Path Less Taken Excerpt from Chapter 3

 

In that moment, Maria realized that MK possessed similar powers to her own, a revelation that brought a smile to her face as she considered the possibility that MK might be a witch too. MK's striking sky blue eyes met Maria's gaze, and with a warm smile and a subtle nod, she acknowledged their shared connection. Maria took it as an acknowledgement that MK is a witch. She feels comforted.

“The increasing number of missing people is a cause for concern. A woman who miraculously reappeared after a year and she shared a bizarre story of getting lost, stumbling into a cave," Sean paused and took a drink from his cup.  "and she emerged in either Utah or Arizona. She claimed to have spent time with a Native American tribe, leading her to believe she had possibly traveled through time,” he recounted the story as he casually took another sip of his beer. 

Jane expressed her apprehension by sighing and questioning, “Well, I hope we have the proper weapons to take with us. It seems that we’re in for one hell of a time.” Gabriel reassured the group that they were prepared, citing information from Father Patrick about a portal that supposedly transports individuals to a realm inhabited by the mysterious "Ant People." The mention of these beings piqued MK's curiosity, prompting her to ask further about them. “Ant People? What do you mean?”

“Yeah, supposedly the creatures look like giant ants. The woman who came back said they look like giant praying mantises though,” he said and added, “she said it is hard to explain.” MK remembers the creatures that she and Jane dealt with in the Backrooms. She took a hard gulp from her beer and cleared her throat.

 “I hope we’re ready to tackle another assignment involving otherworldly creatures,” she mused. Maria sensed that Jane and MK must’ve been through a great ordeal that still haunts them. After finishing their meal, they made their way back to their rooms. "Jane, it's a shame we can't share a room," Sean joked. Jane, feeling unimpressed by his comment, was clearly irritated by his lack of awareness of her sexual orientation. She scoffed and shook her head, making it clear that she was not amused.

"I'm perfectly fine staying with the girls," she chuckled, trying to brush off the awkwardness. Once they reached their rooms, they parted ways, each going to their own separate rooms. "Sean seems to have a crush on you," MK teased, trying to lighten the mood.

"Sorry, but I'm not interested," Jane replied firmly, making her stance clear. Maria beamed as she stepped into the bathroom, preparing to freshen up before slipping into her pajamas for the night. Meanwhile, MK leaned closer to Jane, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper.

“You do realize that Maria is a witch, right?” Jane's eyes widened in disbelief, her jaw dropping in shock. “Are you serious?” MK affirmed with a nod, prompting Jane to exhale sharply as she sank onto the bed, her eyes stared at the bathroom door. 

“Look, she’s not malevolent; she’s a white witch, which is precisely why Father Patrick brought her on board. I have a strong feeling she’s been on the organization’s payroll for quite some time now.” Jane let out a scoff, shaking her head in confusion. “How is that even possible?”

“Maybe he felt that we could use her insight. Please give her a chance, Jane. I have abilities and you don’t see me as a witch, right? Look at her as a person with abilities and not a witch. It will be easier to accept her presence,” MK urged.

 Jane nodded, “For you,” she put her arm around her friend and kissed her head. Maria walked out and noticed a tender exchange between them, she smiled.

 "The bathroom is available now," she announced as she made her way to her bed.

"I understand what you are," Jane remarked, her tone laced with suspicion.

 "Please don’t," MK interjected, directing a warning look at Jane.

 "I regret that you harbor such negative feelings towards witches, but not all of us are malevolent," Maria defended herself, her voice steady.

 "She’s aware," MK shot Jane a glance that clearly conveyed a message to keep quiet.

"Could you please explain how you know Father Patrick?" Jane pressed; her curiosity piqued. Maria nodded in response, a hint of surprise crossing her face as she sat on her bed. "I’m actually surprised he hasn’t mentioned me, especially since he wanted me to join this mission with the team."

