Page 98 of Conjure

When Aron peers at her hand on his elbow, she says, “What it feeds on. Please… We’re here for Brittany.”

Shrugging her off, he reluctantly sits back down, picks up his fork, and stabs at another piece of potato. He doesn’t look at me again, which is for the best. If he wants a fight, I’ll gladly give him one.

I stretch my arm out on the back of Camryn’s seat and toy with the strands of her hair, ignoring her hard stare. I know I’m being a dick. Do I care? Not particularly. The only thing of importance is to keep her safe.

Andmine.

If another man challenges me, he will feel my wrath. So what if Camryn doesn’t like it? Tough. She’ll get over it.

My eyes stray across the room, taking in Brittany’s family members littered around the tables. Her mom talks to an elderly lady in a wheelchair, who must be the grandmother. They all share the same high cheekbones and almond-shaped eyes.

A different figure catches my attention, and I pause. Her chin is lifted high, not a hair astray in her severe bun.

She looks formidable, her hands clasped in front of her black dress with its high lace collar and white apron. I look around my table, but no one else is paying attention to the woman—the same woman from my nightmares and Wilfred’s house.

She disappears around the corner. I excuse myself from the table, ignoring Camryn’s questioning look as I weave between tables on my way out. An urgency I can’t explain takes hold of me.

I tumble into the hall, cursing under my breath when there’s no sign of her. But then, just as I’m about to turn back around and rejoin Camryn, a voice whispers from inside one of the rooms. The door is ajar, the hinges squeaking as it opens farther.

Walking closer, my dress shoes sink into the expensive rug. I look behind me, but no one is there. I’m alone.

“Dominic…”

My steps slow. Warning bells blare.

“Dominic…”The whisper comes again, enticing me closer.

I move forward, my heart pounding. I know deep down I need to turn around, but my body is in a trance. I can’t look away from the gap in the door.

Eyes peer back at me.

Eyes that disappear farther into the darkness as I near.

My skin crawls and chills slither down my spine. I reach my hand out to open the door, when Camryn appears in front of me, and I slow to a sudden stop.

She shuts the door. “What are you doing out here?”

I shake my head, trying to clear the fog that still has its claws in me. “I-I need the bathroom.”

“Well, you won’t find it in the basement.” She looks at me weirdly, then takes my hand and steers me away from the whispering voice.

My neck prickles with awareness, and I look over my shoulder to see the handle slowly turn.

Dread seals my throat.

Whatever thatthingis…

It’s coming for us.

TWENTY-NINE

CAMRYN

The imposingestate that looms ahead is a sight to behold, with its distinctive pointed cobblestone ceilings, twin wooden doors adorned with traditional cast iron, and lion-head door knockers that seem to guard the entrance. The large windows, like watchful eyes, add to the grandeur of the structure.

“This place is creepy,” Lily says in a small voice behind me.

“What did you expect?” Gwen asks. “It’s an asylum.”