A Turn of Fortune: Containing Annabelle

Noon.

The paranormal lecture began.

The Warrens had scheduled it for midday, when the sun was at its brightest. After a brief introduction, they turned off the classroom lights and started the projector.

It showed an exorcism even Li Dan had never seen before.

But Li Dan recognized one of the demons involved: Annabelle, who had escaped last time.

Annabelle had begun tormenting a family, prompting them to call in the Warrens. But she was not the only demon involved. Another powerful demon was tangled up in the case.

The ordeal had left Lorraine deeply traumatized.

Ed Warren played a recording of the evil spirit's whispers and showed the students photographs of the doll moving.

He also showed them Maurice, who had been possessed.

The footage included parts of the exorcism: Ed Warren purifying the doll with holy water, then Lorraine sealing her inside a glass cabinet with chains and affixing Latin talismans to it.

As Li Dan watched the images on the screen, he realized the case seemed to involve someone who had once been possessed by Ghost Nun.

When the footage of the exorcism ended,

an assistant turned on the lights.

The students and women raised their hands to ask questions.

"Mr. Warren, why do evil spirits always make people jump?"

"Why scare people instead of possessing them outright?"

Ed Warren raised a hand for quiet, then rolled up the projection screen. Three English words were written in a row on the blackboard.

Manifestation. Harassment. Possession.

"Whether they're demons, evil spirits, or devils, they start by making small noises—voices, footsteps, knocks—to wear on your nerves."

"Then comes the second stage: harassment."

"Harassment breaks down a person's will and spirit, preparing them for the third stage..."

Why hold the lecture at a school?

And why were most of the