The boys retreated first and I went with them. I knew I should be there, that Dad could pass at any time, but I chose to walk them out instead.

We paused in the kitchen, Galleytrot with us, all awkward in the quiet of the house.

"Syd," Liam reached for me even as Quaid scowled at him, "I'm sorry. I wish there was something I could do."

I hugged him, Quaid be damned. "Thank you," I whispered in his ear. "Your just being here is enough."

"Demon magic is ...