Chapter 284: Limits

The boys retreated first and I went with them. I knew I should be there, that Dad could pass at any time, but I chose to walk them out instead.

We paused in the kitchen, Galleytrot with us, all awkward in the quiet of the house.

"Syd," Liam reached for me even as Quaid scowled at him, "I'm sorry. I wish there was something I could do."

I hugged him, Quaid be damned. "Thank you," I whispered in his ear. "Your just being here is enough."

"Demon magic is beyond my abilities." Galleytrot sighed. "I hate having limits."

I laughed and hugged the big dog, his soft fur against my cheek. "Me too."

His dark eyes met mine. "Some of us don't have limits."

"Apparently I do, after all." I sighed and scratched his ears as I thought about my dad. "I'm going to need your help holding Mom together when this is over."

He nodded slowly. "Anything, Syd."

I straightened, eyes locking on Quaid. I could feel him clearly again, now he was a Hayle witch, the pressure of his power held back from me. The