Lost in the Backrooms: Chapter 3 The Site (excerpt)

 

Chapter 3: The Site (an excerpt)

When they walked in, Jane looked around. The house has an open floor plan so the kitchen can be seen from the Livingroom. The house is quite spacey and luxurious. There is no furniture in the Livingroom, except two chairs and a corner table set neatly at one corner of the room. A security guard was posted outside to keep curious people away and a cop car parked by the driveway as well. Two of the men in the suits looked at Jane and MK.

 “Hunters, we will give you necessary weapons that you’ll need for your mission,” the taller man said.

 “Okay,” Jane nodded. “While in the Backrooms, you will randomly find wooden box crates that might be filled with almond water and energy bars, you should

pack those in your backpacks when you can. It’s important,” the other man chimed in.

“Why?” asked MK.

 “It is believed that the almond water has healing properties,” said Father Patrick.

“How do you know this?” Jane asked.

“One of the Hunters that was sent into the Backrooms; hurt his hand pretty bad and when he drank the almond water, his wound seemed to have healed quickly.”

“What happened to the Hunter?” MK asked.

The priest hesitated, “He did not make it out but through the bodycam he wore, we got the information we needed.”

 “By the way, the bodycams might glitch and we honestly don’t know how long they will continue sending information back to the base so good luck,” one of the men in the hazmat suits chimed in.

Jane nodded, “Okay, understood.” Another man walked toward them and gave the priest a metal box, containing new weapons. He gave the Father a nod and walked away. Father Patrick set it down on the kitchen counter and keyed a combination number to open the box.

  “Here are weapons that you must carry. Our scientists created these weapons for special assignments like yours. You’ll be the first to handle them.” He handed MK and Jane a retractable silver sword, with a holster and sheath for it. He handed Jane a self-cocking tactical crossbow, and a handgun with pure silver bullets.

 “All items are Blessed. It is unknown if any of these items will be useful against the entities that reside within the Backrooms but through the experiences that other Hunters have had, some of these items do help to deter the creatures in that place.”

“So, the other hunters that went in, never returned?” asked MK. 

The priest closed the box. “We’ve sent other Hunters in the past and only one came back. He is the one who took the infamous picture and posted it anonymously online, against our wishes,” he sighed.

  “Is he still with us?” Jane asked.

  “No, he was let go, sent away for betraying confidentiality.”

Jane gave MK a look, “Well, that’s something we won’t do, we’ll keep everything confidential,” she said.

 “The Hunter’s bodycam went out after two weeks, so it did not send us video footage of the rest of his trip, only when he entered and up to the point when he went into the library.”

  “Library?” asked Jane.

  “Yes, you’ll see it if you come across it. I pray that both of you make it out,” he said with a worried tone, he gulped. MK smiled at him and gave him a hug. 

“We will, I have Jane, and I have Faith,” she said. MK watched the men in the hazmat suits going in and out of the house, then the last one brought in another box, and they begin to set up the equipment, a few feet away from the door to the storage room.

 “So, the hunters that went in had bodycams?” Jane asked.

  “All of them were equipped with bodycams, and yes, they had tracking chips too. The footage that the bodycams showed while in the Backrooms is intriguing and frightening. A Hunter engaged with an entity, used iron which fatally wounded the creature so, I imagine that some of the items you have in your backpacks will help, but it won’t work on the Hounds,” he said.

“The Hounds?” Jane asked.

 “According to the footage that one of our Hunters took, these creatures can be found in all levels of the Backrooms, they have filthy matted hair that obscures a twisted semi canine deformed face, it has human skin, but their bodies look like a jigsaw puzzle made up of human parts, formed and twisted into a monstrosity,” Father Patrick elaborated.

“When you see one, run or fight, either way those creatures will kill you. They have an insatiable hunger for human flesh. It is rumored that if they attack and bite you, you will slowly become one. Your body will reconstruct itself to adapt to the environment of the Backrooms,” one of the men in the hazmat suits informed her.

Jane sighed and looked at MK who was standing a few feet away from them watching as the men started to set up the equipment around the door. 

“So, I guess something like werewolves then.” Father Patrick nodded.

“What else should I look out for?” asked Jane. Father 

Patrick let out a sigh, “I’m not sure but you must use your instincts, and MK can guide you since she has psychic abilities. Use everything to your advantage. God did not create the Backrooms, but we can try to find the people that are lost and bring them back,” he said.

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Chandra's Quest Paperback Book

 

I’ve just re-uploaded the paperback edition of Chandra's Quest, and it should be available for purchase in just a few days. I want to mention that I had to raise the price of the paperback due to its substantial length of 567 pages. Unfortunately, KDP has some restrictions that prevent authors from setting their own prices, making it challenging to offer a lower cost. For those interested in getting a copy, I plan to buy some and sell them through my eBay shop. As you can see from the image, the book has a thick spine, reflecting its considerable content, so be prepared for a lengthy read!

