Obsession: Mental disturbance caused by a fixed idea that relentlessly assaults the mind.
Was that what she had? Absolutely not. What could she possibly like about a pathetic entity that tried to bewitch her for who knows what reason? It was just that stupid perfume... right?
The truth is Ana had been thinking about Norell all night—and all morning too. Maybe the vampire had caught her attention. Not that she thought so, but because she spent hours trying to convince herself otherwise.
And she would have continued in her stubborn task of believing that such an entity was entirely repulsive, yet the day had other plans for her. It all began with the first call.
–I've got so much to tell you -said Sofía with a mix of excitement and secrecy, as though the information she was about to share was of vital importance-
Ana was about to say the same, but decided to keep some details of the night to herself.
–Great. I'm desperate for solutions -she replied honestly-
–Our deductions were almost completely accurate –
–Our? You mean your deductions –
–So humble -Sofía laughed- You're the one who went down into those haunted places. I wouldn't set foot in that house even if they paid me –
–Perfect. Now they think I'm crazy -Ana said dramatically-
–Ha, ha. Stop! Not at all. I mean you're incredibly brave –
Ana blushed down to her bones. Thank goodness no one was there to see it, but she could hardly remember the last time she needed a compliment so badly. Usually Sofía's words didn't mean as much as Lara's, and now she regretted how foolish she'd been.
–Tell me already. What did you find out? –
–Okay, we've got some very interesting things -Sofía returned to the solemn tone she'd used earlier- My deduction that it was a summoning circle was correct, but our theory about the moonlight was slightly off –
–What? -Ana was stunned- I saw clearly how the moon illuminated the circle's outline –
–Yes, that part's right, but the seashells and roses are a clear reference to Venus, the Roman goddess of beauty and fertility. The light of the planet must strike the circles during the ritual—that's what the openings are for –
Ana's jaw dropped in that familiar mix of awe and dread. Ten seconds hadn't passed before she began connecting the dots. Somehow, this had to be directly related to Norell.
–That's why the words around the circle were in Latin -Ana added, still stunned- It's the Roman language –
–Y-yeah. Of course -Sofía knew nothing of history. Nor did she care- The point is, moonlight only reveals the portals that actually worked. So basically... –
–Venus has been summoned here... In this very house... –
Ana's voice trembled so much she could feel her pulse faltering—stark contrast to Sofía's energetic delight.
–I know! Isn't it amazing? There are millions of women, even witches, who've tried to contact Venus herself—and you've seen her portals with your own eyes. It's incredible... –
–Sofía -Ana's tone now carried total seriousness- You don't understand how serious this is, do you? There's been a spiritual invocation in this horrible mansion. Here! –
Deep down, she felt a bit hypocritical. She'd been visited by a demonic vampire at dawn, yet she was terrified of a harmless summoning circle. But hey, she had to stress about something.
–Ana, I get it. But it's quite the opposite. This entity has chosen the mansion to settle in—maybe to help. She's the goddess of beauty, love, and fertility. Do you know what that means? I know people who'd kill for that, or to be in your place –
The young woman rubbed her forehead. This might be too much. She could handle a sexy vampire in her room, but a goddess summoned in her home? That crossed a line.
–Sexy vampire? Please -Ana scolded herself, but let the thought slide-
–I mean... how is Venus having lunch with me supposed to help? -she asked, half-joking, half-serious-
–Ha, ha! That's the spirit! Venus will definitely help solve the witches' mystery –
–Right. But what does she do? –
–What does who do? –
–I mean, what do I gain from this? –
–Well... I have no idea –
–What do you mean you have no idea?! You've been selling her to me like she's my savior for fifteen minutes! –
–What, you think I've summoned Venus before?! I still have to find that out! –
The friends laughed awkwardly. Though they'd raised their voices, they understood their internal "game," even in such tense moments.
–Well then, I'll be waiting on your updates -Ana concluded-
–Exactly! -These tasks thrilled Sofía. Being a medium was her dream job- The moment I find out more, I'll let you know right away! –
–Perfect. Listen, I need to hang up. I've got another call coming in –
–Oh. Okay, okay -Sofía replied modestly, but then returned to her usual teasing tone- Busy girl, huh? –
–You're still teasing me... –
And she hung up. In the middle of their conversation, Ana's phone had vibrated against her ear. It was a message from Leon. She barely glimpsed it, but it seemed important.
