There's a loud thump and a sound like a fast-beating heart, louder, and then Raguel lands between Lizzie and the back door with blood running down his shirt, eyes blazing, and a twenty-foot wingspan.

"Stop that," he says, glaring at her as she raises the gun again. He's lost quite a bit in the years and changes from then to now, but there is something of command in his voice that remains.

"I made a promise to you, ELIZABETH RYDELL, and I intend to keep it."

The way he says her name is peculiar, precise and flat, like he's sounding it out from a list of names and doesn't speak the language very well.