ACE BOOKS BY ILONA - DropPDF1.droppdf.com/files/eUP7Z/magic-shifts-ilona-andrews.pdf · ace books...

ACEBOOKSBYILONAANDREWS

TheKateDanielsNovels

MAGICBITESMAGICBURNSMAGICSTRIKESMAGICBLEEDSMAGICSLAYSMAGICRISES

MAGICBREAKSMAGICSHIFTS

TheWorldofKateDaniels

GUNMETALMAGIC

TheEdgeNovels

ONTHEEDGEBAYOUMOONFATE’SEDGESTEEL’SEDGE

Specials

MAGICMOURNSMAGICDREAMS

AnimprintofPenguinRandomHouseLLC

375HudsonStreet,NewYork,NewYork10014

ThisbookisanoriginalpublicationofPenguinRandomHouseLLC.

Penguinsupportscopyright.Copyrightfuelscreativity,encouragesdiversevoices,

promotesfreespeech,andcreatesavibrantculture.Thankyouforbuyinganauthorizededitionofthisbookandforcomplyingwithcopyrightlawsbynotreproducing,scanning,ordistributinganypartofitinanyformwithoutpermission.Youaresupporting

writersandallowingPenguintocontinueto

publishbooksforeveryreader.

ACEandthe“A”designaretrademarksofPenguinRandomHouseLLC.

Formoreinformation,visitpenguin.com.

eBookISBN:978-0-698-13677-9

LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationData

Andrews,Ilona.Magicshifts/IlonaAndrews.—Firstedition.

pages;cmISBN978-0-425-27067-7(hardcover)1.Daniels,Kate(Fictitiouscharacter)—

Fiction.2.Shapeshifting—Fiction.3.Magic—Fiction.4.Atlanta(Ga.)—Fiction.I.Title.

PS3601.N5526625M352015813'.6—dc232015016065

FIRSTEDITION:August2015

CoverillustrationbyJulianaKolesova.CoverdesignbyJasonGill.

Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentseitheraretheproductof

theauthors’imaginationsorareusedfictitiously,andanyresemblancetoactual

persons,livingordead,businessestablishments,events,orlocalesisentirely

coincidental.

Version_1

Acknowledgments

Tellingthisstorywouldn’thavebeenpossiblewithouttheeditorialinputandguidanceofAnneSowards.Thankyousomuchforyouradviceandfriendship.WewouldalsoliketothankNancyYost,ouragent,forherendlessoceansofpatienceandwillingnessto

dealwithaseeminglynever-endingstreamofphonecalls,e-mails,andcrises.

Asalways,wearegratefultoallofthepeoplewhohaveworkedonmakingthismanuscriptintoabook.Themanagingeditor,MichelleKasper,andtheassistantproductioneditor,JuliaQuinlan.JudithLagerman,theartdirector;JulianaKolesova,theartist

responsiblefortheimageonthecover;andJasonGill,thecoverdesigner.

Wewouldalsoliketothankourbetareaders,whoselflesslyendurethetorturesofproofreadingahalf-bakedmanuscript.Theyare,innoparticularorder:YingDallimore,LauraHobbs,MaríaIsabelAmorettidePagano,Nur-El-HudaaJaffar,KellyBrooke,BeatrixKaser,

OliviaToune,NicoleJoury,Christian,andespeciallyShannonDaigle.ThankyoutoVibhaPatel,LisaRigdon,JeNoelleFlom,LizSemkiu,OlgaZmijewska-Kaczor,andBambiParfanforhelpwithmedicalissues.Allerrorsareoursandoursalone.

Finally,thankyoutoallofyouforstickingwithusthusfar.Wehopeyouenjoythebook.

Contents

AceBooksbyIlonaAndrews

TitlePageCopyrightAcknowledgments

Chapter1Chapter2

Chapter3Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter12

Chapter13Chapter14Chapter15Chapter16Chapter17Chapter18Chapter19Chapter20Chapter21Chapter22

Epilogue

CHAPTER

RODETHROUGHthenight-drenchedstreetsofAtlantaonamammothdonkey.Thedonkey’snamewasCuddles.Shewastenfeettall,includingtheears,andherblack-and-whitehidesuggestedshemighthaveheldupaHolsteincowinsomedarkalleyandwasnow

wearingherclothes.Myownblood-spatteredoutfitsuggestedI’dhadaninterestingnight.Mostmountswould’vebeennervousaboutlettingawomancoveredwiththatmuchbloodontheirback,butCuddlesdidn’tseemtomind.Eitheritdidn’tbotherherorshewasapragmatistwhoknewwherehercarrotswerecomingfrom.

Thecitylayinfrontofme,deserted,quiet,andsteepedinmagic,unfurlingitsstreetstothestarlightlikeamoonlitflower.MagicrandeepthroughAtlantatonight,likeacurrentofsomephantomriver,slippingintotheshadowyplacesandwakinghungrythingswithneedle-longteethandglowingeyes.Anyonewithadropofcommonsensehid

behindreinforceddoorsandbarredwindowsafterdark.Unfortunatelyforme,commonsensewasneveramongmyvirtues.AsCuddlesquietlycloppedherwaydownthestreets,thesoundsofherhoofbeatsunnaturallyloud,thenightshadowswatchedusandIwatchedthemback.Let’splaywhocanbeabetterkiller.MyswordandIlove

thisgame.Noneofthemonsterstook

thebait.Itmighthavebeenbecauseofme,butmostlikelyitwasbecauseoneofthemwasmovingparalleltomyroute.Theysmelledhim,andtheyhidandhopedhewouldpassthemby.

Itwasalmostmidnight.I’dhadalongday.Mybackached,myclothessmelledoffetidblood,andahotshower

soundedheavenly.Ihadmadetwoapplepieslastnight,andIwasprettysurethatatleastonepiecewouldbeleftforme.IcouldhaveittonightwithmyteabeforeIwenttobed...

Anannoyingsparkofmagicignitedinmymind.Avampire.Ohgoody.

Thespark“buzzed”inmybrainlikeanangrymosquitoandmovedcloser.The

Immortuspathogen,thediseaseresponsibleforvampirism,killedthemindsofitsvictims,leavingbehindanemptyshelldrivenbyanall-consumingbloodlust.Lefttoitsowndevices,avampirewouldhuntandslaughter,andwhenitranoutofthingstokill,itwouldstarvetodeath.Thisparticularbloodsuckerwasn’tfreetorampage,becauseitsblankmindwas

heldinatelepathicgripbyanecromancer.Thenecromancer,ornavigatorastheywerecalled,satinaroomfaraway,directingthevampirewithhiswillasifitwerearemote-controlledcar.Thenavigatorheardwhatthevampireheard,sawwhatthevampiresaw,andifthevampireopeneditsmouth,thenavigator’swordswouldcomeoutofit.

MeetingabloodsuckerthisfarsouthmeantitbelongedtothePeople,anoddhybridofacorporationandaresearchfacility,whosepersonneldedicatedthemselvestothestudyoftheundeadandmakingmoneyontheside.ThePeopleavoidedmeliketheplague.Twomonthsagotheyhadfiguredoutthatthemanbehindtheirorganization,thenearly

immortalwizardwithgodlikepowersandlegendarymagic,happenedtobemyfather.Theyhadsomedifficultywiththatdevelopment.Sothevampirewasn’tforme.

Still...IknewmostofthePeople’spatrolroutesandthisundeadwasdefinitelyoffcourse.Wherethehellwasitgoing?

No.Notmycircus,notmyundeadmonkeys.

Ifeltthevampiremakeaninety-degreeturn,headingstraightforme.

Home,shower,applepie.MaybeifIsaiditlikeaprayer,itwouldwork.

Thedistancebetweenusshrank.Home,shower...

Anundeadleapedofftheroofofthenearesttwo-storyhouseandlandedontheroadnexttome,gaunt,eachshallowmusclevisibleunder

thethickhide,asifsomeonehadcraftedahumananatomymodeloutofsteelwireandpouredapaper-thinlayerofrubberoverit.

Damnit.Theundeadunhingedits

mouthandGhastek’sdryvoicecameout.“You’redifficulttofind,Kate.”

Well,well.ThenewheadofthePeople’sAtlantaofficehadcometoseeme

personally.I’dcurtsybutIwastootiredtogetoffmydonkeyandtheswordonmybackwouldgetintheway.“Iliveinthesuburbsandcomehomealmosteverynight.Mybusinessphonenumberisinthebook.”

Thevampiretilteditshead,mimickingGhastek’smovements.“You’restillridingthatmonstrosity?”

“Feelfreetostomphim,”

ItoldCuddles.“I’llbackyouup.”

Cuddlesignoredmeandthevampire,defiantlycloppingpastit.Thebloodsuckerturnedsmoothlyandfellintostepnexttome.“Whereisyour...significantother?”

“He’saround.”Hewasnevertoofar.“Why,areyouworriedhe’llfindoutaboutthisromanticrendezvous?”

Thevampirefrozeforasecond.“What?”

“You’remeetingmeinsecretonalonelystreetinthemiddleofthenight...”

Ghastek’svoicewassosharp,ifitwereaknife,Iwould’vebeenslicedtoribbons.“Ifindyourattemptsathumorgreatlydistressing.”

Hee-hee.“Iassureyou,thisis

strictlybusiness.”

“Sureitis,sweetcheeks.”Thevampire’seyeswent

wide.InanarmoredroomdeepinthebowelsofthePeople’sCasino,Ghastekwasprobablyhavingaheartattackfromtheoutrage.

“Whatareyoudoingoutinmyneckofthewoods?”

“Technically,theentirecityisyourneckofthewoods,”Ghasteksaid.

“True.”

TwomonthsagomyfatherhaddecidedtodramaticallyclaimAtlantaashisowndomain.Itriedtostophiminanequallydramaticfashion.Heknewwhathewasdoing,Ididn’t,andIendedupaccidentallyclaimingthecityinhisstead.Iwasstillfuzzyonhowexactlytheclaimingworked,butapparentlyitmeantthatIhadassumedguardianshipof

thecityandthesafetyofAtlantawasnowmyresponsibility.Intheory,themagicofthecitywassupposedtonourishmeandmakemyjobeasier,butIhadnoideahowexactlythatworked.SofarIdidn’tfeelanydifferent.

“Butstill,Iheardyouwerepromoted.Don’tyouhaveflunkiestodoyourbidding?”

Thevampiretwistedhisfaceintoahair-raisingleer.Ghastekmust’vegrimaced.

“Ithoughtyouwouldbehappy,”Isaid.“Youwantedtobetheheadhoncho.”

“Yes,butnowIhavetodealwithyou.Hespoketome,personally.”

Hesaid“he”withthekindofreverencethatcouldonlymeanRoland,myfather.

“Hebelievesthatyoumay

hesitatetokillmebecauseofoursharedexperiences,”Ghastekcontinued.“WhichmakesmeuniquelyqualifiedtoleadthePeopleinyourterritory.”

ShowinghowfreakedoutIwasabouthavingaterritorywouldseverelytarnishmyCityGuardiancred.

“I’msupposedtocooperatewithyou.So,inthespiritofcooperation,I’m

informingyouthatourpatrolshavesightedalargegroupofghoulsmovingtowardthecity.”

Ghoulswerebadnews.Theyfollowedthesamegeneralpatternofinfection,incubation,andtransformationasvampiresandshapeshifters,butsofarnobodyhadmanagedtofigureoutwhatactuallyturnedthemintoghouls.They

weresmart,supernaturallyfast,andvicious,andtheyfedonhumancarrion.Unlikevampires,whomtheysomewhatresembled,ghoulsretainedsomeoftheirformerpersonalityandabilitytoreason,andtheyquicklyfiguredoutthatthebestwaytogethumancarrionwastobutcherafewpeopleandleavethecorpsestorotuntiltheydecomposedenoughto

beconsumed.Theytraveledaroundinpacksofthreetofivemembersandattackedisolatedsmallsettlements.

“Howlargeisthegroup?”“Thirtyplus,”Ghastek

said.Thatwasn’tagroup.That

wasadamnhorde.Ihadneverheardofaghoulpackthatlarge.

“Whichwayaretheycoming?”

“TheoldLawrencevilleHighway.YouhaveabouthalfanhourbeforetheyenterNorthlake.Bestofluck.”

Thevampiretookoffintothenight.

Afewdecadesago,Northlakewouldhavebeenonlyafewminutesaway.Nowalabyrinthofruinslaybetweenmeandthatpartofthecity.Ourworldsufferedfrommagicwaves.They

beganwithoutwarningafewdecadesagoinamagic-inducedapocalypsecalledtheShift.Whenmagicfloodedourworld,ittooknoprisoners.Itsmotheredelectricity,droppedplanesoutofthesky,andtoppledtallbuildings.Iterodedasphaltofftheroadsandbirthedmonsters.Then,withoutwarning,themagicwouldvanishagainandallof

ourgadgetsandgunsonceagainworked.

Thecityhadshrunkpost-Shift,afterthefirstmagicwavecausedcatastrophicdestruction.Peoplesoughtsafetyinnumbers,andmostofthesuburbsalongtheoldLawrencevilleHighwaystoodabandoned.ThereweresomeisolatedcommunitiesinTucker,butpeoplesettlingthereknewwhattoexpect

fromthemagic-fueledwildernessanditwouldbedifficultforapackofghoulstotakethemdown.Whybother,whenlessthanfivemilesdowntheroadNorthlakemarkedtheouteredgeofthecity?Itwasadenselypopulatedarea,filledwithsuburbanhousesandborderedbyafewwatchtowersalongaten-footfencetoppedwithrazorwire.

Theguardscouldhandleafewghouls,butwiththirtycominginfast,theywouldbeoverrun.Theghoulswouldscalethefenceinseconds,slaughterthetowerguards,andturntheplaceintoabloodbath.

Therewouldbenoassistancefromtheauthorities.BythetimeIfoundaworkingphoneandconvincedtheParanormal

ActivityDivisionthatapackofghoulssixtimesthetypicalsizewasmovingtowardAtlanta,Northlakewouldbeanall-you-can-devourghoulbuffet.

Abovemeahugedarkshapedashedalongtherooftopsandleaped,clearingthegapbetweentwobuildings.Thestarlightcaughtitforaheart-stoppingsecond,illuminatingthe

powerfullymuscledtorso,fourmassivelegs,andthedarkgraymane.Thehaironthebackofmyneckstoodup.Itwasasifthenightitselfhadopeneditsjawsandspatoutaprehistoriccreature,somethingbornofhumanfearandhungryanimalgrowlsechoinginthedark.Ionlysawhimforamoment,buttheimageimprinteditselfinmymindasifchiseledin

stone.MybodyinstantlyrecognizedthathewaspredatorandIwasprey.I’dknownhimforthreeyearsnow,andtheinstinctualresponsestillhiteverysingletime.

Thebeastlanded,turnednorth,andvanishedintothenight,headingtowardNorthlake.

InsteadofrunningawayasfastasIcouldlikeany

sanepersonwoulddo,InudgedCuddles,hurryingheruntilshebrokeintoagallop.Onedoesn’tletherfiancéfightahordeofghoulsbyhimself.Somethingswerejustnotdone.

•••

THEEMPTYEXPANSEoftheLawrencevilleHighwayspreadbeforeme.Theroad

cutthroughashallowhillhere,andstonewallsheldbacktheslopeonbothsides.Iparkedmyselfatthemouthofthehill,justbeforeitmeltedintoavast,completelyflatfield.Asgoodaplaceasanytomakeastand.

Istretchedmyneckslowly,oneside,thentheother.I’dleftCuddlestetheredtoatreehalfamileback.Ghoulsnormallywould

havenointerestinher,butshesmelledlikemeandoneofthemmighttrytoripherneckopenjustoutofspite.

Themoonrolledoutoftheclouds,illuminatingthefields.Thenightskywasimpossiblyhigh,thestarslikediamondsinitsicydepth.Acoldbreezecame,tuggingatmyclothesandmybraid.ItwasthebeginningofMarch,andtheonsetofspringwas

suddenandwarm,butatnightwinterstillbareditsfangs.

ThelasttimeIwasthisfarfromthecity,IhadbeentheConsortofthePack,thelargestshapeshifterorganizationintheSouth.Thatwasbehindmenow.Thirtyghoulswouldberoughwithoutbackup.Luckyforme,Ihadthebestbackupinthecity.

WhenIhadclaimedAtlanta,theclaiminghadcreatedaboundary.Ifeltitfiftyfeetinfrontofme,aninvisiblelineofdemarcation.Ishould’vegonetoinspecttheboundarysooner,butI’dbeenbusytryingtoseparatemyselffromthePackandsettingupthenewhouseandworkingmyassoff,becauseeventuallyoursavingswouldrunout...Butpretending

thattheclaiminghadn’thappenedhaddonemenofavors.

Somethingmovedinthedistance.Ifocusedonit.Themovementcontinued,thehorizonripplingslightly.Afewbreathsandtheripplesbrokeintoindividualshapesrunninginanoddlopinggait,leaningontheirarmslikegorillasbutneverfullyshiftingintoaquadrupedal

run.Wow,that’salotof

ghouls.Showtime.Ireachedfor

theswordonmybackandpulledSarratoutofitssheath.Theopaque,almostwhitebladecaughttheweakmoonlight.Single-edgedandrazorsharp,thebladewasacrossbetweenastraightswordandatraditionalsaber,withaslightcurvethatmade

itexcellentforbothslashingandthrusting.Sarratwasfast,light,andflexible,anditwasabouttogetahellofaworkout.

Thedistortedshapeskeptcoming.Knowingtherewerethirtyghoulswasonething.Seeingthemgalloptowardyouwascompletelydifferent.Asparkofinstinctualfearshotthroughme,turningtheworldsharper,andmelted

intocalmawareness.Thintendrilsofvapor

rosefromSarrat’ssurfaceinresponse.Iturnedthesaber,warmingupmywrist.

Theghoulhordedrewcloser.HowthehelldidIgetmyselfintothesethings?

Iwalkedtowardthem,swordinmyhand,pointdown.Ihadfewsocialskills,butintimidationIdidwell.

Theghoulssawme.The

frontranksslowed,butthebackrowswerestillrunningatfullspeed.Themassofghoulscompactedlikeawavebreakingagainstarockandfinallyscreechedtoahaltjustbeforetheboundary.Westopped,themononesideoftheinvisiblemagicdivide,meontheother.

Theywereleanandmuscular,withdisproportionatelypowerful

armsandlong,spadelikehands,eachfingertippedbyashortcurvedclaw.Bonyprotrusions,likeshortknobbyhorns,thrustthroughtheirskinatrandomspotsontheirbacksandshoulders.Thehornswereadefensivemechanism.Ifsomeonetriedtopullaghouloutofitsburrow,thehornswouldwedgeagainstdirt.Awerewolfarmedwith

superhumanstrengthwouldhaveadifficulttimepluckingaghouloutoftheground.I’dseenthehornsgrowaslongasfourinches,butmostoftheonesdecoratingthiscrowdbarelyreachedhalfaninch.Theirskinwasdarkgrayonthechest,neck,andface,thekindofgraythatwasmostoftenfoundonmilitaryurbancamouflage.Smallsplotchesofmuddybrowndottedtheir

backsandtheirshoulders.Ifnotforthewateryyellowglowoftheiririses,theywould’veblendedintotheroadcompletely.

Noneofthemwerelame,starved,orweak.Theoddsweren’tinmyfavor.Ihadtothinkofastrategyandfast.

Theghoulspeeredatmewithoddlyslantedeyes,theinnercornersdippingmuchlowerthantheouterones.

Iwaited.Themomentyoustartspeaking,youbecomelessscary,andIhadnointentionofbeinglessscary.Theghoulsweresentient,whichmeanttheycouldfeelfear,andIneededeverybitofadvantageIcouldscroungeup.

Alargeghoulshouldereditswaytothefrontofthepack.Well-fed,withadefinedpowerfulbody,he

crouchedinfrontofme.Ifhestoodupright,hewouldbeclosetosevenfeettall.Atleasttwohundredpounds,allofithardmuscleandsharpclaws.Thebrownpatternonhisbackwasalmostnonexistent.Instead,longalternatingstripesofpaleranddarkergraysliddownhisflanks.

Theghoulrockedforward.Hisfacetouchedthe

boundaryandhepulledbackandstaredatme.Hewasn’tsurewhathewassensing,butheknewthattheboundaryandIweresomehowconnected.

Someghoulswerescavengers.Theywereharmlessandsometimesevengainfullyemployed.Welivedinanunsafeworld.Toooftenbodiescouldn’tberecoveredbecausetheywereunder

debrisorthescenewastoogrislyforthenextofkintoidentifytheremains.Puttingthebodiesintoamassgravewasarecipefordisaster.Humanbodiesemanatedmagicevenafterdeath,andtherewasnotellingwhatthenextmagicwavewoulddotothatmassgrave.Mostoftentheremainswerecremated,butoccasionallytheauthoritieswouldbringin

ghoulstocleanthesite.Itwascheaperandfaster.

I’dbetmyarmtheseghoulsweren’tlicensedscavengeworkers,butIhadtobeabsolutelysure.

Theghoulstaredatme.Igavehimmybestpsychoticsmile.

Theghoulblinkedhisyellowisheyes,tensedlikeadogabouttocharge,andopenedhismouth,stretching

hislipsinaslowdeliberategrin.That’sright,showmeyourbigteeth,prettyboy.

Arowofthicksharpteethdecoratedthefrontofhisjaw.Towardtheback,theteeththinnedout,becomingmorebladelike,withserratededges.Gotyou.

Theghoulunhingedhisjaw.Aroughraspyvoicecameout.“Whoareyou?”

“Turnaroundnowand

you’lllive.”Heclampedhismouth

shut.Apparentlythiswasn’ttheanswerhe’dexpected.KateDaniels,masterofsurprises.Don’tworry,I’mjustgettingstarted.

“We’realicensedcleanupcrew,”theleaderghoulsaid.

“No.”Halfamilebehindthe

ghouls,adarkshapemovedthroughthefield,sosilent,

forasecondIthoughtIwasseeingthings.Mymindrefusedtoacceptthatacreaturethatlargecouldbesoquiet.Hi,honey.

Theghoulsdidn’tnoticehim.Theywereconditionedtopayattentiontohumanflesh,andIwasstandingrightinfrontofthem,providinganice,convenienttarget.

Theleaderghoulturned,displayingatattooonhisleft

shoulder.

Columbia,SC014

Locationoflicenseandlicensenumber.HethoughtIwasbornyesterday.

“We’reapeacefulgroup,”theghoulcontinued.

“Sureyouare.You’rejustrunningintothecitytoborrowacupofsugarand

invitepeopletoyourchurch.”“You’reinterferingwith

officialmunicipalbusiness.Thisisdiscrimination.”

Thedarkshadowemergedontotheroadandstartedtowardus.I’dneedtobuyhimsometimetogetwithinstrikingrange.

Ilookedattheghoul.“Doyouknowwhatissospecialaboutghouls?Youhaveanunrivaledadaptability.Your

bodieschangetomatchtheirenvironmentfasterthanninety-ninepercentofanythingwe’veseeninnature.”

Myfavoritemonstercreptcloseronhugepaws.

Iraisedmysaberandrestedtheopaquebladeonmyshoulder.FainttendrilsofvaporescapedfromSarrat’ssurface.Theswordsensedtroubleandwaseagerforit.

“LetmetellyouwhatIsee.Yourcolorhaschangedfrombrowntogray,becauseyounolongerhavetoblendinwiththedirt.Yourstripestellmeyouspendalotoftimemovingthroughtheforest.Yourhornsareshort,becauseyounolongerhideinyourburrows.”

Theghoulsshiftedcloser.Theireyesglowedbrighter.Theydidn’tlikewherethis

wasgoing.“Yourclawsaren’tlong

andstraighttohelpyoudig.Theyarecurvedandsharptorendflesh.”

Theghoulsbaredtheirteethatme.Theywereahairawayfromviolence.Ihadtokeeptalking.

“Yourprettyteethhavechanged,too.They’renolongernarrowandserrated.Theyarethick,strong,and

sharp.Thekindofteethyougetwhenyouneedtoholdstrugglingpreyinyourmouth.Andyourfancytattooistwoyearsoutofdate.Allghouls’licensesinColumbianowhavetheyeartattooedunderthelicensenumber.”

Theghoulshadgonecompletelysilent,theireyeslikedozensoftinyshinymoonsallfocusedonme.Justafewmoreseconds...

“Killher,”anotherghoulchimedin.“Wehavetohurry.”

“Killher.He’swaiting,”athirdvoicechimedin.

“Killher.Killher.”Theyseemedawfully

desperate.Somethingweirdwasgoingon.

“Whoiswaiting?”Iasked.

“Shutup!”theleadingghoulsnarled.

Ileanedforwardandgavetheleaderghoulmyhardstare.“Youlookplump.You’vebeenraidingthecountrysideandgrowingfatfromgorgingyourselfonthepeopleyou’vemurdered.Igaveyouachancetoleave.Nowit’stoolate.Payattentiontothismoment.Lookatthestars.Breatheinthecoldair.Thisisyourlastnight.Thesearethelast

breathsyouwilltake.Iwillkilleveryoneofyou.”

Theleaderghoulsnarled,droppingallpretense.“Youandwhatarmy?”

Ibeganpullingmagictome.Thiswouldhurt.Thisalwayshurt.“That’sthegreatthingaboutwerelions.Youdon’tneedanarmy.Youjustneedone.”

Theghoultwistedhisface.“You’renotawerelion,

meat.”“I’mnot.”Inodded

behindthem.“Heis.”Theleaderghoulspun

around.Twogoldeyesstaredat

himfromthedarkness.Theenormouslionlikebeastopenedhismouthandroared.UntilImethim,Ihadneverheardanactuallionroar.Itsoundedlikethunder.Deafening,ravenousheart-

droppingthunderthatseveredsomevitallinkbetweenlogicandcontrolofyourbodydeepinsideyourbrain.Itwasablastofsoundsopowerful,Ihadseenhundredsofshapeshifterscringewhentheyheardit.Awolfhowlheardinthemiddleofthenightraisedthehaironthebackofyourneck,butalion’sroarpunchedthroughallofyourtrainingandreason

straighttothesecretplacehiddendeepinsidethatscreamedatyoutofreeze.

Theghoulsstopped,motionless.

Iopenedmymouthandspatapowerword.“Osanda.”Kneel.

Powerwordscamefromalong-forgottenage,soancientthattheycommandedrawmagic.Fewpeopleknewaboutthemandevenfewer

couldusethem,becausetolearnapowerword,youhadtoownit.Youmadeityoursoritkilledyou.Iknewahandfulofpowerwords,farmorethananyoneelseI’dmet,butusingevenonecamewithaheavypricetag.Formyfather,thepowerwordswerealanguage,onehespokefluidlyandwithoutrepercussions.Theydidn’thurthim,butIalwayspaida

price.Themagicrippedoutof

me.Ibracedforthefamiliartwistofagony.Thebacklashbitatme,tearingthroughmyinsides,butthistimesomethingmust’veblunteditsteeth,becauseitdidn’thurtnearlyasmuchasIremembered.

Themagicsmashedintothepetrifiedghouls.Theirkneesandelbowscrunchedin

unisonandtheycrashedtotheasphalt.Itwouldbuymeatleasttenseconds.Ifthemagicwavehadbeenstronger,Iwould’vebrokentheirbones.

Iswungmysword.Sarratmetaghoul’sbonyneckandslicedthroughcartilageandthickhidelikebutter.Beforeitsdeadbodyfelltotheground,Ithrustmybladeintothechestofthesecondghoul

andfeltSarrat’stippiercethetightballofitsheart.

Thelion’sbodyroiled,snappingupright.Bonesthrustupward;powerfulmusclespiraledupthenewskeleton.Ablinkandanewmonsterlungedforward,anightmarishmixofmanandlion,sevenandahalffeettall,withsteel-hardmusclesheathedingrayfurandcurved,terribleclaws.A

ghoulleapedathim.Hegrabbedthecreaturebyitsthroatandshookit,asifheweresnappingawettowel.Asickeningsnapechoedthroughthenightandtheghoulwentlimp.

Icarvedthethirdghoulintotwoseparatepiecesandslicedthefourthone’sthroat.

Theghoulswokeup.Theyswarmedus.Theleoninebeastswunghisclaws

anddisemboweledaghoulwithapreciseswipe.Intestinesrainedontotheroad.Thebitterstenchofghoulbloodmixedwiththeunmistakablesourreekofagutwoundsingedmynostrils.

Clawsrippedthroughmyclothes,drawingagonizingscalding-hotlinesacrossmyback.Youwanttoplay?Fine.Ineededaworkoutanyway.

Mysaberbecamearazor-

sharpwall.Itcut,sliced,andpierced,rippingfleshandhissingastheghoulbloodthatbatheditboiledfromitsmagic.Imovedfast,sidesteppingclawsandblockingteeth.Anotherfierygashstungmyback.AghoulclampedontomybootandIrippedmylegfreeandstompedhisskullintothepavement.Awelcomeheatspreadthroughme,turning

mymusclesflexibleandpliant.Theworldturnedcrystalclear.Timestretched,helpingme.Theghoulslunged,butIwasfaster.Theyrakedatmewiththeirclaws,butmybladefoundthemfirst.Isavoreditall,everysecondofthefight,everydropofbloodflyingpastme,everymomentofresistancewhenSarratcaughtmytargetonitsedge.

ThiswaswhatIwasraisedandtrainedfor.Forbetterorworse,Iwasakiller.Thiswasmycalling,andImadenoexcusesforit.

Aghoulloomedbeforeme.Isliceditdowninaclassicoverhandstroke.Itfell.Nobodytookitsplace.Ipivotedonmytoes,lookingforafight.Totheleftthewereliontossedabrokenbodytothegroundandturned

tome.Asingleghoulhuggedtheground,caughtbetweenus.

“Alive,”thewerelionsnarled.

Wayaheadofyou.Let’sfindoutwhothemysterious“he”is.Istartedtowardtheghoul,swordinhand.

Itshivered,lookedright,thenleft,lookedatthewerelion,thenatme.That’sright.You’retrappedandnot

goinganywhere.Ifitran,wewouldchaseitdown.

Theghoulreared,jerkeditsclawedhandstoitsthroat,andsliceditopen.Bloodgushed.Theghoulgurgledandcollapsedontheground.Thelightwentoutofitseyes.

Well,thatwasahellofathing.

Thelionmonsteropenedhismouthandahumanvoicecameout,hisdictionperfect.

“Hey,baby.”“Hey,honey.”Ipulleda

pieceofclothoutofmypocketandcarefullywipeddownSarrat’sblade.

Curransteppedovertomeandputhisarmaroundmyshoulders,pullingmeclose.Ileanedagainsthim,feelingthehardmuscleofhistorsoagainstmyside.Wesurveyedtheroadstrewnwithbrokenbodies.

Theadrenalinefadedslowly.Thecolorsturnedlessvivid.Onebyonethecutsandgashesmadethemselvesknown:mybackburned,mylefthiphurttoo,andmyleftshoulderached.I’dprobablywakeupwithaspectacularbruisetomorrow.

We’dsurvivedanotherone.We’dgettogohomeandkeeponliving.

“Whatthehellwasallthis

about?”Curranaskedme.“Ihavenoidea.They

don’ttypicallygatherintolargepacks.Thebiggestmarauderpackeversightedhadsevenghouls,andthatwasconsideredafluke.Theyaresolitaryandterritorial.Theyonlybandtogetherforprotection,butclearlysomeonewaswaitingforthem.DoyouthinkGhastekisconnectedtothis?”

Currangrimaced.“It’snotlikehim.Ghastekonlymoveswhenhehassomethingtogain.Havinguskillghoulsdoesn’thelphiminanyway.Heknowswhatwecando.Hehadtorealizewe’dgothroughthem.”

Curranwasright.Ghastekhadtoknowwe’ddispatchtheghouls.Hewouldn’thaveusedustodohisdirtyworkeither.Forallofhisfaults,

Ghastekwasapremiernavigator,aMasteroftheDead,andhelovedhisjob.Ifhewantedtheghoulsdead,hewould’veslicedthisgrouptopieceswithacoupleofvampires,orhewould’veusedthisopportunityasatrainingexerciseforhisjourneymen.

“Thisisn’tmakinganysensetome,”Isaid,pullingtracesofmybloodtoward

me.Itslidandrolledintinydrops,formingasmallpuddleonthepavement.Ipushedittotheside,solidifiedit,andstompedonit.Itshatteredundermyfootintoinertpowder.Bloodretaineditsmagicevenwhenseparatedfromthebody.ForaslongasIcouldremember,Ihadtoguardmybloodbecauseifitwereexamined,itwouldpointtomyfatherlikean

arrow.TherewasatimewhereIhadtosetanytraceofmybloodonfire,butnowitobeyedme.Icouldn’tdecideifitmademeabetterfighterorjustaworseabomination.“Theyseemeddesperate.Driven,almost,asiftheyhadsomesortofgoaltogetto.”

“We’llfigureitout,”Currantoldme.“It’salmostmidnight.Isaywegohome,getcleanedup,andclimbinto

bed.”“Soundslikeaplan.”“Hey,isthereanyofthat

applepieleft?”Curranasked.“Ithinkso.”“Ohgood.Let’sgohome,

baby.”Ourhome.Itstillhitme

likeapunch,evenaftermonthsofusbeingtogether—hewasrightthere,waitingforme.Ifsomethingattackedme,he’dkillit.IfIneeded

help,hewouldhelpme.HelovedmeandIlovedhimback.Iwasnolongeralone.

Wewerewalkingtomydonkeywhenhesaid,“Sweetcheeks?”

“Icouldn’thelpit.Ghastek’sgotastickuphisassthesizeofarailroadtie.Didyouseethelookonthevampire’sface?Helookedconstipated.”

Curranlaughed.We

foundCuddlesandwenthome.

CHAPTER

URHOUSESATonashortstreetinoneofthe

newersubdivisions.Inapreviouslife,thesubdivisionwaspartofVictoriaEstates,anupper-middle-classneighborhood,aquietplacewithnarrowstreetsandoldtoweringtrees.Itwasasclosetolivingintheforestasone

couldgetandstillstayinthesuburbs.Thenthemagiccame,andthetreesofHahnForesttothesouthandW.D.ThomsonParkrevolted.Thesamestrangepowerofmagicthatgnawedskyscraperstomerenubsnourishedthetrees,andtheygrewatunnaturalspeed,invadingneighborhoodsandswallowingthemwhole.VictoriaEstatesfellpreyto

theencroachingwoodswithoutawhimperofresistance.Mostpeoplemoved.

Aboutfouryearsagoanenterprisingdeveloperdecidedtoreclaimthespaceandcutanewkidney-beanshapeoutoftheforest,buildingpost-Shifthouseswiththickwalls,barredwindows,sturdydoors,andgenerousyards.Ourstreetlay

ontheinsideofthebean,closesttothewoods,whiletwootherroadsspunoutofittothenorthandwestinwideningarches.Ourswasashortstreet,onlysevenhousesontheothersideandfiveonours,withourhomeinthemiddle.

Asweturnedontoourroad,Istretchedmynecktoseethehouse.Itwasabigthree-storybeast,sittingon

roughlyfiveacres,allfencedin,withastableandapastureintheback.Ilovedeverybrickandboardofthathouse.ItbelongedtomeandCurran.Itwasourfamilyhome.I’dlivedinanapartmentbefore.I’dlivedinsomehellholes.I’devenlivedinafortress,butthiswasthefirsthouseinalongtimewhereIfeltcompletelyathome.EverytimeIleftit,Ihadaterrible

suspicionthatwhenIcameback,itwoulddisappear,collapse,orbeburnedtotheground.WhenIsomehowmanagedtoobtainsomethingnice,theUniverseusuallytauntedmewithitjustlongenoughformetocareandthensmashedittopieces.

Icouldn’tseeourhomeyet—thebendofthestreetwasintheway.IresistedmakingCuddlesclopfaster.

Shehadhadatiringnight.Curranreachedoverand

coveredmyhandwithhisclawedfurryone.“Onemonthleft.”

Twomonthsago,onJanuary1,CurranandIofficiallysteppeddownastheBeastLordandConsortofthePack.Onedaywewereinchargeofathousandandahalfshapeshiftersandthenextweweren’t.Technically

wehadsteppeddownafewdaysprior,buttheofficialdatewasJanuary1,forconvenience’sake.WehadninetydaystoformallyseparateourfinancesandbusinessinterestsfromthePack.IfanyonedecidedtheywantedtoleavethePackaspartofourstaff,theyhadtodoitbeforethattimeranout.

TodaywasMarch1.Thirtydaysandwewouldbe

completelyfree.Formally,weremained

partofthePack,butweweren’tsubjecttotheirchainofcommand.WecouldnolongerparticipateingoverningthePackinanycapacity.Fortheseninetydays,wecouldn’tevenvisittheKeep,thehugefortressCurranhadbuiltduringhisreignastheBeastLordthatservedasthePack’sHQ,

becauseourpresencewouldunderminetheauthorityofthenewalphacoupleastheytriedtogetestablished.Aftertheseparationperiodwasover,wewouldn’tbeturnedawayfromtheKeep,butitwasunderstoodwe’dlimitourtime.JustthewayIlikedit.

Guiltbitatme.ThePackwasCurran’slife.He’druleditsincehehadhammeredit

togetherfromisolatedshapeshifterpackswhenhewasonlyfifteen.Hewasthirty-threenow.He’dwalkedawayfromseventeenyearsofhislife,becausehelovedme.

LastDecember,aftermyfatherandIhadourlittlespatoverAtlanta,hegavemeachoice.EitherIsteppeddownfrommypositionofpowerinthePackorhewouldattack

thecity.Tensofthousandsoflivesononeside,beingtheConsortontheother.Ichosetowalkaway.Weweren’treadytofightRoland.Peoplewoulddiebecauseofme,andintheendwewouldlose.Icouldn’ttaketheguilt,soIleftthePacktobuyustime.Curranchosetobewithme.ThePackwasn’thappywithhisdecision,buthedidn’tcare.

“Doyoumissit?”Iasked.“What,theKeep?”Funnyhowheknewright

awaywhatIwasasking.“Yes.BeingtheBeastLord.”

“Notreally,”Curransaid.“Ilikethis.Gettingthejobdoneandthengoinghome.Thereisafinalitytoit.IcanlookbackandsayI’veaccomplishedthismuchtoday.Ilikeknowingnobodywillknockonourdoorand

dragmeofftodosomestupidshit.Nomorecommittees,nomorepettyrivalries,andnomoreweddings.”

Thebigmapleinfrontofourhouseswungintoview.Itwasintact.Maybethehousehadsurvivedaswell.

“Idon’tmissthePack.Idomissmakingitwork,”Curransaid.

“Whatdoyoumean?”“It’slikeacomplicated

machine.Alloftheclansandalphasandtheirproblems.Imissadjustingitandseeingitworkbetter.ButIdon’tmissthepressure.”Hegrinned,threateningthemoonwithhisscaryteeth.“YouknowwhatIlikeaboutnotbeingtheBeastLord?”

“Youmeanbesidesusbeingabletoeatwhenwewant,sleepwhenwewant,andhavesexuninterruptedin

gloriousprivacy?”“Yes,besidesthat.Ilike

thatIcandowhateverthehellIwant.IfIwanttogoandkillsomeghouls,Igoanddoit.Idon’thavetositthroughathree-hourPackCouncilmeetinganddebatethemeritsofghoulkillinganditseffectsonthePack’swelfareandeachgoddamnindividualclaninparticular.”

Ilaughedsoftly.ThePack

hadsevenclans,segregatedbythenatureoftheirbeasts,andeachclanhadtwoalphas.Dealingwithalphashadtobeoneofthecirclesofhell.

Curranshruggedhismuscledshoulders.“Laughallyouwant.WhenIwasfifteenandMahonpushedmetoreachforpower,IdiditbecauseIwasyoungandstupid.Ithoughtitwasacrown.Ididn’trealizeitwas

aballandchaininstead.I’moffmychainnow.Ilikeit.”

Ipretendedtoshiver.Consideringthewayhesaid“Ilikeit,”Ididn’thavetopretendveryhard.“Offyourchain.Sodangerous,YourMajesty.”

Heglancedatme.“Youmightbetooscary

toletintothehouse.Idon’tknowifIcanriskfallingasleepnexttoyou,Unchained

One.Whoknowswhatwouldhappen?”

“Whosaidanythingaboutsleeping?”

Iopenedmymouthtotaunthimandclampeditshut.Icouldn’tseethehouse,butIcouldseethesectionofthefrontlawnpaintedinayellowelectricglow.Itwaspastmidnight.Julie,myward,should’vebeeninbedlongago.Therewasno

reasonforthelightstobeon.Curranbrokeintoarun.I

urgedCuddlesforward.Cuddlesbalked.

Apparentlyshedidn’tfeellikerunning.

“Comeon,donkey!”Igrowled.

Shebackedup.Screwit.Ijumpedoffher

backandrantothehouse.Thedoorhandleturnedinmyhand.Ijerkedthedooropen

anddashedinside.Asoftelectriclight

bathedourkitchen.Curranstoodtotheside.Juliesatatthetable,wrappedinablanket,herblondhairamess.Shesawmeandyawned.Isloweddownjustenoughnottoramintothekitchentableandburstintothekitchen.Aone-armedwomanwithamaneofdarkcurlyhairsatatthetable

acrossfromJulie,acupofcoffeeinfrontofher.George.Mahon’sdaughterandthePack’sclerkofcourt.

Sheturnedtome,herfacehaggard.“Ineedhelp.”

•••

JULIEYAWNEDAGAIN.“Bye.I’mgoingtobed.”

“Thankyouforstayingupwithme,”Georgesaid.

“Noproblem.”Juliegatheredherblanketandwentupthestaircase.

Somethingthudded.“I’mokay!”shecalled

out.“Ifellup,butI’mokay.”Shethumpedupthestairs,

andthenthesoundofadoorclosingannouncedshehadreachedherbedroom.

Ipulledupachairandsat.Curranleanedagainstthewall.Hewasstillinhisbeast

shape.Mostshapeshifterscouldonlychangeformonceinatwenty-four-hourspan.Shiftingtwiceinashortperiodoftimeprettymuchguaranteedthatthey’dpassoutforafewhoursandwakeupravenous.Curranhadhighercapacitythanmost,butwe’dhadalongnightandthechangestilltiredhim.Heprobablywantedtobesharpforthisconversation.After

Curran’sfamilywasslaughtered,Mahonfoundhimandtookhimin.CurranhadgrownupwithGeorge.HerrealnamewasGeorgetta—andshethreatenedtopullyourarmsoutifyouusedit—andshewasasclosetoasisterashehad.

