~The Gathering #18~. ~Part 18~

"Someone get the lights!" A voice called out in the dark

There was the muffled noise of chairs moving then footsteps, and the sound of quiet sobbing.

Suddenly the single overhead light in the library was on; instantly illuminating the chaos in the room. Two chairs were on their sides on the floor, the table was overturned. Mária stood by the light switch, the others momentarily dazed by the stark light. All eyes were computing the scene before them, scanning the room for information. It was the sight of Gabriella on the floor that stopped them in their tracks. She lay in what appeared to be a hypnotic sleep, her eyes no longer bulging, no longer staring. Still Alfréd held her hand; he had never let it go. Now he had both his hands clasped tightly round her delicate fingers, sobbing her name.

"Oh God, please, please stay with us. Come back to me Gabriella." He lay her head upon his lap and began to caress that long flame hair.

Cecília was the only one who remained in her seat, calmly looking beyond the devastation. She did not appear to notice the events unfolding before her eyes and ears.

The banging on the door continued. "Let us in."

"Shall I open it?" Mária looked to Forgach for approval.

" Get, Henrik, he's a doctor." He ordered.

"No!" Came the voice.
A long dark shadow crossed the room and settled at the end; the cold air followed it. Every volume on the shelves, every picture on the wall seemed to be watching.

"There is no point, she is mine now. Your physician can't help her." The conceited smile took over his face. He was no longer standing where he was a moment ago, but was now sitting comfortably on the Chesterfield, casually relighting one of the candles.

"What do you want?" Forgach demanded.
"I trusted you Lazlo." The disappointment and disbelief was evident in his voice.

"What's going on in there? Open up!"

Exasperated, and unsure how to proceed, Forgach made his way to the door.
"It's ok Henrik, we had a slight disagreement, things got a little heated, but we're fine now. Go, go and enjoy the rest of the party. We will be joining you soon."

There was an unsure muttering from behind the oak door and then nothing.

"Very convincing my friend." Said the figure on the sofa.
"Lazlo is temporarily engaged elsewhere I'm afraid. You see, he could not live up to his parents expectations, he never quite made the grade, as those Americans say."

"Who are you? Why are you doing this?" This time it was Anna who spoke. She had now regained her composure, despite her husband slumped on the floor beside her, his head in his hands.

"I don't think we need that abominable light anymore, do you? I prefer the subtle light of a single flame."

Mária hadn't moved, but the light went out as quickly as it had gone on. The room was once again cast into darkness, all but the single flickering flame illuminating his self assured features.

"You see my dear friends, Füst made a deal with me sometime ago. How would you say..." he let out a mocking laugh. " He sold his soul to the devil...ah yes, that's it. The devil,or... me." His lips curled at one end, the same conceited smile.

"He exchanged his soul for knowledge and power. He wanted it all. How else was he going to make his mark under the shadow of such brilliant minds." He crossed his legs and picked imaginary dirt from his long fingernails.

"I'm so glad he did, or how else would he have led me here. To you. Such exceptional gifts within this room."

"What have you done with Gabriella you fiend?" sobbed Alfréd.

"Do not worry my dear fellow, I have plans for your pretty niece. She will do we'll in my care. "

Alfréd tried to plead again, but Füst raised a single finger and he was silenced.

No one had really noticed Cecília while the exchange was going on, but she inhaled deeply and rose from the chair and began to speak. Her eyes stared unblinking.

*sorry was quite long. The next part is definitely the last.