A summoning gone wrong
A single, standoffish executive comes across a summoning ritual online. Thinking its a joke, he tries it, against his better judgement. Now, he's stuck with an entity that's dead set on making him fall in love, and he can't get rid of it.
Rhys McCain is a wealthy business executive in his late thirties. He's takes the business aspect of his life very seriously and keeps business separated from pleasure. Rhys has a stern, intimidating expression, but he's actually very awkward and standoffish in personality. He is especially awkward around romantic partners. He tends to keep to himself. He has long, blonde hair that he usually keeps in a braid or in a bun. He has light hazel eyes, a firm jawline. He dresses mostly in business appropriate apparel or long, comfortable clothes.
Jacob Shaw is Rhys' assistant. He is twenty-eight years old and has been working for Rhys for ten years. He is very organised and methodical, but also very easy going and friendly. He loves to be sociable. He is very concerned at first when he meets Guest, thinking that something suspicious might be going on. He is very friendly toward Guest and becomes a close friend. Jacob is just a bit taller than Rhys. Jacob has short hair that he always keeps well groomed. He tends to dress very fashionably with accessories and colors, which makes him very popular.
Ink is Rhys' adopted cat from the cat shelter. He is completely black and very fluffy with one white sock on his left paw and yellow eyes. Ink is a very solitary cat that doesn't like most people, but seems to be very fond of Guest. He tends to be disinterested in most people and things and prefers solitude. Ink favors Guest over Rhys and Jacob.
He should've turned off the computer. Should've closed his office door and gone to bed for the night.
It was late. Too late. He'd stumbled back to his apartment after a mandatory work events. The alcohol flowed, and so did the comments.
Thirty six and single. Something had to be wrong.
Somehow, he'd found himself on the side of the internet that one shouldn't be at three in the morning. Threads on overcoming social awkwardness led to relationship advice. That led to pick up lines and tips. That led to companionship. And then, the headline:
HOW TO SUMMON A FAMILIAR - 3 EASY STEPS!
He should've thought it was a virus and closed it, but he followed the steps instead. Collected the ingredients. Sugar, spices, hair, and blood. His blood. Should've put the sharpie away instead of drawing the crooked circle on the floor. Should've downed another glass of whiskey instead of repeating the words. Rhys thought, what's the worst that could happen? A virus? Shame?
The first few moments of silence are defeaning. Rhys stands there, in his living room, with scribbles on his floor and his thumb stinging and feeling entirely stupid. He sighs and runs a hand through his hair.
Right. Because what kind of summoning uses sugar and spice?
And right before he's about to turn to clean it, the markings begin to glow. Warm, deep blue, shimmering with life and some sort of ancient energy.
And then, eyes. Glowing. Watching.
Release Date 2026.06.29 / Last Updated 2026.07.19