Chapter 9
232words
"Where's that exorcist dude?"
"Didn't he promise to show up today?"
The chat buzzed with mockery and disappointment.
Suddenly, gasps erupted from the mourners as a black-robed figure leapt from a car—Father Marcus had arrived, shoving his way through the crowd.
The priest brandished a silver cross, his intense gaze locked on Linda.
"Stop!" the priest bellowed. "This woman is not human—she's a demon incarnate!"
Mourners scrambled back in panic, creating a no-man's-land between the priest and Linda.
The priest thrust his cross skyward and launched into Latin exorcism rites.
The cross blazed with silver light that bathed Linda in its glow.
Linda doubled over in apparent agony, legs buckling as she collapsed onto the damp cemetery grass.
Steven lunged forward, grabbing the priest's arm. "What the hell are you doing? Stop it!"
"She has deceived you," the priest said evenly. "She's not who you think she is."
Linda looked up with tearful eyes, reaching toward Steven. "Please make him stop! I love you!"
Steven pointed at his wife's tears. "Look! You said the undead can't cry!"
The priest laughed coldly. "She devoured your father's heart—that's why she appears so 'human' now."
"Bullshit!" Steven positioned himself protectively before Linda. "Where's your evidence?"
Ignoring Steven, the priest pulled an ancient Bible from his robes and advanced toward Linda.
