The Ancient One
A week went by, and Lucia kept a close watch on Father Ambrose whenever she could. Disguised as Ms. Marigold’s niece, she quickly blended into the town's social circle, taking on the persona of a naive yet hardworking girl. Over time, she managed to decode the runes surrounding the priest. By comparing the ancient symbols with those she already knew, she identified similarities in grammar, vocabulary, and syntax, eventually uncovering the name:
Mephisto
In town, Lucia always wore a charm to disguise herself, transforming her raven hair and piercing purple eyes into common shades of brown. Her features shifted subtly to resemble Ms. Marigold’s more Eastern European look, helping her blend in among the other villagers.
Within that week, Lucia won over the town’s mothers, posing as a diligent girl with genuine concern for those in need. She quickly earned their protection from the more suspicious townsfolk.
Finally, after days of waiting, she met the one she’d been searching for.
In a quiet forest clearing where Lucia had waited all night for a reply, she felt a ripple in the air behind her. Turning, she found herself face-to-face with a serene, inscrutable figure, gazing upon her with a calm intensity as a portal shimmered open, casting golden light across the clearing. The figure stepped through, draped in robes that flowed like silk yet seemed to carry the weight of centuries.
“You are quite young,” the Ancient One observed, her voice gentle yet firm. “And yet you’ve drawn on powerful magic to summon me. What is it that drives you to take such dangerous measures?”
Lucia steadied herself. “There’s a demon,” she began, her voice low. “An avatar—Mephisto. He’s found a way to settle in Boston, feeding on the souls and fear of this town.”
The Ancient One’s eyes narrowed. “I am aware of disturbances along the eastern coast. But many could handle such threats without my direct intervention. Why do you seek me specifically, Lucia Hargreeves?”
Lucia swallowed, feeling the weight of her words. Hiding the truth would gain her nothing. Besides, the Ancient One likely already knew her secrets.
So Lucia decided to be direct. “Because I am not from here. Not from this Earth—not like others.” She looked down at her hands, frustration simmering. “I can channel magic, but only through runes and symbols. I can’t wield it freely. It’s as if… something’s restricting me.”
The Ancient One watched her in silence, unreadable.
“And I think I understand why,” Lucia continued. “I am not a soul of this universe. Magic here—it doesn’t accept me like it would someone born to it. I’ve studied and tried countless spells, but no matter how much I learn, I’m held back by something stronger than skill or knowledge.”
The Ancient One inclined her head, her gaze sharpening. “You are perceptive. Magic binds itself to the very essence of its wielders; those foreign to a universe often find themselves bound by its limits. Only those who claim dominion over a dimension, who fuse with its source, can channel its full power freely.”
Lucia’s heart raced. “So, if I were to hold a realm of my own, I could wield magic without these restrictions?”
“Indeed. It’s why Mephisto can cross dimensions at will. His dominion grants him power beyond that of any mortal.” The Ancient One’s gaze was unwavering. “But you do not hold such a realm, Lucia. Not yet.”
Lucia took a deep breath, her mind racing. “What if I told you I have a plan—a way to make him abandon his throne, so I could claim it in his place? If it’s been done in the future, it could be done now.”
The Ancient One raised an eyebrow. “You seek to outwit a demon, one cunning enough to slip past cosmic boundaries and settle here. That would require a con of monumental complexity. Do you understand the risks?”
“Yes,” Lucia replied, resolute. “I’ve seen how he operates, feeding on the fear of the people here. But he’s arrogant. He looks down on mortals and magic alike, secure in his immortality while his true form hides in his dimension. But he’s too reliant on contracts. If I can trick him—convince him to sign away his power, like he’s done to so many… I can win. And if I succeed, I could use that power to protect Earth from demons and dark forces.”
The Ancient One folded her hands, considering. “And in turn, you would bind yourself to a realm of damnation, a kingdom built on suffering. Holding dominion over Hell would alter your very soul, making you something other than mortal. And if you fail… Mephisto will not forgive such ambition.”
“I understand,” Lucia replied. “But I won’t give up magic. For me, it’s as essential as air. I think you understand—the addicting nature of it.”
The Ancient One was silent for a long moment, studying her intently. At last, she spoke, her voice quiet but kind. “I have seen you walk this path many times. In some futures, you fail; in others, you succeed. But one thing has remained constant: in every outcome, you never harm Earth, even at your most desperate. This is why I help you in each future.”
Lucia’s eyes widened in surprise. “You mean—”
“I can guide you on this path, though it will be fraught with dangers, both for you and any who align with you. You must be ready to face horrors that would break most mortals. Once you begin, there is no turning back.”
Lucia nodded. “I’m ready.”
The Ancient One smiled gently, tousling her hair as she turned toward the portal leading to Kamar-Taj. “Then let us prepare, Lucia Hargreeves. For even the most cunning of demons can be outwitted by those who know how to wield their own darkness.”
(End of Chapter)