“Whathappened?”Curranasked.

Georgetookadeepbreath.Herfacewaspale,her

featuressharp,asifherskinwerestretchedtootightonherface.“Eduardoismissing.”

Ifrowned.ClanHeavymostlyconsistedofwerebears,butafewoftheirmembersturnedintootherlargeanimals,likeboars.EduardoOrtegowasawerebuffalo.Hewashugeineithershape.Inafight,hedidn’tbattle,hebulldozedhis

opponentsdown,andtheydidn’tgetuponceherolledoverthem.IlikedEduardo.Hewashonest,direct,andbrave,andhewouldputhimselfbetweendangerandafriendinaheartbeat.Hewasalsounintentionallyhilarious,butthatwasneitherherenorthere.

“Haveyouspokentoyourdad?”Curranasked.

“Yes.”Georgelooked

intohercup.“Hewasn’tunhappyaboutit.”

WhywouldMahonbehappythatEduardohaddisappeared?ThewerebuffalowasoneofthebestfightersClanHeavyhad.WhenweleftfortheBlackSeatoprocuremedicineforthePack,ClanHeavyhadthreespotsonourcrew.Georgevolunteeredforthefirst,Mahontookthesecond,

andhechoseEduardoforthethird.

“George,”Curransaid.“Startatthebeginning.”

“EduardoandIaretogether,”Georgesaid.

“Liketogether,together?”IthoughtEduardolikedJim’ssister.

Shenodded.Knockmeoverwitha

feather.IhadseenthembothintheKeepprobablya

hundredtimessincethenandIwould’veneverguessedtheyhadathing.Imust’vebeenblindorsomething.

NowthatIthoughtofit,theydidspendalotoftimetogetheronthevoyageback...

“Howlong?”Curranasked.

“Sincewecamebackfromgettingthepanacea,”Georgesaid.“Ilovehim.He

lovesme.Herentedahouseforus.Wewanttogetmarried.”

Wow.“Mahonisaproblem?”

Curranguessed.Georgegrimaced.“Ed

isn’tabear.NobodybutaKodiakwoulddo.IfnotaKodiak,thenatleastsomesortofabear.That’swhyweweresocareful.ItriedtalkingtoDadsevenweeksago.It

wentbadly.IaskedhimwhatwouldhappenifIgotseriouswithanothershapeshifterwhowasn’tabear.”

Shelookedintohercupagain.

“Whatdidhesay?”Curranasked,hisvoicegentle.

Georgelookedup.Hereyesflashedandforamomentmymindshotbacktoanenormousbearbursting

intoaroom,roaring.GeorgewasaKodiaklikeherfather.Underestimatingherwasdeadly.Ithoughtshewasdejected,butnowIfinallyidentifiedtheemotionthatsharpenedherface.Georgewaspissedoffandshewasusingeveryounceofherwilltokeepfromexploding.

Shespoke,hervoiceshakingwithrage.“Hetoldmehewoulddisownme.”

“Thatsoundslikehim,”Curransaid.

Sheshotoutofthechairandbegantopacethekitchen,circlingaroundtheislandlikeacagedanimal.“HesaidthatIhadadutytotheclan.ThatIhadtopassonmygenesandmakewerebearchildrenwithaproperwerebearman.”

“Didyoutellhimthatifhelikeswerebearmenso

much,maybeheshouldmarryone?”Isaid.IwouldpaymoneytoseeMahon’sfacewhenheheardit.

Shekeptpacing.“Ofallthearchaicidioticthings...Hisbrainmust’vecrustedover.Maybehe’sgonesenile.”

“Youknowhesaysshitlikethis,”Curranbegan.

Shespuntohim.“Don’tyoudaretellmehedoesn’t

meanit.”“No,hemeansit,”Curran

said.“Thatmanbelievesinhisheartthatbearsaresuperior.Hemeanseverywordwhenhesaysit,buthedoesn’tfollowthroughonit.IntheseventeenyearsIranthePack,Ihadabouttwodozencomplaintsabouthim,alwaysaboutthingshesaidandneveraboutthingshedid.Hehasfirmideasabout

conductunbecominganalphaandabear.TakingoutEduardowouldbeoutofcharacterforhim.”

“Youweren’tthere.”Georgekeptpacing.“Youdidn’thearhim.”

IfIgavethemachance,they’dtalkaboutMahonallnight.“Whathappenedafteryouspokewithyourfather?”

Georgeshookherhead.“Youknowwhatthisbullshit

aboutpassingongenesmeans?ItmeansthatifEduardoandIhadchildren,myfatherwouldthinktheyaredeficient.Youdon’tunderstand,Kate.I’mhisdaughter!”

“Ofcourse,Idon’t,”Isaid.“Ineverhadproblemswithmyfather.”

Georgeopenedhermouthandstopped.WhenitcametoDaddyissues,Iwonto

infinity.“Whathappenedafter

Mahonandyouhadachat?”Iasked.

“EduardoandItalkedaboutit.EduardowasdoingoddjobsforClanHeavyandalsohelpingmewiththelegalfilings.Thatwouldalldisappear.Jimneedsmydadtomaintainhispowerbase.Idon’thaveashredofdoubtthatifmydadmadeastink,

myjobwiththePackwouldevaporate,too.”

“Yourmomwouldkillhim,”Curransaid.

“Yes,shewould,”Georgesaid.“Butitwouldbeafterthefact,andtheargumentwouldbethatit’salreadydoneandJimcouldn’trehiremebecauseitwouldmakehimlookweakandindecisive.SoIbegantoquietlycashoutmy

investments,andEduardorentedahouseinthecityandregisteredwiththeGuild.”

TheMercenaryGuildwasthelargestfor-profitmagiccleanupagencyinAtlanta.Whenpeopleencounteredsomedangerousmagicbeastorproblem,theycalledtheParanormalActivityDivisionfirst,butcopsinpost-ShiftAtlantawereoverworkedandstretchedtoothin.Insome

casespeoplecalledtheOrderofMercifulAidnext,butdealingwiththeknightsmeantgivingthemcompleteauthority.Whenthecopscouldn’tcomeoutandthematterwaseithertoominorortooshadyfortheOrderofMercifulAid,youcalledtheGuild.Theydidbodyguarddetails,theydidmagichazmatcleanup,theydidsearchanddestroy—they

weren’tpickyaslongasmoneywasinvolved.I’dbeenamemberoftheGuildfornineyearsnow.Itusedtobeagoodplacetoearnmoney,butsincethedeathofitsfounder,theGuildhadgonetohellinahandbasket.

“HowdidhedoattheGuild?”Iasked.

“Hedidwell,”Georgesaid.“Hesaidsomepeoplegavehimtrouble,butit

wasn’tanythinghecouldn’thandle.”

EduardowoulddowellattheGuild.Hefitthetype.WhenpeoplecalledtheGuild,theywantedtobereassured,andasix-foot-fourmanmuscledlikeanOlympicmedalistwrestlerprovidedalotofreassurance.Someoftheregularswouldscrewwithhimbecausetheydidn’tlikecompetition,buttheGuild

zonedthegigs.Eachmercwasassignedaterritorywithinthecityandifajobfellintothatterritory,theyautomaticallygotit,sowhiletherestofthemercscouldruntheirmouthsandhassleEduardo,therewasn’tmuchtheycoulddotokeephimfromearningmoney.

“IthinkDadfiguredusout,”Georgesaid.“LastweekPatrickcametotalkto

Eduardo.”Imentallyriffledthrough

therosterofClanHeavyshapeshiftersforPatrick.HewasMahon’snephew,acarboncopyofhisunclewithamatchingattitudeandsize.

“HetoldEduardothatwhathewasdoingwaswrongandthatifhecaredaboutme,he’dleavemealoneandnottearmeawayfromthefamily.”

Currangrimaced.“WouldPatrickdo

somethinglikethatonhisown?”Iaskedhim.

Curranshookhishead.“No.WhenPatrickopenshismouth,Mahonspeaks.Patrickisanenforcer,notathinker.That’swhyMahonhasn’tbeengroominghimforthealphaspot.”

“Eduardotoldhimhehadnoideawhathewastalking

about.Patrickleft.OnMonday,Eduardodidn’tcomebacktohishouse.Iwaitedallnight.”

Igrabbedanotepadandapenfromthebuilt-inshelves.“WhenwasthelasttimeyousaworspokewithEduardo?”

“Mondaymorningatseventhirty.HeaskedwhatIwantedfordinnerthatnight.”

TodaywasWednesday,justbarely,sincewewerejust

pastmidnight.Eduardohadbeengoneaboutfortyhours.

“Hedidn’tcallmeatlunch,”Georgesaid.“Heusuallydoes.Ithoughtmaybehegotheldup.IwenttohishouseMondayevening.Henevershowed.Hedidn’tcallanddidn’tleaveanote.Iknowtherearesomebullshitrulesabouthowlongapersonhastobemissing,butI’mtellingyou,thisisn’tlikehim.

Hedoesn’tjustleavemehanging.Somethingbadhappened.”

“DidyoutalktotheGuild?”Iasked.

“Iwenttherethismorningandaskedabouthim.Nobodytoldmeanything.”

Thatwasn’tsurprising.Mercswerecagey.

George’svoicetrembledwithbarelycontainedrage.“WhenIcameout,mycar

wasgone.”Curranleanedforward.

Hisvoicewasicedover.“Theystoleyourcar?”

Shenodded.Thatwasscummyeven

fortheGuild.“Theythoughtshewasaneasytarget,”Isaid.“Youngwoman,alone,one-armed,doesn’tlooklikeafighter.”Theydidn’trealizethatshecouldturnintoathousand-poundbearina

blink.Igotup,walkedoverto

thephone,anddialedtheGuild.IfEduardotookajob,theClerkwouldknow.WhensomeonecalledtheGuildwithaproblem,theClerkfiguredoutwhichzoneitfellintoandcalledthatmerc.Ifthemercwasbusyorcouldn’thandlethejob,theClerkwouldthencallthenextpersonin“thechain”untilhe

foundsomeonetotakethejob.Ifhefailedtofindanybody,he’dpinthegigtickettoaboard,whichmeantanybodycouldgrabit.Somejobswenttoselectpeoplebecausetheyrequiredspecialqualifications,butthemajorityofgigsfollowedthispattern.Thegigdistributionranlikeawell-oiledmachineandtheClerkhadbeenthereforsolong,nobody

rememberedhisname.HewasjustClerkwitha“the”infrontofit,theguywhomadesureyouhadajobandwouldgetpaid.IfEduardohadtakenagigonMonday,theClerkwouldknowwhenandwhere.

Thephonerang.“Yeah?”agruffmale

voicesaid.“ThisisDaniels.Letme

talktotheClerk.”

“He’sout.”Odd,theClerkusually

workedthenightshiftduringthefirstweekofthemonth.

“WhataboutLori?”LoriwastheClerk’sstandby.

“She’sout.”“Whenwilleitherofthem

bein?”“HowthehellshouldI

know?”Disconnectsignal.Whatthedevilwasgoing

onattheGuild?IturnedbacktoGeorge.

“We’llgobytherefirstthinginthemorning.”EveniftheClerkwasn’ttherenow,heoroneofhissubswouldbethereinthemorning.“Iknowthisisahardquestion,butisthereanywayEduardocould’vegottenscaredoffandleft?”

Georgedidn’thesitate.“No.Helovesme.Andifhe

left,hewouldn’thaveabandonedMax.”

“Max?”Iasked.“Hispug,”shesaid.“He’s

hadhimforfiveyears.Hetakeshisdogeverywherewithhim.WhenIcamethereonMonday,Maxwasintheofficewithjustenoughwaterandfoodtolastthroughtheday.”

Eduardohadapug.Forsomereason,thatdidn’t

surpriseme.“What’sJimdoingabout

this?”Iasked.“Nothing,”Georgesaid.

“IreportedEduardomissingtohiminprivate.Hetoldmethathewouldlookintoit,andthentwohourslaterhesaidthatDadwasawareEduardohadn’tcheckedin.”

IglancedatCurran.“Mahonpulledtheclan

card,”Curransaid.

“Eduardo’sdisappearanceisaClanHeavymatter.UnlesstheshapeshifterisanemployeeofthePackoverallortheclanrequestsJim’sassistance,hecan’tdomuch.HecantellhispeopletobeonthelookoutforEduardobutwon’tactivelysearchforhim.”

“Can’torwon’t?”Iasked.“Both,”Curransaid.“An

activesearchwouldinvolve

questioningmembersofClanHeavy,whichwouldinfringeonMahon’sauthorityasanalpha.TherearestrictguidelinesthatprotecttheautonomyofeachclanwithinthePack,andthiswouldcrosstheline.Georgeisright.JimneedsMahontokeephispowerbasetogether.Hewon’tdoanythingtointentionallyaggravatehim.InayearortwowhenJim’s

wellestablished,itmightbedifferent,butfornowJimknowshe’swalkingatightrope.IfheactivelysearchesforEduardo,MahoncanspinitasJiminsultinghimandabusinghispositionastheBeastLord.ThemomentMahonpubliclyconfrontsJim,itwillbeseenasavoteofnoconfidenceinJim’sabilitytolead,andtherestoftheclanswillscream

thatJimisadictatorwhoisinfringingontheirrights.Ifthathappens,Jimcan’twin.Ifhedoesn’tdoanything,he’lllookweak,andifhechallengesMahon,he’lllooklikeadictator.It’sabadplacetobe,andJimistoosmarttogothere.”

CurranwasrightaboutMahon.ItwasunlikelythattheBear,asMahonwasknown,hadmadeEduardo

disappear.Itwouldn’tfitwithhisethicalcode.ButifEduardohadmanagedtodisappearonhisown,Mahoncouldtakeadvantageofthesituation.Hesimplywouldn’thavetosearchforhimthathard.Georgehadahugefamilyonherside.ShehadgrownupinAtlanta,andifshevanished,theentiretyofClanHeavywouldlookforher.ButEduardowasan

outsider.He’darrivedinAtlantaroughlythreeyearsago,andasfarasIknew,hehadnofamilyinthestate.

“Idon’tevenknowifhe’sdeadoralive.”George’scomposurebroke.Tearswethereyes.Hervoiceturnedintoaraggedsnarl.“Hecouldbedeadinaditchsomewhereandnobodyislookingforhim.Ikeepseeingitinmyhead,himcoldanddead

somewhere,coveredindirt.Imightneverseehimagain.Howdoesthisevenhappen?Howcansomeoneyoulovebethereonesecondandthengonethenext?”

Curranpushedawayfromthewallandputhismonsterarmsaroundhergently.“Itwillbeokay,”hesaidquietly.“Katewillfindhim.”

Ididn’tknowifIshouldbehappyhehadcomplete

confidenceinmeormadbecausehewasmakingapromiseIwasn’tsureIcouldkeep.Idecidedonhappy,becauseIcouldseeamineburiedinourpathandIhadtotellthemaboutit.

Georgecriedsoundlessly,worryandangerleakingoutfromhereyes.ShehadwatchedmybackduringthetriptotheBlackSea.She’dfoughtforthePackandshe’d

sacrificedherarmtosaveapregnantwomanfrombeingmurdered.Shewastheonewhowasalwaysupbeat,alwaysconfidentandcomfortableinherownskin.Shelaughedeasilyandshesaidwhatshethought,becauseshehadnotroubledefendingheropinion.Andnowshewascryingandfrantic,anditmademeangry,asifsomethinghadgone

reallywrongwiththeworld.Lifewasunfair,butthiswaspushingit.Ihadtofixthis.

GeorgesteppedawayfromCurranandrubbedherfacewithherhand,tryingtoerasethetears.

“Wehaveaproblem,”Isaid.“Oncewestartpullingonthisstring,theotherendmightleadbacktoClanHeavy.EvenifGeorgeofficiallyhiresusandCutting

EdgetolookforEduardo,Jimcanstillblockit.It’sinourcontract.WhenthePackauthorizedseedmoneyforCuttingEdge,theyputinaclausethatintheeventamemberofthePackisimplicatedinanycrime,theinvestigationhastobeclearedbytheBeastLord.Jimhasthepowerofveto.”

“Whoputthatin?”Georgegrowled.

InoddedatCurran.“Hedid.”

“Itseemedlikeagoodideaatthetime,”hesaid.

“Sohowdowegetaroundthis?”Iasked.

CurranlookedatGeorge.“IamgoingtoaskyouaquestionandIneedyoutothinkaboutitverycarefullybeforeyouanswer.HaveyoueverheardEduardoOrtegoexpressanintentiontoleave

thePackaspartofmyseparationstaff?”

Nice.IfEduardoleftthePackwithCurran,thenCurranwouldhaveboththeauthorityandthedutytoprotecthim.

Georgedrewherselftoherfullheight.“Yes.”

Ihadafeelingshehadjustlied.

“IalsointendtoleavethePackwithyou,”shesaid.

Ohboy.“Thinkitover,”Curran

said.“Thismeansyou’llbeseveringtieswithyourclan.Yourparentswon’tbethrilledeither.IfitturnsoutthatyourfatherhadnothingtodowithEduardo’sdisappearance,youmightregretit.”

“Givemethecontract,”Georgesaid.

Currandidn’tmove.

“Curran,givemethepaper.”

Hewalkedovertotheshelf,tookabinderfromthetop,andopenedittoablankseparationcontract.“Onceyousignit,youhavetocompletelyseparateyourselffromthePackwithinthirtydays.”

Georgetookthepenandsignedhernameontheline.“That’snotaproblem.Ican

leavetonight.”“No,youcan’t,”Isaid.

“Youhavetogoback.”“Why?”“Becausewecan’twalk

intotheKeepandstartaninvestigation,”Curransaid.“We’reblockedbyPacklaw.Youknowthis.It’satrade-off:wedon’tattempttoinfluencepeopleintoleavingwithus,andJimcan’tinterfereiftheydo.We’reno

longerpartofthePack,butyoustillare.”

“Youhavetogoback,doyourjob,andlisten,”Isaid.“You’rewelllikedandrespected.Eduardowaswellliked,too.Youmighthearsomething.IfsomeonefromClanHeavydidmakeEduardodisappear,yourbeingtherewillbeaconstantreminderofthat.Theguiltwilleatatthemandthey

mightfeelbadandcomeclean,oratleastpointyouintherightdirection.”

“Icanfight,”Georgegrowled.“JustbecauseIhaveonearm...”

“Iknowitdoesn’tslowyoudown,”Curransaid.“ButIneedyouinsidethePack.TalktoPatrick.Onyourworstdayyoucanruncirclesaroundhim.Complimenthimforlookingoutforyou.See

whatheknows.ItmighthelpusfindEduardo.”

Shethoughtaboutit.“Okay.”

Ipulledthewritingpadclosertome.“Now,IneedyoutotellmeaboutEduardo.Wherehelives,whathisfamilyislike,whathelikestodo.Tellmeeverything.”

Thirtyminuteslaterweweredone.

“Ishouldgohome,”

Georgesaid.“Wehavemorethan

enoughbedrooms,”Isaid.“Whydon’tyouspendthenight?”

Sheshookherhead.“No,Iwanttobehomeincasehecalls.Youwillfindhim,Kate?”

Georgewaslookingatmewithafamiliaranxioushopeinhereyes.Ihadseenitbeforeinthefacesofpeople

driventotheirbreakingpoint.Sometimesyoulovesomeonesomuchthatwhensomethingbadhappenstothem,you’lldoanythingtokeepthemsafe.IfIpromisedtomakeEduardomagicallyappearifGeorgestabbedherselfintheheart,shewoulddoit.Shewasdrowningandshewasbeggingmeforsomestrawtograsp.

Iopenedmymouthtolie

andcouldn’t.ThelasttimeIpromisedtofindsomeone,Ifoundherchewed-upcorpse.ThatwashowJuliecametolivewithme.“Ipromiseyouthatwewilldoeverythingwecan.We’llkeeplookingandwewon’tstopuntilwefindsomethingoryouaskustowalkaway.”

Thereliefwasplaininhereyes.Shehadn’theardathingIsaidexcept“we’llfind

something.”“Thankyou.”Georgeleft.Iheaded

upstairswhileCurranlingereddownstairstocheckthedoors.Itwasournightlyritual.HecheckedthedoorsdownstairsandIcheckedthewindowsonthesecondfloor,whileJuliecheckedthethird.Iclimbedtothesecondfloorandstopped.Juliesatonthelanding,wrappedinherblanket.Shewasholdinga

stuffedowl.Irememberedthelookon

Julie’sfacewhenshetoldmeshe’dseenthetorn-upbodyofhermother.Itwassearedintomymemory.AfterJulie’sfatherdied,hermotherdranktoomuchanddidn’tpayasmuchattentiontoJulie’sexistenceassheusedto,butshelovedherdaughterdeeplyandJulielovedherbackwiththesingle-minded

devotionofachild.ApieceofJulie’schildhooddiedthatday,andnomatterhowhardItried,Icouldneverbringitback.IhadwishedsobadlythatIcouldhavefoundJessicaOlsenalive,butshediedbeforeIhadevenstartedlooking.

Juliedidn’ttalkaboutit.Sheneversaidhermother’sname.Onedaywewerewalkingdownthestreetpast

ayardsaleandJuliestoppedwithoutsayingaword.Shewalkedovertotheboxoftoysandpulledoutabigstuffedowltoy,justaballofbrownvelvetwithtwodorkywhiteeyes,ayellowtriangleofabeak,andtwoflappywings.ShehuggeditandIsawaheartbreakingdesperationinhereyes.Iboughttheowlonthespotandshetookithome.Later

shetoldmesheusedtohaveonelikeitwhenshewasatoddler.Thatowlwasasecrettreasuredmemoryofbeinghappyandbeingloved,shelteredandprotectedbytwopeoplewhoadoredher,neversuspectingthattheworldwouldonedaysmashitalltopieces.Ithadbeenayearsincewefounditandshestillhuggeditwhenshewenttosleep.

“Igavehertherestoftheapplepie,”Juliesaid.“Ihopeyoudon’tmind.She’sabearandtheylikesweets.Itmadeherfeelbetter.”

“Idon’tmind,”Isaid.“You’regoingtofind

him,right?”“I’mgoingtotry.”“I’llhelpyou,”Juliesaid.

“Tellmeifyouneedanything.”

“Iwill.”

Shegatheredupherowlandherblanketandstoodup.“IlikeEduardoandGeorge.They’realwaysnicetome.”Shehesitated.“Idon’twanthertofeelwhatit’slike.”

Myhearttriedtoflipoverinmychest.Ithurt.“Iknow.”

Julienoddedandwenttothethirdfloor.

IwouldfindEduardo.Iwouldfindhimbecausehewasmyfriend,because

Georgehadsufferedenoughanddeservedachancetobehappy,andbecauseIknewwhatitwasliketohavesomeoneyouloverippedawayfromyou.

CHAPTER

TWASMORNING,thetechwasup,andIwasinour

sunlitkitchen,makingasmalltowerofpancakes.Julie’sschooldidn’tstartuntilnine,becausetravelingthroughthedarkinpost-ShiftAtlantawastoodangerousforkids,andwemadeourownhours.Inourlineofwork,weweren’t

guaranteedalunchandweweren’talwayshomeintimefordinner,sobreakfastwasourfamilymeal.Shapeshiftershadfastermetabolismsthannormalhumansandtheyconsumedashockingamountoffood.Curranwasnoexception.Ihadapoundofbaconbakingintheoven—cookingitonthestoveresultedinburnedbacon,acloudofsmoke,and

everythingaroundmecoveredinbacongrease.Twopoundsofsausagesimmeredinanotherpan,andIwasonmytenthpancake.

Thesunshonethroughthewindows,drawinglongrectanglesonthetiledfloor,slidingoverthelightstoneofthecountertops,andplayingonthewoodofthecabinets,settingtheirdarkfinishaglowwithredhighlights.Theair

smelledofcookingbacon.Ihadopenedthewindowandagentlebreezefloatedthroughtheroom,toocoldbutIdidn’tcare.

AfterbreakfastJuliewouldgotoschoolandwewouldgototheMercenaryGuild.ItwasthebestplacetostartlookingforEduardo.AccordingtoGeorge,Eduardo’sfamilywasn’tinthepicture.Hisparentslived

somewhereinOklahoma,butEduardodidn’tkeepintouch.Hehadnosiblings.Hewasfriendlywitheveryone,butGeorgewashisbestfriend.Hespentallofhistimewithher.

Juliestompedintothekitchenandlandedinachair,tossingherblondhairoutofherface.Alongsmearofdirtcrossedherface.Moredirtstainedherjeans.WhenI

foundheronthestreetyearsago,shewasstarved,almostwaifish.Shewasfifteennow.Goodfoodandconstanttrainingwerepayingoff:herarmsshoweddefinition,hershouldershadwidened,andsheheldherselfwiththekindofreadyassurancethatcamefromknowinganattackcouldcomeatanymomentandbeingconfidentyoucanrepelit.

“Iwantanewhorse.”Iraisedaneyebrowather.Curranshoulderedhis

wayintothekitchenfromthebackporch.Blond,broad-shouldered,andmuscular,hemovedlikeapredatoreveninhishumanform.Itdidn’tmatterifheworefur,beat-upjeans,andasimplegraysweatshirtlikerightnow,ornothingatall;hisbodyalwayspossessedacoiled,

barelycontainedstrength.Amonthagohehadgonetoourfirstjobtogetherinhisothershapeandtheclienthadlockedhimselfinthecarandrefusedtocomeout.Curranturnedhuman,buttheclientstillfiredus.ApparentlyhumanCurranwasstilltooscary,probablybecausenomatterwhatkindofclotheshewore,theydidnothingtotonedownhisface.When

youlookedintoCurran’scleargrayeyes,youknewthathecouldexplodewithviolenceatamoment’snoticeandhewouldbebrutalandefficientaboutit.Exceptwhenhelookedatme,likenow.Hesteppedclosetomeandbrushedakissonmylips.Mmm.

“That’snice,”Juliesaid.“Istillwantanewhorse.”

“Requestdenied,”Curran

toldher.Iflippedmypancake.

Thisoughttobeinteresting.“What?Why?”“Because‘want’isnota

need.”Curranleanedagainstthekitchenisland.“Isawyouinthepasture.Youdon’twantanewhorse.Yourequireanewhorse.Layyourcaseout.”

“IhateBrutus,”Juliesaid.Iglancedthroughthe

windowatthepasture,whereanenormousblackFriesianstalkedincirclesalongthefence.BrutususedtobelongtoHughd’Ambray,myfather’sWarlord.KillingHughwasmylife’sambition.I’dtriedtwicenowandeachtimehehaddodgeddeathwithmagic.That’sokay.Thethirdtimewouldbethecharm.

AfterourlastencounterI

endedupwithHugh’sFriesian,andCurran,whodidn’tcareforhorses,forsomereasondecidedtokeephimwhenweretiredfromrunningtheshapeshifterPack.ThestallionwasimpressiveandJuliedecidedtoridehimtoschool.Itoldheritwasabadidea,butsheinsisted.

“Taketheemotionoutofit,”Curransaid.“Youwill

betterpersuadetheotherpersonifyoumakethemunderstandthereasonsbehindyourrequest.Youhavetodemonstratethatinyourplacetheywouldcometothesameconclusion.Oncetheyagreewithyou,sayingnotoyoubecomesmuchharderbecausetheywouldbearguingwiththemselves.”

OnceaBeastLord,alwaysaBeastLord.Old

habitsdiedhard,andinhiscase,theyprobablyneverwould.

Juliethoughtaboutit.“Hedoesn’tobeyanyofmycommandsandhekeepstryingtothrowmeoff.”

“You’renotheavyenough,”Isaid.“Hughweighsovertwohundredpounds,closertotwofiftyinfullarmor.You’retoolight.Hughisn’tgentlewithhis

horseseither.”Julieglaredatthe

Friesian.“He’sstupid.”“Heis.Itmakeshim

easiertotrainforbattle.”Ipouredmorepancakebatterintothepan.

“Andmean.LasttimeItookhimtoschool,hetriedtobreakthroughthestalltofightwithanotherhorse.”

“He’sawarstallion,”Curransaid.“He’sbeen

taughttovieweveryotherhorseasachallenge.”

Julie’seyesnarrowed.“IfIkeepgettinghurt,itwillcausebothofyouemotionaldistressandyouwillhavetopayformymedicalbills.IfIlosecontrolofhim,hemayinjureanotherhorseandyouwouldbefinanciallyresponsibleforthedamages.Andifanotherchildgothurt,youwouldfeelterrible.”

Currannodded.“Validpoints.Bringithome.”

“Ineedanormalhorse,”Juliesaid.“OneIcanridetoschoolandleaveintheschoolstableswithoutanyofusworryingaboutit.Acityhorse,whowouldrespondwelltocommandsandwouldn’tthrowmeandhurtme.”

Withtheconstantdanceofmagicandtechnology,

horseswerethemostreliablemethodoftransportationaroundthecity.Julie’sschoolwasfourmilesoutandbikingtherewasoutofthequestion.Magicconstantlygnawedonroads,andalotofthemwereindisrepair.She’dhavetocarryherbikeathirdoftheway.Nottomentionthattheamountofbooksshehadtodragtoschoolmadeithardtomaintainherbalance.I’d

liftedherbackpackacoupleoftimesanditfeltlikeitwasstuffedwithrocks.Ontheotherhand,ifanyoneattackedherandshemanagedtoswingitintime,she’dbrainthemforsure...

“Muchbetter,”Curransaid.

“I’llcallBlueRibbonStablesafterbreakfast,”Isaid.

Curranraisedhishead

andleanedtoglanceatthefrontdoor.AmomentlaterIheardavehicleslideintoourdriveway.

“Whoisit?”“I’mabouttofindout.”

Curranrosesmoothlyandwenttothedoor.

Iheardthedoorswingopen.AmomentlateratinyIndonesianwomanwithlongdarkhairandthickglassessweptintothekitchenand

droppedintoachair.“Dali!”Juliesmiled.Daliwavedather.After

weretired,JimShrapshire,Curran’sbestfriend,becametheBeastLord.ThatmadeDalitheBeastLady.Shenowhadmyjobwithallthepainandtroublethatcamewithit.

“Consort,”Isaid.“Youhonorus.”

“Fuckyou,”Dalisaid.“Fuckyourshit.Iquit.”

Ilaughedandreachedforapotato.Dali,despitebeingaweretiger,wasavegetarian.Pancakesalonewouldn’tholdherover.Juliecameover,pickedupanotherknife,andstartedpeelingnexttome.

Currancamein.“Didyouknowthereisadentinyourfrontbumper?”

“Iknow,”Dalisaid.“Ihitsometrashcansonthewayoverhere.Iwasfrustrated

andneededsomethingtohit.”Theneighborswouldjust

lovethis.“Whathappened?”“IhadafightwithJim.”“Why?”Curranasked.“Desandra.”Figured.Oftheseven

Packclans,ClanWolfwasthelargestanditsnewalphawas...colorful.

“ThereisnoprivacyattheKeep,”Dalisaid.

Youdon’tsay.

“Ithoughtofgoingtomyoldhouseortomymother’shouse,butJimwouldcheckformethere.SoIcamehere.”Dalistaredatme.“Ilikedmyhouse.LivingintheKeepsucks.”

“Iknow,”Itoldher.“CanIstayfor

breakfast?”sheasked.“Ofcourse.”Ihadjustpulledthebacon

outoftheovenandflipped

thehashbrownswhenanothercarpulledup.Curranlaughedandwenttothedoor.

“Hedidn’t.”Daliactuallygrowled.Ididn’trealizeshecould.

Jimwalkedintothekitchen.Somepeoplehadspecialtalents.Somewerecharming.Otherswereclearlyintelligent.Doolittle,thePack’smedmage,couldputpatientsateasejustby

sayinghello.Jim’sspecialtalentwasmenace.Sixfeettwoinchestallandbuiltlikehecouldpunchthroughsolidwallsanddodgeabulletatthesametime,Jimprojectedaconcentratedpromisetokickyourass.Itemanatedfromhimlikeheatfromasidewalk.Heneveractuallythreatenedyou,butwhenheenteredaroomfullofhardcases,biggermenbackedoff,

becausewhenhelookedatthem,theyheardtheirbonesbreaking.

AndnowIwouldhavetobeverycarefulaboutourmorningconversation.AnymentionofEduardocouldsetoffalarmbellsinJim’shead.Thelastthingweneededwashimshuttingdownourinvestigation.

“HailtotheBeastLord!”Iwavedmyspatulafor

emphasis.Jimsparedmeanugly

lookandturnedtoDali.“Youfollowedme!”Dali

jumpedoutofherchair,herfacefurious.

“Ididn’t.Icameheretotalktohim”—JimpointedatCurranwithhisthumb—“abouthismoney.Wejusthappenedtobegoingtothesameplace.”

“YouknewIwashere.”

Shesquintedathim.“Youhaveyourgoonsfollowingme,don’tyou?”

“They’renotgoons.They’reoursecuritypeople.Andyes,Ihavethemfollowingyou.We’reinadangerousposition.WejusttookoverthePackandIdon’twantanysurprises.”

“You’reaparanoidcontrolfreak.”

Thatwasputtingit

lightly.BeforeJimbecametheBeastLord,heservedasthePack’schiefofsecurity.IthoughtIhadahighlevelofparanoia,butJimtookittostratosphericlevels.

“Myparanoiaiskeepingussafe.”Jimbrushedhisface.Suddenlyheseemedtired.“Dali,IjustspenteighthoursarguingwiththePackCouncil.Doyouthinkyoucouldpostponeyellingatme

untillater?”“No!”Shesighed.“Yes.

Fine.”Ireachedintothefridge.

Wewouldneedmoresausage.

•••

NORMALPEOPLESPOKEwhiletheyate.Theysocialized,carriedonapoliteconversation,andeventold

jokes,pausingtheirfoodconsumptionwhiledoingallthosethings.Shapeshiftersatewithsingle-mindedfocus,asifeatingitselfwereaveryimportanttaskandtheyhadtoconcentrateonitcompletely.Talkingwhileeatingbeyondtheusual“passthat,please”wasconsideredrude.

Ittookfullyhalfanhourbeforetheyfinallyleaned

backfromthetable.Jimsighedquietly.Helookedhaggard.Itwasunusualforhim.Dalireachedoverandquietlystrokedhishand.Hetookherfingersintohisandsqueezed.

“Sowhatwasthefightabout?”Julieasked.

“We’retryingtopassasecurityreform,”Jimsaid.“OneoftheprovisionsrequiresPackmembers

residingattheKeeporattheirClanHousestosignoutbeforetheygointothecity.We’vehadafewissuesoverthelastcoupleofyearswithfindingeveryonewhenanemergencyhits.”

“Seemsreasonable,”Isaid.Sailorsdiditonshoreleave,soldiersdiditwhentheyleftamilitarybase,andtherewasnoreasonwhyPackmemberscouldn’tdothe

same.“It’shisfirstactasthe

BeastLord,”Curransaid.“Thealphaswilldigtheirheelsintoseeifhewillbend.”

“Wewerearguing,”Dalisaid.“AndthenDesandrasaidthatiftheBeastLordwantedtoknowwhereshewasatalltimes,shewouldbedelightedtomakeithappen.”

Ilaughed.Daliglaredat

me.“That’swhatshedoes,”I

said.“Whenshe’suncomfortable,shestartssayinguncomfortablethingstoknockyouoffyourstride.”

“Iwantedtocurseher.”DalijabbedherthumbinJim’sdirection.“Hewouldn’tletme.”

ConsideringthatDali’scursesbackfiredhalfofthetime,thatwasprobablya

verygoodthing.“WeneedtheWolfAlpha

topassthereform,”Jimsaid.“Iwasn’tgoingtokill

her,”Dalitoldhim.“Iwasjustgoingtosealhermouthshut.”

“KnowingDesandra,thatwouldkillher,”Curransaid.

“Ihandledit,”Jimsaid.“Itoldherthatifsherequiredsomeonetowatchheratalltimes,thePackwould

accommodateherwishesandassignanannytoher.Anyway,whathaveyoubeendoing?”

I’dbeenthinkingaboutwhetherMahonhadhadamomentofinsanityandmurderedhisfutureson-in-law.“Huntingghouls.”

“Why?”Itoldhimabouttheghoul

horde.Hefrowned.“Thirty.”

“Yeah.”“That’sahellofalotof

ghouls.Letmetalktomypeople.We’llseewhatIcanfindout.AreyougoingtoseeMitchell?”

“Iwasthinkingaboutit.”ThenumberofpeoplewhoknewaboutMitchellcouldbecountedonthefingersofonehand,andhereJimrattledoffhisnamelikeitwasnothing.WhywasInotsurprised?

Curranglancedatme.I’dhavetoexplainMitchelllater.

Jimleanedforward,hisgazeintentonCurran.“Look,you’vehadyourfun.It’sbeennineweeks.Youcancomebacknow.We’llsayitwasanextendedvacation.Asabbatical.”

Curranleanedforwardaswell,matchingJim’sstare.“I’mout.”

Jimdroppedhisforkon

thetableandsaggedinhischair.

“Ifyouhateitsomuch,stepdown,”Curransaid.

FrustrationtwistedJim’sface.“Ican’t.They’llscrewitup.”

Curranlaughed.“Thatwasmean,”Dali

said.“It’snotfunny,”Jim

growled.Ohno,itwasfunny.It

wasdownrighthilarious.IgrinnedatJim.“Iseemtorememberamanwhobroughtmeatwo-inch-thickfilejustlastSeptember,toldmethatClanNimbleandClanJackalhaddeclaredavendettaoneachotherandthedetailswereinthefile,andthenwalkedaway.”

“Ohyeah,”Curran’seyesshonewithgold.“Whatwasithesaid?”

“Hesaidthatwe’dhavetohandleitbecausehehad‘realshittodo.’”

“What’syourpoint?”Jimgrimaced.

“Payback’sabitch,”Itoldhim.

“Youcanmoanallyouwant,”Curransaid.“Thefactisyouwantedthejob.You’resmarterthanIamandyou’restrongenoughtoholdthepower.Youhadplansforthe

PackandIdidn’talwaysagree.Nowyou’vegotachancetodoityourway.”

Magicrolledoverusinafastinvisibletide.Everyonepausedforamomenttoadjust.

Jimpulledasimplebeigefileoutofhisjacketandputitonthetable.

“What’sinthefile?”Curranasked.

“Areyousureyouwantto

know?”Jimasked.“Oncewedothis,thereisnogoingback.”

Curranjustlookedathim.Jimopenedthefolder,

tookoutastackofpapers,andpassedthemtoCurran.Curranreadthefirstpage.“Whatthehellisthis?”

“It’slikethis,”Jimsaid.“Youowntoomuchcrap.Youholdatleastatwenty-fivepercentstakeinover

twenty-twopercentofthePack’sbusinesses.Onlyafewofthesebusinessesareestablishedenoughtobeabletocomeupwiththemoneytobuyyouout.Alotofthemarenewenterprisesandeachdollarofprofitisbeingputrightbackintothem.Ifwebuyyououtnow,thewayyouwantusto,thePackwillgobankrupt.”

“That’sbull,”Curran

said.Jimspreadhisarms.

“Thisiswhattheaccountantsaretellingme.Iunderstandyoumighthaveacashflowissue,butyouwouldn’thaveoneifyouwerestilltheBeastLord.”

Curran’sfacewentblank,unreadablelikeastonewall.Uh-oh.

“Don’ttestme.”“I’mnottestingyou.I’m

tellingyou,thisishowitis.Thecontractyou’reholdingoutlinesourproposal.Insteadofamonetarypayout,weofferyouabusinessintradeforfiftypercentofyourcollectivestakenow,andthen,oncetheotherbusinessesbegintobeprofitable,youcaneithercontinuetoownthemandcollectyourshareofprofitsorselloffyourstakeasyou

seefit.”“Thiswouldmakesense,”

Curransaid,“ifIhadnoeyestoreaditornobraintounderstandit.DidRaphaelwritethis?”

“Hemighthavelookeditover,”Jimsaid.

RaphaelwasthealphaofClanBouda.Hewastoohandsomeforhisowngood,matedtomybestfriend,AndreaNash,andacomplete

sharkwhenitcametoallthingsbusiness.IfRaphaelwrotethecontract,itwasagooddealforthePackandabaddealforus.

Weweren’tdesperateformoney,butalargechunkofourreadycashhadgoneintobuyingandfurnishingthishouse.IneveraskedCurranhowmuchmoneyhehad,becauseeventhoughhereferredtoitasourmoney,he

hadearnedthebulkofitbeforeheevermetme.ButIgottheimpressionthatweweren’ttoofarfromthebottomofourreserve.

NowthatwebothhadtimetodevotetoCuttingEdge,thebusinesswaspickingupanditwouldstartputtingfoodonourtablewithinayear.Troublewas,wefacedalotofstiffcompetition.Inthehierarchy

ofclearingparanormalhazmat,CuttingEdgescrapedthebottomofthebarrel,withtheGuildbeingourmajorcompetition.Wehadtounderbidthemercs,andwhiletheGuildwashavingseriousissues,competingwiththemwasdifficult.Itdidn’thelpthatthePackhadbankrolledCuttingEdge’sstartupcostsandbothCurranandIwantedtogetthatloantakencareof.

“Whatareyouoffering?”Iasked.

“TheMercenaryGuild,”Jimsaid.

“What?”Imust’vemisheard.

“TheMercenaryGuild,”Jimrepeated.

“That’sstupid,”Itoldhim.“IhavethebusinesssenseofawalnutandevenIknowit’sstupid.”

Eversinceitsfounder

died,theMercenaryGuildhadbeenrunbyanassemblyconsistingofveteranmercs,adminstaff,andthePackrepresentative.Therulebycommitteewasn’tworking.Iknewthis,becauseIwasthatPackrepresentative.I’dworkedfortheGuildsinceIwaseighteen.Mercsdidn’thavealonglifeexpectancy,butIwashardtokillandIhadpassedtheeight-year

mark,whichmademeaveteran.Ihadstreetcred,butevenwithmyreputation,myveteranstatus,andthepowerofthePackbehindme,IgotthroughtotheGuildonlyhalfofthetime.AslongasIwasthere,keepingthepeace,somestuffgotdone,butwhenIhadn’tbeenthere,fromwhatI’dheard,theinfightinggotsobad,theGuildwasonthebrinkof

bankruptcy.Jimknewallthis.Heusedtobeamerc,too,andhehadspiesalloverthecity.

“First,themercsandadminsaretoobusybeingateachother’sthroats,”Isaid.“Second,thePackdoesn’townenoughoftheGuildtomakeitworthwhileforus.”

“Wedo,”Jimsaid.“ThemercshavebeensellingofftheirsharesandI’vebeen

usingtheshapeshiftermercstobuythem.”

