My new minion God . . .      

With each passing moment, the pentagram's grip weakened further until, finally, it shattered with a resounding explosion of energy. A wave of force rippled outward, dispersing the remnants of the pentagram and freeing the chamber from its malevolent presence.

Faz stood at the epicenter, her eyes wide, but her face remained emotionless. The chains that once bound her fell to the ground, clattering in a cascade of liberated metal.

She looked at me, a mixture of disbelief and amazement.

". . . It worked," I breathed, a surge of elation coursing through me. Dementia's words had held true, and our gamble had paid off.