Page 58 of Conjure

“So it can enter our bodies?”

“Potentially,” I reply.

When Aron looks at me again, I explain, “Sometimes, it takes charge, like in Benny’s case. Other times, it’s visions in my head, like with Mr. Jones.”

“So what’s stopping it from entering our minds right now? What’s it waiting for?” Brittany asks as my phone vibrates on the table.

Where the hell are you?

My heart jumps to my throat, but before I can click out of the screen, another message pops up.

Don’t fuck with me, Camryn. You won’t like the consequences.

I quickly dim the screen and place the phone back on the table while the others continue discussing the ‘demon.’

The gnawing unease inside me refuses to shift. Dominic is on the warpath. I better run for my life when he finds me, because there’s no telling how deeply rooted his darkness is. Something warns me that I’ve barely scratched the surface.

“It’s that fucking house,” Aron grumbles, dragging his hand over his mouth. “I say we burn it down.”

My head snaps up. “No, you can’t do that. Where would we go?”

“That’s what you worry about? Benny is dead, but no, all you care about is your fucking house.”

Behind me, Brittany rises to her feet and walks over to the kitchen counter while I gnash my teeth.

“I know you’re hurting, Aron,” I bite out, “but burning down my house isn’t the answer.”

“No?” He crosses his arms, his biceps bulging as he leans forward slightly. “It’s always been that damn house and all the rumors.”

I open my mouth to respond, but pause when the lace curtains billow in a gentle breeze. Tendrils of hair tickle my cheeks, and chills erupt over my heated skin as a whisper dances across my shoulders.

“Camryn…”

My attention drifts to Brittany, and I watch in horror as she calmly places her hand inside an electric meat grinder on the counter.

With my heart thrashing against my ribcage, all other sounds fade into the background. Meanwhile, the others are none the wiser, arguing amongst themselves.

“Brittany,” I breathe shakily, rising to my feet. “What are you doing?”

Silence falls over the room as the others follow my line of sight.

Lily cries out, and Gwen remains frozen in place. Aron has turned a sickly pale.

“You don’t want to do this.” I fight to keep my voice steady. “You’re stronger than…him.”

It.

Brittany cocks her head to the side and her pupils dilate until the black swallows the white. I come to a halt, my heart threatening to claw its way out of my chest.

“That’s where you’re wrong.” The tone of her voice is distorted and dripping with twisted amusement. “Brittany never stood a chance.”

I step closer, sweat sticking to my nape. “What do you want?”

“Don’t pretend you don’t know. Naivety isn’t a good look on you.”

“Please don’t do this,” I beg. “Please, I’m begging you.”

Her nostrils flare when she breathes in the air. She fixes those black eyes on me, and I suppress the fear that threatens to immobilize me.