Charmed Elements Season 1(OG Characters)

by SolarAbduco

One year after the tragic loss of their parents, Aiden, Anna, and Aleena Prescott are thrust into a destiny they never saw coming-their true identities as the Charmed Ones. As the most powerful witches of good, they are destined to tip the scales in favor of light, forever altering the balance between good and evil. Each sibling inherits a unique power tied to an element.

3. Episode 3-Hello From The Other Side

One week later... September 27th, 2024.

The Prescott siblings had spent the past week preparing themselves for any future threats that might come their way. The weight of their newfound powers and responsibilities still hung heavy, but they were determined to be ready for whatever came next.

Anna had been diligently practicing and strengthening her water powers, exploring their capabilities and limits with a quiet focus. She found a certain calm in the way water responded to her, flowing smoothly when she was in control and rippling wildly when she pushed herself.

Aiden had thrown himself into research and training, developing both defensive and offensive techniques with his wind manipulation. He approached it with his usual discipline, but there was an excitement too — the thrill of discovery as he grew stronger and more precise.

Aleena, however, had been struggling. Her fire powers were as volatile as her emotions, flaring up when she was angry, stressed, or upset. The flames often burst forth without warning, and despite her efforts, control seemed just out of reach.

On a rare afternoon of peace, Aleena and Anna sat curled up on the couch together, their laughter filling the living room as they watched "The Traitors," a show they had recently gotten into. It was one of the few moments when they could just be normal sisters, sharing inside jokes and commentary on the contestants' antics.

The front door opened, and Aiden walked in, his steps light and his face wearing a genuine, relieved smile. The warmth of the moment only grew as he spoke.

"Great news, guys," he announced, his blue eyes bright. "Rebecca's made a full recovery. She doesn't seem to have any memories of what happened to her... not even the nightmares. She just knows she was in a coma, but that's all. She was discharged yesterday after they ran a bunch of tests."

Anna's face lit up with a mix of relief and joy. "That's great news! I was so worried about her. I'm really glad she's okay."

Aleena let out a soft breath, the tension easing from her shoulders. "Thank goodness. I'm glad she doesn't remember anything... that whole demon business was really scary."

Aiden nodded, his smile lingering. "Yeah, we've all been waiting with bated breath. My psych class is putting together something for her. Also... no one remembers 'Professor Milton.' Everyone thinks Professor Billings was the real psych professor all along. It's like how people forgot Tommy, David, and Adrianne existed after we vanquished them."

Anna frowned thoughtfully. "It's really weird, isn't it? How everyone just... forgets these people and entities that were part of our lives."

She glanced over at Aleena, her brown eyes reflective. "It's almost like magic is influencing people's minds, making them forget the supernatural elements that came into their lives."

"Yeah," Aiden agreed, his voice quieter. "I haven't gotten used to it myself."

"Well, it's convenient, at least," Aleena added with a shrug. "It means we don't have to worry too much about the clean-up."

Anna nodded slowly, though her brow furrowed. "Yeah, I guess it's a good thing... but it does make me wonder what else magic can do. Like, how far can it make people forget? Can it make people forget other things too?"

Aleena's voice softened, her playful tone replaced with concern. "It's definitely something to think about. I mean, if magic can make people forget supernatural entities, can it also make people forget us?"

Aiden's thoughtful expression mirrored hers. "Maybe... but we're still human. Even if we have superpowers or whatever... we aren't exactly in the same category as some of the other supernatural entities. We have to balance both worlds."

Anna nodded again, her worry still evident. "That's true. And I guess it's a good thing that magic doesn't make people forget about us... I'd hate to think that everyone around us would forget us like they forget those creatures. But on the other hand..."

She glanced at Aleena, her voice gentle but concerned. "...how are we supposed to balance both worlds when Aleena is still struggling to control her powers?"

Aleena sighed, frustration flickering across her face. "I'm trying, okay? It's not like I'm purposely setting things on fire. The flames just... kind of come out when I'm angry or stressed or... emotional in general."

Aiden offered a wry smile. "Puberty's hell enough — and now you've got witch powers on top of it."

"Not funny, Aiden," Aleena shot back, her glare half-hearted.

Anna chuckled at the exchange, her expression softening with sympathy. "Yeah... I can't imagine. Puberty's already the most confusing and hormonal time — even for normal teenagers. But for witches who have powers on top of that? It's gotta be even harder."

Aleena groaned, flopping back against the cushions. "Ugh. I'm pretty sure all those hormones have something to do with why I have no control."

Aiden tilted his head, curious. "You going over to Dana's to spend the weekend, Aleena?"

Her face brightened instantly. "Yeah! We're gonna have a sleepover. Watch movies, eat lots of junk food, and probably end up staying awake all night."

Anna smiled, happy to see her sister in good spirits. "Sounds like a blast. Just don't stay up too late — I know how you get when you're sleep-deprived."

"And don't get upset either," Aiden added, his tone half-teasing.

Aleena rolled her eyes, though there was no real malice in her expression. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. Keep my emotions in check. Don't wanna burn down Dana's house."

Aiden shook his head, his smile growing. "Oh, and... I know we've put it off almost a month now, but next weekend I need you two here at the house. We're doing that yard sale."

Aleena groaned, the reminder of the looming chore making her slump further into the couch. "Ugh, the yard sale. I completely forgot about that."

Anna's face lit up, clearly more enthusiastic. "I can't wait. It'll be nice to do something more normal together."

"Great... can't wait to spend the weekend sorting through old junk," Aleena muttered. "No thanks."

"Look," Aiden said, his tone more serious. "Mom and Dad wanted to do it, and I want to make their wishes come true. Plus, you both rock at selling things. You remember how much fun we used to have."

"Well, he's not wrong," Anna added with a smile. "We are pretty good, Aleena."

Aleena sighed, her resistance softening just a little. "Yeah, I remember. We always made a lot of money. But still... it's gonna be so boring sorting through all that old stuff."

"Well," Aiden said with a shrug, "the extra money won't hurt."

Aleena let out a long, drawn-out sigh, finally conceding. She crossed her arms, sinking deeper into the couch cushions as she cast a reluctant glance at Aiden. "Alright, alright. We'll help with the yard sale. But you're on attic duty—getting everything down is on you."

Aiden groaned dramatically, running a hand through his dark brown hair as if she had just sentenced him to hard labor. "Why couldn't one of us have gotten telekinesis powers?" he grumbled, shaking his head in mock disappointment. "Would've made life so much easier."

Anna chuckled, her brown eyes twinkling with amusement as she leaned back against the couch. "Because that would be too easy, Aiden. Life's not meant to be simple, you know."

Aleena smirked, eager to pile onto the teasing. "Yeah, what's the point if everything's handed to us on a silver platter? Where's the fun in that?"

Aiden shot them both a playful glare, but his lips curled into a smirk. "I'll admit... blasting that fear demon with my wind was kind of thrilling."

Anna's expression brightened, her excitement bubbling to the surface. "Right? That was wild! I mean, we've practiced with our powers, but using them in an actual fight? That's a whole different level."

Aleena nodded eagerly, her hazel eyes shining. "Totally! It was terrifying, but at the same time, it felt... I don't know, empowering. Like, we actually did something with our powers. Not just trained, but really used them."

Aiden's playful demeanor faded slightly, his expression growing more serious. He sat forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "The Book of Shadows says our powers will grow stronger as we go. We just need to keep them sharp."

Anna nodded, the same determination settling over her features. "Exactly. Training is key. It's fun, sure, but we can't forget the serious side of this. We need to be ready for whatever comes next."

Aleena's smile faltered, and for a moment, her enthusiasm was replaced by something more uncertain. She pulled her knees up onto the couch, wrapping her arms around them. "I know. But I'm scared, you guys. Not just of fighting demons, but of losing control of my powers. What if I mess up? What if I hurt someone?"

Aiden turned to her, his voice softer but still firm. "I know this might sound silly, but... maybe you should try something calming. Meditation, or... I don't know, yoga?"

Aleena's head snapped up, an incredulous expression crossing her face. "Yoga? Seriously? That's your big idea?"

Anna let out a laugh, nudging Aleena playfully. "Yeah, Aiden. You really think Aleena could handle something as calm as yoga? She's a walking ball of energy, constantly bouncing off the walls."

Aiden sighed in mock exasperation, shaking his head. "That's the problem... I don't know. But maybe it'd be good for her. A bonding experience with you, Anna. You should give it a shot."

Anna snorted, shaking her head. "Oh, I'm sure it would be a blast. But Aleena with her ADHD? She'd last five minutes before climbing the walls."

Aleena rolled her eyes, though there was an amused glint in them. "Yeah, yeah. Thanks for the vote of confidence, Anna. Yoga. Right. I'll get right on that."

Aiden's smirk faded, and his expression turned more serious. "I'm not saying it has to be yoga, but you do need to work on control, Aleena. Extra practice. Even if it means picking up some... unusual hobbies. Maybe that would help with discipline."

Aleena sighed, the weight of his words settling over her. She knew he was right, even if she hated to admit it. "Yeah, you're right. I know I need to get better at controlling my powers... but discipline doesn't exactly come naturally to me." She looked at him skeptically. "And you really expect me to sit still for hours meditating?"

Aiden shrugged, leaning back against the armrest. "Hey, stranger things have happened."

Anna grinned, nudging Aleena again. "Yeah, who knows? Maybe you'll become a meditation master."

Aleena groaned dramatically, covering her face with her hands. "Ugh. I highly doubt it."

The three of them laughed, the lighthearted moment breaking through the weight of their conversation. But even as they joked, the underlying truth remained—there was still a long road ahead, and Aleena would have to find a way to master her power before it mastered her.

Aiden leaned back against the couch, stretching his arms out along the top of the cushions. A smirk played on his lips as he exhaled dramatically. "Well, I'll certainly enjoy the half hour of peace and quiet. Finally, a break from hearing your hard rock playlist blasting all night long."

Aleena scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest in mock offense. "Hey! My music is not that loud. And at least it's better than that old classic rock stuff you listen to."

Aiden's smirk deepened as he feigned shock. "Hey, the classics hold up! Anna, back me up here."

Anna chuckled, shaking her head as she tucked her legs under herself on the couch. "Don't drag me into this, Aiden. I don't wanna get caught in the sibling rivalry crossfire."

Aleena rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the grin forming on her lips. "Yeah, yeah, classic rock has its charm, I guess. But let's face it, nothing beats a good metal scream."

Aiden groaned, rubbing his temples. "Oh god. I don't even get how those vocalists manage to do that for an entire concert. Also, I'm pretty sure your endless parade of depressing songs isn't exactly helping your teenage angst."

Aleena's smirk widened, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, what's wrong, Aiden? Can't handle a little emotional depth in your music? Sorry, we can't all be content with bland melodies and shallow lyrics."

Aiden shook his head with a chuckle. "I don't listen to music to be miserable. I listen to enjoy it. To have fun."

Aleena flicked her hair over her shoulder with exaggerated flair. "Right, because nobody ever learned anything from brooding, sad music. Lighten up, Aiden. Just because it doesn't make you wanna dance doesn't mean it's bad."

Anna laughed, holding up her hands before the conversation escalated. "Okay, okay, enough! We're never going to agree on music, and we have more important things to focus on."

Aiden shrugged, as if suddenly remembering something. "Yeah, like... me looking for a part-time job."

Anna raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Wait, seriously? Since when do you wanna get a job?"

Aleena's eyes widened as well. "Yeah, what gives? You're not exactly the type to complain about needing money. But hey, if you're making some extra cash, we're pretty low on funds too."

Aiden sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "That's actually why I'm looking. Our parents left us a decent life insurance policy, and the money I get from school is enough to cover things. But... buying magical ingredients and supplies? That wasn't exactly part of the original budget plan."

Anna nodded in understanding. "Yeah, I get it. Being witches doesn't exactly come with a steady paycheck. So, where are you thinking of working?"

Aleena tapped her chin in thought before her face lit up with an idea. "I know! Why not work at a music store, Aiden? That way you can be surrounded by your 'superior' classic rock all day long and still make a buck."

Aiden chuckled. "I'm keeping my options open, but I'd prefer something not too far from campus or here. That way I can be nearby if I'm needed."

Anna smiled, appreciating his thoughtfulness. "That'd definitely be convenient, having you close in case of an emergency. But don't work somewhere that's going to stress you out too much, okay?"

Aleena nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and don't work somewhere lame like a library or a museum. You'd be asleep at the counter by noon."

Aiden rolled his eyes, but his smile remained. "I'll let you both know when I figure it out."

Anna's expression softened, her appreciation clear. "Sounds good, Aiden. We're grateful for whatever you do to help us out."

Aleena leaned forward, a playful glint in her eyes. "Just don't forget to share the loot, okay? We're not exactly rolling in dough here."

Aiden scoffed, shaking his head. "Don't worry... I'll be donating to your monthly allowances."

Anna arched an eyebrow, grinning. "Monthly allowances, huh? Wow, big spender. I guess I'll have to start budgeting more wisely."

Aleena nudged Aiden with her elbow. "Don't go broke on us, big brother."

Aiden let out a laugh. "Yeah, fat chance of that happening with my high-level budgeting skills."

Anna chuckled, shaking her head. "Alright, Mr. Financial Wizard, just make sure you don't overdo it. You need some spending money too, you know."

Aleena rolled her eyes dramatically. "Pfft, who needs fun when you can make a detailed spreadsheet?"

Aiden grinned. "Perks of being a business student. Excel is your best friend."

Anna laughed, her head tilting slightly as she studied him. "You really are the responsible one, huh?"

Aleena smirked, nudging Aiden again. "Just don't get too caught up in the numbers. Live a little, dude."

Aiden held up his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. Enough ganging up on me. Is Dana's mom picking you up soon, Aleena?"

Aleena glanced at the clock. "Yeah, she said she'd be here in a few minutes. Why?"

