The basement engulfed me in its quiet, the family still and silent. Or, maybe it was just the fact I'd blocked them out they felt so absent. Not that it mattered.
They'd be even more so shortly.
My first job was the severing. I reached inside, deep inside, felt for every thread I could find. Found them all, some stronger than others, but all there, waiting for me. Quivering in fear, knowing what was coming, my magic, understanding what I was about to do.
Are you certain? My vampire's regret wasn't helping anything.
You three can go if you choose. I stood rooted on the spot. You don't have to do this with me.
We have nowhere to go, my demon growled. Besides, we promised you that you'd never be alone.
She had to say that, didn't she? At this exact moment?
It's not too late to stop, Syd. But even Shaylee didn't feel like she believed her own words.