Chapter Eighteen: The Command, the Cross and the Call

In the Underworld, Hecate's order to her minion was clear, "Get that doctor friend of the Charmed Ones – That way, they'll know no one is safe, not even their closed ones."

Her eyes flashed flames as she skimmed through the Grimoire.

"I will have to rip them all open but then I can let you imagine what that'll do to my army." Her eyes flickered.

xxx

"I also found the cross," Billie beamed.

"See?" Phoebe joked. "You're good at research."

Billie sniffed and turned back to the book. "The Cross of Hosea: A highly protective symbol, the talisman of which was first witnessed in the hands of the Prophet Hosea, who had just envisioned the death of his family in his prophetic dreams. Some believe he based its forging from a now-long lost book of spells, while others suppose he made it up himself, having maybe seen its properties in another of his visions. For centuries, there have even been people linking the Cross, wrongly or not, to their favorite God or Goddess, what is sure, though, is the strength of such a sign – not only as a talisman but also drawn on doors and walls –, which should be able to repel any low- and medium-level evil, as well as a majority of high-level ones. As for the Source of All Evil, no record has been made up until now of one facing the Symbol."

"Well, now there is," Phoebe said casually.

xxx

Piper was making potions on the short-legged table, Paige perusing the antique green-leathered tome that were part of their legacy. Piper's cell phone suddenly went off, startling them both – the two were concentrated a great deal.

Piper retrieved the mobile from her pocket and, opening the lid, directly put it at her ear. "Hello?"

"Piper, Piper Halliwell?" the voice on the other end of the receiver, that of a woman, was panicked, clearly panting.

"Yes, it's me," Piper quickly replied.

But the only response was a "Aaaaaaaagghhh!" The yell was so intense it nearly blew up Piper's eardrum and Paige looked up, having heard it as well. Both sisters were panicked, staring at each other as the dialing tone from having been hanged up resounded in the silent room.

Piper looked down at the screen, only checking now the caller ID. "Ava," she whispered, worried.