HemusthavethoughtIwasbornyesterday.“They’vebeensellingofftheirsharesbecausetheGuildhashurtledoverthecliffandisnose-divingintotheground.Ratsabandonasinkingship,youknowthat.”

Jimdismisseditwithabriskgesture.“That’sbesidethepoint.Kate,thePacknow

controlsthirty-sixpercentoftheGuild.We’lltransferthesesharestoyou,whichwillmakeyoutwothelargestsingleshareholders.”

“Thisisabadidea,”Isaid.

“We’renottakingit,”Curransaid.

“Bottomline,I’mtheBeastLord,”Jimsaid.“I’mtellingyou,that’souroffer.”

“Yourofferstinks,”Itold

him.“Ourofferismorethan

fair.”“Youcan’tcompelmeto

agree,”Curransaid.“ThePacklawiscrystalclear:asaretiredalpha,Ihaveautonomy.”

“No,Ican’t.ButIcancontrolwhatweofferyouandthisiswhatIamoffering.You’remyfriend,butthePackismyjobnow.Soyou

wantmetogobacktothesepeopleinwhosebusinessesyouinvestedandtellthemthatyoudon’tgiveacrapabouttheirlivelihood?”Jimsaid.“Justtryingtobeclear.”

“IowntenpercentofRaphael’sreclamationbusiness,”Currangrowled.“Hisannualearningsareinthemillions.”

Thelightdawnedonme.“That’swhyRaphaelwrote

thecontract.Hedoesn’twanttopay.”

“HewrotethecontractbecauseIaskedhim,”Jimsnarled.

Curranlookedathim.Animperceptibleshiftoccurredinthewayheheldhimself.Nothingobvious.Aslighthardeningofshoulders,astraighterspine,amutedpromiseintheeyes,butsuddenlyeveryoneknewthe

conversationwasover.ThiswashowheusedtosilencethePackCouncil.

“WethankthePackfortheirgenerousoffer,”Curransaid.“Theanswerisno.Julieneedstogettoschoolandweneedtogettowork.Thankyouforyourvisit.You’rewelcomeinourhomeanytime.”

Jimrose.“Thinkaboutit.”

DalilookedatJulie.“Doyouneedaride?”

“I’lltakeit!”Juliejumpedoffherchair.

Dalidrovelikeamaniac.“Donotkillmykid.”

Dalisnorted.“Ididn’tkillherwhenItaughtherhowtodrive,didI?”

Curranroseandwenttotheotherroom.JimandItradedglances.Hereachedforthefolder.

Imissmakingitwork...“Leaveit,please,”Isaid.

CHAPTER

HEGUILDOCCUPIEDanabandonedhotelonthe

edgeofBuckhead.Onceafuturistic-lookingtower,ithadsuccumbedtothemagicwavesliketherestofthebusinessdistrict.High-risesfellintwoways:eithertheyslowlydeteriorateduntiltheycollapsedinaheapofdust

anddebris,ortheytoppled.TheGuild’sbasewasatoppler:thetowerhadbrokenoffaboutsevenstoriesupasifcutbyablade.Therenovationsandrepairsshavedoffanothertwofloors,andnowtheGuildhadfivefloors,onlyfourofwhichwerefunctional,thepriceoflivingthroughaslow-motionapocalypse.

Weparkedinabigopen-

airparkinglottotherightandgotout.Abouttwodozenvehicleswaitedforus.AccordingtoGeorge,EduardodroveahugeblackTahoethatlookedlikeatank.Notsomethingyou’deasilymiss.GeorgedroveanFJCruiser.Neitherwasintheparkinglot.

CurranandIwalkeddowntheparkinglane.Currantookshortquick

breaths,samplingthescents.WewouldneedDerektoreallyfollowatrail.Curran’ssenseofsmellwasmanytimesbetterthanmine,buthewasapredatorycat.Hehuntedmostlybysight,whileDerek,myonetimeboywonder,wasawolf.Hecouldtrackamoththroughpitchdarknessbyscentalone.

IhadcalledovertoCuttingEdgeandlefta

messageontheansweringmachineforDerekaskinghimtostayputincaseweneededhim.CurranhadsavedhimwhenDerek’sfamilywentloup,andtheyoungwerewolfwascompletelydevotedtohim.

“I’vebeenthinking,”Isaid.

“ShouldIbeworried?”Curranasked.

“Iwould’vethought

Derekwouldseparatewithus.IunderstandwhyBarabasdidn’t—helovespracticinglaw—butDerekhasbeenworkingforCuttingEdgesincethestart.”

“It’snotreallyatopicIcanbringup,”Curransaid.“It’sapersonaldecisionforeachindividualinvolved.Therecan’tbeanypressureonewayortheother.Jimcan’tofferthemincentivesto

stayandIcan’tusetheiremotionalloyaltytopressurethemintoleaving.”

Itmadesense,Isuppose.Wecombedtheparking

lot,predictablydidn’tfindtheTahoe,andheadedfortheGuildbuilding.

Theheavyirongatesstoodwideopen.Nobodymetusinthelobby.Icheckedthesign-inledgerrestingonthemetaltable.Eduardohad

signedinonMonday,February28.Therewasnosign-inforTuesday,March1.

“Hedidn’tmakeittotheGuildyesterday,”Isaid.

Curraninhaledtheairandgrimaced.

“What?”“Itsmellslikeagarbage

dump.Igethintsofhisscent,butthey’reold.I’dsayatleastfiftyhoursorso.”

Fiftyhourswasconsistent

withourtimeline.IfEduardocalledGeorgeatseventhirtyonMonday,heprobablygotdowntotheGuildanhourortwolater.

CurranandIpassedthroughalargewoodendoorandenteredtheinnerhall.Thehotelwasbuiltasahollowtowerwithanopenatriumatitscenter.Terracedbalconies,oneforeachfloor,linedtheinnerwalls,

allowingaccesstoindividualrooms.

Initsotherlife,thehotelhadbeenbeautiful,alllightstone,expensivewood,andelevatorswithtransparentwalls.Itwaswaybeforemytime,butI’dseensomeoldpicturesthatshowedthelobbyasanoasisofgreenery,completewithakoistreamwherefatorange-and-whitefishdriftedgentlybeneaththe

lilypads.Atrendycoffeeshophadoccupiedonecorner,nexttoitaraisedareahadbeensetoutforhappy-hourpatrons,andanupscalerestauranthadofferedlobsterandsteak.Allofthatwasgonenow.Thecoffeeshop,koi,andgreeneryhadvanishedwithoutatrace.Therestauranthadevolvedintoamesshall,offeringcheapbutdecentfoodtohungrymercs

comingofflongjobs,andtheraisedareathatwasoncethehappy-hourhangouthousedtheClerk’sdeskandabigjobboardbehindhim.

Usuallytheboardwasorganizedtowithinaninchofitslife.TheClerkwouldwritetheopenjobsonindexcards,markthemwithdifferentcolorsaccordingtopriority,andpinthemneatlytothecorkboard.Todaythe

boardwasamess.Randompiecesofpapercoveredit,stuckthiswayandthat,someontopoftheothers.Acouplehadcoffeestains.Onelookedahellofalotlikeauseddinnernapkinwhoseownermust’veindulgedingravy.Whatthehell...?

Abouttwentymercsloungedhereandthere,someatthetables.Iscannedthecrowd.Notmanyveterans.

TheGuildattractedallsortsofpeople.SomeworkedhardandsomehungoutattheGuildbullshittingorwaitingforjusttherightjobtofallintotheirlap.Mostoftheseguyswereofthesecondvariety.Afewlookeddrunk.Mostweren’ttooclean.Aswewalkedthrough,awomanontherighthockedaloogieandspatonthefloor.Charming.

ThesepeoplehungoutattheGuildeveryday.Someprobablyslepthere.Oneofthemhadeitherstolenacarfromaworriedwomanlookingforherboyfriendorknewwhohad.Theywouldtellmewhodidit.

Thesourstenchofrottenfoodfloatedintheair.Mudstreaksstainedthefloor.Thetrashcaninthecornerwasoverflowing.Thestaircase

thatleduptothethreeremainingfloorshadalovelypatinaofgrime.

“Daniels!”Iturned.Atandark-

hairedmaninhisfortieswavedatmefromanearbytable.LagoVista.Iwalkedoverandtookaseat.Curransatnexttome.Lagohadbeenamercenaryallhislifeonewayoranother,buthe’djoinedtheGuildaboutthree

yearsago,whenhemovedtoAtlantafromLagoVista,Texas.HelikeditwhenpeoplecalledhimLago.Itwasn’treallyhisname,buthenevertalkedaboutthethingshe’dleftbehind,soIdidn’task.HeandIhadworkedtogetheronacoupleofjobs.Hewasn’tasfastasheusedtobe,buthehadalotofexperienceandheknewwhattodowithit.Hedidhisjob,

hediditwell,andhedidn’tgetmeoranybodyelsekilled.Thatmadehimadecentmercinmybook.Ifyouneededasecondforagig,youcoulddoalotworsethanLago.Ifyoucouldputupwithhiscome-ons,thatis.Lagowasanagingjock.Helikedone-nightstands,andheviewedhimselfasasmoothoperator.

“Haven’tseenyouaround.”Lagolifteda

coffeepot.“Needsomefuel?”Thecoffeeintheglass

carafewassolidblackandlookedviscous.“Isthatlastnight’sbatch?”

Lagoshrugged.Lastnight’sbatchthathad

probablybakedforabouttwelvehours.Nothanks.“WhereistheClerk?”

“Youdidn’thear?TheClerk’sgone.Thecleaningstaff,too.Alloftheadmins

aregone.You’relookinggood,Daniels.Lookingreallygood.”Lagogavemealongonce-over.

“Stoplookingatherandyoumightlivelonger,”Curransaid,hisvoiceniceandfriendly.

LagoglancedatCurranandheldhisarmsupintheair.“Hey,nooffense.Justacompliment.”

Currandidn’tanswer.

Lagoshiftedinhisseat,uncomfortable,andturnedtome.“Who’stheguy?”

“He’smy...”Fiancé,honey-bunny?“He’smine.”

Lagonoddedknowingly.“ThethingwiththeBeastLorddidn’tturnout,huh?That’sokay,Iheardthatguyisadick.Youdon’tneedthatshit.”

Curran’sfaceshowednoemotion.Lagostuckhishand

out.“LagoVista.CallmeLago.”

“Lennart.”CurranreachedoverandshookLago’shand.IheldmybreathtoseeifLago’sfingerswouldsurvive.Hedidn’twritheinpainandnobonescrunched.AndthatwasexactlywhyCurranwassuchascarybastard.Whenhelostcontrol,itwasbecausehemadeadeliberatechoicetodoso.

“Sowhathappenedtotheadmins?”Curranasked.

“TheGuildAssemblyfailedtopassthebudget.Nobudget,nopaycheck.Thecleaningcrewwasthefirsttowalkoff,thenthecookingstaff.TheClerkhungonforaboutsixweeks,butheleft,too.”

Holycrap.“Who’stakingthecalls?”

Lagoshrugged.“Whoever

feelslikeansweringthephone?Itdoesn’tringmuchanymore.”

Great.“Whydidn’ttheypassthe

budget?”Curranasked.“BecauseBobCarver

wantedtoraidhispensionfund.”Lagogulpedhiscoffeeandgrimacedatthetaste.

BobCarverhadbeeninforaboutfifteenyears,andhewasoneoftherarebreedof

mercenarywhoplayedwellwithothers.Hewaspartofafour-personcrewknownastheFourHorsemenandtheytookthelarger,moredifficultjobs.HalfoftheAssemblyconsistedofadminsandtheotherhalfofmercs,andBobCarverwaschiefpersonnelofficerandthemercs’leader.Beforemyfatherdecidedtotakeanactiveinterestinmyexistence,Ifunctionedasthe

thirdpartofthattriangle,representingthePack’sinterests.Ididn’tthinkImadethatmuchdifference,butitmust’vebeenjustenoughtokeepthetideofcrazyatbay,becauseinmyabsencetheGuildhadclearlygoneofftherails.

CurrankeptlookingatLago,listeningandwaiting.Lagogulpedmorecoffee.“Itworkslikethis:ifyoulast

twentyyearsintheGuild,yougetapension.Youstartpayingintoitfromyourfirstjob.Notmuchmoney,likefivepercent,butattheendoftwentyyearsitaddsup.Ifyoudiebeforeyourtwentyyearsareup,you’rescrewed.Whateveryoupaidintothepensionfundstaysthere.Yourfamilygetsthedeathbenefit,butthat’sit.Idon’tknowwhatthehellBob

neededthemoneyfor,buthewantedtoborrowagainsthiscontribution.”

“That’sillegal,”Curransaid.“Andstupid.Ifeveryoneraidsthepensionfund,therewillbenopensionfund.”

Lagowinkedatme.“Ilikehim.Butyeah,you’reright.That’sbasicallywhatMarksaid.Mark’souroperationsmanager.Bobreallyneedsthemoney,I

guess,becausehegotabunchofmercsonhissideandhammeredenoughvotestostopthebudget.Hesayshewon’tbackdownuntiltheygivehimhismoney.”

Awesome.Justawesome.Ileanedcloser.“Lago,do

youknowEduardoOrtego?Bigguy,darkhair,lookslikehecanrunthroughwalls?”

“I’veseenhimaround.”“Didhehaveabeefwith

anyone?”“Sure.Youremember

ChristianHeyward?”“Bigguy?African

Americanwiththebulldog?”“That’stheone.”TheChristianHeywardI

rememberedwasagenuinelynicefamilyman,whohadaverylowtoleranceforbullshit.HecameinwithhisAmericanBulldog,didhisgigs,andwenthometohis

wifeandkids.“HehadaproblemwithEduardo?”

“No.HequitthedayEduardoregistered,sotheygavehimHeyward’szone.It’sagoodzone.Somepeoplegotpissedoffbecauseofit,butnothingtoomajor.Youknowhowitis:yourguylookedlikehecouldhandlehimselfandnobodywantedtogethurt.Theybitchedbehindhisback,butthat’sas

farasitgot.Nobodywantedtheirbonesbroken.”

“Hisgirlfriendwashereyesterday,”Curransaid.“Lookingforhim.Someonetookhercar.”

“That’sashame.Can’thelpyou,man.Iwasn’thereyesterday.Butoneofthemmight.”Lagoglancedatthegathering.“Mostoftheseassholesarehereeveryday.Goodluckgettingtheir

attention,though.Halfofthemaredrunk,halfofthemarehungover,andtheotherhalfdon’tgiveashit.”

“Thanks.”Ihadnoproblemwithattentiongetting.

Igotup.Ineededtodosomethingflashyandloudbutnottooscary,orthemercswouldjusttakeoff.Iheadedforthetableclosesttothedoor.Iftheyran,they’d

havetogetpastus.Curranwalkednexttome.“SoIamadick?”

“Ican’thelpthatyouhaveareputation.”

Hegrinned.“Youwanthelp?”

“No,Igotit.”Hiskindofhelpwouldlikelyinvolvearoar,andthemercswouldscatter.

IfIstartedwithEduardomissing,I’dgetnowhere.

TheyallprobablysawGeorgeaskingquestionsabouthimyesterday.Nobodyhelpedherthenandnobodywouldhelpmewithitnow.Amissingpersonwasseriousbusinessandmercsdidn’tlikeattention.They’dclamup.Noneofthemwouldwanttobeawitnessortovolunteeranyinformation.IhadtomakeitaboutthemissingSUV.Thatwastheft—serious

theft,butstillonlytheft—andeveryonewouldunderstandthatwe’dhandleitwithoutthecopsinvolved.

Adried-upFrenchfrycrunchedundermyfoot.

“Ican’tbelieveJimtriedtosellusthisleakyboat.”ThenexttimeIsawhim,I’dlethimknowexactlyhowIfeltaboutit.

“JimisaBeastLord,”Curransaid.“Packcomes

first.Friendshipscomesecond.”

ThreefeetfromthetableIjumpedandlandedonitstop.Ididn’tlandsoftly.Ilandedwithaseriousthud.

Themercsturnedandlookedatme.Recognitionregisteredonsomefaces.

“Youknowme,”Isaid.“YouknowwhatIcando.”

Theywerelookingatme.“Aone-armedwoman

camehereyesterdayinablueFJCruiser.Someonetookit.Iwanttoknowwho.”

“Daniels.”Awomangotupfromhertableandstartedtowardme.Forty,builtlikeabrickhouse,andmeaneyed.Shelookedfamiliar.Herclothesandthebruiseonherfacesaidshehadhadaroughnightandwaslookingforsomeoneshecouldusetoventherfrustration.“Iowe

you.”Iknewherbutcouldn’t

rememberthename...Igavehermyhardstarejustincase.Shekeptcoming.Shoot.Iwasoutofpractice.“Really?”

“Yeah.Youtookmygig.”Ah.AliceGolansky.The

lasttimeIsawherwasalmosttwoyearsago.Well,wasn’tthatablastfromthepast.

“Soletmegetthis

straight.You’remad,becausetwoyearsagoyouweretoodrunktodoajobandpassedoutintheGuild’smesshall,andtheClerksentmeoutinyourplace?”

Sheshruggedhershouldersandraisedherfists.Well,well.Someonehadsomekaratetraining.“I’mgoingtoteachyounottostealjobs.”

“Youdorealizethatgig

wasassignedtome?”Nottomentionthatthejobhappenedtwoyearsago.

“Youthinkyou’resohighandmighty.I’mgonnapullyouoffthattableandstompyourfacein.”

Curransmiled.Okay.“Youthoughtthis

through?”Iasked.Shelookedupatmeand

punchedherpalmwithherfist.“Ohyeah.”

Idroppedtomykneeandhammeredapunchintoherjaw.Myfisthadshotdownlikeajackhammer.I’dsunkallofthemomentumofthedropintoit.Knockingsomeoneoutwastricky,becauseitrequiredpower,speed,andtheelementofsurprise,butwhenitworked,itmadeastatement.Alice’seyesrolledintoherhead.Shewentrigidandfellstraight

back,likeacuttree.Herheadbouncedoffthefloorabit.

Thehallwassuddenlysilent.Ha!Stillgotit.

“Anybodyelsegotanydisputesthey’dliketosettle?”Iasked.

Themercssatsilent.“I’llaskagain.”Istood

up.“BlueFJCruiser.Whohasit?”

Noanswer.“Maybeyoudidn’thear

her,”Curransaid.“Ormaybeyoucan’tseeherwell.Letmehelp.”

Thetableundermemoved.OutofthecornerofmyeyeIsawhimholdingitafootoffthegroundwithonehand.Okaythen.

Themercsfroze.“ItwasMac,”alarge

Latinomanwearingfadedfatiguessaidfromtheleft.HisnamewasCharlieandhe

usedtobearegularwhenIworkedfortheGuild.“Macandhisidiotredneckcousin,what’shisname...Bubba?Skeeter...?”

“Leroy,”Crystalsaid,tossingbackherbleachedblondhair.“MacandLeroy.”

Thenamesdidn’tsoundfamiliar.CurranquietlyloweredthetablebacktoEarth.

“Yeah,Leroy,”Charlie

said.“Isawthemgettingintoitthismorning.TheyweregoingtodoajobinChambleeonChambleeDunwoodyRoad.”

IwasprettysureChambleeusedtobeinHeyward’szone.

“Thecatlady?”ashortskinnyguyinaredsweaterasked.“Theonewhocalledbefore?”

“Yeah,”Charliesaid.

“She’sgotsomethingwithwingstryingtoeathercatsonChambleeDunwoodyRoad.”

That’sright,tellmemore.“Again?”Crystalasked.

“EduardoalreadywentoutthereonSunday.Hesaidthisladyhadagianttickeatinghercats.”

“Thiswasnotick,”Charliesaid.“Shesaiditflew.Ticksdon’tfly.”

“Well,whateveritwas,”

Crystalsaid,“IknowhekilleditonSunday,becausehecamebackheretogetpaid,andthenshecalledagainonMondayandhewentoutthereagain.That’sthelastIsawhim.”

Itwasarepeatjob.TheclientcalledtheGuildthefirsttimeonSundayaboutatick,andEduardowentoutandtookcareofit.Thenshecalledagain,onMonday,

probablybecausetheproblemrecurred.Hewentouttothatcallanddisappeared.Thentheclientcalledforthethirdtime,today,whichmeantthateitherthecreaturebotheringherhadalargefamilyorthatEduardonevermadeittoherjob.ButhedidfinishtheSundayjob,whichmeanttherewouldbearecordofit.

“DidthisladysayEduardoshowedupon

Monday?”Iasked.Charlieshookhishead.

“Shewasatwork,soshedidn’tknowifheshowedup.Butshewasreallyheateditwasn’ttakencareof.”

“WhendidMacandLeroyleave?”Iasked.

“Halfanhourago,”Charliesaid.

We’djustmissedthem.“Aretheypoachingin

Eduardo’sterritory?”Iasked.

Crystalspreadherarms.“Heain’theretocallthemoutonit,ishe?”

“They’vegotaproblemwithhim?”Curranasked.

Charlieshrugged.“They’vegotaproblemwitheveryone.Ortego’sgotgoodterritory.Theytriedmusclinginonhimandhebeattheirassesforthem.”

“Hewasn’tworriedaboutit,”Crystalsaid.

“Youknewhimwell,huh?”Iasked.

“Shetalkedtohimeverytimehecamehere,”Charliesaid.

Crystalshothimadirtylook.

“Don’tstareatme.”Hepointedatus.“Theyhaveissueswithyou.Theyhavenoissueswithme.Don’tdragtherestofusinwithyoursorryass.”

“Itriedtoknowhimwell,ifyoucatchmymeaning.”Crystalmadeasourface.“Apparentlyhe’soneofthose‘gotagirlfriend’types.Shewasoverhereyesterday.Nothingspecial.Andshe’sacripple.”

Oh,yousad,patheticexcuseforahumanbeing.Myfistitched.IreallywantedtopunchCrystalintheface.

“Soyousawayoungone-armedwomandesperatelylookingforherguy.YouknewLeroyandMactookhercarandyoudidn’tsayanything.Noneofyouassholestoldherorofferedtogiveheraridebackhome?”Icouldbarelykeepagrowloutofmyvoice.“Youmust’veallhadimportantshittodolikesittinghere,gettingdrunk,andspittingonthe

floor.”Nobodylookedmeinthe

eye.“Whatareyou,the

moralitypolice?”anolderdrunken-lookingmercasked.

“Yeah,Iam,Chug.RememberthattimeyourlegwasbrokenandJimandIcametogetyououtoftheholeunderacollapsedbuilding?”

“Sowhat?”

“Nexttimeyou’reintrouble,don’tcallme.”

“I’llsurvive,”hesaid.“Don’tmakepromises

youcan’tkeep.”IjumpedoffthetableandheadedfortheClerk’sdesk.Weneededjoblogs.

“Wherearewegoing?”Curranaskedquietly.

“Togetthelogbook.Whenajobiscompleted,it’swrittenintothelogbook

beforethepaymentisauthorized.Accordingtothoseclowns,Eduardohadalreadygonetodoajobatthataddress.OnSundaythisladycalledaboutagianttick,andhewentoutandkilledit,andhegotpaid.Thelogbookshouldhavearecordofit.”

TheproblemhehadgoneouttofixonMondaywasstillactive,becausetheclienthadcalledtheGuildagainaboutit

thismorningandthecar-stealingredneckstookthejob.Sometimesthathappened—youkilledsomecreaturebutdidn’trealizeitwasn’talone,soyouhadtogooutthesecondtimeandcompletethejob.Wehadtotalktotheclient.MacandLeroywould’vetakenthegigticketwithheraddresswiththem,sothelogswereourbestbet.

Somethinghadhappened

toEduardoonMonday,duringthesecondjoboronthewaytoit.Ifhewereanormalhuman,I’dbecallinghospitalstoseeifhewassomewherewithaninjury,butthestandardprotocolforhurtshapeshiftersdictatedthatmedicalpersonnelnotifythePackimmediately.ThePackhaditsownmedmages,ledbyDoolittle,whohadbroughtmebackfromthe

brinkofdeathsomanytimesIhadlostcount.Eduardocouldbehurt,hecouldbedead,orhecouldbeinjail,arrestedforsomething,buthewasn’tinahospital.

IcrouchedbehindtheClerk’sdeskandtriedthelogdrawer.Normallyitwasunderlockandkey.Thedrawerdoorswungopen.

Themercswatchedus.“Trytolookcasual.”I

pulledthetopbookoutandputitonthedesk.

“Why?”“BecausewhatI’mdoing

isillegalwithoutawarrant,andwehaveabouttwentywitnessesobservingoureverymove.”

Currancrossedhisarms,makinghisbicepsbulge,leanedagainstthedesk,andfixedouraudiencewithhisstare.Everyone

spontaneouslydecidedtolookanywhereelsebutatus.Right.Casual,myfoot.

“See,”hesaid.“Nowitnesses.”

Iflippedthepages.Eduardowaslikeabrand-newmerc.Hewoulddothingsbythebook.OnlythreelogentriesonSunday.Wow.Thereshouldhavebeenadozenormore.OnagooddaytheGuildusedtobe

chaoticwithasteadystreamofmercscomingandgoing,andSundayduringastrongmagicwaveshould’vebeenagooddayforbusiness.

Secondnamedown.Mrs.Oswald,30862ChambleeDunwoodyRoad.Complaint:gianttickeatingcats.Status:resolved,Biohazardcontactedtoremovetheremains.EduardoOrtego.

Oneofthetwoconference

doorsintheoppositewallopenedandMarkMeadows,theGuild’sheadadmin,steppedout.Ialmostdidadoubletake.MarkhadstartedastheGuild’ssecretary,butafterthedeathoftheGuild’sfounder,Markbecamechiefadministrativeofficer.Mark’ssloganinlifewas,“I’mmiddlemanagementandproudofit.”Hisjawwasalwaysperfectlyshaved;his

faceshowednobruises;hishandshadnocuts.Hisnailsweremanicuredandthelightscentofexpensivecolognefollowedhimwhereverhewent.Hestoodoutamongtherough-and-tumblemercslikeaprofessorataprisonrodeo.Mostmercsdespisedhim,becauseMarkhadnomercy.Profitwashisgodandnohard-luckstorywouldswayhimfromfollowingtheletter

oftheGuild’slawinpursuitofthebottomline.

ThatwastheoldMr.Meadows.

ThisMarkhadlethimselfgo.Hisnormallyimpeccablesuitwasrumpled.Hisfacewasred,hisexpressionflustered.Hishairlookedlikehe’dclutchedatitwithhishandsbutstoppedshortofactuallypullingitout.Hisfaceworeahaunted

expression.NodoubtcomingoffanothersessionoftheGuildAssembly.

Donotseeme,donotseeme...

Hiseyeslitup.“Daniels!”Damnit.“Idon’thave

time,Mark,”Icalled.“Butyouhavetimeto

breakthelawandinvadeclientprivacybyreadingthelog.”

Ugh.“I’mlookingfora

missingmerc.”“Toobad.I’mamember

oftheAssemblyandIcallonyoutoformallyappearbeforetheAssembly.Youcan’trefuse.”

ThehellIcan’t.Islappedthebookclosedandsliditintoitsplace.“Thisismerefusing.”

“Well,well,well!”BobCarveremergedthroughtheopendoor.Hewasthesame

heightasMark,andtheirhaircolorwasasimilarshadeofbrown,buttheretheresemblanceended.Markwasinhisthirties,atewell,andspentalotoftimeatthegym.Hewastoned.BobCarver,ontheotherhand,wasleanandhard,whittledbylifelikeawalnutwoodcarving.Inhislateforties,helookedlikeaguywhohadbeenthroughsomeroughshit

andcameoutofittougher.“Lookwhatthecat

draggedin.”Hewasplayingtothe

audience.Nevergood.“Ishetalkingtomeor

you?”Curranasked.Hisvoicewasdeceptivelylight.

“Idon’tknow,”Isaid.“ButI’msurehe’llgetaroundtotellingus.”

“Hello,YourHighnesses.”

Bobpretendedtobowwithaflourish,eyeingus.Behindhimmorefamiliarfacesappearedasthemercsinsidetheroomcameouttoseewhatthehubbubwasabout.VeteranGuildmembersRiganandSonia,andtherestofBob’sFourHorsemen:Ivera,afirebuggoodwithbladedweapons;Ken,themage,tallandphlegmaticwithadistant

lookonhisnarrowface,asifhewereperpetuallyponderingsomethingbeyondhumanunderstanding;andJuke.Jukewasafewyearsyoungerthanme,agooddealthinner,andshewantedveryhardtobeedgyandhard-core.Insteadshemanagedapissed-offGothPixielook:hershorthairstuckoutfromherheadinashortasymmetriccut,herarms

werethinlikechopsticks,andhersmokyeyesandpurplelipstickmadeherdelicatefeaturesevenmorefragile.ShestudiedSōjutsu,theartofyari,Japanesespear,andshewasprettygoodwithit.

“Sogladyougraceduswithyourpresence,”Bobsaid.“Cametoslumwithusmeremortals?”

BobandIneverhadaproblem.JukeandIhada

problem,becauseIenjoyedjerkingherchain,butBobandIalwaysleveled.Wherewashegoingwiththis?Ileanedback.“You’dhavetocleantheplaceupabitforitbeaslum,Bob.”

Bobnarrowedhiseyes.“Iknowwhatyou’vebeendoing.IknowyourPackconnedenoughmercsintosellingyoutheirsharessoyou’dcontrolathirdofthis

Guild.Iknowyou’rethinkingofbuyingthoseshares.”

JimwouldbeoverjoyedtohearthatsomeonehadbeentalkingtotheGuildbehindhisback.Thatwouldn’tincreasehisparanoia.Notatall.

Bobwasbuildingupsteam.“Sothat’sit,huh?Youthoughtyou’dcomehere,throwyourweightaround,andsaveus.Whipusinto

shape.I’vegotnewsforyou.”Helookedarounddramatically.“Nobody’swhippingus.Therewon’tbeanybowingorscraping.”

Curranshrugged.“Okay.Finebyme.”

Bobglowered.“Idon’tgiveafuckifyouthinkthat’sfineornot.I’mtellingyouhowit’sgoingtobe.”

Bob,yousad,sorrysonovabitch.IfIdidn’tsteer

thisawayfromCurran,hewouldredecoratetheplacewiththeFourHorsemen’sguts.

Igrinned.Whenindoubt,pissthemoffwithhumor.

“Somethingfunny,Daniels?”Jukeaskedme.

“Justenjoyingwatchingyourbossheredigtheholedeeper.”InoddedatBob.“Keepgoing,Bob.Don’tholdback.Shareyour

feelingswiththegroup.Getitallout.”

Mercsatthetableschuckled.

Bobgrowled.That’sright,concentrateonme...

“Youusedtobesomebody,Lennart.”

Damnit.Hewasaskingforhisheadtobebashedin,andifhesaidtoomuchmore,Iwoulddoitmyself.

Hekeptgoing.“I’vegot

newsforyou:you’reanobody.”

Really?Anobody?Bobsquaredhis

shoulders.“We’llthrowyououtonyourass...”

AdeepinhumansoundrolledthroughtheGuild,thesoundofapredator’svoice,humorlessandice-cold,andIrealizeditwasCurranlaughing.Iswallowedthesuddenlumpinmythroat.

TheGuildHallwentcompletelysilent.Ohno.

CurranstudiedBobCarver,asifhehadn’treallyseenhimbeforethismomentandnowhe’dfinallynoticedBobexistedanddecidedtodedicatehiscompleteattentiontothatfact.Hiseyessparkedwithgold,hisgazepinningBobinplace.Iknewtheweightofthatstare.Itwaslikelookingstraightintothe

jungle’shungrymaw.Itknewnomercyandnoreason.Itonlyknewthatitwashunterandyouwereprey.Bloodrushedtoyourlimbs,yourbreathingspedup,andyourthoughtsfracturedandmeltedintoyourbrainuntilonlytwooptionsremained:fightorflight.Pickingonewastorture.

Bobpaled.Hesteppedback,almostinspiteof

himself,fallingintoafamiliardefensivestance,half-turnedtowardCurran,hishandsraised.Allofhisblusterfaded.Suddenlyeveryoneknewwhothebaddestmonsterintheroomwasandnobodywantedtobehistarget.

Curranpushedofffromthedesk,hismovementsmoothandmeasured.Hiseyeswereliketwoshining

moons.Hisvoicehadadeepundercurrentofasnarl.“Soyouwanttothrowmeoutonmyass?”

Bobswallowed.“Therearen’tenough

peoplehere,Bob.Youneedtogetreinforcements.Goahead.”Hesmiled,baringhisteeth,asharpcarnivoregrin.“I’llwait.”

Peoplewereslowlyreachingfortheirweapons.

Themercshadleanedforward,theirweightbarelyontheirchairs.Anyloudnoiseandthey’drun.

Inthequiet,Curran’svoicerolledthroughtheGuildHall.“WhenIcameheretoday,Ihadn’tdecidedwhatIwasgoingtodo.Thankyou.Youhelpedmetoreachadecision.Youchosetostartsomethingheretoday.Whenit’sover,youwill

cometomeandyouwillaskmetotakechargeofyou.”

IhadtogiveittoBobCarver.Hemanagedenoughwillpowertoopenhismouth.Andthenhisbrainmust’vekickedin,becauseheclampeditshut.

Curranturnedtome.“Kate?Doyouhaveeverythingyouneed?”

“Yes.”“Good.Thenwe’redone

fornow.”Wewalkedout.Nobody

saidaword.

•••

ITTOOKUSfourteenminutestochanttheJeepintoaction.Carswithenchantedenginesranduringmagicwaves,buttheymadeenoughnoisetomakeevenmetalheadteenagersbegtoturnthe

volumedown.TheJeep’scabhadbeenisolatedagainstnoise,butwestillhadtoraiseourvoicestobeheard.

Currandroveoutoftheparkinglot.Thestreetsflashedby.Iopenedtheglovecompartmentandpulledoutacoupleofthrowingknives.Accordingtothemercs,thecat-eatingcreatureflew.Ididn’tuseguns.Ididn’tgetalongthatwellwithtech-

relatedprojectileweaponsingeneral.Icouldmanageadecentshotwithabow,butgivemearifleandI’dmissanelephantfromthreefeetaway.

Curran’sfacewascalm,thelineofhismouthrelaxed.

“ArewegoingtotakeovertheGuild?”Iasked.

“Yes,weare.Well,Iam.Youareinvited.”Heglancedatme.“Youshouldjoinme.

Itwillbefun.”“AfterwefindEduardo.”“Iwasn’tgoingtodrop

everythingandcrushtheFourHorsemen,”Curransaid.“Givemesomecredit.Eduardoisoneofourown.Findinghimisallthatmatters.Besides,ifI’ddecidedtopullCarver’sspineoutofhisbody,Iwould’vedoneitalready.”

“Canyouactuallydo

that?”Curranfrowned.“Idon’t

know.Imeantheoreticallyifyoubrokethespineabovethepelvis,youcould,butthenthereareribs...I’llhavetotryitsometime.”

Okay,then.Thatwasnotdisturbing.Notatall.“Whatdoyousupposenormalpeopletalkaboutontheircarrides?”

“Ihavenoidea.Tellme

aboutBobCarver.”Isighed.OnceCurran

focusedonatarget,gettinghimtochangecoursewasliketryingtonudgeamovingtraintotheside.

“Bobisashark.Ireadsomewherethatsharkshavetokeepswimmingortheydrown.Ihavenoideaifthat’strue,butIcantellyou:Bobkeepsswimming.Ilearnthings.Everyfightisan

opportunity.Everytimewespar,Ilearnmore.Ilearnedfromfightingtheghouls.IlearnedfromwatchingandfightingHugh.”

AmuscleinCurran’sfacejerkedslightly.Itwasatinymovement.HadIblinked,Iwouldhavemissedit.Hughwasstillaproblemforbothofus.

“Bobislikeme.Peopleseehimandthink,‘Oh,he’s

pasthisprime.He’sgood,butheisn’tasfastorstrongasheusedtobe.’ButBobislikeoneofthosemartialartsinstructorswhohavebeenhoningtheirbodiesforyears.Whenheneedsto,hemovesfast,becausehedoesn’tthinkaboutit.Hejustdoesit.Ioncesawhimtakedownamanwhowasfifteenyearsyounger,faster,andbettertrained.Agroupofseven

mercs,includingtheFourHorsemen,haddoneajobandthisguydidn’tlikethewayitwentdown.HegotitintohisheadtofightwithBob.Hisexactwordswere,‘I’llbeattheshitoutofyouandmakeyoueatitwithyourface.’”

Curransmiled.“Apoet.”“Yeah.Bobwarnedhim

thatiftheguyputhishandsonhim,itwouldn’tendwell.

Theguysaiditwasfinewithhim,sotheybrawledintheGuildHall.Bobgoadedhimduringthefight.Hewentforfuncheapshots.Aslaponthecheek.Aquickkicktotheshin.FinallytheguylosthispatienceandthemomentBobgavehimanopening,hewentforBob’sthroat.Bobalmostlethimgethishandsaroundhisneckandthenhithimreallyfastwiththeflatofhis

handintheAdam’sapple.Theguylethimgo,staggeredabit,andkeptgoing.Thirtysecondsandhestartedgettingsluggish.Bobworkedhimoverforanotherminuteandthentheguywentdown.FiveminuteslatertheGuildparamedichadtocuthisneckopen.Bobhadhithimjustrightandtheblunt-forcetraumatothetracheacausedinflammation.Hiswindpipe

hadswollenshut.”“Didhesurvive?”“Hedid.Hemovedoutof

thecity.Hereisthething:whiletheparamedicwastryingtorealignthetrachea,Bobwenttothemesshallandgothimselfahamburger.Bob’snotreallyanasshole,untilyouputyourhandsonhimortrytoscrewhimover.Thenallbetsareoff.Thankyoufornotkillinghim,

though.”“Ihavenoplansofkilling

him.Hemightbeuseful,andoneshouldneverthrowawaygoodmanpower.”

“IfIdidn’tknowbetter,I’dsayinyourheadyoualreadytookovertheGuild,restructuredit,andfoundaplaceforBobinit.”

Hesmiledatme.Sometimeshe...

“scared”wouldbethewrong

word...alarmedme.TheGuildhadnoideawhatwasabouttohitit.

WeturnedontoChambleeDunwoodyRoad.

IbracedmyselfwithmyhandagainstthedashboardasourJeephitabumpintheroad.Thevehiclejumped,Curranmadeasuddenright,andtheJeepscreechedtoahalt.Myseatbeltjerkedmeback.

“Thereitis.”Alargetwo-storyhouse

ofbrownbrickroseattheendofadriveway.Thehousehadbeenbuiltpre-Shift,beforemagicandtechnologystartedtheircrazywaltz.Modernbuilderskepttheirwindowssmall.Lesschanceofsomethingwithteeth,glowingeyes,andanappetiteforhumanmeatsurprisingyouinthebedroomaftera

harddayofwork.ThewindowsofthishousewerelargeenoughforCurraninhisbeastformtogothrough.Mrs.Oswaldcompensatedforthewindows’sizebyinstallingtwo-inchsteelbarsoverthem.Mostofthegrateswereintact,butthebarsonalargewindowabovethegaragewerebenttothesides,asifsomethinghadsmashedagainstthemwithgreatforce.

Abeigewoman’sshoewithahighheellayonthegroundmidwayupthedriveway.Alittlefartheron,amatchingbeigepurselayonthelawn.Mrs.Oswaldmust’vecomeout,seensomethingthatalarmedher,andrunbackinside,droppingherpurseandhershoe.Whatevershesawscaredhersomuch,shejustleftherthingssittingthere.

Irolledmywindowdown.Currandidthesame.

“Idon’tsmellanyblood,”hesaid.

Nobloodwasodd.Ifthiswasthehouse,LeroyandMacshould’vegottenherebynow.They’dleftalmostanhourbeforeus.Thestreetwasempty.Wherethehellwerethoseidiots?

“Eduardo’sscentisheretoo,butoldandfaint.Ido

smellsomethingodd.Smellslikeawolf.”

“Awolf?”Henodded.“Withatouch

ofbittersweetscenttoit.”Fromwhatthemercshad

said,thecreaturethreateningMs.Oswald’scatshadwings.Awolfwithwings?Russianmythologyincludedawolfwithwings,andaprominentvolhv,aRussianpaganpriest,hadoneasapet.Ireally

hopedtheRussiansweren’tinvolved.Dealingwithvolhvesmeantdealingwithwitches,andclaimingAtlantahadnotendearedmetothemintheleast.

Wesatquietly.Minutesdraggedby.Ahigh-pitchedshriek

rangfromtheskyabove.Itstartedonahighnote,aforlornmourningcry,andbuiltonitself,growing

harsherandsharperuntilitshreddedtheairlikeahigh-velocitycrossbowbolt.Adarkshapeswoopedfromtheskyandrammedthebars.Thesteelgrateshudderedfromtheimpact.ForamomentIthoughtitwouldfalloutofthebrickwork,butthebarsheld.

Thecreaturefelltotheground,landingonallfours.Grayfurcovereditslean

body,sheathingitsflanksandlonglupinetail.Itslegsterminatedinfurry,owl-likefeetarmedwithsickle-shapedtalonsthesizeofmyfingers.Twomassivewingsspreadfromitsshoulders.Thebeastturnedtowardus.Aneaglelikeheadcrowneditspowerfulneck,completewithadarkbeakthesizeofahatchet.

“Kate?”Curranasked.

“It’sawolfgriffin,”Imurmured.“LiongriffinscomefromCreteandGreece.ThisguyisfromNorthAfrica.TheyarementionedinBerberfolklore.Somethingaboutagiantbirdandawolfmating.”

“AnythingIneedtoknow?”Curranaskedme.“Doesitspitfire?”

I’drunacrossawolfgriffinonlyonce.“NotthatI

knowof.TheoneIencounteredbeforedidn’t,butIcan’tguaranteethisonedoesn’t.”

Thewolfgriffinduckeditsheadandfixeduswithanunblinkingpredatorystare.Itwasatleastfortyinchesattheshoulder.

“Dowetakecareofitordowewait?”Iwondered.

“Wecouldkillit.”Curranfocusedonthegriffin.“That

waywhenthosetwoscumbagsshowup,wedon’thavetodealwiththemandthegriffinatthesametime.Besides,weneedtogetintothehousetotalktotheowner,andthat’snothappeninguntilthisthingisdead.”

Webothlookedatthegriffin.

“Thisisthesecondcat-huntingcreatureMrs.Oswaldreported,”Ithoughtoutloud.

“Someoneorsomethingisdeliberatelytargetinghercats.Ifwekillit,thereisagoodchancethatMrs.Oswald’smysteriousnemesiswouldjustsendsomethingelse.”

