Sally’s revelations

Afterwards, once you had recovered enough to form coherent thought, you sat up in the bed and regarded Sally with curious eyes. Something had happened during your fervent coupling, something that you couldn’t describe. But some part of you understood that the old woman had power and you were compelled to question it.

“Surprised by how good it was?” She said with a laugh, her expression knowing. “Thats what happens when two people are particularly compatible. And you, young man, are like your grandfather reborn. New and improved.” Her eyes fell on your ring, and her smile widened. “I suspect that has something to do with it.”

You recoiled in surprise. “What do you know about the ring?”

“More than you,” she answered. Her eyes glowed again, that deep purple. “You’re a very lucky young man. It doesn’t work with everyone, only a special few. Chosen by fate.”

“But…what is it?” You demanded, “where does it come from?”

“Somewhere far beyond here,” the woman sat up, her large breasts revealed from beneath the covers. “And as to what it is…well, it’s a key that many doors. There’s a whole world you haven’t even begun to explore yet.”

You scoffed. “Well that’s vague as fuck.”

“Ok, smartass,” she laughed, “How about this? That ring is connected to the energies from another dimension. Energies that can affect human emotion, can warp the mind and reshape the flesh.”

The ring felt incredibly and suddenly heavy on your hand, its colour alternating in the light between purple and crimson. A chill ran up your spine and you felt as if you were being watched. “How…” you swallowed uneasily, “how the hell did my grandpa get his hands on this?”

“Hell,” Sally licked her lips. “There’s the word. Demons, angels, aliens, whatever you might call them this town has a long history with the supernatural and the things that live it that dimension beyond our own. These beings of ancient power who occasionally leak into our world. And there have always been people who were willing to utilise that power to shape their own destinies and the destines of others” her eyes twinkled with mischief, “people like my father and your grandfather. Pacts were formed, deals struck, and handy little objects like that ring of yours were forged. It helped make this town what it is, though things have been quiet for a very long time. Those On the Other Side have been sleeping.”

Your head spun. It all sounded so surreal, but with how your life had changed over the last few weeks, were you really in a position to doubt it? You looked at the ring. “Is this thing dangerous?”

“Only in the wrong hands,” Sally teased. “Anything that holds power can be tricky, but I think you’ll put it to good use. Your Grandfather use the power to change minds, to grease the wheels and helped make his fortune. Helped the town quite a bit as well.”

A thought occurred to you, and you debated long and hard about whether to give voice to it. You rolled the internal dice and asked the question. “Sally do you know the people who are killing all these girls? The….the Cult?”

Sally closed her eyes, exhaled sharply. Disdain coloured her features. “I know of them,” she admitted. “Mayor Chapman, who was always a grasping little prick just like his father. Him and his buddies. They’re misguided, dangerous fools. Idiots trying to get honey by cracking open a bee hive,” her eyes open and narrowed on you, “avoid them, my boy. You’re not strong enough…not yet. Your grandpa might have been, once. But he got old.”

“I can’t just sit around and let them kill people!”

“Can’t you?” Sally laughed bitterly, “No, I suppose you couldn’t. That young idealism is charming, but it could get you killed.” She considered for a moment. “If you want more answers than I can give you, head for the old log cabin by the lake. It’s not much to look at these days, but in its basement there are…things….that could give you an advantage.”

A frown tugged at your mouth. “Things? Care to be more specific?”

“There are many artefacts powered by the Other Side,” Sally explained. “And books, written by old warlocks and dabblers long before my time. I don’t know where they all are, but I know at least a couple are probably at that cabin. Claim them and…” she shrugged, “they’ll probably give you a leg up.”

You were up and starting to get dressed right away, your mind racing. You would need to call the others and tell them what the next plan was. If you acted quick enough you could stop the craziness before the next attack.

Sally watched you from the bed, amused. Her eyes shone and as you were about to leave, she called out, “When you’ve found what you’re looking for, feel free to come back,” she grinned, “I’ll make it worth your while.”