PART FIVE

"What is happening to him!" Evelyn looked at the bruising on Calero's throat. "I know he can be hardheaded and very annoying, but Alva Keel is the kindest man I know Father." She handed him a glass of water.

"It wasn't his fault Evelyn." Calero gently sat Evelyn next to him as he carefully sipped the cool liquid, grimacing slightly as it slid down his tortured throat. "She is controlling him."

"That's what Mattie said." Evelyn closed her eyes and sighed deeply. "But so fast? How?"

"Evelyn, listen to me." He sat the glass on the table next to him and took her hands in his kindly. "Right now, the why's and how's aren't important. It's happened. Keel is deeply under her control and will believe anything she says."

"I'm scared Father." Evelyn looked away from the priest. "I don't know if I'm strong enough."

"Evelyn," Father Calero tuned her face toward his own, "I believe you are. You have a mother's love and with that comes a strength that men can only dream of having."

"I don't feel very strong Father." She stood and crossed her arms. "I feel like..." she hesitated as she thought. "What if I can't do it?"

"Then she wins? The Darkness wins and will more than likely claim the souls of Alva Keel, your son and yourself." The words were like a blow to Evelyn. "I'm sorry to be so blunt my dear."

"No, it's alright Father. You're only saying what I already know." Evelyn took a deep breath and stared at the priest. "Father, I need some time alone now. You'll forgive me if I don't see you out, won't you?"

"Of course." Father Calero stood. "Evelyn, call me before you go back. I don't want you to be there alone. Understand?" Evelyn nodded as Calero donned his coat and left the apartment.

As the door closed softly, Evelyn sat on the sofa and looked around the room. Her mind began to race as she thought about Alva and the woman and about her son. For only a moment, she allowed fear to consume her, but only for a fleeting moment. Abruptly she stood and found composure, and peace. She noticed as she headed to her bedroom to change clothes, with that peace she began to feel strength begin to course through her being. She just hoped it would be enough.

For what seemed like hours, Alva continued to fluctuate between ranting about Father Calero then fawning over Magdalene. Finally, close to exhaustion, he allowed the woman to lead him up the stairs and into his bed where under the guise of seduction, she began again to feed off his life force, sending him into a deep and dreamless sleep.

Careful not to wake him, Magdalene stood up and began to search not only the bedroom but also Alva's entire living area. As she came across certain objects, she would frown and allow a growl to escape her lips. She allowed her imagination to show her what she would do with these hurtful things after she had finished with Alva. In her mind's eye, she saw the small flame start among the many files of paper only to grow, engulfing the entire building and Alva Keel.

"You're going to loose." The voice was back, disturbing her visions of fire and destruction.

"Why are you here again?" She began looking at the spines of the many books that lined one wall, absently brushing her fingers over them. "I'm not going to loose. How can I?"

"She will be back." The voice continued to echo in her mind. "She will destroy you."

"You don't know what you're talking about." Magdalene turned, hoping to get a glimpse of someone. "He doesn't trust her anymore."

"Trust has nothing to do with your failure." There was amusement in the voice. "Her only concern now is to take the man back, and protect her son."

"He's mine! I'll destroy her." Magdalene felt her head begin to buzz. "I won't let her have him."

"You may not have a choice."

"I'll kill her."

"There may be a way." The voice was quieter, more sinister.

"What do you mean? What way?" Magdalene suddenly stopped and paid close attention. "What do you mean?"

"There is a place, within this building where you might turn fate to your advantage." The voice paused. "Ask the man. He will take you there."

"Explain!"

"Explain what?" The weak voice startled her. Magdalene turned abruptly and saw Alva leaning against the doorframe, barely able to stand. "What do you want explained, and who were you talking too?"

"Alva, I thought you were sleeping?" She rushed to his side.

"I was, but I woke up and you were gone. I was concerned." As she wrapped her arm around his waist, he leaned into her. "Who were you talking to?"

"Myself." She walked him to the sofa, carefully helping him to sit. "I was talking to myself." She sat next to him, touching his face gently. "Are you feeling all right?"

