Chad Michaels's Arc

Chapter 8 of 9

Chad leaves the crypt with the journal tucked against his chest. The glowing map burns in his mind. Someone planned this. Someone wants Adam to walk into another trap. Chad moves through the transformed streets without looking back. He needs to find the pond before Adam does. He needs to know what the price really is. The witch's hut sits at the edge of a clearing surrounded by orange flowers that glow in the darkness. Chad approaches slowly. A woman in flowing robes stands beside a pond that radiates pink and blue light. Her hair falls in silver waves and her eyes track him as he moves closer. She can see him. Chad stops at the water's edge and stares at her. She gestures toward a stone pedestal that rises from the pond's surface. An ornate contract rests on top of it. Chad reads the glowing text three times before the words sink in. The resurrection requires a life for a life. Someone must die in his place. The contract lists no names but makes the rule clear. Adam would have to choose who dies. The witch watches him without speaking. Chad's hands shake as he grips the journal tighter. This is the price. Adam would have to kill someone to bring Chad back. A gravestone rises from the pond behind the pedestal. Its surface remains blank and waiting. Chad understands now. Whoever Adam chooses dies and their name gets carved into that stone. The witch finally speaks. Her voice sounds gentle but firm. The choice belongs to Adam alone. No one else can make it. Chad backs away from the pond and clutches the journal against his chest. He knows what he has to do. He has to destroy this journal before Adam ever sees that glowing map. Because Adam would make the choice. Adam would sacrifice someone. And Chad cannot let that happen.