The blaring of music and shouted conversations mingled filled Zack's ears as he navigated the crowded dance floor. The Night School was bustling, there was a line out the door. At the bar, Paulina poured twelve shots with mechanical precision while Zack restocked the glasses, his mind elsewhere.

"Zack, Eath to Zack! I need another bottle of vodka up here," Paulina instructed as she flashed a smile that said 'is something wrong?'

"Right, sorry, I was just a little distracted," Zack replied, sliding the bottle down the polished bar with practiced ease.

Their would-be conversation was interrupted by the approach of Lori, her cheeks flushed as she wobbled up. Her laughter bubbled over as she leaned against the bar and waved back to her group of friends, a diamond engagement ring sparkling under the flashing lights.

"Hey there, I need another round of shots for my table!" she slurred, turning her attention back to the bar.

Paulina looked Lori over before speaking. "I'm afraid I am going to have to cut you off, you can stay and dance but I can't serve you more."

Lori rolled her eyes before turning to Zack, batting her eyelashes at him as she spoke. "C'mon, just one more round? I'm getting married,"

Zack shook his head, his expression unmoved. "Sorry, she's the boss. But I can call you a cab if you'd like."

With a pout that would have been comical under different circumstances, Lori stumbled away from the bar, her huff audible above the noise.

Lori pushed her way outside and started to fumble with her phone, attempting to find a ride share for her and her friends. A sleek car pulled up, its windows tinted, the look matched the car Lori had ordered. The door opened, revealing a man who looked almost identical to her fiance.

"Lori? I'm here to give you a lift," he gestured to the back seat, his voice smooth like velvet.

"Thanks! Just gotta grab my friends," Lori said, swaying slightly as she spoke.

"For sure, why don't you just text them from my car? I hate to see such a beautiful woman standing in the cold," the man got out of the car and came around to her side, he opened the door for her.

"It is cold out here," Lori reasoned, "I guess warming up while they gather their thing wouldn't be a bad idea."

"I think that is a brilliant idea." The man helped her into the back seat, he gently closed the door behind her. Lori got comfortable before reaching for her phone, but something caught her eye on the seat beside her. I small baggy left by the last passenger, or at least that is what she thought.

Back at the club, amid the thrusting bodies and the low hum of conversation, Zack scrubbed at a stubborn spot on a glass. One of Lori’s friends approached, her eyes darting around in search of something.

"Have you seen Lori?" She flashed him a picture on her phone, "She hasn't come back."

Paulina glanced towards the door, her lips pressed into a thin line. "I believe your friend went out to get some air. I saw her leave a few minutes ago."

Zack set the glass down and followed Paulina's gaze. When his eyes reached the doors, something felt off. It was like they were distorted in some way, he couldn't stop himself from moving toward it, drawn by the strange energy he had never felt before.

Outside, people chatted in line and traffic raced by. No sign of Lori, no idling car. What caught Zack's attention, however, was the solitary cell phone abandoned by the roadside, its background lit up with a photo of Lori and her fiance.

"Where are you?" Zack muttered, his heart sinking. He crouched to pick up the phone and immediately froze when his fingers made contact with it. It was the strongest aura of pain and fear that he had ever felt.

---

The lights flickered to life and the projector started booting up as Jake Rivers entered the lecture hall. His eyes wandered the empty rows of seats until they landed on Ethel, sitting near the front of the room. He froze in place, unsure where to run.

"Please," he said, voice quivering. "I swear I won't tell anyone about what happened that night, please don't kill me."

"Relax," She pushed herself up and made her way over to him. "I've been following you all week, I know you won't tell anyone."

"Then why are you here, you know your secret is safe..." He trailed off as Ethel came to a stop right in front of him.

"Because I don't know why," she said, eyeing up the young professor. "Most people would spill their guts to a police officer or their therapist or someone after they saw what you saw, so why didn't you?"

"You saved my life," Jake offered a small smile, his eyes finally meeting hers. "I'm a history professor, I know what happens to people that others fear."

"So you're keeping quiet to protect us." Ethel narrowed her eyes, as she took a step even closer, so close their noses almost touched. "People have claimed to be on our side before. It's never ended well for anyone."

"Look you saved my life and I just want to return the favour. I have so many questions about you," Jake admitted, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

"I'm not going to answer any of your questions." She stepped back and turned toward the exit. "Just pretend like last week never happened and you will be fine, got that?"

"Yes... I got that," he breathed out. "Your secret's safe with me."

