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<br><br> My obsession with Victor Kingsley and fascination with his mistress, Loren, seemed to consume me. I spent countless hours researching magical arts and delving into the occult realm in order to be like him.

I wanted to be powerful as Victor and exert mastery over every aspect of my life, so it came as a real shock when I learned of Loren's sudden death.

Apparently, it was a freak accident. She tripped and fell down the spiral staircase in the manse.

<br><br> I found it hard to reconcile how Victor could be subject to the same mundane laws of nature that ruled ordinary men.

And I was equally shocked when I discovered he had walled himself away in his manse, consumed with pity and seeing no one.

It appeared even the mighty had feet of clay.

Despite being disappointed by Victor's weakness,  I respectfully kept my distance giving him space to grieve.

But two weeks turned into a month and just when I thought I’d never see the man again, I was summoned to his manse.

<br><br>“How have you been spending your time away?” he asked. “Been practicing the arts?”

“Of course,” I assured him. “You know I desire nothing else.”

“So, you’re telling me this is your heart’s desire—to enter into this realm?”

“It is,” I said fervently.

“Then prepare yourself—the day is not far off.”

<br><br>I resolved I would surpass Victor in the metaphysical realm if I were ever summoned by the presiding dark spirits. Two nights later I got my wish.

A familiar voice roused me from sleep. “It’s time, Steven—time to begin.”

The voice was soft as velvet and caressed me, but I couldn’t discern the features of my guide.

I smiled as I was levitated from my bed just as Victor had been before me, and like him, the spirit guide floated me downstairs. I ended up in the den on my knees staring up at the dark figure before me.

<br><br>“We must have light,” the figure said, and suddenly my body flared and in the sickly yellow glow I saw a face.

It was Loren.

“Are you my guide?” I asked incredulously.

She laughed bitterly. “You always were so naïve, Steven—that’s why Victor chose you.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m not your guide—I’m a spirit.”

“Have you come to instruct me?”

“Yes, you might say that, but you must understand. I didn’t choose this—I am where I am because of Victor—and you will be too.”

<br><br>I stared at her in astonishment.

“I’m so confused.”

“Yes, you are. You just don’t get it—you don’t see things for what they are—but I will show you.”

My eyes grew wide with awe as she transformed into a majestic being.

“Now let the phantasmagoric vision begin,” she commanded.

<br><br>Suddenly it dawned on me—I sensed something sinister was about to happen. I tried to get up and run but a heavy, oppressive force pushed me back down.

I struggled on my hands and knees, trying to scamper away from the parade of hideous images that were beginning to assault me.

Out of the darkness came flashes of Victor’s leering face and sickening sights of unbelievable cruelty, culminating in Victor pushing Loren down the stairs.

I was strangling, being slowly suffocated and woke up back in my bed trembling and gasping for air. 

<br><br><center>© 2019, John J Geddes. All rights reserved</center>

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