The test of courage

Two years had passed since this incident in the forest. Alice got ready to go to the salon where she had recently started her training. She happened to watch the news while putting on makeup.

"That morning a body was found of a young man in his early twenties. It suggests that he was killed by the same serial killer as the other victims, according to police," said a reporter.

"Another one?" Alice said in astonishment and turned to the television.

"Apparently all the victims lived in sects. Like the previous victims, he wore a pentagram on one hand. We will stay with this case and catch the perpetrator (s)," said one of the police officers.

"I didn't even know that the victims were insects," said the reporter, shocked.

"You seem to have your hands full," Alice said softly and turned away.

A small group of young people who were obviously friends had met nearby, there were 3 girls talking to each other.

"Hey guys, I'm off storm this weekend. Don't you want to come to me?" Said the dark blonde.

"Yes, that'll be awesome. A real pajama party.", Said the black-haired woman happily.

"Cool, I would also like to have a storm free," said the blonde again.

"I've already come up with something great for us."

"What is Anna?" Said the black-haired woman.

"Let yourself be surprised.", She said with a smile.

It didn't take long until the weekend, the two friends had met at Anna's house in the evening to spend the weekend with her. They rang the doorbell, which opened immediately, and were warmly welcomed by their friend.

"Sabrina. Vanessa. Nice that you are here.", She said and let the two enter.

They went in, Anna led her two friends into her room, which, strangely enough, was darkened. Sabrina and Vanessa sat on the bed. Anna went out briefly to get something. After a short time she was back and put a black box on the floor.

"What is that, Anna?" Sabrina asked and ran through her black hair.

"It looks like a normal box to me," said the blonde.

"It's also about what's inside.", Sabrina said to her friend.

"There are things in there that can be used to summon ghosts. My brother used it many times before he died."

"And what do you want with it now?" Asked Vanessa.

"Well, what? We'll conjure up a ghost. It worked for my brother and I've seen it several times.", Anna replies.

"So that's what you came up with for us. But are you sure it will work?"

"We shouldn't do that, I have a bad feeling about it.", Vanessa said with fear in her voice.

"Nothing happens to Vanessa. Don't be so afraid.", Sabrina said, amused.They took out everything that was in the box:

Stones, each marked with a letter of the alphabet,
a strange glass with black marks on it,
3 black candles that they lit and
a strange amulet that was completely black.

They lined up the stones in a circle, placed the glass in the middle and put the amulet around Anna's neck. They put in a circle around the ritual objects between two candles.

"Shall we start?" Asked Anna with a grin on her face.

"I think we should really leave that," said Vanessa.

"Oh come on, this will be fun. Just see it as a test of courage.", Sabrina said.

"Well," she said then.

"Shake hands, close your eyes and don't think about anything," Anna said firmly.

They shook hands and concentrated.

"Now you put the index fingers of both hands on the glass.", She said.

They followed the instruction. Vanessa still had a queasy feeling in the stomach area and could not find inner peace. It was quiet for another moment before Anna began to speak.

"I implore you my brother, you had to give up your life so early and now I am calling you back to me, back to the living. Answer me!", She said.

Nothing happened. They just stared at the glass, but it hadn't moved.

"Try again," said Sabrina.

"Good. Answer me! We'll summon you from the realm of the dead back to the realm of the living, come back to us!", She tried again.

"That can't work at all, there are no ghosts at all. We should ...", but Vanessa couldn't get any further.

"What's wrong Vanessa?" Said Anna worriedly.

Vanessa looked anxiously past her friend. There was someone standing there, the person wearing a long black robe and a scythe at their side, their face covered beyond recognition.

"Stupid girl," said the person in the robe.

"Vanessa? What is it?" Sabrina asked now.

"There!", She replies with a trembling voice and pointed to the person in the robe.

Her friends looked at the point she had pointed to, but there was nothing to be seen.

"But there is nothing," said Sabrina.

"But there is a person with a black robe and a scythe!" She said, breathless and fearful.

"Ha, Ha. Your friends can't see me.", She said and went straight to Vanessa.

This just got up in a panic and looked scared.

"Don't come too close to me. Get out of here!" She screamed in fear and with tears in her eyes.

"Vanessa! What's the matter with you?", Sabrina screamed fearfully.

"GO AWAY!" Vanessa yelled at the person.

But the figure came closer and closer. Vanessa tried to run away, but the person reappeared in front of her and Vanessa stopped.

"Vanessa !!!", Anna intervened, "nothing has happened yet."

"B-are you death?", Vanessa asked with a trembling voice.

"Yes, and your time is up now," she said.

Death raised her scythe and struck. The only thing her friends could see was that Vanessa suddenly collapsed.

"VANESSA!" Both shouted as if from one mouth.

They called the ambulance as fast as they could, but he could only convey the death message.

"I'm sorry, but unfortunately your friend is dead."

Both were just shocked by the fact it was supposed to be just a game.