Miss Dola explained the plan, how it would play out, and what each of their roles were. Amy thought it sounded like something out of a horror movie, and Dad repeatedly shook his head and rubbed his eyes, but the seriousness in Miss Dola’s voice never wavered. She believed it, thought Amy—every word she said, it was life or death to her.

“Remember, we must use the drugs last,” she said firmly. “He must be awake for the ritual, but when it is done, the beast will be angry. Ready?”

They got in their vehicles, the family in their SUV and Miss Dola in her muscle car, and drove to the house. The ride was quiet, but Amy could feel the emotions hanging heavy among the four of them. Some of it was disbelief and confusion, wondering how they’d gotten here, if they were actually doing this. But more than that, it was determination. No matter how elaborate or unexpected their task was, all that mattered was that they got their lives back.

Watching her home appear around the corner and grow in the windshield’s view filled Amy with a gut-deep fear, especially with the blackened smoke marks around the kitchen window. Her skin crawled and her heart pounded, but she forced herself to swallow down the terror and face the house head-on. That was exactly why they needed to get rid of Rover. The dog had made her frightened of her own home.

Once Miss Dola had pulled in behind them, she handed the members of the family their tools—Katie the honey cake; Mom, Dad, and Amy a candle each. She tucked the syringes, book, and sage into her handbag and nodded to the family.

“Be on your guard,” said Miss Dola. “The last time I encountered this creature, it wasn’t behaving nearly as aggressively as it is now, from what you’ve told me. It was still trying to make us believe it was another household pet. Now it knows what lies ahead of it, meaning we need to focus lest it use its powers against us. Remember that once we start this process, we must see it through.”

“How long will this take?” asked Mom.

“As long as it has to,” said Miss Dola. “Be ready for quite a ride, Patricia. Even if things become terrifying, you must not panic. We must not lose sight of the necessary task at hand.” She turned to the house. “On the count of three, we enter, and begin. One—”

There was a click, and the front door of the house opened with a sickening creak. Amy thought she felt a breeze blow into her face, as though coming from the inside of the house.

Rover knew they were here.

He was ready for them.

Chapter 24: Animal House