Bab 50: Belle's Resolve

Belle Del Valle's hands trembled as she carefully traced the detailed shapes on the cold, stone floor, the designs gradually forming a glowing pentacle that pulsed with an eerie, otherworldly light. The dim, flickering fluorescent bulbs overhead cast long, wavering shadows that danced in rhythm with the pentacle's sinister glow.

As the last line was drawn, the air around her grew thick with a palpable, oppressive energy. Suddenly, from the very center of the pentacle, a swirling mass of black smoke began to materialize, coalescing into a towering, amorphous form.

This entity, devoid of any discernible features, exuded an aura of pure malevolence. Belle's heart raced as she took in the sight before her—this was her first encounter with a demon, a being she had scarcely believed could exist. Paralyzed with fear, she watched as the smoky figure loomed closer, its presence suffocating and terrifying.