The world she knew was unraveling before her very eyes, and there was no turning back now.