The world had turned white.
Mrs. Hodgins froze, her eyes narrowing as she felt it—the threads of her contract with Egry weakening, unraveling like frayed rope.
She clenched her fists, fury twisting her face. Mira was bound in roots that mirrored Egry's own, but they were dying, their glow fading to ash.
Mrs. Hodgins snarled, forcing the roots to tighten. The grip strengthened, crushing Mira's chest. Her breathing stopped. Bones cracked under the pressure, and blood streamed from her eyes. The sight was devastating, a cruel spectacle of power.
Meanwhile, Lily emerged from the trance, her body trembling. Confusion clouded her mind. Who was that girl? Why did everything turn white?
Then—
A voice.
"Hi."
She spun around. No one was there. Pain shot through her head as the voice continued, calm yet piercing.
"I am now in your contract. What can I do now?"
The forest fell silent.
"Contract? What the heck is that?" Lily muttered. "Who are you? And when did I sign a contract? I don't even have a pen!"
The voice chuckled softly. "I am an egregore. A spirit born of collective thought and sorrow. You touched me in the Trance, and now we are bound. Through me, you can use your powers."
Lily's eyes widened. Her breath caught.
Powers?
Her cry of sorrow had been heard. Finally, she could save Brittany.
Inside the mansion, Mrs. Hodgins hurled Mira aside like a broken doll. She descended into the pit, her steps echoing against the stone.
But Egry was gone.
The chamber was empty, shadows curling in silence.
Mrs. Hodgins smirked. "Running won't save you."
Then—
A sudden force.
Egry appeared from behind, her body trembling but her eyes blazing. She shoved Mrs. Hodgins to the ground, roots bursting from the walls in defiance.
The pit shook. The air cracked with power.
To be continued…