Antonio searched the darkness outside the window, listening for the source of the faint, agonizing cry.
"What's happening, honey?" Trist mumbled, stirring awake.
"Ah, Tan, nothing. You're tired, just sleep," Antonio whispered, closing the window firmly. He climbed straight back into bed, embracing his husband, and finally fell asleep.
The next morning, Rosy and Stone were already urging Trist to leave for the church.
"Ah, what's the hurry? You can all go to church this evening," Daisy noted, surprised.
"Actually, Daisy, we can't stay here," Rosy said quickly, smoothly weaving a lie. "We have to leave tonight. Stone has international clients; he has to be there."
"Aww, I thought you two would stay until Antonio and Trist's new wedding house inauguration," Sabastian said.
"We really wanted to, but we can't. Work is important, President Sabastian," Stone said with a practiced laugh.
"What's the matter, Dad?" Antonio came downstairs in his night dress.
"Oh, where's Tan?" Daisy asked.
"He already got up and went to shower. I don't know why he's in such a hurry," Antonio replied.
"Antonio, we are leaving tonight, so before we go, I have to take Tan to church," Rosy insisted.
"Oh, but—" Antonio tried to protest.
"Antonio, that's fine. They already told us everything. Let them go," Sabastian interrupted, subtly controlling the situation.
"Dad, that's okay. But aunt Rosy, shall I come with you all to church?" Antonio asked.
"Ah, it's fine. We'll be back soon. Don't burden yourself, Anto. You can stay here. The wedding just finished yesterday. You have many things to do, and I heard you need to pack for Cloud Spring City," Rosy said.
Before anyone could say more, Trist Tan emerged, and Rosy and Stone quickly ushered him into the car and drove off.
"Are they really in such a rush?" Daisy asked Antonio.
"Ah, Antonio, you are not coming to Cloud Spring City. Your new house is already ready. You stay here," Sabastian ordered.
"But Dad—" Antonio started to argue.
"No more arguments. Stay here," Sabastian commanded.
Antonio watched, confused, as they left.
An hour later, Trist's family was inside the church, meeting the senior priest, Ron John.
"Ah, Tan, give me your hand," the priest said, holding Trist's hand and closing his eyes. He opened them quickly, his face grave. "It is going to be worse this time."
"Ah, Father, what are you saying?" Rosy whispered.
"This time, Trist must be more careful. The ghost is possessing him not for attraction, but for revenge," Priest John warned.
Stone and Rosy were shocked. "But, Father, my son has suffered since childhood. He always sees dead people. But five years ago…" Rosy trailed off, weeping.
Stone tried to comfort his wife.
"Trist, see the beautiful flower garden outside? You can go feel some fresh air," Priest John said, sending Trist out.
When Trist left, Priest John stood up. "I know everything, Rosy. Five years ago, someone kidnapped him. When you found him in the cemetery, Trist had already suffered a change. Until that point, he only saw ghosts, but after that, he forgot everything—even you and your husband. Then, he became vulnerable, attracted to and possessed by ghosts who were either dead family or dead people who knew him, before he forgot everything."
"But Father, why is this only happening to my son? Why not me? Is it because my mother was cursed—" Stone began.
"Your mother, Julia Ra-Tan, was a senior priestess of the Roman Catholic Church—a presumed demonic ultimate exorcist," the priest revealed. "Just before her death, she involved the great priest family, Dr. Jack Satraus, to eradicate spiritual demonization. But instead, her extremely powerful use of magic destroyed the entire Jack family. The Great Priest cursed her before their death. Under their curse, your son is suffering now."
"Why didn't the curse hit us?" Stone asked.
"You were present for the prayer when you were babies, but Trist was not. Because you were all abroad when Trist was born. So, the curse hit him directly. But one thing I do not know: why did this particular ghost possess him now, after all these five years? Something crucial must have happened in that cemetery five years ago."
"Father, I'm begging you, please help my son!" Rosy pleaded. "He just got married yesterday. He has a life! His in-laws don't know his situation. We were afraid they wouldn't agree to the marriage, that's why we kept it secret! Please do something!"
"Rosy, Stone. I am not a deliverance minister like your mother, Julia Ra-Tan. I will contact Eli Quinnton, a woman who is just like your mother—she eradicates demonic spiritual ghosts." Priest John gave them a new Christian cross necklace. "Until then, take this. Tell your son never to lose this necklace. This is his life."
Meanwhile, Antonio was busy packing when Lilly Cury called him.
"Anto, it's urgent! I'm waiting in City Garden Park. Come here quickly!" Cury hung up immediately.
Antonio was confused. He found Sabastian. "Dad, Lilly called me to City Park. I'll be back soon."
"But what now?" Daisy asked.
"Ah, maybe it's for something involved in work. Let me get back in a minute." Before his parents could stop him, Antonio ran to his car.
Antonio drove straight to the City Park. Lilly Cury was standing with Heart Star.
"Star! What are you doing here?!" Antonio ran toward her, his detective senses screaming.
Heart didn't answer. She only showed him a small, blood-coated, torn piece of fabric.
"What is this?" Antonio asked, his voice shaking.
"This belongs to my brother, Ryan's. He was wearing this just before his death!"