–Hey Ana. I've been swamped these past few days, but I have some important info. Call you as soon as you're free –
–This is absurd. It's like everyone decided to contact me on the same day -she thought, replying that he could call whenever he wanted-
She barely had time to shower before her phone buzzed again. She dried off quickly and picked up.
–Hello? –
–Hi Ana. I've been digging into my grandmother's house. I even went there yesterday -His voice sounded as agitated as it was withdrawn—unlike Leon's usual bold and easygoing self- I have a lot to tell you –
–Y-yeah. I have stuff to tell you too –
–I'd rather it be in person -Now he sounded rushed-
–Sure, whenever you want... –
–Great. I'm leaving in five. I'll be there in an hour –
And he hung up.
Ana stood there with the phone in hand, stunned. Though she found Leon's behavior strange, there was comfort in knowing she wouldn't be alone that afternoon. She took her laptop to the garden and decided to work outside until he arrived.
And sure enough, about an hour and a half later, Leon's van pulled up hastily in front of her house.
He jumped out, looking like he couldn't keep another word bottled up.
Moments later they were inside, in the dining room—Leon insisted it wasn't safe to talk outside.
–Why so paranoid? -Ana asked light-heartedly-
Leon looked as confused as he was annoyed.
–Are you joking? We're dealing with witches in haunted mansions and you think it's 'paranoia' to not want to be overheard? –
Maybe he had a point. Ana lowered her gaze. Her talk with Sofía—and all the Norell thoughts—had her mind completely scattered.
–Y-you're right. Sorry –
–It's fine. I guess you were trying to lighten the mood. I am being paranoid –
–Start wherever you want. I really needed to talk to you yesterday –
–I would've come if you'd asked. You know that -Leon took her hand, protectively-
Ana wasn't upset, but she was surprised. Had her relationship with Leon grown to this level? She must've been really distracted—she'd never imagined getting that "close."
Still, Leon noticed her unease and let go after a few seconds.
–I mean, if it had been life or death, I'd have come anyway. I was at my grandmother's house, finding things for both of us –
–I see... -Ana truly hadn't minded the touch, but chose not to bring it up- Well, if you're ready to tell me, we've got the whole afternoon –
The conversation began rather calmly.
Leon talked about his routine, easing into the story. He first contacted his mother to learn more about his grandmother. She refused to reveal anything, but he wasn't giving up that easily.
The day after his last chat with Ana, he showed up at his mother's house. Their relationship wasn't what either of them wanted, but life had led them to a somewhat distant dynamic.
Adela kept refusing for hours, until Leon said the one thing that changed everything:
–Well then, I'll go check the house myself -he said with a confidence his mother couldn't believe-
Leon had always avoided that mansion. As a kid he'd cry and scream whenever he had to go. And as an adult, once he could decide for himself, he never returned—not even when the notary handed him his share of the inheritance. He didn't want a single coin from that house.
That's why it was so unimaginable to hear him say this. That's when Adela began to grasp the seriousness of the situation.
Her desperation was so intense, a few tears spilled down her lashes.
–Why do you need to go there? -she pleaded, almost sobbing- Can't we just let it die? –
–Let what die? –
Leon hated seeing his mother like that, but deep down, he resented her. He always suspected she knew how deranged the grandmother was, and still left him there for hours.
–I didn't know what was happening when I sent you there... -she went on, as if reading his mind- I did know she was a bit unstable. After your grandfather died, we never saw her with another man, but she kept talking about a boyfriend—some guy who visited her every week. Then she started locking herself in the mansion –
Leon was completely focused. He knew the truth might hide in the details. Adela broke down completely, words tangled in quiet sobs, but she kept talking.
–We didn't give it much thought. We figured loneliness had consumed her, and she was trying to convince herself she was still as beautiful as in her youth. But... one afternoon I went into the backyard shed... It was horrible. I can't even describe what I saw –
–Please, Mom! It's important! –
Leon grabbed her shoulders, locking eyes with her. Adela sobbed with her eyes shut and head lowered. She asked herself what kind of mother sends her child into a place like that. And although she wanted to bury that part of her life forever, she felt she owed Leon the truth.
–I won't go into much detail. I feel short of breath every time I remember it. But I saw your grandmother with red eyes, her nightgown stained with blood. In one hand she held a machete... a bloody machete. And in the other... s-she had... –
–What?! -Leon was shaking her now- What did she have?! –
–A goat's head! -she screamed, filled with terror and rage- She was holding a goddamn goat's head! –
END OF CHAPTER 8