Page 131 of Espíritu

Julian rose slowly, not certain if he was still asleep. “You okay, dude?”

“I need it,” Luca said, voice clipped and robotic.

Julian blinked. “Need what?”

“My bracelet,” he said. “Angel has it. I need it back.”

Julian scrubbed a hand over his face, heart still slamming from the dream. “We’ll deal with it later, okay? Just—go back to sleep.”

“No,” Luca said.

Julian took a step toward him. “Come on, man. We’ve had a rough night. Let’s just—”

Without another word, Luca turned on his heel and walked out of the room. The door creaked faintly as it swung open, and Julian hesitated for a split second before following.

Julian glanced at Rio—still asleep—then slipped after Luca, barefoot and cold.

“Luca, wait,” Julian hissed, keeping his voice low so he wouldn’t wake Rio.

Bare feet slapped the cool floor as he trailed Luca down the hall. The TV’s blue wash lit the room. The static hum felt too loud.

Luca moved with that same unnerving purpose, not looking at any of them.

Omar groaned and sat up, locs wild. “The hell’s goin’ on?” he mumbled, rubbing at his eyes.

Rocky blinked sleepily from her spot on the floor, her blanket sliding off her shoulders.

Flaca shot upright, her gaze darting between Luca and Julian. “Jules, what’s happening?”

“Luca, stop!” Julian said, reaching—

Too late. The door unlatched with a soft click and swung open.

And Angel was standing on the other side.

Angel stood in the hallway light. Dark bubble braids, gold-bright eyes. The cursed dagger was in her hand, catching the glow with a glint like a fang.

Ice shot through Julian’s veins.

He threw an arm across Luca. “Get back!”

To Angel, he said, “Get away from him.”

He didn’t have a plan beyond that. Just Luca behind his arm and the cenote’s cold still lodged under his ribs. Think roots. In four, hold two, out six. Don’t blink.

Angel tilted their head, unreadable. “Or what?” She stepped inside, slow and deliberate.

Fear and adrenaline snapped tight in Julian’s chest. He didn’t move. Couldn’t. Wouldn’t.

Behind him, his friends asked panicked questions, but Julian ignored them, afraid that if he so much as blinked, something terrible would happen.

“Rio!” Rocky yelled.

Julian kept his arm out across Luca. “Luca, get away from them,” he said, never taking his eyes off Angel.

Luca didn’t move. Didn’t answer.

Angel’s gaze flicked past Julian and landed on Luca.