 "No, he didn’t," Jane replied, her skepticism evident as she scrutinized Maria. With a resigned sigh, Maria continued, "Well, he discovered me and recognized my potential, offering me a chance to contribute positively. "My parents are devoted Catholics and have been since I was a child and they noticed that I had,” she paused. “Certain abilities. They thought that maybe I was possessed but it was the priest who gave me a chance and I was trained by the organization to serve and protect people who encounter magic. I sense magic and guide the Hunters. I am also psychic and that’s why I’m here."

 “Yes, I get it, MK has abilities too,” Jane said. 

Maria glanced at MK, “Are you a witch?” MK shook her head, “I really don’t know what I am, but Jane accepted me, and she’ll accept you too, right Jane.” MK raised an eyebrow and gave her a nod. Jane sighed and nodded. “I will try, that’s all I can say.”

“I know why you feel the way you do about witches and maybe after this assignment is over, I can help you find the person you’re looking for,” said Maria with a nod. Jane smiled and stood up, grabbed her clothes, and walked into the bathroom to shower.

“I believe Jane will accept your help. She just needs time to get to know you,” said MK.

“This case is more than what it seems,” Maria said as she pulled back the sheets on her bed. She is dressed in a white nightshirt adorned with golden printed stars, complemented by matching pajama pants.

“What do you mean?” asked MK.

“Well, there are forces that control space and time. It’s possible that these beings are in possession of something very ancient that can do just that.”

MK pondered, “Maybe this is what I’ve been sensing.” MK decided to skip the shower. Her slim figure was adorned with a cute red nightshirt, which was an oversized tee shirt she had picked up at a thrift store a while back, and a matching pair of sweat shorts. Just as MK settled in, Jane emerged from the bathroom, ready to unwind for the evening. “You’re not gonna use the bathroom?”

 “Well, maybe to pee,” MK chuckled. She got out of bed and walked to the bathroom. Maria was brushing her hair, and she took off her glasses, setting them down on the nightstand.

 “Goodnight Jane, pleasant dreams,” she said.

“You too,” Jane responded and took off her blouse, threw a grey tee-shirt over her head and unstrapped her bra from behind before pulling the shirt all the way down. Maria lay on her side, her gaze drifting to a scar on Jane's back. It wasn't overly noticeable, but it was of a decent size. Curiosity piqued, and she pondered how Jane had got it. Jane caught her looking, "I got this while hunting a velociraptor in Utah. It lunged at me, but thankfully, another hunter took it down before it could sink its teeth into my neck."

  "Really? I had no clue there were still dinosaurs out there," Maria replied, astonished.

Jane sighed, "The world really is an odd place," as she nestled into her bed. Maria pulled the blankets snugly around herself. With her eyes closed, she tried to surrender to sleep, pondering, "I never really thought about dinosaurs walking the Earth, but life is full of unexpected twists, and I've certainly seen my share of strange events." Once MK finished in the bathroom, the three women quickly drifted off into slumber.

 "Have you had a chance to read my letter?" the man mysterious claiming to be MK's father reached out to her through a shared dream. Glancing around, she suddenly realized she was in a different room altogether.

"Please leave me alone. I will read the letter in due time, but I do not wish to remain here."

"But this is where you belong. Return, Princess, come back home." Maria unexpectedly stumbled into MK's dream. As she surveyed her surroundings, she noticed MK engaged in conversation with an enigmatic figure.

The man had his back to her, and he was gazing intently out of a large window from a high rise. She looked around, “It seems to be an office,” she murmured. Intrigued, Maria moved closer to the mysterious man for a better view. Without warning, he spun around and challenged her, “Who are you?” Maria's heart raced as he gradually pivoted to confront her. He possessed three eyes and ghostly pale skin, and when he parted his lips, it revealed a gaping, threatening maw. 

The moment the third eye began to open, a wave of dread washed over her, urging her to quickly wake from the nightmare by murmuring an incantation. Gasping for breath, she sat up in bed, relieved to be free from the terrifying dream. MK was softly murmuring in her sleep. With a sigh, Maria rose quietly and approached her. She tenderly rested her hand on MK’s forehead and whispered a prayer. Gradually, MK’s heartbeat slowed, and tranquility washed over her mind. Maria then slipped back into her own bed, tucking the covers snugly around her and curling up in a fetal position.