I’ve combined parts 1 through 3 of A Time Traveler's Companion for release on Google Play, and I’m excited to share that the audiobook will soon be available there as well. I’m currently working on merging parts 4 to 6, which will also be accessible on Google Play. It’s important to note that this book contains sexual content, so there are appropriate disclaimers and warnings included. In a few weeks, the eBook version will be launched on Amazon, and you can find the link on my Facebook page and other social media platforms, though I won’t be sharing it on this blog. Additionally, the link will be featured on CG Heandez's blog, so keep an eye out for that!

 I’m currently immersed in the writing of A Path Less Taken: The Phoenix Files Vol. 2. This next installment promises to delve deeper into the intriguing world of the Phoenix Files, and I can’t wait for readers to experience it. You can look forward to its release next year on Amazon, where it will be available for purchase. Additionally, for those who prefer listening to their stories, the audiobook version will be accessible on Google Play, making it easy to enjoy the narrative on the go. 

NOTE: Flare is now available through KDP Select and the audiobook is available on GooglePlay. Visit Linktree to access CG Heandez website. 

Trigger warnings: FLARE  has 18 & over content.

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About the Phoenix Files

 

The Phoenix Files is more than just a single book titled "Lost in the Backrooms, Volume One"; it is part of a larger anthology series that explores supernatural and paranormal tales. Each volume varies in length, with some exceeding 140 pages, while others are shorter. 

For instance, "Path Less Taken," the second volume, will be just over 120 pages. The concept for The Phoenix Files originated in the mid-2000s, but it wasn't until recent years that I fully committed to incorporating it into my writing aspirations

The series primarily centers on Jane, the main character, and her dynamic with her sidekick, MK, as they tackle various supernatural challenges together. The Phoenix Files will be available for readers on platforms like KDP, Google Play, and Apple Books.

The Phoenix Files

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, the woman who came back said they look like giant praying mantises,” he said and added, “she said it's hard to explain and comprehend.” 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.

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Chapter 6: The Overlords

 

Path Less Taken Excerpt: The Phoenix Files Vol. 2 Chapter 1

 

Path Less Taken

excerpt from Chapter 1: Dreams

Jane is in her office, reading through case files on her laptop. “Hmm, most are short and solvable. I guess others can take care of them,” she said and took a sip from her coffee. MK finished her last class and headed straight to the office.

 "Hey Jane, has Father Patrick given you any updates on the next assignment?" she inquired, entering with her brown leather messenger bag slung over her shoulder. Dressed in a red tee featuring a black Infinity Symbol on the front of it, faded jeans, and sporting playful ponytails, she looked ready for anything. Jane replied, "Actually, he dropped off a file yesterday while I was in the teacher’s lounge." Curious, MK pressed, "So, where are we headed?" Jane raised an eyebrow, a hint of caution in her voice. "You seem eager to dive into this assignment. Are you sure you're prepared? It involves potential portals and other dimensions," she said, rising from her desk to refill her water cup. MK pondered. She let out a sigh and sat down on the chair in front of Jane’s desk. Jane walked back to her desk and sat down, placing her stainless-steel water bottle next to her.

“I see why you're bringing this up, but you can be confident that I'm prepared. We've been delaying significant tasks for several months now.”

 Jane gazed into those striking blue eyes, which seemed to perceive more than she could. She nodded and said, "MK, we need to discuss this,

especially the dreams you’ve been having." MK paused, her expression thoughtful. "My dreams are complex," she replied.

“I once overheard you murmuring in your sleep during your stay at my apartment, and I can't shake the worry that you're still haunted by nightmares of the Backrooms. Please, share with me what's on your mind.”

 MK rose and approached the coffee maker, grateful for the warm brew Jane had prepared earlier. With a sigh, she admitted, “I do find myself dreaming of that endless yellow maze, but there’s more to it.” As she added two sugar cubes and a splash of cream to her coffee, she stirred it thoughtfully before returning to her chair.

She set the coffee down on a ceramic coaster adorned with a vibrant South of the Border design, a set Jane had purchased during their trip to Baja last year, prior to the Backrooms assignment.

“I’ve been experiencing some strange dreams, almost like they’re real,” she confessed. Jane’s expression shifted to one of concern as she asked for clarification.

“Sometimes, I find myself dreaming about various sections of the Backrooms.” A frown creased Jane’s forehead as she processed this revelation. “What do you mean?”

“I can’t explain it, but I feel a connection to the dark energy that permeates the Backrooms. It’s as if there are people trapped there, not just within the yellow labyrinth.”

