Are you ok?

I arrived at the college earlier than usual today, telling Dad I had an extra class. It wasn't entirely a lie, but my real reason for being here early was different.

When I reached the library, Milli was already there, waiting for me. She greeted me with a mix of impatience and concern. "Hey, you're late again. I told you to come fast."

"I'm sorry, Milli," I replied, feeling a bit guilty. "You know my situation, and Dad asked so many questions this morning."

Milli was more than just a classmate; she was a friend who knew the truth about me. She had seen me using my powers once, and after that, I had to explain everything to her. Thankfully, she promised to keep my secret, and she had been a trustworthy ally ever since. Milli also worked part-time at the library, which gave her access to areas most students never saw.

"Okay, let's focus. I think I found the chamber. I asked a few of the older employees, and finally, one of them remembered that the book is here," Milli said, leading the way.

We walked through the vast library until we reached the far end, where the shelves grew older and dustier. The chamber Milli mentioned was tucked away in a dark corner, a place so neglected it seemed like no one had visited it in years. The air was thick with dust, and the shadows felt heavier, almost oppressive.

I took a deep breath, determined not to let fear or anxiety get the better of me. Missing too many classes was becoming a problem, and I couldn't afford to raise any more suspicions, especially from Dad. "Milli, start looking around here. I'm going to check inside the chamber," I said.

"You're going inside?" Milli's eyes widened with fear, and it was clear she was worried. The chamber had an eerie vibe, one that would make anyone hesitant.

I gave her a reassuring smile. "It's okay, Milli. I can handle it."

With that, I stepped inside the chamber.

The dim light from the single window wasn't enough, so I turned on my flashlight, the beam slicing through the darkness. The chamber felt suffocating, the air heavy and stale, like it had been trapped here for centuries. I glanced back, reassured by the isolation but also unnerved by the lack of light. This place was forgotten, hidden away from curious eyes, and for good reason.

I began my search among the old, decaying cupboards. Most were in terrible condition, their contents ruined by time and neglect. Books crumbled at the slightest touch, their pages lost to history. Frustration gnawed at me as I rifled through the remnants, searching for anything that could shed light on the dark power that had touched my life.

I had scoured countless books about devils, witches, and rituals, but none had provided the answers I needed. The one thing I couldn't find was information about the sacrifices—the deals made with the darkness, like the one my mother had struck. I'd heard the stories, how she'd made a pact with a demon and received special powers in return. But what was the price? What had she done to me in the process?

I threw a book across the floor, my frustration boiling over. I sat down heavily, running my hands through my hair. "I have to find it," I whispered to myself. "If I don't, it might be too late for me or for Dad."

I picked up my phone again, shining the light around the room. That's when I noticed it—a cupboard tucked away in the corner, different from the rest. Unlike the others, this one was in remarkably good condition, as if it had been preserved intentionally.

Curious, I walked over and examined it. There was no dust on the glass, not a speck. It looked as though someone had just cleaned it, maybe moments before I arrived.

The almirah was strikingly different from the others. Its craftsmanship was intricate, unlike anything else in the room, and it gleamed as if it had just been polished. The brand-new appearance stood out amidst the decaying remnants surrounding it. As I scanned it from top to bottom, my eyes caught something engraved at the very top—a verse in Hebrew.

Curiosity piqued, I snapped a picture and started deciphering the writing. It turned out to be a holy verse, something meant to protect or conceal. My suspicion was confirmed; this cupboard was no ordinary piece of furniture. Smiling to myself, I grabbed a ladder to get a closer look.

Climbing up, I noticed the cupboard was densely packed, with Hebrew verses carved throughout the interior. The meticulous engraving was everywhere, as if someone had painstakingly ensured every inch was sanctified. As I carefully began to remove the books, I noticed they covered a range of subjects—witchcraft, Nephilim, the Watchers, and various historical accounts. But nothing that seemed directly related to what I was seeking.

I sighed in frustration, considering whether I should call Milli for help. But something told me she wouldn't be able to assist with what I was about to do. I checked my watch; I still had an hour left. There was only one option left to me.

I took a deep breath, closing my eyes and focusing my energy. Slowly, I extended my hands, feeling the familiar surge of power coursing through me. In an instant, all the books in the cupboard began to float, suspended in the air, spinning in a slow, controlled orbit above my head.

Meanwhile, in another part of the library, Milli was adjusting some shelves when she suddenly felt the ground tremble beneath her feet. Her eyes widened in shock as she noticed the glass panes vibrating, and the cupboards around her shaking as if they were caught in a minor earthquake.

"What on earth...?" Milli whispered, glancing around in confusion.

After what felt like an eternity, I opened my eyes. Amidst the scattered books, one caught my attention—it was lodged in the corner of the cupboard, completely still, as if immune to my powers. Narrowing my eyes, I extended my hand to touch it.

The book was thin, but as soon as I picked it up, it felt unnaturally heavy, as if it were made of something far denser than paper. I had to use both hands to hold it steady.

"Damn," I muttered under my breath. The unexpected weight threw me off balance, causing me to stumble and hit the cupboard behind me. As I lost my concentration, all the books I had suspended in the air came crashing down, burying me beneath a pile of ancient texts.

"Ah…" I groaned, covering my head with my hands to shield myself from the falling books. "Damn this book and all demons," I cursed, frustration boiling over.

Suddenly, a voice cut through the air, startling me. "Don't curse them loudly, little girl."

My heart skipped a beat as I looked up and saw a pair of legs standing in front of me. Who is he? My mind raced. I hadn't sensed anyone else here, and as far as I knew, no one ever ventured into this part of the library. Panic surged through me as I wondered if he had seen me use my powers.

The voice spoke again, this time with a tone that was both unsettling and oddly captivating. "Girl, I'm talking to you. Are you okay?"

I hesitated, my mind scrambling for a response.