“Hey, Julie,” Mrs. O'Donnell called out. As she approaches Mr. and Mrs. Harrison in her husband company. “What a beautiful dress Julie. I love it.” Linda allowed her fingers feel the texture of Julie's dress.

“Thanks Linda,” Julie managed to give a polite smile.

“My man,” Max acknowledged Mr. Harrison, who stood next to Julie “I hope you are enjoying the party?”

“I am, thanks. Congratulations.” Paul replied, crossing his arms around his wife's waist to keep the illusion alive..

“Thanks,”.Max said.

Linda, still admiring the fabric, asked, “Where did you get it?”

“Oh, I made it.” Julie replied, feeling less and less comfortable by the second.

“Wow, Julie. Aren't you a lady of many talents?” Linda complimented “Paul you are one lucky man.” She added.

Finding a good means to escape Mrs. O'Donnell and her husband without exposing her discomfort, she politely requested to be excused in the guise of checking on her crew.

Her reason was good enough, she thought, as Mrs. O'Donnell had permitted her to leave. Topping it with a warm smile. Julie briskly took to her heel before Paul could follow.

“Oh dear,” Max lamented when his eyes fell on a familiar face “Forgive me love; you'll have to deal with her without me.” Max tapped Paul's shoulders, urging him to follow.

“Honey, wait. I... hi, Sandra.” to late to plan her escape, she had no option than to accept  Mrs. Sandra Phillips' company.

“Hi, Linda.” Sandra Replied. She looked around as if she's looking for something negative to comment on and unfortunately she found none. “Congratulations on your 20th anniversary.” Sandra said instead.  Just like her daughter, April, Mrs. Phillips made sure no matter where she was, her presence must be made known and also to let everyone understand how lucky they were to have a celebrity in their midst.

Their conversation went on painfully as Linda sought out her means of escape. No one could survive chatting with Mrs. Phillips, all she does was talk about herself, her work and everything that matter to her alone.

Mrs. O'Donnell cherished her celebration mood so much than  to have it destroyed by some insecure woman.
She  sighted her husband talking to a couple. Finally, she had found her way of  escape.“Enjoy the party, Sandra.” She said, flashing a week smile then, left to meet her husband.

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“Grant us strength and power, fill us with your raw energy.”

The Curators chanted, forming a circle  in their white robe as their eyes glowed white.
In their center was their amulet arranged in front of them, on the floor.

Sarah picked up her orb “Give me the sight,” She muttered, while the rest chorused with a humming sound.

As this was going on, Gabriel had  led Gem and Wayne through the thick forest. It was dark and they could barely see any thing through it. The trees were so tall with full leaves over it which on a normal sunny day, the leaves would have served as shades but now, it made it impossible for moon light to reach the ground.

Gem made  fire flies with her hands, using a magic trick her grandmother had taught her. She made it form the shape of a globe to serve as light as they went forward.

“Are you sure we are on the right path?” Wayne couldn't help but ask while pushing the bushes in front of him with his hands.

“Do you know any other path?” Gabriel asked

Wayne sighed but said nothing. He then realized that his asking was pointless.

“Shhh!!” Gem signaled “Listen. Can you there that?” Gem moved her head to figure out the direction of the sound.

The cracking sound was louder and deeper as they moved closer.

“We are here,” Gabriel said tapping the lion tattoo on his left arm and pulled out his staff from it. They then moved to the side of a tall oak tree to get a clearer view of what was going on.

The place was prepared for the ritual; the Fiend mounted fire touches around and at the middle, was a pool of black bubbling goo.

The Fiend all stood still as Emy and Roe-Gab approached them “Where the hell is Julie?” Emy requested furiously.

One of the Fiends managed to respond “Thay are on their way.”

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