Betony Rue stepped along the hallway. She knew the wood and it remained silent at her footfalls. The room Derek had taken was bright and cold. The light of the day did not disturb him from slumber. He, Al-adin, Mr Koskov had all been awake and done so much effort in the Hedge that they would likely sleep soundly till the next morning. The Jasons woman had other plans.
She approached the bed. Derek's breathing was deep and even and a small part of Betony Rue did not wish to disturb him.
It was not enough though.
The needle pierced his throat puncturing clean through from one side to the next, its tip red with life blood. His eyes flew open but he could do little more than gurggle in a sing song voice as the Hag removed the weapon.
"You should keep watch," she said, leaving him to drown in his own blood, shutting the door behind her with a click.

The sound started Betony Rue awake from a pleasant dream she had been having. It faded as soon as her eyes were open but she knew she had been enjoying it and to be disturbed angered her. There was nothing to take her wrath out on however. The door was closed as it had been when she went to sleep. What had made the sound then. On the floor beside her was a knitting needle. It must have been stuck in the blanket she had wrapped up in to sleep in the chair.
She pick it up, checked on the children and satified, decided Derek should keep watch. Still holding the long thin needle. Betony Rue stepped along the hallway. She knew the wood and it remained silent at her footfalls.
She opened the door and felt a chill bright draft eminate from where Derek was sleeping.
It made her pause for some reason. She looked at the tool she still held in her hand and saw it already had its tip protruding from Derek's neck while the Hag cackled.
The red blood warmed her hands as she left him to die. The door clicked shut behind her.

The sound started her awake.