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My chest tightened, every instinct screaming to step back.

I looked up and swallowed as I peered into his cat-like eyes. His nostrils flared. He smelled of cedarwood and jasmine.

“Cyn,” Ash said, his tone a warning.

“Show me,” Cyn repeated, his voice low and strained. He lifted the book between us, and I took it with shaking fingers.

Finding the page where I’d seen the English words wasn’t easy when I couldn’t drag my eyes away from Cyn. My gut told me if I looked away, he’d do something bad.

“Cyn,” the guy sitting on the counter called. “Step back. She’s uncomfortable.”

“I don’t give a fuck if she’s uncomfortable, Zeke.”

“Come on,” he said, voice softening. “For me?”

Zeke grinned in triumph when Cyn sighed and stepped back, spreading his arms as if to ask if Zeke was satisfied.

I flipped to the middle pages, my mouth parting at the sight of nothing but blank paper. “It’s… gone,” I whispered.

“What?” Cyn snapped, stepping forward.

Ash pressed a hand to Cyn’s chest and took the book. “Are you sure this was the page?” He glanced at me.

“Yes, I’m sure. See that reddish-brown speckle?” I pointed to the center of the page.

“Yeah?”

“That’s my dried blood.”

Cyn jerked the book from Ash’s hands, startling us both.

“For fuck’s sake, Cyn. Control yourself. You’ve never been this bad.”

“Shove it, Ash.” He lowered his face to the page and inhaled, then shoved the book at Ash before stomping across the kitchen. He stepped between Zeke’s legs and buried his face against Zeke’s chest.

Zeke sat up, wrapping his arms around Cyn’s shoulders, concern etched across his face. “What’s going on? Why’s it so bad?”

“I don’t know,” Cyn said, his voice muffled. With a final shudder, he lifted his head and moved to Zeke’s side, leaning against the counter with his arms crossed.

Ezra stepped closer. “Why did you put blood in this book?”

“There was this silly thing inside about my soul and heart and a lot of other mumbo-jumbo. But the game at the end said to gather candles, a knife, and an important trinket.” I shrugged. “I put my blood and trinket on the symbol that used to be there and read something. That’s it. It sounds sillier out loud, but I’ve had a shittastic day.” I averted my eyes and mumbled, “…and maybe a few drinks.”

“What symbol?” Ash asked at the same time Ezra asked, “Read what?”

“The same triangle thingy on the front cover,” I said, then looked at Ezra. “I don’t remember the words.”

“She summoned us here,” Cyn said, shoving off the counter and striding forward. “Why would you do something so stupid?”

“Sweet little blackbird, what have you done?”

My gaze moved from one face to the next. They looked as confused as I felt—except Cyn. His natural scowl deepened into something furious.

“I didn’t do anything wrong,” I told Ash. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I didn’t invite or summon you into my home. You can leave any time you want.” I inhaled, senses assaulted by a mix of tantalizing scents. I mustered my courage and went against my gut for once. “In fact, get out now or I’m calling the police.” I pointed at the back door as lightning illuminated the window.

“You don’t get it,” Cyn snapped. “Whatever you did from that book brought us here. Send us back.”

I dropped my arm and glared at Cyn. “I’m trying to make you leave. I have no idea what you’re talking about but take the damn book. Jesus!” I raked both hands through my hair, squeezing at the roots as I turned away, counting backward from ten in my head while Ash spoke.