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“Nanny,” Warlock whispers, “I’m scared.”
Seated on the chair beside her charge’s bed, Nanny Ashtoreth tilts her head in question. “What are you scared of?”
“The monsters.”
“Monsters?”
“Under the bed.”
“Oh?”
“At Webecca’s birthday party today she said they live under evewybody’s bed. But you never catch them.”
Nanny Ashtoreth thinks about that. “But you like monsters,” she says after a moment. “Remember?”
“Webecca says monsters are scawy.”
“Rebecca is right. Which is why you like them. Because they are your dark, wicked, loyal minions who will carry out your will and serve your every whim when once you have reduced the world to nothing but ash and suffering to be mercilessly ground under your heels. Isn’t that right, hellspawn?” She reaches out to stroke his forehead. “So you see, there’s nothing for you to be afraid of.”
“Oh. Okay.” Warlock relaxes, and yawns.
“Are you still scared?”
“No.”
“Good. The monsters are just here to keep you safe.”
“You should tell Webecca that. So she’s not scared either.”
Seeing her own small monster’s eyes starting to drift shut, Nanny doesn’t answer.
“Will you sing me a lullaby, Nanny?” Warlock asks softly.
Nanny smiles at him. “Of course, dear.”