SPEAKER_01 0:02

Hello, dear travelers. It's been a long and winding road since Halloween 2025, and we're rapidly approaching the end of this leg of our journey. Season one of Signed in Blood will conclude with chapter 20, after which we'll be taking a brief hiatus to commune with the spirits and chart a course for the next stretch of our road trip. Season two is currently slated to begin on Halloween 2026. Don't worry, I won't be disappearing into the wilderness entirely. During the break, I'll still be releasing bonus materials, interviews, found footage, and other associated oddities to help tide you over until we hit the dark roads again. This show, as I've mentioned before, began as a ritual offering born from a pact with a trickster deity. As a result, a lot of this first season has been assembled in a manner that would probably horrify sensible people. There was no marketing campaign, no social media strategy, no grand launch plan. Nearly every listener we've gained has come to us through word of mouth or the machinations of fate. Despite that, we've built something real together, you and I. We've survived well past the point where many new shows fade away, and I am genuinely honored that so many of you have chosen to spend part of your journey with this story. If you'd like to help us return for a triumphant second season, there are a few easy ways to do it. If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, hitting that follow button tells the algorithmic overlords that more travelers should be directed toward our little roadside attraction. Leaving a rating helps enormously as well. As always, the more stars you bestow upon us, the more blessings we shall endeavor to send in your direction. Speaking of reviews, I'd love to have a handful posted before our season finale airs this July. As an incentive, the first three reviewers will have their names immortalized as characters in season two. Fair warning: if you leave me a ridiculous name, I reserve the right to get creative. Your contribution may become a person, a graffiti tag, a poppet tossed into the fire, or some other unfortunate object. Any hateful or offensive submissions will be ignored entirely, though the curse that follows you afterward will persist for generations. The keeper does not forget. Of course, if you'd like to support the show financially, donations through Buy Me a Coffee are always appreciated, regardless of size. Supporters are added to our monthly ritual of thanks, during which I send blessings and good energy through my Chaos Magic practice. I've got a few other surprises brewing for the hiatus, but we'll discuss those another time. For now, dear travelers, enjoy the road while it lasts. We've only got a few miles left before the end of season one, and some debts are about to come due. Thank you for your love and support. Now then, on with the show. Signed in blood is a ritual offering to the keeper of stories per the terms of our pact. Let all parties be aware these are tales of horror. They may not be suitable for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised. Missives on scarlet paper with gold lettering. An invitation to a very special Christmas Eve gathering. Jason had discovered his waiting for him on the door to the apartment that morning and had torn it up immediately. He'd found another one had appeared in the kitchen when he went back inside, just to make sure the point was driven home. Cute. To the rest of the town, this would read as a surprise Christmas party, but Jason knows a victory lap when he sees one. Sophie seems confident that he's already failed in finding a way for her to back out of the deal. The fact that he's still alive means she hasn't caught on to what he's actually been up to. But that also means she expects him to stand by and watch as she takes possession of his daughter's body. His head is pounding from lack of sleep, but it can't be helped. He'd spent most of the night and well into the morning getting ready. It was only by luck or pure exhaustion that he was able to catch a nap on the scratchy green sofa in the borrowed apartment. Their bags are packed. He made sure to sneak them down to the camry before crashing. There was finally room in the trunk once he'd wrapped up his preparations. He had been saving some of that cargo, painfully acquired over the last eight years for a rainy day. Judging from the dark clouds