As soon as I opened the door a shadow flew at me. I cried out from shock, but I was used to keeping my head enough to at least swing the poker in the right direction. Now the light of my fireplace allowed me to see Saba standing in front of me, pushing the door shut with one hand … gripping the poker I’d just swung with the other.

That honestly would’ve been stranger if I wasn’t living in a house with hands coming out of the walls.

“I can’t cleanse the Evil Eye from my room,” I said. Saba ignored me, locking the door instead. “Tom might be in danger. I have to get to his room. That requires leaving mine—Saba, stop it!”

I’d pushed past her, but she pushed back harder, and it only took one hand pressing on my stomach. I panicked for a moment—How is she this strong?—but it only took that one moment, that bit of hesitation, for Saba to overpower my momentum and forcefully guide me back to my bed.

I fell onto the bed, glaring up at her. “What are you doing? I have to go out there.”

She shook her head firmly.

“Yes.” I got up and she blocked my path. “Don’t you care about Tom? About Magnus? This is the only way to save them.”

I tried to get around her, but she intercepted me, wrapped her arms around me, holding me close. For a moment I struggled, but she was far too strong. Her body was firm, but not in the same way it would be if she had hardened muscles. It was unnatural.

Even through my sleeves I could feel her cold arms. So cold, and yet she never wore a sweater, as if she couldn’t feel what her arms were feeling.

“Let go?” I asked, and I felt her chin move at my forehead as she shook her head.

I took a deep breath. If I relaxed, if she felt I’d calmed down, she’d let go. Then I’d draw my knife on her. God forgive me, but I’d have to. Just to keep her away long enough so I could get out of the room.

Ten o’clock struck on the great clock downstairs, and the wind immediately began rushing. Screams, moans, knockings, though none as intense as that first night.

I had to get out of this room. Now.

A few more deep breaths and my heart rate was getting close to level. I wrapped my arms around Saba’s waist, leaning the side of my face against her chest, hugging her back. Tricking her was more accurate. I’d never been great at crying on demand, but I could try. Again, God, please ignore any underhanded activity you see here tonight.