Chapter L: Offense
Liz and Wyn endure another long day of lessons at school. The hours drag on, filled with lectures and note-taking. By break time, they finally get a chance to relax, munching on their snacks at their usual spot.
"I had another dream about Bennett last night," Liz says, her voice hushed yet urgent.
Wyn looks at her with curiosity. "What happened this time?"
Liz sighs and recounts everything—Bennett's words about what it truly means to be an altar server or a member of the church. She emphasizes his belief that serving is about love and dedication, not status or public display.
Wyn nods in agreement. "He's right. A lot of altar servers just abuse their roles. Some don't even take it seriously."
As they continue their conversation, Brother Padilla walks past them and stops. "Could you two help tidy up the chapel for a bit?" he asks kindly.
Liz and Wyn exchange glances before nodding. "Of course, Brother," Liz replies.
They make their way to the chapel, rolling up their sleeves as they prepare to clean. As Liz dusts the altar, she becomes curious about hidden things that might be lurking around.
"You really think you'll find something here?" Wyn scoffs. "This chapel is new. There's no way anything's hidden in it."
But Liz doesn't give up. As she wipes the tabernacle, something catches her eye inside the arch chamber at the foot of St. Michael the Archangel. A glint of silver.
"Wyn, look at this!" she exclaims, pulling out a small silver key.
Wyn's eyes widen as she examines it. "That looks exactly like the keyhole on the barred stairway to the old chapel."
Excitement buzzes between them. They quickly finish tidying up and head toward the old chapel, gripping the key tightly. But as they approach, the bell chimes once again.
They pause, glancing at each other. "Wait... what time is it?" Wyn asks, pulling out her phone.
Liz checks as well. "It's 9:50? But that doesn't make sense... Why did the bell ring now?"
A cold shiver runs down Liz's spine. Unbeknownst to them, a dark figure lurks near the bell, concealed in the shadows. It grins eerily, watching their every move.
At dismissal, Liz and Wyn waste no time and head straight to the locked stairway leading to the old chapel. The air is thick with anticipation as Liz pulls the silver key from her pocket. She takes a deep breath, inserting it into the lock with slightly trembling hands. Wyn watches, her fingers curled into tight fists as Liz turns the key. A soft click echoes through the empty hallway, and the lock gives way.
Liz and Wyn exchange glances, their eyes alight with excitement. Slowly, Liz pushes the iron-bar gate open, its rusty hinges groaning in protest. A musty scent wafts from the stairwell, as if the past itself is trapped within its depths, waiting to be uncovered.
However, before they can take a single step forward, a stern voice cuts through the air.
"What do you think you're doing?"
They both freeze. A janitor, an older man with graying hair and a sharp gaze, steps out from the shadows. His mop rests against his shoulder as he eyes them suspiciously.
Liz quickly shoves the key back into her pocket, clearing her throat. "Uh, we just wanted to take a look—"
"This place is off-limits," the janitor says firmly, crossing his arms. "If you don't want trouble, I suggest you leave now."
Wyn tugs at Liz's sleeve, her voice barely a whisper. "Let's go."
Liz bites her lip, frustration bubbling up inside her, but she knows better than to argue. With reluctant steps, they retreat, the janitor watching them until they disappear down the hallway.
That night, Liz and Wyn connect via video chat, their expressions still clouded with disappointment.
"That was a bust," Wyn grumbles, folding her arms. "We were so close!"
Liz nods, deep in thought. "We need a new plan. We can't just barge in like that again."
Wyn sighs. "Maybe we should ask Adrian? He might have some ideas."
Liz shakes her head. "He's busy with college. We shouldn't drag him into this."
A moment of silence passes before Liz's eyes suddenly light up. "Wait, we don't need Adrian. We need Bro. Padilla."
Wyn blinks, then slowly nods as realization dawns. "That's... actually a great idea. He has access to the chapel, and he might not question us too much."
Without hesitation, Liz grabs her phone and types out a message to Bro. Padilla: Brother, Wyn and I were wondering if we could check out the old chapel. We've been curious about it for a while.
She hits send, feeling a flicker of hope.
However, unbeknownst to them, at the other end of the conversation, a shadowy figure watches the screen of Bro. Padilla's phone. A twisted smile curls across their lips as they swipe over the message and delete it. A second later, the notification vanishes, as if it never existed.
Back in her room, Liz waits, her fingers drumming against her desk. She glances at her phone, refreshing the chat repeatedly. "Weird... He hasn't responded."
A moment later, her brows furrow in confusion. "What the—"
"What?" Wyn asks, leaning closer to the screen.
"The message... It's gone. Deleted."
Wyn's breath hitches. "You mean he deleted it?"
Liz swallows hard. "I don't know. Maybe? But why would he?"
A heavy silence settles between them. Wyn hugs her knees to her chest. "Liz... what if someone else deleted it? What if we're being followed? By someone... or something?"
Liz straightens her posture, taking a deep breath. "It doesn't matter. God is greater than whatever is trying to mess with us. But if it wasn't Bro. Padilla, and it wasn't God... that means it's something else."
Something evil.
They try calling Bro. Padilla, but he doesn't answer. The unanswered calls only deepen their unease.
That night, Liz drifts into sleep, only to find herself once again in the eerie, familiar confines of Bennett's room. The dim lighting casts long shadows across the antique furniture. Everything feels so real, so tangible, as if she's truly there.
On the wooden desk, a note catches her eye. She picks it up and reads: I'll be in the next dream. I'm just talking to Adrian, Liz. Turn on the monitor, I have something to show you.
Her fingers hover over the old computer's power button. With a hesitant breath, she presses it, and the screen flickers to life. Instead of code or cryptic symbols, a cartoon plays—a Bible episode about Jesus casting out demons.
Liz watches, absorbing every detail. She studies Jesus' unwavering faith, His commanding presence, and His absolute authority over evil spirits. The message is clear.
Have faith. Stand firm.
As the episode ends, a sense of determination fills her. She doesn't need to be afraid. Whatever force is trying to stop them, it cannot win.
Morning comes, and Liz rushes to school, eager to tell Wyn about her dream. They meet at their usual spot, and just as Liz is about to speak, Bro. Padilla walks past them.
Wyn nudges Liz. "Now's our chance."
They both hurry toward him. "Brother!" Liz calls out, catching his attention.
Bro. Padilla stops, turning toward them with a kind smile. "Yes? What is it?"
Liz hesitates for only a second before blurting out, "Did you see our message? The one about going to the old chapel?"
A flicker of confusion crosses his face. "Message? I haven't received anything from you two."
Liz and Wyn exchange nervous glances. The message truly was erased before he ever saw it.
Swallowing down her nerves, Liz presses on. "Brother, would it be okay if we visited the old chapel?"
Bro. Padilla studies them for a moment before nodding. "If you really want to see it, I can give you the extra key. But be careful."
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a key, placing it into Liz's outstretched hand. "This will open the gate. Follow the guidelines I'll give you, and don't stay too long. Understood?"
Liz and Wyn nod eagerly, their hearts racing.
As Bro. Padilla walks away, Liz tightens her grip on the key. This time, no one is stopping them.
At least, not yet.