“We have to try,” I said, following behind him. “With the right preparation and a controlled environment, I don’t see why it shouldn’t work.”

“Of course, try. We’ve come too far to give up now. No, Kelela.” He opened the front door and made her walk out, despite her protests about being hungry. “Wait for me in the coach.” He shut the door behind her, taking deep, slow breaths before turning back to me. “I’m not going to be part of this. I’m sure you can understand why.”

It was such a stark change from when I first met him. To go from full support, dining under one roof, offering his own sister in marriage … to wanting nothing to do with it at all? It was irritating, to be honest. And it didn’t seem just.

“People have died in this house,” I said, forcing my voice not to sound harsh. “Not vanished. Died. You didn’t stop hiring servants when the first one disappeared, did you? All of them knew the risks. Whoever this brave person is, they will, too.”

“And it’ll only take one more dead person to cleanse Magnus, is that what you’re trying to say?” It was strange to hear Esjay sound almost aggressive. He opened the door. “If you need anything, let me know. But I don’t want any progress reports on this. I don’t want details. Just tell me when it’s over.” He went to leave, then paused. “And tell Magnus I’m sorry. Kelela was going to come over to say good-bye before she left for France, but due to the circumstance I think it’s better she doesn’t.” He hesitated, as if he had more to say. And then he left, shutting the door behind him.

I stood, staring at the door. God help me. And then took a deep breath and walked calmly back into the dining room.

“They left,” Magnus said, slouching slightly in his chair.

“It’s okay.” I took my seat again, taking his hand.

“I heard Esjay. They’re not coming back.” He slouched further, sliding down to sit on the floor under the table. “I think I’m going to die.”

I shoved his chair out of the way so I could get to him. “You’re not going to die.”

“That’s right,” he added bitterly, digging his knuckles into his eyes, “I can’t die. The Evil Eye won’t let me.”

“We’re going to get a volunteer, Magnus. Everything will be okay.”

“How? No one will come near here, let alone inside to be killed.” He lay down, pressing his palms to his eyes. “Oh God. The room’s spinning. I want to die.”

“You have to calm down—”