ʺNo pushing,ʺ Dhanya advised softly. ʺLet the spirit take over. Let the spirit guide.ʺ The planchette started to move again. It felt strong, as if it were pulling Ivyʹs fingers with it. Ivy studied Kelseyʹs and Dhanyaʹs hands, searching for a flexed tendon, or tensed finger — some tiny sign that one of them was moving the planchette. It was making a circle again; it was circling backward, she realized.

Ivyʹs eyes rose to the faces around her. Kelseyʹs hazel eyes sparkled, more with surprise than mischief, it seemed. Dhanyaʹs eyes were lowered; she was biting her lip. In the flickering candlelight, Beth looked pale.

The planchette made another counterclockwise circle. And another. Ivy counted the circles — six. ʺWe have to end this,ʺ Beth said, leaning forward.

The planchette moved faster. ʺEnd it,ʺ Beth said, her voice rising sharply.

Outside it was growing windy — Ivy could hear it in the chimney. ʺEnd it nowʺ

Beth shouted. ʺMove it to ʹGood Bye’!ʺ

Thunder rumbled.

ʺMove the planchette to ʹGood Byeʹ!ʺ But it felt as if some strong, inexorable will wouldnʹt allow them to. The planchette moved faster, still circling counterclockwise, as if the force would bore a hole through the board. Dhanyaʹs eyes grew wide with fear. Kelsey swore. The tips of Ivyʹs fingers, where she touched the planchette, felt like they were on fire.

ʺIf s making a portal. We have to—ʺ

Bethʹs words were interrupted by a clap of thunder and flash of light. The front door banged open and closed. Glass shattered.

Bethʹs mouth stretched open in a silent scream. Kelsey rose halfway to her feet, her hands still on the planchette. Dhanya pulled back, cringing in her chair. Ivy saw the three girls frozen in a second flash of blue light.