above, he'd have to settle for a snowstorm instead. Nothing like a white Christmas when you're fighting for your life. The heart of Lamashtu has to be in the doll, he decides. It has to be. And even if it isn't, the doll is clearly the conduit for ascension. He'll have only moments to intercept it before the possession is activated, and then that only leaves a mob of townsfolk and two Jamies between them and freedom. Either the stone is in the doll, or he put both of their lives, and possibly his daughter's soul, in jeopardy for no reason, and wasted several assets in the process. Either way, there's no way Shenice doesn't learn about this. But that's a fight for another day. They need to get the hell out of here first. He looks down and realizes that his hand has drifted unconsciously to the dagger strapped to his chest. Funny how it can be so light that he's become accustomed to its heft, but at the same time so heavy that some days it's a wonder he can even stand. He made the deal in desperation. He spent eight years convincing himself that he'd never go through with it. But that was before the Jamies finally caught up. Before Stolis betrayed his trust. Before Lamashtu took Cat hostage. His patron has been patient, was amused when Jason petitioned his help escaping Artie Jackson's basement, as if he knew that it was only a matter of time before Jason realized the truth. The clock is winding down, has been winding down this whole time. He's been kidding himself that the check wouldn't come due. Now he can trigger the pact, or he can watch as Lamashtu has her way. Either way, it means he'll lose his daughter forever. Alicia would never forgive him. But what does that matter now? She's gone and he's all that remains of their partnership. There was never supposed to be a world without her in it. He was never supposed to hold this responsibility alone. And look what he's done with it. What sort of life is this for a kid? They escape this town, and then what? The Jamies will never stop coming for her. If not them, then the rest of the world. At this point it's a kindness. There's a pounding at the door, and his hand drops from the wooden hilt of the dagger, its burned symbols retaining some of his body heat. He opens it to find Bert towering over his doorstep, dressed in the same gray suit and checkered tie he'd been wearing on Ascension Night. Does this guy just have the one outfit? Sorry, he says, making to close the door. We don't want any. The larger man's hand shoots out to block the door. Funny! Princess Sophie sent me to escort you to the celebration. A bodyguard? She shouldn't have. You all know how to make a guy feel special. I'm not in the mood for your shit, Bert says, the vein in his forehead matching the clench of his jaw. Jason sighs. That makes two of us. Well, you caught me in the midst of getting ready. Should be a few minutes. Might as well wait inside. He opens the door wide and gestures to the sofa. Bert grimaces. The entire town is already assembled and waiting on you. Grab your coat and quit fucking around. Jason looks him in the eye. You got a real temper, Bert. Can't be good for your home life. Be honest. Are you beating Ernie? Did you used to make your kid watch before you fetter to your mistress? Shut the fuck up! Bert drives a fist right into Jason's gut, knocking the wind out of him and causing him to double over. Proving my point! He wheezes. Jesus, do you ever shut up? From his bent over position, Jason rockets a returning punch straight into the larger man's groin, sending him to his knees. Now then, he says as he stands to his full height, let's try this again. The throng of excited conversation dies down as he enters the courtroom, sporting a freshly blackened eye and bruised knuckles. A murmur ripples through the gigantic chamber, particularly in the Caucasian housewife contingent, their vampire noses ablaze at the scent of bloody gossip. Princess Sophie sits alone on the Lanin stone seat in the middle of the Dais. Cat is nowhere to be seen. Where's Bert? Smoke break, Jason says, shuffling forward as he cradles an aching rib. He said to go on without him. Sophie cocks an amused eyebrow, but doesn't comment. Asshole. He hears a mutter from behind him and turns to see Jean Blackwood leaning against the far wall by the exit, arms folded. Beside him stands Ella Rose, her eyes still searching Jason in their deeply unsettling way.