Aiden shrugged. "Just checking. Looks like it's gonna be just you and me holding down the fort, Anna."

Anna grinned, clearly unbothered by the idea. "I'm cool with that. Maybe I'll finally have some peace and quiet without you two bickering."

Aleena laughed, shaking her head. "Don't get too excited, Anna. I guarantee you'd start missing us after a few hours. You'd be begging for some drama just to keep things interesting."

Anna rolled her eyes but smiled. "Right, because your definition of 'interesting' is starting arguments over the color of the sky."

As if on cue, the doorbell rang, signaling Dana's mom's arrival.

Aleena jumped to her feet, grabbing her overnight bag with a grin. "Well, that's my ride. Try not to flood the house or anything while I'm gone."

Aiden and Anna exchanged amused glances as they watched her go, shaking their heads at their sister's usual dramatic exit.

Anna chuckled, shaking her head as she watched Aleena disappear out the door.

"Well, there goes our troublemaker," she mused, turning to Aiden with a playful smirk. "Just you and me now..."

Aiden leaned back against the arm of the couch, stretching his legs out with a satisfied sigh. "Yeah, you're definitely more my speed than Miss ADHD Poster Child."

Anna laughed, rolling her eyes. "I guess I can't argue with that. I am the sensible one, after all."

Aiden smirked, nudging her shoulder. "Well, enjoy the peace while it lasts. I've got a ton of coursework to get through, and... it's your turn to do the dishes."

Anna groaned, flopping back against the cushions as if he had just sentenced her to a life of misery. "Oh, come on! Why does it have to be my turn now?"

Aiden shrugged, completely unmoved by her theatrics. "Well, Aleena isn't here, and I've done them the last few times."

Anna sighed dramatically, knowing there was no escaping her fate. "Fine, fine. I'll do the dishes. But don't think I won't complain the entire time."

Aiden chuckled as he stood up, stretching before heading toward the study. "I'll be in my fortress of solitude if you need me."

Anna rolled her eyes, waving him off. "Typical. Running off to hide while I do all the work."

Aiden smirked over his shoulder. "Hey, I don't make the rules."

Anna scoffed, shaking her head as she got up and made her way toward the kitchen. "Go on then, disappear into your little sanctuary. I'll be here, scrubbing pots and pans all by myself, like some kind of modern-day Cinderella."

Aiden laughed as he disappeared down the hall, leaving Anna alone with her impending chore. She sighed but couldn't help smiling as she rolled up her sleeves. At least with Aleena gone, the house would stay intact—at least for one night.

Aleena leaned back against the soft leather of Dana's parents' car, her overnight bag tucked between her feet. The hum of the engine and the rhythmic passing of streetlights outside created a soothing lull, but that peace was immediately counteracted by Dana's high-pitched, indignant voice.

"Can you believe this?" Dana huffed, her arms crossed dramatically as she turned to Aleena in the backseat. "Amy's parents wouldn't let her come because of her grades! Like, come on! It's just one sleepover. What, do they think she's gonna get dumber just by hanging out with us?"

Aleena smirked, resting her head against the window. "I mean... we're not exactly known for our 'responsible decision-making.'"

Dana scoffed, flipping her blonde hair over her shoulder. "Okay, rude! But also fair. Still, it's not like one night of fun is going to tank her GPA. And honestly, her grades aren't even that bad! It's just math—who even uses math in real life, anyway?"

From the front seat, Dana's mom, a woman with the same golden hair as her daughter, chuckled lightly. "You use math every day, sweetheart."

Dana groaned, dramatically throwing herself back against the seat. "Not the mom logic, ugh."

Aleena chuckled, shaking her head. "Well, at least it's just for one night. Amy will survive."

Dana pouted. "Yeah, but it's not the same. It was supposed to be all three of us. Now it's just us."

Aleena shrugged. "Hey, I don't see the problem. We can still have fun without Amy. More snacks for us."

Dana perked up slightly at that. "True, true. But ugh, I'm so over parents micromanaging our lives. Like, do they think grounding us over grades actually helps? It just makes people more stressed!"

Aleena nodded in agreement. "Right? Like, let us live a little. Ninth grade is already hellish enough without added stress."

Dana sighed dramatically. "Speaking of stress, did you see what happened between Jenna and Liv today? Absolute chaos."

Aleena raised an eyebrow. "Oh god, what now?"

Dana's blue eyes widened with excitement, leaning in as if she were about to deliver the most crucial news of the year. "Okay, so Jenna found out Liv was texting Ethan—who, by the way, Jenna has been into since, like, the beginning of time—and she LOST it. She literally went off on her in the middle of lunch. I swear, I thought Liv was going to cry."

Aleena rolled her eyes. "Seriously? Over Ethan? He's barely passing biology, and he thinks Axe body spray is an acceptable substitute for showering."

Dana giggled, nodding enthusiastically. "I know, right? But you know how Jenna is. She gets attached. And Liv kept saying it was just 'friendly' and that she didn't like him like that, but I don't buy it."

Aleena smirked. "Yeah, that's what they all say before they end up 'accidentally' dating them."

Dana gasped dramatically. "Right?! And you know what's worse? Ethan was just standing there, like a total idiot, letting them fight over him. Like, bro, say something!"

Aleena shook her head with a laugh. "Classic Ethan."

Dana sighed, crossing her arms. "Boys are so stupid sometimes."

Aleena smirked. "Sometimes?"

Dana laughed, nudging Aleena's shoulder. "Okay, fine, most of the time. But not all of them! I mean, Tyler's nice."

Aleena made a face. "Tyler? Really? He literally asked if pigeons were mammals last week."

Dana snorted. "Okay, yeah, that was pretty bad. But he's funny!"

Aleena shook her head, grinning. "Sure, if you think 'being completely clueless' counts as a personality trait."

Dana's dad, who had been silent up until this point, let out a chuckle from the driver's seat. "Ah, to be young again. Endless drama over text messages and cafeteria arguments."

Dana groaned, covering her face. "Dad, please, don't make it sound lame."

He laughed, turning onto their street. "I hate to break it to you, kiddo, but it is pretty lame."

Dana turned to Aleena, ignoring him. "Whatever. Back to more important matters—should we start with movies or junk food when we get home?"

Aleena grinned. "Junk food, obviously. Fuel up before the movie marathon."

Dana nodded in approval. "See? This is why we're best friends."

The car rolled to a stop in front of Dana's house, and before her parents had even fully parked, Dana was already unbuckling her seatbelt. Aleena shook her head with amusement. They were so different—Dana, loud and excitable, always bursting with energy, while Aleena was more laid-back, more sarcastic. And yet, somehow, they worked. The kind of friendship that didn't make sense on paper but fit perfectly in real life.

As they grabbed their bags and hurried toward the front door, Aleena felt a rare sense of normalcy settle over her. No demons, no magic, no responsibilities—just a sleepover with her best friend, where the biggest problem of the night was whether Jenna and Liv would still be friends by Monday.

The night carried on in a blur of laughter, whispered gossip, and the kind of effortless conversations that only best friends could have. Hours melted away as Aleena and Dana lounged on the floor of Dana's room, their hands buried in bowls of popcorn and candy wrappers scattered around them. In these moments, Aleena felt almost normal—just a regular girl spending the night with her best friend. No demons, no magic, no constant weight of secrecy pressing on her shoulders.

But the truth lingered at the back of her mind. She was keeping the biggest secret in the world from Dana. She was a witch, with powers beyond imagination, destined to fight evil. And yet, she couldn't tell the one person outside of her siblings who had been there for her the most. It wasn't fair.

Eventually, as sleepovers always do, the night stretched past midnight. The conversation had taken a turn into dreamlike possibilities—the perfect date. Dana, always the romantic, had declared hers to be at a carnival, complete with Ferris wheel kisses and winning stuffed animals at rigged game booths.

Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, Dana shifted the topic. "Speaking of romance... how are things with Kyle?"

Aleena's grin faltered slightly, morphing into a nervous smile. She twirled a loose thread on the hem of her pajama pants, suddenly feeling more awake than she had been all night.

"Uh... well, things are good, I guess," Aleena said, her voice laced with uncertainty. "Kyle and I have been... talking. I mean, like, texting and calling and stuff. But... I haven't actually seen him since the whole mall incident. I'm kinda worried Aiden and Anna's overprotectiveness scared him off."

Dana scoffed, waving a dismissive hand. "Pfft. No way. You're awesome, remember? If he's smart, he'll stick around."

Aleena sighed, some of the tension easing from her shoulders. "I hope you're right. I really like him, y'know? I just wish I wasn't constantly being watched like I'm some fragile porcelain doll. Sometimes I feel like I'm suffocating under all this 'protection.'"

Dana's expression softened, her playful demeanor giving way to something more understanding. "Yeah... I get it. It sucks when people don't trust you to handle yourself. But, Aleena... your siblings just worry about you. They care. You all have been through so much since your parents..." Dana's voice trailed off as she swallowed hard, her bright blue eyes glassing over with unshed tears.

Aleena immediately tensed. She didn't want to go down this road—not tonight.

"I know, I know," she said quickly, forcing herself to sound indifferent. "But sometimes their caring feels more like controlling. It's like they treat me like I'm still some little kid who can't handle herself. I'm not a child. I deserve some space. Some freedom."

Dana nodded, her lips pressing together as she hesitated. Then, just as quickly, her usual mischievous grin returned. "Well... if you wanna prove just how grown-up we are, I have just the thing."

Aleena arched an eyebrow, intrigued by the sudden shift. "Oooh, sounds interesting. What do you have in mind?"

Dana shot up from the floor, practically bouncing over to her closet. She rummaged through piles of clothes and old sleepover supplies, muttering to herself before finally emerging with an excited grin and an unmistakable object in her hands.

A Ouija board.

"What sleepover would be complete without communing with the spirits?" Dana teased, waggling her eyebrows as she set the board down in front of Aleena.

Aleena stared at it, her smirk faltering ever so slightly. If only Dana knew just how real the supernatural actually was. But she couldn't let her friend see her hesitation—not now. So instead, she forced a smirk and leaned forward, tapping her fingers on the wooden surface.

"Alright," she said, amusement lacing her tone. "Let's see if the spirits are in the mood to chat."

Aleena arched an eyebrow, unsure if Dana was being serious or just playing up the theatrics for fun. She leaned in slightly, examining the Ouija board resting between them. The wood was smooth but old-looking, the faded letters and numbers giving it an eerie, timeworn presence. The planchette sat still in the center, waiting.

"Wait a second... aren't you even a little worried that we might actually contact real-life spirits?" Aleena asked, half-joking but also half-serious. Ever since she'd become a witch, she had seen enough strange things to know that the world didn't work the way most people thought it did. There were forces out there—things lurking in the shadows that even her siblings hadn't figured out yet.

Dana, of course, just rolled her eyes playfully, her blonde hair bouncing as she let out a dramatic sigh. "Oh, come on. It's not like this stuff is real. I mean, it's literally rated three and up!"

Aleena let out a laugh, shaking her head. The logic was ridiculous, but something about Dana's energy was always contagious. "Alright, alright. It's just a toy... right? What could possibly go wrong?"

Even as she said it, a small part of her wasn't entirely convinced. The things she had experienced—the magic, the darkness, the creatures that most people never even dreamed of—made her wary. But she couldn't exactly voice those concerns without Dana thinking she had completely lost it.

Dana beamed, her excitement bubbling over like a shaken soda can. "Exactly! Plus, I hear people always have a blast playing this. It'll be fun. Just us girls, scaring each other silly."

Aleena smirked, shaking her head as she stretched out her hands in mock defeat. "Alright, fine. But if we end up possessed or haunted or something, I'm blaming you."

Dana's blue eyes flickered toward the clock on her nightstand. "Ooh, look at that—it's 2:56 AM. That means we've got four minutes until the witching hour. Sounds like perfect timing to me."

Aleena turned her head, glancing at the glowing red numbers on the digital clock. The eerie glow of the numbers cast an unsettling light across Dana's darkened room. She grinned despite the small shiver that crept down her spine.

"Kinda creepy, actually," Aleena admitted, leaning forward. "But hey, if we're gonna do this, might as well do it at the spookiest time possible. Let's do this."

Dana wasted no time, setting the board on the floor between them and carefully placing the planchette in the center. She wiggled her fingers excitedly before pressing them gently onto the pointer. "Alright, you ready?"

Aleena hesitated for only a second, her heart beginning to pound with a mixture of nervous energy and something else—something she couldn't quite put her finger on. She took a deep breath and placed her fingertips on the planchette opposite Dana's.

She swallowed hard before answering. "Ready as I'll ever be."

Dana's smile faltered only slightly as she glanced down at the board, but her excitement didn't wane. She positioned her index fingers lightly on the planchette, and Aleena, after a hesitant pause, mirrored her actions. The air in the room felt suddenly heavier, as if the space around them had shifted into something quieter, more expectant.

Dana looked up at Aleena, her blue eyes gleaming with anticipation. "We need to focus and ask yes-or-no questions, okay?"

Aleena nodded, steadying her nerves with a slow inhale. "Got it. Let's do this."

Dana straightened her posture, taking a deep breath before speaking. "Spirits... if there are any present, give us a sign. Are there any spirits with us tonight?"

A tense silence stretched between them as they waited. At first, nothing happened. Then, slowly, the planchette jerked, sliding up the board in deliberate movements until it landed onYES.

Aleena felt a cold chill creep up her spine. "Wait... are you pushing it?" she asked, her voice quieter now, more cautious.

Dana quickly shook her head, her face paling. "N-no. Are you?"

Aleena swallowed. "Nope."

Their hands trembled slightly on the planchette as a realization set in—something was here.

Dana's nervousness warred with her intrigue, but her curiosity won. "We should ask it something else."

Aleena hesitated, her heartbeat hammering in her ears. "Uh... okay. Who is here with us?"

