Months passed one after another, and the news about new murders came out now and then. Again, each was similar in nature to the previous ones – a family dead and a child missing. And every time the police came to a dead end. No traces of a killer or any clues about who it could be. Of course, deputy had an idea about these crimes, he didn't hesitate to present all the evidence he had, but still there was no solid proof that the crimes were of a supernatural nature. Even the recording left by professor Jonas wasn't strong enough. Sure, it explained a few things, but the things he told about were historical and contained legends and stories about a deity named Bughuul. And the screenshots made by Ellison Oswalt while he watched the cursed tapes didn't manage to convince. The authorities were sure that the stranger seen it the pictures was some guy in a creepy mask, a member of some sect that worshipped this Bughuul. He committed ritualistic murders and kidnapped one child for unknown reasons, sometimes leaving a symbol behind. This was the official version, and no one would accept the version about supernatural forces behind the murders. The investigation should be based on facts instead of legends and rumors.

Only one person knew the whole truth. And it was Lena Firth.

From the first time when Lena filmed a murder scene, not a single killing passed without her participation as an operator, and after every family death a new tape was added to the "Home movies" collection. She still didn't fully understand why Bughuul made her film it all, and he didn't explain anything either. But all has its own purpose, and with each murder scene Lena realized one thing – blood and death didn't affect her anymore. She has become absolutely numb to it. She wondered if that was what the demon actually wanted, to make her treat killing as something ordinary. She wasn't entirely sure though, but meeting Bughuul so many times and working for him helped her guess his motives at least a little bit. And this time he was definitely preparing her for something. Time will show what exactly it is.

One evening, when Bughuul appeared in her house again, their discussion made all things clear.

"So, tell me, Lena..." the demon began, moving the strand of the woman's hair behind her ear. Lena was more than surprised by this gesture, as nothing of that had ever happened between them. This movement of the demon seemed almost... gentle. "What do you feel when you watch the children taking their families' lives?"

Lena thought for a moment and said:

"Should I be absolutely honest?" In the next second this question seemed silly to her, as she knew now that Bughuul could hear her thoughts. "To tell you the truth, I feel... nothing. Not even a single emotion. Looks like I have gotten totally used to seeing people dying the most horrific ways. I highly doubt that something could surprise me."

"Very well, I'm glad to know it," Bughuul nodded, now touching her face with his fingertips. "This was exactly what I wanted, that you grow completely indifferent to the death of human beings. You are now ready."

"Yeah, so much I guessed already." Lena stared at him attentively, not denying that the touch of his cold hand made her feel relaxed. "So... maybe it's about time you told me the purpose of this all?"

Bughuul tilted his head on the left, then on the right, and his messy black hair swung from side to side.

"Of course, it's time to set things straight. Maybe you have already thought about it, but here it is: the next murder will be yours."

Lena sighed at the last phrase.

"I guess I had my suspicions, and they turned out to be right." She crossed hands on her chest. "That explains the reason for me to be numb to death. But does it change anything that the killer is not a child?"

"No. As I usually make the children to do my bidding, it doesn't mean that I cannot make an adult person do it. Children are more vulnerable to my power, and among the adults there was no one that could fit for my task. To be precise – there wasn't, until I found you."

The woman continued staring at him, and she could swear that if Bughuul had a mouth, he would have definitely grinned at this moment.

"Alright, so... have you already chosen the victims?" she asked. Bughuul shook his head which meant a negative answer.

"No. This time I decided to give you complete freedom."

"What do you mean?" Lena asked, tilting her head.

"It means that you can choose your victims and the way to kill them."

***

That was already becoming interesting. He decided to give her the choice of victims and be creative in killing? Now that's a surprise, at least so Lena thought.

"Wow... that is quite unexpected," she grinned. "I thought you would make a choice, as usual."

"With the children it is needed," the demon explained. "They don't know the life, and for them it's all the same. I give the order, and they do what they are told. But you have lived the life, and I'm sure there are people you cannot stand, right?"

Lena began thinking. She needed some time to dig through her own thoughts and memories. Finally she had come up with the result.

"Well, yes, when at University, there were some female course mates that I hated. You see, they were rather popular, especially among the guys, which included also provocative clothing and make-up as a success. I, in turn, was different. On the contrary, I preferred to be known as a "grey mouse" than being like them. Not a single day passed without their mocking and insulting jokes. I was so happy when the studies were finally over. Although at the party we had afterwards, all were friendly to each other, but... there is still grudge in my heart. The things they said to me during the time of studies can't be that easily forgotten."

Lena felt a bit embarrassed while talking about her life to an inhuman being. But, on the other hand, she had no one else to talk to. Only him, Bughuul.

"All right. So you would choose them?" Bughuul asked.

"Yes, I think so," Lena replied. "I will invite them to my place for a cup of coffee, and then take their lives. Our relationship now is more or less bearable, so there wouldn't be any problem for us to meet. Although the murder must be planned properly, so that all goes smoothly and without fails. I have a hammer in my cellar, but the stakes... it would take time to make them. Plus, I have to make sure that the victims can't fight back."

"Don't you worry about that. I will help you to make sure you succeed," the demon assured her.

"Yeah, okay... As for the way of killing..." the woman scratched her head, thinking about the proper way to get rid of her potential victims. "I often fantasized about murdering them the same way you kill vampires, you know... like driving a stake through the heart. If I had to choose how to kill them, I would do it exactly like that."

"No problem, I approve this idea." Bughuul said. "Besides, it would be something new in any case. No child that I have taken has ever killed their family that way."

During their talk, Lena giggled deep inside her heart. Who could have imagined that one day she would discuss the murdering plans, and her conversation partner would be not a banal serial killer, but a supernatural entity? Normal people would feel frightened and disgusted, but Lena didn't. She already knew that people would call her a murderer and a psychopath, but, on the other hand, nothing has been normal in her life recently. Bughuul has entered her life unexpectedly and turned everything topsy-turvy. Not like she minded now, but at first such idea would seem crazy even to her.

"Listen, I'm going to call them right now," Lena suddenly said. "If you don't mind, stay with me, so you can know when we arrange the meeting."

"No problem, I can wait." Bughuul agreed. "I have all the time in the world."

While Lena spoke on phone, Bughuul watched her, processing his plan in mind. He listened to her speaking and realized how eager her voice was. It seemed like she couldn't wait for the day she takes their lives. And that made him more than happy. It means she was really becoming like him. And very soon she would join him. The demon himself realized he was becoming impatient, but he had to wait. All will come in time.

Finally Lena put her phone down and said:

"All right, that's it. We meet next Sunday at five. There will be three women coming. To be honest, I was a bit surprised about how glad she was to hear me again, the one I've just called. Well, better for us, right?" Saying this, she winked.

"Of course," the demon nodded. "So, here's the deal: on the day before the meeting I will be here and provide you with the all the necessities, so you can complete the ritual without any problems."

"It means on Saturday, right?"

"Yes."

"Okay, Mr. Boogie, deal. Saturday it is then."

Hearing the funnynickname again, Bughuul giggled quietly.

"You can expect me in the evening, as usual. See you around."

Right then the demon disappeared, leaving her alone. Lena slowly walked around her bedroom, rubbing her hands and grinning evilly...