"Good. Because next time, you may not be so lucky."

***

"Rob, do you think Lori might fit with the other serial killer victims?" Zack asked sitting up on the bench, the weights still in his hands.

"You did say she was plastered but her friends were there with her right?" Rob frowned, as he set his own weights down. "Doesn't sound like someone who was trying to recover like the others,"

"Right, they would be pretty shitty friends if she was," Zack huffed, starting another set. "But the police have looked everywhere for her. She just disappeared like the other three."

"True, maybe the whole recovering alcoholic thing was just a coincidence," Rob looked up at the gym ceiling, trying to piece this all together. "There is something we are missing here. Until we figure it out more people are going to get hurt,"

"And here I thought we would get a break from killers for a while," Zack finished his set, dropping the weights at his side.

"Are you guys talking about the freak that mummifies people?" Chris interjected, coming to a standstill in front of their benches. "Read about the killer in the paper. Dad says the RCMP's getting involved on this one."

Zack and Rob exchanged a glance, the weight of their silent communication palpable.

"Great," Rob muttered. "Hopefully they catch this guy fast." he flashed Chris his best fake smile.

"Thank you for the info Chris," Zack murmured before faking the need to check the time. "I wish we could talk more about it but we are late for practice," Zack started gathering his things while Rob gave him a weird look.

"We don't have..." Rob caught on to what Zack doing, "Time to wait around. Let's go." He shot up and followed Zack out.

---

"Welcome back," Coach Reynolds clasped John on the shoulder with a firm grip that belied his age. "You know the drill—as assistant coach you will be leading the run today. Make them sweat."

"Of course," John replied, bending to tie his running shoes.

"Oh and before you take off, we have two new members joining us." Coach Reynolds motioned to the bench and John's jaw dropped. "This is Brian and Kenneth,"

The young Chinese man extended his hand, "I'm Brian," John didn't even attempt to shake it.

Coach watched the awkward interaction of a moment, "Well ok then, why don't we just get to running then?

No sooner had the coach's footsteps faded than John felt the prickle of eyes on him. He looked up to find Kenneth and Brian watching his every move, a terrifying gleam in their eyes.

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

"Is it normal for the assistant coach to not welcome new members of the team?" Brian asked loud enough for the rest of the team to hear, in a hurt tone, but his eyes never left John.

"Less talking more running," John answered, leading the group to the trails. He wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of a confrontation, he knew who they were, and what they wanted.

Zack, jogged near the back of the group as they got going, still trying to work out their serial killer problem, until he sensed something. A new powerful aura was somewhere nearby. Picking up his pace, realizing John had raced so far ahead of the group that no one could see him. He wondered if John could feel it too.

Farther ahead John was dealing with his own problems. "Come on, John-boy, can't you go any faster?" Kenneth taunted, moments before Brian's shove sent John tumbling down an embankment, leaves and dirt kicking up around him.

The pair descended upon him, eyes glowing—but they hadn't counted on Zack. Kenneth froze in place, before being lifted from the ground, and tossed into an old oak tree.

"Zack!" John scrambled to his feet as his eyes shifted to a silver colour, he transformed into his demon form.

"Who are you?" Zack growled as he stared down Brian. John and Zack began circling the man, who for the first time looked nervous.

But a scream pierced the woods causing them all to freeze. When Zack looked back Kenneth and Brian were gone. Zack made his way over to John, "You ok?"

"I'm fine, but Zack those two were the ones that held me hostage over the summer," John stumbled over to him. "They are a part of Greed's covenant,"

Zack shivered at the thought that Greed now had eyes on them on campus. "At least we know they're here now, let's find the rest of the team, they will be less likely to attack us in a group," The pair turned and headed in the direction of the scream.

Farther down the trail officers had started to gather. "Over there!" Lindsey's voice cut through the chaos as she led a group of officers behind the caution tape.

"Stay back," she ordered, the growing crowd. Zack and John joined the crowd, they could make out the body lying under one of the trees, Zack felt his gut tie itself into a tight knot. The body was mummified like the others and he recognized the clothes immediately

"Lori," he murmured, cursing himself for not doing more to find her that night.

Keith, her fiance, stumbled onto the scene, grief overtaking him as he collapsed next to yellow tape, sobs wracking his body.

Rob approached him, trying to seem as caring as possible. "I am so sorry for your loss, do you know if Lori was struggling with addiction?"

