I don't know how long I lay there, alone, exhausted, afraid, the stake still clutched in my hands.
Finally, I hold up a hand before my face. I expect to see blood and exposed bone and sinew. Instead my arm is whole, unmarked.
It was a mind trick, the flayed skin, the burning.
It's over.
Avery is gone. Disappeared. As if he never existed. My heart thuds a dirge in the center of my chest. It could have been me.
Should have been me.
I can't figure out why it wasn't.
The answer comes from a now familiar voice.
Avery was careless. He underestimated you. And your loyalty to your friend.
I look around slowly, too weary to be startled. Casper?
Are you all right?
I gather strength, pull myself into a sitting position. My hand goes to my neck. There's some blood but Avery never got a real hold.
Thankfully. Where are you? Why don't you show yourself?
All things in time, he says enigmatically. I just wanted to be sure you were all right. Robert is out back with the car. He'll take you home.
Home. I shake my head sadly . I don't have a home.
Sure you do. Avery's place is yours now.
I sniff. I don't think so.
But it's true. You vanquished an old soul in defense of your own life. All his possessions are yours.
What if I don't want them?
Up to you. But before you dismiss it out of hand, think of how much good you could do with that kind of wealth. You could help a lot of people.
I have to think about that.
No rush. You have all the time in the world.