Gemotions

Liam stared at the package clutched in his hands. He'd lived in this apartment for six months. The name on the label, "Mr. Silas Blackwood," meant nothing to him. A bead of sweat trickled down his temple. This was the third time this month he'd received mail addressed to the former tenant.

He felt his stomach twist. He could just toss it, but a prickling sense of unease settled on him. He could almost hear his mother's nagging voice echoing in his head. Curiosity, that insidious little demon.

He brought the box inside, placing it on the kitchen counter. He pulled out a utility knife, his hand shaking slightly as he sliced through the tape. Inside, wrapped in brown paper, was a thick, leather-bound book. The title was in an unfamiliar language, the pages yellowed with age.