The Secrets of the Elements novel Chapter 16

"Okay so," said Advika as the five friends - Rey, Zarna, Tej, Advika, and Maya sat in a circle. "Hold hands," she said.

It's the first time Tej ever held Advika's hand. He felt ecstatic and tried hard to suppress his smile. Ray knew what was going on in his friend's mind. "We need to concentrate on this," he said. "That goes without saying," added Maya. "To begin with," said Advika. "We need to feel our energy, and then other energies, as in, first I'll feel my energy, then connect to you all."

"Aye, aye, captain," said Ray and smiled.

They closed their eyes and focussed on their breath for a brief moment. It felt like an eternity to Zarna, who was already being restless. She straightened her back and brought her focus back.

Advika felt something tug at her core. Tej sensed energy radiate from his body; Maya's hands went cold. Ray felt lighter, whereas Zarna felt all-powerful.

Maya felt a gust of wind surround her; she opened her eyes at once. "Guys," she said. "The book," said Advika as the others opened their eyes. Zarna picked up the book and scanned it. "This is not our book," she said and passed it to Advika. Advika examined it and gave it to Maya. "Then which book have we summoned?" wondered Ray as he held the book in his hands.

The book had a dark black cover with some words scribbled on it in some foreign language. It was heavy and had an unusual shine. It had a golden lock with the key missing.

"What is this language?" questioned Ray. Maya and Advika exchanged a glance. "Arabic," said Advika. "Show the book," said Maya and kept her hand on the words inscribed in gold. "A, Z, A, Z, E, L," she translated the letters. "Azazel," said Advika.

A gust of cold wind encircled them; the lights went off. Advika held Tej's hand. He held her hand and turned on the flashlight of his phone. "Relax, everyone," he said. A black mist began to emanate from the book. Maya flinched. "Advika... this is..."

"The water, the holy water," stuttered Advika; her hand shaking, body shivering.

Maya nodded her head and removed a small glass vial from her pocket. "Quick," said Advika. Maya began to shiver; the vial slipped from her hand and broke. The water spill half on the ground and a half on the book.

Tej twisted Advika's hand. "Aah," she cried. "Tej, leave her hand," Ray almost screamed. Zarna grasped Ray's arm as Tej looked up. His red eyes sent a shiver down her spine. Advika kept her other hand on Tej's head chanting some mantras. Maya followed. "Ray, hold his hands," said Zarna as Tej pushed Maya and dragged Advika towards the mirror in the room. "Catch him," said Maya and ran after them.

Ray, Zarna, and Maya held his hand. Maya kept her right hand on his head chanting some mantras. Tej was too strong for all of them. His face turned pale and lips dry. Advika cried as he slammed her hand on the mirror. The mirror shattered into pieces. "Aaah," cried Advika and cupped her mouth; blood oozing from her hand. "Tej," screamed Ray.

Zarna rushed to the black book and kept the book where the vial had broken. The book absorbed the water; the black began to disappear.

Tej's grip on Advika's hand slackened, he left her hand, collapsing on the floor. "Tej," said Advika with tears in her eyes. Ray sped towards the wardrobe and fetched a first aid box.

"Give it to me," said Zarna and motioned him to look after Tej.

Maya helped Ray lay Tej on the bed. Zarna tied a bandage on Advika's hand. "Feeling better?" she asked. "Yes," she said and went near Tej. Zarna followed. "Do you want a pain killer or something?" asked Ray. "No, I'm fine," assured Advika and sat near Tej. She placed her hand on his forehead and closed her eyes.

"What is she trying to do?" whispered Zarna. "Trying to wave off the evil," said Maya. Ray sat on the ground and cleaned the blood off it. "Careful with the glass," said Maya. "Aunty shouldn't know about it," said Advika as she opened her eyes. "But your hand and the glass," said Zarna. "We'll cover up everything," said Advika.

Ray threw the pieces of glass in the dustbin.

Tej woke up with a start. Ray sped towards him. "Tej," he said. "Are you fine? Do you recognize us?"

"Let him come to senses first," said Maya and pour water in a glass kept on the study table. Tej looked around him, discerning the surrounding.

"What did I do?" he asked looking at his friends. "Nothing," lied Advika. "It wasn't you, Tej," said Maya and sat at the foot of the bed. "Is it necessary we tell it to him now?" asked Advika. Tej's eyes fell on her hand. He opened his mouth to say something but stopped and looked at Ray. "It wasn't you, it was the black mist, the evil powers," said Advika.

"The book," said Zarna as they remembered about it. "It vanished," she said scanning the room.

"Black mist. Legend has it these mist manipulate you and turn you into something you're not," said Advika. "We have read about it from the books in the library," added Maya. "How many times did you go there?" wondered Ray. "Quite a few times," said Maya. "But that's not important."

"I'm sorry," said Tej and held Advika's hand. "Tej, it wasn't you, you were bewitched," she said. A tear slid from his eye. Ray squeezed his friend's shoulders. "Dude, don't feel guilty, you know you can never hurt anyone of us," he consoled.

"I think you should rest we'll discuss this later," suggested Zarna. Maya agreed. "Let's go to the other room and sleep," she said. "Come soon, Advika," said Zarna and left the room with Maya. "I'll get something to eat," said Ray. "Ray, coffee please," said Advika. "Sure," he said and headed towards the kitchen downstairs.