“It’snotourjob,”Curransaid.

“Iknow,butwhatifsomethingworseshowsupthenexttime?”

Thegriffinspreaditswings,tookarunningstart,

andflewup.Wewatcheditrisewitheverybeatofitswings,untilitbecameadotamongtheclouds.Wedidn’tevenknowifMacandLeroywoulddothisjob.Maybethey’ddecidednottoshowup.

Thegriffinswoopeddownandrammedthebarsagain.Theybent.Hehungonforalongmoment,hisclawsscrapingattheglass,and

droppeddowntothedriveway.

“Thenexttimehehits,he’llgetthrough,”Isaid.Ifhemanagedtogetinside,whoeverwashidinginsidethehousewouldgetrippedtopieces.Thiswasnolongeraboutcats.

“Wenetit,”Curransaid.“Icanwounditswingsandwe’llwrapitinthenet.”

“Oncewe’redonewith

MacandLeroy,wecanletitrunhome,”Ifinished.Trackingitthroughtheairwouldbehard,buttrackingitonthegroundwouldbeapieceofcake.“Righttoitsowner.”

“Soundsgoodtome.”Currannarrowedhiseyes,measuringthedistancebetweenusandthegriffin.“Mindplayingbaitagain,baby?”

“Ithoughtyou’dneverask.”

CurranandIopenedourdoorsatthesametime.Islippedout,heldmyarmsouttomakemyselfbigger,andmovedforward.Thewolfgriffinfocusedonme.OutofthecornerofmyeyeIcouldseeCurranglidingsoundlesslyacrossthepavement.

Itookanotherstep.That’s

it.Easydoesit.Thegriffinspreadits

wings.Itshacklesrose,thefurstandingstraightuplikespikesonahedgehog.

Easynow.Thegriffinbentitsneck,

turningitswingsdownward,sotheentirewidthofitsgray-and-blackdappledfeathersfacedme.Itlookedhuge.That’sright,prettyboy.Showmeallyou’vegot.I’ma

threatandI’mcomingforyou.

Curranwasalmostinpouncingrange.Hecouldleapfromwherehewas,butthegriffinlookedagileenoughtododgeandthenitwouldbegone.Threemorefeetandwe’dbethere.

Theroarofanenchantedwaterenginerolleddownthestreet,comingtowardus.Argh.Thatwasthelastthing

weneeded,someidiotneighbortospookit.

Itookanotherstep.Thegriffinclickeditsbeakatme,thetwohoney-coloredirisesglowingfaintly.Itwasashametohurtit,butitcouldn’tbehelped.Currangatheredhimself,abouttoleap.

Easy...AblueFJCruiserhurtled

towardus,spittingthunder,

andscreechedtoastop.Thedoorsofthecabpoppedopen.Alargemaninblackpantsandatiger-stripecamoT-shirtjumpedout,combat-rolled,struckaposeheftingacrossbow,andfiredtwoboltsatthegriffin.

Curranleanedoutoftheway,preternaturallyfast.Theleftboltwhistledpasthissideandplanteditselfinthegaragedoor.Therightboltbit

intothegriffin’sthroat.Thebeastshriekedinoutrage.Asecondmanfiredacrossbowoverthehoodofthetruck.Theboltpunchedintothegriffin’schest.Thegreatwingsbeatonce,inadesperateattempttolaunchthebodyofftheground,andwentlimp.Thegriffinsanktothepavement.Honeyeyesshoneatmeforthelasttimeanddimmed.

Didthatjusthappen?“Yeah,bitch!”thefirst

manroared.“Yeah!Comeatme!”

Curranspunaround,hisfaceterrible.Hesprangattheman,grabbedhim,andhurledhimacrossthelawn.

HisbuddyinurbanfatiguepantsandablackT-shirtgotthehelloutfrombehindthetruck,brandishinghiscrossbow.Imovedathim,

butmyswordwassecurelyhiddenintheleathersheathonmybackandCurranwasbiggerandscarier,soCamoPantsignoredme.“Hey!Hey,youlethim—”

Ikickedhiminthegut.Itwasalowfrontkickthattookhimrightabovethegroin.Peopleoverextendedonthesekicks,butthetrickwasnottokick.Thetrickwastoliftyourkneehighandstomp.

CamoPants’armswenttowardhislegs,andhewentbackwardandslammedagainstthetruck.

Onthelawn,theloudmouthrolledintoacrouch,hiscrossbowstillinhishands.Curranstartedtowardhim.Theloudmouthfired.Curranleanedoutofthewayjustenoughtolettheboltwhistlepasthimandkeptcoming.

IyankedCamoPants’weaponoutofhishandandthrewitaside.Heswungatme.Icaughthiswristandtwistedit,rightandup.HewentdownonhiskneesandIkneedhimintheface.Hetookamomenttocometotermswithit,andIlockedhiselbowwithmylefthandandtwisted,justincasehedevelopedanyinterestingideas.

Theloudmouthswunghiscrossbowlikeahammer.Currancaughtit,jerkeditoutoftheman’shands,andbrokeitinhalf.Thepiecesofthecrossbowwentflying.Currangrabbedtheman,pinninghisarmstohisbody,andliftedhimoffhisfeet.TheskinonCurran’sfacecrawled.

“No,”Icalledout.Curran’shumanfeatures

melted.Bonesshiftedashis

jawsextended,growingthicker,stronger,hisskullexpanded,andgrayfursheathedhisnewface.Themercinhisgripstaredatthenewmonstrousface.TherestofCurranremainedcompletelyhuman.Inevermetashapeshifterwhocoulddoapartialtransformationthewayhedid.Hiscontroloverhisbodywasabsolute.

Themercopenedhis

mouth,wideeyesstaringintotheviolentgoldinCurran’sirises.“Mwamaahmaaah...”

Curranunhingedhisjaws.Ifhetookthatman’sheadintohismouthandbitdown,themerc’sskullwouldburstlikeaneggdroppedonconcrete.

“No,”Irepeated.“He’sgonnakillhim,”

CamoPantswheezed.His

eyeswerewatering.Beingkneedinthefacewilldothat.

Curran’sfangsemergedfromhisjaws,becominglongerandlonger...Ineverrealizedhowcreepyitwastoseeteethgrowinginrealtime.Here’soneformynightmares.

“Curran,youcan’tbitehisfaceoff.”

“Yes,Ican,”Curransaidinamonstervoice.

“Youshouldn’t.”“HestoleGeorge’scar.

Andheshotme.”“Hemissed.”“Hemissed,becauseI’m

fastandImovedoutoftheway.IfIbitehisheadoff,hewon’tshootmeagain.”

“He’sgonnakillhim!”CamoPantstriedtopulloutofmygripandItwistedhisarmalittlehigher.

“IfIneedyourhelp,I’ll

askyouforit,”Itoldhim.“Curran,pleasedon’tbitehisheadoff.”

“Why?”“Becauseit’sillegal.

Technicallyyouassaultedhimfirstwhenyouthrewhimacrossthelawn.”

“Ididn’tthrowhimveryfar.”

Irolledmyeyes.“Icould’vethrownhim

straightupandlethimland

onthepavement.”“Thatwouldalsobe

illegal.”“Youkeepbringingthis

‘illegal’thingupasifitmeanssomethingtome.”

Icouldn’ttellifhewasjustscaringthemorifhereallyintendedtokillthem.

“Asafavortome,pleaseholdoff.”

“Fine.”Curranloosenedhisgripslightly.“Wantto

addanythingtothisdiscussion?”

Thebigmercsuckedinahoarsebreath.Hisfaceshookwiththestrainofmakingwordscomeout.“...Fuckyou!”

Oh,youdimwit.“Fuckyou!”“Leroy!”CamoPants

barked.“Andfuckyourbitch,

too!”Leroydeclared.

Curranlookedatme.“Howaboutnow?CanItwisthisheadoffnow?”

“Stillillegal,”Itoldhim.CurransqueezedLeroy’s

shoulder.Bonesgroaned.Leroyclampedhismouthshut.

“Don’t!”CamoPantsyelled.

SinceCurranwasplayingwithLeroy,thisknuckleheadhadtobeMac.“Don’tworry

abouthim.Worryaboutme.WhatdidyoudotoEduardo?”

“Idon’tknowanyEduardo!”Macwheezed.

Itwistedhisarmafractionmore.Hecriedout.

“IknowyournameisMac.Iknowthat’syourredneckcousinLeroy.Iknowyou’reinEduardo’sterritory,musclinginonhisgig,andIknowthatyoustoletheFJ

Cruiserfromhisfiancée.Lookatme.Lookatmyeyes.”

Maclookedupatme.Hisfacewentwhite.

Myvoicewasbarelyaboveawhisper,butIsankalotofrageintoit.“Eduardoismyfriend.Hisfiancéeismyfriend.Sheishissister.”IpointedatCurran.“TellmeeverythingyouknoworI’llbreakyourarmrighthere.”I

tappedhisshoulder.“ThenI’llkeepbreakingithereandhereandhere.Noamountofmedmagicandsteelpinswillfixit.It’llneverworkrightagainanditwillalwayshurt.”

Macstaredatme,hiseyesglassy.Wordscametumblingout.“Wedon’tknowwhathappenedtoEduardo.Thiswashisgig,buttheladycalledthismorningandsaidEduardodidn’tshowup

yesterday.Wetooktheone-armedchick’scar.Weweregoingtodoherman’sjobanyway,andit’sanicecar,sowewerejustgoingtoborrowit.”

“Liebetter,”Curransaid,hisvoicecold.“ShecamelookingforEduardolastnight.Youdidn’tknowyouwouldbedoingthisjobuntilyougotacalltoday.”

Mac’svoicebroke.“What

thehelldoyouwantfromme,man?Yes,fine,wetookthedamncar!Wetookit!Doyouknowhowmuchadouble-enginecarcosts?Itwasjustsittingrightthere.Wefiguredifthatdickheaddidn’tcomehome,hewasprobablydeadanyway.Whatthehellwouldhiswomandowiththatcar?She’sgotonearmanyway.Weneededacar,sowetookit.”

Andtheywoulddoitagain.Icouldhearitinhisvoice.I’dmethistypebefore.Somepeoplehadamoralcode.Itmightnothavematchedthecurrentlaws,butitwasstillacode.MacandLeroy’scodeconsistedofonesentence:dowhateverhelpsMacandLeroy.Itdidn’tmatterwhogothurt.Itdidn’tmatterthatapersontheystolefromwouldhavetodo

withoutorcould’vebeeninjuredorkilled.IfGeorge’shalf-eatencorpsewerediscoveredthismorningbecauseshewasmurderedwhilewalkinghome,theywouldn’tfeelbadaboutit.Theywouldsimplykeepgoing.

IftheykilledEduardo,itwouldhavetobeashottotheheadwithasilverroundfromfaraway.Therewasnoway

theycould’vebeatenhiminacloseandpersonalfight,andtheyknewit.Andiftheysomehowmanagedit,theywould’vetakenhiscarandhisequipmentandtheywouldbewearingit,becausetheyweretoostupidtohideit.

IglancedatCurran.Heshookhisheadslightly.Leroydidn’tsmelllikeEduardo’sblood.

“Doyouknowwhatthe

Guilddoeswithmercswhostealequipmentfromothermercs?”Iasked.

Macshookhishead.“Theyfinethem.Ten

grand.Poachinginanothermerc’szoneisanothertengrand.That’sfortygrandbetweenthetwoofyou.GuesswhatI’mgoingtodowhenIgobacktotheGuild?”

“Nobodyknowsyou,”Macsqueezedout.

“You’rewrong.Everybodyknowsme.Ihavenineyearsin.”

Mac’sfacewentslack.“Soyouhaveachoice,

Mac.Youcantakeyouridiotcousinandyoucanleavethiscity.OryoucangobackandfacetheGuildandworkovertimeforthemforthenextfiveyearsorso.Butwe’llbearoundandIpromiseyou,I’llmakeyourlifeashardasI

can.”Iletgoofhisarm.Curran

casuallytossedLeroyonthepavement.Leroylandedonhisass,jumpedup,andrushedatCurran.Curranlethimgetcloseandbackhandedhim,almostasanafterthought,thewayonewouldswatafly.TheblowlandedonLeroy’sear.Thebigmercspun,stumbling.Maccaughthim.

“Ourgearisinthetruck,”Macsaid.

“YoucanpickitupattheGuild,”Itoldhim.

“You’reafuckingbitch,youknowthat?”Macsaid.

“I’llhavetolivewithmyself.”

“Thisisn’tover!”LeroyjabbedhisfingeratCurran.Heprobablymeantittolookaggressive,buthewasswayingonhisfeet.

“Yes,itis,”Currantoldhim.“GobeforeIchangemymind.”

Thecorpseofthewolfgriffinshivered.Fleshbulgedinthemiddleofit,likeabloodyredtumor,growingbiggerandbigger.

“Whatthehell?”Curransnarled.

“Idon’tknow.”IpulledSarratfree.

Thetumorruptured.

CHAPTER

URRANANDIbackedaway.Athree-foot-long

orange-brownspikeshotoutofthegriffin’scorpse,stabbingtothesky.Thesecondspikepiercedthecorpsefromwithin.Thespikesbent,restingonthepavement,eachbristlingwithsix-inch-longrigidhair.The

corpseshuddered,asifitwerebeingsuckedintosomethingfromtheinside.

Thespikesflexedandahugeinsectoidheademerged,coveredwithbristles.Twopairsofdarkbrownmandiblesjuttedfromitliketwocrabpincersthesizeofscimitars.Dark,nearlyblackserratedteethlinedtheinsideofeachpincer.

Holycrap.

Thecreaturekeptcomingoutofthegriffin’scorpse:twofatcheliceraesupportingthemandibles,abigroundblobofaheadwithabumpinitscentercrownedwithtwoblackbaseball-sizedeyes,legs,morelegsemergingsegmentbysegment,thorax,alongsegmentedabdomen.Thewolfgriffincorpseshriveled,deflating,andvanished,pulledintothenew

creature.Thegiantinsectlandedinthedriveway.Tenlegs,thefirstpairhugeandlong,theotherssmaller,thrustfromitsten-foot-longbody,heldaboutfivefeetofftheground.ThedamnthingwasthesizeoftheFJCruiserparkedbehindus.

Thegiantinsectgrounditsmandiblepincers.Agrindingscreechsplitthequiet.Iwinced.

“Whatthehellisthat?”Currangrowled,movingtotheright.

“Idon’tknow.”Iwalkedtotheleft.Itlookedlikeascorpionandareallyhairyspiderhadsomehowmatedandtheiroffspringgrewtofiftytimesitsnormalsize.I’dneverseenanythinglikeit.Thosemandible-pincerslookedliketheywouldslicethroughbonelikeitwas

butter.Wecouldn’tletitgetintothehouse.Itwouldripthewholefamilyapart.

Thelegswereallchitin.TryingtocutthroughthemwithSarratwouldjustbreaktheblade.Tryingtoclawatitwouldn’tdoanygoodeither.Itsfatabdomenwassofter,butgettingtoitwouldbeabitch.

Adeepdryvoicerolledthroughthestreet,so

saturatedwithmagic,italmostreverberatedonmyskin.“Die.”

Whyme?“Wedon’tdorequests.TryIowa.Ihearthey’remoreaccommodating.”Hey,Dad,IfoundalovelypresentforthiscomingFather’sDay.Enjoy.

Theinsectpointedalegatme.“Die.”

Curran’seyeswentgold.Hisclothestore,fallingin

shredstothestreet,asthemassivemeldofhumanandlionspilledout.“Let’sseeyoutrythatshitonme.”

TheinsectlungedatCurran,shockinglyfast.Curranjerkedhisarmsup,catchingtheinsect’sfrontpairoflegsinhisgrip.Hisfeetslid.

Holycrap.Hisfeetslid.Idashedtotheside,trying

tocirclethecreaturefromthe

left.Alegstabbedatmelikeaspear.IdodgedanditscouredtheconcretewhereIhadstoodamomentago,gougingachunkfromit.Theotherlegswungatme.Isawitcoming,butIcoulddonothingaboutit.Itsweptmeoffmyfeet.Iflewacrossthegrass.Mybacksmashedagainstsomethingsolid,woodsnappedwithadrycrunch,andIcrashedthrough

thefence.Ow.Irolledtomyfeet.Curranstoodinthe

middleofthestreet,hishandsstilllockedontheinsect’sfrontpairoflegs.Thespider-scorpionwaslungingathimagainandagain,tryingtogriphimwithitspincers.IfthosemandiblesclosedonCurran,they’dslicehisarmsoff.

Ohno,youdon’t.Ichargedthespider.The

legsstabbedatme.Idodgedbackandforth.Howthehellcoulditevenseeme?Aleglandedinfrontofme;Iduckedleftandsawoneoftheblackeyeballsswivel,followingme.Itcouldlookbackandfrontatthesametime.

Ithrustintotheopeningbetweentwolegs.Sarratslicedintotheinsect’sabdomenandIrippedthe

bladeback,openingacut.Alegcutatme,scrapingagainstmybackandsideasIspuntoavoidit.Painlancedme.Ijumpedback.Clearichordrippedfromthecut,revealingclumpsoftranslucentguts,likeclustersoffishbladders.Anacridstench,sharpandfetid,liketheodorofrottingfish,washedoverme.Theinsectdidn’tevennotice.

“Kate,”Currangroundout.“Hititwithmagic.”

“Ican’t.”Thelegsslicedatmelikeawindmillofblades.“You’reholdingit.You’llbehit,too.Letgoofit.”

“IfIletgoofit,itwilltearmeapart.”

Hecouldn’tthrowiteither.Theinsect’scenterofmasswassuspendedtoohighabovetheground.Curran

didn’thavetheleverage.Theonlywordthat

wouldn’tcausehimdirectharmwouldfreezethespider-scorpionforfourseconds.Iwouldn’tbeabletodoenoughdamage.Themomenttheybothcameto,theinsectwouldcutCurrantopieces.

Hecouldn’tholditforever.

Thelegdirectlyabovemerose,aimingtopiercemy

chestfromabove.Idoveunderit,rightundertheabdomenpulsingwithcontractions,andstabbedstraightup.Ichordrenchedme.Myeyeswateredfromthestench.Istabbedagainandagain,rippingtheslipperyfish-bladderinnards.Thegutsspilledthroughthegashes,hanginglikesomegrossfruit.Iwasn’tdoingenoughdamage.

Curransnarled.Theabdomenmoveduphalfafoot.Thethingwasgainingonhim.

IthrustmylefthandundermyT-shirt,wheretheleghadcutme.Myfingerscameoutbloody.IsatstraightupandthrustmywethandintothecutI’dmade.Themagicinmybloodscreamed,eagertobeunleashed.Igaveitapush.

Thebloodstreamedfrommywoundupmyshoulder,upmyarm,intothespider-insect,andturnedsolid.Adozenthinspikespiercedthecreaturefromwithin.

Thespider-scorpionscreeched.Feltthat,didyou?Havesomemore.

Theabdomenplungedatme.Theinsecthadreared,tryingtocrushme.Ithrustmyarmsup,crossingthemto

block.Suddenlytheabdomendisappeared.Irolledrightandjumpedtomyfeet.

Onthestreetthespider-scorpiondashedatCurran.Themeatchunkofitsheadthatpoweredtheleftmandiblelookedmangled.Curranmust’vepuncheditwhenitreared.

Iranatit.Thespiderthrustwithits

frontleg.Curranbattedit

aside.Thesecondlegstabbed,toofast.ThenarrowbladeofthefrontsegmentslicedintoCurran’sshoulder.Hegrabbedthelegwithhislefthandandsmashedhisrightpalmagainstthejoint.Thefrontsegmentbrokeoff.

Ilungedbetweentheinsect’sbacklegs,jumped,andlandedonthespider-scorpion’sback.Thecreatureflailed.IstabbedSarratas

deepasitwouldgoandclungtoit.

Curranrippedthechunkofthespider-scorpion’slegoutofhisbodyandburieditintheinsect’sside,rightunderthebrokenlimb.

Idraggedmyselfupalongtheabdomen,tryingtogettotheheadandthetwoblackballsoftheeyes.

Currangrabbedthebrokenlegandkeptstabbing,

hittingthesamespot.Ichorflew.Theinsectscreechedlikenailsonchalkboardandflailedbackandforth.

Iwouldn’tgettotheeyes.Itwouldthrowmeoff.

IyankedSarratout,grabbedontotheedgeofthewoundI’dmade,andslicedintothecreature’sthorax,tryingtosawitsabdomenfromitschest.

Currankeptstabbing.

Pierce,pullout,pierce,pullout,pierce...

Curranbitintothespider’slegandrippeditout.

Pierce,pullout,pierce...

Momentsflewby.Mybreathwascoming

outinraggedgasps.Die,damnyou.Diealready.Die!

Thespider-scorpionshuddered.

Curranleapedontoits

head.Clawsflashedandthespider-scorpionwentblind.Ikeptcarving.Curranbeganpunchingthebackofthespider-scorpion’shead.

Thethoraxbrokeofffromtheabdomen.Thegutswayedandfell,splatteringthetranslucentinnardsoverthepavementinawetsplat.Thechitinsheathingthespider-scorpion’sheadcavedinandbroke.Thefrontpartofthe

creaturecareenedandfell,takinguswithit.IblinkedandthenIwassittingonthegroundfacetofacewithCurran,thewetichorunderusslidingoutfromthespider-scorpion’scrushedcarapace.

MywholebodyachedasifIhadrunalongrace.Iwasoutofbreath.Rapidlycoolingsweatslickedmyhairline.Ifeltlight-headed.Imighthavepulledouttoomuch

blood.Curranwasbreathing

deep.Thewoundonhisshouldergapedwithred.Theedgeshadbeguntopulltogether,butlongbrownbristlesstuckoutofit—thestiff“hairs”thathadlinedthegiantinsect’sleg.

“Dowehaveaflamethrower?”Curranasked.

“No.”“Weshouldgeta

flamethrower.”Welookedateachother.

Thestenchwasalmostunbearablenow.Iwascoveredheadtotoewithspider-scorpionslimeandmyownblood.Curranleanedoverandspattotheside.That’sright.He’dbittenthedamnthing.

“...waterofthespeedandthespirit...”amalevoiceintonedtotheright.

Iturned.AcrossthestreetMacand

LeroyweretryingtochanttheFJCruiser’swaterengineintolife.

You’vegottobekiddingme.

Thetwomercssawus.MystareandMac’sconnected.Iforcedmyselftostandup.

“Oh,no,no,no.”Macjerkedhisarmsup.“Don’t

getup.We’releaving.”NexttomeCurranbared

histeeth.Leroygrabbedabagout

ofthecar.“Thisismyshit!”Theytookoffdownthe

streetatarun.IturnedtoCurranand

pointedatthem.Ihadnowordsleft.Heshookhishead.

Ireachedoutwithmymagic,searchingforsmall

dropletsofmyblood.Itansweredmycall.Ipushed.Thebloodflowedoutofthespider-scorpioncorpse,poolingonthepavementintoasmallpuddle.Itturnedsolidandshatteredintopowder,allofitsmagicgone.Thewindswipeditoffthepavementasifithadneverbeenthere.

ThefrontdoorofthehouseopenedslowlyandanAfricanAmericanwomanin

herfortiessteppedout.Shewaswearingabusinesssuit.Behindhertwoteenageboyscranedtheirnecks,tryingtosee.

Thewomanwalkedovertous,carefullypickingherwaybetweenpuddlesofslime,andheldoutacheck.Theedgeofthecheckdanced,trembling.IwipedmyhandonmyjeansthebestIcouldandtookit.

Sheturnedaroundtoherboys.“Gettheanimalsintothecratesandtakewhatyouneed.Tony,callyourfatherandtellhimwe’llbeatRedRoofInn.Hecanmeetusthere.”

“Ifthereisanythingelse...”Istarted.

“Therewon’tbeanythingelse,”shesaid.“Wearemoving.”

•••

MRS.OSWALDWASN’Tacooperativewitness.Shewasmostlyconcernedwithgettinghertwochildren,twocats,andahuskyintohercarandescapingthesceneasfastasshecould.TheonlyreasonwegotanythingatallwasthatCurranandIagreedtostandguardoverherwhileshepackedandstartedher

SUV.Shehadnoideawhowasafterhercats.Shehadn’tfoughtwithanyneighbors.Shehadnoconflictsatwork,atleastnothingthatwouldwarrantanattackonhercats.Herhusbandwasoutoftownonabusinesstrip.

OnSunday,February27,Mrs.Oswaldcamehomeandfoundaverylargetickinherbackyard.Theticktoldherinacreepyvoicethatitwas

afterhercats.ShecalledtheGuild.AnhourlaterEduardoarrivedandkilledthetick.Somepeoplefromthecity—likelytheBiohazarddivisionofPAD—cameandgottheremainsthatnight.ThewolfgriffinappearedonMondaymorning.Itwasthesizeofaspringerspanielatfirst,anditignoredherandhertwosonscompletely.Itkepttryingtoclawitswayintothehouse,

butthebarsheldandthesmallbeastdidn’tseemlikeaterriblethreat,soshe’dcalledEduardoagainandgonetowork.Whenshecamehome,thegriffinwasgone.ConsideringthatthemagicwaveendedonMondayaroundnineinthemorning,thatwasn’tsurprising.ShethoughtEduardocameoutwhileshewasatworkandtookcareofitorthatthewolf

griffinflewaway.ThismorningwhenMrs.

Oswaldwasabouttoleaveforworkafteramagicwavecame,amuchlargergriffinswoopeddownonherandtriedtomaulher.She’drunbackinsideandcalledtheGuild.

Watchingitturnintoagiantbugwastoomuchforher.

“CanIuseyourphoneto

callBiohazard?!”Iyelledovertheroaroftheenchantedwaterengine.

“Dowhatyouneedtodo!Ihavemykidstotakecareof!”

Mrs.Oswaldsteppedonthegasandpeeledoutofthedrivewaylikeabatoutofhell.Iwentinsideandcheckedthephone.Dialtone.Well,somethinghadgonerightforonce.Idialedthe

Biohazardnumberfrommemory.

“Biohazard,”agruffmalevoicesaidintothephone.

“Myname’sKateDaniels.Ihaveagiantdeadspider-scorpionthingonChambleeDunwoodyRoad.Ineedyoutocomeandgetit.”

“Sure,”thevoicesaid.“Letmegetrightonthat.You’reeighthinline.Itwillbetwenty-fourhours.”

“It’sanRMinaresidentialneighborhood.”

Thephonewentsilent.“Howbad?”

“Itwentfrommammaltoinsectafterdeath.Theinsectistenfeetlong,notcountingthelegs.”

“Sittight.We’llbethereinhalfanhour.”

Experiencesaiditwouldbemorelikeacoupleofhours,butIwouldtakewhatI

couldget.IdialedCuttingEdge.Derekanswered,hisvoiceraspy.“CuttingEdge.”

“Canyoumeetushere?”Igavehimtheaddress.

“I’mleavingnow.”“Thanks.IsAscanio

there?”“Readyandwilling,”

Ascaniosaidintothephone.“CalltheDunwoody

PoliceDepartmentformeandpleasecheckiftherewereany

complaintsagainsttheOswaldsonChambleeDunwoodyRoad.”Igavehimtheaddress.

“Yes,Consort.”Eitheritwasforceof

habitorhewasjerkingmychain.Probablythelatter.Ihungupandwentintothegarage.Atoolboxsittingbythewallyieldedapairofneedle-nosepliers.Perfect.

IfoundCurranoutside.

Hehadturnedintoahuman,hadpulledhisclothesondespitebeingcoveredinslime,andwastryingtorinsehismouthoutwithahose.

“Didittastethatbad?”“Youhavenoidea.This

goodoesn’twashoffwithwateralone.Itried.”

“Letmeseeyourshoulder.”

Heglancedatme.Iliftedthepliersandmadepinch

motionswiththem.“Arewedone?”heasked.“No.Wehavetowait

hereuntilBiohazardshowsup.”

“Why?It’sdead.”Isighedandsatonthe

stairsinfrontofthedoor.“Becauseitexhibitedreanimativemetamorphosis.Itwasdeadandinsteadofstayingdead,itturnedintosomethingelseandcame

backtolife.Italsowentcross-phylum,frommammaltoinsect.Thatmeansthereisagoodchanceitmightcomebacktolifeagainassomethingreallystrange,likeaterrestrialoctopusshootinglightningfromitstentacles.”

“Whydon’twejustsetitonfireandscattertheashes?”

“Becausetheashescouldstillmetamorphoseintosomethingnastylikeleeches

orflesh-eatingflowers.Wekilledit.ThatmeansweinitiatedtheRMprocess,sonowwehavetowatchoverthecorpseuntilBiohazardshowsupandquarantinesit.”

“Andifwedon’t?”Histonewasgettingharsherandharsher.

“It’samandatoryten-yearprisonsentence.”

“Soweperformedaservicebykillingthisthing

andnowtheyarepunishingusforit?”

“Yep.”“Thisisridiculous.

You’rebleeding.Don’tlietome,Icansmellit.You’rehurt.Youneedamedmage.”

“I’mnothurtthatbadly.”Hislipswrinkled,

showinghisteeth.“Howbadlydoyouhavetobehurt?”

“Thereisaright-to-life

exemption,whichpermitsustoleavethesceneifourinjuriesarelifethreatening.We’dhavetoprovidepaperworkfromahospital,oraqualifiedmedmage,showingthatwehadtogettreatmentorwewould’vedied.Myinjuriesarenotlifethreatening.”

“Paperworkisnotaproblem.”

“Yes,butIwon’tlie.”

“Howdoyouknowyourinjuriesaren’tlifethreatening?You’recoveredinthefluidfromitsguts.Howdoyouknowit’snotpoisonous?”

“Ifit’spoisonous,we’lldealwithitwhenIfeelsick.”

“Fine.I’llstayherewiththisthing,andyouwilldriveyourselftothehospital.”

“No.”Hehitmewithanalpha

stare.Iopenedmyeyesaswide

asIcould.“Why,ofcourse,YourMajesty.WhatwasIthinking?Iwillgoanddothisrightaway,justpleasedon’tlookatme.”

“Kate,getinthecar.”“Maybeyoushouldgrowl

dramatically.Idon’tthinkI’mintimidatedenough.”

“Iwillputyouinthecar.”“No,youwon’t.First,it

tookbothofustokillthatthing,andifitreinventsitselfagain,itwilltakebothofusagain.I’mnotleavingyoualonewithit.Second,ifyoutrytophysicallycarrymetothecar,Iwillresistandbleedmore.Third,youcanpossiblystuffmeinthecaragainstmywill,butyoucan’tmakemedrive.”

Hesnarled.“Argh!Whydon’tyoueverdoanythingI

askyouto?”“Becauseyoudon’task.

Youtellme.”Weglaredateachother.“I’mnotgoingtothe

hospitalbecauseofashallowcut.”Andpossiblyasprainedshoulder,afewgashestomylegs,andabruisedrightside.“Itcouldbeworse.Icould’vehitabrickwallinsteadofanice,fragileoldfence...”

Hehelduphishand.“I’m

goingtogetamedkitoutofthecar.”

Ididn’tevenknowanymedmagesbesidesDoolittle,whoworkedforthePack.ThewomanwhousedtopatchmeupbeforeImetCurranhadmovedaway.I’dhavetofigurethisoutbeforelong.Inourlineofwork,accesstoagoodmedmagewasparamount.

HisGrumpinessreturned

withthemedkit.Ipulledmyturtleneckup,tryingnottowince,andturnedmybacktohim.

Silence.“It’snotthatbad.”Hishandsbrushedmy

skin,warmandcareful.ThecoldsalinesolutionwashedoverthecutandIshivered.

“Whataboutthis?”Curran’sfingerstouchedtheachingspotonmyleftside.

“That’sfromtheghoulstheothernight.I’llchantoveritonceyou’redonecleaning.Itwillhealitself.”

Coldwindtouchedmywetback,makingmyteethdance.Thanks,weather.Screwyou,too.

“Therationaleis,sincewekilleditonce,wecouldprobablykillitagain.Thisisaresidentialneighborhood.Wearegoingtodotheright

thingandwatchoverit.”“Thisisadumblaw,”

Curransaid.“It’seasiertojustnotgetinvolved.”

Igrinned.“Aha!Nowyouarecatchingon.Welcometohumansociety,YourMajesty.”

“Kate.Chant.”Tenminuteslaterhe

decidedthewoundhadclosedenoughtoputabandageoverit.Ipulledmyturtleneckover

myback.Unfortunatelywhileitwasrolledup,ithadtimetocoolandnowitfeltlikeiceonmyskin.Beingcoveredinichordidn’thelp.Curransatnexttome.

“Shoulder,”Itoldhim.Hetookhisshirtoff,displayingtheworld’sbestchesttothewind.Iclampedthefirstinsecthairstickingoutofhimwithmypliers.Itwasaboutthesizeofathinmetal

skewer.“Ready?”“Doit.”Irippedthehairout.It

wastenincheslong.Hemadeashortgritty

noise.Ithadtohavehurtlikehell.Iwipedthebloodoffhisshoulderwithgauze.“Fourmore.”

“Notimelikethepresent.”

Imanagedallfourinunderaminute.Thelesshe

hurt,thebetter.Curranputhisshirtbackonandpulledmeclose.Hiseyesweredark.Whateverhewasthinkingwasn’tgood.

“Youokay?”Iasked.“Yeah.”Ihadafeelinghewas

thinkingthatifhewerestilltheBeastLord,bynowhewould’vehadateamofshapeshiftersstandingguardoverthecorpsewhilehe

drovemetotheKeep,whereDoolittlewouldputmebackonmyfeet.

“Beingahumanisn’tthatbad,isit?”Iasked.

“YouremembertheSavells?Thehouseacrossthestreetfromus?”

HeatherSavellwasathorninmyside.Theareadidn’thaveahomeowners’association,butHeatherverymuchwantedtohaveone.In

herhead,shepretendedtheHOAwasrealandshewasitspresident.Shetookthoseimaginarypowersandresponsibilitiesveryseriously.“Sure.”

“Theysprinkledcayennepepperaroundtheborderoftheirlawn.”

Ialmostgroundmyteeth.TheysprinkledcayennepeppertokeepCurranofftheproperty,likehewasastray

dogcomesniffing.“Apparentlytheydon’t

understandIcouldstepoverit.”

“I’lltalktothem.”Heshookhisheadagain.

“No.They’rescaredbecausetheydon’tknowme.Igetthem.Idon’tgetyou.Whyareyouprotectingthem?”

“Becausetheycan’talwaysprotectthemselves.”

Curranlookedatme,his

facehard.“InthePack,everyoneisofakind.Weallbelongtogether.Weareunited.Everyonecontributes,somemore,someless.Weworktowardacommongoaloflivingasafelife.”

“Sodothesepeople.”Currangrimaced.“IfI

werebeatingyouinthestreet,theywouldn’tliftafingertohelpyou.”

“Ifyouwerebeatingme

inthemiddleoftheKeep,wouldanyoneliftafinger?Orwouldtheyallsimplydecidetolookawaybecausealphasarefightingandit’snoneoftheirbusiness?”

Currangrowled.“Kate...”

“Youhaveaprejudiceagainstpeoplewhoarenotshapeshifters.”Ileanedagainsthim.Heputhisarmaroundme.“It’snota

baselessprejudice,becausewhenpeoplefearsomeone,theytreatthemwithsuspicion.Toalotofpeople,shapeshiftersaremonsters,andyouwerethekingofthemonsters.Iunderstand.TothePack,Iwasamonsterandtheytreatedmeaccordingly.”

“Notallofthem.”“No,notallofthem.

That’sexactlymypoint.”Iturnedmyheadand

kissedhim.Hislipswerewarmandthefamiliartastedashedacrossmytongue.

“You’veneverlivedamongnon-shapeshifters,Curran.Ihave.I’veseenamanrunintoaburningbuildingtosaveadog.I’veseenpeoplesacrificethemselvesforstrangers.Notallofthemarewillingtodothis,butenoughtomatter.That’swhyIhelpthem.Give

themachance.Ithinktheymightsurpriseyou.”

Hesighedandsqueezedmeclosertohim.

“AreyouseriouslyconsideringtakingovertheGuild?”Iaskedhim.“It’sinshambles.”

Hegrinnedatme.Itwasthehappysmileofanamusedpredator.“I’vegotthis.”

“TheywillneverbeanotherPack.They’retoo

independent.Andtheydon’tlikeauthority.”

“Idon’tneedanotherPack.ThePackhastoomanyrulesanyway.Ihavesomeideasfortheseguys.Theyjustdon’tknowityet.”

“They’llfightyoueverystepoftheway.”

“Ihopeso.”Curranlaughedquietly.“I’dtakethemononeatatimeorinbatches.Itwouldbefun.”

Thisunchainedthingwasmakinghimscary.“That’swhatIloveaboutyou,YourFurriness.Yourhumilityandmodesty.”

“Don’tforgetmyrazor-sharpwitandboyishgoodlooks.”

“Boyish?”“TheGuildhassomething

thePackdoesn’t,”Curransaid.“Variety.Thereareshooters,meleefighters,and

magicusers.Itmightbewhatwewillneedto...”Hepaused.

“Whatisit?”“Thewindchanged.”

Curranroseandwalkeddownthesidewalk.Ifollowedhim.Wepassedalamppost,another...AnothertwentyyardsandIwouldhavetoturnback.Weweregettingtoofarawayfromthespider-scorpion’scorpse.

Curranstoppedandcrouched.Alargepalescrapecrossedthesidewalk.Heinhaleddeeply,wrinklinghisface.

“Whatisit?”Hisexpressionwasgrim.

“Ghouls.Lotsofghouls.”Alongululatingshriekof

magic-poweredsirensrolledthroughthestreets.Thecavalrywascoming.

CHAPTER

IOHAZARDARRIVEDINstyle:twoblackSUVs

andanarmoredsemicarryingsteelcontainersinsteadofatrailer.TheSUVsvomitedtenpeopleinBiohazardcontaminationsuitsandonestocky,dark-hairedmaninaredhoodie.Onthehoodiewhitelettersspelledout

WIZARDATLARGE.Smallworld.

Thewizardatlargestabbedhisfingeratme.“You!Theuncleanone!Tellmeeverything.”

“Hi,Luther.IthoughtyouworkedforthePAD.”

Hemadeasourface.“Toomuchpolitics¸toolittlemagic.Theyhaveissueswithmyprofessionalstrategy.Also,theirdentalsucks.”

“Soyougotfired?”“Iquit.”“WhenIquittheOrder,

youtoldmeIwasbesmirched.”

“That’sbecauseyouquitinahuffoversomesillinessliketryingtosavepeople’slives.Iquittomaximizemyearningpotential.Don’tyouknowbeingaheroisalosingbet?Thepayisshitandpeoplehateyouforit.”

LutherlookedatCurran.“Whoisthemalespecimen?”

CurranofferedLutherhishand.“Lennart.”

LuthergrabbedCurran’shandandsmelledit.“Shapeshifter,feline,probablyalion,butnottherun-of-the-millAfricanSimba.You’vegotanoddscentaboutyou.”Heglancedatme.“Whydoyoualwayshangoutwithweirdos?”

“It’sherspecialtalent,”Curransaid.“Sheattractsuslikebeestohoney.”

Luthershookhisheadandturnedtothecorpseofthebug.TheBiohazardartistwasbusilytryingtosketchit,whiletherestofthecrewstoodarounditwithacidandflamethrowers.“Tellmeaboutthething.”

IexplainedMrs.Oswald’sstory.

“Itspoke?”Lutherasked.“Yes.”Normal

apparitionsweren’tsentient.Theydidn’tspeak,andiftheydid,notwiththatmuchpower.“Therewasalotofmagicinthevoice.Youcouldfeelitonyourskin.”

“Idon’tlikeit,”Luthersaid.

Ididn’tlikeiteither.“Someonehasagrudgeagainstcats.Idon’tknowifit

wasMrs.Oswald’sparticularcatsoranycatsingeneral.Butthecathaterispersistent.Firstheorshesentatick.AfterEduardokilledit,theSummonerfolloweditwiththegriffin,andwhenthegriffinwastoosmalltobreakthroughthebars,heorshemust’vesunksomemagicintoittomakeitbigger.Andthenitturnedintothat.”Inoddedatthecorpse.“Idon’t

evenknowwhatthehellitis.”

“WegotabugguybackatHQ.I’llgiveyouacallwhenhesortsitout.”Lutherponderedthecorpse.“Thecross-phylummetamorphosisbothersme.”

Itbotheredme,too.Thesketchartistwaved

hissketchbook.“Done.”“Okay,mates,”Luther

called.“Bagit,tagit,and

chainitup.”Thecrewbeganrolling

outplastic.“Hey,Luther,”Isaid.

“Youguysdidn’thireanynewghouls,didyou?”

Lutherspuntome,hiseyesfocused,likeasharksensingadropofbloodinthewater.“Youknowsomething.Tellme.”

“ThePackscoutsfoundalotofdeadghoulsonaroad

totheeast,”Curransaid.“WehadbreakfastwiththeBeastLordandhementionedit.”

Lutherponderedhim.“Sure,I’llbuythat.Ohwait,Ihaveabrain.Sorry,completelyforgot.Theghoulswerefoundinpieces.Someonerippedthemapartwithclawsandcutthemtopieceswithasword.Andherethetwoofyouare,onehasclawsandtheotherhasa

sword.”“We’renottheonly

peopleinthecitywithswordsandclaws,”Curransaid.

Luthersquintedatus.“Whatareyoutwoupto?”

“Rightnow,nothing,”Isaid.

“Idon’tbelieveyou.”Derekjoggedupthe

street.Heworeagrayhoodieandapairofoldjeans,andhewasrunninginthatparticular

wolfgaitthatlookedunhurriedbutdevouredmiles.Nineteen,justundersixfeet,withdarkhairandamuscularathleticbody,Derekturnedheads.Thenpeoplesawhisface.Acoupleofyearsagohetriedtosaveagirl.Thecreatureswhoownedhercaughthimandpouredmoltenmetalonhisface.Herecovered,buthisfacelookeddifferentnow.Hisfeatures

wererougher,theironce-handsomeperfectiongone.Hiseyesmadeitworse.Theyweredarkandhard,thekindofeyesthatbelongedtosomeoneolder,someonewho’dbeenthroughthegrinderofpainandsufferingandcomeoutofitdamagedbutunbroken.HeleanedagainstourJeepandslouched.

“Fine,”Isaid.“Wehavea

missingshapeshifterandwe’retryingtofindhim.Wecouldusesomehelp.”

