Mrs. Erickson nodded.

Severn was silent. Kaylin paused on the porch to really look at him. You’re injured.

It’s minor. If it were serious, I wouldn’t have stayed. He smiled. Good work, there.

You don’t think I was being a bit pushy?

You were, but you were pushing her in a direction I think she wanted to go. It’s hard to lose companions of a lifetime—it’s hard to lose family you know. And there are ghosts in your house that no one but Mrs. Erickson can touch.

Kaylin had almost forgotten about them.

I think it would be best for Mrs. Erickson for other reasons, among them the Dragon Court. Her power is dangerous. Had Azoria fully absorbed it...

Kaylin thought of the Ancient then, and shuddered.

EPILOGUE

Helen was waiting in the open door when Kaylin crossed the fence line. Mrs. Erickson had fallen back nervously; had she not been leading Jamal, Kaylin thought she might have remained standing there, looking at Helen’s exterior. Jamal, however, was a concern, as he had been for so much of her life.

Kaylin turned to Mrs. Erickson and offered her a hand; Mrs. Erickson missed it the first time. Helen, smiling softly, waited at the door, watching their slow progress up the walk. Only when Kaylin reached her did Helen move; she opened her arms to offer Kaylin what Kaylin thought of as the welcome home hug. It was a bit more awkward than usual because Mrs. Erickson hadn’t let go of her hand.

“Imelda,” Helen said, as she released her primary tenant, “I’m delighted to see you. Will you come in?”

Mrs. Erickson nodded. Kaylin knew her name was Imelda, but doubted she’d ever feel comfortable actually using it.

“We’ve come to ask you a question,” Kaylin said, although Helen already knew what it was.

“Yes, I see that.” Helen’s smile was soft, almost radiant. It made truth out of what Kaylin had feared were exaggerations. “Come in. Come in, all three of you.”

Jamal’s brows rose.

“No, dear,” Helen said softly, “I can’t see you. But I believe that you’re there because both Imelda and Kaylin can. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.” Although she had invited Mrs. Erickson—and Jamal—in, Jamal shook his head.

“You are worried for Imelda, and I find that commendable. Please, come in. You can look at the house, and you can decide whether or not you think this would be suitably safe for the woman you have protected for so long. I do wish I could see you,” she added, her voice almost familiar. It took a moment for Kaylin to realize why: Helen had chosen to subtly mimic Mrs. Erickson’s speech habits.