Klein repeated "A true medium..." to himself and fell silent, following Dunn Smith from the carriage.
Welch's Tingen home was a detached house with a garden. The road outside the wrought-metal gates allowed room for four carriages, lined with gas street lamps about the height of an adult, casting checkered patterns that mixed coldness and warmth, shadow and light.
Walking through the sunset-lit path, they entered the property. Klein shivered, feeling as if hidden eyes were watching him from the garden, the lawn, even the roof. It was as though he was being observed by spirits everywhere.
"Something's wrong," Klein muttered to Dunn, who replied calmly, "Just ignore them."
In the dimly lit living room, a hooded woman named Daly awaited them by a cobalt-blue candle. Klein introduced himself politely, but Daly seemed more interested in his hidden memories. After preparing some aromatic oils, she guided him into a trance-like state. Klein was filled with a blend of fear and intrigue, but managed to keep his thoughts guarded.
Coming back to reality, Klein realized he'd survived her probing without exposing anything vital. Dunn then casually invited him to consider joining the Nighthawks, though he warned Klein of the dangers, including the risk of "losing control."
Shaken, Klein hesitated, realizing the weight of the choice before him: freedom or the uncertain power of a Beyonder.