The rasping noise rose, filling the room in a meaty warble. The couch and tables began to bounce lightly but steadily, making the floor vibrate beneath Amy’s feet. The lights flickered on and off with a crackle of electricity. The TV volume rose, the channels changing so speedily that it blared with a mixture of voices and music that made Amy’s head hurt.

“Cerberus, guardian at Hades’ gate, you are now entered into this covenant,” said Miss Dola, her voice floating over the noise. “Know that if in one instant you shirk your obligation, you will be tormented eternally by the endless hatred and anger of the Furies, and known in all worlds as betrayer, and shunned in your ways by all other rebel spirits. Your power over these people is gone. Be unbound, and go!”

The furniture leapt and crashed, making plaster dust fall around them like snow that stung Amy’s eyes. The outlets spat sparks; the TV flipped channels so quickly that the noise coming out of it became one long, electronic scream. Rover’s body throttled, muscles spasming and toenails clattering on the floor. The noise that came out of him rose above all the other sounds, the fleshy song of a giant creature in a deep, dark cave.

“Be unbound, and GO!” shouted Miss Dola at the top of her lungs.

Rover’s cry reached a high pitch, sounding like a whine. Amy closed her eyes tight in horror.

And then, silence.

Amy’s eyes shot open. Mom and Dad stood with their candles half-raised, breathing hard. Miss Dola was frozen, watching Rover intently.

Rover lay on the floor heaving, eyes glazed, tongue lolling out the side of his mouth. With each breath, a throat noise came out of him: Henngggh, henngggh. Katie knelt before him, hands to her mouth, tears running down her cheeks.

“It’s done,” said Miss Dola softly. “We’ve separated the beast from the little girl. He is weakened. Now for the next step.”

Miss Dola picked up one of the syringes off the table and carefully approached Rover. As she began to kneel down next to him, she raised it in her fist like a dagger, readying the syringe for a stabbing motion.

Katie looked up. Her eyes caught the needle and went wide.

“No!” she shrieked. “You said you wouldn’t hurt him!”

Katie jumped up and threw her entire body at Miss Dola’s arm. Miss Dola shouted and tried to free herself. Mom, Dad, and Amy all moved to Katie, screaming at her to stop and let go.

It was only Amy, the last to go running for her sister, who saw Rover climb to his feet and heard him let out a single whuff.