Lutherhelduphishand.“Stoprightthere.ShapeshiftersarePackbusiness.Unlesstheyrequestourhelpinwriting,Ican’tdoanything.Idon’tevenwanttohearit.”

Whatasurprise.Holdmebeforemyheartgivesoutfromthepureshockofthat

surprise.“Wow,soniceofyoutocare.”

“TheBeastLordisanasshole,”Luthersaid.“I’vedealtwithhisrepresentativesbefore,andletmetellyou,Idon’twanttopisshimoff.”

IreallywantedtolookatCurran’sface,butIwouldhavetoturnanditwouldseemodd.“Tellmeabouttheghouls,Luther.”

“Icanneitherconfirmnor

deny.”Seriously?“It’samatter

ofpublicrecord.IcangodowntoCityHallandspendthreehoursdiggingthroughtheBiohazarddisclosuresoryoucouldjusttellme.IfIhavetowasteallthattime,I’llbeirritated.”

Lutherleanedback.“Bestillmyheart.AndIsupposeIshouldbeterrifiedofthat?”

“No,justpointingoutthat

Idon’tliketosharewhenI’mirritated.Youwanttoknowwhyahordeofghoulstriedtoenterthecity.Wealsowanttoknowwhythathappened.WewilleventuallyfigurethisoutandthenwecantakeittoyouortoyourformerbossesatPAD.”

Hesighed.“No,wedidn’thireanynewghouls.”

“HaveyoutalkedtoMitchell?”Iasked.

“Hedoesn’twanttotalk.”Luthergrimaced.“Somethingisgoingonwithhim.”

“Hemaytalktome.”“That’strue.”Luther

sighedagain.“Itellyouwhat,I’llletyouseeMitchell,butifhetalkstoyou,youtellmewhathesaid.Iwanttoknowwhat’shappeningtohim.”

“Deal.”I’dbeanidiotnottotakeit.“Tonight.”

“No,tomorrownight.We

fedhimlastnight.He’ssleepingitoff.”

Mitchelldidn’tliketheoutside.Hehidinhisburrowmostofthetime,andgettinghimoutofitafterheatewouldbeimpossible.Ihadtriedbeforeandgottennowhere.“I’lltaketomorrowthen.”

“Good.We’redonehere,youarereleased,shoo,go,scram.Don’tdoanythingI

wouldn’tdo,kids.”Istartedtowardthecars.“Wait,”Luthercalled.“Yes?”Hetrottedovertome.

“Doesthecityfeeldifferenttoyou?”

“Differenthow?”Hedraggedhishand

throughhishair.“SomethinghappenedinDecember.Somethingstrange.”

Movealong,nothingto

seehere,nocityclaimingpeopleareonthepremises.“Strangethingshappenallthetimehere.”

“No,thiswasdifferent.Itfeltlikeastorm.Amagicstorm.Itrolledthroughthecityandnowitfeelsdifferent.Doesitfeeldifferenttoyou?”

Lie,lie,lie.“No.”Luthersearchedmyface

withhisgaze.“I’mnotcrazy.”

No,you’renot.“That’sabovemypaygrade.”

“It’slikeanitchIcan’tscratch.”

“Maybeyoushouldseeadoctorforthat,”Curransaid.

Lutherpointedhisfingerathim.“Idon’tlikeyou.”

“Bye,Luther.”Igrinned.Hewalkedaway.“Iwill

figureitout!I’mnotcrazy!”Ifheeverfigureditout,I

wouldhavealotof

explainingtodo.

•••

“DOESEVERYBODYTHINKIamanasshole?”Curranasked.

“Onlypeoplewhoknowyouorhavemetyou.”

Helookedatmeforalongsecond.

“YouwereazealousadvocateofthePack’scauses,”Isaid.“ThePack’s

interestsareoftenatoddswithhumaninterests.Istillloveyou.Derekstillthinksyou’rethestuff.”

Derekwaskneelingbythescrapeonthepavementandinhalingdeeply.“Threeghouls.Onemaleandtwofemales.Thescentisaboutfiftyhoursold,giveortakeanhour.”

FiftyhourswouldbejustaboutthetimeEduardo

wouldhavecometorespondtoMrs.Oswald’sphonecallonMondayaboutthewolfgriffin.

“Interestingtiming,”Isaid.

“Theycamehereandleftalongthesametrail,”Dereksaid.

“Howlongweretheyhere?”Curranasked.

“Afewhours.”Derekpointedtoanarrowspot

betweenthesideofthehouseandawoodenfence.“Theyhidthere,behindthetrashcans.”

Threeghoulsjustsittingtherewaitingwhiletheresidentsofthehouseleftforwork.Don’tmindus,we’rejustchillinghere,behindyourtrashcans,rubbingourbigsharpclaws,whileyourdeliciouschildrenleaveforschool.Andthatwasn’t

creepy.No,notatall.“Why?”Ithoughtout

loud.“Iftheywerehiding,therearebetterplacestohide.”

“Mm-hm.”Curran’sfacetoldmehewasthinkingthesamething.“Badplacetohidebutagoodplaceforanambush.”

IglancedbackatMrs.Oswald’shouse.Acoupleofhousesdown,thestreetended

inacul-de-sac.Onlyonewayinorout.

“Anyotherscents?”Iasked.“Anyhumanscents?Anyonetheyattacked?”

Derekshookhishead.Curranlookedatme.

“Doesthisseemoddtoyou?”“Everythingaboutthis

seemsoddtome.Ghoulsaresolitary.Theylivenearcemeteries,theyhideinburrows,andtheytravelat

dawnorduringthenight.Theydon’tbandintogroupsandpranceaboutinbroaddaylightinaresidentialneighborhood.Unlesstheownerofthathouseisaserialkillerandhe’sgothisvictimsburiedinhisbackyard,thereisnoreasonforthemtobehere.”

“Therearenobodiesinthebackyard,”Dereksaid.“Iwould’vesmelleddecomp.”

Senseofhumorcheck,failed.

“Thepointis,it’shighlyunlikelythatthesetwooddthings”—Ipointedatthetrashcanswithonehandandatthecorpseofthespider-scorpionwiththeother—“aren’tconnected.IthinktheywerewaitingforEduardo.”AndIwouldgiveayearofmylifetoknowwhy.“Theghoulswekilledin

Lawrencevillewereansweringsomeone’scall.Theysaidsomeonewaswaitingforthem.Theydon’tmeetpeopleforcoffeeorbrunch.Ithinksomebeingisusingthemfortheirownmeans.”

“Thatwouldexplaintheirorganizationandunusualbehavior,”Dereksaid.

“Canyoutrackthem?”Curranasked.

“Sure.”Dereksmiled.“Let’sgoaskthem,”

Curransaid.“I’llgetthecar,”Isaid.I

wouldonlyslowthemdownonfoot.

FifteenminuteslaterIchasedtheminaJeep.I’dhavetosendsomeonebacklatertopickupGeorge’scar.

Lionsweren’tknownfortheirmarathonracingabilities,butCurranwasa

werelionandbyhumanstandardshewasasuperbrunner.HeandDerekflewdownthestreetatthirtymilesperhour,whichforthemwasprobablyarefreshingpace.

GhoulscamefromtheArabicmythos.OneoftheearliestknownreferencestothemoccurredinOneThousandandOneNights.Thewolfgriffinswererumoredtohavebeennative

toNorthAfricaandwerefamiliartoBerbers.MuslimsconqueredNorthAfricaaroundtheseventhcenturyBC,sotechnicallytherewassometenuousgeographicalconnectionbetweenthegriffinandtheghouls.Andthat’swhereitallstoppedmakingsense.Ghoulsdidn’tanswertoanyhigherauthority.Theyweren’tundead,theyretainedtheir

freewill,andallattemptstocontrolthembyoutsideforcesusuallyendedbadly.Theywerecowardlysolitaryscavengersorpredatorsofopportunity,whodugdeepburrowsandhidfrompeopleandsunlight.Ihadnoideahowthespider-scorpionthingorthecatsfitintoit.

MaybewhoeverwasbehindthecreaturesattackingMrs.Oswaldgotreally

annoyedatEduardo’sinterferenceandhadtheghoulskidnaporkillhim?Butthatwouldimplythatthiswhoevercouldcontrolanarmyofghouls.Ormaybeknewsomeonewhocouldandthatsomeoneowedhimafavor.Ifyou’repowerfulenoughtocontrolghouls,whywouldyouevencareaboutsomecats?

Iblewtheairoutofmy

mouth.Allthiswildspeculationwasjustthat—speculation.Untilwefoundsomeevidence,allmyoutlandishtheorieswereworthless.

AheadCurranandDerekturnedleftonValleyViewRoad.Ifollowed.Smallresidentialhouseslinedthestreet,couchedintreesandbrush.Itlookedlikearelativelyquietneighborhood.

Noneighborhoodwascompletelysafeinpost-ShiftAtlanta,butthiswasoneofthemorestableones.AndasfarasIknew,Eduardohadnoconnectiontoitbesidestherandomjobhe’dtakenattheGuild.

Thismesswasgettingmoreandmoreconvoluted.Convolutedwasn’tmyfavorite.IrememberedGeorgethrustingherselfin

frontofabladetoprotectapregnantDesandra.MymindhelpfullybroughtuparecollectionofEduardoknockedoutcoldandcoveredinhisblood.He’dtriedtokeepamonsterfromattackingDoolittleandJim’ssisterandnearlydied.GeorgeandEduardohadsufferedenough.They’dearnedtheirhappiness.Iwantedtoputthembacktogetherandsee

themhappy.Iwantedthemtomarryandhavecutebabies.

Wherethehellareyou,Eduardo?Whathaveyougottenyourselfinto?

WeturnedleftontoAshfordDunwoodyRoad.TheremnantsofaWalmartcameintoviewontheleft.CurranandDerekveeredtowardit.ThethreehundredyardsbetweenmeandtheWalmartlookedlikesomeone

hadtakenablendertoawarehouse:sharpchunksofconcretelitteredtheground,boundtogetherbytwistedmetalrebarandbrokenwoodenbeams.Brokenglass,dullwithdirt,glitteredhereandthere,catchingarandomrayofthesun.Great.IfIfollowedthem,Imightaswelljustjumpoutandslicemytiresnow.

Derekslowedandmade

smallcirclesamongthedebris.Theghoulsmust’velingeredthere.

Currantensed,hiswholebodycompressinglikeatightspring,andleapedontoasix-foot-highconcreteboulder.Helandedlightandstraightened,hisgazefixedonthecrumblingcorpseofthebig-boxstore.Hisbroadshouldersandthelineofhisbackcurvedslightly.The

windpulledonhissweats,revealingaglimpseofhishardbody,musclesreadytolaunchhimatsomeunseenthreatinaninstant.Thatpotentialpowerwaslikeamagnet.IfIdidn’tknowhimandIwasdrivingby,Iwould’vestoppedtogetasecondlook,tryingtofigureoutwhothatscaryhotbastardwas.

Iwouldgohomewith

himtonight.Gome.Okay.Therewas

somethingseriouslywrongwithme.First,Iwasstaringathimlikesomesortoflove-struckidiot.Second,Iwasdoingitwhilesittinginthemiddleofthestreetwiththemotorrunning.Ifanothervehiclecamebarrelingdowntheroad,I’dgettoexperiencethefunandexcitementofahead-oncollision.Ipulledthe

cartothecurb.Itwasaconsequenceofthebloodloss.Sure.Thatwasit.

Derekdidaone-eightyandranpastmedowntheroad.Curranleapedofftheboulderandcaughtupwithhim.Herewegoagain.Ieasedoffthebrake.MeadowLaneRoad...Aruinedparkinggarageloomedonourleft,half-hiddenbehindpines.CurranandDerekducked

intoit.IparkedtheJeepandwentdowntheslopeafterthem.

Theparkinggaragestretchedbeforeme.Istoodforamoment,lettingmyeyesadjusttothegloom.Barevines,stillreelingfromwinter,blanketedtherightandleftsidesofthegarage,growingdensertowardtheback,wheretheceilingofthestructurehadcavedin.Three

cars,pinnedinplacebythecrushingweightofconcrete,rustedquietlyinthefarleftcorner.NexttothemCurranwaited.Derekcrouchedbyhim.Infrontofthemafissuresplittheconcretewall.Fromhereitlookedsolidblack,atleasteightfeettallandthreefeetwide.

Ofcourse.Whywouldn’titbeaterribledarkpit?JustonceIwouldlikeittobea

breezypaththroughsomegardenwithrosesandsunshine.

Ijoggedtothem.Derekpivotedonhisfeettowardme.“Thetrailleadsinthere.”

No,itdoesn’t.“Okay.”Derekduckedintothe

gap.Ilookedafterhim.Theconcreteendedafteraboutfivefeet,mergingintoatunnelduginsoil,anglingdown.Acold,dankodor

washedoverme.No.IfeltCurranbehindme

andstraightened.Mybackbrushedagainsthischest.Ididn’twanttogodownintothathole.Iwoulddoalmostanythingelse.Ijustdidn’twanttogodownthere.

“Baby?”Curranasked.“Yes?”RightnowEduardocould

bedownthere,waitingfor

help.Isteppedintothegapandstartedmoving.Ijusthadtoputonefootinfrontoftheotherandnotthinkaboutthousandsofpoundsofsoilandrockthatwouldburymealiveifitcollapsed.

“Youokay?”heaskedquietly.

“I’mgreat.”IcouldbarelyseeDerekinthedarknessmovingaheadofme.Myimaginationpainted

anavalancheofloosedirtdroppingintothetunnelinfrontofme,buryingme,gettingsuckedintomylungs...Itastedadrenalineonmytongue.Tunnelswereneveronmyfavoritelistofthings,buttodaymybodywasgoingintooverdrive.

“Yourpulseisspeedingup.”

Ijusthadtopickashapeshifter.“Apparently

darknarrowtunnelsleadingdeepundergrounddon’tagreewithme.”

Hewrappedhisarmsaroundme.Istopped.Myheartwashammeringagainstmyribs.Whatthehellwaswrongwithme?

Currankissedmyhair.Hisvoicewasaquietwarmwhisperinmyear.“Thisisn’tMishmar.”

Memoriescascaded

throughmymindlikeabucketofcoldwaterdumpedovermyhead.Beingtrappedinatunnelfilledwithwater,clingingtothemetalgrate,holdingGhastek’sheadsohewouldn’tdrown,runningthroughthedarkpassagewayswhilehundredsofundeadchasedus...

Curran’svoicecutthroughit,calmandreassuring.“Wearen’t

trapped.It’sjustaholeinthedirt.”

Iinhaleddeeply,leaningonhim.Breathingfromthebottomofyourlungsshort-circuitedanxiety,andsoIbreathedslowly,tryingtogetmyexhalestolastlongerthanmyinhales,andstoodwrappedinhim.

Mypulseslowed.Theodduncomfortablepanicwasstillthere,butitrecededfar

enoughthatIcouldkeepalidonit.Isqueezedhishand.“I’mgood.”

HeletmegoandIpushedmywaythrough,tryingtospeedup.

Thetunnelnarrowed.Myshouldersbrushedthedirt.Great.Theanxietyhammeredatme.Iconcentratedonmybreathing,slowanddeep.

Aminutepassed.Another.

Justkeepmoving.Keepmoving.Itwillend.

Itwillend.Itfeltlikewe’dbeen

undergroundforeternity.Ithadtobeatleastthirtyminutes.

Ithadtoend...Howfardidthisdamn

tunnelgo?Ahandrestedonthe

smallofmybackandsliddown.

“Didyoujustgrabmybutt?”Iwhispered.

“What?”“Curran!”“Yes?”Icouldhear

controlledlaughterinhisvoice.

Unbelievable.Ispedup.“We’retrackingghoulsandyou’regrabbingmybutt.”

“Ialwaysmakesuretopayattentiontoimportantthings.”

“Sureyoudo.”“Besides,ifthetunnel

collapses,Iwon’tgettodoitagain.”

“Youwon’tgettodoitagainanyway.Ican’tevenseeDerekanymore.Heprobablyheardaboutyourbutt-grabbinganddecidedtogiveussomespace.”

“Maybeyoujustmovetooslow.”

“Youshouldtrymakingmorenoiseasyouwalk,too.”Curransuggested.“Maybetheghoulswillmistakeyouforasmallundergroundelephantandrunoff.”

“Whenwegetoutofhere,I’llkickyou.”

“You’lltry.”Thetunnelturned.Afaint

lightilluminatedDerekalmostfiftyyardsaheadofme.Hejumpeddownintothe

light.Idouble-timedit.AmomentandIgrabbedontotheedgeofthetunnel’sopening.Alargeopencavernspreadbeforeme,itsflooraboutsevenfeetbelow,illuminatedbydaylightstreaminginthroughaholeinitsceiling.Therayoflightfellontoamangledvehiclesittinguprightinthemiddleofthefloor,itshoodacrushedCokecanofamess,

itsbackupintheair.Derekwasnowhereinsight.

Amangledblackvehicle.Asickfeelingpulledat

mystomach.Ijumpeddown.Theimpactofhardgroundpunchedthesolesofmyfeet.Thecavernstretchedintoalargetunneltotheleftandtotheright,toouniformnottobemanmade.Itjustgotbetterandbetter.

Curranlandednexttome,

silentlikeaghost.Itwasn’tfairthatamanthatlargecouldmovethatquietly.

“MARTA,”Itoldhim.Hefrownedatme.“MetropolitanAtlanta

RapidTransitAuthority.WejustenteredtheRedLine.”

MARTAbeganinthe1970sandgrewintoanetworkofbuslinesandheavyrailstations,someaboveground,someunder.In

itsheyday,overfourhundredthousandpeoplerodeitdaily,butthemagicwavescrushedit.Thetrainswerethefirsttogo.Notthatmanyofthemcrashed,butmagicspawnednightmarishcreatureswhoenjoyedhidingindarktunnelsandgrabbingtastysnacksconvenientlyaggregatingontheplatformsforthem.Peoplerefusedtogounderground.Thebuses

heldoutforawhile,butfinallythecitythrewinthetowel.NowMARTAstationsstoodabandoned,theirtunnelsturnedintolairsbythingswithsharpteeth.

“Howfardoesitgo?”Curranasked.

“Ihavenoidea.TheywereexpandingitwhentheShifthappened.Thereareprobablymilesofrailunderground.”Tracking

ghoulsthroughmilesoftunnelswouldbelikehuntingaratinamazewithadozenexits.

Wemovedtogether,quietlywalkingtowardthevehicle.Wherethehellhadboywondergottenoffto?

TheSUVsatdirectlyunderthehole.Ilookedup.Itwasjustlargeenoughforavehicletopassthrough.

“IsitaTahoe?”

Curranreachedup,grabbedthetransmission,andpulled.MetalgroanedasthebuttoftheSUVtippedtowardCurran.It’sgoodtobeawerelion.

“Yep.It’saTahoe.”Dreadwashedovermein

acoldclammywave.IthadtobeEduardo’scar.Theghoulshadkilledhim,lefthisbodytorot,andpushedthecarinhere,wherenobodywould

findit.CurranloweredtheSUV

andletitfallthelasttwofeet.Longgashesscouredthepaintonthesides.Ghoulclaws.Thetintedwindowsofthevehiclehadcrackedbuthadn’tfallenout.Dustsheathedthecracks.Icouldn’tseeanything.Ireachedforthedriver’s-sidedoor.Inmyhead,Eduardo’smangledcorpsesoakedinhis

ownbloodinthedriver’sseat.

Don’tbedead...don’tbedead...

Ipulledthedooropen.Itswungwithascreech,revealingthecab.

Empty.Ohphew.Phew.Curranpulledtheother

dooroff.“Ismellhim.It’shiscar.”

TheinterioroftheTahoe

lookedlikeithadbeenthroughatornadomadeofknives.

“Doeshesmelldead?”“No.”Heinhaled.“It

reeksofghouls.”“Ourghouls?Theones

wekilled?”“No,adifferentgroup.

Thesescentsareolder.”Sowehadmorethanone

groupofghoulsrunningamok.

Derekwalkedoutofthelefttunnel.“Thetrailstopshere.”

“Whatdoyoumean,stops?”Iasked.

“Iwalkedinbothdirections.”Derekleanedagainstthegrimywall.“Thetrailcomeshereandthensimplystops.Therearenofreshghoulscenttrailsineithertunnel.”

“Theydidn’tjustflyoff,”

Isaid.“Couldtheygrow

wings?”Curranasked.“Idoubtit.”Ghoulswith

wings,thatwasallweneeded.“Iftheycouldgrowwings,theywould’vedoneitbynow.It’sagreatdefensiveadaptationandtheyarecowards.”

“Theirscentsaystheygothereandthentheyvanished,”Dereksaid.

Irubbedmyface.“Thatwouldsuggestteleportation.”

“D’Ambrayteleports,”Curransaid.

“Yes,butHughusespowerwordsandspecialwaterthat’sbeenmessedwithbyRoland.Thatteleportationismyfather’sexclusivetrick.Besides,IwouldknowifHughwereinthecity.”

“How?”Derekasked.“Iwouldfeelhim

crossingtheborderintoAtlanta.”

Curranleanedtowardme.“Thereisaborder?”

“Yes.”“Wereyouplanningon

sharingthatwiththeclass?”Hisvoicewasquiet.

“Itdidn’tcomeup.”Hedidn’tlookhappy.

Whenintrouble,changethesubject.“Thepointis,teleportationisadifficult

thingthattakesacraptonofmagic.”

“Is‘crapton’atechnicalterm?”Derekasked.

Smartass.“Yes,”Igrowled.“IexaminedasceneofteleportationduringtheLighthouseKeepermess.Itwasdonebyvolhves.”

VolhveswereRussiandruids,andunliketheactualdruids,whowerestrugglingtoovercomethehistorical

stigmaofhumansacrifice,volhvesdidn’tgiveadamn.

“Thesewerereallypowerfulpaganpriests,buttheyhadtosacrificeahumanbeingtogetenoughjuice.”

“What’syourpoint?”Curranasked.

“Lookaroundyou.Nosignsofaritual.Justdirt.”

Thethreeofussurveyedthecavern.

“Ihavenoideawhatwe

aredealingwith,”Isaid.“Ireally,reallydon’tlikeit.”

“WeneedJulie,”Curransaid.

Oncemagiccameonthescene,itwasquicklydeterminedthatfiguringoutthenatureofmagicatanygivencrimescenewasvital.Thatwaswhyinvestigatorsusedm-scanners,clunkyheavycontraptionsthatsampledthemagicandspat

outcoloredprintoutsofit:blueforhuman,purpleforvampire,greenforshapeshifter,andsoon.Juliewasthehumanequivalentofanm-scanner,andshewasmuchmoresensitivethanthemostadvancedmodel.

Ipulledthekeysoutofmypocket.“Sheshouldbeathomebynow.”

Curraneyedtheholeinthecavern’sceiling.Itwas

fullyfortyfeetup.Derektookthekeys,puttheminhisjeans,andbackedupforarunningstart.Curranlockedhishandstogetherandcrouched,holdingthemoutlikeastep.Derekchargedhim,fastlikeablur.HisrightfootsteppedonCurran’sfist,Curranstraightened,hisarmspropellingDereklikeaspring,andtheboywondershotuplikeabullet.Fora

secondIthoughthewouldfallshort,andthenhishandcaughtabrokenmetalpipestickingoutoftheedgeofthehole.Hepulledhimselfupandvanishedintothedaylight.

CHAPTER

ONGRIPSSCOUREDtheTahoe’sfrontpassenger

seat,theedgesofthefabricfrayed,rippedbyclawsratherthancut.Amuchsmoothercutscarredthedashboardandthefaredgeofthepassengerseat.Dentspotholedthedashboard,somewithpiecesofboneandclumpsofdark

redtissuestucktothesurface.Severaldarksmears,thick,thecolorofreddishtar,stainedtheinsideoftheTahoe,allexceptforthedriver’sseat,whichmeantEduardowasinitwhenthefighthappened.Isatinthedriver’sseat—myfeetcouldbarelytouchthepedals—andswungmyhandout.Yep.Eduardohadsomesortofashortbladeinhishand,

probablyamachetejudgingbythecutinthedashboard,andhe’dhackedatsomethingwithit.Thenthebladewasrippedoutofhishand¸andhestartedbashinghisattackersintothedash.

Ipulledasmallplasticbagoutofmypocketonmybelt,gotapinchofpowder,andsprinkleditontheblood.Thedarkgreenpowderturnedwhite.

“Ironweed,”IexplainedtoCurran.“Ghoulsdon’tlikeit.Notsureifithurtsthem,butitreactswiththeirblood.”

Curranexaminedthedash.“Forbeingpinnedbytheseatbeltandswarmed,heputupahellofafight.”

“Andthat’swhatpuzzlesme.”IreachedoverandtouchedtheremainsofEduardo’sseatbelt.Abouteightinchesofithungfrom

thetopbracket,theendofthesectionroughandfrayed.

“Gnawedthrough,”Curransaid.

“Yes.Hewaswearingtheseatbeltwhentheyjumpedhim.You’reaghoul.Thisguy’shackingatyouwithabladeandcrushingyourbuddies’skullsleftandright,andinsteadofkillinghimrighthere,whileheistrappedbyhisseatbelt,youtakethe

timetochewthroughitandpullhimout.”

“TheywantedEduardoalive,”Curransaid.

“Butwhy?”Wesearchedtherestof

theTahoe.IfoundEduardo’sbackpackwithhislunchandhiswalletinitwithahundredbucksincash.ThecacheofweaponsinthebackoftheTahoewasintact.Anyhumanpredatorwould’vetakenthe

gunsandthetacticalblades.WhoevertookEduardohadnointerestinhisweaponsorhismoney,whichprobablymeantourghoultheorywascorrect.NotonlyhadtheghoulskidnappedEduardo,theypushedhiscarintoaholetohideit.Theyweren’tthatdeviousundernormalcircumstances.Somesortofmalevolentintelligencewascontrollingtheghouls,andit

clearlyhadaplan.Ifonlywecouldfigureoutwhatthatplanwas.

Isatonarock.Curranstretchedoutnexttome.Helookedlikehell.Sometimeagotheichorcoveringushadbeguntosmelllikerottenfish,andwhilewecrawledaroundunderground,loosedirthadmixedwithittoformacement-likesubstanceonhisskinandmine,inmycase

nodoubttaintedbywhateverbloodseepedthroughthebandages.Myshoulderhurt.Mybackhurt,too.Neitherofushadeatensincemorning.Curranhadtobestarving.Somepairwemade.

Henoticedmestudyinghim.“Hereweareinafilthyhole.”

“Yep.Lookingliketwoghoulswhorolledinsomerottingcorpses.”

Heflashedagrinatme.“Hey,baby.Wanttofoolaround?”

Ilaughedathim.“IfIwereplanningto

kidnapEduardo,”Curransaid,“andIknewwherehewasgoing,theeasiestthingwouldbetostationsomeshapeshiftersnearhisdestinationsotheycouldambushhimashearrived.Exceptthatdestination

happenstobeinaresidentialneighborhood,whichmeantifmypeoplejumpedEduardothere,theywouldhavetodraghimthroughthestreetskickingandscreaming.”

“Yes.Toorisky.Tooexposed,andtoomanypotentialwitnesses,”Iagreed.

“Iwouldwanttograbmyvictimoffthestreetfastandquiet,soIwouldscoutthepossibleroutestohis

destination,findgoodplacestojumphim,andputagroupofshapeshiftersateachrouteandonefinalgroupnearthedestinationitself,justasinsurance.”

“Makessense.”Thatwasexactlywhattheghoulsdid.

“SowhatissospecialaboutEduardo?”

“Idon’tknow.”Isighed.“Maybehe’sasecretghoulprince.”

IwantedtoclimboutoftheholeandkillsomethingtomakeEduardobeokay.InsteadIhadtosithere,twiddlingmythumbs.IreachedovertoCurranandsqueezedhishand.

“Don’tworry,”hesaid.“We’llfindhim.Theytookhimalive,sotheywantsomethingfromhim.”

“It’snotfindinghim.It’sfindinghimintime.”

“Heknowshelpiscoming,”Curransaid.“Georgeloveshim.Heknowsshe’ssearchingforhimandshe’dmakethePacklookforhim.”

“IkeepwonderinghowImissedit,”Imurmured.

“What?”“GeorgeandEduardo.”“Theywereverycareful,”

Curransaid.“Georgelovesherfather.Shedidn’twant

himandEduardofighting.MahonisthePack’sexecutionerandhasmoreexperience,butEduardoisyounger,fivehundredpoundsheavierinbeastform,andhewouldbeverymotivated.Itwouldn’tmatterwhowon.Whentheyweredone,oneofthemwouldbedeadandtheotheronedying.”

“WouldhereallyfightEduardo?”

“Dependsonthecircumstances.MarthacanpullMahonbackmostofthetime,butsometimeshisbrakesmalfunction.”

“Butwhy?Whatwouldthataccomplishexceptmakeseveryoneinvolvedmiserable?”

Curransighed.“Mahon’sproblemisthathehassomeverydefiniteideasaboutwhataman’ssupposedtobeand

whatamalewerebearshouldbe.Itsoundsgreatinhisheadandhegetscarriedawaywithit.Heisn’tshyaboutsharinghisbearwisdom.Thenhisviewscollidewithrealityandtheymostlydon’tsurvive.AtthecoreMahonisn’tevil.Hemeanswellandhewantstobeseenasagoodperson,sowhenpeoplereactbadlytothenonsensecomingoutofhismouth,hegetsshocked

andhastoreadjust.Forexample,thefirsttimeAuntBcametothePackCouncil,hetookituponhimselftolectureherabouthowmenshouldbemenandwomenshouldbewomen,andClanalphasshouldbemenwithwomenhelpingthem,nottheotherwayaround.”

Ilaughed.“Whatdidshedo?”

“Shepettedhisshoulder

andsaid,‘Blessyourheart,youmustbeawfulinbed.’”

Ha!“Thensheturnedto

Marthaandtoldherthatifsheeverwasinneedofamanwhorespectedwomenenoughtothinktheywerehumanbeings,shehadseveralavailableinherclan.”

ThatsoundedlikeAuntB.“Mahonturnedpurpleand

didn’tsayanotherword

throughthewholeCouncilmeeting.”Currangrinned.“Neverbroughtitupagain.Ilefthiminchargeonceforaboutamonth,becauseIhadtotraveloutofourterritory,andcamebacktoafullrevolt.Itwasn’twhathedid—heactuallygovernedwellwhileIwasgone—itwaswhathesaidatthePackCouncil.Hesaidhewastryingtogivetheotheralphas

guidanceandhewasmystifiedwhyeveryonewantedtotearhisthroatout.ItwouldbethesamewithEduardo.HisinitialreactionwouldbetorageandprobablygoadEduardointoattackinghim,becausehelovesGeorgeandhewantstobeagoodfather,andinhismindthebestthingtodo,theproperthingtodo,istosteerherawayfromwhathesees

asaterriblematch.He’sprobablyconvincedthatifGeorgeonlysawthingsfromhispointofview,shewouldagreewithhim.”

“I’mprettysurehethinksthatabouteverybody.”I’dbeenonthereceivingendofMahon’swisdom.Itmademefantasizeaboutviolence.

Curransighed.“Mahonadoreshisdaughters.IfGeorgewenttoherdadright

nowandcriedandsaidthatshewasmiserablewithoutEduardoandshefeltawful,MahonwoulddropeverythingandruntolookforEduardo.”

Iblinked.“Seriously?”Currannodded.“Butshe

won’tdoitandIagreewithher.Fromherpointofview,whyshouldshehavetomanipulateherfather?Sheisn’taskinghimforapuppy.

She’stellinghimthatthisisthemansheloves,andsheexpectshimtodealwithitlikealovingparentshould.She’shisdaughterandshe’sjustlikehim.They’vebuttedheadsforaslongasI’veknownthem.Shealwaysloveshim,butsometimesshealsohateshim.Thisisoneofthosetimes.”

Itmust’vebeenaninterestingfamilytogrowup

in.“Doyoumanipulatehim?”“IknowwhatMahon’s

versionoftheBeastLordshouldsayanddo.WhenIwanthimtodosomething,Iframeitinthatlight.WithMahonsometimesit’senoughtogrowlanddeclarethathewilldothisbecauseI’mtheBeastLord.Heexpectsoccasionaldictatorship,becauseinhisheadthat’swhatacapableBeastLord

woulddo.IfItriedthesametacticwithJim,he’dtellmehe’dcomebacklaterafterIhadmyheadexamined.”

“Mahon’sBeastLordisahardmanwhomakesharddecisions,huh?”

“Mm-hm.Andwhodoesn’thavetimeforfoolishness.”Curranlookedup.“Acar.”

AmomentlaterIheardittoo,thedullroarofwater

engines.Itsputteredanddied.Julie’sblondheadpokedthroughthehole.“Hello.”

“Hi,”Isaid.Julie’sheaddisappeared,

replacedbyherfootintheloopofarope.Theropemoveddown,loweringJulietothefloorofthecavern.Sheworeherworkclothes:oldjeans,ablackturtleneck,andboots.Atacticaltomahawkrestedinalooponherbelt.

Thirteenincheslong,theKestreltomahawkweighedeighteenounces.Itswidebeardedbladetapereddowntoawickedspikethatcurveddownward,sharpenedtoanarrowpoint.Itwasmeantasatoolthatoccasionallycouldbethrownatrottenlogsforfun.Juliehaddecidedtomakeitherweaponofchoice.Noneofmyexplanationsabouttheversatilityand

lightnessofswordsmadeanydentinher.

Isighed.Ihadplentyofperfectlygoodswords,balancedandmadespecificallyforher.Whenshefirststartedcarryingtheaxe,ItriedtopushhertowardtheswordandsheresisteduntilIfinallyaskedherwhyshedraggeditwithhereverywhere.Shesaid,“BecauseIcanmakeahole

inanything.”Idecidedthatwasgoodenoughforme.

Ifthedeadcouldjudgetheliving,Voron,myadoptivefather,wasprobablyspinninginhisgraveovertheaxe.He’ddedicatedhislifetoteachingmehowtouseasword.Hevieweditastheperfectweapon.ButthenVoronwaslongdeadandIhadexorcisedhisghostoutofmymemory.Hestillspoketo

meonceinawhile,buthisvoicenolongerruledmylife.

Juliewinced.“IsthatEduardo’scar?”

Inodded.Dereksliddowntherope.

“Okay.”Sheturnedtothehalf-crushedTahoe.“Uglyyellowishorange...Ghouls.Alotofthem.”

Shecircledthecar,movingslowly,andlookedup,hergazefixedonapoint

aboutsixfeetabovethecar.Hereyeswidened.Shesmiledslightly,asifshewerelookingatsomethingbeautiful.

“It’slikeaflame,”shemurmured.“Beautifulflame.Notorangeoryellow.Morelikecopper.”

“Copper?”Whatthehellregisteredcopper?

“Agoldish,silverishkindofcopper,”shesaid.“There

wasanexplosionofitrightthere.”ShepointedabovetheTahoe.“Likerosegold.Verypretty.I’veneverseenthisbefore.”

Bluemeanthuman,silvermeantdivine,weakyellowmeantanimal...Ihadneverrunacrossgoldish-silverishcopperbefore.WhatthehellwasIsupposedtodowiththat?Itdidn’tevensoundright.Thecreatureregistered

arosegoldcolor...I’dgetlaughedat.

Julietiltedherhead.“It’snotthatvariable.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Curranasked.

“Magicisn’tusuallyonecolor,”shesaid.

“Them-scannersprintitasonecolorbecausethey’renotreallythatprecise,”Isaid.

“Realmagicshiftsandchangesshades,”Juliesaid.

“Ghoulmagiclooksyellow-orangebutit’smorelikestreaksofoliveandorangemixingtogetherwithsomereallylightbrown.Eventhevampireshavetracesofredandblueintheirpurple.”Sheglancedup.“Whateverthatis,it’sveryuniform.Thereareverylightflecksofgoldandsilverinit,butmostofitisonecolor.”

Auniformmagic

signaturemeantwhatevermadeitemittedveryconcentratedspecificmagic.“Anyblue?”

Julieshookherhead.Bluestoodforhuman

magic.Anysortofhumanderivative,likeaghoul’sorashapeshifter’s,showedblueintheirmagicsignature.Theycouldnevercompletelygetridofthetracesoftheirhumanity.Whateverthiswas

didn’tstartoutasahuman.Irubbedmyface.Itdidn’t

givemeanynewinsights.“Whereaboutisthiscopper?”

Juliefrowned.“Aboutfourfeetabovethecar.”

IsteppedontotheTahoe’shoodandclimbedontoitsroof.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Curranasked.

“Idon’tknow.I’mjusttryingtogetasenseof

things.”Istoodup.“Okay,you’reinit,”Julie

said.Ididn’tfeelanything.I

staredupatthesky,waitingforacluetofalloutoftheheavensandlandonmyhead.Atthispoint,I’dwelcomethehit.

FromhereIcouldseethewholecave,thetwotunnels,thewholeareafromwhichwehadcome,thedirtfloor

againstwhichtheTahoehadimpacted,theloosesoilchurnedbytheghoulsastheyscrambledacrossit.Aglintcaughtmyeyetotheright.Somethingshinyreflectedthelightamongthedirt.Anidenticalsparkglowedtotheleft,exactlythesamedistance.Hmm.Iturnedslowly.Moresparks,buriedunderthedirt.

IslidofftheTahoe.From

heretheglintwasinvisible.Ipulledsomegauzeoutofmypocket,kneltinthespotIthoughtIsawit,andbrushedatthedirt.Theloosesoilslidaside,revealinganarrowribbonoftranslucentshinysand.Itlookedbrittle,butheldtogetherasifsomegreatheathadtouchedthesandandhalffuseditintoglass.

Juliekneltnexttomeandreachedtobrushmoredirt

off.“Don’ttouchit.”Ipassed

herthegauze.ThefirstruleofstayingaliveinAtlanta:ifyouseesomethingweird,staythehellawayfromit.

Webeganbrushingthedirtaside,JulieandIfromoneside,CurranandDerekfromtheother.IntwentyminuteswehaditclearedandIclimbedtheTahoeagain.Aperfectlyroundribbonof

glasssand,abouteightincheswide,circledthevehicle,lyingontopofthedirtlikeathincrustofdirtyiceonthesurfaceofapondafterthefirstfrost.Someone,probablytheghouls,hadtriedtocoverit,butthereitwas.

“Copper?”IaskedJulie.Shenodded.“Whatdoesitmean?”

Curranasked.“Ithinktherewasaburst

ofmagicupthere.”Ipointedtotheareaabovethecar.“It’sprobablytheteleportationfootprint.ThegroupofghoulsfromtheOswalds’neighborhoodcamehereandwereteleportedtowherevertherestoftheghoulshavegathered.Andthisglasslikeringisthephysicalevidenceofit.”Atleastitwassomething.“Teleportationusuallyrequiresananchor,

somesubstancefromtheplaceyouareteleportingto.Hughcarriedwater.Thisglassthingisprobablyananchor.Idefinitelywantasampleofit.”

Maybeifwegotthisanalyzed,wecouldfigureoutwhatitwasandwhereitcamefrom.AndthenwewouldgothereandasktheghoulstogiveusEduardoback.Prettypleasewithsugar

ontop.“Ifitoccurredasthey

teleported,whocoveredit?”Curranasked.

“Maybetheycovereditbeforetheyteleported,”Juliesaid.

IjumpeddownfromtheTahoe,pulledaziplockbagfrommypocket,andunsheathedSarrat.“Youmightwanttogivemesomespace.”

Theybackedaway.Iquicklyslicedwith

Sarrat.Thethincrustofglassbrokeintosections.Iwaitedtoseeifitwouldsproutneedlesordeliversomeotherlovelysurprise.Itlayinthedirt,lookinginert.Iusedthegauzetopickupapiece,aboutfourincheswideandthreeincheslong,andslidthetranslucentchunkintotheziplockevidencebag.

Juliesquintedatusandwrinkledhernose.“Yousmellhorrible.DidyouguyscrawlthroughaDumpster?”

Whatwouldmylifebewithoutteenagesass?

“Longstory,”Currantoldher.“Canyouseeanythingelse?”

Sheshookherhead.“Lotsofghoulsandthecopperexplosion.That’sit.”

“We’redonehere,then,”

hesaid.Eduardohadbeenmissing

forwelloverforty-eighthours.Everyminutemadefindinghimlesslikely,andIhadnoideawheretolooknext.

•••

WESENTDEREKandJuliebacktothehouse,instructingthemtoswingbythe

Oswalds’placetopickupGeorge’scar,anddrovetoEduardo’shouse.TheideaofJuliedrivingstillgavemenightmares,butIhaddrivenatherage,soIhadnoroomtotalk.

Wedrovewiththewindowsdowndespitethecoldwind.Wewerebothtoofragrantotherwise.IconsideredabriefdetourtoCuttingEdgeforaquick

shower,butitwouldbeeasiertojustgoandgetthehomesearchoverwith.

EduardolivedinaniceplaceinSandySprings,asturdytwo-storybrickhomebuiltpost-Shiftsittingonahalf-acrelot.Thewallsofthefirststorylookedreinforced,theirwindowsnarrowandshieldedbysteelbars.Thesecond-storywindowsranlarger,butthesteelbarson

themwerejustaswellmade.Nofence.Anyshapeshiftergonelouporaloosevampirewouldscalethetallestfenceintheblinkofaneye,andrazorwiredidn’tgivethemmuchpauseeither.Inpost-ShiftAtlantafencesdidn’tkeepmonstersout.Theykeptpeopleinforconvenientsnacking.

Curranunlockedthesteelsecuritydoorandthenthe

solidinnerdoorwiththekeysGeorgeleftforus.Hardwoodfloors.Cleanhouse,airydespitethenarrowwindows.Neat.Curraninhaled.“I’mgettingEduardoandGeorge,nobodyelse.I’mgoingtowalkaroundoutside.”

Iwentintothekitchen.Granitecountertops,cleanandpolished.Niceoakcabinets.Happykitchentowelswithbrightredapples

sewnonthem.Abigsolidtable,nofrills,andonlytwochairs.Thisplacemust’vecostasmallfortunetorent.Nosignsofstruggle.Noblood.Ikeptwalking.Familyroom.Bookshelvesstoodagainsttheleftwall,mostlyempty.Acoupleofcomfortableshapeshifter-sizedcouches,eachlinedwithaknittedafghan,offeredasoftplacetosit.Astackof

bookslayonthecoffeetable,thetoponehalf-closedbecausesomeonehadstuckapencilintoit,probablytoholdtheirplace.Ateacup,alittlebitofteastillinthebottom,waitedbythebooksforitsowner.Thiswasn’tsomepristinehouse.ThiswasEduardo’shome,aplacewherehehopedGeorgewouldlivewithhim,andIfeltoddmovingthroughthis

space,asifIwereinvadingtheirprivacywithouttheirpermission.IcouldpictureGeorgeandEduardosittinghereonthecouch,eachwiththeirowncupoftea,readingtogetherundertheknittedblanketsontheoversizedcouch.

