My Burning Sands

My home is ice-cold when I enter it. Placing my keys on the foyer table, I kick off my shoes. All the lights are off, so I open the blinds and call, "Jude. Where are you?"

I was in the bedroom looking for him when I heard the front door open. Now at the top of the staircase, I ask, "Where have you been?"

"I needed some air. How was work?"

"Great."

"Really? Ellie agreed to join us?"

"Not quite. She's a lost cause, but I was compelled to contact Lana."

"Why?"

"My sorority sisters knowingly or unknowingly practice witchcraft. We all joined for success and empowerment. What if I could persuade them to try a few more rituals to obtain wealth? Once they're hooked, I can convince them to seek more power."

"Ajay, we don't have time for that. So what you're saying is you dropped the ball on Ellie."

"Ellie's not budging, Jude. She's afraid of you and doesn't trust me."

"Well, make her trust you!"

Taken aback, I stepped away from his yelling and ran upstairs. He follows and then grabs me before