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“You are also dead.”

“Technicality.”

Marcellus closed his eyes, his jaw working like he was grinding his teeth.

I leaned against the wall, watching him struggle. “You tell my woman this house safe.”

His eyes opened, sharp and focused. “I will tell her what I sense. I will not lie.”

“Good. Tell her the truth. Tell her that this house isn’t dangerous, and whatever is here ain’t trying to hurt her, her sister, her grandmother, or my son.”

Marcellus watched me for a moment, his expression shifting from frustration to something softer.

Understanding, maybe… or at least acceptance.

“That much is true,” he finally said.

“Exactly.”

“But there is absolutely a spirit in this house.”

“Keep that part vague… real vague.”

“Caspian, you cannot bully a priest.”

“Apparently I can.”

He looked toward the stairs, like he was considering just walking out. Leaving. Telling Lakelyn he couldn’t help and getting the hell out of this house.

But he didn’t.

“You have always been impossible.”

“And you used to be high as hell every time I saw you. Look at both of us growing.”

His face tightened.

There it was: the old life, the one he clearly didn’t want following him into this one.

I didn’t push it further… not yet.

Marcellus resumed the blessing, moving through the upstairs rooms one by one while I stayed close enough to watch. I had to give it to him, the man was thorough. He prayed over every corner, opened every closet, paused at each window, and took his time with all of it. His words stayed steady and sincere, even if his hands still trembled just enough for me to notice.

At the upstairs landing, he set his Bible, holy water, and a small container of oil on the table while he adjusted the cross around his neck. His fingers fumbled with the chain, and I could see the nervous energy radiating off him.

I looked at the supplies, then at him.

His eyes narrowed. “Don’t.”

I moved one finger… just one.

With the slightest push of energy, the holy water tipped.

Slowly at first, then faster, the bottle tilted toward the edge of the table.

He lunged and caught it before it hit the floor, his hand wrapping around it, his breath coming fast.

Downstairs, Willow’s voice called up, “Everything okay?”