SPEAKER_00 12:17

I know you all must be wondering why I've called you here away from your homes, and on Christmas Eve, no less.

SPEAKER_01 12:25

Sophie calls out from her perch. Jason turns back around to face her.

SPEAKER_00 12:31

And that is because our community has come to a very important crossroads. This man, she gestures to him, Jason Argyll, who has been our guest these past three days, approached me on the night of ascension with a challenge. A what now? Desiring my power, he proposed a wager. If he could disconnect me from the agreement between myself and John Ardent, then I would serve him as his slave.

SPEAKER_01 13:02

A collective gasp rings out through the chamber, mixed with calls for Jason to be shot. Before they can continue, the princess raises her hand and silence falls.

SPEAKER_00 13:14

And what, you ask? Was he willing to wager for the sake of power? Well, his own daughter, of course.

SPEAKER_01 13:22

The nerve of this little asshole. The lie is plausible enough that no one here would believe him if he revealed that just days ago their beloved princess was threatening to butcher the entire town for the sake of her freedom. She's studying his face, almost daring him to contradict her. He stares straight back, not giving her the satisfaction. And so, Sophie continues, a smug grin dancing just beneath the surface of her words.

SPEAKER_00 13:53

The time has come to learn what became of his efforts. Tell me, Argonaut, did you succeed in your mission?

SPEAKER_01 14:03

He feels the weight of hateful stares rain down on him from all directions, but his eyes remain on her. His jaw is set, and he stays silent.

SPEAKER_00 14:15

Nothing?

SPEAKER_01 14:16

Sophie says. Not a word? Her eyes betray just a flicker of suspicion. She's expecting him to beg. Instead, he reaches inside the breast pocket of his jacket, retrieving the truth-seeking spectacles from their case and putting them on. The room becomes a wash of color as each person's aura becomes vibrantly visible to him at once. There are emeralds and ochres, ambers and ceruleans. But cutting through the opalescent haze is the deep, menacing violet of the figure on the throne.

SPEAKER_00 14:56

Well then, Sophie says, I suppose we have our answer.

SPEAKER_01 15:01

She's still staring at him, noticeably thrown, but brightening as she pushes forward.

SPEAKER_00 15:08

Then it is my pleasure to welcome a new member to our little family.

SPEAKER_01 15:13

With a snap of her fingers, the rear wall of the chamber splits open, and through it walks Kat, her aura a warm gold. Jason's heart pounds as he tries to make eye contact with his daughter. Something is wrong. She clearly doesn't understand the danger she's in. Her aura doesn't show the slightest sign of fear or concern. She won't meet his eye. It can't be helped. When he makes his move, he'll have to trust that she'll be able to follow his lead. The town is applauding, their joy palpable and cloying. Kat is smiling, her happiness plain to see and triggering a small, quiet panic in her father. Come on, Kit Kat, don't buy into this. You know better. You have to. I have another surprise for you, my loves, Sophie says, one hand raised to beckon their silence while the other clutches the cloth doll in her lap. She takes a moment, savoring the taste of victory before continuing.

SPEAKER_00 16:22

For longer than you all can remember, I have watched over, protected, and provided for this town and its children as best I could. In return, a select few of you have made the ultimate sacrifice for the good of us all.

SPEAKER_01 16:40

Many in the crowd bow their heads in reverence as she continues.

SPEAKER_00 16:45

For so long I have yearned to do more for you, my dear ones. There are levels of prosperity and security that I could provide for you that would make everything that has come before pale in comparison. If only I had a vessel worthy of the task. Tonight, at long last, I have found that vessel.

SPEAKER_01 17:10

Excited murmuring erupts from the crowd as Kat takes a step forward and Sophie stands to meet her.

SPEAKER_00 17:17

Catherine Argyle is a witch of exceptional power, blessed with a gift that the ignorant fear and the weak envy.

SPEAKER_01 17:27

Jason can practically feel the heat of Gene Blackwood's suppressed rage at his back.

SPEAKER_00 17:34

Kat has decided that, as a member of our community, she and I will join forces to ensure that Ardent Hollow becomes a true paradise, free from the sacrifices it has needed these many years. My loves, you are about to witness the final ascension.

SPEAKER_01 17:56

The ensuing noise hits all at once. Cheers, questions, and as the rest of it dies down, a single forlorn wailing. Jason turns his head to find the source, his eyes landing on the mother of the red-haired girl who had ascended just three days ago to become the vessel of Princess Sophie, now to be cast aside like a broken toy. The woman is sobbing, her husband holding her and frantically whispering for her to quiet down. Jason wants to summon pity for the woman, to feel for her pointless loss. But at the end of the day, she was all too willing to feed her kid to the beast, knowing what would eventually happen. Sophie carries on as if the woman's despair is nothing more inconvenient than a passing police siren.

SPEAKER_00 18:51

Are you ready, Kat? Yes. Then come, my love.