“Explain, I want to hear more.” Jane threw a concerned look at her. MK’s connection to that other dimension is disturbing; she fears that the darkness of that place will find her and lure her back in.“In my dreams, I wander through quiet suburbs, expansive farms, and a sprawling city that feels eerily deserted. The fields we traversed linger in my mind, accompanied by the unsettling presence of a man.” MK shivered, as if a specter had brushed past her, she continues, “This man, with pointed ears and skin tinged with gray, remains elusive; his face hidden as he gazes out from a skyscraper overlooking the vast city below. Clad in a muted blue-gray suit, he speaks to me, his words echoing in the silence of the dream.”

“What does he say,” asked Jane, as she is perturbed by MK’s revelation.

MK hesitated before continuing, describing a chilling scene where she witnessed a figure conducting experiments on unfortunate souls who had wandered into his domain. Clad in a white lab coat reminiscent of a doctor, the figure's face remains obscured, leaving only a sense of malevolence in its wake. MK recalled a moment when she felt the figure's gaze upon her, as it acknowledged her with a sinister greeting, "Ah, princess you’re here," causing her to awaken abruptly. Jane reflected on this revelation, her heart heavy with concern for MK's tormentor. She expressed her frustration at being unable to confront this menace, trapped within the confines of MK's dreams. As she contemplated the situation, a nagging feeling suggested that someone within the Backrooms might be attempting to reach out to MK. Jane feels helpless and wants nothing more but to cut that person’s ties to MK, but MK must do it herself. Jane sighed and gulped. “I think that if you find out what his name is, maybe I can have Father Patrick look him up. He might be one of the scientists that became trapped in the Backrooms when the accident happened. Maybe he lives somewhere within that Hellish place and developed psychic powers and can somehow use them to communicate outside of his realm.” 

A look of concern crossed MK's face. Jane quickly reassured her, promising, "We'll figure this out and sever the connection." As she gently took MK's smooth hand, Jane savored every second spent with her. Deep down, she cherished her feelings for MK but lacked the courage to express them. MK responded by clasping Jane's hands with both of hers, a soft smile illuminating her features. MK shifted the conversation, asking, “So, where are we headed next?” Jane opened the file, her face serious. "Katy Lois Tyler has gone missing in Yosemite Park. Here’s her picture," she said, passing it to MK. "She’s beautiful, those green eyes are stunning," MK commented, to which Jane replied, "She’s half Caucasian, I think."

Curious, MK asked how she got lost. Jane explained, "She’s been missing for three months, leaving behind two sons and a loving husband." With a sense of urgency, MK asked, "When are we leaving?"

“I’m waiting for Father Patrick to call with more details,” Jane said, as she stood to grab a donut from the table, MK remained lost in thought, barely noticing Jane’s return. Jane observed the distant look in MK’s eyes, sensing her friend’s preoccupation.

 “What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing,” responded MK.
“Look don’t let it bother you. I will take care of you. I’ll have your back. This assignment won’t be any different than the others.” She tried to reassure her. MK nodded. “I know you’re right. Thanks for your concern.”

“Not at all, you are very special to me, you’re my partner, we fight the good fight together.” MK smiled, brushed off the aphotic thoughts of her dreams and exhaled. Jane did not want to dwell on the dreams that still haunt MK, but she too has had them, and not good ones either. Her dreams take her into the Backrooms, and in them she is searching for MK but is attacked by a Hound. She slowly starts to turn into one. She can feel her body morphing into the grotesque, repulsive creature. The pain of each bone in her body twisting, contorting into something vile and supernatural, haunts her. The man MK speaks of is in fact, an entity that resides deep within the Backrooms. He once was a Human; he is connected to MK in ways she has yet to find out. MK noticed a flier on the desk.

“One of the local churches is setting up for a festival to raise money for the poor?” said MK.

“Yes, and we are supposed to attend and help with some of the festivities. It will be fun,” Jane said, swaying away from the grim conversation they had earlier. 

 “Good, this is what we need before we go off again. I can’t wait,” MK said with a cheerful smile. 

“The festivities will involve rides, game booths and food venders,” Jane added with a smile. MK nodded and asked, “Great so where do you want to have dinner tonight?” 

“I guess we can go to Manuel’s Mexican food restaurant. I’m feeling Mexican today,” said Jane with a chuckle. Later in the evening, Jane and MK were at the restaurant enjoying a pleasant dinner.

“Hey Jane, fancy meeting you two here” said John as he pulled up a chair and sat at their table. Jane was surprised to see John, but it was a welcome sight. MK, sipping her margarita, turned to John with a curious expression.

“So, what brings you here?” Jane asked. He explained that he had been at the bar already and noticed them walking in. After finishing his drink, he decided to join them, hinting that he had something important to discuss.  His serious demeanor caught Jane's attention, and her brow furrowed in concern, “What’s wrong?” she asked, sensing the weight of his words.