Nopicturesonthewalls.Georgewasright.Eduardoprobablydidn’tkeepincontactwithhisfamily.In

fact,thehousewasbarelyfurnished.Theyprobablyhadn’thadachancetogetallthefurnitureorcouldn’taffordit.

Thelivingroomended.Anotherroom,arectangular,relativelynarrowspace,layacrossthehallway.Probablyaformaldiningroomatonepoint,nowithadbeenturnedintoanoffice,withalonesquarewindow,largeenough

forapersontosqueezethrough,buttoosmallforanythinglarger.Adeskstoodagainstonewall,supportingaphoneandayellowbook.Weaponshungonthewalls,mostlytacticalblades.Mostshapeshiftersusedtheirclaws.Afew,especiallythosetrainedspecificallyforcombat,armedthemselveswithknives.Eduardodidn’tgrowclaws.Hisarsenal

consistedofvariousshortswords.Twomassiveweaponshungonthewall:abigsteelmaulwithawoodenhandleandanequallyheavyaxe.IfItriedtofightwitheither,itwouldrequiretwohandsandtakemeagestoswingthem.EduardocouldprobablyswingthemaboutaseasilyasIswungmysword.

IpausedbyapairofIberiansteelfalcatas,twenty

inchesoverall,withfourteen-inchblades,single-edged,slightlycurved,andconvexnearthepointbutconcavenearthehilt.TheswordsthatsurprisedtheRomansintheSecondPunicwar.

Ihadapairoffalcatasfromthesamesmithy—theyborethesamesmallmarkonthehilt.Thesewerehandforgedfrom5160high-carbonsteeland

marquenchedinamoltensaltbathtominimizeflaws,distortions,andcracking.Therewasagreatdealofdifferencebetweenaswordandaswordlikeobject.Ihadseenveryprettybladesmadefromstainlesssteelthatlookedgreatuntilsomeoneactuallytriedtousethemandtheysnappedinhalffromstress.Battle-readyswordsrequiredfatigue-resistant

springsteellike5160.Pre-Shift,peopleuseditfortrucksprings.Itcontainedchromeandsiliconandwasexpensive,but5160tookahellofalotofpunishmentbeforeitbroke.Eduardohadgoodtaste.

Imovedontothedesk.Thecorkboardheldscrapsofpaper.Mostlookedlikemercnotes,thenumbersofclientswithsmallnotationsbythem.

1728MapleDrive,wingedsnakeinatree.345Calwood,feraldog.CallGuildaboutWalters,5dayslateonpayment.Ipluckedthecorkboardoffthewall.Iwouldgothroughittonight.Unlikethefictionaldetectiveswhosolvedcrimesinaburstofbrilliance,I’vesloggedmywaythroughinvestigationsandI’velearnedthatbeingthoroughpaysoff.

Astackofopenmaillayonthecornerofthedesk,pinnedinplacebyalargesmoothrock.Imoveditasideandflippedthroughthestackofmail.Bills.Allcurrent,nopast-duebalances.Abankstatement.Eduardohadatotalofsixthousanddollarsinsavingsandtwothousandinchecking.Apagewaspinnedtothebankstatement,detailingalistofexpenses,

utilities,insurance,andsoon,eachwithanotationbyitwritteninabold,widehand.Theamountsonsomenotationsweremultipliedbytwo.HewasdoingthebudgetforhimandGeorge.UnderneathinbiglettersEduardohadwritten,Needmoremoney,andunderlinedittwice.

Icheckedthedeskdrawer.Paper,pens,sticky

notes,astackofgigtickets...Ileafedthroughit.Themostrecentonewasfromaweekago.Hemust’vefiledthemweekly.Somedayshadthreegigs,sometimessix,sevenhoursapart.Hewasworkinghimselfintotheground.Hewouldtakeajob,finishit,returntotheGuild,andsleepthereuntilanothergigcameup,andhediditdayafterday.Georgecouldn’t

haveknown.Shewould’vemadehimstop.

Imovedthegigstubsaside.Asmallwoodenbox...Ipickeditupandflickedthelatch.Aringrestedonthecushionofvelvet.Abigroundsapphiresetinaframeworkoftriangularpetals,resemblingalotusflowerstuddedwithtinydiamonds.Themetaloftheringwassolidblack.

Fourteen-karatgoldplatedwithblackrhodium.Itwould’vebeenexpensivebeforetheShift;now,withtechnologysuffering,thepricewascrazy.Shapeshiftersdidn’tlikethefeelofpreciousmetals.Silverwaspoisonandgoldwasonlyslightlybetter.Rhodiuminsulatedthemagainstgold.RaphaelhadgivenablackrhodiumringtoAndreafor

herbirthday,startingacraze.ThePackwouldn’tshutupaboutitfordays.

Iwaslookingatmorethanseventhousanddollarsinthistinybox.Georgewaswaytoopracticaltoeverexpectablackrhodiumring.IfIaskedher,shewouldtellmestainlesssteelwasjustfine.Buthe’dboughtitforheranyway.Hewantedhertohavethebesttherewas,andif

sheeverfoundouthowmuchheworkedtogetit,shewouldprobablykillhim.

Thesapphirecaughtthelightfromthewindow,thefirewithinsparkling,asifadropofpureseawaterhadsomehowcrystallized,retainingallofthecoloranddepthoftheoceaninsideit.Thefutureoftwopeoplesittinghereonavelvetpillow.George’swordscame

backtome.Hecouldbedeadinaditchsomewhere...Worrygnawedatme.Ipackeditaway,intothedeepplaceinsideme,andsnappedtheboxclosed.Eduardodidn’tneedmyemotions.Heneededmyhelp.

Ireachedforthewastebasket.Sometimesthethingspeoplethrewawaysaidmorethanthethingstheychosetokeep.Ahilt

protrudedaboutaninchfromthepapersinsidethebasket.Thepommelhadtheunmistakablepalesoftnessofbone.Hmm.Odd.

Ipulledtheweaponout.Aslightlycurveddaggerinasheath,abouttwenty-fiveandahalfincheslongoverall.Thesheathwaswoodwrappedinblackleather.Silverleafcoveredthetipofthesheathandabouttwo

inchesatthetop,twistingintoacomplexornatepatternwithplaitedsilverwire,giltfiligree,andniello.Icountedthebraidedstrands:one,two,fivetotal.Thehandlehadbeenpainstakinglycarvedtogivethebonejustenoughtexturesoifthegripbecamebloodied,itwouldn’tslipfromyourhand.Abrightblue-greenturquoisestonethesizeofmythumbnail

decoratedthegripandanevenlargerbright-redcarneliangracedthepommel,likeadropofopaqueblood.Wow.

Iwrappedmyfingersaroundthegrip.Thebonewaswarm,soft,andslightlyrough.Likeshakinghands.

Thebladecamefreeofthescabbardwithasoftwhisper.Theseventeen-inchdouble-edgedblade

shimmered,arayofsuncaughtandboundintosteel.Silverscript,delicateandelegant,ranthelengthofthegroovedblade.Ididn’tspeakArabic,butI’velearnedtorecognizesomeverses.ItwasoftenusedbyMuslimsagainstevilspirits.HasbiyaAllahulailahaillahuwaàlayhitawakkaltuwahuwarabbual-àrshial-àzhim.Allahsufficesme;thereisno

godbutHe;inHimIplacemysoletrust;HeistheLordofthemightyThrone.

Akindjaldagger.NotoneofRussianmake.Theprofilewastoocurved.ThiswasakindjalwithanArabicspinonit.Ibalancedthedaggeronmyfinger.Perfect.Fulltang,sharpbutnotbrittle-edged,andthekindofweightdistributionthatletthedaggersinkintothebodyalmoston

itsown.Thiswasn’taweapon.Itwasamasterpiece.Thekindofbladeyoutreasureandpassontoyourchildren.

Sothefalcataswereonthewall,butthekindjalgotthrownintothewastebasket.Why?IfEduardodidn’tlikeit,whynotsellit?Heneededthemoney.

Thetinyhairsonthebackofmyneckrose.My

shoulderstensed.Someonewaswatchingme.

Ilookedupslowly.Outsidethewindow,thesunwasbeginningtoset.Someonestoodintheshadowofatreeaboutfiftyyardsaway,halfhiddenbyalowbranch.Icouldbarelymakeoutadarksilhouettebythedarkertrunk.

Threesecondstothedoor,fivesecondstocoverthe

distance.Toolong.Ifthewatcherwasn’tcompletelyhuman,he’dbegonebeforeI’dgetoutthedoor.

Ileanedforward,focusingonthewatcher.Mybodytensed.

Theshadowwasstillthere,bythetrunk.Definitelyhuman.

Comeout,comeout,whoeveryouare.

Thehumanshapemoved.

That’sit.Comeforward.Comeouttoplay.

Thebranchslidoutoftheway.

Ireachedformysword.Curransteppedintothe

open.Damnit.Igrabbedacanvassack

fromashelf,slidthedagger,thecorkboard,andthebillsintoit,andmarchedoutside.Hewasstillstandingbythe

tree.“Quitscaringme.”“Eduardowasbeing

watched.”Henoddedatthetrunkofthetree.Abarelyperceptiblescrapemarkedthebarkaboutthreefeetup.Igrabbedathickbottombranch,putmyfootagainstthescrape,andpushedupintothetree,intothespotwherethethicktrunksplitintotwinbranches.IfI

crouched,Icouldstillseethewindowandthedeskbyit.Ifthelightwason,Icouldseeinsidetheoffice.

“It’salayeredscent,”Curransaid.“Human.Male.Hecamehereseveraltimes.Lasttimeacoupleofdaysago.”

“Astalker?”Ijumpedoutofthetree.

“Looksthatway.”“Didhedoanythingwhile

here?”Curranshookhishead.

“No.Hedidn’tjerkoff,didn’tspit,anddidn’tsweat.Occasionallyhewasinthetree.”Currancrouchedbythedryleavesandmulchattheroots.“Mostpeoplemovearoundwhiletheywait.Theyshiftfoottofoot.”Hepointedatthemulchwithhishand.

“Doesn’tlookdisturbed,”Isaid.

Henodded.“Thescentisoldbutdense.Hecamehereoftenandstayedforsometimeinonespotwithoutfidgeting.Thisisaguywhoknowshowtonotbeseen.Hewasn’tindecisive.Hewasn’tworriedaboutbeingcaught.Hejuststoodandwatched.Whenhewasdone,hewalkedtotheendofthestreet.Thetrailendsthere.Likelyhehadgottenintoa

car.”Disciplinedandpatient.

Goodforhim,badforus.“WouldEduardoknowhe

wasbeingwatched?”“Hardtosay.”Curran

frowned.“Ifhewereacatorawolf,hewould’vepatrolledhisterritory,sohewouldnoticethescentimmediately.Eduardoisabison.HellifIknow.”

“Isitpossiblehecould’ve

missedthescent?”“Thistimeofyear,the

windusuallyblowssoutheast.Ididn’tsmellhimuntilIwasrightuponthetree.Eduardowouldn’thaveanyreasontocomeouthere,unlesshewasmowingtheyard,whichheprobablywon’tdoforanothercoupleofmonths.Soyes,itispossiblehemissedit.Butbisonhavegoodhearingandanacutesenseofsmell.Sohe

mayhaveknownaboutit.”“Ifhehadknownaboutit,

wouldn’thehaveruffledthemulchorsomethingtoputhisterritorialstamponit?”

“Idon’tknow.Ihavenoideawhatbisondobesideschargingintruders.”

“Couldweasksomebody?”

Curranstaredatmehelplessly.“ThePackhasonewerebisonandhe’smissing.”

Ugh.Everycluewefoundledtoadeadend.“You’renohelp.”

“WhyamItheexpertallofasudden?”

“Ofthetwoofus,youhavemorestalkingexperience.”

Heleanedback.“Really?”“Yes.Whenyoulet

yourselfintomyapartmentbeforeweweredating,didyoufidgetwhileyouwatched

me?”“Willyouletitgo?”he

growled.“No.”“Ididn’tfidget.Ichecked

onyoutomakesureyouhadn’tgottenyourselfkilled.Iwantedtoknowthatyouweren’tdyingslowlyofyourwounds,becauseyouhavenosenseandhalfofthetimeyoucouldn’taffordamedmage.Ididn’tstandthereandwatch

you.Icamein,madesureyouwereokay,andleft.Itwasn’tcreepy.”

“Itwasalittlecreepy.”“Itworked,didn’tit?”“Workedhow?”“You’restillalive.”“Yes,ofcourse,takeall

thecredit.”Welookedatthemulch

somemore.Wewerebothirritated.Eduardohadbeenmissingforfartoolong.

“Noghouls?”Iasked.“Noghouls.Iwalkedthe

entireperimeteroftheproperty.Youfindoutanything?”

“HewasmakingabudgetforhimandGeorge.Heneededmoney.”

Curranstaredatthetree,frustrationclearonhisface.

“Alsothis.”Ishowedhimthedagger.

“Nice,”Curransaid.

“Ifounditinthetrashcaninhisoffice.Itwasmadeforaman.”

“Howdoyouknow?”“Becausethiscostavery

solidchunkofmoney.Ifsomeonewaswillingtospendthatmuchonagiftforawoman,itwouldhavegoldonitsomewhere.InIslamthewearingofgoldandsilkformenisharam,forbidden.Muslimmenaresupposedto

bedetermined,steadfast,andresolute,dedicatedtotheirfaithandtheprotectionoftheirfamily.Goldandsilkaresignsofluxury,whicharefineforwomenbutfrowneduponformen.”Istrokedthesilveronthescabbard.“Thisisadaggermadeforamale.Ithasaprotectivesupplicationonit,andit’sdecoratedwithferuz,turquoise,whichhelpsobtain

divinehelpandvictoryinbattle,andaqiq,carnelian,whichprotectsagainstevilandmisfortune.”

Irealizedhewasstaringatme.

“What?”“Howdoyoueven

rememberallthis?”“It’smyjobto

remember.”Bladeswerethetoolsofmytrade.Ifitcutahumanbody,anditcutit

well,Iknewsomethingaboutit.

Hetookthebladefrommeandsmelledit.“It’sbeensoakedinsomethingthatkillsthescentandthenpolishedwithcloveoil.Smellslikeoneofyourswords.”

“ThisisnotEduardo’susualfare,”Isaid.“Hetendstowiderbladesorheavyweapons.Thisisaprecisionself-defensedagger.Ghouls

originateinArabia.Wolfgriffinsaregeographicallyclose.WasEduardoaMuslim,byanychance?”

“No.Wewould’veseenhimpraywhileontheship,andheandItalkedbeforeandhementionedhewasn’treligious.Maybehebeatuphisstalkerandtookthedaggeraway.Butthenwhynotsellit?Whythrowitaway?”

“Ihavenoidea.Icantakethedaggertoasmithtomorrow.”

“Ifitwasgiventohim,I’mwonderingaboutthethinkingbehindgivingashapeshiftersomethingdecoratedwithsilver,”Curransaid.“Eitherthedaggerwasmadeforsomeoneelseoriginallyorthegiftgiverisclueless.”

“Orhemighthave

thoughtthatEduardomayhavetoattacksomethingthatdoesn’tlikesilver.”Isighed.

Inanyinvestigationtherecomesatimewhenyourunoutofthingstodo.Wehadjusthitthatpoint.Nothingelsecouldbedoneuntilthemorning.

“Let’sgohome,”Curransaid.

CHAPTER

DROVETHROUGHthecity,guidingthevehiclearoundoddobstaclesAtlantathrewinourway.Curranrelaxedinthepassengerseat,hiseyesdistant.

“Whatareyouthinkingabout?”Iasked.

“Theirhouse,”hesaid.“WhenIgetmyhandsonhis

kidnapper,I’llbreakhisneck.”

“IkeepthinkingaboutEduardo’sstalker,”Isaid.“GeorgesaidEduardohadrentedthehousesixweeksago,aboutaweekafterhertalkwithMahon.Yousaidthestalkerdidn’tsmelllikeashapeshifter.Eduardowasracingtomakeasmuchmoneyaspossible.HespentallhistimeattheGuildor

doingjobs.Therewasn’tmuchinteractionwiththeoutsideworld,justtheGuildandGeorge.”

“ThestalkermustbeconnectedtotheGuild,”Curransaid.“Someoneheworkedwithorsomeonehemetduringagig.”

“Yes.Weneedtogetacompleterecordofhisjobs.Chancesare,thestalkerguyissomewhereinthere.”

“Howcanwegetarecord?”

“Wecan’t.”Ileanedbackintheseat.“Thelogonlygoesbackafewdays.KnowingtheClerk,heclosedthebooksbeforeheleftandfiledeverything.Togetatthecompleterecord,wewouldhavetogetMarktounsealtheoldlogs.Hewon’tdoit.”

“Whynot?”“Becausetechnicallyit

wouldbeillegalwithoutawarrant,becausetheGuildcouldbesuedifEduardo’skidnappingisconnectedtoit,andbecauseheisaGradeAassholewhoenjoysusingwhatlittlepowerhehas.Ifthereisnoprofitinitforhim,hewon’teventwitchhispinkie.IfwehadtheClerk,Icouldtalkhimintolettingmelookatthelogs,becausetheClerkhadtheultimate

responsibilityforthemandbecausethesafetyofaGuildmemberisatrisk,buttheClerkisgone.Markwon’tdousanyfavors,andBobandhiscrewwon’teither.”

IhadbrieflycontemplatedbreakingintotheGuildandstealingthelogs,butIwasn’tsurewhereMarkhadmovedthemto,sincetheyweren’tintheClerk’scountersafe.AndtheGuildwasneverempty.

UnlessIcouldturnmyselfinvisible,pullingoffthisheistwhileadozenmercswatchedwouldbeverydifficult.

“ThenI’llgettheClerkback,”Curransaid.

“Youwouldhavetogetthemtorehirehim,andtheywon’tdoit.Theydidn’thaveenoughmoneytokeephimoninthefirstplaceandI’mnotsuretheGuildcommitteewouldevenwanthimback.

Theyareallsettoraidthepensionfundandcallitquits.”

Curran’seyesgrewdistantagain.“I’lltakecareofit.”

ThesunhadsetbythetimeIturnedontoourstreetandIsawourhouse,itswindowslitupbythebluishglowoffeylanternsinside.Thesilverinthebarsshieldingitswindowsglowed

slightly,reactingwithmagicandmoonlight,asifcoatedinfluorescentpaint,matchingtheglowofthesecuritydoor.

Ihadspentthefirstmonthafterwe’dmovedinputtingupwardsallaroundourfive-acreplot,andasIturnedintoourdriveway,thereassuringmildpressureofpassingthroughthedefensivespellslidoverme,asifthehousepattedmyhair.

Mystomachhurtfromthelackoffood.Myshoulderachedwithalowgnawingpain.Mysideshurt,too.Iwastired,starving,andfilthy,andIsmelledlikethree-day-oldroadkill.Thespiderichorhaddriedtoacementlikesubstanceinmyhair.Iwould’vekilledforashower.

Acrossthestreet,HeatherSavellfinishedspeakingwithMrs.Waltonandstarted

towardus.Curranlockedhisteeth.Ihadnodoubtthat,inherhead,Heatherwaspreparingaspeechonbehalfofourneighborhood’snonexistentHOA.Shehadalreadykindlypointedouttousthatmostpeoplehidetheirtrashcansinthegarageinsteadofputtingthemonthesideofthehouseandthatwehadatwo-foot-widebaldpatchinourlawn,wherethe

workershaddugupthegroundtogettoaburstpipe.

Ihadverylowtoleranceforpeoplewhotriedtotellmewhattodo.Curranhadevenless.He’dlivedinacabininthewoodsuntilhewastwelve.Thenloupskilledhisfamily,andhelivedonhisownforalmostayear,starvingintheforest,untilMahonfoundhim.TwoyearslaterCurranbecametheBeast

Lord.Whenhespoke,everyoneintheKeepwentsilent.Whenheenteredaroom,alleyeswereonhim.Ifhewantedsomething,itwasbroughttohimwithapologiesthatittooklongerthanthirtyseconds.Livingamongregularpeoplewasn’tinhisframeofreference,andtodayhaddonenothingtoputhimintoacharitableframeofmind.ThefactthatHeather

hadsprinkledcayennepepperonherlawndidn’tendearhertohimeither.NotthathewouldbiteHeather’sheadoff,butIcouldseehimputtingitinhismouthandholdingitinthereforabit.

“Myturn,”Itoldhim.“Youdidthelastone.”

“Callforbackupifyouneedme.”Hegotoutandwentinside.Isteppedoutandlingeredbythecar.Icoulddo

this.Ijusthadtobecordialandnotpunchher.Pieceofcake.

“Hi,”Heathersaid,stretchingtheword.Shewalkedcarefully,asifworriedI’dbiteher.

“Hi!”KateDaniels,agoodneighbor.Wouldyoulikesomecookies?

“I’msorrytobotheryou...Whatisthatsmell?”

Spiderguts.“HowcanI

helpyou?”“Umm,theneighbors

askedmetobringsomeissuestoyourattention.”

Ibettheydidandshebravelysoldieredunderthatburden.“Shoot.”

“It’saboutthemailbox.”Icouldseethecommunal

mailboxoutofthecornerofmyeye.Itseemedintact.

“Yousee,themailmansawyourhusbandduringone

ofhiswalks.”“He’smyfiancé,”Itold

her.“Wearelivinginsin.”Heatherblinked,

momentarilyknockedoffherstride,butrecovered.“Oh,that’snice.”

“It’sverynice.Ihighlyrecommendit.”

“AsIwassaying,hesawyourfiancéwhenhewasinhisanimalshape.Howtoputit...Hebecamealarmed.”

ThatwasgenerallyanormalreactionwhenencounteringCurranforthefirsttime.

“Wearenotsureiftheywilldelivermailagain.”

“Didyoureceiveanyofficialnoticesfromthepostoffice?”

“No,but...”Heathertriedasmile.“Wewerethinkingmaybeyourfiancécouldnotdothatanymore.”

“Dowhat?”IhadasuddenurgetostrangleHeather.IwassotiredofpeopleactinglikeCurranwasaninhumanspreekillerwhowouldmurderbabiesintheirsleep.

“Walkaroundinhisanimalshape.”

Nostrangling.Stranglingwouldnotbeneighborly.

“Itwouldalsobeniceifhelimitedtherangeofhis

walks.”Ihadhadareallylong

day.Mynerveswerestretchedthinandshewasjumpingupanddownonthelastofthem.

Iinhaledslowly.Twoyearsofsortingshapeshifterpoliticsandtheirrun-inswithhumanshadtocountforsomething.“AccordingtotheGuzmanAct,ashapeshifterintheUnitedStatesisfreeto

wearwhatevershapeheorshechooses.It’safederalcrimetodiscriminateagainstshapeshiftersbasedontheformoftheirbody.It’salsoillegaltomakeregulationsinterferingwiththeirabilitytofreelychangeshape.Isincerelyhopetheneighborhoodhasn’tconsideredsigningsuchapetition.”Becauseiftheydid,Iwouldmakethemeatit.

Slowly.“No,no,ofcoursenot.”“I’msureyouweren’t

suggestingthatmyfiancéshouldbelimitedinwhichshapehewearsonastreetinhisownneighborhood?”

“No,ofcoursenot,”shesaid,backpedaling.“Itjustthatitupsetsthedogs...”

“Also,heisn’ttakingawalk.Heispatrolling.Welivenexttoawoodedarea.

I’msureyou’veheardcoyoteshowling.Judgingfromthe‘lostpet’posterstapedonlamppostsandfences,anumberofdogsandcatshavedisappearedfromthisneighborhood,butnoneafterJanuaryfifteenth.Doyouknowwhythatis?”

Shedidn’tanswer.“It’sbecauseonJanuary

fifteenthwemovedintothishouse.Myfiancéisatop-

levelpredator.Hehasclaimedthisterritory,andalloftheotherlesserpredatorsknowbetterthantochallengehim.”

Themagicvanished,likeaveiljerkedaside.Thefeylanternswentoutandtheelectricporchlightcameon,illuminatingmeinallofmybloodynastyglory.Heathersuckedinasharpbreath.

“Willtherebeanything

else?”Iasked.“No.”Herfaceturned

pale.“Thankyousomuchfor

stoppingby.Ifyougetanythingfromthepostofficeaboutinterrupteddelivery,bringittome.I’lltakecareofit.”

Shenoddedandtookoffacrossthestreettoherhouseatanearrun.

Iwalkedintoourhouse,

lockedthesecuritydoorandthefrontdoorbehindme,andexhaled.Adeliciousscentofstewfloatedtome.Mymouthactuallywatered.Sohungry.

ImademywayintothekitchenjustintimetoseeCurran,alreadyshowered,pullapotofstewJuliemust’vemadefromthecoaloven.Grendel,ourfreakishlylargeblackattackpoodle,sprawledontherug,cleaning

abigbone.Hewaggedhistailatmeandwentbacktostrippingshredsofmeat.Juliesetoutthebowlsfordinner.

“Didyouseethemailmanwhiledoingyourroundsyesterday?”Iasked.

Curran’sfaceturnedcarefullyblank.“Yes,Idid.”

“Didyoudoanythingtoscarehim?”

“Iwasperfectlyfriendly.”“Mhm.”Pleasecontinue

withyournicestory.Nonjudgmental.

“Hewasputtingthingsintothemailbox.IwaspassingbyandIsaid,‘Hello,nicenight.’AndthenIsmiled.Hejumpedintohistruckandslammedthedoor.”

“Rude!”Julievolunteered.

“Iletitpass,”Curransaid.“We’renewtotheneighborhood.”

TheformerBeastLord,akindandmagnanimousneighbor.“Soyousneakedupbehindhim,startledhimbyspeaking,andwhenheturnedaroundandsawasix-hundred-poundtalkinglion,youshowedhimyourteeth?”

“Idon’tthinkthat’swhathappened,”Curransaid.

“That’sexactlywhathappened,YourFurriness.”Ilaughed,pullingoffmy

boots.“Georgecalled,”Julie

said.“Twice.”“Didshesayshefound

outanything?”Iasked.“No,shejustwantedto

knowwhatwashappening.Also,somepersoncalledSiennacalledandlefthernumber.Iputitontheboard.”

SiennawastheMaidenoftheWitchOracle.Officially

theAtlantawitchcovenswereindependentofeachother.Unofficially,theyalllistenedtotheWitchOracle,consistingofthreemembers:theCrone,theMother,andtheMaiden.Eachofthethreehaduniquepowers.Siennasawintothefuture.Mystomachsank.Shenevercalledme.ThelastfewtimesIspoketotheOracle,Ihadbeensummonedtotheirlair

inwhatoncewasCentennialPark.

Iwenttothephone,checkedthenumberwrittenonthesmallchalkboardaboveit,anddialed.

“Hello?”ayoungwomansaidontheotherend.

“Sienna,thisisKate.”“Iamgladyoucalled.”“Doesthismeanthe

Oracledecidednottocursemeintooblivion?”The

witchesandIhadmadeadeal:theywouldhelpmeandIwouldkeepmyfatherfromclaimingAtlanta.WhenIclaimedthecityinstead,theydidn’ttakeitwell.

“I’mnottalkingtoyouasamemberoftheOracle,”Siennasaid.“I’mtalkingtoyouasawomanwhoselifeyousaved.Ilookintoyourfuture,Kate.Forobviousreasons.”

ThewitcheswereworriedthatIwouldmoveagainstthecovens.MeandallofmygreatpowerthatIhadnoideahowtoaccessoruse.

“InthepastIsawyourfutures.Theyweremanyandvaried.LatelyI’vebeenhavingthesamevisionoverandover.Iseeamanstandingonahill.Thedayisfullofsunshine.Theskyisbrightandblueandthegrass

underhisfeetisemerald-green.HisfaceisasmudgeandeverytimeItrytoconcentrateonit,Imeetawallofresistance.Heisholdingsomething—Ican’tseewhatitis,butIknowit’svital—andthenheturnsandwalksaway.Ithinkthemanisyourfather.Ican’tthinkofanyoneelseconnectedtoyouwithenoughpowertodeliberatelyobscuremy

vision.”Onthatweagreed.“Any

hintatallatwhathemightbeholding?Howbigisit?”

“It’s...ablur.Itfeelslikeaweapon,Kate.Itfrightensme.”

Great.“Thankyou.Willyoutellmeifyouseeanythingelse?”

“Iwillconsiderit.”“Thanksagain.”Ihungup.Curranglanced

atme.Shapeshifterhearingsurpassedhuman,andhewould’veheardtheentireconversation.Whatevermyfatherwascookingup,itwouldbebadforus.Catastrophicallybad.Isodidn’tneedthisrightnow.

Thedownstairsbathroomdooropenedandathinmansteppedout.Hishairwaspurewhiteandhiseyes,brightblue,werelikethe

clearsky—notasinglethoughtinsight.Ohno.

Christophersawme.Hiseyessparkled.Hesmiledasifgivenapreciousgiftandutteredonehappy,quietword.“Mistress!”

•••

ISLUMPEDAGAINSTthewall.Christopherusedtobebrilliant.Healsousedto

workformyfather.Wenevergotthewholestoryoutofhim,butsomethinghehaddonedispleasedRoland,whopunishedhimandthengavehimtoHughd’Ambray,whoputhimintoametalcageandwasslowlystarvinghimtodeathwhenIgothimout.Christopherreferredtohimselfasshattered,andthat’sexactlywhathewas.Hismindfloatedabout,

brokenintoathousandshards,andyouneverknewwhichparticularshardwasincontrol.Sometimeshewassosmart,ithurt;atothers,hewaschildlike;andthenoccasionallyhedidthingslikeclimbingtothetopofoneoftheKeep’stowersandtryingtotakeflight.Hewasconvincedheusedtoknowhowtoflyandthathestillcould,ifonlyheremembered.

UsuallyittookmeorBarabastotalkhimdown.

WehadleftChristopherbehindattheKeep.Itwasthesafestplaceforhim.Heknewhowtomakepanacea,avitalmedicinetheshapeshiftersdesperatelyneededtokeepfromgoingloup,andthePackwouldguardhimandseetohiseveryneed.Hecouldn’treallybeleftunsupervised.

IturnedtoJulie.Sheshrugged.“HewassittingonourdoorstepwhenDerekdroppedmeoff.”

“Mistress,”Christophersaidhappily.

Ohboy.“Hi,Christopher.”ImademyvoiceasgentleasIcould.“Howdidyougethere?”

“Iwalked.”Walked.TheKeepwas

almosttwohoursawayby

vehicle.Howintheworlddidheevenfindus?

Christopherkeptsmiling,hisalpinelakeeyesblissfullyempty.

“Whydon’tyoustayfordinner?”Itoldhim.

•••

ITTOOKMEfifteenminutesandtwohandfulsofshampootogetthespidergunkoutof

myhair.Italsogavemetimetothink.TomorrowIneededtotaketheglasstoanexpert.Unfortunatelyanyprivatelabanalyzingmagicallyamazingsandwouldhaveawaitinglist,andtakingittothecopswouldaccomplishnothing.Eduardowasagrownman,ashapeshifter,andhehadissueswithhisalpha.Fromanoutsider’sperspective,itwasentirelypossiblethat

he’dsimplyputsometimeanddistancebetweenhimandhisproblems.Theywouldlookforhim,buthewouldn’texactlymakeitontheprioritylist.

Therewasonepersoninthecitywhomightbeabletoanalyzetheglassonshortnotice.GoingtoseehimwouldmakeCurran’shairstandonendanditwouldcostmeanarmandaleg.But

ithadtobedone.Timewasshort.

ThekindjalofferedanotherplaceIcoulddig.Thesilverworkonthescabbardwaselaboratebutnotexactlyunique,butthebladewasadeadgiveaway.Theinscriptionhadbeenwrittenviathekoftgarimethod,wherethesmithscratchedtheblade,hammeredfineflatsilverwireintoit,andthen

heatedittohelpthesilverstick.Koftgarididn’tstandupwelltoprolongeduseandthekindjaldidn’tlooklikearefinishedantique,soithadtobearecentpurchase.Thereweretwosmithsinthecitywhocouldproduceaweaponofthatquality,andonlyoneofthemusedkoftgari.Theotherfavoredinlay,cuttingdeepgroovesintothebladeandfillingthemwithwire.I

wouldgoandknockonNitish’sdoortomorrow.Ihadboughtweaponsfromhiminthepast.Hewouldn’tlikeit,buthewouldtalktome.

IwishedIcould’vespokentoMitchelltonight,butbeggarscouldn’tbechoosers.MitchellsurvivedbecauseBiohazardhidhimfromthegeneralpublic.Icouldonlyseehimattheirconvenience.Pissingoff

Biohazardwasn’tinmybestinterests,nomatterhowmuchIwantedtoknowabouttheghouls.

Asidefromthat,thereweren’talotofpathswecouldtake.AfewyearsagoIwould’vetriedalocatingspell,butthey’vebeenthoroughlydiscreditednow.Themagicbehindthemmisfiredmostofthetime,sendingyouonawild-goose

chaseandwastingtime.Idriedoff,pattingthe

towelgentlyovermyscrapes,andlookedatmyselfinthemirror.Mybackhaddevelopedalovelyplumlikecolor.Twistingtolookatitinthemirrorhurt.Anotherday,anotherwound.

Idressedandwentdownstairstohavedinner.

AnhourlaterdinnerwasoverandIwasputtingaway

thedishesCurranhadwashed.SinceJuliehadcooked,shewasoffkitchenduty.ShespreadherhomeworkoutonthetableandChristophersatnexttoher,leafingthroughhertextbooks.

Idriedaplatewithatowel.“I’mgoingtoseeSaimantomorrow.Ineedhimtoanalyzetheglasswefound.It’sgoingtobeexpensive.”

Curran’seyesturneddark.“TakeDerekwithyou.”

“No.I’mgoingtoseeSaimanwithoutababysitter.”

“Idon’tlikeit.”Christopherquietlygotup

andwalkedoutofthekitchen.

“Doyoutrustme?”ThelineofCurran’sjaw

wenthard.“Itrustyou,”hesaid.“Idon’ttrustthatdegeneratewithyoursafety.”

“Iknow.ButEduardoneedshim.Anyotherlabwilltaketoomuchtime.”

“Istilldon’tlikeit.”“IfSaimantriesanything,

I’lltakehimapart.”Curranlookedatme.I

lookedback.ImeantwhatIsaid.IfSaimangotoutofline,IwoulddowhateverIhadtodotogethimbackbehindit.

“Whileyou’redoingthat,

I’mgoingtoswingbytheGuild,”Curransaid.“Youdon’tstalksomeoneyoudon’tknow.Eduardoandthemanwhowatchedhimcrossedpathssomehow,andwhilewecan’tlookatthelogbooks,Ihavehisscentnow.Ifhe’sbeentotheGuildinthepastweek,I’llrecognizeit.”

“IfEduardowasbeingstalked,wouldhetalkto

anyoneinthePack?”Ithoughtoutloud.

“Hedidn’ttellGeorge,”Curransaid.

Thatwastrue.Shedidn’tmentionitanditwasn’tthekindofthingonewouldconsiderirrelevantwhenyourlovedonewasmissing.

Christopherstillwasn’tback.

“Julie,wheredidChristophergo?”

Sheraisedherheadfromherpaper.“Hesaidhewasgoinghome.”

“What?”Home.Inthedark.AllthewaytotheKeep.

Itossedthetowelontotheislandanddashedoutside,intothecold.Ourfrontyardwasempty.Isprintedtotheendofthedrivewayandspunleft,thenright.Therehewas,walkingdowntheneighbors’driveway.

“Christopher!”Hewavedatmeand

headedstraightfortheirdoor.Iranafterhim,tryingnottoslipontheicypavement.Inretrospect,shoeswould’vebeenanexcellentidea.

IgottoChristopherjustasheknockedontheneighbors’door.

“Hey,”Itouchedhisshoulder.“Whereareyougoing?”

“Home.”Hesmiled.“Ilikehome.It’swarmandtherearebooks.”

“Thisisn’t—”Thedoorswungopenand

Barabasappearedintherectangleofelectriclight.HeworesweatpantsandaT-shirtthathungfromhisleanframe.Hisredhair,spikyasalways,stoodstraightuponhishead,makinghishandsomeangularfaceseem

evensharper.Hesawmeandhiseyesgotwider.

“Um,”Barabassaid.“Eh.Goodevening,Kate.”

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“Eh.”“Welivehere,”

Christopherexplainedtome,andwalkedintothehouse.

They’dmovedinnextdoortous.ChristopherandBarabashadmovedinnext

doortousandnobodyhadtoldme.

Barabasfinallyrecoveredhisabilitytospeak.“Thereisthiswonderfulinvention.It’smadeofleatherandlinedwithsoftfabric,anditgoesonyourfeettoprotectthemfromcoldandroughsurfaces.It’scalledshoes.Youreallyshouldtryit.”

“Yourentedahousenexttous?”

Barabaswrinkledhisnose.“Notexactly.Pleasecomein.YourtoeslookliketheymightfalloffandCurranwouldevisceratemeifIletyougetfrostbite.”

Icameinside.Theirbottomfloorwasopen,justlikeours.Abigstackofcardboardboxesoccupiedtheleftsideofthelivingroom.

“Youjustmovedin?”Iasked,myvoicesweet

enoughtospreadontoast.Movedinanddidn’ttellme.

“Abouttwoweeksago.ThoseareallChristopher’sbooks.Weareputtingshelvesinoneofthebedroomsandsomedowntherealongthewall.”Barabaswavedattheleftsideoftheroom.

Someoneknockedonthedoor.

“Comein!”Barabascalled.

ThedoorswungopenandDerekstuckhisheadin.“Hey,doyouhaveanyducttape?”

Hesawme,steppedback,andclosedthedoorwithoutaword.Well.

“Coward,”Barabassaid,loudenoughforDerektohear.

“Where?”Iasked.“Thehouseontheother

sideofyours.”

“AndIsupposethishouseandtheoneDerekisinjusthappenedtobeforsale...”

Istopped.Currandidn’trelyonluck.Hewasthorough,andhethoughtahead.Irecalledourstreet.Onourside,fivelargehouses,includingours,backedtothewoods,andIcouldn’trememberseeingtheirownersortheircars.Hemust’veboughtoutthewhole

street.Ohwow.Thatexplainedwhywewererunninglowonfunds.

“DidyouseparatefromthePack?”Iasked.

“Yes.”Barabasinvitedmetositontheplushbrownsofa.

Isatandtuckedmycoldfeetunderme.

“Whoelse?”“SofarChristopher,

Derek,andI.Jezebelwas

thinkingaboutit,butdecidedagainstit.”

Inodded.JezebelwasinarelationshipwithLouis,whowasverymuchaPackkindofshapeshifter.Louiswasawidower.Hisdaughter,whomJezebeladored,wasfive,andLouiswantedhertobebroughtupinthesafetyofthePack.AfterbeingJulie’sbabysitterandseeingeverythingthatcouldhappen

toachild,Jezebelagreed.“IgetDerek,”Isaid.

TherewasnoplaceforDerekamongJim’speople.Derekunderstoodsecurityandhewasagoodfighter.Hehadnootherskills.Ioncetriedtotalktohimaboutcollegeandhesmiledatmeandwalkedaway.

ThesecurityavenuewasclosedtoDerek.Robert,oneofthealphaRats,hadtaken

overthepositionofsecuritychief.Hehadtotrusthisstaff,andheandDerekhadn’tworkedtogetherenoughforthattrusttoform.Robertwouldbebringinginhisownpersonnel,andifDerekjoinedthatparade,hewouldhavetostartfromthebottomup.HisonlyotheroptionwastogobacktoClanWolf,whereDesandrawouldpressurehimintoabeta

position,becausehewasskilledandrespectedandbecauseshecouldn’taffordtohavehimasarival.Derekwantedtohavenothingtodowithclanpolitics.Hewasquiteclearonthatpoint.ItmadesenseforDerektoseparate,butBarabashadthrivedasthePacklitigator.

“Idon’tgetyou,”Isaid.“Youlovepracticinglaw.”

“NowIwillpracticeitfor

youandCurran.”Hehadpracticallyrunthe

legaldepartmentinthePack,andhehadwalkedawayfromallofit?Ididn’tknowifIhadtofeelguilty,frustrated,orgrateful.“Idoubttherewillbemuchworkforyouhere.”

“You’dbesurprised,”Barabassaid.

“IthoughtyouwereallsettoworkwithJim.”

Barabasshookhishead.

“Istayedlongenoughtoeasethetransition.Jimneedsadifferentlawyer.Trishaistakingoverfromme.Shewilldoverywellforhim.”

“AndChristopher?”Barabassighed.

“Christopherwouldn’tstayintheKeepwithoutyouorme.Onceherealizedthatbothofushadleft,hewanderedthehallwayscryingandthenwentcatatonic.”

Igroundmyteeth.“Itoldthemtocallmeiftherewereproblems.”

“Theycalledmeinstead,”Barabassaid.“SoIcameandgothim.”

“AndJimjustlethimgo?”Afterall,Christopherwastheonewhohadbroughttherecipeforpanaceatous.

“Hehadnochoice.Christopherdecidedtoliveherewithme.I’lltakegood

careofhim.Jimalwaysviewedhimasasecurityrisk,andifthepanaceamakersrunintoanyproblems,theyknowwheretofindhim.”

Christopherhadbeendoingbetter.Inthepastsixmonthshehadmanagedtokeepaschedule,dresshimself,andmaintainpersonalhygiene.Buthestillhadmomentsofcompleteconfusion.IntheKeepour

securitystaffalwayskeptaneyeonhim,butherethewholeweightofresponsibilityrestedonBarabas.

“Hecooksnow,”Barabassaid.“Itwasverysudden.Hewalkedintothekitchenandjuststarteddoingit.”

“Whatdidhemake?”“Creampuffsshapedlike

swans.Theywereridiculouslydelicious.”

“Barabas...”“Kate,Iliketakingcare

ofhim.Heisnotrouble.”Barabasraisedhishead.“Curranisoutside.”

“Didyouhearhim?”Whenhewantedto,Curranmovedcompletelysilently,afactIoftenregrettedbecauseheenjoyedpoppingupbehindmeoutofthinairandmakingmejump.

