Chapter 112: Chapter 112

Alex's parents were determined to assist their son in defeating the powerful demon that plagued their lives and caused so many deaths.

They believed that understanding the demon's origins and weaknesses would be the key to success. With a glimmer of hope in their hearts, they embarked on a journey that would take them to the sorcerer's place and grant them access to long-forgotten texts, helping them understand what they needed to do to help Alex.

Early in the morning, they left the pack with Mia, who assured them of the sorcerer's place that her mom took her to before she was killed. They ventured deep into the enchanted forest, with Heartman and Natalie feeling a sense of familiarity.

"Heartman, isn't this the place we came back then when we were looking for answers about Alex?" Natalie asked, looking around.

"Natalie, I can't say because all forests look the same, though I know this place looks and feels familiar," Heartman replied.

"Let's just go; when we get there, we'll know if it's the same. All we want now is answers to all our questions, not the sorcerer," Mia urged.

"Sorry, Mia; we didn't forget our purpose of coming here. We're just trying to refresh our memory of this place. But, Natalie, catch up fast; let's go. It's almost noon now; we need to hurry so we can go back home early and prepare," Heartman said to his wife and Mia.

"I'm coming already; you people are too fast. Slow down a little so I can catch up," Natalie said, laughing.

"Just start running to us; you'll be able to catch up fast," Heartman teased.

Mia couldn't help but laugh as they moved forward, heading to the trees that stood as the gateway to the sorcerer's place. Mia held hands with both Natalie and Heartman and moved into the portal between the trees.

They appeared at the sorcerer's place, and he was already waiting for them. After exchanging greetings, the sorcerer led them into the house and consulted the spirits. He came back with a reassuring smile.

"Alex has already started working his way out, so it'll be very easy for us to work and free him," the sorcerer said.

"You are on the right path," he continued. "The demon's weaknesses lie in the power of love and unity. It cannot survive in the face of unwavering familial bonds and the strength of the human spirit."

"Alex already started having dreams about Mia and their times together; his normal self is fighting against the demon, and it'll be hard for it to take over fully when the body is fighting against it," the sorcerer concluded.

"How will the demon be removed from Alex's body?" Mia asked cautiously.

"The Exorcism of Shadows. The ritual was said to banish demons back to the netherworld, but you'll need to be healthy to do this, okay?" The sorcerer replied.

"I'm healthy. When will it be okay to do all of these?"

"As soon as possible," the sorcerer replied.

Mia and Alex's parents got up and headed home. With renewed determination and their hearts filled with hope, they had a clearer understanding of their adversary now and a plan to save Alex.

Little did they know that their efforts had not gone unnoticed. The demon, sensing their determination, had become aware of their interference. It would not rest until it had crushed their hopes and extinguished the light they carried within.