Anxiety tied her chest into knots, her breath shifted to something faster than his. The storm continued to rage, unnatural, dangerous, and clearly deadly. Hila made no more noise, moving across the cave to lay next to Valdis, pressing her side against her master's hip. Warmth spread though Valdis' chilled core, her shivering slowing, though not vanishing entirely.

I can banish the creature if it manifests, she told the nameless man, But then I must return to the realm of spirits. So we must hope that if it tries, it will only try once.

The ka lowered her head, still watching the man, her intelligent eyes considering options. Valdis closed her eyes again, the lightning too bright to keep them open, shuddering with each thundering roar.

You should not stay. The ka continued, It knows what you carry and your weakness will only bring disaster.