Kyle scrubbed a hand down his face as he leaned back against the unadorned wall behind him. He stretched out one leg, the other knee bent with his elbow rested on it. He’d worn himself out today, between studying some of the artifacts and historical records kept at the temple and simply worrying. He didn’t know how much he bought into the idea of a demon terrorizing them, but he definitely believed in vigilante justice.

For all he knew, the excuse of going to the villages to find a sacrificial lamb was a cover for gathering the masses to come and roast Kyle and the others on a sacrificial spit over a bonfire. Several excavations worldwide had uncovered evidence of similar practices, and he had no desire to have fossilized bones of his found in the sacrificial pit some day.

“I was hoping we wouldn’t have to spend the night,” Charlotte whined petulantly from across the small room. She sat with her knees under her chin on one of the pallets that had been laid out on the floor for them, her arms wrapped tightly around her legs. She wore a pout, and Kyle clenched his jaw, telling himself it wouldn’t help any of them if he started letting out snide remarks about her attitude.

Or spewing blame and hatred.

Paige spoke up where she sat, scrolling through pictures on her phone off to his left. “I told you we’d probably have to stay. The monks are on foot, and they aren’t exactly moving at a sprint. Besides, I doubt they’ll deem it safe to travel at night.”

Billy threw up his hands. “I don’t understand why they need to hold us hostage overnight. Can’t they just find their guy and make the sacrifice, have someone call us so we can leave, and bring the blood with them in the morning?”

Kyle shot a glare at him. “You’re so selfish. I don’t want to be here. No one wants to be here. But we’re all trying to respect these people. Maybe you didn’t come here with a purpose, other than to show off your photographic memory, but some of us came to learn. Or achieve a goal. You screwed things up, in a place where we were welcomed. The least we can do is show gratitude and respect to the people who let us intrude on their territory.”

“Why does everyone keep pointing a finger at me?” Billy spat, standing and pacing the short space from one wall to the other. “I didn’t act alone. And how was I supposed to know about this demon character? I’m not the one studying religion.”

Ethan stood and grabbed his arm, halting his pace. For a moment, Kyle thought he was going to have to get up and step between them. But Ethan just said, “You ran off, half cocked and half wasted. You knew this was a temple and should have had more respect for that than to drop your drawers for a little hanky panky. You don’t deserve to be here.”

“And what about her?” Billy jabbed a finger in Charlotte’s direction.

The hatred in Charlotte’s eyes told Kyle everything he needed to know. She punished herself for bad decisions and didn’t need Billy pointing out her part in things. “I just wanted to make out, Billy. And at least I accept my responsibility in this. You’re running around, acting like a victim.”

Throwing his hands up in the air, Billy backed away from Ethan. “Fine. I guess I’ll just be a martyr, and if this all goes south, I’ll take all the blame.” He smirked. “At least I’ll have good legal representation.”

He turned toward the door. “Where are you going?” Kyle asked sharply. “We shouldn’t separate, just in case.”

“Oh, shove it, Kyle. Pick a side, will you?” Billy rolled his eyes. “I’m going to smoke. I haven’t had a cigarette in hours. I’ll be right outside. Come babysit me, if you’re so worried I’m going to get into trouble. Or eaten by a demon,” he chuckled without humor, shoving out through the heavy door.