The Becoming

I don't know how long I lay there, alone, exhausted, afraid, the stake still clutched in my hands.



Finally, I hold up a hand before my face. I expect to see blood and exposed bone and sinew. Instead my arm is whole, unmarked.



It was a mind trick, the flayed skin, the burning.



It's over.



Avery is gone. Disappeared. As if he never existed. My heart thuds a dirge in the center of my chest. It could have been me.



Should have been me.



I can't figure out why it wasn't.



The answer comes from a now familiar voice.



Avery was careless. He underestimated you. And your loyalty to your friend.



I look around slowly, too weary to be startled. Casper?



Are you all right?



I gather strength, pull myself into a sitting position. My hand goes to my neck. There's some blood but Avery never got a real hold.



Thankfully. Where are you? Why don't you show yourself?



All things in time, he says enigmatically. I just wanted to be sure you were all right. Robert is out back with the car. He'll take you home.



Home. I shake my head sadly . I don't have a home.



Sure you do. Avery's place is yours now.



I sniff. I don't think so.



But it's true. You vanquished an old soul in defense of your own life. All his possessions are yours.



What if I don't want them?



Up to you. But before you dismiss it out of hand, think of how much good you could do with that kind of wealth. You could help a lot of people.



I have to think about that.



No rush. You have all the time in the world.