The Secrets of the Elements

The Black Book

"Let's begin then," said Zarna, closing her eyes.

Advika began, "Feel the energy within you, the warmth and the light. Now connect to the person sitting next to you, feel their energy."

Tej felt a jolt of energy run through his body as he held Advika's hand. He tried hard to keep his eyes closed and concentrate.

"Now let's connect with the universe," said Advika. "Feel the power of the universe flow through you. We are one with the universe."

The room fell silent as they all meditated, feeling their energy, and connecting with each other and the universe.

After a few minutes, they opened their eyes and looked at each other. "Wow, that was amazing," said Maya.

"Can we do it again?" asked Tej, still holding Advika's hand.

"Of course," said Advika, smiling at Tej.

They closed their eyes and focused 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. 

Maya took hold of the book, scrutinizing its pages. "This isn't our book," she remarked, passing it to Advika. Advika inspected it and then handed it back to Maya. 

"So, which book did we summon?" Ray pondered aloud, holding the mysterious book in his hands.

The book's cover was pitch black, with mysterious scribbles in an unfamiliar language. As Tej picked it up, he was surprised by its weight and unique sheen. The book was locked with a golden clasp, but the key was nowhere to be found.

"Maybe it's a different edition," suggested Zarna.

"But how did we summon it?" asked Ray

Advika looked at Maya. "What did you feel when you held the book?" she asked.

"A gust of wind surrounded me," Maya replied.

"Maybe the book has the power of the air element," said Advika.

"But how do we know what it does?" asked Ray.

"We'll have to study it," replied Advika. "And be careful with it. It might have the power to summon something we can't handle."

The group nodded in agreement, and Maya placed the book on the table. "Let's start studying," she said.

"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," spelled Advika. The room plunged into darkness as the wind rattled against the window.

"What is happening?" asked Maya, her voice shaking.

"I don't know," said Advika, her grip on Tej's hand tightening.

The swirling black mist slowly coalesced into a human form, causing the five friends to stand frozen in terror. Abruptly, the mist dissipated, revealing a cloaked woman.

She donned flowing black robes and wore an austere expression as her eyes fixated upon the five friends.

"Who summons me?" she asked in a deep, raspy voice.

The five friends looked at each other, unsure of what to say.

"We didn't intend to summon anyone," Tej said, attempting to muster some courage.

The woman's gaze shifted between the group and the ancient book, her expression unreadable.

"It is this book that summoned me," she declared, pointing at the tome.

"What do you want from us?" Advika asked, her voice trembling.

The woman studied the five friends and then revealed her intentions. "I have come to propose a bargain."

"This is..." Ray began.

"The water, the holy water," Advika interrupted, her voice shaking, her body quivering.

Maya nodded and carefully extracted a small glass vial from her pocket with shivering hands.

"Quick," Advika urged. 

Trembling, Maya fumbled, the vial slipped from her grasp, shattering as it hit the ground. Half of its contents spilled onto the floor, while the other half splashed onto the ancient book. In that instant, the mysterious woman vanished into thin air.

Tej twisted Advika's hand, and she let out a sharp cry of pain. 

"Tej, release her hand!" Ray's voice was nearly a scream, and Zarna tightened her grip on Ray's arm. Tej lifted his head, his crimson eyes sending a shiver down their spines.

"Tej, let go of her," Zarna said, her voice trembling as she pulled Ray closer to her.

Tej slowly shifted his gaze towards Zarna, his eyes still ablaze with a deep red hue. "Stay out of this, Zarna," he replied in a chilling, cold tone.

"What's gotten into you, Tej? Just let her go," Maya pleaded, her voice quivering with fear.

Tej tightened his grip on Advika's hand, and she winced in pain. "I need her energy," he said through gritted teeth.

"That's not how it works, Tej," Ray said firmly. "You're hurting her."

Tej released Advika's hand, and she took a step back, rubbing her wrist. "What's happening to you, Tej?" she asked, tears welling up in her eyes.

Tej stood up, his eyes returning to their normal color. "I don't know," he said, looking down at his hands. "I felt like something took over me."

~~~~~