The look in Eric's eyes gives Pam the fortitude to grip the iron spokes a little tighter.

She'll be strong for him. She knows he'll come through. He always has.

Just hurry.

And then he's gone. And she's never felt more vulnerable in her life.

The Magister replaces the silver tip on his cane. Turning back to Pam, he now can devote the entirety of his attention solely to her.

"Now, Miss De Beaufort," he says, his voice like a toxic oil slick, "I do believe that the next forty-eight hours will be very interesting indeed..."