Chapter 3: Into the Inferno
Night had fallen over Crestwood, casting the town in deep shadows and leaving the streets deserted. The charred remnants of the warehouse still smoldered faintly, a grim reminder of the events that had unfolded. Ryan stood outside the firehouse, his eyes fixed on the distant glow of dying embers. His mind churned with questions, each one leading back to the dark figure he had seen.
Footsteps approached from behind, breaking the stillness. Turning, Ryan saw Alex walking toward him, a large duffel bag hanging from his shoulder. His stride was purposeful, his face set with quiet determination.
"Do you really think it's coming back?" Ryan asked, his voice low.
Alex stopped beside him, his gaze serious. "Demons like Ignis never stay gone for long. They regroup, gather strength, and strike again. I've tracked its patterns, and I'm certain of where it'll go next."
Ryan looked at him, the weight of Alex's words settling heavily on his shoulders. "Where?"
"The old power plant," Alex replied, pointing toward the outskirts of town. "It's isolated, filled with flammable materials, and a perfect hiding spot for something like Ignis to regain its strength."
Ryan frowned, his firefighter instincts kicking in. "That place has been abandoned for years. If it goes up, it could take half the district with it."
Alex nodded grimly. "That's why we have to stop it before it gets that far."
Without further discussion, they climbed into Alex's car and drove through the dark streets, the tension thick between them. The power plant loomed ahead, a relic of a bygone era, its skeletal structure rising against the night sky like a monument to decay. Broken windows and rusted metal gave it an eerie presence, as if it had been waiting for something to breathe life—or death—back into it.
Alex parked a short distance away, opening the trunk to reveal an assortment of weapons and tools. He handed Ryan a silver dagger, its blade inscribed with ancient runes that shimmered faintly in the dim light.
"Take this," Alex said. "It's enchanted to weaken demons. It won't kill Ignis, but it'll give us an edge."
Ryan accepted the dagger, feeling its weight in his hand. It was a strange contrast to the tools of his trade, but in this new reality, it felt like a necessary extension of himself. "What about you?"
Alex held up a vial of clear liquid. "Holy water, infused with a binding spell. If we can get close enough, it'll help trap Ignis long enough to contain it."
With a shared nod, they moved toward the plant, their footsteps echoing in the silence. Inside, the air was heavy with the scent of oil and rust, a reminder of the industry that had once thrived here. Shadows stretched long and deep, dancing across the walls as their flashlights swept through the cavernous space.
A sudden, low growl reverberated through the building, sending a chill down Ryan's spine. The temperature dropped sharply, the air thickening with an oppressive weight. Ryan gripped the dagger tighter, his pulse quickening.
Alex's eyes narrowed, his body tensing. "It's here."
They pressed forward, their senses heightened, the darkness around them alive with unseen threats. The growl grew louder, morphing into a guttural roar that shook the very walls. The demon was close, and this time, it wasn't hiding.
Ryan took a deep breath, steadying himself. "Let's finish this."
Alex's gaze met his, a flicker of determination shining through. "Together."