"Spirits that strong can always do harm," Norman said, hating that he couldn't bring himself to lie. He wanted to get closer. Wanted desperately to help. But lying to Sidon meant putting him in danger, too, and there was no way he could protect himself against an enemy he couldn't see. "They have power to back up their rage and hate, and it doesn't matter who it is, if they get in the way..."

He tapered off, his voice catching.

"I've seen something like this before," he murmured. "The storm, wanting nothing but to cause pain. But Aggie was... she was a child who had been hurt and frightened. She could be reasoned with. This is something else."