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Terror seizes me. It doesn't feel like he's understanding Levi’s words.
It sounds like they're provoking him.
I stare at Levi, pleading with him for help. My lungs cry in agony, scream for relief.
Malik moves, his hands going to my head and my jaw, and I scream, knowing he's about to snap my neck.
Levi thinks fast, leaping forward and tossing water from the jug all over mine and Malik's face. I choke as I get doused, my sight momentarily washed away. I can’t see, and it makes me panic. Completely seize in fear.
The sound of burning sizzles in my ears, and Malik's arms release me as he falls to the ground.
Everything happens so fast.
I run away, slamming into the arms of Hazel as Levi, Atticus, Felix, and Samuel rush to Malik. Levi pours the entire jug on Malik, and he roars, his screams echoing so loud in the night they vibrate in my chest.
He sounds like he’s in pain. In absolute agony. I can't bear it, and I press my hands over my ears to drown out the sound.
"It's okay. They're bringing him inside." Hazel rubs her hand down my back.
I shudder, the torment echoing in my chest long after they fade from the trees. After a few moments, my sight comes back, and I peel my hands from my ears. Glancing behind me, I see the guys gone. They must have already made their way inside.
"Are you ready?" Piper asks, walking up to me. She links her arm through mine, and it helps me stand a bit taller.
"I don't know. What if it doesn't work?"
"It'll work," Hazel says. "I don't like the church, but I believe in it." She lets out a sigh, defeat and worry in her eyes. "All I know is that I'm throwing away the Ouija and all the other shit after this. I'm done reaching out to spirits. This town is already fucked up enough as it is. I’ll stick to the good shit after this."
I nod my head. That's a really fucking good idea.
In agreement, we all walk toward the front door of our school. Whatever waits on the other side of that door, I'm ready.
I have to be.
The door slams shut behind us, and we’re immediately basked in darkness. It feels dreary in here. Dark and depressing. The lights aren't on, and the usual bustle of the students doesn't rush down the halls. I glance at the floor, where Malik left me as I was dragged to The Room of Atonement.
Sister Marjorie died in this hall.
A shiver runs through me, and I squeeze my wet sweatshirt tighter around my chest as our shoes squeak on the tile.
"They'd be in the sanctuary," Blaire says, leading the way.
I can hear the echo of voices as we grow closer, and the obvious voice of Malik roaring in pain.
I stop. "I don't think I can do it. Maybe I should just stay out here until you guys are done. Can someone keep me updated?" I unlink my arm from Piper's, but she grabs hold of my wrist.
"No. You're going in there. He needs you, Vera. Don't back down now."
I gnaw at my lip. I don't want to go in there, even though I know I should. I should be in there with him, but it feels like a knife in the gut to see him like this.
It's brutal.
But I know I have to. If what we have is or could be real, I have to be there for him.
"I'll go," I sigh, the words like acid on my tongue.
They nod, and Piper once again links her arm through mine. Blaire opens the door, and we step through, my eyes widening once I see the events unfolding before me.
"Oh my God," I whisper, then wince. I'm surprised I'm not struck down at this very moment for saying God's name in vain. In his own fucking house.
