This week we're going to try something different. Very different. Sort this challenge feed by newest. Read the most recent post, then continue it. Posts will be constrained to 700 words, so nobody has to read a novella before writing their own entry. When evaluating, we'll read the posts in order, from oldest to newest. Feel free to depart from the previous author stylistically, thematically, or in whichever way you choose, though your entry should be somehow connected to the previous entry. If the previous post is nonsensical, or otherwise hopelessly salvageable, continue from the most recent post you can. (If you do elect to continue from a different post, it'd be helpful if you could indicate which post you're continuing from). We'll write the first sentence. "The dream came to an abrupt end when the hysterical ringing of the telephone split the midnight silence."

The Encounter

“Good girl,” the demon on the phone praises her. “I’ll see you soon.”

Angela's hand slides down from her ear and she stares blankly at the empty, dark hall. He is a demon; nothing more than an evil spirit. Will she ever rid herself from his clutches?

She tiptoes back into the room; she knows exactly the location of what she's looking for.

"Hey, Ange, want to watch something else with us?" Lola asks.

"Not now," she feigns a smile. "I have to go out for a second." Lola frowns; an indication to her disbelief. It's late, not the time to go out shopping. Angela quickly continues. "Emergency. I'm out of tampons. You guys go ahead, you'll catch me up later."

Finally, Lola seems okay with Angela's explanation. Angela turns to the file cabinet snuggled at the corner of the room; she pulls open the last drawer, careful not to make a sound, and reaches into the back. She brings forth a small wooden box with engravings on it. The rough wood is gray and cracked, the engraving are blackened by time.

While Lola and her friend have busy eyes on the bright screen of the laptop, Angela slips the box into the pocket of her coat and steps out the room. She swings the coat on as she takes the stairs. The sense of being watched lingers like a shadow on her back; she pays close attention to anyone she encounters. The demon's minions can be found anywhere, even at school.

Angela leaves the building. The cold, wintery air is like a splash of reality; this is not a game, this is real. She walks away from campus knowing she'll be face to face with her one true fear. The demon.

Her steps echo on the pavement; loud and brisk, just like the beat of her strumming heart. Angela moves along the blocks, turns at the corners, and keeps on walking, unaware of where she is headed, but somehow pulled to keep on moving.

From the darkness of an alley, two strong hands snatch her from the shoulders. The hold is familiar, possessive. The demon.

Thrusted against the rough bricks of the wall, his arms encase her body, and in his dark stare, victory shines.