For a moment, the planchette was still, and Aleena held her breath. Then, slowly, it began to move again, dragging itself across the board with eerie precision. The letters formed a word:SEE.

A cold dread curled in Aleena's stomach. "See? See what? What the hell does that mean?"

Dana shook her head, biting her lip. "Maybe it doesn't know how to spell? I mean, it's not like spirits get grammar lessons."

A tense beat passed before Dana leaned forward slightly and asked, "See what?"

The planchette shuddered before gliding again, spelling out another message:SEE YOU.

Aleena felt her throat tighten. "They... they want us to see something? Or... are they saying they'll see us?"

Dana forced a laugh, but it came out weak, her usual bubbly confidence wavering. "Ha... ha. Yeah, okay, officially creepy."

The planchette jerked violently to life again. It spelled something else.

D-A-N-A.

Dana's breath hitched, her hands jerking away from the board as though burned. "Oh my god. It—it just spelled my name."

Aleena's pulse pounded. "Wait—"

The planchette continued to move.A-L-E-E-N-A.

A shudder racked through her body as her name was carved out on the board. Her fingers twitched against the smooth wood, suddenly cold.

"It knows us," Dana whispered, eyes wide with fear. "It wrote our names... but why?"

Before Aleena could respond, the planchette started moving again, more urgently this time. It repeated the message:SEE YOU. SEE YOU, ALEENA.

Aleena froze, her breath catching in her throat. The cold weight of dread sank into her stomach. This wasn't a joke. It wasn't just a game anymore.

Dana stared at her, her voice barely above a whisper. "Aleena... what the hell is going on?"

The planchette twitched violently before moving again, its movements sharp and deliberate. One letter at a time, it spelled out something new.C-H-A-R-M-E-D O-N-E.

Aleena's blood ran cold. Her chest tightened, her fingers gripping the board so hard her knuckles turned white. Her mind screamed at her to stop—to end this now.

"Dana," Aleena said, her voice urgent. "We need to stop this."

Dana's face had drained of all color. For once, she wasn't cracking jokes, wasn't brushing it off. She nodded stiffly, her hands shaking as she reached for the planchette. "Yeah. You're right. This is too creepy. Let's put this away."

But the board had other ideas.

The moment Dana's fingers touched the planchette, it snapped back to life, darting across the board so fast it nearly slipped from their grasp.

N-O.

Then . NO. NO.

Aleena's heart pounded against her ribs. The room suddenly felt suffocating, the walls pressing in, the air thick with something unseen, something wrong.

"It's not letting us stop!" Dana gasped, her hands trembling. "What do we do?!"

A surge of defiance surged through Aleena, cutting through her fear like a blade. She gritted her teeth and slammed her fingers onto the planchette. "We're ending this. Now. You're not allowed to stay here!"

With a forceful shove, she dragged the planchette toGOODBYE.

The moment it landed, the board let out a sharpcrack.

The wood split down the middle with a splintering sound, a jagged fracture severing the board in two. The planchette jerked once—then fell still.

Silence swallowed the room.

Dana and Aleena sat frozen, their heavy breathing the only sound. The once-playful atmosphere of their sleepover had completely evaporated, replaced with something much darker, much colder.

Dana stared at the broken board in horror, gripping the pieces with trembling fingers. "Oh my god. The board just... it broke in half." She turned to Aleena, her voice barely above a whisper. "We need to get rid of this."

Aleena barely heard her. Her mind was still reeling. The spirit—whatever it was—knew.

It knew who she was.

A Charmed One.

This wasn't random. This wasn't some harmless ghost looking for attention. Something there knew her secret, and it was watching.

Dana swallowed hard, still clutching the broken board. "Aleena... what do you think it meant when it said 'Charmed One'?"

Aleena fought to steady her breathing, to keep the panic from seeping into her voice. But deep down, she knew this wasn't over. It was only the beginning.

She forced herself to meet Dana's wide, terrified eyes and exhaled slowly. "I don't know," she lied. "But I have a really bad feeling about this."

The clock read3:33 terror had lasted only minutes, but it had shattered any sense of safety they once felt. Enough time had passed for Aleena and Dana to try—try—to convince themselves it was over. That it had just been a stupid game gone wrong. That they could push the fear down, laugh it off in the morning.

Then the kitcheneruptedwith sound.

A deafening crash of metal against tile sent a shockwave of panic through the house. Pots, pans—something—was being thrown violently.

Aleena bolted upright, her breath coming in quick, shallow gasps. She snapped her head toward Dana, who was just as wide-eyed, just as frozen in fear. The sound of their ragged breathing filled the thick silence between the crashes.

CLANG.

Another. Closer.

CLANG.

The room itself seemed tobreathearound them, the air growing thick, heavy. Suffocating.

Aleena swallowed hard. "W-what the hell was that?"

Dana exhaled shakily, her voice barely above a whisper. "I-I don't know. It sounded like something fell in the kitchen... should we... should we go check it out?"

Aleena didn't want to. Every instinct in her body the idea of just sitting there, waiting, was even worse. She nodded stiffly.

"Yeah. Let's go. But—" She grabbed Dana's hand, squeezing it tightly. "We stay together."

They moved cautiously through the darkened hallway, their bare feet nearly silent against the floor. The closer they got to the kitchen, the colder the air became—notlike a draft, but something else. Something unnatural. The moment they reached the threshold, the lights flickered erratically, the overhead bulbs humming with a disturbing, stuttering glow.

The kitchen waswrecked.

Cabinets flung open, their contents scattered across the floor. Silverware, plates, shattered glass glinting in the dim light. The refrigerator door hung slightly ajar, its usual hum barely audible over the ringing silence that followed the chaos.

Then—scratching.

A sound so sharp and grating that Aleena's stomach twisted violently. The sound of nails—long, clawed, digging into the walls.

Her grip on Dana's hand tightened instinctively. "D-Did you hear that?" she whispered, her voice barely holding steady.

Dana's pale face turned toward her, her lips trembling. "It's coming from the walls..." Her breath hitched. "Aleena... what the hell is going on?"

Then Danascreamed.

An unseen forceyanked her body was lifted violently off her feet, her legs kicking as she wasdraggeddown the hallway by something neither of them could see.

"DANA!" Aleena shrieked, lunging for her. Their fingers brushed for a fleeting second before Dana wasrippedaway from her grip. The bedroom doorslammed shutbehind her with a force that shook the entire house.

The scream that came from behind that door was raw,primal.

The house woke up.

Heavy footsteps pounded upstairs—Dana's parents, jarred awake by the commotion. Their panicked voices cut through the air as they rushed down the hallway, their tired faces morphing into horror at the sight of Aleena standing there, shaking, tears streaming down her face.

"Mrs. Miller!" Aleena's voice cracked, words spilling out in a panic. "It's Dana! I-I don't know what happened, she's in her room and she's screaming and—"

Mrs. Miller didn't wait for the rest. Sheran.

"DANA! OPEN THE DOOR!" she shouted, pounding against it. Mr. Miller wasn't far behind.

Inside the room, just in fear—in pain.

Mr. Miller's face twisted with urgency. He threw his shoulder into the . Twice. Three wood groaned before finallysplinteringinward, and the Millers burst inside.

Aleena barely managed to step forward before she saw it.

Dana, curled in the farthest corner of the bed,shaking knees were drawn to her chest, her fingers digging into the blankets. But the walls—

The walls were ruined.

Dark, jaggedclaw marksslashed deep into the plaster, uneven,violent.

Then there was Dana.

Blood.

Three gashes torn deep into her legs. Fresh, raw,weeping.

"Oh my god," Mrs. Miller gasped, rushing to her daughter's side. Dana flinched away from her touch, her body still locked in terror, her sobs shaking her small frame.

"Dana! Sweetheart, what happened?!" Mrs. Miller's voice broke, desperate for an answer that Dana couldn't give.

Mr. Miller turned, his frantic eyes landing on Aleena. "What did this?!"

Aleena couldn't answer.

Her legs felt numb, her breath shallow. Her mind raced, but all she could think about—

It knew.

The spirit—whatever it was—knew what she was.

It knew she was aCharmed One.

It attacked because of her.

And now, her best friend had suffered for it.

Dana wailed, her body shaking had broken her.

Her parents were speaking, asking questions, but their words blurred together, lost beneath Dana's sobs. The roomfelt air still held something thick, something unseen. The walls seemed to breathe, the claw marks lingering like an unfinished warning.

Aleena felt hot tears trail down her face as the weight of it all crashed over did this.

She didn't know how. She didn't know why. But whateverthis thingwas, it had come for her.

And Dana had paid the price.

Her voice was barely more than a whisper, choked by guilt. "I—I don't know."

But that was a lie.

She knew.

This wasn't over.

It was only just beginning.

Sometime later, Anna and Aiden rushed through the hospital's entrance, their footsteps echoing loudly against the tile floor. The air smelled of antiseptic, a sharp contrast to the suffocating tension weighing down on them.

Their eyes immediately locked onto Aleena, pacing anxiously in the waiting area. Her arms were wrapped tightly around herself, her face pale, her hazel eyes dark with exhaustion and panic. The moment she saw them, her breath hitched, her composure barely holding together.

Anna reached her first. "Aleena!" Her voice cracked with urgency. "What happened? How's Dana?"

Aleena turned to face them, her expression strained and filled with something raw. "It's bad," she admitted, her voice quiet, almost hollow. "She's stable, but she's shaken up. She needs rest."

She took a deep, uneven breath, dragging a trembling hand through her hair. "She was terrified. She wouldn't even let the nurses touch her at first. She kept saying 'It's still here'... like she could feel it. Like she knew something was still watching."

Aiden stepped forward, placing a firm hand on her shoulder. "We'll figure this out," he said, his voice steady. His grip was grounding, but even he couldn't hide the tension tightening his jaw.

Anna and Aiden exchanged a quick glance, unspoken worry passing between them. They were scared for Dana, but more than anything, they were terrified for Aleena. Whatever had happened tonight had been real. And it had been after her.

Anna swallowed hard, her voice softer but firm. "Tell us what happened. Exactly."

Aleena hesitated, her heart pounding as the memories came rushing back. The board. The planchette moving on its own. The words that had spelled out her worst fears. Dana screaming. The way she had been ripped from Aleena's grasp. The walls, slashed with claw marks. The blood.

She took a deep breath and forced herself to speak. "We were messing around with the Ouija board. Just for fun. We didn't think anything would actually happen, but... it did. The planchette started moving on its own. It knew our names. And then it spelled something else." Her throat tightened. "It spelled 'Charmed One.'"

Aiden stiffened, his entire posture going rigid. His face darkened as his mind raced through the implications. "Wait... you did what?" His voice rose in alarm, his usual composure cracking. "Have you even read the Book of Shadows in the last couple of weeks? Using a Ouija board is the last thing we should do. It's a direct link to spirits! You might as well have rolled out a welcome mat for whatever that thing was!"

Aleena's fear burned into frustration. She took a step back, her hands balling into fists. "Well, sorry if I don't have time to sit around reading some old, boring book, Aiden! That's your and Anna's thing! I just show up when something needs to be burned!"

Aiden's jaw clenched, his anger flashing. "No! That's not how this works, Aleena! You can't just throw fire at every problem and hope it goes away! We need to understand what we're dealing with before we make things worse!"

Anna quickly stepped between them, her hands raised. "Both of you, stop!" she snapped, her voice cutting through the tension. "This isn't her fault."

Aiden exhaled sharply, dragging a hand through his hair, forcing himself to calm down. He wasn't mad at Aleena—he was scared. And Aleena, despite her defensive anger, was just as shaken as he was.

Then his breath caught in his throat. A horrifying realization settled over him.

"Wait... it knew you were a Charmed One."

Aleena nodded slowly, the weight of those words pressing down on her like a lead weight. "Yeah," she whispered. "It knew."

A thick silence stretched between them as the implications of that sank in. Anna's brow furrowed, and Aiden's hands curled into fists as the full gravity of the situation settled.

"We can't ignore this," he finally said, his voice quieter but firm. "If that spirit knew what you were, then it wasn't just some random entity. It was after you. Maybe even all of us."

Aleena swallowed, a sick feeling twisting in her stomach. "I know. But... why? What does it want? Why would a spirit target me just because I'm a Charmed One?"

Aiden shook his head grimly. "Probably for the same reason demons target us. It's evil. It wants our powers, or worse... it wants us dead."

Aleena's breath caught, her fingers going numb. "I get that, but... how did it find me?"

Anna crossed her arms, her expression tense. "Things aren't normal for us anymore, Aleena. We can't just mess around with things and assume it's harmless. No matter how small it seems, if there's even a hint of the supernatural, we're going to get pulled into it."

Aleena let out a shaky breath, her frustration dissolving into regret. She shook her head, her voice quieter now, tinged with guilt. "I didn't think about that... we were just having fun. But you're right."

Aiden sighed, his anger fading into something softer. He placed a hand back on her shoulder, this time gentler. "From now on, we have to be careful. We don't mess with things we don't fully understand. No more surprises like this."

Aleena took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Yeah," she murmured. "You're right. No more messing around. No more Ouija boards. No more... anything like that."

Anna gave her a reassuring smile, her expression full of understanding. "Exactly. We'll be more careful from now on. But for now, we focus on helping Dana."

Aiden nodded. "The three of us need to consult the Book of Shadows. We need answers."

Aleena glanced between her siblings, the weight of the situation pressing down on all of them. "You're right," she said. "If there are answers, the Book of Shadows has them."

She exhaled slowly, bracing herself for what was to come. Whatever this was, whatever had reached out to her through that board, it wasn't finished.

And neither were they.

The drive home is quiet, the weight of what just happened pressing down on all three of them like an unseen force. Aleena stares out the window, her jaw tight, her fingers digging into her sleeves. Anna glances at her from the passenger seat, concern flickering in her brown eyes, while Aiden grips the wheel a little too tightly, his mind racing through every possibility of what they were up against.

