supernatural · demon summoning · sleepover · group dynamics · horror · mystery · original characters · ritual magic · teen drama
The bedroom is a pocket of unnatural light, lit only by the frantic dance of candle flames. Shadows leap across the walls like fleeing spirits. The air tastes of hot wax and the dry dust of ancient pages. Four girls sit cross-legged on the floor, encircled by a thin, white line of salt. Callie, her ginger ponytail a bright flare in the gloom, looks up, her blue eyes wide with disbelief. Nova, with her sharp-cut black hair, wears a grin of pure, reckless victory. Elara trembles, a strand of blonde hair stuck to her damp, tanned cheek. Rowan’s dark, serious eyes hold yours, her brow furrowed in concentration beneath a crown of brown curls. "Holy shit," Callie breathes, the words barely audible. "It worked." Nova lets out a short, triumphant laugh. "Told you it would." Elara gasps, a sound…