Jared’s expression wasn’t surprised or confused. He glanced once in my direction, and then continued his conversation. Jared’s clear disregard only served to exacerbate my growing impatience with him.

“Excuse me, Father,” I said, interrupting him. I pulled Jared a few steps away, purposefully glaring at Kim as I did so.

“I can’t do this right now, Nina, I’m working.”

“I thought I was your job? You know it worries me to death when you don’t call. Do you do it on purpose?”

“Nina, calm down.”

“I couldn’t concentrate in my classes, checked my phone every five seconds, hoping you would at least send a one word text…something! It would take just a moment of your time to set my mind at ease. You spend half of your life incessantly protecting me from everything, and the other making me crazy!”

“Child….” the Father began. The Priests’ words had a hidden accent behind them, possibly British, diluted by years of service in America. His plea was cut short when each of the hundreds of candles glowing around us were extinguished in succession, from one side of the stage to the other.

The priest watched me warily, and Jared took my hand. “This is her, Father Francis. She is the one.”

The priest held his trembling hands to his mouth, and then reached out to me. He grabbed my free hand with both of his, and held it tightly. “The Mother,” he whispered, his eyes scanning my face with adoration.

Bex lifted his chin. His eyes closed, but not before his lashes flickered as his eyes rolled back into his head. He took a deep breath, as if he were feeling the air around us, reaching with invisible tentacles to a different plane. “Jared,” he whispered.

A loud, repetitious banging echoed throughout the cathedral, and Father Francis dropped my hand, rushing to the large doors of the entrance.

“You should stop him,” Kim said to Jared.

“Father, wait,” Jared called. He grabbed my hand, following quickly behind the priest.

The banging persisted, so loudly that I released Jared’s hand to cover my ears. The large doors vibrated with each blow.

“Make it stop,” I said, closing my eyes.

Kim and Bex were at my side, and Kim touched my shoulder before taking a few steps forward.

The banging grew louder, and the door threatened to give way to the hammering from outside.

“Make it stop!” I yelled over the noise.

“Father,” Kim said, gently moving him to the side. She reached out with both hands, laying her palms flat against each door.

I grabbed Jared’s arm, then a quiet settled upon us; seeming more ominous than the banging.

Father Francis pushed open the doors, and we all stood in horror of the sight before us.

“Lord in Heaven,” Father Francis said, making a quick the sign of the cross.

“They….” I began, unable to finish.

“Crows. Nice touch,” Kim said.