SPEAKER_01 18:57

And I have something to say, Jason says, cutting her off. Sophie looks at him in mild annoyance, mixed with smug satisfaction. She silences the outraged murmurs as Kat steps forward. Dad! Don't worry, Kit Kat. I've got this. Dad, wait! You've built your town on the bodies of countless children, he says, removing a small mason jar from the pocket of his denim jacket. Within the stained, yellowing glass there swirls a small, writhing cloud of ink. You won't have mine. Dad, please, just listen to me. He smashes the jar at his feet, and for a moment the attending crowd stares at him in confusion before darkness bursts out in all directions, swallowing every light in the chamber in perfect pitch black. Screams erupt throughout the chamber as folks to the left and right begin stumbling and pawing the air. Jason, being able to see their auras through the spectacles, weaves through them easily as he rushes toward the violet and golden auras standing on the raised dais. From behind him, he can just make out Jean's frustrated cursing as Ella attempts to weave a light spell. Good luck, he chuckles to himself. The creature he released, gathered as payment from a farmer in Kansas, will continue gorging itself on all light in the area until it is either driven away or eats itself to death. Either way, he should have a good five to ten minutes. He almost laughs audibly as he hops over a fallen chair, and then abruptly stops, frozen in mid-air. He struggles, thrashing wildly about, but is unable to free himself. The Dais is mere yards away, the figures on it remaining calm and stationary throughout the chaos. Princess Sophie's words ring out above the clamor.

SPEAKER_00 21:09

Little beast, I cast thee out.

SPEAKER_01 21:13

An ear-splitting screech erupts from all around them, and in an instant the light returns. Sophie stands looking down at him in triumph, but it's Kat that's pulled his attention. Her left hand is outstretched, her magic clearly holding him in place as she's barely broken a sweat. He had no idea she knew how to do this. In any other circumstance, he'd be proud. Let me down. Dad, she says, her voice resolute, I need you to listen. Kit Kat, you don't understand. No, Dad. You don't. You haven't seen what I have. I'm not gonna let them do this anymore. Kat, whatever she's told you, she's lying. Please, you need to let me go. We need to get out of here. No, Dad.

SPEAKER_00 22:16

She isn't. Not about this. Things need to change, and I can change them. We can stop running. Kat!

SPEAKER_01 22:26

God damn it, please! You've done so much for me, Kat says, tears in her eyes. Let me take care of you for once. I know what I'm doing. You people are in danger! He screams to the townsfolk, most of whom have begun returning to their seats. If Sophie merges with my daughter, she plans to kill you all! Please, you have to run. A wave of laughter erupts from the crowd. Kat just shakes her head sadly. Sophie places a gentle hand on Kat's shoulder.

SPEAKER_00 23:04

It's alright, she says. We'll take care of him when this is all over. He'll finally be able to rest. Are you ready?

SPEAKER_01 23:15

Yeah. Kat nods. Cat! Jason screams. She doesn't look at him. Are they really that far gone? Oh fuck this! Zazas! He screams in Enochian. The room shakes as a far-off explosion causes the building's foundations to tremble. Another explosion follows, and then another. The side of the chamber suddenly blasts inward, the air filled with screams as brick, mortar, and splintered wood rain down on them all. Jason watches as some of the townsfolk rush toward the Dais to protect Sophie. But most of those not killed in the initial blasts have run toward the exits, their families and neighbors in tow. Those who remain stare blankly at the domed ceiling, their lifeless eyes seeing nothing. Products of the intersection between Jason's preparation and absolute necessity. Try as he might, however, he's unable to break Kat's hold. He thrashes and screams, begs and cries, but she doesn't hear him anymore. Sophie extends the little cloth doll in her hand toward her, and with Kat's free hand, she takes it. For a moment nothing happens, and then both girls begin to scream. Like before, blood begins spurting from the eyes and mouth of Princess Sophie. Kat, however, is unbloodied, though her shrieks are no less agonized.

SPEAKER_00 25:00

What are you doing?

SPEAKER_01 25:02

Sophie screams, her voice distorted and warping. Stop fighting! I'm not Kat screams back.

SPEAKER_00 25:12

Oh my god, it hurts!

