Page 115 of Half Dead

“Not anymore, no.”

“Usually I like being an observer, but not today. Today made me want to be a participant again.”

“I’m sorry, Ray. I wish I could change that for you, but my powers are limited.”

He shook his head slowly. “I didn’t think I was one of those curmudgeons who hated change, but right now I’d strangle change with both hands if it was tangible.” He narrowed his eyes. “Who’s that?”

I followed his gaze to where a silhouette stood outside thegate. “Don’t know.” I pushed away from the wall. “It’s a man, but it isn’t Kane.”

“It’s awfully late for visitors,” Ray said.

I checked the clock on my phone. Three a.m. Very late for visitors.

I walked to the end of the porch for a better view. The man was too busy gaping at the house to notice me. Although I didn’t recognize him, there was something strangely familiar about him.

“Something’s off,” I said. “His clothes are weird.”

“Now you sound like Gun.”

“No, I mean they don’t fit him. His pants are too short, and the sleeves of his flannel are too long.”

“Do you want to trigger the underground wards?” Ray asked, with a tad too much enthusiasm.

“I’m not shooting deadly magic at a visitor just because he can’t afford clothes that fit.”

“It’s the middle of the night, Lorelei. I don’t think he’s here to sell you insurance.”

“Let’s find out.” I strode across the bridge to the gate. “Howdy, stranger.”

“Love the moat,” he said. “I’m offended you didn’t invite me to come and live here.” He pointed. “Look at the size of that lily pad. It would’ve been perfect for me.”

My heart lurched. “Goran?”

He bowed, low and deep. “Prince Goran to you, but I’ll let it pass.” He straightened. “I’m teasing. I could never be that formal with the goddess who saved me.” He spread his arms wide. “Can a restored prince get a hug?”

Tears stung my eyes. “It’s really you?”

“In the flesh. Handsome, no?” He turned from side to side. “I feel like a new man. I suppose I am, thanks to you.”

I opened the gate and launched myself into his arms. “I can’t believe it’s you. The Zorya… They helped you?”

“My wish was their command.”

“Oh, Goran. I can’t tell you how happy this makes me.” And I was in desperate need of that shot of happiness right about now.

“Sorry for the late hour. I came straight here, as soon as I found clothes. I thought turning up naked would be offensive, although I have to say, my abs look incredible. Want to see?” He released his hold on me and lifted up his shirt.

I wiped away a stray tear. “Very impressive.”

He noticed my face. “I came here to make you smile, but somehow I’ve managed to have the opposite effect.”

I blinked the droplets from my lashes. “These are tears of joy, I promise. Life is rough at the moment, so seeing this happen for you…” I shook my head as the tears threatened to overwhelm me again. “I’m thrilled.”

Ray materialized beside me. “This is the Slavic frog?”

“He wasn’t a frog. He was a water spirit.”

Goran tracked my attention. “These are your ghosts? They are here with us?”

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