By the time they pull into the driveway, Aleena is already unbuckling her seatbelt, practically throwing the door open before Aiden even kills the engine. She doesn't wait for her siblings, her legs carrying her forward on autopilot as she heads straight for the attic. She needs answers. Now.

Anna and Aiden exchange a glance before following.

The attic is dimly lit by the warm glow of an old lamp in the corner, dust motes swirling in the air as the wooden floor creaks beneath their feet. Shelves lined with ancient tomes and magical artifacts loom around them, but Aleena's focus is singular as she strides toward the large pedestal at the center of the room. Resting atop it, as always, is The Book of Shadows.

She doesn't hesitate. Her fingers graze the worn leather cover before she flips it open, the thick parchment whispering as she turns the pages with practiced urgency. Anna and Aiden step in closer, their eyes scanning the book over her shoulder.

"If there's anything about hauntings or ghosts in here, we'll find it," Aleena mutters, her voice taut with determination.

Aiden nods, and Anna watches as Aleena sifts through the pages with a desperation none of them say out loud. This is personal. Dana was attacked. Hurt. And it was because of Aleena, because of what she is. That guilt is sitting heavy in her chest, and no matter what, she's going to make this right.

The pages continue to turn, their fingers tracing over spells and accounts of supernatural occurrences, until—

"Stop. Right here," Aiden says abruptly, his voice sharp. He leans over, pressing his finger to the title at the top of the page. "This is where I wanted to start."

Aleena's eyes land on the words scrawled in bold ink:POLTERGEIST HAUNTING.

Her stomach tightens. The word alone sends a chill racing down her spine.

"Poltergeist," she whispers. "You think that's what happened to Dana?"

Anna's brows knit together as she reads through the passage. "It makes sense. The characteristics and behaviors of a poltergeist align with what happened to Dana. The scratches, the objects moving on their own, the violent activity..." She pauses, glancing at Aleena. "And it seems fixated on you."

Aiden folds his arms, his concern deepening. "If it's a poltergeist, that means we're dealing with something powerful. And dangerous."

Aleena swallows hard, trying to process everything. She had never really believed in poltergeists before, but now, with everything that had happened, the thought filled her with a quiet, creeping dread. But fear wasn't going to stop her.

"Okay... what do we do? How do we stop it?" she asks, voice steady despite the unease curling in her gut.

Aiden's eyes scan the text, his mind quickly analyzing the situation. "Poltergeists feed off of emotion, especially negative emotions like fear, sadness, or anger. The stronger the emotions, the stronger it gets." He exhales sharply. "We need to weaken it, make it lose its power. But in order to do that... we need to burn something that's tying it to the physical realm. Then we can use a P3-level banishing spell."

Aleena waits for the catch. And it comes.

Aiden sighs. "Oh, great. And it looks like... our elemental powers are practically useless."

Anna bites her lip, tension knotting her shoulders. "What's tying it to the physical realm? And what do you mean our elemental powers are useless?"

Aiden looks between them, frustration flashing across his face. "The thing binding the poltergeist here could be anything. Something linked to the house, the victims, or the spirit itself. And our elemental powers don't work well against it because poltergeists are non-corporeal. They don't have a physical form, so trying to blast it with fire, water, or wind won't do anything."

Anna's expression darkens. "So what do we do?"

Aiden hesitates before continuing. "The best way to truly banish a poltergeist is to enter the spiritual realm and sever its connection to the living world from there." He looks at them meaningfully. "And as far as I know... none of us can astral project."

Silence settles between them. The weight of the situation grows heavier.

Aleena exhales sharply. "Right. So our options are limited. And all we've got to go off is that it called itself old. Meaning... an old spirit."

Anna frowns, crossing her arms. "An old spirit... that doesn't narrow it down much. There are countless spirits and entities out there. How are we supposed to figure out which one it is?"

She and Aiden exchange uneasy glances. The realization that they're dealing with something ancient sends a slow, creeping dread through them. Whatever this poltergeist was, it wasn't just some restless spirit.

It was something older.

And something much worse.

Aiden hesitates, his fingers tapping against the worn pages of the Book of Shadows as he chooses his words carefully. "Well... there is one way... but it's a little..." He trails off, his expression unreadable.

Anna and Aleena exchange a look, their curiosity laced with apprehension. Aleena swallows hard, her heart pounding slightly as she fixes her gaze on Aiden.

"What is it?" she presses, her voice quieter than before. Anna shifts her weight, arms crossed tightly, waiting for Aiden to elaborate.

Aiden exhales slowly. "We hire a medium. We go to Dana's house, and see if they can get a read on it. Might be iffy, but... it could work."

A tense silence settles between them.

Anna frowns slightly, her lips pressing into a thin line. "A medium?" Her tone is skeptical, her mind already running through the complications of trusting an outsider.

Aleena's reaction is more uncertain, her eyes darting between her siblings. "Even if we could find a legit one... you're right, it's hit or miss. They could pick up on any one of the thousands of spirits floating around. How will we know for sure that we have the right one?"

Aiden's shoulders sag slightly, as if he had been expecting the pushback but was still hoping for a different response. "You're right. It's not a guarantee," he admits. "But at this point, it's our best option. We don't have much else to go on."

He lets the weight of the situation sink in for a moment before adding, his tone softer now, more reassuring. "We have to try something."

Aleena lets out a slow breath, her jaw clenching as she wrestles with her frustration. She wants a concrete solution, a definitive answer—something that doesn't rely on chance. But she also knows Aiden is right.

"I guess you're right," she finally concedes. "We don't have many choices. Let's... let's do it." She glances at Anna, silently seeking her agreement.

Anna sighs, rubbing her temples before running her fingers through her hair in a familiar, frustrated gesture. She doesn't like this any more than Aleena does, but there aren't many paths forward. They're out of time. Out of leads. Out of better ideas.

After a long pause, she nods. "Alright. Let's find a medium."

Aiden nods, relieved they're at least willing to consider the plan. But then a thought crosses his mind, and he leans back slightly, tapping his knuckles against the book's surface. "There's something I read in the book that I want to try. It might give us an edge in finding a real medium."

Anna tilts her head slightly, her curiosity piqued. "What kind of edge?"

Aiden glances at Aleena before turning back to Anna. "I'll show you when you come back. But first... could you grab the map of Woodbury from the den downstairs?"

Anna purses her lips, studying him for a moment before nodding. "Sure... but why do you need the map?"

Aiden doesn't answer right away, his expression unreadable. "I'll explain once you're back."

Anna holds his gaze for a moment longer before sighing. She doesn't push—she trusts Aiden, even if she has no idea what he's planning. Without another word, she turns and heads downstairs.

The den is dimly lit, the soft glow of a single lamp casting shadows against the bookshelves lining the walls. Anna moves quickly, her fingers skimming over stacks of papers, searching through the drawers until she finally finds what she's looking for—a folded paper map of their hometown. She takes a breath, unfolding it slightly before heading back upstairs, her mind already racing with questions about what Aiden has planned.

The attic remained eerily silent as the two siblings waited for Anna to return. The weight of their task pressed down on them, an unspoken tension lingering between them. Aleena's mind raced, her thoughts tangled between worry and determination. Every second that passed felt heavier, thick with the gravity of what they were trying to do.

Aiden moved toward an old wooden box, the one filled with witch supplies they had uncovered when they first found The Book of Shadows. He dug through its contents, fingers brushing against aged parchment, vials of herbs, and a collection of strange tools. Finally, he pulled out a crystal pendant attached to a delicate chain. The light in the attic caught the edges of the crystal, causing it to glimmer faintly.

Aleena's gaze followed his movements, her brows knitting together in confusion. "What is that?"

Before Aiden could answer, Anna reappeared, map in hand. She paused in the doorway, immediately noticing Aleena's eyes locked onto the crystal dangling from Aiden's grasp. A flicker of curiosity crossed her face.

"What's that for?" Anna asked quietly as she stepped further into the room.

Aiden didn't answer right away. Instead, he gestured toward the old wooden desk near the window. "Put the map down there."

Anna did as instructed, unrolling the map and smoothing it flat with her palms. The crisp paper displayed the layout of Woodbury in intricate detail, every street and landmark etched in ink.

Aiden held up the crystal. "This is a scrying crystal. It's like a magical GPS or whatever. Supposed to help guide a witch toward what they're looking for."

Aleena's eyes widened slightly, intrigued. She glanced from the crystal to the map and back again. "So it's like a witchy compass?"

Anna tilted her head, taking a closer look at the crystal. "How does it work?" she asked, her voice tinged with interest.

Aiden exhaled, gripping the chain loosely between his fingers. "You just focus on what you want to find... for instance, the best spirit medium in Woodbury." He let the crystal dangle over the map, allowing it to sway slightly before he began to move it in slow, deliberate circles.

Both Anna and Aleena leaned in, their eyes trained on the crystal. They exchanged a glance, silently acknowledging the hope that this could actually lead them to someone useful.

"This should be better than trying to use Google or Yelp," Aiden murmured, keeping his focus on the crystal's movement. "It'll point us toward someone with actual supernatural abilities, not just a con artist with a neon sign."

Aleena let out a quiet chuckle. "That would definitely be better than scrolling through a bunch of sketchy psychic ads."

Anna nodded in agreement. "And it'll probably be more reliable than a random website."

The air in the attic shifted as the crystal's movement slowed. Then, without warning, the scrying crystal jerked downward, the tip smacking onto the map with a faint tap. It held still, locked in place.

All three siblings froze.

Aiden exhaled, lowering his hand. "Well... that's it. Let's see where it landed."

Aleena leaned in closer, frowning as she followed the pinpointed location. "That's odd... it's not a business. It's an apartment building."

Anna's brow furrowed. "An apartment building? Maybe someone there is running a business out of their home. A lot of psychics do that, right?" She glanced at Aleena, uncertainty flickering in her expression.

Aleena pulled out her phone, already unlocking it. "Let's check." Her fingers moved quickly across the screen as she typed in the address from the map. Aiden and Anna waited in tense silence as she scanned the results.

Aiden crossed his arms. "Any business listed under that address?"

Aleena stared at the screen, waiting for something to pop up. After a few moments, she shook her head. "No... nothing comes up. It's just a regular residential address."

Aiden sighed, rubbing a hand over his jaw. "Still... our magic hasn't let us down yet. We need to pursue this lead."

Anna nodded slowly, her expression turning thoughtful. "You're right. Out of all the places in Woodbury, the scrying crystal chose that apartment. That can't just be a coincidence. There has to be something there—or someone."

Aleena slipped her phone back into her pocket, her earlier hesitation melting away. The logical part of her brain still questioned the result, but deep down, she knew they couldn't ignore it.

"I'm up for it," she said, determination creeping into her tone. "We can't just dismiss this. We have to investigate."

Aiden smirked slightly, rolling up the map. "Let's go find us a medium."

Aleena smirked back. "Right."

Anna grabbed her jacket from the chair. "Let's get to it."

Later that day, the siblings arrive at the apartment complex pinpointed by their scrying crystal. The building looms ahead, an unremarkable structure of brick and steel, blending into the urban sprawl like any other. The air here feels different, though—charged, as if something unseen lingers just beyond the veil of the ordinary.

They park their car, each of them taking a long moment to stare up at the complex. The late afternoon sun casts elongated shadows over the pavement, and a faint breeze rustles through the trees lining the sidewalk, whispering like unseen voices.

"This is it," Aleena murmurs, her gaze locked onto the third floor. "Apartment building number 302."

Anna stands beside her, pressing her lips into a tight line. Her heart beats a little faster than she'd like to admit, the anticipation creeping under her skin. She takes a slow, deliberate breath, grounding herself.

Aiden tilts his head slightly. "Well... how exactly are we supposed to find a medium in an entire apartment building?"

Aleena exhales sharply. "I was just thinking that. We can't exactly start knocking on doors."

Anna nods, her brow furrowed. They need a way to narrow it down—a method to seek out the right person without drawing too much attention. Her mind flips through the possibilities, then something clicks. An idea surfaces, one she had come across in her own late-night reading of The Book of Shadows.

"I have an idea," she says, a spark of excitement behind her words. "I've been doing my own research in the book. It said witches can develop their own spells. Most have to create full rituals to make them work, but because we have the Power of Three, we just need a spell that rhymes and a clear intent. If we repeat it until the magic takes hold, it should work."

Aiden and Aleena exchange a glance, curiosity flashing between them.

Aiden smirks. "Well, you're definitely the best at writing and rhyming out of the three of us. Go for it."

He reaches into the glove compartment and pulls out a notepad and pen, handing them to Anna. "Alright, give us a spell to help locate a spirit medium."

Anna takes the notepad, the weight of their trust settling over her. She closes her eyes for a moment, centering herself, letting the words come to her naturally. The feeling is almost instinctual, as if the magic is already there, waiting for her to shape it. When she opens her eyes, the spell is on her lips before she even realizes it.

"To find a medium with power and grace, We seek one with visions and psychic trace. With this chant we summon their energy, To guide us to them with harmony. We search and we seek, we won't rest in despair, Unleashing our power as the three that we share."

The words settle in the air between them, humming with potential.

Aiden nods approvingly. "Alright. Remember—clear our minds, focus on our intent. We repeat it until the spell works. A name, a sign... something will come to us."

Aleena and Anna nod in unison, the three of them taking a brief moment to close their eyes, exhaling together. They push aside doubt, distraction—everything but the intent to find the medium. Then, together, they begin to chant as they read from the notepad.

Their voices blend, weaving the words into something more than language. A vibration hums through the air, subtle at first, then stronger. The atmosphere around them shifts, thickening with something unseen yet undeniably present. The street noise in the background dulls, as if they are no longer entirely in the same reality they started in.

