Her grandfather picked up the paddle and slowly turned to face her. He appeared to grow to twice his size as his face darkened and all the meagre light of day that poured in through the window spun around and poured back out.

"Naughty child," he growled.

He took a step towards Kelty but then a remarkable shock fixed him in mid stride.

The Voice came bursting out of Kelty's mouth.

"Don't you dare lay a hand on her, Nico! Not one finger or I'll haunt you for the rest of your days. And put that thing down or by God, I'll..."

Kelty's grandfather recoiled as the blood drained from his normally red cheeks.