I lift my shoulder. “They obviously don’t like you.”
He scoffs, “Do you think we can get it to let us leave?”
I frown, reaching down to pet its massive head. It leans into my touch as I run my fingers over its leathery skin. It lets out a noise that sounds almost… happy.
“Why don’t you try leaving the tunnel slowly.” I say, still petting its head.
“I think I’ll name you Satan.”
Walker covers his face with his hands. “Did you just give the thing that chased us with gnashing teeth down a dark tunnel… a fucking name?” The dog lifts its head to glare at Walker.
He puts his hands up and decides to take my advice and back up a few steps.
“I’m not leaving you in here with it alone.” He says.
“Okay.” I pat Satan’s head and then let go to see what he does. We wait for a moment as we watch the enormous dog get up and head back down the tunnel. Walker grabs my hand, tugging us through the cellar door.
Skye shuts the door behind us, and I let out a breath, leaning my hands on my thighs.
I stand back up and point my finger straight at Emmet. “You little shit. You tripped me on purpose.”
My fingers alight with lightning and I zap him straight in the crotch.
He lets out a yelp as his pants waft a plume of smoke into the air. “That’s for being the biggest douchebag I’ve ever met in my life.”
“You heard the headmaster, he said if any of you cause trouble for me, he’ll kick you out.”
“I didn’t do anything. Guys? Did you see me do anything?”
A chorus of ‘no’s’ and ‘I didn’t see anything’s’ circles around the group. I cross my arms over my chest.
“How did you get that thing to stop chasing you?” Graham asks.
“I just knew it.” I point to the center of my chest. “I felt this weird sense of calm in here and I knew that the dog wouldn’t hurt me once I started listening to my instincts. It doesn’t seem to like you guys at all, though.”
“Hate to break this up, but Sloth has taken control of Sloan while you guys were gone.” Skye says, running a hand through her hair.
I don’t miss the way Sloan… or rather, Sloth, looks straight at Emmet when she says that.
I point my finger at Emmet again. “Do I need to fucking zap you again?”
“I didn’t do anything!” He says covering his junk with his hands, likethatwill protect him.
I narrow my eyes at him. “I don’t trust you.”
“I don’t care. You can’t scare me with your powers, Salem.”
“I’d believe that more if you weren’t clutching your crotch right now.”
“What are we going to do about Sloan?” Skye asks, gesturing at him.
Lukas walks up to Sloan. “Give us our friend back.” He says pushing Sloan in the chest.
“I don’t think we can beat it out of him.” Skye says, grabbing Lukas by the arm.
He lets out an exasperated sound. “This place is giving me a headache.” He says rubbing his face with his hand.
“Did Sloth talk to you, Skye?” I ask.