Each repetition builds upon the last, their voices gaining strength, the energy around them coiling tighter. The hairs on the back of Aleena's neck rise, a faint static crackling in the air. Aiden's grip tightens around the steering wheel in his palm, his eyes narrowing in concentration. Anna grips the pen, her pulse thrumming in her ears.

Then, suddenly, her hand moves.

Her fingers tighten around the pen as if controlled by something beyond herself, and she watches, half in shock, half in awe, as the ink scrawls across the notepad in her own handwriting.

#54

Her breath catches. She stares at the number, her heart pounding, then looks up at her siblings. Aiden and Aleena are already leaning in, eyes wide, witnessing the same impossible phenomenon.

Aleena exhales sharply. "That's the apartment number. Let's go."

Anna presses her lips together, then nods. She tucks the notepad away, hands slightly unsteady, not from fear—but from the sheer force of what just happened.

Aiden straightens, cracking his knuckles. "Alright, let's go find our medium."

The three of them move together, stepping toward the entrance as the spell's lingering energy hums in the air around them. Whatever was waiting for them beyond that door—they were about to find out.

The elevator hums softly as it ascends, the siblings standing in tense silence. The small space feels even smaller under the weight of their anticipation. Aiden stands at the front, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. Anna fiddles with the sleeve of her sweater, while Aleena taps her fingers restlessly against the metal railing.

A soft ding breaks the silence as the elevator arrives on the fifth floor. The doors slide open with a quiet hiss, revealing a dimly lit hallway stretching before them. The air is thick with the scent of aged carpet and something faintly floral. The overhead lights flicker slightly, casting long, uncertain shadows along the corridor.

Stepping out, the siblings glance around, scanning the numbered plaques beside each door. Their footsteps echo lightly as they move, their breaths shallow. After a few moments, they spot it—#54—a nondescript door near the end of the hall.

Aiden exhales, rolling his shoulders back. "Alright... I'll do the talking."

Anna and Aleena exchange glances before nodding. They both know Aiden is the best at keeping his cool. Their anxiety lingers, but they follow him to the door, their movements slow, cautious. Anna's hands clasp together in front of her, while Aleena's fingers twitch slightly at her sides.

Aiden raises his hand and knocks, firm but measured. The sound is muffled by the heavy wood, and then—nothing.

The silence stretches. Each second that passes feels like an eternity. Their hearts beat a little faster, uncertainty curling at the edges of their thoughts. Aleena sneaks a glance at Anna, hoping to find some reassurance, but Anna looks just as on edge as she feels.

Aiden, sensing their nervousness, offers them both a quick, steady look before focusing back on the door. He takes a breath, about to knock again when—

The door creaks open.

A woman stands in the doorway, her sharp green eyes scanning them with quiet curiosity. Her light brown hair, streaked with gray, falls just past her shoulders. There's something about her presence—an air of experience, of someone who has seen more than most. She looks no younger than fifty, and though she appears tired, there's a quiet strength in the way she carries herself.

She studies them for a long moment before speaking, amusement flickering across her features. "Well... this is unexpected. I don't usually get teenagers knocking on my door."

Aiden clears his throat, shifting slightly. "Yeah, I'm sure this looks a little strange."

The woman raises an eyebrow, clearly entertained by their awkwardness.

Aiden exhales, choosing his words carefully. "This is going to sound really... really out of the blue, but are you a spirit medium?"

The amusement in her expression fades slightly, replaced by something more analytical. Her gaze sharpens as she looks at them, her green eyes flicking between their faces. The air between them feels heavier now, charged with something unseen.

"You have me at a disadvantage," she finally says. "But yes... I am a medium."

Aiden lets out a quiet sigh of relief. "Do you mind if we come in? The hallway isn't exactly the best place to talk about this."

The siblings step inside, the air inside the apartment thick with the scent of burning incense and something older, something harder to define. The lighting is dim, a few flickering candles scattered across various surfaces, casting shadows that danced along the walls.

They move cautiously, their gazes flicking across the room, taking in shelves lined with crystals, tarot decks, and books that looked far older than they probably should be. It was exactly the kind of place a spirit medium would call home.

The woman gestures toward a small sitting area in the center of the room, where a round wooden table sits covered in a deep purple cloth. Without a word, the siblings take their seats, the weight of why they're here pressing down on them.

Aiden leans forward slightly, hands clasped together, before giving Aleena a nod. She exhales, steadying herself, before launching into the explanation.

She recounts everything. The way Dana had been dragged away, the scratches that had appeared on her legs, the chaos in the kitchen—the overturned pots and shattered glass. She describes the suffocating presence in the room, the way the air had felt detail is laid out, her voice firm but laced with a lingering unease.

The medium listens intently, her expression growing darker as Aleena speaks. Her green eyes flicker with recognition, realization settling over her features.

"What you're describing is consistent with the behavior of a Poltergeist," she says at last, her voice low. "They thrive on chaos. They feed off strong emotions. And they're often... aggressive. Destructive."

Aiden nods. "The spirit also knew their names... and it described itself as an old and powerful spirit."

At that, the medium's eyes widen slightly. She tilts her head, clearly piecing something together. "Old and powerful... That fits the profile of an ancient spirit."

She hesitates before adding, "Did it reveal its name at all?"

Aleena shakes her head immediately. Aiden, still deep in thought, answers for her.

"I don't think it would risk telling us its name. It's clever enough to only give us crumbs. That's why we're here."

The medium nods slowly, pressing her fingers together in contemplation. "I see... That makes sense. Ancient spirits like to keep their identities hidden. The more elusive they are, the harder they are to stop. They prefer to operate in the shadows."

She looks directly at Aleena now, her eyes sharp, almost studying her. "But I can feel it. This entity didn't just choose your friend at random... it was after 's something linking you to it."

A tense silence follows.

Aiden shifts in his seat, exchanging a glance with his sisters. "It's... complicated." His voice is careful, guarded. They can't tell her what they really are. Not yet.

Aleena chews on her lip, her fingers tapping lightly against her knee, as if debating how much to reveal. Anna's brow furrows, worry creeping into her expression.

The medium watches them closely, picking up on the hesitation.

Aiden leans forward slightly, choosing his words carefully. "Does your medium powers... give you any... vibes or hints about us?"

The medium studies them for a long moment, her green eyes flicking between each of them, reading the silent tension in the room. The siblings shift slightly under her gaze, feeling exposed in a way they weren't entirely comfortable with.

"Hmm..." she murmurs. "There's a connection between the three of you. A deep bond... You're more than just siblings. You're close. Closer than most families."

Aiden nods slowly, exchanging a glance with Anna and Aleena. "Yeah... and there's... power in that connection."

The medium tilts her head, intrigued. "Yes, I can sense that. There's something... different about you. A kind of energy that's not quite normal. It feels layered, almost intertwined in a way I don't usually see."

Aiden sighs, knowing they've said as much as they can. "I know we're asking you to take a lot on faith. But we can't divulge much more than that. What we do know is that the spirit wants Aleena—it's targeting her because of the power of our connection."

Aleena shifts uncomfortably, her fingers twitching against the fabric of her jacket. Fear flickers in her eyes, but she tries to keep her composure, her shoulders squared. She doesn't want to look weak, even if she feels like it.

The medium watches them, considering their words carefully. A knowing look crosses her face, something between understanding and caution. Finally, she exhales. "I believe you. And I believe you're in danger. I'd like to help you protect Aleena... but I need something from you in return."

Anna leans forward, her expression urgent. "We can give you anything you need. Just name the price."

The medium smiles, but it isn't the kind of smile meant to reassure—it's one of experience, of someone who has been through too much to take these things lightly. "I don't want anything material. What I require is something only you can give... I want to use my medium abilities to connect with the spirit that is targeting you. It's the only way I can understand its intentions and find a way to help you. But it's a risk... Connecting with an ancient and dark spirit is never completely safe."

Aiden straightens at that, his gaze flicking toward Aleena. "Do you think Dana's parents will let us bring a medium into their house?"

Aleena swallows hard, her mind racing. The idea of bringing someone in to poke at whatever had already attacked Dana sends a chill down her spine. But she knows they don't have another choice. "I don't see why not... I don't think they'd be opposed to trying anything at this point, especially if it means stopping what happened to Dana from happening again."

Aiden nods, his voice steady. "Text them and ask. If they're okay with it, we can all head over there."

Aleena pulls out her phone, her fingers moving quickly across the screen. The seconds stretch, tension thick in the air as she waits for a response. Then, her phone buzzes.

She exhales. "Okay, they're fine with it. They said we can use the spare key. They're still at the hospital."

Aiden presses his lips together, the weight of the situation settling in. He looks between his sisters, his eyes steady, determined. "Alright, let's go then. Hopefully, we'll be able to shed some light on what we're dealing with and figure out how to stop it before it comes after Aleena again."

The siblings nod in agreement, their nerves crackling with anticipation. Aleena's mind spins with the possibilities, her stomach twisting at the thought of facing the entity again. Anna flexes her fingers unconsciously, trying to push down the shakiness in her hands.

The medium, watching them closely, speaks up, her voice calm but firm. "Don't worry. I'm not going to put any of you in danger. I know how to handle these kinds of situations. But I need you to trust me."

Aiden studies her for a moment before nodding. "Do you want to ride with us or follow in your car?"

The medium considers for a second before making her decision. "I'll follow you in my car. It'll give me time to prepare my tools and get in the right headspace for the connection. Meet you there?"

Aiden nods and quickly jots down the address for her. Without another word, the siblings rise, stepping back out into the hallway. The weight of the moment lingers between them, thick and undeniable.

Whatever was waiting for them at Dana's house... they were about to face it.

The siblings climb into Aiden's car and drive off. The tension lingers like an unseen weight pressing down on them. Aleena is uncharacteristically quiet, her arms folded as she stares out the window, no doubt worrying about what awaits them at Dana's house. Anna, sitting beside Aiden, fidgets with her hands in her lap, her mind clearly running in circles. Meanwhile, Aiden grips the wheel, his jaw tight, his focus locked onto the road ahead. He's tense, but resolute. No matter what, he will keep his sisters safe.

After a few minutes of silence, Aiden suddenly speaks. "You know, I had a funny thought."

Anna glances up, her curiosity piqued. "What kind of funny thought?"

From the back seat, Aleena scoffs lightly. "What could possibly be funny right now?"

Aiden smirks, keeping his eyes on the road. "We're like magical detectives."

That makes Aleena snort. "Magical detectives? What does that make us, a family of superpowered Nancy Drews?"

Anna laughs, shaking her head in amusement. "Oh yeah, the FBI would totally hire a bunch of teenage magic detectives."

Aleena snickers. "Yeah, with our credentials? I'm sure they'd be fighting each other for the chance to recruit us."

Aiden chuckles, unable to contain his smile. "Well, maybe that could be your career path... Detective Aleena Prescott."

Aleena grins, her mood finally lifting. "Detective Aleena Prescott... has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Maybe I'll start my own magic detective agency."

"Hey... you joke, but you'd clean up as a private investigator," Aiden says, glancing at her through the rearview mirror. "I mean, we just found a medium with nothing but a crystal and a few rhyming words. That's more effective than half the PI firms out there."

Anna's eyes widen, impressed. "Yeah, you're right. We should totally start taking on cases for people and charging money. We'd be like the Scooby gang, but with real magic."

Aleena laughs. "Yeah, we'd be solving supernatural mysteries left and right. But seriously, can you imagine charging people for magic stuff? I don't think most people would believe us."

Aiden shakes his head. "Well, we are supposed to be protectors of the innocent."

Anna nods. "Yeah, we're meant to protect people from supernatural threats. It's our destiny."

Aleena's smile falters slightly, her fingers drumming against her knee. "True... but after what happened last night... the idea of anyone getting hurt because of us scares me."

Aiden's expression softens. He glances at her in the rearview mirror, his voice steady. "Hey... we'll protect Dana. She may have gotten hurt, but she's okay. And we'll make sure it stays that way."

Aleena looks at him, his reassurance sinking in. She exhales and gives a small, grateful smile. "Thanks. I know we'll keep her safe. We're a team, after all. And a pretty badass team at that."

Anna grins, her confidence returning. "Damn right we are. With our powers combined, we can handle anything that comes at us."

Aiden nods, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "We've got this. Now let's focus on the task at hand. We've got a medium to meet and an evil spirit to deal with."

Eventually, the trio arrives at Dana's house, the quiet stillness of the neighborhood only adding to the tension simmering in the air. Aiden pulls into the driveway, and for a moment, none of them move. They simply sit there, their gazes flicking toward the house, knowing they are about to step into something unknown.

The medium is already there, having arrived ahead of them. She stands on the front porch, arranging a small table and preparing her tools—candles, crystals, and a few items they can't quite identify. The flickering light of the streetlamp overhead casts long shadows over her work, making the moment feel even more surreal.

As the siblings step out of the car, they take a moment to compose themselves before approaching. The medium looks up, her green eyes settling on them, and she offers a gentle smile.

"Hello," she greets, her voice warm yet measured. "I'm glad you made it. Please, take a seat."

Aiden, Anna, and Aleena exchange glances before moving toward the table. The wooden chairs creak slightly as they sit, a quiet reminder of just how real this moment is.

"We really appreciate your help," Aiden says, his tone filled with sincerity.

The medium nods, folding her hands on the table. "Of course. I'm happy to help. But before we begin, I need to understand the situation more clearly."

She pauses, her gaze flickering between them, reading their body language. "How long has this spirit been targeting you?"

Aiden's jaw tightens. "Less than twenty-four hours."

The medium's eyebrows raise slightly. "Just twenty-four hours... and it's already harmed someone?" Her voice is calm, but there's a layer of concern beneath it. "That is a very aggressive spirit. Most poltergeists take time to build their strength, feeding off emotions before they start physically manifesting. The fact that it has already attacked... that tells me it's fueled by something deep-seated. Something personal."

