Veil of ashes

CHAPTER 6: LILA’S PLAN

Lila spent the next few days in a cloud, her thoughts focused on the notebook Walter had given her, the ancient rites, and the Duvall family's grim past. She couldn't afford to be terrified anymore; there was no going back. She needed to put an end to this.She started by researching the rites detailed in the journal. Every entry followed a pattern: treachery, sacrifice, and the exchange of something valuable. The Duvalls had assumed that by sacrificing someone they loved, they could wield influence over the theater, but it always cost them more than they anticipated. The ladies involved—those whose names had been tied to the theater's tragedies—had all been deceived, brought in by love or ambition, and compelled to pay the Duvalls' avarice has cost them dearly.Lila realized she couldn't simply abandon Elias, especially since he was clearly caught up in this web of terrible powers. But she also understood that in order to stop the loop, she needed to take control of the story.Lila got the equipment she needed with the help of Walter. The journal included several items, including a special incense claimed to ward off ghosts, a ceremonial knife used to cut the bonds between the living and the dead, and an object of great personal significance to the individual attempting to end the cycle.

Lila found her object: the engagement ring Elias had given her. It was supposed to represent a future together, but now it symbolizes the end of their link to the theater's power.On the night of the following full moon, Lila went to the theater. The storm from weeks prior appeared to follow her, the sky gloomy and thick with ominous clouds. The theater loomed in front of her like a haunting sentry, its windows gleaming dimly as if it were waiting for her.Inside, the stage was bathed in a cold, ghostly light, and the muttering resumed. She could feel the weight of the skyscraper pressing in on her, urging her to turn back and let go of herself plan. But she refused.