Last chance
Darkness has long since fell, but since it is a Friday night there have been several visitors, mostly stumbling and barely finding their way there while in an inebriated haze, that I have had to scare away one way or another.
I may have hidden in the dark a few times. And I may have made noises in one direction before growling behind them a moment later. It was necessary, and it afforded me the minutes I needed for the ritual. So I ignored the smells of their fear or spike of excitement as they scrambled away on shaky legs, and focused on what I needed to do.
I followed the legends, drew the symbols, burned the herbs to open the gates....but, nothing happened. I probably should have checked with Lei, I think to myself as I let out a breath of frustration.