Page 42 of Malice

As I read, my heart sinks. “Well, shit.”

“Yes, unfortunate. I never said this was an easy job. The risks are high, especially with a Horror as volatile as yours.”

“He threw knives at us.”

Farnsworth nods. “In the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours, I imagine he’ll fully manifest. That’s when your mortal is in the most danger.”

“So I have two days or less to drag Chester back.”

“The Horror. Don’t use their living name and make them human. They are not. Any humanity they once had is gone, and yours doesn’t sound like he had much to begin with.”

“Awesome.”

“You can do this, Aster. We wouldn’t have selected you if we didn’t think you could.” He steps forward. “Rely on your instincts and connection to the mortal to guide and protect you. Crash can be helpful too.”

I nod. “Okay.”

“You know what to do now?”

“Get him to tell me his underworld name. Cast a circle. Once he’s contained, recite the incantation, then jump in the circle and drag him back to the hell from which he came.”

“Correct. The Horror will do anything to avoid that. Anything. Be prepared.”

I nod.

“You have a lot of help. The house spirits, Crash, and the target’s sister.”

“We had to send her away. She was agitating the Horror.”

“She’ll be helpful when it’s all over.”

“Okay. Thanks, Farnsworth.”

“Tell me, Aster, did you read the chapter on love bonds?”

“Um, sounds vaguely familiar.”

“Hmm, well, you may want to revisit it.”

“If this is some commentary about me being attracted to Hudson, then don’t bother. I’ve got way bigger fish to fry than my ailing love life.”

He gives me a strange smile before bowing his head slightly. He raises his finger for me to wait, kneeling to listen as Abigail whispers in his ear. A genuine smile replaces his other one as he stands.

“Abigail would like to meet your dog sometime.”

“Can he come here?”

“No, but maybe we can allow Abigail to pop in.”

“You’re always welcome, Abigail.”

The little ghost girl giggles, peering out more fully from behind Farnsworth, revealing the burned side of her body and reminding me of her sad demise. At least she seems happy here.

“Ready to go back?” Farnsworth asks.

I nod, bracing myself. “I’m ready.”

A mist spreads around me, and when I blink, I’m falling to my knees in Hudson’s living room. Otto barks, launching himself off the couch and into my arms. I hold him, petting him and kissing his ears, noticing that Hudson is sound asleep. Crash sits in an armchair and two other spirits stand behind the couch.

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