Page 75 of Half Dead

“Not my blood.”

“Was the monster as dangerous as you expected?”

“Kumbhakara wasn’t dangerous at all. He was a giant, sleepy teddy bear.”

“And I suppose that’s why Lucifer chose that particular trial. He knew how you’d react to killing an innocent.”

“Torture is most definitely the demon’s specialty.” And there were many types of torture, as I was doomed to discover today.

I couldn’t imagine what was in store for tomorrow.

Kane inclined his head toward the truck. “Would you like me to stay with you tonight or would you prefer space?”

I gave him a wry smile. “I live with two ghosts and a revenant. When do I ever get space?” One of my foster mothers had often complained that she had no space to think with all the kids underfoot. At the time, I didn’t quite understand, but I did now. Still, I wouldn’t trade my undead crew for anything; they were my makeshift family.

“Is that an invitation?” Kane asked.

“You’re always welcome in my home, Kane.” I had no idea how much time we had left together, whether I’d be successful in the next two trials. I’d take every second I couldget with him, especially after what I’d just gone through with Kumbhakara.

“Good to know.” Kane climbed into the passenger seat. “I’ll clean your sword if you’d like to shower and rest.”

“Thank you.” I was grateful for the offer; it would’ve been difficult to wipe away the last remnants of Kumbhakara. Part of me wanted to keep the bloodstains as a reminder of his sacrifice, but I knew it was too macabre. I’d have to remember him the old-fashioned way.

Kane clasped my hand in his as we passed through the gate. The ghosts hovered in the foyer as we entered. Nana Pratt’s translucent face shimmered with anxiety.

“I’m safe,” I told them, “but I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Are you hungry?” Nana Pratt asked. “I kept a stew warm in the oven.”

“You’re a gift from the gods,” I said with a weary smile. “I’d like to shower first, then eat.”

“And then go straight to bed,” Ray said. “You look exhausted.”

“Only emotionally.”

Nana Pratt eyed my blood-spattered clothes. “Bring that outfit down and I’ll see if I can get the stains out. No promises.”

I dragged myself upstairs to shower. True to his word, Kane used that time to clean my sword. I emerged from the bathroom in shorts and a T-shirt. I left my hair damp.

Kane observed me from the corner of the bed. “You look much better. How do you feel?” he asked, closing the lid of the weapons trunk.

“A little better. Thank you for taking care of the sword.”

“I wish I could do more.”

I held out my hand. “Join me for stew?”

“It would be my pleasure.”

Dinner was a quiet affair. I was relieved that everybodyrespected my desire not to speak of the trial. My phone had been in silent mode, which I discovered when I noticed ten missed calls and one message from Gunther, telling me that the Supay problem had been taken care of. Even that good news wasn’t enough to boost my mood. I shot off a quick text message to let him know I was alive and that I’d talk to him tomorrow. As much as I loved Gun and appreciated his concern, I didn’t have the energy for him right now.

I thanked Nana Pratt for the meal and retreated upstairs. Kane shadowed me but said nothing.

“You don’t have to go to sleep now just because I am,” I said, snuggling under the covers. I sank against the plush mattress and relished the comfort of my own bed.

“Would you mind if I check on the club and then come back?”

“You have carte blanche to come and go as needed,” I reminded him. Kane was at the top of the short list of visitors that could bypass my ward.

---