Page 295 of Sinister

I narrow my eyes at him. “How?”

“You have a very limited time until that demon ascends and takes on a physical form. Since it consumed Father Benedict’s soul, I reckon it will be only a few hours before that happens.”

I blink. “Ascends? What do you mean? And how do you know Father Benedict is dead?”

“I can help you, Sister Agatha.”

“How do I know this is not the demon’s hand, and he is not using you to get free?”

“You do not. But I think you are smart enough to realize that, regardless of whether the demon is using me or not, you are in danger. The town is in danger.”

I purse my lips as I regard him carefully. He’s right about that. Whether he is just another instrument of the demon or not, it is clear that we might not survive the night if things continue like this.

But if he can help . . . I would rather take the risk.

Pulling the door open, I motion for him to enter.

He gives me a nod and a small smile.

“You may call me Valerion,” the stranger says. He takes off his long leather coat and hangs it on a chair near the entrance. “Show me to the demon.”

I nod. We walk down the hallway, and as we encounter the other sisters, I advise them to gather in the chapel, quite a distance away from the room, in case the situation worsens.

“Should I stay in case Claire’s parents cause trouble?” Sister Mary asks, lingering behind.

“That will not be necessary,” Valerion answers. “You may leave.”

She glances at me for confirmation, and I give her a silent nod, after which she departs.

Alone with Valerion, I show him to the room where the demon is.

He stops in front of the door.

“Could you please remove the crosses?”

Odd, but I don’t question it. I simply take off the crosses before unlocking the door for him.

He steps inside, and I follow suit, wanting to see with my own eyes how he plans on getting rid of the demon when even Father Benedict could not.

Poor Father Benedict, his corpse is in the middle of the room, his eyes bloodshot. I avert my gaze and say a small prayer for him.

Valerion notes the grisly murder but does not mention it. Instead, his attention is on the possessed young girl currently sitting in a corner and crying. She looks . . . normal.

“You may leave if you should wish to,” he suddenly mentions.

“What?”

“It appears the demon has not ascended yet, but that does not mean it is not dangerous. You may leave.”

“I . . .” I take a deep breath and straighten my spine. “I will stay.”

“Suit yourself. Keep to the back, please.”

“All right.” I take a step back and fit my back against the wall.

Valerion walks casually toward the girl—demon. He has none of the tools Father Benedict used for exorcisms, nor does he seem inclined to borrow the late father’s items. He’s empty-handed as he stops in front of the girl.

“Claire, is it not?” he says.