"Get away from me," Keith spat out between tears, pushing Rob away. "Are you trying to accuse her of something? She was perfect,"

"Oh no... I was..." Rob sputtered, taking a step back

"What are you doing!" Lindsey snapped, pulling Rob back. "Don't harass him, you're not a detective Rob. The RCMP is here; we're dealing with a serial killer and I can't be wasting time babysitting you."

"I'm sorry, I was just trying to help," Rob muttered under his breath.

"You can help by staying away from all of this," Lindsey instructed before guiding Keith away from the scene.

"This was Brian and Kenneth wasn't it?" John accused, as the Supremes rejoined the group, exchanging guarded looks. Rob joined him and Zack as they watched the scene.

"I mean it could be one of their abilities, but their focus is on Ethel," Rob pointed out, trying to keep his voice steady. "Why kill four random people."

"Because they are monsters, they are the reason Olivia is dead," John seethed.

"I know but we can't jump to conclusions, there is no evidence Greed or his covenant have anything to do with this," Zack interjected, as the officers zipped up the body bag.

"Maybe," John conceded, but his eyes were dark as he stared dead ahead. "But look at them, they know something."

They looked over to see Brian and Kenneth, the pair seemed worried as they watched the officers work. John watched them with rage in his eyes, his foot tapping uncontrollably.

"John, don't do anything stupid. Think this through," Zack whispered, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Can't." John pushed his hand aside, storming off.

"Great," Zack sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Just what we need another fight."

"Good luck to him," Rob said, watching him disappear. "He's going to need it."

---

Ashley's muscles flexed rhythmically as she hauled herself up for another pull-up, her grip slipping ever so slightly. Dropping to the floor, she transitioned into push-ups without missing a beat.

"Stop," Ethel commanded from the corner of the cramped apartment. Her long dark hair was pulled back, and she seemed almost annoyed by Ashley.

Ashley pushed harder, her voice resolute. "I have to be stronger—I have to be able to defend myself."

Ethel strode forward, her eyes flashing with concern. With a swift motion, she kicked Ashley's supporting hand. The younger girl tumbled to the ground with a grunt of surprise and frustration.

"Control before strength," Ethel reprimanded. "You should have been able to sense that coming."

"I'm tired of your rules," Ashley shot back, picking herself up. "I want to be able to fight now."

"You are too eager to fight, you shouldn't be," Ethel replied, meeting Ashley's gaze evenly.

An alarm pierced the air, drawing their attention. As if summoned by the sound, the nurse and orderly from the hospital burst through the door. Tearing it from its hinges.

Ethel moved quickly, placing herself between them and Ashley. the orderly, moved with unexpected grace, avoiding Ethel and pinning Ashley beneath him. The nurse, with her striking blonde hair, turned her attention to Ethel, breathing a ring of fire around her.

Amidst the ambush, a new darkness enveloped the room. Danny stepped into the room, his aura suffocating the space around him.

"I already told you I don't want to join you," Ethel glared between the flames.

"Please," Danny scoffed, almost looking insulted. "You think too small, Ethel. I'm offering you more than a place in my covenant, your time abilities are very rare."

"So this is just about my powers" Ethel spat.

"Imagine how being a part of my covenant would amplify them," Danny countered smoothly. "I know as a Supreme, your instinct is to build your own covenant."

"I have my own covenant" Ethel rolled her eyes at the man.

"You call this a covenant," Danny said, motioning to Ashley. "What you have here is a halfway house at best. If I were you I would cut my losses."

"You want to kill my vessels?" Ethel asked, the realization struck her hard.

"Close, I want you to do it," Danny corrected, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "Amanda, Duncan—they've become stronger after doing it. As their Supreme, you can absorb their energy when you do it, increase your own power."

"You're sick," Ethel sneered. "I would never kill an innocent person."

"Oh come now," Duncan shot back, "we both know that isn't true,"

"Why don't I give a couple of weeks to think it over," Danny declared, holding his hand up to silence Duncan. "I sincerely hope you change your mind before my next visit."

As Danny and his entourage retreated from the loft, Ethel and Ashley recovered from the attack. They exchanged looks, both wondering how they could be ready for Danny and his covenant next time.

---

Deb's fingers drummed a staccato rhythm on the wooden armrest of the chair in the guidance office, her mind racing with memories of Father Bill. He would have still been with her if he hadn't let his hate win out. Her chain of thought broke as the receptionist’s voice sliced through the silence.

"Ms. McLeod will see you now."

Standing, Deb took a breath and entered the office, eyes locking with the guidance counsellors. With every step closer to Ms. McLeod’s desk, the air seemed to thicken, as she took in the unassuming woman.

