Chereads / L'Enfant Du Sang / Chapter 4 - Shadows Unveiled

Chapter 4 - Shadows Unveiled

The clock struck ten, and Bourbon Street came alive with its nocturnal energy. Mazigh and Tafucht found themselves in the heart of the vibrant district, seeking solace and answers amidst the chaos. The cobblestone streets were bathed in the glow of flickering gas lamps, casting eerie shadows that danced to the tune of uncertainty.

They entered a dimly lit bar, its atmosphere heavy with a mix of desperation and intrigue. The scent of aged whiskey and tobacco hung in the air, blending with the murmurs of hushed conversations. Mazigh and Tafucht settled into a secluded corner, seeking refuge from prying eyes.

The bar was a haven for those seeking solace or drowning their sorrows. The low hum of conversation provided a backdrop to their clandestine meeting. Tafucht's eyes bore a weight of sorrow and determination as she glanced at Mazigh.

Mazigh grabbed a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket, extracted two cigarettes from the pack, and said."One for you, one for me." As he put one of those cigarettes between Tafuchts plump soft lips. He then lit her cigarette and then his and took a deep pull of his cigarette.

"I must tell you about the murder, Mazigh," Tafucht began, her voice hushed yet laced with a sense of urgency. "It was the cocky Aries magus, one of our own, the father of our classmate. His arrogance was unparalleled, but he embodied the virtue of humility, or rather, the lack thereof. The Ripper of Orleans seems to be leaving a twisted message with each victim."

Mazigh leaned in, his gaze locked onto Tafucht's, mirroring the intensity of her words. "My my my, a biblical interpretation of murder. Isn't Christianity a mere pagan religion in the era we live in? Doesn't everyone worship the Elders of Paradisio? Tell me everything, Tafucht. Paint me a vivid picture of the crime scene, as gruesome as it may be. We need to understand the Ripper's motive and unveil the shadows that shroud this city."

Tafucht took a deep pull of her cigarette, her voice tinged with a mixture of sorrow, smoke, and determination. "The murder took place in a secluded alleyway, hidden from prying eyes. The Aries magus was found slumped against the wall, his once vibrant aura now extinguished. The marks of the Ripper's madness were etched upon his naked body—a grotesque display of violence that defied reason. Nudity perhaps is an expression of Humility. Symbols were carved into his flesh, symbols that hinted at a twisted understanding of the heavenly virtues. Humilitas, the Latin word for humility was written on the wall behind the poor magus, written in his own blood."

Mazigh's grip on his glass tightened, his knuckles turning white. The weight of the revelation settled upon him, the knowledge that their fellow witch had fallen victim to an unhinged killer. The Ripper's actions defied the natural order, targeting those who personified the very virtues they lacked.

He then ejaculated."What about the organs? Were they removed or damaged? I don't know why, but I have a strong feeling that this murder was not just a display of power or psychopathic behavior, but also beneficial for The Ripper."

Tafucht continued, her voice trembling slightly. "How did you know? Is this one of your gifts? Or is this the first time you have had such a "gut feeling"?The Ripper claimed a prize. He extracted the Aries magus' special gland, the source of his pyrokinetic abilities, with surgical precision. It is logical because, after all, the only way to bring a witch to their demise is to destroy their gland because it is their essence of life and power. My father, a seasoned detective, is working tirelessly on this case. He's devoted to uncovering the truth behind the Ripper's motives and bringing justice to the victims. But the city is filled with fear and uncertainty, the Ripper lurking in the shadows, striking at will."

Mazigh's eyes flickered with a mix of empathy and determination. He reached out, his hand gently resting on Tafucht's, offering a silent comfort amidst the turmoil. Together, they were bound by a shared purpose—to unravel the mysteries that lay hidden in the darkness.

"The Ripper seeks to unsettle the delicate balance of the heavenly virtues. I am positive that he did not discard that gland, but he will surely use it in a twisted way in his sinister plan. One virtue is done, and 6 others are to go, and may The Elders help those who are cursed enough to be on The Rippers list. If he easily defeated one of the strongest Aries Magus out there on our beloved mother Orleans, then what chance do the others have? " Mazigh mused, his voice filled with a touch of melancholy. "But we must not falter. We shall delve deeper, uncover the truth, perhaps even read The Ripper's actions and stop the murders to put an end to this reign of terror. The city of Neo Orleans deserves to be free from the clutches of fear."

As they sat in the bar, their minds intertwined with thoughts of justice and the looming presence of the Ripper, a Lovecraftian atmosphere enveloped them. Shadows danced on the walls, secrets whispered in the corners, and a palpable sense of foreboding hung heavy in the air.

They knew that their path was fraught with danger, that the answers they sought would lead them to the edge of their own understanding. But together, with hearts intertwined and resolve unyielding, Mazigh and Tafucht vowed to pierce through the darkness and bring an end to the Ripper's reign of terror.

And so, beneath the veil of that Macabre night, their journey began—a journey that would test their wits, their powers, and the depth of their devotion to the virtues they sought to protect.