Summary

Nick feels himself falling, annoyed that he’s going to hell instead of heaven despite all his efforts to be good. He lands gently and opens his eyes to discover he isn’t dead after all. Caleb explains that by killing Nick’s body, Ameretat forced the soul of the other Nick out, allowing Nick’s own soul to rejoin its body; healing Nick’s body was a simple task from there. Caleb urges Nick to complete the necessary ritual to return the usumgallu to their cages, but Nick is touched by the ferocity with which Xevikan and Livia defended him. They have proven themselves loyal, though Caleb argues with Nick, telling him Xevikan has betrayed him in the past. Xevikan claims he was the one betrayed and punished out of proportion. Nick makes Xevikan and Livia promise to protect him and all...