She had to come here, for herself and for her mother.
When Dean heard the news, his eyes grew even more pained. There were things he had to do.
Wu Heng still sat in the corner, his expression cold and indifferent.
Sue Ann stood beside the priest. She looked calm, but her sharp gaze swept across the entire venue, especially in Dean and Sam's direction. She noticed that something was off in their eyes, and a heavy sense of foreboding rose within her.
The ceremony began.
Priest Le Grange pointed toward Layla. Amid the applause and blessings of the crowd, she walked to the center of the stage, looking even smaller and more helpless.
The priest spread his arms, preparing to begin the familiar ritual. Sue Ann turned as well, clutching the domed cross pendant against her chest with both hands, ready to contact the Grim Reaper and lock onto the distant sacrifice, Carl Reed.
Just as the priest's hand touched Layla's forehead and the treatment began—
"Fire! Run! The tent's on fire!" Dean's rough roar exploded from the back of the venue like thunder.
He had ignited the smoke device he had prepared beforehand, and choking smoke rapidly spread along the edge of the crowd!
Panic instantly replaced devotion.
The crowd hurried to its feet and surged toward the exits like ants scattering from a disturbed nest. Onstage, Priest Le Grange was so stunned by the sudden chaos that he did not know what to do, his outstretched hand frozen in midair.
"Don't panic, everyone! Keep order and leave in an orderly manner!"
His shouts were drowned out by frantic footsteps. Sue Ann hurriedly tried to lead him away as well.
But Dean rushed forward at that moment.
"Mrs. Sue Ann, you can't leave yet." He blocked their path.