SPEAKER_01 25:15

Jason watches, cocooned in impotent horror, as Sophie's face begins to change. Her eyes become golden, pupils flattening into slits. Wicked fangs burst through her gums, causing blood to spray. Her once red hair becomes a burnt yellow, like the fur of a lioness. The beast howls in agony, matched only by cat's cries of pain. As Jason looks at her, his heart soars. The bracelet. Artie Jackson's bracelet is glowing on her wrist as it struggles to protect her from the invading force of Princess Sophie's possession. The skin on her arm begins smoking, severely burnt from the massive energy being repelled.

SPEAKER_00 26:07

Stop! I have to stop, please!

SPEAKER_01 26:10

Kat cries. No! The beast Lamashtu roars. Not when we're so close. She falls forward, one hand on the doll while the other cups the back of Kat's head. We can do this. Just let me end.

SPEAKER_00 26:33

Get the fuck off of me!

SPEAKER_01 26:36

Kat screams, a wave of magical energy erupting from within her and sending Lamashtu flying backward. In that instant, Jason feels the hold on him release, and he comes crashing to the ground, his shins and hands exploding in pain from where he lands on them. He scrambles upward and toward the Dais. The few remaining townsfolk who had rushed to help their princess have been knocked backward in the blast, dazed and disoriented. Kat has fallen to the ground, still clutching the doll, still screaming in pain as her arm sizzles. Ten feet away from her, the twisted form of Lamashtu is clawing desperately at the ground, trying to stand. Jason runs to the Dais, clearing it in a pained leap as he rushes to his daughter's side. Kit Kat! Baby, I'm here!

SPEAKER_00 27:33

Dad, it hurts!

SPEAKER_01 27:36

She sobs. Cat, let it go. I've got you, just let it go, he says, taking the doll from her grip. Almost immediately, the glow of the bracelet dims, and she goes slack in his arms as she catches her breath, chest still heaving in small sobs. The beast Lamashtu has gotten to her feet and struggles to approach them, claws outstretched, reaching for the doll. She's trying to form words, but is struggling to breathe as blood flows from her nose and mouth. Dad, Kat gasps.

SPEAKER_00 28:22

She needs the doll. Give Sophie back the doll.