“No.Ifelthim.”Barabas

grimaced.“It’shardtodescribe.It’sakindofawareness,likesomethinglargeanddangerouspassingbyyouinabsolutedarkness.Youdon’thearit,youdon’tseeit,youdon’tsmellit,butyouknowit’sthere.ItwasbetterattheKeep.HewasalwaysattheKeep,soyoualwaysfeltasmallmeasureofit,andtheplacewasalwayscrowded,which

helpedsome.Nowit’smorejarring.Heisn’tthereandthensuddenlyheisthere.”Heblewalongbreathout.“Thiswilltakesomegettingusedto.”

Ha!Iwasn’ttheonlyone.Curranknockedonthe

door.“It’sopen,”Barabassaid.Curransteppedinside.He

washoldingtheGuild’sManualandJim’scontractin

hislefthandandapairofmysoftpaddedbootsinhisright.

Hehandedmethebootsandsmiled.

Ismiledbackandputthebootson.

CurranheldouttheGuild’sManualandJim’scontracttoBarabas.“TheGuildissufferingfromcashflowproblems.Themercswanttoraidthepensionfund,sotheyforcedashutdown.

Theadminstaffwalkedoffduetononpaymentandthey’velosttheircleaningcrews.I’dliketotakeitover.”

“I’llseewhatIcando,”Barabassaid,takingthecontractandtheManual.“Doyouwanttomuscleinorbemoresubtleaboutit?”

“Iwanttoknowmyoptions.Iwroteasummaryinthefront.Lookatthelast

provisioninMembershipPowersandseeifyoucanfindmeawayin.”

“I’llhavesomethingbytomorrow.”

Icouldn’trememberwhatthehellthelastprovisioninMembershipPowerswas.IusedtoknowtheManualcovertocover,butithadbeenawhilesinceIhadtopullthatknowledgeoutofmyhead.

“Don’tforgettobillme,”Curransaid.“Exorbitantly.”

Barabasflashedhimaquicksmile.“I’llbeverygenerousinmybillablehours.”

Wewalkedhomethroughthecold.“Youdidn’ttellme,”Isaid.

“Itwasn’tmyplacetotell.”

“Idon’tunderstandwhytheydidn’ttellmeeither.”

“Allofthemwerepartofourinnercircle,”Curransaid.“TheyknewexactlyhowmuchyouwantedtobeawayfromtheKeepandthePack.Theywantedtogiveyouspace.”

“DidtheythinkIwouldthrowatantrum?”

“Baby,you’renotthetantrumtype.Youarethescary-smile-and-stabbingtype.”

Ilookedathim.“Hard-staretype.”He

grinned.“Theyknewyouwantedprivacy.Theydidn’twantyoutofeelliketheychasedusdown.Butitwasgettingabitridiculous,soit’sgoodChristophergavethemanudge.”

Iwavedatoursideofstreet.“Howmanyofthesehousesdoyouown?”

“Weown,andallof

them.”“Doweownanything

else?”“Wealsoownthewoods

directlybehindus.”Thosewoodsextendedfor

quiteawhile.Thereusedtobeahugegolfcourseandashoppingcenterbehindus,buttreesandbrushhadswalloweditlongago.“Howmanyacres?”

“Fivehundredand

twelve.”Iopenedmymouthand

nothingcameout.“Ithoughtofcallingitthe

FiveHundredAcreWood,”Curransaid.

Mymouthfinallyworked.“Howmuchdidyou...?”

“Threemillion.”OhmyGod.“Itwasasteal.Theykept

tryingtoclearit,butthetreesthereseemtohaveareally

highaffinityformagic.Everytimetheyclearsomething,thewoodsgrowbackinweeks,whichisperfectforus.Onceweallowthewoodstodevelop,thegrowthwillself-regulate.”

“Isthiswhywe’reoutofmoney?”

“Yes.”Hesmiledatme.“We’renotoutofmoney.Wejusthaveafirmbudget.”

Ilaughedquietly.

Somehowitallcompletelymadesense.

“Ididtellyouaboutthewoods.Onthreedifferentoccasions.”

No,hedidn’t.“Idon’trememberthat.”

“BeginningofFebruary,ItoldyouthatIwasthinkingofbuyingalittleextralandwithourhouse.”

Ihadnorecollectionofthatconversation.Also,a

littleextralandmeantanotheracre.NotaforestfivetimestheonePoohBearlivedin.“WhatdidIsayback?”

“Yousaid,‘Youwanttotalkaboutthisnow?’Andthenyousaid,‘Can’tyoujustbitehiminhalf?’”

Ah,nowIremembered.“Wewereinahalf-floodedgaragewithaderangedlunaticwhowasshootinglightningatus.”

“AndthenIbroughtitupagainthesecondweekendafterwemovedin.Wewereinourbedroom.YouweredoingpaperworkandIcameoutoftheshowerandIsaid...”

ThatIhadaperfectrecollectionof.“Yousaid,‘Hey,baby,comehereoften?’”

“Beforethat.”“Idon’trememberwhat

yousaidbeforethat.Youmadeitdifficulttoconcentrate.”

“Inmydefense,youweredoingpaperworknaked.”Currangrinned.

Whatever.“Whenwasthethirdtime?”

“IbroughtittoyouatworkandIsaid,‘Lookatthis.I’mbuyingthisland.’Andyousaid,‘Ifeelawkwardtellingyouhowtospendyour

money.Ifyouwanttobuyextraland,Ithinkyoushould.’”

Okay,sohehadapoint.Curranreachedoverand

squeezedmyhand.“What’sdoneisdone.ThePackbelongstoJimnowandforallofhisgrandstanding,ifIdecidedtotakeitback,hewouldfightmeforit.Butnowwehavetotakecareofourpeople.Theleastwecan

doistoprovidethemwithaplacetolive,aplacetorunatnight,shouldtheysochoose,andthemeanstoearntheirliving.”

Themoonchosethatmomenttobreakthroughtheclouds,floodingthestreetwithgentlepalelight.Ialwayslikedthedarkness.Theworldseemedbiggersomehowundertheendlessnightsky.Anoddcalm

settledoverme.“I’mworriedabout

Eduardo.”Isaid.“Whatwehaveisbetterthannothing,butallofourleadsareslim.Wearemovingtooslowly.Thelongerhe’sgone,thesmallerthechancesoffindinghimalive.I’malousydetective...”

Curran’seyebrowsrose.“Could’vefooledme.”

Iheldupmyhand.“I’ma

lousydetective,butI’mexcellentatannoyingpeople.”

“Yes,youare.”Ha-ha.“Normallyatthis

pointIwouldmakemyselfintoapaininthekidnapper’sass.I’dmakeitpersonalandbecomeatarget,sowhoevertookhimturnshimselfinsideouttryingtonukeme.Itwouldgivemeawayinanditwouldkeepotherpeoplefrom

gettinghurt.”Curran’seyesshonewith

apredatorylight.“Solet’smakeitpersonal.”

Ipointedovermyshoulderatthehouse.“Julie.”BeforeJuliewasattheKeep.Nowshewashere.Therewasaworldofdifferencebetweenatowerfullofkillersandahouseinthesuburbs.Itwasaverywell-protectedhouse,butstill.

“Juliewillbefine,”hesaid.“Wehavestrongwardsandgooddoors,andourneighborsareveryinvestedinhersafety.Howdowegetunderhisskin?”

“Ghouls.Idon’tknowifhecaresaboutthem,butheusesthem.”

“Sowe’llhithisghouls.”“I’lltalktoGhastek,if

youtalktoJim,”Isaid.“Betweenthevampiresand

theshapeshifters,someonehastohaveseenghoulsmovingthroughthecity.Wefindthemandkillthem.Ifweknockoutenoughofhisteeth,eventuallyhe’llgetpissedoffandcometopunchusintheface.”

Curranbaredhisteeth.“I’mgoingtoenjoythis.”

“Thatmakestwoofus.”Atleastwehadaplan.

Evenabadplanwasbetter

thannone.Thepurrofacarengine

rolledthroughtheneighborhood.APackJeeppulleduptoourdriveway.Georgejumpedout.

“Didyoufindoutanything?”Curranasked.

Sheshookherhead.“Didyoufindhim?Didyou—”

“Weknowtheghoulstookhim,”Isaid.“Hewasalivewhentheygothim.We

don’tknowwhy.”Herfacewasapalemask,

herteethclenched,hereyesfeverish.“Ghouls?What?”

“Comeinside,”Itoldher.“We’llexplaineverything.”

CHAPTER

UDDLESCLOPPEDDOWNthestreetatajerkytrot.

Shegallopedlikeachampandwascomfortabletorideatawalkoracanter,buthertrotwasrattlingteethinmyskull.Islowedherdownacoupleoftimes,butshefeltliketrottingthismorningandonceshegotsomethinginto

herhead,noforceonEarthcouldchangehermind.I’dtakenherbecausethemagicwaveshadbeencominginshortburstslately,andanenchantedenginetookforevertowarmup.AlsobecauseacoupleofweeksagoBuckheadhadexperiencedaninvisiblehailstorm.Youdidn’tseethehail,butyousawtheimpact.Itdidn’tcausethatmuch

damage—mostofBuckheadwasinruinsanyway—butitturnedtheroadsintoanobstaclecourseofpotholes.

“You’retryingtokillme,isthatit?”Ishiftedinthesaddle,tryingtofindaspotwheremybackdidn’thurt.

Cuddlesignoredmeandkepttrotting.

ThismorningwhenIwokeup,mybodyletmeknowjusthowdispleasedit

wasthatIwasn’tspendingthedayinbed.Idraggedmyselfup,wemadebreakfast,andthenIwentonewayandCurranandJuliewenttheother.MaybeIshouldhavetakenacar.IneededtomakeprogresstodayandSaimanwasmybestbet.

SaimanmadehislairintheposhluxuryofaChampionHeightspenthouse.

Thebuildingwasimpossibletomiss.Itwasjustabouttheonlyhigh-risestillleftstandinginBuckhead.Itsownershadsunkanobsceneamountofpowerintoitswards,trickingmagicintothinkingthebuildingwasaverylargenaturalrock.Duringthemagicwavespartsofitlookedlikeagranitecrag,butrightnowitwasafifteen-floorbuilding,

shroudedinmorningfogandbacklitbytheraysoftherisingsunlikesomemysticalspireofaneviloverlord.

Cuddlessnorted.“Idon’tlikeiteither,”I

toldher.“Butyou’lllovetheirstable.It’stodiefor.”

Wepassedaparkinglotfilledwithslick,expensivevehiclesandIsteeredCuddlestothestable.ThenthestableemployeeandIhad

abriefdiscussionaboutwhetherCuddlesactuallyqualifiedasamount.However,Ihadtwentybucksandwaswillingtopartwithit,soIwonbydefault.WithCuddlessafelyplacedintoastall,Iclimbedthestairstothefrontdoors,whereasecurityguardleveledanAK-47atme.IgavehimSaiman’spasscodeandafewmomentslatertheelevator

spatmeoutonthefifteenthfloor.Theyhadreplacedthehallwaycarpetsincemylastvisit.Thenewonewasmidnight-blue,withridiculouslyhighpile.IfIsteppedintoit,I’dprobablysinkinuptomyears.Theyshould’veequippedtheelevatorwithalifevestjustincase.

IwalkedtoSaiman’sdoorandknocked.

Noanswer.Hewashome.Saiman

wasacreatureofhabit.Catchinghimatnightwashitormiss,butnomatterhowadventuroushehadgotten,hewouldreturnhomeinthemorning.

Istoodbythedoorandwaited.He’dheardmyknock.Oncewasenough.Eventuallyhiscuriositywouldgetthebetterofhim

andhewouldopenthedoor.Amomentpassed.

Anothercrawledby.SaimanandIhadalong

history.WemetduringaGuildjob.HemanagedtopissoffsomevolhvesandIendedupbodyguardinghimforoneverylongnight.Saimanwasapolymorph:hecouldassumeanyhumanshape,anygender,anyage,andanysizewithinhuman

norm.Duringthenight,hedeclaredthatifheassumedtherightshape,anypersonwouldhavesexwithhimandthenhepropositionedme.Itoldhimthatsexrequiredmorethanphysicalattraction.Saimandidn’tlikebeingturneddown.Hegavemealargediscountonhisservicesinanefforttokeepmearoundsohecouldkeeptryingtoprovehispoint.

ThenhetriedtousemetogetbackatCurranforsomeinjurytohispride,andmysweetandunderstandingfiancébrokeintoSaiman’swarehouse,rippedanengineoutofoneoftheluxurycarsstoredthere,andusedittodemolishtherestofSaiman’soverpricedcarfleet.Sincethentheyhadsomewhatburiedthehatchet—lotsofmoneywasinvolved—but

therewasnotellingwhatsortofreceptionIwouldget.

Thelockclickedasthedeadboltslidaside.Thedoorswungopen,revealingSaiman.Hewaswearingmyfather’sface.

He’dduplicateditperfectly,fromtheelegantjawtothestraightnoseandthemasterfulsweepofsable-blackeyebrows,buthecouldn’treproducetheeyes.

Roland’seyesshonewithbarelysuppressedpower.Hughoncetoldmethatfacinghimwaslikelookingintotheeyesofthesun.Ihaddoneit,andthemagicemanatingfrommyfatherwaslikeanavalanche.Itcausedmetobackdownforthefirsttimeinaverylongtime,notbecauseIwasafraidIwoulddiebutbecauseIwasafraidthateveryoneIloved

woulddiewithme.This“Roland”hadSaiman’seyes:sardonic,conceited,andresignedtocoexistingwithidiotswhohadafractionofhisintellectandweren’tworthytosharetheairhebreathed.

Ilaughed.Saimanponderedme,

clearlyknockedoffhisstride.Hemust’veplannedtointimidateorunsettleme.

Unfortunatelyforhim,hecouldn’thavelookedlesslikemyfatherifhe’dbeenaneighty-year-oldwoman.

Itriedtolookathimagain,lostit,andlaughedlouder.

“Comeinside,”hesnapped.

“Yes,Dad.”Ifollowedhimin,snickering.

Saiman’sfaceacquiredalovelypurpletint.“Thereis

nothinghumorousaboutthis.”

“You’regoingtohavetodosomethingaboutyournewoutfit.Youkeepcrackingmeup.”

Saiman’sfacecrawled.Mystomachforgotitwasinsidemeandtriedtofleeinhorror.Hisbonesmoved,stretchingtheskininavomit-inducing,grotesquejigasiftennisballswererolling

underhisskin.Hishairdisappeared,absorbed,hisbuildslimmeddown,andfinallyanewmanstoodinfrontofme.Bald,ofmediumbuild,hisfaceneitherugly,norhandsome.Ablankcanvasofafacestuddedwithsharpeyes.Thiswashisneutralform,theoneheworemostoften.

“Muchbetter,”Itoldhim,tryingtopersuademy

stomachtokeepdownbreakfast.

Saimaninvitedmetositdownwithasweepofhishand.Hisapartmentwasanultramodernoasis:curvedfuturisticlines,steel,glass,blackwalls,whiteplushfurniture.Itwasabitsoulless.

Itookaseatonthewhitecouch.“Foramansteepedinmagic,youseemveryfondoftechnology.”

“Ilikeitscivilizinginfluence.”Saimansatacrossfromme.

“Andthefactthatit’sgettingmoreandmoreexpensivetoobtainhasnothingtodowithit?”

“That’sbesidethepoint,Sharrim.”

Sharrim.Oftheking.ThatwaswhatRoland’speoplecalledme.Saimanwasn’tjustamagicexpert.Hewasalso

aninformationbroker.Secretswerehisstock-in-tradeandhewastryingtorubmynoseinmine.Thatwasokay.Twocouldplaythisgame.

“Ithinkit’sperfectlyrelevanttothisdiscussion,Aesir.Tellme,doesLokievercometovisithisgrandson?Whatdoeshethinkofyourcrib?”

Saimansatupstraighter.

“Letmesaveyouthetrouble,”Isaid.“Let’sstoppretendingthatyouhadn’tfigureditoutpriortomeclaimingthecity.Thisiswhatyoudo.Yousawthewordsonmyskin,andyouwentwithustotheBlackSeaandwanderedaroundHughd’Ambray’scastle.ThereisnodenyingthatIlooklikemyfather.Youfigureditoutandyouchosenottodo

anythingaboutit.Youplayeddumb,becauseyouwantedtoknowhowitwouldallshakeout.Nowweknow.Youhavetomakeachoice,Saiman.WouldyourathertalktoSharrimorKateDaniels?Icanbeeither,butyouhavemyguaranteeyouwilllikeonemuchlessthantheother.”

“AndifIsaySharrim?”Saimanaskedcarefully.

Ileanedback.“Thenwecandiscusswhyyoufailedtosupportmeinmystandagainstmyfather.Youhavecontactsalloverthecontinent.YouknewHughd’Ambraywouldbecoming.YouknewRolandwouldfollow.Youdidnothingtowarnme.Nowyouareinmycityandyouhavethegalltowearmyfather’sface.Wasthatajokeorwereyoutrying

tomakeastatement,Saiman?”

Ileanedforwardandfixedhimwithmytoughstare.

Saimansatverystill.“Iwouldverymuchlike

anexplanation.”Saimanopenedhismouth.

“AndifItakeKate?”Ipulledouttheplastic

bagwiththedirtyglassinit.“Ineedthisanalyzed.I’mlookingforamissing

shapeshifter.Youmightrememberhim:tall,large,turnsintoabuffalo.HisnameisEduardoOrtegoandhecamewithusonourfunBlackSeavacation.Ifoundhisvehiclewitharingofthisglassaroundit.Theringwasabouttwelvefeetindiameterandhalfafootwide.Theglassregisterscopperonanm-scanner.Anythingyoucantellme.Whatmythology,

whatbrandofmagic,anything.Ourusualrate.”

Saimanblinked.“That’sit?”

“Yep.”Helookedattheziplock

bagasifitwereascorpionabouttostinghim.Afeverishcalculationwastakingplaceinhishead.“AndifIsayno?”

“ThenIwilltakeitsomewhereelse.”

Saimanplaitedthefingersofhishandsintoasinglefistandleanedonit,lookingoffintothedistance.

“Takeyourtime.”Ileanedbackonthecouch.

“Areyoutryingtocommunicatethatyouhavenointentionofinfluencingeventswithinthecity?”Saimanasked.

“NotunlessIjudgethemtobeinneedofmy

influence.”“Itisnotanevaluativebut

afactualquestion,”hesaid.“Therecanbeonlyoneoftwoanswers:yesorno.Doyouintendtorule?”

“No.”Saimanponderedme.“I

can’tdecideifyoucan’tcomprehendtheprecariousnatureofyoursituationorifyouchoosetodeliberatelyhidefromitlikeanostrich

thrustingitsheadintothesand.”

“Youalwayscomeupwithsuchflatteringmetaphors.Thelasttimewehadoneofourlittletalks,youcomparedmetoacactus.”

Saimanfrowned,wrinklinghisforehead.“Kate,itisnotjustaboutwhoyouareandthemeritsofyourparticulardeeds.It’saboutNimrod.Youarehis

daughter.Youclaimedaterritoryindependentofhim.Everyonewhohasanaxetogrindagainsthimwillcomehere.”

Theywillbecomingafterme?Youdon’tsay.“Thankyou,CaptainRecap.Yoursummaryofthethingsweknowwasmostimpressive.”

“Youwillbetested.Youwillbechallenged.Youwillneedabaseofsupport.Ifyou

simplywalkawayfromit,thecitywillturnintoafree-for-allasvariouspowerstrytotugitawayfromeachotherfortheprivilegeofoustingNimrod’sdaughter.”

“Iintendtoprotectthecity.Therewillbenofree-for-all.”

Saimanpausedandstaredatmeagain.SomethingI’dsaidhadobviouslybrokenhisformidablebrain.

“Youwillprotectthecity,butyoudon’tintendtoruleit.”

“Yes.”“Whatisthepointof

protectingit?Yougainnothing.Youputyourselfinphysicaldangerfornoactualbenefittoyou.Isitbecauseyouwantyourfather’sapproval?”

“Hecantakehisapprovalandshoveitwherethesun

doesn’tshineforallIcare.”“Thenwhy?”“BecauseIclaimedthe

city.It’smyresponsibilitytokeepitsafe.”

Hedidn’tsayanything.“Ilivehere,”Isaid.“I

likeAtlanta.Idon’twantthistobeaterribleplacewherepeopleareruledbyassholesandafraid.Youlivehere,too.Don’tyouwantthisplacenottoturnintoahellhole?”

Thesilencestretched.“Everyoneyoucomein

contactwithbecomestemporarilyinsane.”Saimanslumpedonthecouch.“Yourfather,Nimrod,theBuilderofTowers,hasnearlygodlikepower.You’reachildofawomanwhobetrayedhimandyouclearlyhavenodesiretoservehim.Yourpower,yourveryexistence,isadirectchallengetohim.

Insteadofkillingyou,he’sallowingyoutooperateautonomously,presumablysoyoucanmatureintoarealthreattohim.ThatsavageyoudecidedtotakeintoyourbedbuiltaPackforseventeenyears.HisveryidentitywaswrappedupinbeingtheBeastLord,yethewalksawayfromitalltolivewithyouinthesuburbs,eventhoughhisretirementwas

neverpartofthebargainyoustruckwithyourfather.AndthePackallowsittohappen.”

Wheredidhegethisinformation?“Curranlovesme.Hewalkedawaybecausehewantstobewithme.”

“Andyourfather?”“Hehasn’thadachildin

averylongtime.I’mhisfirstborninthisage.”

Saimanraisedhiseyebrows.“Thattellsme

nothing.”“Heisintriguedbymy

existence.”Saimanopenedhismouth,

thenclosedit.“Iwon’tbepartofthisinsanity.”

Hepickeduptheziplockbagandpushedtheglassbacktome.

“It’sthewrongmove,”Itoldhim.

“Yourfatherwillkillyou,”Saimansaid.“Perhaps

nottoday,butcertainlysoon.Ifhedoesn’tkillyouinthenearfuture,thenwhateverpowertriestooverrunthecitynextwill.Whenthishappens,everyonewhoeversupportedyouwillbecomeavictimofapurge.Youarealeper.Everyoneyoutouchistainted.”

Wow.“Beingyourallyisa

deathwarrant.Igainnothing

bysupportingyou.Iruntheriskofangeringyoubyrefusingservice,butyouleftthePack,soyouarenolongerinapositiontowielditagainstme,andyouwon’ttakeanyactionstopunishmedirectly,becauseyouareshackledbyyourownmorals.”

Okay.Atleastweknewwherewestood.Ipickeduptheziplockbagandwalked

•••

IWALKEDTHROUGHthedoorsofKadamArmsathalfpastnine.Thesmithyoccupiedasturdybuildinginthesoutheastpartofthecity.Sevenyearsago,whenIcamehereforthefirsttimetobuyablade,itwasjustArnavandhisson,Nitish,and

daughter,Neha.Overtheyears,thebusinessgrewandthesmithygrewwithit.AsIsteppedinsidetoday,Isawtwojourneymen,oneshowingabladetoacustomer,theotherrestockingashelf.Anapprentice,barelyfifteen,ranuptometoaskmewhatIwanted.IaskedforNitishandfiveminuteslaterwasshowntotheback,whereNitishwas

quietlyexaminingseveralblocksofsteel.

Nitishglancedatme.Hewasanaverage-sizeman,withthickdarkhair,brightdarkeyes,andasmilethatlituphiswholeface.Nitish’sfamilycamefromUdaipurcity,inIndia,thedistrictthathadsuppliedMughalrulerswithweaponsofwarsincethesixteenthcentury.Koftgariwasinhisblood.It

wasapreciseart,especiallywhenitcametolettering.EventheslightestchangeofacurveintheArabicinscriptionorthewrongangleofastrokeinaCelticruneonthebladecouldalteritsmeaning.Nitishwasthebestinthecity.

Iunwrappedthekindjalandputitonthetable.Thesmiledied.Hereachedoverandquicklythrewthecloth

overtheblade.“Thisisoneofyours,”I

said.Nitishshookhishead.“Itis,”Itoldhim.“That’s

yourkoftgariontheblade.ThereisonlyonesmithythatdoesworkofthisqualityandIcantellbythepatternit’snotyourfather’s.Whowasitfor?”

“Thisisnotagoodconversation,”hesaid

quietly.“Iknowthebuyerwasa

man,probablyafollowerofIslam.”

Nitishshookhishead.“Myfriendismissing.I

founditinhisoffice.Iknowit’snothis.Hewasgoingtogetmarried.”

“Iammarried.Ihavechildren,too,”Nitishsaid.

Ipulledtheclothback,revealingthedagger.“Ijust

needaname.Itwon’tgetbacktoyou.Somewheremyfriendisstillalive.Heisagoodpersonandhisfiancélostherarmprotectingapregnantwoman.Theydeservethechancetobehappy.Ijustneedonename.”

Hedidn’tlookatme.“WhatifitwerePrema

whowasmissing?”Iletthenameofhiswifelietherebetweenuslikeaheavyrock.

Iwouldgostraighttohellfordoingthistohim.“Nitish,Iwouldn’thavecometoyouifIhadachoice.”

Nitishpulledtheclothbackoverthebladeandleanedcloser.“Comewithme.”

Ipickedupthedaggerandfollowedhimthroughthesmithy,pasttheheatoftheforgeandthesoundofhammers,toaroominthe

back.Heswungopenaheavydoor,flickedonthelights,andclosedthedoorbehindus.Fourwallsfilledwithweaponslookedbackatme.

“Idon’tknowhisname,”Nitishsaidquietly.“ButIknowwhathebuys.”Hepointedtoaknifeonthewall.

Elevenandahalfincheslong,thesingle-edgedbladestartedstraightatthehiltandthencurvedeversoslightlyto

theright,taperingandcurvingbacktotheleftatthepoint.Thetipofthedagger,triangularandreinforced,wasalmostneedlenarrowattheveryend.Wickedsharpedge.Strongspinesothebladewouldn’tbreak.Plainhilt,bonewrappedinleather.Apeshkabz.Itwasseventeenth-centuryPersia’sequivalenttothearmor-piercinground.That

reinforcedtippartedchainmaillikeitwasn’teventhere.Itwouldslideinbetweentheribs,andifyouangleditup,itwouldhittheheart.Crap.

Welookedatthebladequietly.

“Nowateringontheblade,”Isaidsoftly.

“No.Hedoesn’tusuallywantDamascus.Thisisoh-sixsteel,”Nitishsaid,hisvoiceflat.“Abitchtogrind.”

The0-6wastoolsteel.IthelditsedgeforeverandwouldoutcutthebestDamascuseverytime.Itwasalsountraceable.He’dchosentoolsteelbecausethatwaswhatthisknifewas,atool.Thisbladewasn’tmadetohuntmonsters.Itwasmeanttohuntpeople.Itbelongedtoamankiller.

Nitishsteppedforward,tookabig,three-inch-wide

folderfromthetable,andleafedthroughthepages.Hepaused,showingmethepage.Throwingknives.Notthefancyblades,bututilitarian,simplestripsofsteel,tenincheslong,inchandahalfwide.Thickenoughsothebladewouldn’tbend,doubleedgeatthepointforthefirstinchandahalf,thensingleedge.Notreatmentonthehilt,justplainsteel.Contrary

towhatmoviessuggested,killingapersonbythrowingaknifewasreallydifficult.Evenifyoumanagedtosinkabladein,itwouldbeunlikelyyou’dhitanythingvital.Mostofthetimekniveswerethrowntopisstheopponentoffsohe’ddosomethingstupid,todistract,orjusttobleedhimandcausesomepain.Thesekniveswouldgointothebodylikea

hotknifeintobutterandthey’dbehelltopullout.

Nitishflippedthepageagain.Anotherdagger,straightedgethistime.Sameplain,workmanlikeaesthetic.Samekillerblade.

Thesmithclosedthebook.

“Anyswords?”Iasked.Heshookhishead.Thatmeanteitherthe

buyerdidn’tuseasword,

whichwasunlikelyconsideringallthemagiccrapAtlantathrewatusonregularbasis,orhehadafavoritebladeandhewasgoodenoughnottobreakit.

“Canyoudescribehim?”“Darkhair.Beard.

Large.”Nitishraisedhishands.“Tall.Wearsglasses.Softvoice.Calm.Hedoesn’tlooklikeamanwhowouldbuythis.”Heindicatedthe

blade.“Whatdoeshelooklike?”Nitishsighed.“Likea

manofpeace.”“Whenishecomingfor

thepeshkabz?”“Idon’tknow,”Nitish

said.“SometimeshecomesthedayafterItellhimit’sdone.Sometimesamonth.Henevercallsahead.Hepaysupfrontandthenshowsupwithoutwarning.”

“Willyoucallmeafterhecomestopickitup?”

“Hemightnotpickitupatall,”Nitishsaid.“Ayearagohespokewithmyfatherandhadhimworkonthis.”

Heflippedthebooktothelastpage,wherehalfapagewasglueddowntoformapaperpocket,andpulledaphotographoutofit.Aroundboxofblackenedsteelalittlesmallerthanasoccerball

withacircularlid.Atfirstglance,itlookedlikearandomdecorativekoftgaripatternhadbeenworkedintothedarksurfaceofthesteel,buttheclose-upofthelidmadeitclear:thepatternwasn’trandom.Spider-thinArabicscriptdecoratedthesteel.

Bismillahir-Rahmanir-

Rahim...Inthenameof

God,mostGracious,mostMerciful,

IseekrefugeintheLordofthedawn,

FromtheevilofthatwhichHehascreated,

Andfromtheevilofintensedarkness,whenitcomes,

Andfromtheevilof

thosewhocast(evilsuggestions)infirmresolutions,

Andfromtheeviloftheenvierwhenheenvies...

Suratal-Falaq,onehundredandthirteenthchapteroftheQur’an.Theentireboxwascoveredinprotectiveverses.

“Healreadyhadthebox,”Nitishsaid.“Heneededusforthekoftgari.”

Islamprotecteditsfollowersagainstthesupernatural.Whateverthestrangerwasgoingtoputintothatbox,hecountedondivineassistancetokeepitinthere.

“Ilookedinsidethebox,”Nitishsaid.“Theinsideofitwassmoothandlookedlike

bone.”“Ivory?”“No.Bone.Likethe

insideofaskull.”Betterandbetter.“CanIseeit?”“Hepickedituptwodays

ago.Hedidn’tevenaskabouttheknife.Idon’tthinkherememberedthathehadorderedit.”

•••

ISTAREDTHROUGHthewindshieldatachainbarringCuttingEdge’sparkinglot.Thechainsecuredtheparkinglotatnight.Itwasalmostelevena.m.Itshouldbelyingbyoneoftheposts.Insteadhereitwas,keepingmefromdrivingin.

DerekusuallycametoCuttingEdgebyeightinthemorning.Failingthat,Curranshouldhavebeenbackfrom

histriptotheMercenaryGuild.HemighthavegottenheldupattheGuild,butitwasunlikely.AfterhisresponsetoBob’stirade,noneofthemercswouldscrewwithhim.Thaterrandshould’vetakenfifteenminutes.DidhegethimselfintosomesortoftroubleattheGuild?MyimaginationpaintedtheGuildinruinsandmyhoney-bunnyemerging

fromthewreckageroaringandswingingaroundthelimpbodiesoftheFourHorsemen.

Thatwouldbehilarious.Okay,thiswasn’tthe

mostproductivelineofthinking.

TalkingtoSaimanhadclearlyputmeintoafoulmood.Inmyhead,mydeadauntmurmured,Peoplearefish.Theydie.Youremain.Saimanwasright,inasense.

Iwastainted,butnotbecauseIwasdoomed.IwastaintedbecauseIhadpower,thekindofpowerthatcorruptedandturnedpeopleintowarpedversionsofthemselves.Iwaswarpedenoughasitwas.

Iparkedinfrontofthebuildingandtriedthedoor.Itwaspredictablylocked.Iunlockeditandwalkedinside,intoalargemainroom.Theshadeswerestill

down.Ipulledthemup,lettingthelightilluminatethewideroomwithfourdesks.Thereusedtobeonlytwodesks,oneformeandoneforAndreaNash,butnowAndreawasbusyrunningClanBouda.Shewasalsopregnant.WetriedtohaveluncheveryFriday,andthelasttimewewent,sheatefourpoundsofbarbecuedribsbyherself.Shewantedtoeat

theribbonestoo,butItalkedheroutofit.Thenshepoutedandcalledmeadowner.

Nowherdeskstoodempty,asshehadleftit.Sheclaimedshewouldcomebacktoit,butIdoubtedit.Mydeskwastotherightofhers,Derek’sdirectlybehindmineandCurran’sbehindAndrea’s.Noneofthedeskshadanynotesonthem.Great.

Ilandedinmychair.

Saimanwasrightaboutonething:ifIfell,thecitywouldfallwithme.Beingmyallywasadeathwarrant.HowthehellwasIgoingtokeepthemallsafe?Icouldn’tevenfindEduardo.Before,Iwasonlyresponsibleformyownsafety.ThenIbecameresponsibleforthesafetyofmyfriends,thenforthesafetyofthePack.NowIhadtosafeguardthecity.My

obligationskeptescalatingandnotinagoodway.

Ididn’twanttodoit.Ididn’twanttoberesponsibleforthecity.

NoneofitwouldhavehappenedifIhadn’tclaimedAtlanta.Butlettingmyfatheraddittohisgrowingempirewould’vebeenworse.Myfatherunderstoodtheconceptofdemocracyandfreewill.Hejustfeltthattheyshould

beexercisedwithintheframeofhisownwill.Myfatherhadbeenaking,atyrant,andaconqueror.Hewasneverelectedtotheoffice.Hewouldprobablylaughattheidea.Andifhedidsomehowdecidetoholdelections,hewouldmagicthemassesintoelectinghim,becausehewouldhonestlybelievethathewasbestqualifiedtorulewisely.

Havingapitypartyformyselfaccomplishednothing.Itdidn’thelpEduardoatall.Ihadtofindsomeonetoanalyzemyglass.Thesoonerthebetter.AndIhadtofindawayintotheGuild.

Icheckedtheansweringmachine.Threemessages.Ipushedthebutton.

“Hey,youtwistedgoon,”Luther’svoicesaidfromthemachine.“Ihadmybugguy

checkyourgiantbug.It’sawindscorpion,alsoknownasacamelspider,asolifugid,whichmakesitanarachnid.Thelargestspeciesgrowaboutsixinches,includinglegs,andthey’renotvenomousordangeroustohumans.WehaveafewoftheseguysinArizona,butmyguysaysthisoneislikelyfromtheMiddleEastorNorthAfrica.It’snottoolate

totellmewhatyouknow.Callmeback,ifyouhaveanydecencyleft.”

Ghouls,wolfgriffins,inscriptionsinArabic,andnowwindscorpions.Allofthispointedatthesamegeographicalarea.Troublewas,Ihadnoideahowitallfittogether.Icouldn’ttellLutherwhatIknewsinceIdidn’tknowanything.MaybeifIwentoutsideandgave

almstothepoor,somemysticoldladywouldsellmeamagiclampwithacooperativedjinntoanswerallmyquestions.

Themachineclicked,rollingovertothenextmessage.“Hi,it’sBarabas.Pleasecallmeassoonasyougetthis.”

Idialedthenumber.JustwhatIneeded,anotheremergency.

ThephonerangonceandBarabaspickeditup.“Hey.IthinkIfoundaloophole.”

Cancelthefreak-outaboutanotheremergency.

“TalktomeabouttheGuildstopgapmeasure.”

Goodmorningtoyou,too.“Thestopgapisahiringfreeze.TheGuild’smercsarecontractors,buttheystillhavetoformallybehiredbytheGuild.IftheGuildjudgesthat

therearetoofewjobspermerc,thestopgapkicksinuntiltherearemorejobsorfewermercs.”

Istarteddrawingacliffonapieceofpaper.

“They’reonstopgaprightnow,”Barabassaid.

“Itdoesn’tsurpriseme.Theplaceisfallingdownaroundthem.”Iaddedabunchofstickfigurestothecliffanddrewafallingdollar

billunderit.“Frommyreviewandthe

informationIreceivedfromJim,itappearsthatadministrationstaffiscentraltotheGuildbeingabletoturnaprofit.”

“Yes.TheClerkisthegreasethatmakesthegearsgoaround.”

“CorrectmeifIamwrong.BobCarverandhisHorsemenwantedtoaccess

thepensionfund.TheytieduptheGuild’sbudget,sotheadminstaffstoppedgettingtheirpay.Theywalkedoff.WithouttheClerkandhisstaff,thereisnoeffectivedistributionofjobs.Nobodyistaking,assigning,ortrackingthejobs,socustomersbecomeangrywhennobodyshowsup.TheGuild’sbusinessdriesup,whichresultsinafinancial

shortage.It’saCatch-22.”“Exactly.”Iaddedastick

figuredivingafterthedollarbillandwroteBobaboveitshead.“TheGuildneedsmoneytorehiretheadmins,buttheyneedadminstomakethemoneyinthefirstplace.”

“Weneedtobreakthisviciouscircle.”

“How?”“Thereisaprovisionin

themanualthatpermitseach

individualmerctocontributemoneytotheGuildandearmarkwhereitgoes.”

Irubbedmyface,butrubbingfailedtoproduceanygreatinsights.“AreyousuggestingwegivetheGuildourmoney?”

“Yes.”“Barabas,it’sasinking

shipalready.Youwanttothrowgoodmoneyafterbad?”

“Hearmeout.”Famouslastwords.

“Okay.”“Weinjectcashintothe

Guildundertheconditionthatitwillbespentspecificallytorehiretheadmincrew.TheClerkcomesback,thejobs—”

“Gigs.”Ifheinsistedonthisfoolishness,hemightaswellstartusingcorrectterms.

“Thegigsareonceagain

properlyassigned.Mercsonceagainmakemoney.Itgivesusinstantgoodwill.”

“Whatwillhappenwhenthatmoneyrunsout?”

“WeneedtomakesurethatthemoneylastsuntiltheGuild’sfinancesbounceback.Weusethegoodwillweearnedandoursharestobreakthebudgetlock.Peopledon’tlikechaos.Chaosmeanstheycan’tearnmoney.

Theyneedstrongleadership.Weneedtodevelopareputationasthepeopleyoucometowhenyouhaveaproblemyouneedsolving.”

“Howmuchmoneywouldweneed?”

“Mybudgetprojectionsindicateweneedatleast$142,860tobankrolladminoperationswithaskeletoncrewforthenextfourmonths,whichishowlongI

estimatewe’llneedbeforetheGuildbecomesfinanciallysolvent.”

Ichewedonthatnumber.“Kate?”“Givemeasecond.”“It’sadoablenumber.

Currangavemea$300,000budget.”

Wow.“Kate?”Well,hespentmillionson

theforest,whynottheGuild.

“Goon.”“Theindividual

contributioniscappedat$50,000.Jimdoesn’twantanyPackmembersinvolved,andthestopgappreventsusfromenrollingCurranoranyoneelse.Wearestuck.Wedon’thaveenoughpeopletodonatethenecessarymoney.”

“Fortherecord,Ithinkthisisaterribleidea.”

“Iwillbesuretonoteyourobjection,”Barabassaid.

“Lookinthemembershipchapterundercorporations.Icanenrolluptothreepeopleasmyauxiliarysupport.Theflipsideofthiscoinisthatiftheyscrewup,I’llbedirectlypenalized.”

“Isawthat.Thatrequiresyoutobeacorporatememberforatleastsixmonths.”

“I’vebeenacorporate

memberforoverayear.IconvertedmymembershipwhenCurrangavemeCuttingEdge.AverysmartPacklawyerwithspikyredhairadvisedmetodoitfortaxpurposes.”Also,theGuildhadgooddentalinsuranceforitscorporatemembers.

“Packlawyersgivegoodadvice,”Barabassaid.“Eveniftheydon’talwaysrememberit.I’llcallyou

back.”Hehungup.Well.IguessCurrandid

takecareofit.Ifweweregoingtotake

overtheGuild,we’dneedtheClerk.Iflippedthroughthephonebook.IhadnoideawheretheClerkwas,butIknewwhereLoriwouldbe.Shewashisfavoriteprotégé,because,ashehadconfidedtomeoncelateatnight,she

hadmorethanhalfabrain.Lori’sparents,KarenandBrenda,ranabakeryoffCampbelltonRoad,whichwascalledSweetCheeks.IrememberedbecauseIhadstoppedbytheretobuyacakepoponce,andoneofhermothers—IthoughtitwasBrenda,butIwasn’tsure—teasedmeaboutmysworduntilLoricameoutandtoldhertostopmessingwithme.

Ah,hereitis.Idialedthenumber.

“SweetCheeksBakery.”“CanIspeaktoLori,

please?”“Hi,Kate,whatcanIdo

youfor?”Nicetoberecognized.

“Youwouldn’tknowwheretofindtheClerk?”

Lorisighed.“Youknowhowhealwaystalkedaboutrunningabarwhenhe

retires?”Ididn’t,butthatdidn’t

matter.“Didhebuyabar?”“He’sgothimselfajobat

theSteelHorse.Hesayshewantstogetafeelforthebusiness.”

TheSteelHorsewasaborderbarthatsatontheinvisibleboundarybetweenthePackandthePeople’sterritorywithinAtlanta.Itwasaneutralwateringhole

andIhadalotofpullwithitsowners.“Hypotheticallyspeaking,ifsomeoneofferedyouyouroldGuildjobback,wouldyoubeinterested?”

Therewasapausebeforeanurgentwhisperfilledmyear.“Kate,yougetmeoutofhere,I’llbuyyourdrinksforayear.IfIhavetopipecreamononemorecarrotcupcake,I’llstabmyself.”

“Thanksforyourhelp.”

Ihungup.TheSteelHorsewouldn’topenforanotherhourortwo.

Theansweringmachine’slightblinkedatme.That’sright.Moremessages.

Ipushedtheansweringmachine’sbuttonagain.

“ThisistheattendancedepartmentofSevenStarAcademy.Yourstudent,JulieLennart-Daniels,hasbeenmarkedabsentinthe

followingperiods...”Juliedidn’tskipschool.I

wentcold.“First...”Shewasn’tsickthis

morning.“Second...”Curranwould’vetaken

herstraighttoschool.“Andthird.”Shewasabsentforthe

entiremorning.Curranandshenevermadeittoschool.

“Pleaseprovidethenecessarydocumentationwithintwobusiness—”

Themagicwavewashedoverme.Damnit,justwhatIneeded.

IgrabbedthephoneanddialedtheSevenStarAcademy.Work,damnyou.

Abeep.Another...“SevenStarAcademy,

thisisEmily.”“MynameisKate

Daniels.DidJulieevercometoschooltoday?”

“No,ma’am.”“Pleasecallmeassoonas

sheshowsup.”Ihungupanddialedthe

house.Ring.Ring.Ring.Ring...

