Chapter Three: The Museum of Harm

The hound attacked again, only to rebound from an invisible wall before touching Lin. It changed targets and charged the surrounding cases. “It means to destroy the exhibits,” Lin said. “Wrong. Rule Two doesn't bind it. It isn't a visitor.” Glass exploded. Dozens of bottles struck the floor and released red mist. Lin's left arm ignited. His kneecap shattered. A mother's cry upon learning of her child's death filled his head. Physical pain and grief entered together, dropping him to the floor. A-Man pressed her palm to his forehead. Every pain receded, becoming new fissures across her skin. “I'll keep them for ten minutes,” she said. “The cost is that for ten minutes you won't understand why anyone else hurts.”