Page 76 of Blood Illusions

Maci’s gaze held a weight of ancient knowledge as she faced us. “You win the booby prize, dearie. These creatures you’ve been fighting are far more ancient, more sinister. They are demons, each embodying one of the seven deadly sins.” She gestured around, indicating the mummified bodies. “This one was the manifestation of gluttony.”

A chill ran down my spine as her words sank in. Demons. Seven deadly sins. It wasn’t random attacks. It was a pattern, a sinister plan playing out.

“And the others?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Maci’s expression darkened. “They are out there, each awaiting my signal to wreak havoc on this pathetic world. Wrath, envy, pride, lust, sloth, and greed. You’ve only scratched the surface of a much deeper abyss.”

Her revelation hung heavy in the air.

Demons! We were going up against demons. Not just any demons but the seven deadly sins.

Crap-crap-crap-crap-crap.

“However, this is our little secret,” Maci added. “I can’t have any of you running off and telling. None of you are going to leave here alive.”

Her malice-laced words sent a shiver down my spine. A knot of dread tightened in my stomach.

The catacomb ceiling trembled, and dust fell onto us as if there was an earthquake. An ominous, guttural growl resonated through the stone walls, vibrating above us. It was a sound I’d never heard before, primal and terrifying.

I froze and stared at the ceiling, waiting for something to crash down on us. My heart pounded in my ears as heavy footsteps clomped down the stairs.

The demons turned as if in a panic.

A deafening roar filled the catacombs, the sound so powerful it was almost physical, pushing against us with sheer force. At that moment, I knew this was no ordinary creature. This was something ancient and fearsome.

Justice laughed as if he knew what it was. “You were saying, Maci?”

The roar tapered off into a chilling silence. Maci’s cruel smile was the last thing I saw before everything plunged into darkness.

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