The other woman's expression is easy to read, and Christine feels compassion for her. No doubt this is a great shock — even more so for a Rifter who knows little of the Fade and the spirits there.

"The spirit sensed it and created his image to show you. I know this will sound cold, but the spirit did it because it is its very nature. Doing this fulfills its purpose. I tried to make it go, but it didn't listen. It's very hard for spirits to understand." Her head turns a little, looking back at Faith out of the corner of her eye. "Unless they spend a great deal of time with a person."