I don’t think my recitations chased them away. I think Eli did that, because the moment we stepped into the clearing, those closest drifted back like dogs backing away from a predator. Then they faded and were gone, like shadows under a brightening sun.

Confidence surged through my chest. As long as I was with Eli, I was safe. And yes, I was the light of the world. Nothing could harm the light, only block it.

Eli and I shared a knowing glance. He giggled, then let out a triumphant whoop and raced forward, yanking me along behind him. Part of me was startled by his boldness—there were still shadows out there! But I staggered forward just behind him anyway, caught up by his courage. Across the field, the shadows vanished as we neared them. The power he had over the Fury was stunning to me. Why had I ever been afraid?

We didn’t stop running until we reached the perimeter. I pulled up, panting. “Hold on.”

He released my hand and spun back. “You see? Easy!”

But looking at Haven Valley within the perimeter, I thought it might not be so easy. The fog was everywhere, knee high and hovering and coiling around the buildings ahead of us. Only then did I notice there were no Fury, only the fog. It was like a stench that followed them. I could smell it now.

“The black fog you see is part of the Fury,” Eli said. “Like their scent.”

“What about the creatures?”

“They’ve retreated into their hosts.”

“Are they demons?” I asked.

“No. Shadows, remember?”

“Shadows,” I said.

“Come on.” He started forward. ”We aren’t done yet.”

I took another moment to stare at the scene before me, then stepped over the perimeter and entered Haven Valley.

As Eli approached, the fog parted, granting a wide berth for him to pass. Easy. The Fury couldn’t stand against the light of who he was. The moment Rose saw his power, she would change her mind, surely. It was going to be a glorious day for Haven Valley! Eli had come to show us our inheritance, the kingdom of heaven, which was already here. They would set my mother free.

This is it, I thought. The end has finally come!

As we approached the houses, the fog twisted through windows and vanished inside, scurrying from Eli and me. We were like two prophets entering town with the power of God as our staffs. The light had come, and the shadow in the valley of death was no more.

Eli led us past the homes toward the main strip of stores, where we were certain to encounter people. I could feel Bobbie wanting me to worry about being seen, but I let her fears fall away.