Chapter 41: Chasing Shadows

The morning light filtered through the living room window as Kate woke on the sofa, disoriented but grateful for the sleep that had finally come. It had offered her a brief respite, but the lingering terror still clutched at her heart like a vise. She sat up quickly, the remnants of last night’s nightmare still echoing in her mind, and hurried to get ready for work.

She stumbled to the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face, hoping it would clear the fog of fear. The chill bit at her skin, but it did little to shake the dread gnawing at her insides. As she brushed her hair, she frantically pulled it into a messy bun, fingers shaking slightly. She tore off her pajamas, opting for a simple black t-shirt that felt more protective than comfortable and a pair of jeans that hugged her tightly.

No time for breakfast—her stomach twisted too much to even think about food. Instead, she grabbed her bag, her mind racing with thoughts of escape, and dashed back to her room for her jacket. A deep breath steadied her as she slipped it on, feeling a little more grounded in the fabric.

With one last glance in the mirror, she barely recognized the anxious reflection staring back, but she had no choice. She had to leave. As she darted toward the door, the shadows in her home seemed to stretch and shift, urging her onward.

After a glance around her darkened home—every shadow felt menacing—she rushed to lock the door, her heart pounding with each click of the lock. The cool morning air hit her like a slap as she stepped outside, and she dashed to her car.

Inside the car, Kate fumbled with the keys, her hands still trembling. When she finally turned the ignition, relief washed over her as the engine roared to life. With her heart in her throat, she backed out of the driveway and hit the road, the familiar route to the office feeling oddly foreign.

As the buildings whizzed by, a mix of urgency and fear pressed down on her. She needed to escape the oppressive atmosphere of home, even if just for a few hours. But deep down, she knew the shadows would still be waiting for her.

Upon arriving at the office, her phone buzzed insistently in her pocket. It was Ophelia. Heart racing, Kate answered the call.

“Kate, were you with me on the phone last night?” Ophelia’s voice was tight, almost breathless.

“Yes, Ophelia, I was,” Kate replied, anxiety creeping in as she sensed the urgency in her friend’s tone.

“So it wasn’t a dream—the words on the wall and that goat-headed figure in the mirror... it was all real?” Ophelia asked, her voice shaking.

“Yes, Ophelia,” Kate breathed, her stomach tightening. “But what about you? Are you okay?”

“What happened yesterday... it wasn’t normal,” Ophelia admitted, her words tumbling out in a rush. “I don’t feel like myself anymore.”

Kate’s heart sank. “What do you mean?”

“Kate, I have a solution to this problem,” Ophelia said, her voice suddenly resolute. “It just came to me. Yes, I know what we need to do.”

Hope flickered in Kate’s chest, but it was mingled with dread. “What is it?” she asked, her pulse quickening.

“Okay, listen, Kate,” Ophelia said, her voice steady with resolve. “We need to find someone who knows about these creatures and how to control them.”

“And where do we even find someone like that?” Kate replied, desperation creeping into her tone. “With the murder case on one side and this monster on the other, I can’t handle this stress. Every time I walk into my house, I pray I won’t run into it again. I need to figure out how to deal with this thing and get rid of it for good.”

“Look, when someone gets sick, they go to a doctor, right? And if there’s a legal issue, they seek a lawyer. We need to find someone who can help with the demon you’re dealing with,” Ophelia explained.

“And who exactly would that be?” Kate shot back.

“I know someone who could help,” Ophelia replied, her voice tinged with determination.

“Who, Ophelia? Who can help me?” Kate asked quickly.

“Listen, during a fashion assignment, I visited the Yarraburra tribe in the Adelaide Hills. I spent time with the Yarraburra tribe, known for their deep connection to the land and rich spiritual traditions. While I was there, I learned about a revered priest who’s said to have extraordinary gifts. My guide took me deeper into their territory, where the trees stood tall and ancient, and the air felt charged with energy. Although I never met him myself, I heard stories that his presence is like a looming shadow among the leaves—calm yet commanding. People say he can commune with spirits and banish dark forces that threaten the tribe. It’s said he can sense disturbances in the spirit world, almost like he has a sixth sense for these things. I think he might be an exorcist; those stories were powerful and unsettling, and I have a feeling he could help you.”

“Ophelia, you’ve never met this priest. How can you be sure he can help me?” Kate asked, skepticism rising.

“Because right now, we don’t have any other options,” Ophelia insisted. “I’m stuck in New Zealand for a few more days. We can’t linger on this. You need to act fast—not just for your safety, but maybe for mine too.”

The warning about the goat-headed monster filled Kate’s mind, a chilling weight that wouldn’t lift. “I know nothing about the Yarraburra tribe. I’ll need to find out who they are and where to find them,” she admitted, her voice trembling.

“Exactly. Research them. You can’t just sit back and wait for something to happen,” Ophelia urged, her tone tight with urgency. “Before that demon comes for you again, you have to see this priest. And you have to do it for me too, because it’s said that before it comes for you, it would go after me.”

Kate swallowed hard, anxiety bubbling up inside her. “What if I can’t find him? What if it’s too late?”

“Don’t think like that. You’re strong, Kate. You’ve faced worse. Just focus on what you need to do. I believe in you,” Ophelia said, trying to sound reassuring, though her own fear was palpable. With no other choices in sight, Kate resolved to seek help from the priest of the Yarraburra tribe and shared her plan with Ophelia.

“Do whatever you need to do, but remember, both our lives are on the line here. So hurry,” Ophelia urged before hanging up.

Kate lowered her phone, glancing around her office with a growing sense of unease. The familiar surroundings felt stifling, and the weight of her worries pressed heavily on her shoulders. Taking a deep breath, she wasn’t convinced the priest could truly help, but it was the only option she had. She knew she had to at least give it a shot.