Wilbur Ward's body lies hidden in the crawl space beneath the Klein House.

For 30 years, the man was Cervon's vessel, possessed from the moment he ran toward the flames

that consumed to match childhood home.

Now the body is empty, discarded like a worn-out coat, and the demon needs a new host.

Someone close. Someone vulnerable.

Father Olson's words echo in Matt's mind as he sits by the fire, turning the planchette

over in his hands. The same planchette that rested beneath

his fingers and Stevens on that Christmas Eve three decades ago, the same one that unleashed

something ancient and hungry into the world. Door 18 has given up its secret. Six doors remain.

Six days until December 24th, the culmination of Zervon's midwinter celebration.

The demon has waited 30 years for this moment, timing its attack for when Matt's own children

are the same ages he and Stephen were during the original tragedy.

The calendar sits in the corner, patient and watchful.

Eighteen doors hang open.

Eighteen prophecies fulfilled in death and fire and blood.

Matt thinks about everyone who has met in the house recently. Davenport, Father

Olson, the contractor who boarded up the window. Anika, the boys, any of them, could be the new

vessel. Outside, Marshport prepares for the opening of Winter Wonderland. Families will gather tomorrow night

beneath Christmas lights, laughing and sipping hot cocoa, blissfully unaware that something dark moves

among them, that a demon who derives pleasure from trickery, torment, and violence is no longer

confined to a dying body. Zervon is free, and he is close.

Nettie Nguyen's strange visit still troubles Matt, the way she stood motionless on the porch,

...