The room was tinted by the moonlight seeping through the window. Everything had settled into the blue-black shapes defined by the shadows. It was still. Each of the four occupants were resting or asleep, content in the company and the quiet.

Then there were five occupants.

Anna opened her eyes and looked up at the skeleton standing over her.

“Good morning,” he said. “I apologize for neglecting my duties as your host, but you arrived while I was away, and I’ve only now returned. I wanted to introduce myself.”

Anna stood up. The boys woke. When they realized what was happening, they took their cue from Anna and stood beside her.

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“My name is Jack Noctis,” the skeleton said, “though most people call me Big Jacky.”

“Good morning, sir. I’m Anna. This is Jacob and Jan.”

Jacky nodded to each of them.

“But he’s dead,” Jan whispered to Anna.

She tried to shush him, but Jacky interrupted.

“I’m afraid that’s not accurate, Master Jan. Or do you prefer Jan?”

The boy was overcome with shyness and tried to hide behind Anna.

“Jan is fine, sir,” Anna said.

“I’m not dead, Jan, I only look it. Besides, I wonder that it would bother you if I was dead. You don’t seem to mind each other. Or Emerra.”

“Emerra’s dead?” Jacob asked.

Jacky looked at the sleeping figure in the bed. “She was dead, but I don’t think she is anymore. It’s very disconcerting.” He turned his attention to the children. “But, judging by the state of your souls, it seems she’s been a good friend to you.”

“She has, sir,” Anna said.

“Good. Now, please tell me about yourselves.”