The dark retreated a little, at least from my consciousness. But when I tried to open my eyes, there was no light. I felt something in my mind tighten around my thoughts and hold me still and quiet. It was almost as if I had been shunted aside to observe as the protective spell keeping me latent took an active part.

I heard strange voices whispering around me, but couldn't make out individual words. I remembered being in the back yard with Jared, Pain showing up, chasing after ...