This is what dying is like: my body continued to move without my control, the crazy voice falling silent in my head as the flash of powerful attacks struck me. And then my body kept moving.

It must be like when you cut an old chicken's head off, I reasoned. It takes awhile for the body to realize it's dead, and it freaks out in one last death dance. My death dance was surprisingly calm. My body finished its mission, knocking out Della, and then continued to walk over to Ryan and Phoenix. 

This wasn't like any headless chicken I'd ever seen. 

And then the voice spoke—using my body—the same voice that had woken me from my dream in the ice cavern, the same crazy voice that had offered me a deal I couldn't refuse. I mean, I guess I could have. I'd thought I was dying either way. But the voice had saved me, like it had promised. I sat back and watched—uncharacteristically for me. I tended to jump in both feet first, making decisions and maybe stopping to ask questions later. But that is what had gotten me into this strange situation, I supposed, so for once, maybe I ought to just shut up and listen before fucking things up.

The voice, Ryeth, it said its name was, explained to my pack that I was a conduit, whatever the fuck that was. Asher said it sounded a lot like possession, and I couldn't disagree. I lost track of the conversation as I wondered what an exorcism would feel like, even though Ryeth said he wasn't possessing me. Was it really possession if I’d agreed to it? Nah, there had to be a way to revoke it. Maybe it was like vampires. They had to be invited into a home, right? But there were always ways of kicking them out. So maybe this dude was a soul vampire... or a mind vampire... whatever.

I realized Ryeth had stopped talking, and was shocked to realize I could sense the direction of his focus—Caspar was approaching, and Ryeth wanted to talk to him. Before he got caught up in another conversation, I said, So... can I have my body back yet? Or was this the devil's deal? I agree to let you save me and you have use of my body from now to eternity.

Hardly, Ryeth said, his voice sounding so much clearer when not coming out of my mouth.  "Where is the seer?" Ryeth said aloud. "He has many questions for me."

So... you talk to Caspar, and then I get my body back?

Then you get your body back. 

I settled in for the ride. Not that I had much choice. I didn't know if I could oust Ryeth from control if I tried. I was curious... but this whole experience was so strange and fascinating, I wasn't quite ready to let go of it. Much like my dream this morning, I supposed. 

This is not for the others, Caspar said, and I felt my head nod without me commanding it. So fucking weird.

"Ah, I see," Ryeth said. "I would walk with your seer, if you will excuse me momentarily? My promise to you still holds, Alpha. I will return your brother shortly."

Ryeth walked with Caspar into the woods, just far enough to stay out of the other shifters' hearing.

"Does it bother you that Simon is present?" Ryeth asked. "I would not exclude him, even if I could, but if you intend to keep information from your pack..."

Caspar shook his giant shaggy head. 

What I have to ask is not... vital. It is... personal.

Ryeth inclined my head and waited.

And waited.

It was damn strange for my body to be so still. Finally, Caspar spoke, alleviating my discomfort with silence and stillness.

Now that you... the Ancients... the good ones... are returning... is my job complete?

I had never thought of Caspar having any particular job, but at the idea of him being done, of leaving us, I would have frozen in shock if I could.

"You know the answer to that better than anyone, young seer."

And I had certainly never thought of Caspar as young before. He had that whole salt and pepper thing going on, and it hadn't gotten any better in the years since we’d met. But if Ryeth was an Ancient... just how ancient was Ancient?

"Do you think your job is complete?"

Caspar hung his head and his shoulders hunched up. He looked... small, something I never would have said about the grizzly before. His shaggy hair shadowed the vicious scar that crossed his face, and for the first time, I wondered at the deeper story about what had caused it—not just how had it happened, but why.

Ryeth stepped forward and placed a hand on Caspar's large shoulder. I was surprised at how soft his fur was. I had expected it would be course, rough. I certainly hadn't considered getting close enough to find out, though. 

"The duty of a seer has never been easy. I cannot promise you that it gets any easier." After a moment, Ryeth lifted my hand and crossed my wrists gently over my waist.

Is that it? I asked. 

No, Ryeth answered. But it is all he has the energy to address for now.

Without a word, Caspar turned into the woods, his heavy form moving with surprising speed as he disappeared into the forest.