With steady courage, Zavrion stepped forward, deliberately setting his foot over the spells drawn on the floor, and entered deeper into the room.
From behind, Vixen's voice rose sharply, "What have you done…? You stepped on the demonic spells! If any harm comes from this—"
Before he could finish, Zavrion turned to him with calm defiance. "Nothing will happen, Father. No one can harm me. Come inside."
Reluctantly, Vixen followed. Time slipped away as they explored further, and by then morning had almost turned into noon. Meanwhile, at home, Kin had been calling both Vixen and Zavrion endlessly since dawn, but neither had answered. His throat was going dry with worry.
Why aren't they picking up? The thought gnawed at him.
Kenny came up beside him and asked quietly, "Should I go look for them?"
Kin shook his head with an anxious expression,
"Absolutely not. Since yesterday there's been no news of your boyfriend either. I'm already losing my mind worrying. Now both father and son are missing too. No calls, no sign of them anywhere…"
Kenny gently placed a hand on Kin's back. "Brother Kin, what if I try calling Zavrion? I'm sure he'll pick up if it's me."
Kin let out a breath. "That would actually help. Try once."
Kenny dialed, and to his relief,Oh God! finally Zavrion answered.
From the other end, Kenny's worried voice burst out, "Where the hell are you? Do you have any idea how much Brother Kin and I are worried for you?"
But the line was weak, full of static. Zavrion strained to listen. "Speak louder… I can't hear you properly."
Kenny raised his voice. "Where are you? And why do I hear so many girls' voices around you?"
Zavrion frowned, confusion in his tone. "Wait… I'll call you back in five minutes." He cut the call before Kenny could press further.
Back inside, Zavrion and his father searched the eerie house thoroughly, performing their own inspection. Finally, they found a large tin box. When they forced it open, their breath caught—the box was filled with strands of human hair, and even fingernails.
Horror twisted through them. Vixen and Zavrion recoiled, dropping the box instantly before rushing out of the house.
Outside, Vixen turned to his son, his voice stern. "You stepped on a demon's spell today. Tomorrow, you're coming with me to the Buddhist monastery. No excuses."
Seeing the tension in his father's eyes, Zavrion tried to reassure him. "Father, nothing will happen to me. Still, before I enter the house tonight, I'll cleanse myself properly. Don't worry."
Both of them freshened up outside before heading toward the road that led home. As they walked, Zavrion asked, "Where did Megas go? Do you think he came here, or was he just fooling around with Kenny back in the village?"
Vixen's brows knit together. "But his phone isn't connecting either. Don't you think that's suspicious?"
Zavrion sighed. "My head is a mess right now. Wait—Kenny called earlier. Let me call him back."
Vixen snapped at him sharply, "Why do you keep calling Kenny by name? He's much older than you!"
Zavrion's lips curved with stubborn boldness. "I don't care. I consider Kenny my lover, whether he accepts it or not."
Even as he said it, he dialed Kenny's number again. Kenny picked up almost instantly, his voice filled with anger.
"What the hell, Zavrion? Were you planning to come see me today, or are you just going to waste the whole day surrounded by those girls again?"
Zavrion froze. "What girls? I wasn't with any girl!"
But before he could say more, Kenny cut the call, leaving only a sharp beep in his ear.
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Continue....