“As I said, what you did was a possession ritual.” Eddie went around and lit each of the four wicks. “You took the three elements of yourself as a man—hair, blood, and…you know—and offered them to her. She accepted the gifts and took up res in your spiritual skin, so to speak. We’re going to clean her out of you.”

“Yeah, listen,” Vin cut in. “You sure we can’t take care of Marie-Terese first, then worry about me?”

“No. You’re the focal point. You called Devina to you. Besides, Marie-Terese has an easier tie to break, assuming that earring is in Devina’s possession.” The guy disappeared into the hall bath and returned with dripping hands that were held up like a surgeon’s. “Jim, go into my coat and take out the leather roll that’s in the right pocket.”

Jim fished around and pulled free a ten-inch-long, two-inch-wide bundle that was secured with a white satin ribbon.

“Open it.”

Jim’s hands were quick to pull the bow free and then he unrolled the leather, revealing a dagger.

Made of glass.

“Don’t touch the knife,” Eddie said.

“What the hell are you going to do with that?” Vin demanded.

“We’re going to open you up.” The man pointed to the circle of burning candles. “This is spiritual surgery, and before you ask, yup. Gonna hurt like a bitch. But when we’re through, you’re not going to be scarred or anything. Now lie down, head here at the north.”

Vin looked at the men’s faces as the pair of them stared over at him. Grim. Serious. Especially Eddie.

“I’ve never seen a knife like that before,” Vin murmured as he looked at the thing.

“It’s crystal,” Eddie said, as if he knew Vin needed a second before he turned himself over to the ritual. “And yeah, take a deep breath, but we do need to get started.” He glanced at his buddy. “Jim? You stay next to Marie-Terese. Eventually you’ll be doing these, but right now you’re just on the watch team, and if the shit gets critical, you’re in charge of her.”

“Do you read minds?” Vin asked the guy.

“Sometimes. Now can we get down to business? I don’t know how long Adrian’s going to be able to hold her.”

Vin stared into Marie-Terese’s eyes and hoped she read all that he wished he could speak. When she nodded as if she understood perfectly, he stepped over the salt circle and stretched out in the center. Eddie had gauged the size perfectly: The soles of Vin’s feet just touched the far edge when his head was right at the northern candle.

“Close your eyes, Vin.”