There’s no shortage of horrifying paranormal creatures from beyond the rift waiting to prey on innocent mortals. Few understand the power of these monsters better than the Niños de la Luz, a group of ageless warriors who stand guard against ancient evil whenever it rears its ugly head.

Naomi, a longtime member of the Niños, has plenty of tips on how to stay safe if you ever find yourself facing down a void beast. Follow her advice and you just might stay alive.

As she says, “Just remember, for most of you, survival is not guaranteed.”

Abandon All Luxuries

Every Niño was once a mortal child who was abducted by the murderous ghost La Llorona. After Naomi escaped the fantasma’s clutches, she felt she no longer had a place among “normal people” and found a new home at the Niños’ campsite. Sure, there’s no indoor plumbing, and you have to scrounge for your own food, but like they say, adversity builds character.

Naomi: “Sleep wherever. I’d just stay away from that light green couch cushion if I were you. We don’t remember where those stains came from.”

Act Your Age

Those who adopt the Niños’ way of life become immune to the process of aging. Which means they look just like they did when they first went missing. As with anything else you may encounter on your quest, don’t judge by initial appearances.

Naomi: “I have the mind of a 22-year-old, the body of a 14-year-old, and the hair of a retirement home’s beauty queen. Don’t come complaining to me because those ahogados didn’t look that dangerous.”

Choose Your Weapon Wisely

Most mortal tools are not equipped with the properties necessary to ward off creatures from the void. The Niños’ weapons may not be flashy, but they get the job done. Be grateful if they offer you anything.

Naomi: “Or, you know, you could just arrive with a super powerful monster-burning flashlight or an Arma del Alma shaped like a house slipper. I swear, kids these days are so spoiled—their parents just hand them magical weapons. And the pipsqueaks don’t even know how to use them! Typical.”

Defer to Leadership

The Niños operate under a strict hierarchy. Their chosen leader is trusted to make the hard decisions regarding the actions of the entire group. Their guidance may mean the difference between life and death.

Naomi: “Unless your chosen leader just randomly returns after you all thought he was totally dead. And then he convinces your actual leader to abandon the camp and join him on a stupid, pointless quest up North that’s doomed to fail! Hypothetically, I mean . . .” 

Be Wary of Newcomers

Every once in a while, tourists will arrive at the campsite. Sometimes more than once. They may seem trustworthy, but be careful not to take them at their word. Especially if they try to get you to accompany them on a mission to find their missing father and unlock the truth of their enigmatic nightmares. Nothing but danger lurks ahead.

Naomi: “Eh, why not? It’s not like I have anything better to do.”

Want to hear more from Naomi? Be sure to pick up Paolo Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares, on sale 8/3!