"I'm fine, just tired." He pulled away from her slightly. "What did you want explained?"

"I..." Magdalene watched his eyes struggle to stay open. "Alva I'm afraid. What if he comes back, the Priest? Maybe we should leave."

"He won't come back here."

"But what if he does? Alva we won't be safe." She began to cry softly. "We can't protect ourselves here or in your apartment. There's nowhere in this building we can hide." She hoped her hint was enough. "We have to go somewhere safe."

"Safe." He laid his head back as he spoke weakly. "There may be a place."

"Where?" She urged him on. "Where Alva? Where can we go?"

"So tired." Alva whispered as his eyes began to close.

"Alva!" She shook him hard. "You have to concentrate. Where can we go?"

"The hidden chamber." His words were so slurred, Magdalene wasn't sure she heard him.

"Where? The hidden what?"

"The hidden chamber. I'm the only one that knows about it. We will be safe there."

"Where is it Alva? Take me to it." She urged him as she began to pull him to his feet. "Come on, we don't have much time."

As Evelyn drove back to the office, she began to feel panic rise. Once she got there she had no idea what she was going to do, how she was going to get past Alva and confront the woman. Parking carefully, she sat in the car, staring at the rain-splattered window in terror.

"What in the hell do I think I'm going to do?" She whispered in anguish. "What do I do?"

"You are not alone." A voice whispered inside her mind, causing her to jump and look around. "Be strong Evelyn Santos."

"Who's there!" She shouted. "Who are you!"

"You are strong Evelyn Santos." It was a soft male voice, slightly accented. As the words continued, Evelyn felt a sense of warm confidence begin to fill her. "You will not be alone."

"But..." She stammered as she felt warm tears form in her eyes. "I don't know what to do?"

"You will know when the time comes." As quickly as the voice started, she knew when it left.

"I hope so." She took a deep breath and rushed out of the car and into the building. "God help me."

Magdalene had been overjoyed when Alva led her to a doorway that was hidden near the back of the office. Pretending to struggle with his bulk, she helped the man up the two narrow flights of stairs. As they reached what had to be the floor over his personal apartment, they stopped.

"What now?" Magdalene looked around for a door or other entrance. "It's a dead end Alva? Where..." She stopped talking as the weary man made several motions with his hands and muttered something under his breath. To her delight, the wall began to shimmer and soon was replaced by a door. "How?"

"Protective charms." He grinned as he reached out and opened the door, practically falling into the room. "Can't be too careful in this city." Stumbling slightly, he turned and looked at her, still standing at the door. "What are you waiting for Magdalene?'

"You have to ask me in Alva. You have to invite me in." She started to reach through the door, but pulled her hand back quickly as though she had been burned. "You have to invite me in Alva."

"What?" He stared at her in confusion.

"Damn it Alva, invite me in! Now!" For a moment she thought he had discovered her true self but was relieved when he suddenly smiled lopsidedly. "Please Alva."

"Of course you are invited Magdalene. Please, come in. I want you to enter."

"Are you sure that no one else knows about this room?" She entered carefully, afraid of what this place was. "I mean if anyone..."

"No one knows Magdalene." He reached out for her and practically fell into her arms, walking with her to the center of the room. "This is my special place." He stumbled to a chair, rubbing his eyes carefully.

"That's good Alva." Magdalene sat on the floor next to him, laying her head in his lap, allowing him to stroke her hair absently. "That's good."

Evelyn moved through the office slowly and carefully. She could feel and smell the stench of darkness everywhere.

"I could use a bit of help here." She whispered as she walked through the piles of files and boxes that were stacked against the walls. "I know she's still here, but where?" She turned in place, trying to find any sign of where the woman and Alva had disappeared too. "Come on Evelyn, if you were a demon, where would you...." She shook her head and sighed deeply. "What am I thinking?" Realizing she was totally alone, Evelyn sat at her desk dejectedly and held her head in her hands. "What do I do?" She fought to keep tears from escaping from her eyes. "What am I supposed to do?"

"Evelyn." The voice from the car returned, echoing throughout the office.

