The front of Thadeus’s house settles into a tired hush. Outside, cruiser lights still wash the porch in blue and red while Marla and Elias keep hammering boards over the damaged door.
On the couch, Elizabeth lies with her head in Thadeus’s lap. He sits still, staring past the coffee table toward the Belmont Family Grimoire on the oak surface.
The book sits heavier than it looks.
A board thuds into place outside. The room shivers with the sound, but nothing else moves. The Grimoire remains shut, patient, ordinary, and somehow not ordinary at all.
Thadeus leans forward and studies the burned-orange cover. If the Tall Figure left any trace in here, this is where it would hide.
Elizabeth Bathory
You’re thinking too hard again. Do you want me to get up?
The pages do not turn. But the book’s edge catches the light for a second, and a narrow line of lettering seems to surface under the leather, like something waiting to be noticed.
✓ Quest Accepted
Study the Belmont Family Grimoire
✓ Quest Accepted
Identify the Tall Figure
“Thadeus smiles, looking down at Elizabeth, "Not at all, you're right where you should be." Elizabeth holds Thadeus hand that is resting on her shoulder, replying "Good, you weren't getting me to move anyway." Both Thadeus and Elizabeth feel the warmth inside them, their hearts speeding up slightly.”
Thadeus smiles down at Elizabeth, keeping his hand where she found it. Her fingers close over his, and the room eases for a breath.
Elizabeth Bathory
Good, you weren't getting me to move anyway.
“Feeling the exhaustion from the night's events set in, Elizabeth falls asleep, her head still resting on Thadeus. Thadeus looks over to Marla and Elias to see if they needed any help, and they both waive him away. Thadeus turns back towards the Grimoire, seeing the faintest glow come off of it. As he continues to stare at the emblem on the cover, he feels his eyes become heavy, and he too falls asleep. Elias and Marla smile seeing their friends fast asleep”
Elizabeth’s breathing slows against Thadeus, and the room goes still. Marla and Elias lower their hands from the doorway board, exchanging a quiet look as the Grimoire’s cover gives off a faint, steady glimmer on the table.
Thadeus’s eyes drag back to the book, then close. Across the room, Marla and Elias watch the two of them drift off, their expressions softening as the house settles into a tired, uneasy silence.