I marched into the house for my supplies and jacket, and then marched right out again. Cleo joined me with Night's Fall in her mouth. She knew exactly where I was going.

"Slayer, what are you doing?" Jacek asked, taking steps toward me. "You don't have to do this tonight."

Tears burned down my cheeks as I met his amber gaze lit by moonlight. "I do."

"Why?" he asked.

"Because I'm afraid," I said, my voice cracking. "Because I'll be afraid no matter when I do ...