"If you tell me I'm not alone again, I'll hunt you down and strangle..."

"Evelyn, look around. The answer is here."

"What answer?" She wanted to scream but struggled to stay in control.

"The means to defeat the evilness and free your friend." There was a pause as Evelyn turned her head, seeking the voice and the answer. "You must hurry Evelyn, time is short."

Evelyn stood and once again began to walk around the office, allowing her hand to brush over various objects and papers, hoping that somehow she would know when she had found whatever it was she needed.

Suddenly she found herself looking at the Alva's collection of swords hanging carefully on one wall. Alva was very meticulous as to how the weapons had been displayed and never let anyone touch them. She remembers how carefully he would hold them as he cleaned them, almost in an intimate manner.

Taking a deep breath, she began to gaze at each one. She couldn't remember ever seeing so much detail in each scabbard. Without thinking, she reached out and felt the cool metal under her fingertips.

"Wow." She whispered as she felt a slight tingling work its way up her arm. "Forgive me Alva." She carefully took one from the wall and stared at it. "God help me." She prayed quietly as she pulled away the covering to reveal a highly polished and extremely sharp blade. AS she stared at it, Evelyn began to feel empowered and filled with peace.

"Kneel Evelyn Santos." The voice returned, quietly yet commanding. She looked around and found herself surrounded by shrouded figures. For a moment she was frightened, but soon found herself, reverently kneeling in front of one of the beings. "You will not be alone Evelyn Santos. We will do what we can on the astral. You need only to concern yourself with the demon."

"I understand." Her words were a whisper as she suddenly felt a warm hand rest on the top of her head.

"May the strength you need envelope you. May the Light consume you and guide you." The voice was soft, lilting and filled with authority. "Go Warrior of Light and reclaim the one that has been deceived. Destroy the deceiver."

Abruptly she was once again alone. Standing she felt a renewed strength and conviction consume her being. Evelyn knew instinctively which way she needed to go in order to find Keel and the seductress.

"I'm coming for you!" Evelyn growled as she headed for the hidden doorway.

"Alva! Wake up Alva, someone's coming!" Magdalene shook the man hard, trying to wake him from his stupor. "Alva!"

"What?" He sleepily looked at the woman. "What are you talking about, I told you no one else knows about this room." He turned and curled again on the makeshift mat they were laying on. "We are safe Magdalene."

"I tell you, someone is coming Alva! We aren't safe!" She stood and glared at him in disgust. "What if its that Priest again! Alva! Wake up!" She pushed at his sleeping form with her foot. "Damnit!"

"You are doomed." The voice was back.

"Shut up!"

"You became lax and greedy."

"He said it was safe, no one knew about this place." She turned accusingly "You said it was safe. This room was you're idea!"

"But you had to feed again. You should have waited until the woman was defeated." The room filled with dark laughter. "You have doomed yourself."

"It's not over yet. I'll kill the woman." Magdalene began to pace, looking first at the door then at Alva's sleeping form. "I'll kill..." Her eyes widened with fear as the door unexpectedly flew open. "ALVA!"

"Wha..." Alva sat up at the sudden explosion of noise. "Evelyn what are you doing here? How did you find..."

"Stay out of this Alva!" Evelyn warned as she began to move toward the woman.

"Alva, she's going to hurt me!" Magdalene cried as she tried to make her way to the man, struggling to get up. "Alva, don't let..."

"Evelyn what are you doing? Get out of here now!" He struggled to stand.

"Alva, stay out of this." Evelyn warned as she held the sword before her with both hands. "This is between me and her."

"Alva, you promised no one would hurt me again!"

"Silence!" Evelyn shouted, her voice echoing from everywhere at once. "I command you to be silent."

"Evelyn, Evie..." Alva began soothingly, "Please, don't do anything you might regret in the future." He had finally managed to stand and was shakily trying to shield Magdalene with his body. "Please, put down the weapon. You don't want to hurt anyone." He spoke softy as he tried to reason with Evelyn. "You said yourself that she has been hurt, that ..."

"Alva, I'll go through you if I have too." Evelyn warned. "She has to die."

