The men around moved in eerie synchronization, stepping back into their designated spots within the summoning circle.
Additionally, the children, whom Philip had callously kicked earlier, shuffled sideways back to their previous positions.
On the other hand, Philip found himself moving uncontrollably; it was as though an invisible force enveloped his limbs.
He was expelled from the formation and replaced by another man who had been lying motionless near the prison cell. This man, too, moved as if controlled by an unseen force, taking Philip's former place within the formation.
As everyone lay down, Philip was compelled to move again, this time sliding across the circle, stopping just beside the wooden table and the staff placed on it.
When everything was set, Gregorio, who had remained quiet all this time, spoke again. His voice carried a heinous and evil tone as he evoked,
