“You should find her.” Roo said. “And— It’s hard to tell what warding to take because I can’t be sure what the demon is… a strong flashlight is never a bad idea. Also, you might have incense. You can use that to smoke them out, usually. All the supplies should be in a drawer in the living room.”

"Okay." He nodded, trying to process everything she was throwing at him. "How will we know it's you at the door?"

"Good question. I'll open the door myself; I have a key. Demons can't do that, they have to be invited in as per the wards in your foyer."

He pressed his fist to his lips to stem the curse that formed on them. "Okay. We'll wait for you."

"Stay safe." she warned, "And don't do anything heroic, okay?"

Jia called for Feo as the line clicked emptily. "Mister? When are the lights coming back?"

"Not sure yet," he replied, forcing his voice into an easy tone as he blew out a couple candles and grabbed the flashlight off the table. "Hey, let's move somewhere more comfortable, okay? Will you all follow me upstairs?"

“Up the stairs?” Sten asked, but followed. “Why?”

"We're going to the Princess's room," he tempted them. "She's got the softest pillows."

Jia’s eyes got wide as saucers and she ran up the stairs a little more quickly, Remi and Sten following close behind. Feo left them in a daze of luxury, with the boys rubbing their cheeks against Pari’s velvety blankets and gowns, and Jia combing through her jewelry with a starry expression.

He closed the door and dragged a chest of drawers to block part of the door, just in case. He really didn't need them wandering out... or something wandering in. He paused for just a second to exhale a breath and steady his nerves before venturing downstairs, flashlight in hand.