Aleena swallows hard, shifting in her seat. "What does that mean?"

The medium's gaze settles on her, studying her carefully. "It means that this spirit has a reason for going after you specifically. Spirits that lash out this violently don't do so randomly. There's a heavy emotional charge behind this—it's drawn to you. Your presence, your energy... it threatens whatever unfinished business it has."

Aiden nods, exhaling slowly. "It's that connection we mentioned earlier. The one between the three of us. It's powerful... beyond just siblings."

The medium's expression darkens slightly, her fingers tracing the rim of a candle. "Yes. I sense it. The three of you... your bond is incredibly strong. It's unlike anything I've felt before." She hesitates before continuing, her voice lowering slightly. "And that's why it's after you. It doesn't just want to scare you—it wants to break you. Because your connection threatens its power."

A brief silence settles over them, thick with unspoken fear. Aleena's fingers tighten into fists in her lap, while Anna bites the inside of her cheek, processing the weight of those words.

Aiden looks between his sisters, then reaches out, taking both of their hands in his own. His grip is steady, firm.

"We're ready," he says, his voice unwavering.

The medium nods once, then exhales, steadying herself. "Then let's begin."

Anna and Aleena nod, gripping Aiden's hands tightly, their fingers interlocking with his. The weight of what they are about to face presses down on them, but none of them let go.

The medium exhales, steadying herself. "Okay. Now I'm going to begin the connection ritual. I need you all to stay calm and focused. Remember—you are in control here. You have the power to cut the connection if it becomes too much to handle. Do you understand?"

The siblings nod in unison, their grips tightening as they brace themselves.

Closing her eyes, the medium begins to chant, her voice soft and melodic, carrying an ancient resonance. The words are foreign yet familiar, as if they have existed since time immemorial. A strange sensation washes over the siblings—like an invisible thread weaving between them, linking their minds together. Their breaths synchronize, their thoughts blur, and suddenly, emotions that aren't entirely their own flicker through their consciousness.

A pulse of cold air sweeps through the space. The candles around them flicker violently.

Anna swallows hard, her voice steady despite the unease tightening her chest. "Anything you can get us... a name, a description, or even a symbol—it could help."

The medium nods, her expression tense, her eyes still closed in deep concentration. "I'll do my best. This spirit is powerful and ancient... It may not be easy to extract information from it."

The siblings share a brief glance of silent understanding. Fear lingers at the edges of their minds, but determination overrides it. They've faced danger before. They've survived.

Aiden speaks, his voice firm. "Remember... It's a scary spirit, but we're scary too."

Anna's lips curl into a smirk, her resolve sharpening. "Damn right, we are."

Aleena lets out a slow breath, nodding. "This thing has no idea who it's messing with."

The medium's chanting intensifies, her voice rising and falling in a hypnotic rhythm, pulling them deeper into the ritual. The energy in the air shifts. A dense, oppressive force begins to press against them, unseen but unmistakably present. The room feels smaller, the air thinner. Their skin prickles, as though charged with static electricity.

And then—

The medium's eyes snap open. A sharp inhale shudders through her, and she stares at them with something between awe and unease.

"I... I've never felt anything like this before," she breathes. "The spirit's energy is intense... but something is different."

The siblings tense, exchanging anxious glances. Anna and Aleena's grips tighten around Aiden's hands, their knuckles turning white.

Aiden's jaw tightens. "Different? How?"

The medium blinks, her focus shifting somewhere beyond them. "It's like the spirit is toying with us. It knows I'm trying to pull information, and it's... mocking me. There's rage, hatred, but also something else. Something calculated. It's waiting. It's watching."

Anna exhales, her stomach twisting. "Can it hear us? Did you get a name?"

The medium nods, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Yes. It hears everything. But it's not giving anything away. It's enjoying this—watching us fumble in the dark." She hesitates, her fingers twitching against the table. "I couldn't get a name. It's blocking me out. But... I did get something. A symbol."

Aleena leans forward, her pulse pounding in her ears. "Yes. Please. Show us."

The medium reaches for a notepad, her hands trembling slightly as she prepares to sketch what she saw. The air in the room thickens further, a silent warning lingering at the edges of their awareness.

Something is watching. And it's waiting.

The medium closes her eyes again, focusing on the connection. A hush falls over the group as the energy in the air thickens. The flickering candlelight casts elongated shadows against the walls, stretching and shifting unnaturally. In the siblings' minds, a hazy image begins to form, surfacing like a memory long buried beneath layers of dust and time.

At first, it's vague, indistinct—a swirling mass of darkness resisting form. But then, slowly, it solidifies.

A symbol.

A stylized dragon, its serpentine body curling in an elegant arc, its tail coiled like a snake poised to strike. And at its center, embedded in the design like an ever-watchful sentinel, is a single unblinking eye.

The image sears into their consciousness, leaving behind an unsettling presence that lingers even after the vision fades.

Aiden and his sisters exchange wide-eyed glances, a mixture of confusion and alarm tightening in their chests. The weight of something deeply familiar and dangerous settles over them.

Anna's voice barely rises above a whisper, her breath hitching. "That... that symbol. I've seen it before."

Aiden and Aleena snap their heads toward her, their faces filled with urgent curiosity.

"Wait, what do you mean?" Aiden asks, his voice sharp. "Where did you see it?"

Anna swallows hard, her hands trembling slightly. "In the Book of Shadows. I was just reading it earlier tonight. It's a symbol for a... a poltergeist named Beliar. He's... he's one of the most powerful."

The name alone seems to carry a weight, pressing down on them like an unseen force. Aiden's face pales slightly as the reality of the situation sinks in. Aleena, though visibly unsettled, forces herself to stay composed, her mind already racing for a solution.

Aiden repeats the name as if testing its weight in his mouth. "A poltergeist named Beliar..."

The medium, her composure faltering for the first time, nods slowly. A flicker of fear dances behind her eyes. "Yes. This spirit... this Beliar... he's not just any old poltergeist. He's been around for centuries, feeding off negative energy, manipulating fear, twisting people against themselves. He doesn't just haunt... hetorments."

Before anyone can respond, the air shifts.

A sudden force rips through the porch, and without warning, the wooden floorboards beneath themsplinter and snap,tearing free as if yanked upward by invisible hands. The siblings barely have time to react before the boards are launched into the air one by one, shattering upon impact.

Aleena gasps, instinctively reaching for something to steady herself. Anna clutches the edge of the table, her breath coming in sharp bursts. Aiden's fists tighten, his body braced as his gaze darts around, searching for the unseen force wreaking havoc around them.

It's not just a display of power.

It's a warning.

Aiden's breath comes fast, his pulse hammering as he grips the edge of the table. "Oh god, what's happening?! Anna, Aleena, what's going on?! Is it the spirit?!"

Anna and Aleena are just as shaken, their eyes wide with panic. Anna's voice trembles as she clutches her chest, trying to steady her breath.

"I don't know... I don't know what's happening! Maybe it's the connection, maybe it's the spirit... I don't know!"

The medium, still gripping the table, her eyes shut tight, speaks urgently. "The connection is getting stronger—I can feel it. Beliar is feeding off your fear, growing more powerful by the second. You need to break the connection now, before it's too late!"

Without hesitation, Aiden releases his grip on his sisters' hands, the bond between them snapping like a frayed thread. The energy in the air abruptly shifts, the suffocating pressure vanishing. The floorboards, mid-rip, halt—the splintered wood frozen in the air for a brief second before dropping unceremoniously to the deck. The sudden stillness is almost as terrifying as the chaos.

A collective sigh of relief escapes them as the violent disturbance comes to an end. The house itself seems to exhale, the tension lifting, but the unease remains. Anna and Aleena exchange a glance, fear and uncertainty swirling in their eyes. Aiden, though still catching his breath, steels himself, his determination burning brighter than before.

His gaze locks onto the medium. "You need to be extra careful... There's no way that spirit is going to take kindly to you giving away its name like that."

The medium swallows hard, her face pale, shaken. "I know... I know. I'll be careful. But I had to warn you. You needed to know what you're up against. Beliar is ancient and powerful. He won't stop easily."

Aiden reaches into his pocket and pulls out a pendant, the metal cool against his palm. The design—an all-seeing eye—gleams faintly under the porch light. He extends it toward the medium. "Listen... this is going to sound crazy, but don't ask where I got this from. Just keep it around your neck, burn white candles in your apartment, and reinforce whatever protection rituals you already do. And hear this—Beliar, if you're listening... this medium is under the protection of The Charmed Ones."

The medium hesitates for only a moment before accepting the pendant, her fingers curling around it as if instinctively recognizing its significance. Her green eyes widen, a flicker of something between gratitude and awe crossing her features.

"Thank you..." she murmurs. "I never thought... I never thought I'd be protected by something like this. And I understand. Beliar is a threat—to you, to me, to all of us. I will take every precaution... I promise."

Aiden nods, satisfied but still wary. The fight is far from over, and now, the real battle begins.
Before leaving, Aleena recites the repair spell she learned last week. Having committed it to her memory. The repairs to Dana's house are instant and while this may lead to more questions, for now at least, it's one less thing for Dana's parents to worry about.

Aiden and his sisters leave Dana's house afterwards, their nerves still raw from the night's encounter. The medium departs as well, disappearing into the darkened streets. As Aiden pulls out of the driveway, the siblings settle into a tense, uneasy silence.

The ride back to the Prescott home is quiet, each of them lost in their thoughts. The weight of what they've learned sits heavily on their shoulders. The reality of Beliar—his power, his history—makes the night air feel colder, as if his presence lingers even in their absence.

Once they arrive, they step inside. The house feels different now, almost as if something unseen is watching them. A chill settles over the atmosphere, but none of them acknowledge it. No one has the nerve to break the silence, but it's clear they all have a lot to discuss.

Aiden finally exhales, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright... let's hit the book."

His words snap the others out of their trance. Aleena straightens, her earlier unease shifting into determination.

"Yeah. We need to know everything we can about Beliar... and how to stop him."

Without another word, the three head up to the attic. The musty scent of old parchment and candle wax surrounds them as they flip open the Book of Shadows and begin their search.

Aiden turns the pages with careful precision until he stops, his eyes scanning the faded ink. He starts reading aloud, his voice steady but tinged with focus.

"Beliar... ancient spirit... poltergeist... feeds off negative energy... can manipulate physical objects... has existed for centuries."

Aleena and Anna listen intently, their eyes fixed on the words. The deeper Aiden reads, the more foreboding the entry becomes.

Anna bites her lip. "Feeds off negative energy... that means the more scared we are, the stronger he gets, right?"

Aiden nods grimly. "It's like the fear demon—but worse."

Aleena lets out a huff, crossing her arms. "Great. Just all we have to do is stay strong, even when we're scared? Fantastic." Her sarcasm barely hides the frustration and fear simmering beneath the surface.

Aiden skims further down the page. "The banishing spell is simple... no potion required. But... there's a wrinkle."

Anna tenses. "A wrinkle? What kind of wrinkle?"

Aiden pauses, considering his words before speaking. "Okay... the banishing spell itself is straightforward. But Beliar isn't just any spirit. He's old, he's powerful,and there's a catch."

Aleena raises a brow. "Of course there is. Go on."

Aiden exhales. "We need to find whatever is tying him to this world. It could be an object... or where he's buried."

Aleena's eyes widen. "An item? Like... some kind of cursed object?"

She glances around the attic as if half-expecting some antique to lurch forward in response.

Anna frowns. "Or a grave? Are you saying Beliar has actual remains somewhere?"

Aiden nods, his face set with certainty. "Exactly. Spirits as powerful as Beliar don't just exist in the mortal realm without something anchoring them here. If we can find that anchor and destroy it, we sever his connection."

Anna crosses her arms. "Alright... so we figure out what's anchoring him, and we get rid of it. Easy enough."

Aleena lets out a dry laugh. "Yeah, except for the part where we have no idea what it is or where to look. It's not like this ancient spirit is going to just come out and say, 'Oh hey guys, here's where you can destroy me forever. Good luck with that.'"

Aiden smirks despite himself. "We can try scrying again... let's just hope whatever it is is in Woodbury."

Anna nods. "Yeah, I was about to suggest that. If we combine our intent, we should be able to get a strong read on it... I just hope it's not buried somewhere impossible to reach."

Aleena exhales sharply. "Yeah... let's just hope Beliar doesn't decide to drop in while we're scrying."

They return to the map of Woodbury, the familiar worn creases now a symbol of their search for answers. This time, Aleena takes the lead, gripping the crystal between her fingers and hovering it over the map.

"Alright, magic crystal. Show us what's keeping Beliar tied to this world."

The crystal circles slowly, as if searching... hesitant... before finally coming to a stop.

Aleena's eyes flick down. Her stomach drops.

"A graveyard? Oh look, the crystal is telling us where we can get a great deal on burial plots."

Anna's face tightens. "That must be where the anchor is."

Aiden leans in, narrowing his gaze. "Yeah... that's Future Eden 's been here since... like the 17th century."

Anna lets out a slow breath. "Future Eden Cemetery... sounds like a creepy place."

Aleena shivers slightly, glancing toward the nearest window, almost expecting to see something lurking in the dark. "Let's hope there aren't any other creepy things hanging out in the shadows."

Aiden closes the Book of Shadows, running a hand through his hair. "Let's rest for tonight. We'll go in the morning."

No one argues. They need sleep, though they all know rest won't come easy. Because once the sun rises... the real hunt begins.

As exhaustion weighed on them, the siblings wordlessly dispersed to their rooms, the weight of the night still pressing against their chests. Aiden disappeared into his room, likely to review their plan one more time before attempting to sleep. Anna lingered for a moment, casting Aleena a tired but reassuring glance before heading off as well.

