The first part of the ritual proceeds as planned.
I can sense Julia's tense muscles moving at the pace of the enchantment, just like any other time she opened a portal. I can even feel energy fluctuations, which is unbelievable. I thought I wasn't able to sense it.
Then, when Julia moves the tips of her fingers, a sudden movement attracts my attention. Someone is hiding a few metres from us, a step out of the magic circle.
I analyse the surroundings and find traces of other people. At least three, and this is only in the few metres around me.
Robert is too focused on the ritual to notice, not to mention Julia. Amadeus, too, is looking at the crystals with a frown, so I'm the only one realising the danger.
I climb a tree and stay there for a minute only, for the figure moves towards Julia. I see only the shadow from my position, but I'm quite sure there is a body projecting it.
The moon is so bright tonight.
