Round 5 Transcript

The sound of hammering and scraping echoes down from upstairs—Hera and Halie have begun the ritual preparations in earnest. Jeane leans closer to Abby, her breath hot against the girl's ear. The vial tilts slightly as she pours a drop onto her thumb, then traces a line along Abby's collarbone and down between her breasts. "Shh..." she croons, "Just relax now. Let the memories come back slowly." Abby's eyes flutter closed again, her breathing becoming more even as the drug works its way through her system. But just as Jeane begins to trace a pattern over Abby's chest with her free hand—some arcane symbol or another—the sound of footsteps outside interrupts them.*

A heavy thud against the front door of the church makes both women freeze. "HELLO?!" A muffled female voice calls out from beyond the barrier. "Is anyone in there? I heard noises coming from the building..." The handle jiggles, and more knocking follows.

I freeze at the sound of knocking on the church doors, my heart leaping into my throat. This can't be happening—not now, when we're so close to finally bringing Abby into the fold. "Shit," I mutter under my breath, glancing around frantically as if expecting the walls themselves to close in on us.

Jeane's head whips toward the stairs, her eyes narrowing dangerously. In one fluid motion, she's on her feet, vial still clutched in one hand. "Well well," she purrs, voice laced with venom, "it seems our little gathering has attracted some unwanted attention." She turns to Silra, a predatory gleam in her eyes. "Perhaps you were right about the need for more... discreet methods after all."

I swallow hard, trying to think through the panic rising in my chest. We can't let whoever's at the door get inside—not with Abby still half-conscious on the floor and who knows what kind of evidence scattered throughout the sanctuary. "Hera!" I call out, "We need to stop them from coming in!"

Jeane nods sharply, already moving toward the stairs. "Halie! Hera!" she shouts, "We have a situation upstairs. Barricade that door if you can!" She turns back to Silra and me, her expression deadly serious. "Abby is your responsibility now. Keep her quiet—no matter what it takes."

The knock at the door isn't curiosity—it's a timeline bomb with a handle. We don't need witnesses or interruptions. I check my pockets; the lockpick set is still there because of course it is. "Jeane, take Abby and get her upstairs, fast. Put her in Halie's room—that's soundproofed enough. I'll deal with whoever that is before they bring the whole neighborhood down here."

Jeane's crimson eyes gleam with predatory intent as she gazes down at the still-groggy Abby. My dear, it seems we have... unexpected company. She trails clawed fingers along the girl's jawline. Fear not—I will ensure our little reunion is merely... delayed. Silra steps forward, voice tight with urgency. Jeane, take Abby upstairs—now. Put her in Halie's soundproofed room. I'll handle whoever's at the door before they bring half the city down on us. Her hand rests casually near her hip where a dagger would be.

Jeane considers for a moment, then nods sharply. Very well—I shall entrust our newest pet to your care while I address... this interruption. She bends low over Abby, speaking in a voice too quiet for the others to hear. Sweet dreams, my dear. We shall continue our lesson where we left off once these bothersome flies are swatted away. Jeane straightens then, her voluptuous figure accentuated by the tight dark leather of her dress as she moves toward the stairs with predatory grace. Silra—I trust your... skills will suffice? Should you require my assistance in dealing with our unwelcome guest, do not hesitate to summon me. I would dearly love to put those horns to use. She pauses at the foot of the stairs, looking back over her shoulder at Silra and Abby both. And remember—no screaming from our little pet here. We wouldn't want the neighbors getting... ideas about what goes on behind these walls now, would we? A slow, dangerous smile curves Jeane's full lips as she ascends the steps two at a time.