Aleena, however, hesitated. Sleep felt like an impossible feat, her mind still buzzing with everything they had uncovered. She flopped onto her bed with a sigh, staring up at the ceiling. The room was dimly lit by her bedside lamp, casting soft golden hues across her walls. Just as she started to let her thoughts wander, her phone vibrated on the nightstand.

She furrowed her brow before picking it up, her heart skipping slightly at the name flashing on the screen—Kyle.

A small smile tugged at her lips as she swiped to answer. "Hey, Kyle."

His voice came through soft and warm, instantly grounding her. "Hey, Aleena. I... uh, I just heard about Dana. Is she okay?"

Aleena sat up, running a hand through her hair. Of course Kyle would find out—news traveled fast, and Dana had plenty of friends. But how much could she really say? "She's... she got hurt," she admitted, choosing her words carefully. "But she's stable now. She's still in the hospital, but she's going to be okay."

There was a pause on the other end, then a relieved sigh. "Man... I was worried. When I heard, I just—" He stopped himself, his voice dropping into something more vulnerable. "I just wanted to check in. Make sure you're okay too."

Her heart squeezed at that. "Me?"

"Yeah," Kyle said, a soft chuckle laced in his tone. "I mean, I know Dana's your best friend. I figured this whole thing must've been scary."

Aleena swallowed. If only you knew.

Instead of saying that, she let herself ease into the comfort of his voice. "It was... a lot," she admitted. "But I'm okay. It helps knowing she's going to be alright."

Kyle hummed in understanding. "Well, if you ever need to talk about it... or anything, really—I'm here."

Aleena smiled, warmth spreading in her chest. "That's really sweet, Kyle."

"Hey, what can I say? I'm a pretty sweet guy."

She let out a laugh, shaking her head. "Modest too."

"Only when it's true," he teased.

Aleena rolled her eyes playfully, but there was no hiding the genuine joy in her voice. "You know, you have this really annoying habit of making me smile even when I don't feel like it."

Kyle chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment."

There was a quiet moment between them, the comfortable kind that didn't need to be filled with words. It was strange, how even through the phone, he made her feel lighter—like, for just a little while, she could forget about poltergeists and hauntings and ancient spirits trying to kill her.

"You should get some sleep," he murmured. "You sound tired."

Aleena exhaled, leaning back against her pillows. "Yeah, I probably should."

"Alright," he said, his voice softening. "Goodnight, Aleena."

She hesitated just a second before responding. "Goodnight, Kyle."

As she ended the call, a small, lingering smile remained on her face. For the first time all night, the weight in her chest didn't feel quite so heavy.

Night rest doesn't come easy for any of them. Stress, anxiety, and an overwhelming fear that the poltergeist could be watching them—waiting—keeps their minds restless. Sleep is a fragile thing, slipping through their fingers like grains of sand. Aleena tosses and turns for what feels like hours, her body unable to relax, her thoughts racing in endless circles. Finally, frustration overtakes her, and she sits up in bed, her breath shallow.

The house is eerily silent. Too silent.

Her eyes dart around the room as if expecting something—anything—to lunge from the darkness. Nothing moves, but the uneasy feeling in her gut refuses to fade.

Swinging her legs over the edge of the bed, she grabs her robe, slipping her feet into her slippers before quietly making her way to the kitchen. Maybe a glass of water, some time to breathe, would help settle her nerves. The wooden floor creaks beneath her as she walks, but the house remains still.

As she steps into the kitchen, the faint glow of a laptop screen flickers in the dark, casting a soft, ghostly light across the space. She stiffens—someone is already there.

Aiden looks up from his laptop, his face illuminated in dim blue light. "Can't sleep?"

Aleena jumps slightly at the sudden sound of his voice, then exhales sharply, trying to slow her heartbeat. "Yeah..." she mutters, rubbing the back of her neck. "Didn't think anyone else would be awake."

Aiden closes the laptop halfway, leaning back on the kitchen island. "He's definitely screwing with us. Even if he's not here,he's feeding off us—off our fear."

Aleena exhales heavily, walking toward the fridge and grabbing a glass. "I bet he knows we're close. Wouldn't put it past him to just be lying in wait at that damn cemetery tomorrow."

Aiden nods grimly. "And our elemental powers won't help."

Aleena takes a sip of water, then sets the glass down with a little too much force. "Great... so we're basically walking into a trap."

She presses her fingers to her temples, already feeling the headache forming. How the hell are we supposed to fight something that grows stronger the more we fear it?

"What are we gonna do?" she asks finally, her voice quieter, less sharp. "If Beliar's power is tied to our emotions... how are we supposed to stand a chance against him?"

Aiden smirks slightly, leaning forward. "You know how resourceful your big brother is, right?"

Aleena raises an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? What have you got?"

Aiden pulls a folded piece of paper from his pocket and slides it across the counter. "Read it and weep."

Aleena eyes him suspiciously before grabbing the paper and unfolding it. "Alright, I'll bite..."

Her gaze scans the words, her skepticism growing with each passing second. "A fearless spell? You can't be serious. This is just a bunch of—" She pauses, her expression shifting. Some of these ingredients look familiar.

She glances up at Aiden. "Wait... I recognize some of these. You found this in the Book of Shadows?"

Aiden nods, clearly pleased with himself. "Yep. We brew the potion, chant the incantation, and boom—fearless."

Aleena crosses her arms, eyeing him warily. "So you're telling me we're supposed to drink something that makes us fearless? You don't think that has even the slightest chance of backfiring?"

Aiden shrugs. "You got a better idea? 'Cause unless you figured out how to punch a poltergeist in the face, we need every advantage we can get."

Aleena exhales, torn between irritation and reluctant admiration. He was right—they needed every edge they could get. Still, the idea of altering their emotions, even magically, made her uneasy.

"Alright, fine," she grumbles. "But if we turn into fearless idiots who can't think straight, I'm blaming you."

Aiden smirks. "Blame me all you want."

Aleena rolls her eyes but can't suppress the small smile tugging at her lips. "Fine. Let's get this fearless potion ready. I'd rather feel like a badass than a scared little kid."

She glances down at the list of ingredients, mentally going over what they'd need. It wasn't an easy potion to brew—this would take time.

Without another word, the two of them set to work, moving through the attic in sync, gathering ingredients and preparing the mixture. The process takes hours—grinding, mixing, heating. The dim light of the attic flickers as the potion brews, the scent of herbs and magic thick in the air.

As the potion simmers, a heavy silence lingers between them, not one of fear this time—but of determination.

Tomorrow, they would face Beliar.

And they would be ready.

Eventually, Anna stirs, groggily waking as she hears faint noises from the attic. Her room rests directly beneath it, and the quiet commotion above—muffled voices, clinking glass—pulls her from her restless sleep. She sits up, yawning, before throwing on her own robe and slippers. With a deep breath, she makes her way upstairs, curiosity and concern warring in her chest.

As she steps into the attic, she finds Aiden and Aleena hovering over the brewing potion, their faces set with determination.

"Morning," she mumbles, rubbing her eyes. "What the hell are you two up to?"

Aiden and Aleena exchange glances before offering her a knowing smirk. "Good morning," Aiden greets. "We were just about to catch you up."

Aleena crosses her arms, nodding toward the potion. "Long story short? Fearless potion. We drink it, chant the incantation, and boom—no fear."

Anna listens intently, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten as the reality of their plan sinks in. She stares at the vial with a mixture of skepticism and intrigue.

"So... we're actually doing this? Drinking a potion to make us fearless?" She folds her arms, glancing between her siblings.

Aiden nods, his expression unwavering. "Yep. It's our best shot. We can't let Beliar get any advantage over us."

Anna's brow furrows in thought. The logic is sound—Beliar feeds on fear, thrives off it. If they could cut off that source, maybe they'd stand a chance.

Aleena, however, still looks unconvinced. "Let's just get this over with and hope it doesn't backfire completely."

The trio watches as the potion finishes brewing, the liquid swirling within the glass vial, a shimmering mix of magic and raw intent.

Aleena takes the first sip, her throat burning slightly as the potion works its way down. A shiver runs through her spine, but it's not unpleasant—it's empowering.

Aiden follows, tipping the vial back without hesitation. A glimmer of confidence sparks in his eyes, a rush of adrenaline already coursing through his veins.

Anna lingers a moment before downing her dose, bracing herself for the effects.

Together, they recite the incantation:

"With courage now instilled in me,
No fear shall have power over thee.
I stand tall, with confidence abound,
Braver now, I shall not be found.
Fear, you hold no sway over me,
My bravery, now part of my destiny.
Fearless, I face the unknown,
No obstacle too tough, and no foe too bold."

The words echo in the attic, and as the final line is spoken, a rush of energy slams into them like an unseen wave. It's as if a fog has lifted from their minds—any lingering hesitation, doubt, or fear vanishes completely.

Aleena breathes in sharply, her mind clearer than it has ever been. Her pulse steadies, her muscles no longer tense with anxiety. Instead, she feels... invincible.

"Holy shit," she murmurs, testing the feeling. "I feel... different. Almost untouchable."

Aiden and Anna exchange glances, feeling the same surge of undaunted confidence coursing through them. They no longer fear what awaits them. They know they can handle it.

Aleena cracks a grin, rolling her shoulders as if preparing for battle. "Alright, fearless freaks... let's go kick some supernatural ass."

Aiden smirks, cracking his knuckles. "Let's go banish that asshole."

The spark of adrenaline ignites within them, fueling their next move. The fearless potion has worked. Whatever terror Beliar had once instilled in them is gone.

And now, for the first time since this nightmare began, they aren't just going to fight.

They're going to win.

They all pile into Aiden's car, the banishing spell in hand. Aiden takes the wheel, his newfound confidence radiating as he maneuvers the car down the darkened streets toward Future and Anna sit in the backseat, their minds already sharpening for the task ahead, silently psyching themselves up for what they're about to face.

Aiden breaks the silence. "Alright, last night I was doing some research on that symbol because I couldn't sleep. I didn't find an exact match, but I did come across a family crest that looked eerily similar."

Aleena leans forward slightly, curiosity piqued. "A crest?"

Anna furrows her brow. "That makes sense. If Beliar was once human, he would've belonged to a bloodline. A family crest could be a marker of that—a symbol of his lineage. Which means... we might be able to find it on his grave."

Aiden nods, gripping the wheel tighter. "Exactly. If we find a tombstone or crypt with the same crest, then there's a high chance that's him."

Aleena crosses her arms, skeptical. "Okay, but how can you be sure? What if we end up digging up some random guy who has nothing to do with this?"

Anna taps a finger against her chin, thinking. "If Beliar is as evil as we believe, he may have bastardized his family crest—distorted it, corrupted it, as a way to reject his mortal life. He wouldn't want to be fully tied to the person he used to be."

Aiden exhales. "I trust the scrying led us here for a reason. We're going to find him."

The car speeds along, the tension thickening in the air, until they arrive at their destination.

As Aiden kills the engine, the trio steps out, met with the eerie stillness of Future Eden Cemetery. A dense fog rolls over the gravestones, stretching in eerie tendrils along the uneven ground. The scent of damp earth fills their lungs as they take in their surroundings.

Their eyes scan the ancient tombstones, some leaning precariously with age, others cracked and covered in thick ivy. The cemetery is old, almost forgotten, its silence unnatural.

Anna tightens her jacket around her. "The older tombstones and mausoleums are up front. If he really had a family crest, I have a feeling it would be on a mausoleum.I'll start there."

Aiden nods. "Good. Me and Aleena will check the tombstones. If you find anything, yell."

Aleena lets out a breath, her gaze lingering over the graves ahead. "Alright... let's do this."

The three split up, their footsteps barely making a sound against the damp earth as they disappear into the shadows of the cemetery.

Aleena and Aiden move methodically through the rows of tombstones, their eyes scanning each inscription, searching for anything that bears a resemblance to the symbol they've seen. The damp air clings to them, the eerie silence of the cemetery pressing in around them. Every so often, Aiden flicks his flashlight across the weathered stone markers, but none match what they're looking for.

Meanwhile, Anna weaves through the towering mausoleums, running her fingers along the cold, cracked stone. The structures loom in the darkness, their gothic designs whispering of centuries past. She nearly passes by one when her breath catches in her throat.

The symbol.

It's the same one the medium drew. The same one etched in the Book of Shadows. It looks like a family crest, but it's damaged—a chip in the stone gouges out part of the design, the indentation resembling a crude, unblinking eye.

A sick realization settles over her. This is where Beliar drew his mark from. The broken crest. A mockery of what he once was, a challenge to anyone foolish enough to step into his resting place.

Anna's pulse quickens. "Found it!"

Her voice cuts through the silence like a blade. Aiden and Aleena spin around before sprinting in her direction, their boots crunching against damp leaves and loose gravel. As they reach her, their gazes settle on the crypt—

A massive stone structure, its entrance looming like an open maw. Time has not been kind to it. The structure is worn, vines curling along its edges, the weight of the years making the entire building sag with an unnatural heaviness.

Aleena's jaw tightens. "Alright... let's get this fucker banished."

Aiden and Anna exchange a nod, their resolve unshaken. But as Aiden steps forward to push the door open, it doesn't budge.

The entrance is sealed, fused shut by years of disuse and the creeping grasp of nature. Vines tangle around the cracks, the stone warped by time itself.

Aiden exhales sharply. "Of course it's stuck."

Aleena rolls her shoulders. "We're not letting some rotting door stop us."

Aiden smirks. "Good thing I came prepared."

Lifting his hands, he summons the wind. A gale force burst explodes from his palms, crashing against the heavy stone doors. The vines snap like brittle twigs, dust billows from the impact, and the ancient doors groan in protest before suddenly—

BANG.

The doors slam open, the force sending a deafening thud echoing through the crypt. The sound reverberates off the stone walls, shaking loose bits of dust and debris from the ceiling. The heavy silence that follows is unnatural.

The air inside the crypt feels different. Thicker. Colder.

