A few hours later, just as the first grey light of dawn began to creep into the house, a sharp, rhythmic knock startled us. My heart hammered against my ribs. I looked at Damon, whose eyes were hollow with exhaustion and dread. I stood up, walked to the door, and pulled it open.

A woman stood there. She looked to be in her late forties, her face etched with a weariness that went bone-deep. Before I could even offer a greeting, she lunged forward, throwing her arms around me in a crushing ...