“Why?â€? the young woman asked sadly, pressing her trembling hand against Tobias’ cheek and wiping away the tear that had trickled down his face. “Why can’t he leave? Why must he stay?â€?

“You know as well as I do,â€? the young man said, shaking his head. “You know the rules. He has summoned the shadows. He must be held responsible.â€?

“But he didn’t know!â€? she cried out. “He didn’t know what would happen! He didn’t know that it was evil he was calling. It’s her fault. She tricked him.â€?

“I know,â€? the young man said sighing. “I know. But just as it is in her nature to deceive, it is in my nature to take the souls of those whose time has passed. And his time is now over. It is his folly that has caused this. There is nothing I can do.â€?

Tobias turned towards the young woman, who wiped a tear away from her eye and smiled shakily. “I have to go with him, don’t I?â€? he asked.

“Yes, you do,â€? she said, her voice trembling slightly. “I’m…I’m sorry, but…” she choked, struggling to get the words out. “You do.”