Mr. Hartman, or Heartless stood there on the beach. Serafina, Calysta, and Sebrena moved between the guys and the demon. Kaisa, Dia, and Dreama stood next to their companions, and were poised for attack.

"What do you want Heartless?" asked Sebrena.

"Why, what any demon wants. Your souls."

"Not gonna happen," said Calysta.

"I'm not dumb, Calysta. I know that your spell isn't ready. So, which one shall I take first . . . such a difficult choice. I need a nice strong soul. Someone's soul that hasn't been scarred too deeply made strong by exposure to great pain. A soul that will give me enough power to send the others into oblivion. But which one? You've all weathered your storms well, and all of you have strong wills and souls. Servant, help me decide."

Out from behind Heartless walked Grant Kerick, or something that used to be Grant. He now looked like an oversized confused imp.

Heartless must have transformed him sometime between 8th grade and now messaged Serafina.

What are we going to do? We don't have our spell yet, and there isn't a way to contain him messaged Calysta.

"You realize, foolish witches, that I can read your thoughts. Your messages are no longer hidden from my ears. These past years, I have fed on the souls of many of your kin. And their power flows through me now. But, it has been a long time since I have had a proper meal. But all proper meals take preparation. A long, slow, torturing, preparation. I have made my decision. I shall enjoy hearing your screams Serafina." And with that Heartless lunged at her.

Serafina dashed back, Kaisa jumping in front of her. But Heartless was stronger than when they had last encountered him. He shoved the horse aside and grabbed Serafina's arm. At that moment, a bright flash of light lit up the beach.

The three old women were there, hovering above the sand. Go from whence you came Heartless. Bother us no more said the grandmothers, brimming with fury.

"Then I shall go," laughed Heartless. He disappeared in a burst of flame, taking Grant and Serafina's soul with him. Serafina's body slumped to the ground, becoming just as transparent as the grandmothers.