Chapter 9: The Circle

William’s face was dark as thunderclouds. "You just spat on her and stirred up her anger again. Disrespect breeds vengeance."

"Then what do we do?" My father grabbed at William’s sleeve. "You have to help us!"

William closed his eyes, counting silently. "Fine. Listen close—no more disrespect. You, Emily, take this red marker and mark her name on the stone—do it until your hand cramps, and don’t let up until dawn. Men, leave flowers and call her ‘beloved wife.’ Stay inside the protection circle."

He drew a wide chalk ring around the grave. "Whatever you see, don’t leave this circle. Or else."