"Prayer," says Dean. "It shouldn't work, and it doesn't always, but sometimes it does. He says we have a more profound bond than most." Dean shrugs, looking away with an unaffected air he doesn't feel.

"He pulled my soul out of hell, put my body back together. I guess that was enough." Peeling back his sleeve this time, Dean shows Ishiah the handprint. "Had his mark ever since. And when all else fails? Cellphones."