“There’s only one other thing that might buy us a little more time or space. There’s a way to exert minimal physical force by gathering energy from the ethereal form.”

“What’s that mean?”

“If I concentrated, I could actually push Crenshaw away. I wouldn’t have the ability to hurt him, but merely to repel him. It drains an alarming amount of energy, though. I might still have the ability to bound away, but I wouldn’t be very swift.”

“Well, let’s hope he’s awake and not waiting for us in the night world. Could the physical force you emanate in your invisible form repel him in his physical form?”

They began traveling again. “Yes,” she said. “But it would be a weaker push than if both he and I were in the night world.”

“How is it done?”

“It’s too complicated for me to show you now. There’s a sophisticated string of imagery you focus on. You sort of have to charge up, like you’re revving an engine, then push outward with all your might.”

There was silence on the remainder of the journey down Margrave, past Feit’s old place, and along the two streets and their turns beyond it. They stood beneath the stand of oaks across the street from the house. The windows were completely dark, save for one light on in a third-floor window.

“Chilling,” said Owen. “I know this has nothing to do with dreams, but I’ve never been engaged in anything more nightmarish in my life. When I really think about it, the entire thing is madness.”

“I’m leery of it too,” said Melody, “but if we ignore it, it’s not going to go away.”

“But you have kids, and young kids at that.”

“How do you know how old my kids are?”

“I saw you in the market with your family.”

“I wish you hadn’t,” she said. “I like to keep separate my night travels and my waking life.”

“I understand. I was going to suggest that you leave this to me.”

“I can’t now. I’ve taken you on as a pupil.”

“Not to be grim, but I just don’t want to imagine your husband waking up one morning and finding your lifeless body next to him. That scares me more than this dark house.”

“Why?”

“It would be terrible for your children, for your partner. I care about you.”

“You do?”

“I do, and if you know me, that’s not like me at all. I’m pretty much a loner. I usually care more about a book out of place at the library than any person.”

She smiled. “I’ll keep it in mind. Now, come on, we only have an hour before Kiara is going to call and wake you.”

“Shit,” Owen whispered, and they started across the street.