Long Horror Story (9)

Chapter Nine: The Final Sacrifice Lin Mo stared at the empty space on the portrait that belonged to him, his mind a complete blank as fragments of memory flooded his mind like a tidal wave. He recalled forgotten moments from his childhood: strange rituals in the dead of night, his parents' low murmurs, and the overwhelming crimson that covered everything that night. He wasn't an accidental reporter at all. He had been sent away since he was young, only to return here tonight, on this full moon stormy night, as the final 'lock' to complete the cycle. His father slowly rose from the coffin and walked towards an altar at the edge of the basement. On the altar lay a black dagger gleaming with a cold light. "Come here, child. Fulfill your mission and grant eternal peace to the souls of the Lin family." His father's voice held an irresistible magic, and Lin Mo felt his body begin to move uncontrollably forward, his legs as if not his own, stepping towards the altar. He roared inwardly in refusal, but his nervous system was completely taken over by some invisible force. He watched as he took the black dagger from his father and pointed the tip towards his own chest. His father's face showed a relieved yet cruel smile, and the green flames of the surrounding oil lamps burned even more intensely. Lin Mo used his last shred of reason to fight against this external force. His hand trembled violently, the tip of the dagger had already pierced his skin, and blood flowed down his chest. At this critical moment, a violent cracking sound suddenly came from above the basement, and the entire ceiling began to collapse…… To be continued