Answers?

I know better than to run as these people lead me to another room. To my relief, it's not another dungeon, but a mundane office. It's fitted with bookshelves full to the brim with papers and outdated office equipment. So outdated, that instead of a computer I see a fax machine. There's a window through which I see a glimpse of the setting sun. I've been underground the entire day.

Hank sits at the desk and motions me to the chair for visitors. The other two men have stayed outside of the room, but being one on one with Hank only makes me feel less safe.

Hank smiles at me, as warmly as before, and I shudder. But I force myself to sit down.

"Who are you? Who are you, really?" I ask, digging my fingers into my jeans. It takes everything to speak without descending into scared sobs. "What are you going to do with me?"

"Don't worry. I'm sorry that I had to be so rude to you, but I was afraid you would do something... reckless and end up in trouble. Especially because of *its* influence. But it's not in our intentions to harm you," Hank's voice is soft and calming, but I don't let it lull me into a false sense of security.

I feel extremely insecure right now.

"Yeah, I don't think there's an etiquette book that approves kidnapping." I narrow my eyes. Snark helps to push fear away, too, even if angering my kidnappers is not a good idea. "But what's going on?"

Hank sighs. "This is a long and unbelievable story, but it should start with the fact that the thing you call 'magic' actually exists... As do monsters. And I'm afraid that Rose Davis was killed by the one that inhabits Willow Creek."

I take in a deep breath. To hear him say the words... I can't believe them, but I can't show it. "Alright. Say, I believe you are not mad. What monster are you talking about? And who the hell are you, after all, Hank?!"

"Calm down, please. Have some water." Hank fills a cup from a water cooler. "Should I get you coffee, Maya?"

"No, thanks," I pinch my lips together. "I want my things back."

"Sorry, but they were taken away for your own safety. Well, and for ours too, a little," Hank chuckles. "You are a more dangerous woman than you look like."

I shift in my seat, feeling the switchblade pressing on my chest from where it hides in my bra. "This I am." I reluctantly accept the cup and decide that there's no point in adding poison to drinks that people will be suspicious about in the first place. "So?"

"We call this monster Noctis, although it's not its actual name. It's been imprisoned in Willow Creek for more than a century by our... society. Our duty is to keep it from unleashing its powers and anger on the world. But even chained as it is, Noctis can send nightmares to the people of the city. And sometimes... Sometimes its chains weaken. Sometimes, it gets to turn a nightmare into reality."

I remember my nightmare and make a big sip of water. It helps to busy my hands.

"So what, are you a local branch of Men in Black?"

Hank chuckles. "No, we are more of a vigilante kind. You can consider us a religious order, I suppose."

"Secret religious order... This sounds terribly like a cult."

"Well, yes, if you put it that way, I suppose... But it's nothing as sinister, I swear, Maya."

I nod. Not that I believe the man.

"Alright, but why did you kidnap me? This *is* quite sinister, no matter how you look at it."

Hank's face darkens. "It's for your safety, as I had said. Noctis had already entered your dreams, bringing with him its corruption. It was obvious since morning. Here we could help you, make sure that your dreams do not become dangerous to you. But more than that... *We* need your help, Maya."

"Mine?" I am incredulous. "I'm just a random woman."

"No, Maya. You are the only one who can help us get rid of the Noctis once and for all... And take revenge on your friend. Tell me—have you seen anything strange and supernatural in your life before? You must have."

I shake my head, once again recalling my childhood encounter. "No. No-no-no."

"You did." Hank leans forward, his eyes bright with something that unsettles my stomach. "You could've dismissed it, forced it down, but you did. Maya, don't deny it. There's power inside of you, power that can be used for the good of everyone. For the good of Willow Creek."

I lean back into my seat. "Really? Am I the chosen one?"

"Not *the* chosen one... More like, *a* chosen one. A medium, a psychic. It doesn't matter how you call it. But with your help, our society could do a ritual that will destroy Noctis forever."

"Can't you just shoot it? That's what Americans are supposed to do with monsters."

"It's not as simple, I'm afraid. Monsters like it can't be defeated with mortal weapons. So, Maya, do you agree to help us?"

I bite on my lip. What would they do with me if I refuse? I doubt I will like the answer. These people are at best madmen, and at worst... At worst, my nightmare was less of an exaggeration than I'd like it to be.

"I will help you," I finally say, forcing my eyes to Hank's. "For Rose."

He smiles and stands up. "I knew you will do the right thing, Maya. Come. Rest tonight, as much as you can. Tomorrow, we will prepare you, and everything else, for the ritual."

Why does this sound like I'm going to be not a participant, but a sacrifice?