[Oh, that hand over his hair. It's so hard to keep his eyes open, and even now his lids flutter, but he keeps them at least half way there through sheer willpower, though it's beginning to sway. The Earl needs him awake, and he needs to be awake, but those fingers will do him in yet if he isn't careful and he knows it.]

What better way to hide myself than right in plain view? [It isn't really a question.]

Then you end up like I did. [He bows his head, quickly dropping the subject, knowing good and well what the man means.] You've every right to worry. Never think of that as a weakness. I once did. But take heart - there are ways to undo what has been done. Your boy had suffered too much before the demon took advantage of his distress to know what he was doing. He may be bound by contract, but contracts can be broken, even demonic ones. He may yet be freed.