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.