In Death 05 - Ceremony in Death

the shade over the glass of the door, and flicked a thumb latch.
    When she turned back, her eyes were intense, her mouth grim. "You bring dark shadows into my light. She clings -- such a stench." At Eve's narrowed look, she inclined her head. "Selina. One moment."
    She went to a wide shelf and began to light candles and cones of incense. "To purify and shield, to protect and defend. You have shadows of your own, Dallas." She smiled briefly at Peabody. "And not just your aide."
    "I'm here to talk about Alice."
    "Yes, I know. And you're impatient with what you see as my foolish window dressing. I don't mind. Every religion should be open to questions and change. Will you sit?"
    She gestured to a corner where two chairs flanked a round table etched with symbols. Again, she smiled at Peabody. "I can get another chair from the back for you."
    "No problem. I'll stand." She couldn't help it; her gaze traveled the room, lingering now and then wistfully on some pretty bauble.
    "Please feel free to browse."
    "We're not here to shop." Eve took a seat, shot Peabody a withering glance. "When did you last see or speak with Alice?"
    "On the night she died."
    "At what time?"
    "I believe it was about two a.m. She was already dead," Isis added, folding her large, beautiful hands.
    "You saw her after she was dead."
    "Her spirit came to me. You find this foolish; I understand. But I can only tell you what is, and was. I was asleep, and I awoke. She was there, beside the bed. I knew we'd lost her. She feels she's failed. Herself, her family, me. Her spirit is restless and full of grief."
    "Her body's dead, Isis. That's my concern."
    "Yes." Isis picked up a smooth, rose-colored stone from the table, worried it in her hand. "Even for me, with my beliefs, it's difficult to accept her death. So young, so bright." The huge, dark eyes swam. "I loved her very much, as you would a younger sister. But it wasn't meant for me to save her in this life. Her spirit will return, be reborn. I know we'll meet again."
    "Fine. Let's concentrate on this life. And this death."
    Isis blinked back the tears and managed a quick, genuine smile. "How tedious you must find all of this. You have such a logical mind. I want to help you, Dallas, for Alice. For myself, perhaps for yourself as well. I recognize you."
    "I gathered that."
    "No, from another time. Another place. Another plane." She spread her hands. "I last saw Alice alive on the day of her grandfather's memorial service. She blamed herself, was determined to make an atonement. She'd strayed for a time, been misled, but she had a strong and bright heart. Her family was dear to her. And she was afraid, desperately afraid of what Selina would do to her -- body and soul."
    "You know Selina Cross?"
    "Yes. We've met."
    "In this life?" Eve asked dryly, and made Isis smile again.
    "In this life, and others. She's no threat to me, but she is dangerous. She seduces the weak, the confused, and those who prefer her way."
    "Her claims to be a witch -- "
    "She is no witch." Isis drew her shoulders back, lifted her head. "We who embrace the craft do so in the light and live by an unbreakable code. And it harm none. She used what pitiful power she has to call on the dark, to exploit its violence, its ugliness. We know what evil is, Dallas. We've both seen it. Whatever form it takes doesn't change its basic nature."
    "We can agree on that. Why would she harm Alice?"
    "Because she could. Because she would enjoy it. There's no question that she's responsible for this death. You won't find it easy to prove it. You won't give up." Isis kept her eyes on Eve's, looking long, looking deep. "Selina will be surprised and infuriated by your tenacity, your strength. Death offends you, and the death of the young cuts small slices from your heart. You remember too well, but not all. You weren't born Eve Dallas, but you've become her, and she you. When you stand by the dead, stand for the dead, nothing moves you aside. His death was necessary for your life."
    "Stop," Eve ordered.
    "Why should it haunt you?" Isis's breathing was slow and thick, her eyes dark and clear. "The choice was made correctly. Innocence was lost, but strength took its place. For some, it must be so. You'll need all before this cycle passes. A wolf, a boar, and a silver blade. Fire, smoke, and death. Trust the wolf, slay the boar, and live."
    Abruptly, she blinked. Her eyes clouded as she lifted a hand to press fingers to her temple. "I'm sorry. I didn't intend