When I finally stepped through the veil and into the basement, I was under control enough to wipe the tears from my face and not go looking for a cardboard box to kick with my sharp toed high heels. Barely.

Sassafras perched on the bottom step, staring up at me with huge amber eyes. The moment I saw him the tears started again, though I didn't know why I was crying. I sank to the step and hugged him, not caring if I got silver fur on my nice ...