"What are you saying?" Alva looked at his friend in horror as he began to remember the nightmare. "Evelyn what are you going to do?"

"What I have to do to save my baby, and you."

"Wait!" Alva said quietly as he tried to step forward, his had outstretched. "Evelyn listen to me..." As he tried to put his weight on his right foot, he found himself falling, unable to hold himself up. "Don't do this Evelyn." He cried as he hit the floor hard. "Don't..."

"Magdalene!" Evelyn forced herself to ignore the pleas from Alva. "He won't help you."

"Bitch!" Magdalene began to back away from Evelyn and Alva. "Why did you have to interfere?" She looked for a way to escape. "You should have just taken your son and walked away."

"No, I would never abandon Alva." Evelyn found herself filling with strength. "Show yourself Magdalene! Show your true face!"

"Why? So you won't feel any guilt in killing me?" Suddenly Magdalene's full lips sneered horrifically. "I think I'll keep this form, that way you'll always wonder if you killed an innocent woman. Alva will never be able to trust you again."

"Innocent?" Evelyn glared at the woman. "You are no innocent and you are certainly not a woman."

"Evelyn, please..." Alva cried as he watched the two women begin to close the distance between them. "Don't..."

"Show him! It's over anyway; show him what you really are." With lighting speed, Evelyn struck out and cut Magdalene's cheek with the tip of the sword. "Drop the masquerade."

"NO!" Alva screamed as a small trickle of blood appeared on Magdalene's smooth skin. "Magdalene..." His words trailed off as slowly her image began to change. "What...Magdalene?"

"Whore! What have you done?" Magdalene felt the form she had been holding begin to melt away. "Who are you!"

"Look at her Alva!" Evelyn commanded as the smooth skin began to melt away from the woman, revealing puss filled sores and patches of scales. "Look at her!"

"What's happening?" Alva cried as the horror continued to appear before him. He felt bile rise in his throat as he remembered the intimacy he had shared with this now revolting creature. "My God Evelyn, what..." He fought to keep from gagging.

"You were deceived Alva." Evelyn felt sorrow as she watched Alva begin to shrink away from the monster that continued to manifest before them. "Open your eyes Alva."

"Evelyn..." Alva began to sob as he scrambled into a corner, staring in abject revulsion. "What have I done?" He watched as Evelyn again swung the sword hard at the creature, who moved quickly out of the way of the blade.

Evelyn turned and regained her footing, seeing that Magdalene was searching for a way out. Seeing the door still open, the demon began to move toward it, sensing freedom. Snarling, Evelyn placed herself between the monster and the opening, grinning as she saw the distorted face grimace in anger.

"Get out of my way Evelyn Santos!" Magdalene warned as she raised talons menacingly.

"You have no place to go." Evelyn was calm as she readied herself for the final blow. "You won't hurt Alva anymore, and you certainly will not lay a hand on my baby ever again."

"DAMN YOU SAN..." The screech was suddenly silence by the blade severing head from body as Evelyn swung the sword hard. For a moment, the headless body seemed to stand on it's own, swaying too and fro. Finally it crumpled only feet from where the head had landed, already at rest near a terrified Alva.

For a long time, there was only silence, disturbed only by the occasional whimper of Alva. Evelyn finally took a deep breath and let the sword fall from her hand. She looked at Alva and moved toward his weak, sobbing body.

"Alva?" She cooed as she knelt before the distraught man. "Alva, can you hear me?"

"Evie, I don't understand..." he cried as she reached for him. "I...she...I'm so tired."

"I know Alva." She embraced him as though he were a child and simply hugged his body tightly. "Its all over now. We're all safe." She stroked his hair as she watched the figure slowly begin to fade away. "We need to get you help, can you make it downstairs?"

"I..." He stared at the place where Magdalene dissolved. "Yes, if you help."

"I won't leave you Alva." Evelyn stood and helped Alva to his feet. "Come on, I'll take care of this later." She began to lead him out of the room, instinctively shielding him as the last visage of the woman he knew as Magdalene, faded away to nothingness. "Let's get you downstairs."