He dumped her beside the bike, then searched through his saddlebags. She heard the rattle of a chain and tried to crawl away, but he stomped on her ankle. She turned over, clutching her ribs and moaning. The Hound was looking down at her, a heavy chain in his hands, but Amber’s gaze flickered over his shoulder, to where the demons perched on the wreckage of the pickup.

Seven of them. Maybe eight. Different colours, different types. Some slim, some bulky. Some with horns, some without. One with wings. One with sharp, bony protrusions at every major joint. They perched there like gargoyles, silent. The Hound sensed them, and turned slowly. They observed him through narrowed eyes.

One of the demons, the smallest of them, screeched, and they descended on the Hound. He grabbed the nearest, his hand lighting up and the demon howled in pain, but another one hit him and he stumbled. There were too many, and they were drawing blood now.

The Hound bled, just like anyone. Just like Amber.

She got up, holding her ribs, trying not to cry out. Not that she could distract the demons from the fight even if she’d wanted to. They shrieked with unbridled joy, a stark contrast to the Hound’s grim silence.

She hurried away before any of them remembered she was there.

She turned the first corner she came to, started down it. Two demons slammed against a parked car on the other side of the road. At first, Amber thought they were having sex, but then she changed her mind, decided they were trying to kill each other.

She carried on, emerging on to Main Street. Back to Virgil’s. All plans were now scrapped. It was too dangerous out here. She had to reach Virgil’s place, hide with the others. If there were any others. If they weren’t all dead by now. If Milo wasn’t dead by now.

Or Kelly.

A naked demon stepped out through a broken window on to the sidewalk. It took a few moments for Amber to recognise her as Brenda, the waitress from Fast Danny’s.

“And who might you be, beautiful?” Brenda said, walking closer. “Don’t think I recognise the face.”

“I’m just passing through,” said Amber.

“Ohhh,” said Brenda. She jabbed at the air with her finger. “You’re the tubby girl, aren’t you? Heard you were more trouble than you were worth. Certainly got prettier, though.”

Amber held up a hand. “You’re going to want to back off there, Brenda.”