Aleena takes a slow step forward, peering into the inky darkness. "Well... that definitely woke him up."

Aiden flicks on his flashlight, the beam cutting through the shadows inside the tomb. The light barely penetrates past the entrance, swallowed by the blackness within.

Anna swallows hard. "Let's finish this."

Aleena tightens her fists, her pulse steady and focused. "This is it. Beliar's gotta be around here. Let's find him and make him pay."

Aiden steps forward, his voice unwavering. "Find his bones and burn them to ash, Aleena."

Aleena nods, pushing aside any lingering hesitation. The fearless potion surges through her, sharpening her focus. She takes a cautious step deeper into the mausoleum, her eyes flickering in the dim light, searching for any trace of Beliar's remains.

"I'll find his bones," she murmurs. "And we'll make sure they're nothing but ashes."

Aiden and Anna remain vigilant, their gazes darting around the crypt as they accompany Aleena on her search. The air grows colder, thick with an unseen presence. Then—

BOOM.

Aiden is suddenly thrown back by an invisible force, his body slamming into the cold stone wall. The impact rattles through him.

"Ow!" Aiden grits his teeth as pain flares in his back.

Anna gasps. "Aiden! Are you okay?!"

She rushes to his side, offering him a hand to pull him up. He takes it, shaking off the ache as he stands.

A low, dark chuckle slithers through the chamber, wrapping around them like a suffocating fog.

"So... the little witchlings have come to play."

Beliar's voice resonates from the shadows, laced with mockery and malice.

The trio tenses, instincts sharpening. Aleena's jaw clenches as she glares into the darkness.

Aiden dusts himself off. By all accounts, they should be terrified, but the fearless potion keeps their minds clear, allowing only defiance to take root.

"How rude," Aiden quips, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Aleena rolls her eyes, but a smirk tugs at the corner of her lips. Leave it to Aiden to keep the mood light in the face of danger.

Beliar's voice curls through the air again, his amusement clear. "You have some nerve, human. Trespassing into my resting place with the intent to destroy me."

Aiden doesn't hesitate. "Yeah, well... go fuck yourself."

Aleena snorts, barely containing her laughter as Anna shoots Aiden an exasperated look.

A deep, guttural growl rumbles through the mausoleum, the walls quaking as if in response to Beliar's mounting rage.

"You insolent child," Beliar snarls. "You think your bravado will save you? You are mere pests, unworthy of my attention."

Aiden flicks his gaze toward Aleena and Anna, silently urging them to keep searching while he continues to keep the entity occupied.

"Pests?" Aiden echoes. "I don't know, you sound pretty unsettled, ghosty boy."

The air shifts, growing heavier as power coils around them. Aleena and Anna don't waste a second—they exchange a glance and slip deeper into the mausoleum, scanning the chamber for any sign of Beliar's remains.

Aiden keeps talking. "Phew, do you ever brush your teeth? Or is that just centuries of rotting ego?"

Beliar's voice snarls in response, his presence darkening. The mausoleum trembles, the shadows warping unnaturally.

"Silence!" Beliar bellows. "You dare mock me?! You're only prolonging your own demise."

Aiden smirks, unphased. "Yeah? Then why don't you stop being non-corporeal and manifest so we can settle this like real men?"

The moment those words leave Aiden's mouth, the atmosphere shifts. A powerful surge of energy rips through the chamber, sending a tremor beneath their feet.

Aleena and Anna freeze as an inhuman howl fills the air.

Aiden's eyes widen slightly. "Oh shit."

Beliar roars. The darkness pulses as his form begins to take shape, twisting and writhing into something terrible. The room quakes violently as an unnatural chill sweeps over them.

"Keep looking, guys!" Aiden shouts, forcing his stance firm as the entity's shape solidifies.

Aleena and Anna don't hesitate. Their gazes lock onto a section of the crypt, where the familiar symbol is etched into the stone—

The same one the medium drew.

Anna points. "That's it! His remains are buried here!"

Aiden, now standing face-to-face with a fully materialized Beliar, smirks. "Oh good, you're finally solid. I've been waiting to kick your ass."

Aiden thrusts his hands forward, sending a powerful gust of wind toward Beliar. The materialized poltergeist is hurled backward, slamming into a stone wall with a resounding crash.

"Hurry up, guys. Burn his bones!" Aiden calls over his shoulder, his focus locked on keeping Beliar at bay.

Aleena doesn't hesitate. She kneels near the uncovered remains, pressing her hand against the cold ground as she summons the fire within her. The heat pulses through her veins, the magic responding to her command. Flames ignite at her fingertips, flickering to life before growing into a raging inferno.

Anna watches with wide eyes as the fire spreads to the brittle bones, consuming them instantly. The scent of burning decay fills the mausoleum, and an unholy scream tears through the chamber.

Beliar's form distorts, writhing violently, his rage reverberating through the crypt. The fire weakens him, his shadowy figure flickering as if being torn apart.

"Now! Recite the spell!" Anna shouts over the chaos.

Beliar lunges at Aiden, his spectral form pushing through the wind barrier Aiden keeps throwing up. The entity is learning, adapting, growing resistant.

Aleena and Anna raise their voices, their words slicing through the thick supernatural tension as they chant in unison:

"Belair, foul poltergeist, leave this place in haste,
No longer will you cause chaos and waste.
Begone, and take your wicked ways with you,
No longer will you haunt us, and disturb our flow.
This space is ours, not yours to intrude,
Your presence here, we no longer condone.
Leave now, and never return, for we are done,
No more troubles, and no more fun."

Aiden's wind barrier is breaking. Beliar pushes through, his body a twisted mass of rage and darkness, charging at Aiden with unnatural speed.

"Aiden!" Anna shouts.

Aiden grits his teeth, digging deep, summoning every last ounce of willpower. He throws himself into the incantation, his voice joining Anna and Aleena's as they repeat the spell.

Their voices grow louder, stronger, more resolute.

Beliar screeches. The mausoleum shakes violently. A shockwave of power bursts outward—

And then—

BOOM.

Beliar EXPLODES.

The darkness implodes in on itself, shattered into a thousand shards of energy that disperse into nothingness. His final shriek echoes into the night before being silenced forever.

The mausoleum settles. The air, once thick and suffocating, is now eerily still. The embers of Aleena's fire glow softly in the background, the only reminder of the chaos that unfolded just moments ago.

The siblings stand in silence, their breaths coming in heavy, ragged gasps. The weight of what they've just done presses down on them.

Aiden is the first to break the silence, a wry smirk forming on his face as he leans against a tombstone, panting.

"That was... exhausting."

Anna laughs weakly, rubbing her sore shoulders. "I think 'exhausting' is an understatement. We just battled a ghost-demon-poltergeist thing."

Aleena, still catching her breath, flicks her fingers, watching a few stray flames dance before extinguishing them. "Yeah, I don't even wanna think about what category that thing falls under."

Aiden claps his hands together, looking between his sisters. "Well... who wants pizza?"

Anna and Aleena exchange a glance before responding, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten.

"Uh, yeah. Pizza sounds amazing right about now." Aleena grins.

Anna nods. "Extra cheese."

With one last look at the now silent crypt, the siblings turn toward the exit, leaving the ashes of Beliar behind them—where they belong.

The drive home is peaceful—a stark contrast to the chaos they just endured. The air is still buzzing with the rush of adrenaline, but there's an undeniable lightness among them now. For the first time in over a day, the weight of Beliar's threat is gone.

Aiden pulls into the driveway, parking the car as Aleena lifts a greasy pizza box from her lap. "Victory pizza has never smelled so good."

Anna stretches as she climbs out of the car. "It's going to taste even better."

The three of them step inside, the warm scent of melted cheese and garlic filling the air as they drop onto the couch, exhausted but victorious. Aiden flips open the box, grabbing a slice and taking a satisfied bite.

"We actually did it," he says, his voice carrying a note of pride. "Beliar is gone for good."

Aleena, mid-bite, nods enthusiastically. "And I was the one who burned his creepy old bones." She smirks, licking a bit of sauce from her thumb. "After what he did to Dana, it felt good to be the one to take him down."

Anna smiles but shifts slightly, a thought forming in her mind. "Speaking of Dana... there's something we need to talk about."

Aiden looks at her, his chewing slowing. "What is it?"

Anna places her pizza slice down and leans forward. "There's a high chance Dana and her parents will remember everything that happened. Victims of poltergeists don't forget their encounters the way people do with demons."

Aleena's stomach tightens. "Wait... are you saying Dana's going to remember being dragged across her house? And the scratches? And the whole thing?!"

Anna nods solemnly. "Her parents will, too. And if they start talking about it, asking questions, looking for answers we can't give... that's going to cause a problem."

Aiden sets his pizza down, his expression serious. "So what's the solution?"

Anna exhales, already knowing her siblings won't love what she's about to say. "A memory erasure spell."

Aleena's face drops. "No. No way. We're not messing with Dana's mind!"

"Aleena..." Anna's voice is calm, measured. "I know it sounds extreme, but this is the best way to keep everyone safe. Dana is your best friend. Do you really want her living with the trauma of this forever? Her parents will never be able to make sense of it. They'll spend years wondering what really happened. This will give them peace."

Aleena shakes her head, frustrated. "But she'll forget that I was there for her. That I helped her. That we shared that moment."

Aiden, who has been listening carefully, finally speaks up. "I get why you don't want to do it, Aleena. But Anna's right. This isn't just about keeping our secret—it's about protecting them from something they'll never be able to understand."

Aleena looks between them, her heart aching at the thought of wiping away Dana's memory. But deep down, she knows they're right. She doesn't want Dana to wake up every night, reliving the terror of what happened. Finally, she exhales. "Fine. But I don't have to like it."

Anna offers her a sympathetic look. "I know. But it's the right thing to do."

The three of them finish their pizza in silence, the mood sober. Once the box is empty and their stomachs are full, they make their way upstairs to the attic, where the Book of Shadows sits waiting.

Anna flips through the pages until she finds the spell, running a finger over the words.

Aiden and Aleena join her, the three of them standing shoulder to shoulder.
After Aleena write down the names of the Millers. The victims of the Beliar's attack. She promptly burns the paper.

Together, they then recite the incantation, their voices steady and strong.

"Memories clouded, fears unwound,
Let peace take hold where pain was found.
Let what was seen fade like the night,
And leave behind no trace in sight."

A soft pulse of energy washes over them, confirming the spell's success. The moment it fades, Aleena lowers her hands, staring at the book with a quiet sense of finality.

"It's done," Anna whispers.

Aiden places a hand on Aleena's shoulder, offering a reassuring squeeze.

"You did the right thing."

Aleena doesn't answer right away, but after a long moment, she nods. "Yeah... I hope so."

The attic is silent except for the soft rustle of pages as Anna closes the book. The battle is over, the danger has passed.

As the final whisper of magic fades from the air, the siblings stand in the attic, the weight of the memory spell still heavy in their minds. The silence lingers for a moment, none of them eager to speak first.

Aiden finally breaks it, exhaling as he leans against an old trunk. "Well, that's done."

Aleena crosses her arms, still a little uneasy about what they just did. "Yeah... doesn't mean I have to like it."

Anna places a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I know. But we did what we had to do. Dana and her parents will be safe now."

Aleena sighs, rubbing the back of her neck. "Yeah, I guess."

Aiden forces a grin, trying to lighten the mood. "Hey, I'm proud of us. Think about it... we've adapted to this way better than most people would. It won't be long before we're full-fledged witches."

Anna's expression brightens, the determination in her eyes rekindling. "You know, you're right. It's been intense, and we've had our doubts, but I think we're really getting the hang of this."

Aleena smirks, feeling the shift in the atmosphere. "We did just take down an ancient poltergeist, after all."

Aiden laughs. "Yeah, although let's maybe avoid contacting the afterlife for a while."

His lighthearted warning earns nods of agreement from both his sisters.

Aleena raises a hand. "Seconded. No more summoning spirits."

Anna chuckles. "Agreed. Let's stick to what we can handle."

Aiden smirks, shifting gears. "So... I think I settled on my part-time job."

Both Anna and Aleena glance at him, curiosity piqued.

"Oh really?" Anna tilts her head. "Where?"

"The local movie theater," Aiden replies, stretching. "They'll work with me on my school schedule, and they mostly need people at night and on weekends. I got an interview Wednesday."

Anna and Aleena exchange a pleased glance.

"Nice! That sounds like a great gig," Anna says, impressed. "You'll get to see all the new movies before we do. Plus—unlimited popcorn."

Aleena grins. "And you better hook us up with your employee discount."

Aiden rolls his eyes. "We'll see what I can do."

His sarcastic reply earns laughter from both his sisters.

"You better, because we'll be expecting free popcorn, too," Aleena teases.

Aiden chuckles. "Well, assuming I get the job, we need to make sure we get the yard sale done before I start."

Anna groans, rubbing her temple. "Right, the yard sale. We really should get on that. What day are we thinking?"

"Saturday afternoon," Aiden says. "We need to have everything sorted by then, so I expect you two to help me organize this week."

Aleena lets out a dramatic groan. "Ugh, fine. We'll help. But only because we don't want you to have a meltdown."

Aiden laughs. "Oh, and don't forget to put on your charm and get this stuff sold. Treat it like a competition."

Anna's competitive streak kicks in instantly. "Oh, it's on. We've got this. Our charm is irresistible."

Aleena flashes a mischievous grin. "You better believe it. We'll charm them right out of their money."

Aiden raises a hand. "Alright, slow down—let's just make sure we're ready. Anyway, I've got a mountain of assignments to get through."

Anna groans, suddenly remembering. "Damn, that's right... I have an essay due."

Aleena stands, stretching. "Well, I'm going to get on the phone with Kyle."

With that, the trio disperses, leaving the attic one by one. The sense of normalcy is beginning to return—just for a little while.

Their latest adventure is behind them.

Until next time.