SPEAKER_01 28:26

She's dying. Jason looks down at his daughter and gently lowers her into a lying position. Getting to his feet, he picks the creepy, smoking relic up off the ground and looks at it. With his truth-seeking spectacles, he can see the presence hiding deep within, like a tick burrowing into flesh. I'm sorry, Keddo, he says. Dad, what are you? With a desperate surge of energy, Jason pulls at the seam of the doll with all his might, tearing its head off. Jamming his hand into the body of the doll, he feels his fingers close around the pulsating stone within and pulls it free. The creature who was Lamashtu gives a broken howl and then falls to the ground dead. Her features are no longer bestial. Only Katie's corpse remains. He expects her to cry, to scream, to curse him. But when he looks at his daughter, he sees her staring back up at him, silent. The look on her face, he would give anything to unsee. It isn't a child whose eyes have met his. This is an adult, someone he doesn't know who's looking at the whole picture of who he is. She sees his shame, his fear, his desperation. She takes it all in and says nothing. She's in shock. They both are. That has to be it. He needs to get them out. Everything else can come later. His eyes shoot to the exit, and the way is blessedly clear. The Jamies are gone, probably extracted themselves as soon as it was clear they'd lost control of the situation. That doesn't mean they aren't lying in wait somewhere outside, however. It's a chance you'll have to take. He stuffs the heart of Lamashtu into his breast pocket along with his spectacles and gently hoists his daughter to her feet before they start running. She complies silently, her feet as light as her grip on his hand as they race through the collapsing courthouse and out into the frigid December night. The snowstorm has begun in earnest. There are injured and dying townsfolk sprawled across the lawn, with others attending to them. An unaccompanied child stands crying near the steps. Jason and Kat rush by unmolested. He loads her into the passenger side of the Camry and peels out, racing down the main street toward the edge of town. The corner diner is in flames, as is their apartment and a few other shops. Jason wonders fleetingly if this is due to Sophie's removal, if the fabric that had held this cursed town together is finally coming apart, thread by thread. His rumination is broken violently as their car is rammed from behind. He looks in the rear view to see a beige Lincoln Continental in hot pursuit. At least that answered the question of where the Jamies had gotten off to. He spins the wheel frantically, the brakes just barely avoiding being locked as they hit a patch of ice turning a corner. For a moment it seems as if their car will hop the curb, slamming into a lamppost. But at the last second, Jason regains control and slams his foot on the gas as they peel off toward the other end of the square. Stop the car, Kat says as she begins to hyperventilate. Kat, we can't stop. We need to get clear. I said stop. The voice that emanates from her is inhuman, resonant, terrible. He feels the brake pedal slam down of its own accord as the car comes to a screeching halt. Without a word, Kat unbuckles herself and exits the Camry. Jason, too shocked to stop her. The Continental missed the turn to pursue them, but just barely. The driver doubled back and is now racing in their direction. Kat doesn't seem to care, her chest heaving in deep, convulsive breaths. She closes her eyes, lifts her hands in front of her, and screams. For the second time in days, an ungodly blast of blue flame explodes from her, swallowing the oncoming car completely as it slams on the brakes. The Continental is lost from sight in the unbearable brightness of the blast, until a few seconds later, when a large flash and an even louder bang is unleashed as its engine explodes. Even then, it's still another few seconds before Kat lets up, falling to her knees as her body is racked with sobs. Jason exits the car and approaches his daughter, his mouth open and his throat dry. He wants to reach out to comfort her. But as he watches the towering inferno that she's created, he can't bring himself to. He hasn't the right. She doesn't respond, a wail escaping her as she looks down at her own hands. He walks over to her, kneels down, and pulls her into a hug. For a moment it feels as if she might push him away. But a second later she's burying her face in his denim jacket as she tries to smother her grief. He holds her, his own heart broken as his powerless hands wrap around her. They stay like this for a few moments longer before he ushers her back to the Camry. It's as he's fastening her seatbelt that he hears another bang and looks up to see that the front doors of the Continental have been blown off. Limping slowly from the burning remains of their car, Ella Rose clutches her golden locket in one hand as she supports Gene's weight. He leans against her, his wand raised in their direction as he gains his bearings. Jason curses as he slides over the hood of the Camry to throw open the driver's side door. Gene is shouting something at him now, but it's hard to hear over the roar of the fire. And something else. Voices. Dozens of them, furious. The crowd comes from out of nowhere, surrounding the Jamies on all sides. A few of them break off and head in the direction of the Camry, but Jason doesn't wait to give them the opportunity. With reckless abandon, he presses the pedal to the floor, and in moments, they're out of the town square. They pass several more burning buildings on their way out of town, the snow beating down on them relentlessly. Jason flips on the windshield wipers as their car heads west in the direction of the Mississippi River. There's a chance that the survivors of Ardent Hollow take Ella and Jean down with them. But Jason's luck has never been that good. At best, they've bought themselves time, though how much he can't be sure. What he is sure of is where the road is leading them. Back to a place he never wanted to lay eyes on again. He listens to the sounds of his daughter crying softly in the seat next to him, gripping the wheel a little tighter as the winter storm batters their car. After all these years, Jason Argyll is going home. Return in two weeks, dear travelers, as Jason and Kat return to Jason's childhood home for what may be their final Christmas. Old wounds are opened, old friendships are remembered, and old enemies return with a vengeance. Can't wait to see you there. This episode of Signed in Blood was written, performed, produced, and mixed by Evan Okuna. Our intro music is by Anna Dagger and Hannah Ekstrom. Outro music is by Backdrop. You can find more at Signed and Bloodcast.com. If you liked what you heard, follow and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. It makes a huge difference for an indie show like this. Want to feed a little energy back into the magic that keeps Signed and Blood alive? Leave a rating or a review. For those who wish to go further, there's a buy me a coffee link in the show notes. Every donation helps, regardless of size, and I'll send you blessings through my Chaos Magic practice during our monthly ritual of thanks. Thank you for listening. Until next time, keep your eyes on the road, your heart in good hands, and your intentions signed in blood.