"Sit down, Deb," Ms. McLeod said calmly, motioning to the chair across from her desk. "Let's cut to the chase, shall we?"

"Sure, let's," Deb shot back, all business. "At the mill. You were with Greed—"

"You know I don't have a side in this," Ms. McLeod interrupted smoothly. "I am a true Wiccan, my only goal is balance."

"How does helping Greed create balance?" Deb leaned forward. "He would have killed Kristian too if we hadn't found him,"

"You can't see what I see, you don't get the big picture," Ms. McLeod sat back at her desk, looking out the large window over campus.

"Then enlighten me," Deb retorted.

"I'm afraid I can't do that," Ms. McLeod pushed a pamphlet across the desk. "You know, I've heard you suffered a loss last school year, perhaps group therapy will help you process it."

"Don't change the subject," Deb muttered, snatching the pamphlet. "You are helping the enemy. People got hurt because of you,"

"People were always going to get hurt, Deb," Ms. McLeod concluded, signalling the meeting's end. "Can you handle that?"

Deb couldn't find a response to that, she shot out of her chair and out of the room. The hallway outside the guidance office was filled with students watching the scene unfold, John's confrontation with Brian and Kenneth. As Deb made her way toward the commotion, she caught the tail end of the altercation—Brian delivering a brutal blow to Kenneth, who crumpled against the wall.

John watched in confusion, not noticing the crowd parted like the Red Sea, and Professor Bobby emerged, his face red with anger. "What the hell is going on here?"

"He attacked us," Brian accused, propping up Kenneth. He pointed a shaky hand at John.

"You," Bobby grabbed John's shoulder in an iron grip, "My office, now!"

"Wait, it wasn't—" John protested, but Bobby wasn't having any of it.

Brain and Kenneth watched John getting led away with smiles on their faces. The crowd had already vanished the moment a professor had shown up. Ahmed emerged from the stairwell to meet up with Deb.

"What happened here," Ahmed asked noticing Kenneth's black eye. Kenneth didn't say anything but Brian slid next to Ahmed.

"Baseball injury, he'll be fine," Brian explained, eager to not look bad in front of Ahmed.

"Looks bad, he should be Icing it," Ahmed inspected the bruise.

"That's what I told him but he never listens to me," Brain said leaning into Ahmed's view. "I was actually looking for you, I've seen you around campus and was wondering if you wanted to get dinner?"

"Oh, I mean... I kind of already have plans," Ahmed declined politely, smiling over to Deb.

"Oh, no problem," Brian half smiled, "Maybe some other time?"

"I'll think about it," Ahmed agreed, giving a polite nod before making his way over to Deb.

---

The small conference room had three other students in it when Deb arrived. Her eyes caught John's and he looked away quickly, Deb made her way over to him and sat down next to him. "hey, mind if I sit here?"

"Whatever," John grumbled, still nursing a grudge. "Just don't talk to me."

"I'm sorry," she whispered shooting him a look. "Are you mad at me for something?"

"You really don't remember do you," John sighed, looking up at her. "the last time I saw you, you stabbed me,"

Deb spent the rest of the session silent as she remembered how she had tried to kill Ethel and her covenant. She could feel her guilt building and she decided to hang back when the session ended.

"Hey can we talk," Deb asked John as the room emptied. John rolled his eyes but did stay back with her.

The door slammed shut, and the sound of a filing cabinet scraping echoed from outside. The pair shared a look before racing to the door. Bioth trying to free themselves from the small room.

"Hey! Let us out!" Deb pounded on the door, her frustration mounting.

"Damn it, not again," John muttered, his breaths turning ragged as memories of his time locked in the basement flooded his mind.

"John, stay with me," Deb urged, but it was too late. His eyes flicker between human and demon, his claws extended, and his fear began to take over.

"John, it is ok. We are going to be ok," she cried, trying to bring him back, but he pushed her away, his claws digging into her arms as he did.

There was another scraping, the door burst open, and Zack stood there, taking in the scene.

"Enough, John," Zack commanded, extending a calming aura that surrounded John like a cocoon.

"Zack... I..." John stumbled over his words, as he became human again.

"Save it," Zack replied, helping John to his feet. "Just get out of here." John gave Zack a hurt look before leaving the room.

Deb clutched her bleeding arm. "Zack he didn't mean it." She explained reaching for him. "He couldn't control it," Zack didn't respond, he took her hand and together they made their way to the university clinic.