"Only our Creator can decide that for sure, I'm afraid," Alastor said with a shrug.

The shadow tilted its head curiously to one side before reaching out to touch the fist with one shadowy claw. It was incredibly cold but there was something solid there. Then it swooped over Rocky's shoulder to return to its rightful place at Alastor's feet.

"Alastor!" He reached out to take the likely still-cold hand to give it a hearty shake. "Pleasure to be meeting you! Quite a pleasure! And I'll admit that I'm quite curious as to what you normally are. I assume your human shape is the result of this place?"