“I don’t hear a lot of things over this,” he said, patting his knee.

“Have you ever thought that maybe the last twenty years were preparing you for tonight?”

He grinned the slightest bit. “Too existential, Andi. Another time, when we’re not about to release a demon.”

I sighed and leaned in the doorway to see the clock. Twelve minutes to go. “I’m going to pray for you.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Why?”

“Because you need it more than I do.”

“Your inability to think of yourself first is what got us into this.”

“And it’s going to get us out.” I laid my hands on his shoulders. “Remember in the Bible when Job was sick and had lost his crops, his children, everything? He didn’t get well until after he prayed for his friends.”

“I think you misread the story.”

“Almighty God,” I started. “Give Jember wisdom and courage for when it gets scary. Protect him, despite his shaky belief. I know he still loves You. He’s just angry because of his pain.”

“Unnecessary,” Jember said with a sigh, “and we don’t have time.”

“And when this is over, grant him all the desires of his heart.” I took his hand and put it on my shoulder. “Now you pray for me.”

“I told you, He doesn’t hear me.”

“He will.” I waited quietly for him to start. “Just speak from the heart.”

Jember sighed. “Listen…” He was quiet for a moment. “This little girl thinks highly of You. If You won’t do anything for me, at least do it for her. Protect her when the amulets fail … because if she dies, I’m officially through with You.” He dropped his hand from my shoulder and took a deep breath. The prayer empowered me, but somehow he looked a little shaken. He jerked his head at the door. “Get back in there.”

I nodded and went in. Saba gave me a sad smile, reaching for my hand. I sat in the chair beside her and took it, clung to it, suddenly realizing it might be the last time I’d get a chance.

And then, all too soon, the clock struck ten.

I stood and picked up one of the swords on the floor, whispering along with the clock’s strikes.

“Four … three … two…”

The echo of the last dhong was cut off by the rushing wind in the hallway.

Magnus squirmed beneath the blanket and, a moment later, the form of something shorter stood in his place. The hyena shook the blanket off, letting it slide to the floor, then immediately locked its gaze on me.