Page 57 of Bewitched By the Djinn
I step around a log jutting into the path. “Those ifrit—they were ifrit, right? There was more than one. They seemed more powerful than the last time.”
“Yes. They consolidated their powers to enable the manipulation of the elements. I have heard of such a thing but never seen it.”
A chill creeps over my skin. “Creepy.”
“Very.”
The attacks are escalating.
My family.
I should call and check on them. The wards should keep them safe, but if they leave for any reason...
Sliding my phone out of the pocket of my jacket, I lift it to my face. The screen is black. I push the button to try and turn it on. It was fully charged when we left, it shouldn’t be dead already. Nothing happens. Maybe the portal zapped it. Perfect.
“Great.” I shove it back into my pocket.
Bennet raises a brow.
“My phone doesn’t work.” I glance back the way we came. “I can’t check on my family.”
“I am sure they will be okay. The ifrit have no reason to attack them.”
“You aren’t even sure why they’re attacking us.”
Before he can respond, the last of the lanterns floats ahead, circling a massive cypress tree at the heart of the swamp. The trunk is as wide as a house, its roots arching like ribs into the murky water. At the base, beneath a tangle of moss and creeping vines, a hollow gapes open. The lantern illuminates a dark, yawning mouth leading down before it circles back around the tree and flickers out of existence.
This is all totally normal. Sure. Not scary at all.
I stop. “Please tell me we’re not going in there.”
Bennet glances at me. “Would you prefer to wait out here alone in the dark?”
I glare. “Fine. But if this turns into some horror movie crap, I’m leaving you to be mauled by the zombies.”
“I’ve seen this zombie on the magic mirror. I am sure I could take them on. They move slowly and have little skill.”
I chuckle. “Okay, Daryl Dixon.”
His brow creases in confusion.
“Never mind. You first.” I gesture to the giant hole at the bottom of the tree.
He ducks, stepping into the hollow.
I take a breath and follow close behind.
The ground slopes beneath us, like a steep ramp, shifting from dirt to cool, smooth stone before leveling out.
A few steps in and the moonlight behind us fades. It’s pitch-black. The darkness presses against me. It’s like being in a tomb.
Where is Bennet? I grope forward, my fingers hitting his back, and relief floods through me.
He slows. “Are you all right?”
“Peachy.”
“Here.” His hand fumbles for mine and I grip it, thankful for the contact.
