Takaya frowned harder, something moving in his mind again, trying to offer advice, hints, clues. The stubborn teenager was having none of it.

"I'm going to try to help you," he said, voice slightly shaking, though not from fear. He was struggling to remain in control. For whatever reason, his hold on his own mind seemed weaker at night. Maybe it was because ....

"I don't think we're in anymore danger." The ... thing hadn't attacked. It was just circling them. He tried to work out how bad the blond guy was before he tried anything.