[Chapter 298: The Conjuring Universe]
Early morning.
The sunlight in Beverly Hills was sharply bright. The bedroom was a mess, clothes scattered everywhere. Rachel sat on the edge of the bed, slowly slipping on her high heels. Her movements were sluggish, and every so often, she frowned.
Amanda and Jessica had already tidied up and were seated at the vanity, refreshing their makeup.
"I have to go," Rachel said, standing and smoothing her skirt. "I've got a magazine interview this afternoon."
Amanda stood as well. "I need to hit the recording studio too; my voice is a bit hoarse. Hope it recovers."
Jessica grabbed her bag. "Let's go together."
Daniel, wearing a bathrobe, leaned against the doorframe, holding a glass of water.
"Be careful on the road," he said.
The three women walked over. Rachel leaned close, whispering in his ear, "Don't forget Sherlock Holmes."
Amanda added, "And my Mamma Mia!"
Jessica chimed in, "Taken -- I'm waiting for your good news."
...
Watching the three luxury cars pull out of the driveway one by one, Daniel took a slow sip of water and closed the door behind them.
He returned to the study and sank into the swivel chair.
"Chris."
The phone screen lit up, and a curling pink smoke leaked out. Succubus Chris materialized, dressed sharply in a secretary's outfit, holding a virtual notepad. She glanced at Daniel, a hint of playful resentment in her eyes. "Master, you really are full of energy."
Daniel ignored her teasing and tapped on the desk.
"Time to get to work."
Chris snapped to attention. "Please tell me."
"Check on these three projects."
Daniel listed off the films. "Sherlock Holmes is with Warner Bros. Mamma Mia! is being prepared by Universal Pictures. Taken, I'm not sure; you'll have to verify."
Chris's fingers danced rapidly in the air. "Understood. Do you want to invest or acquire outright?"
Daniel replied, "Sherlock Holmes and Mamma Mia! are major studio projects; buying outright is impossible. Negotiate for investment shares and casting rights. For the investment shares, get as much as possible -- the more, the better. As for Taken..."
Daniel paused. "It's a low-budget indie film. Try to buy the rights outright or at least the largest share of investment. I want absolute creative control. The script needs some tweaks. Add more scenes showcasing Jessica's character -- not just any additions, but a few beautiful shots that highlight her."
"Okay." Chris finished recording. "I'll contact the copyright departments and producers immediately."
"Go."
Chris melted back into the phone.
Daniel leaned back, closing his eyes briefly to rest.
The desk landline rang with a sharp tone.
Daniel picked up. "This is Daniel Cross."
"Mr. Cross, it's Francia."
There was urgency in her low, hurried voice, as if afraid of disturbing someone.
"What's wrong?" Daniel asked.
"We have guests in the store."
Francia added quietly, "A couple. They look... very strange."
Daniel frowned slightly. "How strange?"
"They carry a kind of... I can't quite describe it," Francia hesitated. "A very cold aura. And the woman's been trembling, staring at the Seals with pure terror."
"Hmm. Tell them I'll be there within half an hour."
He hung up, changed clothes, and drove to Cross Hall.
...
Half an hour later.
Daniel pushed the door open.
Though the air conditioning was blasting full force, the lounge felt even colder, an unnatural chill lingering in the air.
A middle-aged couple sat stiffly on the sofa.
The man, about fifty, wore a dark suit. His temples were streaked with gray, and his face was serious but clearly worn.
The woman wore a long dress and a crucifix necklace, gripping a black handbag tightly with white knuckles.
They both stood as Daniel entered.
"Mr. Cross?" the man's voice was steady, authoritative.
Daniel nodded and took a seat in the main chair. "Please Sit."
Francia brought two cups of hot tea, then stepped back behind the counter.
Daniel studied the couple.
Under his Spiritual Perception Technique, their aura was unusual. There was no death energy or dark possession signs, but a thick, lingering gloom clung to them. It was the evil energy accumulated from long-term exposure to supernatural forces. This energy had been partially purified but not fully cleansed.
"I'm Ed," the man introduced himself. "Ed Warren. This is my wife, Lorraine Warren."
Daniel's eyes narrowed subtly.
The Warrens.
In this parallel universe, they were still renowned paranormal investigators and exorcists recognized by the Catholic Church.
They were experts in exorcism themselves. For them to seek him out, the situation must be serious.
Their appearance confirmed that The Conjuring Universe had officially overlapped with Daniel's world. But Daniel knew it had been so ever since the Annabelle incident.
"I've heard a lot about you," Daniel said calmly. "The Warren Couple coming to me isn't just to buy Seals, is it?"
Ed gave a wry smile. "Your great reputation precedes you in our circle. If we weren't desperate, we wouldn't trouble a colleague."
Lorraine remained silent. Her face was pale, her eyes unfocused, as if she hadn't recovered from a recent terror.
"What's going on?" Daniel asked.
Ed took a deep breath and pulled a photo from his bag, sliding it across the table. "We came for this."
Daniel looked down.
The photo was black and white, grainy. It showed a dimly lit hallway. At the far end stood a blurry figure. Dressed in a nun's habit, its face was a pitch-black shadow with only two pale points of light like eyes.
Daniel's pupils contracted sharply.
The Nun.
Valak.
"Where was this taken?" Daniel asked.
"My house," Lorraine said, voice trembling. "In our hallway."
Daniel looked up at her. "What did you see?"
Lorraine's innate Veil-Piercing Eyes, plus her precognitive ability, allowed her to glimpse fragments of the future in certain contacts.
It took a heavy toll on her. She seldom used it lightly.
She covered her face with shaking hands.
"I saw... death. Not just death, but an abyss. It's been following us since that exorcism."
Ed gripped his wife's hand and explained, "Six months ago, we went to the UK to handle a paranormal incident in Enfield. The matter was settled, but Lorraine saw things."
"A prophecy," Lorraine lowered her hands, revealing eyes filled with dread.
"I saw Ed's death. That thing... the nun in the habit -- it will kill Ed. We tried holy water, prayers, even invited a bishop. But it's useless. It's right there, hiding in the shadows, watching us. It's getting closer."
Daniel's fingers tapped lightly on the table.
The plot of The Conjuring 2 was unfolding here.
The powerful demon Valak tormented Lorraine through prophecies and illusions, aiming to shatter their faith.
This entity's power far surpassed ordinary vengeful spirits. It wasn't a ghost but a demon. One of the seventy-two pillars of Solomon.
"What do you want me to do?" Daniel asked.
Ed's deep voice responded, "We heard you've dealt with many difficult entities. Even unspeakable ones. We want to ask for your help to eradicate it."
*****
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