“Have you been having strange dreams?” he asked. Jane suspects that he too has been experiencing similar dreams like her and MK.

 Jane felt a twinge of unease and said, “John, I don’t think this is the place to talk about this.” He acknowledged her concern with a nod, then shifted the conversation slightly, asking if they would be attending the festival.

“Yeah, we are,” MK paused and took a sip from her drink, “before we head to Yosemite,” she said, casting a glance at Jane who hinted that John didn’t know about their assignment.

 “I assumed he was aware,” she said. Curiosity flickered in his eyes as John asked, “So, what’s the good Father’s reason for sending you to Yosemite?” Jane swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the moment, and let out a soft sigh. John casually grabbed a tortilla chip from the bowl beside Jane’s plate, dipped it into the creamy guacamole, and savored the bite.

“We’re on a mission to locate a missing person. She’s been unaccounted for over three months, and due to the supernatural and paranormal elements tied to her disappearance, our organization has stepped in,” Jane replied, as she swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the moment, she took a sip from her drink.

He nodded thoughtfully, processing the gravity of their task. “Are you both prepared to tackle this assignment?” he asked.

MK affirmed with a determined nod, glancing at Jane for support. She returned the look with a reassuring smile, signaling her agreement and readiness to embark on this challenging journey together.

“Okay, well if you need my help, you know where to find me then,” he said. After Jane dropped off MK at her apartment, she went home. John was waiting outside her door. As they entered her apartment, Jane secured the door with a click.

“Would you like something to drink besides alcohol?” she asked, her voice light yet tinged with an underlying weariness. She moved toward the kitchen, filling a glass with water while discreetly grabbing a sleeping pill from the counter. John observed her actions with concern, his brow furrowing slightly. “You never used to rely on anything to help you sleep. Are you having trouble sleeping?” he asked, his tone laced with genuine worry. Jane sighed softly, settling onto the sofa beside him, her gaze drifting over his features. It was then she realized that he, too, bore the marks of sleepless nights.

“I think we’ve all been experiencing some strange dreams lately,” she remarked, her voice barely above a whisper. John chuckled dryly, shaking his head as he removed his boots and set them down on the floor.

 “Strange is an understatement,” he replied, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice, as they both grappled with the unsettling thoughts that had invaded their sleep.

“John, would you like to spend the night here?” He nodded in response, a silent agreement that spoke volumes. “I’m not sure if you or MK have been experiencing nightmares about the Backrooms, but sometimes they feel so real that I find myself back in that unsettling place,” he confessed, his voice tinged with unease. As he rested his head on her lap, he resembled a child seeking solace, a gesture that revealed his vulnerability. “I too have had dreams of that horrific place,” Jane responded softly. 

“What kind of dreams do you have,” he asked her. “Well, I am back inside the Backrooms and,” she paused.

“And what?” he pressed. “Well, I am searching for MK and a Hound attacks me, I then go through the agonizing trial of turning into one.” There was silence for a moment. John gulped and took a deep breath. Jane stood up and moved toward the closet, retrieving a blanket and an extra pillow before settling beside him again. A heavy silence enveloped them, and John swallowed hard, taking a deep breath to steady himself. “What is it?” Jane asked, sensing his unease.

 “In my dream, I’m in the Backrooms too, but I’m hunting you, driven by a chilling intent to kill because you’ve become one of those monsters. It felt like a dark shadow looming over my very existence.” Jane gasped, her expression shifting to one of deep concern as she regarded him, the gravity of their shared nightmares weighing heavily between them.

“It’s not gonna happen John, these dreams are not real. I feel they are being sent to us from the Backrooms, but we should ignore them. We have a connection, you trained me.”

 She smiled and added, “I am your Apprentice, and you are my Master,” she joked as she threw a Star Wars reference in.

“I don’t ever want to go back into the Backrooms but if you end up there again, I will ask Father Patrick to send me in.” John said. Jane nodded. She knew that if she did become one of those hounds, John would have to do what he must do--give her mercy. John slept on the couch and Jane slept in her room. Oddly enough they slept well that night and so did MK. No dark dreams haunted their minds that night, but Father Patrick was another matter. 

His dreams are plagued by a desire, a forbidden desire that haunts him, a secret that burrows deep within and hides from the light. “The Light,” he softly mumbled. “She comes into my dreams.” He tossed and turned in bed, restless and unable to find comfort. Finally, he sat up, took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. He got up from his bed and walked to the bathroom.  “I don’t know how strong I will be God.” He took a Dixie cup from the dispenser and poured water into it. His eyes glanced at the mirror and a woman with raven colored hair and deep greyish blue eyes materialized in the mirror. He gasped and dropped the cup. She smiled and blew him a kiss before she disappeared. He closed his eyes and sighed then went back to bed. 

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The Phoenix Files

A Path Less Taken: Chapter 3-At Yosemite

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