Chapter 2 : Father Cedric

6:00 AM – The Bishop's Office

The phone rang sharply in the quiet office of Bishop Santiago.

He set down his cup of coffee and picked up the receiver.

"Yes, this is Bishop Santiago speaking. Who's calling?" A familiar voice responded, calm but urgent.

"Hello, Father. This is Sister Elena from the convent."

"Ah, Sister Elena," the bishop said, his tone softening.

"What brings you to call so early? Is everything alright?"

"Everything is fine, Father," Elena replied. "But Mother Superior has asked me to request an exorcist. We've had… an incident."

The bishop's brow furrowed. "An incident? What happened? Are the sisters safe? How is Mother Superior?"

"Everyone is unharmed, thanks to Mother Superior," Elena explained. "The statue of the Virgin Mary was possessed. She and the sisters managed to contain the spirit, but it's only a temporary solution. We need an exorcist to fully resolve this."

Bishop Santiago let out a sigh of relief. "Thank the Lord no one was hurt. As it happens, Father Cedric has just returned from the Vatican. He's completed his training in demonology and is now a fully ordained exorcist."

"Cedric is back?" Elena's voice brightened. "Mother Superior will be pleased to hear that. His expertise will be invaluable." "I hope so," the bishop said with a chuckle. "I'll send him to the convent as soon as possible."

After ending the call, Bishop Santiago sat in silence for a moment, contemplating the gravity of the situation. He rose from his desk and made his way to Father Cedric's office.

A soft knock echoed through the door. "Come in," Cedric called.

The bishop entered, greeted by the sight of Cedric organizing books on his desk.

"Bishop," Cedric said, surprised. "To what do I owe this visit?"

"I hope I'm not disturbing you," the bishop replied.

"Not at all," Cedric said with a smile. "What's on your mind?" "It's about the convent," the bishop began. "They've been dealing with a malicious spirit.

Sister Elena called this morning to request an exorcist." Cedric's expression turned serious. "A spirit? Was anyone harmed?"

"No, thankfully. Mother Superior managed to contain it, but they need your help to banish it completely."

Cedric nodded thoughtfully. "That woman is remarkable. For a 65-year-old nun, she's as fierce as they come." The bishop chuckled.

"Indeed. When can you leave for the convent?" "This afternoon," Cedric said, stifling a yawn. "I just returned from the Vatican, so I could use a bit of rest before heading out." "Of course," the bishop said.

"I'll prepare the necessary paperwork for the exorcism rite. Get some rest, Father. You'll need your strength." After the bishop left, Cedric lay down on his cot, exhaustion overtaking him. But as he drifted into sleep, a shadowy figure materialized in the room.

It took the form of a woman, her presence both alluring and menacing. "So, this is the exorcist," the figure purred, her voice dripping with malice. She glided toward Cedric, her shadowy hands caressing his chest, her touch icy yet electrifying. Slowly, she began to undress him, her breath hot against his ear as she whispered, "Let's see how long you can resist, Father."

Cedric's body stiffened, paralyzed by the succubus's power. He could feel her hands exploring his body, her fingers tracing his skin with deliberate slowness. Panic surged through him as he realized the danger he was in. If he gave in to her temptations, he would never wake again. Summoning every ounce of willpower, Cedric forced his eyes open. Beside his pillow, he spotted his rosary.

With a desperate lunge, he grabbed it and began to pray fervently. As the words left his lips, a warm, golden light emanated from the rosary, enveloping his body. The succubus hissed in pain, her form flickering as the divine energy burned her.

"This isn't over, darling," she sneered before vanishing into the shadows. Cedric sat up, breathing heavily. "Holy hell," he muttered, clutching the rosary. "Thank you, Lord." He quickly dressed and hurried to the bishop's office. "Santiago," Cedric said, his voice urgent. "I need you to research the history of the convent. A succubus attacked me in my sleep. I think it's connected to what's happening there." The bishop's face paled. "A succubus? Good heavens. I'll have the seminarians gather the necessary materials and prepare your belongings.

Manong Jojo will drive you to the convent." "Thank you," Cedric said, his tone grateful but tense. Before leaving, Cedric entered the confession booth, cleansing his soul of any sins. It was a necessary step—any unresolved guilt could be used against him during the exorcism.

As he emerged, the bishop embraced him. "Be careful, my boy. The road ahead is perilous." Cedric nodded. "I will, Santiago. Pray for me." Outside, Manong Jojo waited by the car, the engine idling. "Take care on the road," the bishop said to the driver. "No need to rush." "Don't worry, Bishop," Manong Jojo replied. "We'll say a prayer before we go."

The seminarians gathered to bid Cedric farewell, their faces a mix of concern and hope. As the car pulled away, Cedric leaned back, his mind racing. The battle ahead would be fierce, but he was ready.

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