Whatthehellcould’vehappened?

“Leaveamessage,”myownvoicesaid.

“Curran,wherethehell

areyou?Ican’tfindJulie.Julie,ifyouarethere,pickupthephone.Youarenotintrouble.Ijustneedtoknowifyouaresafe.”

Silence.Ihungupanddialed

Barabas.“Idon’thaveityet,”he

said.“DidyouseeCurranleave

thismorning?”“Yes.”

“DidhehaveJuliewithhim?”

“Yes.”“Isheback?”“No.Iwashereall

morning.Iwould’veheardthecar.”

“Callmeifyouseehim.Please.”

Ihungup.JulieandCurranwere

gone.JustlikeEduardo.Itwouldtakeanarmyofghouls

totakeCurrandown.HewoulddiebeforeheletthemhaveJulie.Wherecouldhehavegonewithher?

IdialedtheKeep,thefrontguardstation.

“You’vereachedthePack...”Artiesaid.

“It’sme.”“Consort...Imean,not

Consort.Ex-Consort?”“IsCurranattheKeep?”“No.Neitherofyoucan

beattheKeepuntilyourninety-dayseparationisover—”

Ihungup.Julieusedtobeastreet

kid.Ifshehadn’tbeenkidnappedbyghouls,thenshe’dskippedschoolandfindingherwouldbenexttoimpossible.FindingCurranwouldbeeasier.OnceIfoundhim,hecouldtellmeifhehaddroppedheroffatschool.

HewasgoingtogototheGuildfirst.IdialedtheGuild’snumber.Iwouldmakeoneofthoseassholestellmeifhewasthere.

Arapiddisconnectsignalwailedinmyearlikearunawayheartbeat.Whatthehell...?IdialedanumberthatwentdirectlytoMark’soffice.Thephoneclickedonce,twice,andscreamingpunchedmyear,theraw

high-pitchedhowlofhumanterror.“Help!Helpme!”

Aheavycrashdrownedoutthevoiceandafamiliaryoungvoiceshrieked.“He’scoming!”

Julie.TheGuildwaslessthan

twentyminutesawaybyhorse.Iranoutthedoor.

CHAPTER

WASAblockawayfromtheGuildwhenachunkofbrickworkthesizeofacarflewoverabuilding,darkeningthesun.IjerkedCuddlestotheleft.Sheveeredandthebrickworkcrashedintothepavementwithaloudthud,tenfeetfromwherewewerejusta

momentago.Bricksscatteredonthestreet,bouncingonthepavement.Abodyfellontothebrickswithawetsplatandlaytherelimp,likearagdoll.Afamiliarheadlolled,bloodpouringfromhismouth,deadeyesstaringupattheindifferentsky.Leroy.Holycrap.

Cuddlesbrokeintoagallop.Wechargeddowntheroad,swungaroundthe

corner,andshotoutontotheshortstretchofPhoenixDrivethatledtotheGuild.

Ahugepairoflegsblockedmyview.Coveredwithcurlydarkhair,theyroseatleastthirtyfeetbeforeterminatinginaflabbywrinkledass.Thefeet,atleastnineandahalffeetlong,glowedwithorange,likemetaljustpulledfromtheforge.Heatscorchedme,asif

Ihadflungopenthedoorofastovewithafireraginginside.Ismelledthetar-tintedstenchofmeltingasphalt,theroadaroundthegiantsofteninglikethewaxofaburningcandle.

Cuddlesskiddedtoastop,shocked.Irememberedtoclosemymouth.

Behindthegiant,theGuild’sheavyten-foot-talldoorsstoodslightlyajar,

dentedandbentoutofshape.Hemust’vekickedorpunchedthem,butthereinforcedsteelheld,sohechangedhisstrategyandwentfromthetop,likeabeartryingtodigintoabeehive.Thedoorswouldn’tlasttoomuchlonger—themetalwasbeginningtoglow.Soonerorlatertheheatfromthegiant’sfeetwouldmeltit.

Wherewerethecops

whenyouneededthem?Whywasn’tthePADshootingthisman-mountainwitheverythingtheyhad?Theylivedforthisshit.

Thecolossusturned,showingmehispaleback,thenhisstomach,hisskinwrinkledandsaggy,ashesomehowmanagedtobethinandflabbyatthesametime.Ifhewereanormalsize,I’dsayhewasaboutfiftyyears

old.Hisheadwaslevelwiththefifth,half-ruinedflooroftheGuild.Thatputhimatoversixty-fivefeettall.

IfJuliewastrappedinsidetheGuild,Curranhadtobewithher.Whywasn’theouthere,fighting?IfCurranwasinside,thegiantshouldbedead.Washeinjured?I’dseenhimwalkthroughfireonbrokenlegs.

Ihadtogetinside.

Ishovedthecrestingfearaside.Calmwashedoverme.IfJulieandCurranwereinside,thenthefastestwaytohelpthemwouldbetoremovethegiant.Icouldpaniclater.

Theheatemanatingfromhisfeetwasoverpowering.Nowayforagroundstrike.Nowaythroughthatdooreither.Ihadtogetuptohislevel,andallofthe

neighboringbuildingsweretoofartomakethatjump.Drawinghimoffwouldbebetter.IfIcouldgethimtochaseme,IcouldleadhimwhereIwantedhim.Itwasalongshot,butIhadtotry.

Itookadeepbreathandscreamedatthetopofmylungs.“Hey,asshole!”

Thegiantignoredme.“I’mtalkingtoyou,

WrinkleAss!Overhere,you

bighairydimwit!”Thecolossuspeered

blearilytotheleft.Hisfaceusedtobehumanatsomepoint.Tracesofitstillremained:humannose,smalleyes,baldingskullfringedinlongishdarkhair.Buthislipswerepeelingback,revealingsharpinhumanteeth.Hisearsweregrowing,lengtheningasIwatched,theircornerscreepingup.Thebrowridge

curvedoutward,overshadowinghiseyes.

Hewasstilltransforming.Therewasnotellingwhathewouldlooklikeattheendofmetamorphosis.

“LookatmewhenI’mtalkingtoyou,scumbag!”

Thecolossusturnedaway,swingingaroundandofferingmeaglimpseofhisfaceagain.Somethingbrightshoneinhisleftearlobe,a

smallbrilliantspark.Hisirisesglowedabrightunblinkingorange,asifburningfromwithin.Nointelligenceintheeyes,justakindofdull,stupidrage.

Itriedonelasttime.“Sixty-fivefeettallandyourdickisstilltiny!”

Noreaction.Thiswasn’tworking.Eitherhedidn’thearmeorhereallywantedwhateverwasinsidethe

Guild.Thegiantswungforward.

Itlookedlikehewasabouttobendforward.Ohno,no,let’snot...OhmyGod.Somethingsyoucouldneverunsee.

Thegiantpeeredthroughthefourth-floorwindow,straightened,drewhistree-trunkthickarmbackward,andpunchedtheupperflooroftheGuild.Bricksflew.Hisfeetglowedbrighter.Adark

metallicsheencreptuphiscalves.Tinyburstsofflamedasheduphislegsandtheacridstenchofburninghumanhairfilledtheair.Hewasturningintometalandjudgingbythosefeet,thatmetalwouldberedhot.Ihadseenmanyoddthings,butIhadneverseenthat.Theamountofmagicthatwouldberequiredforthemetamorphosisandgetting

thegiantsummonedinthefirstplacehadtobestaggering.

Killitfirst,sortitoutlater.

Amanleanedoutthethird-storywindowandfiredtwocrossbowboltsintothesofttissueunderthegiant’sjaw.Thecreatureroared,slappingathimwithsuddenspeed.Hetriedtoduckbackinandlosthisbalance.The

giantpalmsmashedintothemerc.Heplungedandfellwithawetsickeningsound.Thegiantraisedhismassivefootandstompeddown.

Sonovabitch.Theirononhislegs

climbedanotherfoot.Ifheturnedcompletelymetal,he’dbeindestructible.Ihadtolevelthisplayingfieldandfast.

Theonlyotherwayinto

theGuildwasthroughthebackdoor.Normallyitwaslockedandbarredfromtheinside,butitwasbetterthannothing.

IpulledCuddlestothesideandsenthergallopingthroughthestreet.Buildingsflashedby.Aleft.Anotherleft.Peopleranpastmeandon,intothecity.Ishotoutontothecrossstreet,jumpedoffCuddles,andranaround

thecornertothebackofthebuilding.

Atwistedwreckthatmighthavebeenalargetruckatsomepointblockedthebackdoor,itscabtwistedandcavedin.Amangledblacksedanlayontopofit,andawoodencartontopofthat.Hemust’vegrabbedwhatevervehicleshecouldfindonthestreetandpiledthemagainstthebackdoor.Smart.

Tenfeetabovethebarricade,aboarded-upwindowinterruptedthewall.Itmust’vebeenafunctionalwindowatonepoint,becausesomeonehadgonethroughthetroubleofinstallingmetalbarsoverit.Thebarsweregonenow,butthesteelbracketsandasectionoftheframewerestillattached.

Thiswasaverystupididea.Climbingupthosecars

wouldmakemeintoasittingduck.IfthatthingrealizedwhatIwasdoing,I’dhavenowheretogo.NottomentionIhadnoideawhatwasbehindthatwood.Ifitwassolidwall,I’dbeintrouble.Itdidn’tmatter.IhadtogetintotheGuild.

Thegiantbellowed.BricksflewabovetheGuildlikeameteorshower.Iduckedbehindthecornerand

watchedthempelttheground.Thelastchunkbouncedoffthepavement.

Ilungedintotheopenandbackedup.

Stupid,stupid,stupid...Isprintedtothecars.Five

feetfromthetruckIjumpedandscrambledupthecarpile.Istretched,grabbedatthepittedwall,andpulledmyselfup.Thebuildingshuddered.Rockclimbingwasnevermy

cupoftea.RockclimbingupashakingwallwhileanakedgiantwashavingamidlifecrisisandpoundingonitlikeaspoiledtoddlerwasattheverybottomofmyWouldLikeToDolist.Formynexttrick,Imightaswellsetmyselfonfire...

Myfingersslipped.Isliddownandcaughtmyselfontheprotrudingbrick.Easydoesit.

Thegiantroaredlikeatornado.Poorthing.Allstressed-out.That’sokay,waitafewmoreminutes.I’llcureallyourfrustrations.

Ipulledmyselfuptothewindow,stretched,andgraspedthemetalframewithmylefthand.Itheld.Ihitthewoodonthewindowwithmyright,testingit.Alowsoundansweredme.Hollow.

Igrabbedontotheframe

withbothhandsandbroughtmykneesup.Theframecreaked,stressedbymyweight,androckedlikealoosetooth.Itwouldprobablycomeoutafterthefirstkick.I’dhaveoneshotatthis.Maybetwo,tops.

Ikickedthewoodwithbothlegs.Theboardscreakedbutheld.

Iswungoutandhitthewindowagain.Theboardon

therightsnappedintwowithaloudcreak.

Ahugehandgraspedthesideofthebuildingtotheright.Crap.Hedidn’thearmescreamingatthetopofmylungs,buthe’dheardthewoodbreak.

Aheadcameintoview:firstthecheek,thenthechin,thenatire-sizedeye.Abrightsparkwinkedatmefromthegiant’searlobe.

Ismashedmyfeetintotheboards.Thewoodsnapped,justastheremnantsoftheframecameoutofthewall.Iflewthroughthewindowandcrashedintoatable.Papersandcleaningsuppliesflewaroundme.Ow.

Thelightfromthebrokenwindowvanished,replacedbyahand.Twofingersthrustthroughthewindow,hookedthewall,andtoreachunkof

itout.Iscrambledtomyfeet.Ahandplungedintotheroom,reachingforme.IdrewSarratandslashedacrossthethickfingers.Bloodswelledfromthecut.

Thegianthowledandjerkedhishandout.Ispunaround.Metalshelveslinedthewalls,filledwithstacksofpaperandcleaningsupplies.Iwasinsomesortofstoragecloset.Asmalldoor

beckonedintheoppositewall.Igrabbedthedoorhandle.Locked.Damnit!

Thewallbehindmerocked.Iglancedovermyshoulderandsawaredcarcomingatmelikeabatteringram.Ilungedtotheside,againstthewall.Thecarsmashedintothedoor,crunchingwithametallicgroan.HewastryingtosquishmewiththecarlikeI

wasabug.Thecarhammeredagainst

thedoor,clenchedinhissix-foot-longhand.

Idartedleft,squeezingbetweentheshelvesandhishand,andslicedatthethumb,drivingthebladeintotheflesh.Bloodpoured.Thecreaturescreamedandjerkedback,hisfingersstilllockedaroundthecar.I’dseveredtheextensortendon.Good

lucktryingtostraightenthathand.

Islashedthehandtwicewithquickprecisecuts.Blooddrenchedthefloor.Thegianthowled,straining.Hisfistpoppedoutoftheroomlikeacorkoutofabottle.Idashedtothedoor,leanedback,andhammeredakickjustbelowthelock.Thedoorsplintered.Itoremywaythroughitandintothe

hallway.Iwasonthesecondfloor,ontheinnerterrace.BelowmetheflooroftheGuildspread.Peoplehuddledbythewalls.

Thebuildingshook.Achunkofthetopfloorvanished,snappedoff.Foramomentsunlightfloodedtheinsideofthetower,andIsawKenandJukeonthethirdfloorpressedagainstthewallnexttothenow-defunct

elevator.Ken’slipsweremoving,hiseyesfocused.Jukewasclutchingabow.JulieandCurranwerenowhereinsight.

Thedaylightfadedastheenormousfaceofthegiantappearedinthegap.Thegiantopenedhismouth,showingyellowedteeth.AdullroartorethroughtheGuild.Ohgood.I’dpissedhimoff.

Isprintedalongtheterracetothestairs.Atitan-sizedhandreachedtothebottomfromabove,fingersspreadtograb,likeadragon’smouth,andcameupshort.Thethickfingersrakedtheair.

Jukeshotoutofherhidingspot,raisedherbow,andfired.Thearrowstreakedthroughtheairandbitjustunderthegiant’slefteyelid.

Jukedartedback.Thegiantlashedout,tryingtobackhandtheterracewhereshehid.

Kenclappedhishandstogether.Atorrentofyellowsteamshotoutfrombetweenhishands.Thegiantjerkedhishanduptocoverhisface.Thesteamhithispalm.Blistersswelledunderhisskin,rupturing.Anearth-shakingbellowrolledthroughtheGuild,solouditalmost

knockedmeoffmyfeet.Thestairsloomedbefore

me.Isprintedupthestaircase.Thefourthfloorflewby.Iroundedthebendinthestairsandsawtheskyaboveme.Thegianthadtakenoffachunkofthefifthfloorandnowthelastflightofstairsprotrudedabovethebuilding,leadingnowhere.

Iforcedmyselftoslowdownandwalkupthelast

fewsteps.Ineededtobecloseforthistowork,andIcouldn’taffordforhimtoslapmeoffthatstairway.

Thegiantroaredrightinfrontofme,graspingatthepeopledownbelow.Ipulledthemagictomeandspatapowerword.“Aarh!”Stop.

Themagictorethroughmelikeaninfernoandsmashedintothegiant.Insteadofgrippinghim,my

powercrashedintoaninvisiblewall,ricocheted,andslammedbackintome.Itumbledbackdownthestairsandfellagainstthewall.Everyboneinmybodyrattledinitssocket.Iscreamed,buttheagonydraggedmeunder,robbingmeofmyvoice.Icouldn’tspeak.Icouldn’tthink.Icouldn’tmove.Aboveme,thegiant,asmudgeddark

shadow,keptdigginginthebuilding.

Itdidn’twork.Mypowerwordhadbackfired.

Timestopped.Myheadswam.Avortexofpainclampedme,darkandmerciless.Itfeltlikemyverybeingwasbeingshavedawayonethinlayeratatime.Razorbladesfilledmymouthandthroat.DearGod,ithurt.Ithurtsomuch.Myearshurt.

Myhandsbled.Mychestrefusedtorise.ItfeltlikeIwasdying.

Iclungtolife,butithurtsomuch.IfIletgo,itwouldstophurting.

Getup.Ihadtogetup.Mylegshadturnedto

Jell-O.Itfeltlikemyboneswerebroken,andmybodywasfilledwiththeirshards.

Thegiantstraightenedandraisedhisfist.Aperson

struggledinhisfingers.Blackhair.Don’tbeJuke...

Thegiant’scavernousmawopened.Yellowteethbitdown.

Yousonovabitch.Hetossedthebottomhalf

ofthehumanbeingasidelikeausedtissueandreacheddownagain.

No,youdon’t.Myfurycutthroughthe

agony.Igrippeditlikea

lifelineandforcedmyselftorolluptomyhandsandknees.Iwouldgetup.Ihadtogetup.

Comeon,legs.Straighten.Aninch.Anotherinch.

Hewouldnotgetawaywiththis.Iwouldmakehimpay.Hewouldn’tkillanybodyelse.

Thepainsnappedinsideme.WhitehazeexplodedinmybrainandIwentblind.

Iconcentratedonbreathing.Calm.Ineededtostaycalm.

Thehazeburnedoffinanotherexplosionofpain.IsheathedSarratandpulledouttwothrowingknives.NowIjusthadtorun.Pieceofcake.

Ichargedupthestairs.Thepaintoreinsideme.Onestep,two,three...Thelaststeploomedbeforeme,the

giant’sbackundermeashebentover,stretchingtograspmorebodies.

Ijumpedandplungeddown,bothknivesout.Myfeetconnectedwiththegiant’sback.Islidanddugbothofmybladesintohisflesh.Touchinghisskinwaslikeopeningthedoortoaburningstove.

Thegiantswungaround,tryingtoknockmeoffwith

hishand,butIhadlandedalmostinthedeadcenterofhisback,nexttothespine.Hisfingerspassedharmlesslybelow.

Iyankedtheleftbladeout,stretched,andsankitinsixincheshigher.Bloodseepedfromthewoundinahotflood,drenchingmyclothes.Thegiantshruggedhisshoulders,musclerollingundertheskin.Ijerkedthe

rightbladeoutandjammedithigherthantheleft.Left,right,left,right.Theeffortwaswrenchingmyarmsoutofthesockets.Left,right,left,right...

Thick,coarseironspikesburstfromthespinenexttome,growingintoacrest.Hisskinwasalmosttoohottotouch.Hewasstillmetamorphosingandrightnowitwashelpingme.I

clutchedthosespikesandscrambledup.

Thebighandreachedovertheshoulderandslappedthespotafootabovemyhead.Theskinquakedunderme.Crap.IfIclimbedanyhigher,hewouldflattenmeintoaKatepancake.

AcloudoffliesthesizeoftennisballseruptedfromwithintheGuild,swirlingaroundthegiant’shead.He

wavedhisarms.Themovementsentmylegsflying.Igrippedtheknivesandhungon.Hestoppedturningandslappedathisface.Iglancedup.Theflieshunginadensecloudofftooneside,thenslowlymovedtotheother.Thegiantswipedatthemandhowled.

Someonewashelpingme.Iclimbedupthegiant’s

back,oneknifethrustata

time,grabbingaspikewhenIcould.Hisshoulderloomed.Almostthere.

Idugmyknifeinonelasttime.Theshoulderstretchedbeforeme,fourfeetlongandthreefeetwide.Hisneckwaslessthanthreefeettall.Igrabbedahandfulofhishairandthrewonelegovertheshoulder,straddlingit.Hisfacewasbarelyhumannow,hismouthawidegash,his

nosebridgealmostflatwithtwowidenostrilsjuttingoutofnowherelikethenoseofabull.Thefliesstillbuzzedaroundthegiant’shead.Farbelow,Kenstoodoutintheopen,chanting,handsout,hisfacestrained.

IpulledSarratout.Thejugularwouldn’tdoit.Itcouldtakehimtenminutestodie.Iraisedmybladeandstabbeditdeepintotheside

ofhisneck,belowtheAdam’sapple,inthespotbeforethecarotidarterybranchedintoexteriorandinterior.Bloodwetmyhands,spurtingfromthewoundinahotgush.Istabbeddeeper,slicingintotheartery.Ididn’thavetoseverit.Ijusthadtocauseenoughdamage.Apartiallyseveredcarotidwouldbleedhimoutfasteranyway.

Brightbloodsprayedoutlikeageyser,drenchingmybodyandfacelikeafirehose.Yes!

Thegiantswayed,offbalance.Ohshit.HowthehelldoIgetoffthiscrazyride?

IslidSarratbackintothesheath,grabbedthegiant’shairwithbothhands,andheldon.Thegiantrockedbackandforthandclamped

hishandtohisneck,tryingtoholdbacktheflood.Iclungtohishair.Myhands,wetwithblood,wereslipping.Godown.Comeon,godown.

Withaloudcry,thegiantstumbledbackward,turningwildly,offbalance,thencareenedforward.Thebloodkeptspraying.Ionlyneededaminuteortwo.Hewasdeadalready.Hejustdidn’tknowit.

AlurchtotherightandIcaughtaglimpseofthestaircase.Someonewasrunningup.

Thecolossuspitchedforward,slumpingasifdrunk,tryingtocatchhimselfontheGuild’sbuilding.Hisheadrolledback.Therunnerleaped,aspearinhishands,andIsawhisface.Lago.Helandedontheenormouscheek.Thespearheadshone,

catchingthelight,andLagostabbeditstraightintothegiant’seyeball.

Well,wasn’tthatniceanddramatic.Waytojumpinthereattheend.IfIweren’tholdingonfordearlife,I’ddoasarcasticslowclap.

Thegiantbellowed.Hiswholebodytrembled.HestumbledaroundtheGuild,tryingtocatchhimselfonemptyairandfailing.His

kneesgaveandhesankdown,hisfacescrapingagainsttheruinedtopoftheGuild.Lagojumpedbackontothebuilding.Ihadnosuchluxury.

Thegiantrockedback.Ifhefellbackward,I’dbedead.

Thebloodwasstillgushing.HesaggeddownclumsilyandfelltohishandsandkneesinfrontoftheGuild’sruineddoors.About

eighteenfeetdown,allofitstrewnwithdebrisfromhisrampage.Ihadtotakethischance.

Iletgoandrolleddownhisbloodyback,pickingupspeed.ThebackendedandIfellstraightdown,bendingmykneesandclampingmyhead.Theimpactresonatedthroughmyfeet.God,thathurt.Irolled,droppedmyhands,andsawthegiant

glaringatme,oneeyefilledwithrage,theotherapalemilkyblobwiththespearstickingoutofit.Hismassivehandblockedthelight.Ihadnoplacetogo.Icurledintoaball.Thefingersslappedthegroundonbothsidesofme.Hemissed.Hemissed!

ThehandroseagainandIscrambledaway,climbingoverchunksofbricksandmortar.Hetriedtofollowme,

buthisleftarmgave.Thecolossusfellclumsily,rollingontohisback.Thegroundshook.

Ibackedaway,towardtheGuild’sdoors.

Hisheadlandedonthepavement.Hisonegoodeyerolledbackintohisskull.Heshudderedandlaystill.Theblood,onceapowerfulgeyser,slowedtoagush.

Peopleburstoutofthe

Guild’sdoors.Isearchedthefear-shockedfaces,lookingforthefamiliarfeaturesandblondhair.Nothing.

Amanlimpedout,behindeveryoneelse.

“Isthereanyoneelseinside?”Icalledout.

“No.Iamallthereis.”Awomansprintedfrom

theside,runningintheoppositedirectiontothecrowd,herfacefrantic.

“Mom!Mom!Here!”Julie.Iwhippedaroundin

thedirectionofthevoice.Adark-hairedteenagegirl

dashedoutofthecrowd.Thewomanthrewherarmsaroundher.Amanfollowed.

OhmyGod.ThatwasthevoiceIheardonthephone.MyJuliewasn’tintheGuild.Thiswassomebodyelse’sJulie.

Thereliefrockedme.Isat

onachunkofthebuilding,leaningagainstit.Myarmshurt,myshouldershurtworse,andthelastechoesofthemisfiringpowerwordsstillrolledaroundinsideme,claspingmyinsidesinfieryinternalcramps.Ithurttostand.TositwasanunbelievableluxuryandsoIsat,baskinginthewonderfulfeelingofnotrestingmyweightonmyfeet.

Ipulledgauzeoutofmypocketandwipedmyeyes.Thegauzecamebackdrenchedincrimson.Mypowerwordhadbackfired.Ihadhadapowerwordfailbefore.Ud,thewordcommandingsomethingtodie,usuallydidn’twork.Tokillsomethingwithit,youfirsthadtoownyourtargetcompletely.ThefirsttwotimesItriedit,thepainhad

beensoexcruciatingthatIwasconvincedIwoulddie.Thiswasworse.Aarhwasasimpleordertostop.Itusuallyfrozethetargetforaboutfourseconds.I’dneverhaditmisfireonme.WasIgettingweaker?Wasthegianttoolarge?Washeimmunetomymagicsomehow?Ihadallthequestionsandnoneoftheanswers.Ugh.

Theredstreamrunningfromthegiant’sneckfinallystopped.Hehadbledout.Itwasover.

Iclosedmyeyesandsatverystill.

•••

EVENINPOST-SHIFTAtlanta,agiantwasbignews.ThePADwasfirsttoarrive,followedbyafleetofambulances,

whichwerestillparkedaroundtheGuild.Thecopsexaminedthegiant,determinedhewasdeadbutsurroundedhimwiththeirtacticalvehiclesjustincase,andinterviewedeveryone.Theytookmystatementandthentoldmenottoleavethescene.MSDU,theMilitarySupernaturalDefenseUnit,camenextandpromptlygotintoajurisdictionwarwith

thePAD,becausethePADwouldn’tletthemexplodethegiant’scorpseandincineratethepiecesjustincase.TheMSDUalsotookmystatementandtoldmenottoleavethescene.WhentheGeorgiaBureauofInvestigationshowedup,ItoldthemupfrontthatIhadnointentionsofleavingthesceneandthatIwasn’tgoingtoansweranyquestions

unlesstheyproducedapolicecaptainwhoaccusedmeofbeingaloosecannonanddemandedmybadge.Theyleftmealoneafterthat.

Thenewscrewsarrivednextinarabidlyexcitedflood.WiththeInternetdeadandTVerratic,mostofournewscamevianewspapers,butacoupleofTVcrewsappearedanywayandpromptlysurroundedLago.

Hehadbeenstandingtherewithacharmingself-deprecatingsmileforthelasttwentyminutes.

“Areyouhurt?”oneofthereportersasked,alittletooloud.

“Nothingserious,butyes,mylegsaregoingtobehurting.”Lagowinked.“I’mnotasyoungasIusedtobe.Idon’thealasfast,butsometimesevenanolddog

hastostepuptoprotecthishome.”

IsatonachunkofthefallendebrisinfrontoftheGuild’sdoors.Myheadhurtsomuch.Itfeltlikesomeonekepthittingmewithahammerinthebackofthehead.Everytimeoneofthehitslanded,thewaveofpaindrownedmeandmyskullthreatenedtosplitopen,andthenforamoment,asthe

painreceded,anoverwhelmingreliefcameuntilthenextblow.Irealizedthattheblowscoincidedwithmyheartbeats.Somethingwaswrongwithme,withmyblood.Themagicinitfeltlikeithadbeenboiling.Everybloodvesselinmybodyhadbeenburnedfromtheinsideout.TherewasnothingIcoulddo.Ijusthadtosithereandwaititout.

OnceIwasdone,IwouldgoandseeDoolittle.RetiredfromthePackorno,hewouldtreatme.ExceptIwasbarredfromtheKeepforthenextthirtydays.Shit.

Thecorpseofthegiantsprawledaboutsixtyyardsinfrontofme.HehadfallenoverthefarendoftheGuild’slargeparkinglotandnowlayonhisside,hisleftarmstretchingtoward

PhoenixDrive,hisfeetpointingtowardtheGuild.Mostofthelawenforcementhadcampedouttomyright,inthestreet.RandomspectatorsgawkedatthegiantandwanderedthroughtheparkinglotdespitethePAD’svaliantattemptstokeepthemout.Afewmercsstoodhereandthere,ponderingthedamagetotheirvehicles.AlixSimos,whosesouped-up

Lexushadendedupdirectlyunderthegiant’sthigh,lookedlikehehadlostafamilymember.

AsIwatched,agroupofteenageboysranginginagefromtwelvetoaboutsixteenapproachedthegiant’sbody.Oneofthem,askinnyblondkid,wascarryingalongbranch.

“Hey!”afemalecopbarked.“Getthehelloutof

here!”Theskinnykidjabbedthe

corpsewithabranch.Thefemalecopstarted

towardthemwithalookofholywrathonherface.Thekidsjabbedthegiantagainandfled,jumpingoverdebris.

Hey,hereisthecorpseofsomethingbig,scary,andmagicthatusedtoeatpeoplewhenitwasalive.IthinkI’llgooverandpokeitwitha

stick.Thatwouldbeawesome.Isighed.Teenagers.Somethingsevenpost-ShiftAtlantacouldn’tchange.

Ahorse-shapedblack-and-whitecreatureemergedfromthesidestreet,casuallycloppedherwayrightpastthemercs,police,andsoldiers,andnudgedmewithhernose.

“Hey,you,”Isaid.Cuddlesnudgedmeagain.

Ireachedintohersmallsaddlebag,pulledoutacarrot,andofferedittoher.Cuddlesswipeditoffmyhandandchewedwithahappycrunch.Ipettedhercheek.Thenauseasquirmedinsideme,refusingtogoaway.

Itriedtothinkshort,simplethoughts.Ithurtless.Curranwasn’tintheGuild.Juliewasn’tintheGuildeither.Ihadnoideawhere

eitherofthemwas.IwouldgivethePADanotherfiveminutesandthenI’dtellthemIwasleavingthedamnscenewhethertheylikeditornot.Iftheyhadaproblemwithit,I’dsicBarabasonthem.

Jukecamewalkinguptome,withKennexttoher.Ididadoubletake.Juke’sfacewaspalerthanusual,herfeaturessharpenedbyadrenaline.Shelookedpissed

off.Kenseemedhisnormalunperturbedself.

“You’renotdead,”Isaid.“IthoughtIsawhimbiteyouinhalf.”

Jukescrewedupherface.“Itwasn’tme.ThatwasRoger.”

“Oh.”IhadonlymetRogerinpassing.Youngskinnyguy,darkhair.

“Howcanyoustandit?”Jukewavedherarmsin

Lago’sdirection.“He’spretendingtobeafuckinghero!”

Ishrugged.“Seriously?That’s

bullshit!”ShestabbedherfingeratLagosmilingforthereporters.“Youkilleditandhe’stakingallthecredit.”

“Ididn’tdoitforthecredit.”

Jukestaredatmeforasecond,cursed,andwalked

away,intotheGuildthroughthedenteddoors.

“Thankyoufortheflies,”ItoldKen.

Kenpaused.HerationedwordsliketheywerewaterandhewasinthemiddleoftheSahara.“You’rewelcome,”hesaidfinally.HeglancedatJuke,whostalkedoff,kickingchunksofbrickoutofherway.“She’syoung.”

He’dsunkaworldofmeaningintothatword.Jukewasimpulsiveandbravetothepointofbeingrash,andshewantedtoproveherself.Toher,Lago’sbeinginthespotlightwasagreatinjustice.Tomeitwasaconvenientrelief.ThelastthingIwantedwastobemobbedbythereporters.IfLagodidn’tmentionmynameatall,I’dbethrilled.

Inoddedatthegiant.“Doyouknowhowitstarted?”

Kenleanedonarocknexttome.“AmancametotheGuild.Hewalkedinanddidn’tsayanything.Hejustwaited.Hedidn’tlookright.Chrisaskedhimwhathewanted,andthemansaid,‘Crushmyenemy.’Thenheturnedandleft.Then”—Kenclappedhishands,makingaloudpop—“magic.Hekicked

thefrontdoor,butitgotstuck.Wetriedtogetoutthroughthebackdoor,butitwasjammedshut.Youknowtherest.”

Intheparkinglot,thin,wiryAlixSimoscrouchedbytheremainsofhisLexus.AfewyardsawayCruz,sixinchestallerandaboutfiftypoundsheavier,saidsomethingtohim.Simosignoredhim.

“IthoughtIsawsomethingshinyinthegiant’sleftear,”Isaid.

Kennodded.“It’snottherenow.I

checked.”“Itwasn’ttherewhenhe

fell,”Kensaid.“Areyousure?”Henodded.WebothlookedatLago.

Well,well,lookslikeourherogothimselfasouvenir.You

greedyidiot.“Badideatotakeit,”Ken

said.Itwasmyturntonod.Thereportersbeganto

walkaway.Theimpromptupressconferencemust’veended.Lagocamestridingtowardme,hissmilebright.“Hey,Kate!Hellofathingwedidtoday.”

“Whatdidyoutakefromthegiant,Lago?”

Heraisedhiseyebrows,buthiseyesweresly.

“Youtooksomethingoutofhisear.”

Lagogrinnedatme.“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout,honey.”

Callme“honey”again,seehowthatworksoutforyou.“Thatwasreallystupid.Hewasnakedexceptforthatitem,whichmeansitwasprobablyessentialtohim

beingagiant.Youtookanenchantedobjectofunknownpowerfromadestructivecreaturewhoprobablyusedtobehuman.Youhavenocluewhateffectitwillhaveonyou.”

“You’vegotonehellofanimagination.”

“She’sright,”Kensaid.“Turnitin,”Isaid.“It’s

notworthit.”Lago’ssmiledied.“Look,

Igetit.You’resorethatyouhadtosharethecredit.Butnoneedtomakeuplies.”

“Lago,Ilookedintothatthing’seyes.Theywereempty.Hestartedoutasamanbutendedupasagiantwhohadtheintelligenceofatoddler.Hecouldn’teventalk.Isthatwhatyoureallywant?”

Heraisedhishandstothesides.Hisvoicerose.“You

thinkIgotit?Friskme!Goahead!”

Copswerelookinginourdirection.Hewastooconfident.Hemustnothavehaditonhim.IfIsearchedtheherogiantslayernow,I’dhavetoanswerquestionsandlikelybedetained.Icouldn’taffordtobedetainedandspendhoursinacellorbeinginterviewed.IhadtofindCurranandJulie.

“I’mtryingtosaveyourlife,”Igroundout.

“Ialwayshadrespectforyou,Kate,”Lagosaid,lettinghisarmsdrop.“This?Thisisjustpurejealousy.Ithoughtbetterofyou.It’sreallyashamewhenveteranmercsturnoneachotherlikethat.”

Argh.Heturnedonhisfootand

walkedaway.Behindhimthesamegroupofteenagerswas

makingasecondpassatstabbingthegiant.Bothhadaboutthesameamountofcommonsense.

KenlookedafterLago.“I’llneedtothink.”

Iarchedaneyebrowathim.

“Wemayhavetokillanothergiantsoon,”Kensaid.“Ineedtothinkhow.”

AfamiliarJeeppulleduptothepoliceblockadeline

andIforgotallaboutKenandLago.Thedoorsswungopen.

Myheartpoundedinmychest.

Curranjumpedout,hisfacehard.Hewascoveredinblood.Julieshotoutoftheotherdoor,herface,clothes,andaxessplatteredwithred.BehindherDerekandAscaniogotoutoftheJeep,bothinwarriorform.Wherethehellhadtheybeen?

Thetoughmetalhideofthegiant’sfootbulgedandruptured,likeaboil.Acloudoffoulgasdrenchedus.Creaturesspilledoutofthecorpse.Sixfeetlong,reptilian,coveredinthickspinyscaleslikethoseofanarmadillolizard,theydashedforwardonmuscularlegs.

IpulledSarratoutofhersheath.

CHAPTER

HELIZARDSSPILLEDoutofthecorpseinaragged

crescentalongtheedgesoftheparkinglotlikeamottledblack-and-brownflood,blockingthewaytoCurranandthePAD.ForatinysecondheandIstaredateachother.Hisskinburst.Grayfurspilledoutandthenthe

lizardshidhimfrommyview.

Wehadreanimativemetamorphosisagain.Itwastooraretonotbeconnectedtothewind-scorpionincident.Forwhateverreason,thecat-haterwho’dtormentedMrs.OswaldhaddecidedtotaketheGuildoutonceandforall.Maybeitwasrevengebecausewekeptkillinghispets.

Theteenagersfrozelikefrightenedrabbits,theirescapecutoff.Thetwomercsstillintheparkinglotreachedfortheirweapons.Alonecop,trappedbythegiant’shead,slowlydrewhistacticalbladeandbackedup,hisbackagainstamangledChevytruck.

Thelizardsstaredatus,theireyesglowingdarkorange.Theyvariedinsize:

somedark,almostblack,andonlythesizeofaboxerdog;othersasbigasapony.Fast,agile,andarmedwithtwo-inchfangs.Thechancesoftheirbeingherbivoreswereniltononexistent.Reptilesreactedtomovement.Ifweran,theywouldchase.Therewereabouttwentyyardsbetweenthemandtheteenagers,andanotherthirty-fivebetweenthekidsand

Kenandme.Therewasnowaywe

wouldmakeittothePAD’svehicles.TheGuildwasourbestoption.

NexttomeKenraisedhishandsandbegantochantsoftly,anincessant,lowmurmur,sinkingpowerintoeveryword.

“Don’trun,”Icalledout.Thekidspivotedtome.“Walktome.Slowly.”

Theteenagersstartedtowardme.Thetwomercs,AlixSimosandCruz,backeduptoo,slowly,carefully,watchingtheseaofbeastsswellwithmorebodies.TheywerethefarthestfromtheGuild.

Thelizardskeptcoming.Onecorpsecouldn’tpossiblytransformintothishorde.Itwasasifaportalhadopenedsomewheredeepinsidethe

giant’sbodyandvomitedthemout.

Thelizardcurrentsplit,bothstreamsturningandpooling,asthebeastsassessedthebattlefield.

Thenearestlizard,abigbrowncreaturemottledwithblack,openeditsmouth.Adeepvoicecameout,thewordtornbythesharprowsofteeth.“Meat.”

Ohboy.

Thesecondlizardspatanidenticalvoice.“Meat.”

Animalsdidn’tspeak.Eitherthesewerereally,reallyadvancedmythologicalcreatures,orsomeonewascontrollingtheentirehorde,pilotingthemthewaynavigatorspilotedtheundead.Eitherway,thisjustwentallthewayfrombad,pastworse,straighttoweareallgoingtodie.

“Meat.”“Meat.”Theairshudderedas

hundredsofreptilianmouthsrepeatedoverandover,“Meat...meat...meat...”

“Don’trun!”Icalledout.Cruzturnedandshoved

Alixdown,sinkingallofthestrengthofhispowerfulmuscleintoit.Yousonovabitch.Thepushtookthesmallermerctothe

ground.Alixcaughthimselfonhishandsasifdoingapush-up,grippedthepavement,andstayedcompletelystill.CruzspunandranfortheGuild.

Thelizardheadssnappedinhisdirection,drawntomovementlikesharkstobloodinthewater.Asmallsolid-blacklizarddartedintohisway.Afringeofbrilliantvermilionspikessnappedup

inacrestalongitsspine.Cruzswunghismachete.

Theblacklizardopeneditsmouth,studdedwithsharpteeth,belched,andspatajetoffoamyslimestraightatthemerc.Cruzscreamed.Hisskinstretchedlikemoltenwax,tore,andslidoffhim,revealingbarebloodymuscleunderneath.Cruzcrasheddown,hisvoicecutoffinmidscream.Thereptilesdove

afterhim,thespotwherehisbodyfellachurningwhirlpoolofscaledbodies.

“Meat!”therestofthehorderoared.“Meat!”

Theteenagersran.Thelizardscharged,scramblingafterthem.Acrosstheparkinglot,peoplescreamedasthefrontwaveofthereptilestoreintothefirstresponders.

Isprintedforward,Sarrat

out.Myheadscreechedinprotest,theheadachepoundingmyskull.

Alixjumpedtohisfeetandchargedafterthekids.

Atallganglykidstumbledoverabrickandfell.Theresttorepasthimandpastme.

Alixsprintedfullforce,armspumping.Thenearestpursuinglizardsnappedathisfeet,itsteethrendingempty

airlessthanafootfromAlix’scalf.

Ilungedinfrontofthekidontheground.Thefirstlizardreachedme,andIcleaveditsheadfromitsneck.

Alixdashedbyme,yankedtheboytohisfeet,anddraggedhimwithhim.Tooslow.Theywouldneedtimetomakeittothebuilding.Iftheyneededtime,Iwouldbuyitforthem.

Thelizardsswarmedme.Istabbedandsliced,backingup.Thenauseawasoverwhelmingnow,thehot,nearlyblindingpaininmyheadthreateningtoblockouteverythingelse.

AdinofhumanscreamsroseabovetheGuild’sparkinglot.

Cutandbackup.Cutandbackup.Ijusthadtowalkmyselfrightoutofhereand

notgettorntoshredsbytheendlessreptilebeasts.

Thelizardsadvancedinaraggedsemicircle,tryingtosurroundme.Toomany...

Ablackshaggybodysmashedintothelizards.Ajetofcorrosiveslimeshotpastmeandfellwide,spillingharmlesslyontheground.Anenormousblackdogclampedhisjawsontothelizard’sneckandshookitlikea

terriershakesarat.Grendel.Curranmust’ve

broughthimwiththem.Thelizardsfroze,

shocked.Themassivedogspatthe

lifelessbodyandgrinnedatme,showinghugewhitefangs.Bluefirerippledonhisfangsanddancedalonghisshaggyfur.

“Goodboy.”Grendelparkedhimself

onmyleftsideandsnarled.Theheadachesingedmy

brainagain.Vertigoclampedontomeandacidburnedmythroat.Screwit.Ibentoverandvomited.Endorphinskickedinandforabriefmomenttheheadacheretreated.

Thelizardshesitated,theirpupil-lesseyesglowingwithcoldhungryfire.Somekillingthemwasn’tscary,but

ablackshaggymuttwasclearlyoutsidetheirframeofreference.

“Meat,”alizardmouthroared.

Theotherscaughtthecry.“Meat...meat...meat...”

Thelizardsrushedmeasone.Icarvedandsliced,kicked,thrust,andstabbed.Bodiesfellaroundme.GrendelandIretreated,fightingforeachinch.Fangs

snappedatme.AlizardcaughtGrendel’sflankinitsmouth.HesnarledandIburiedSarratinthelizard’sback.Clawsrakedmylegs.Ispunandslicedanotherbeast.Anarrowsproutedinitsthroat.OutofthecornerofmyeyeIsawAlixbehindme,hisbowinhishands.Hedrewandloosedthearrowsinasmoothfastglidethatlookedasnaturalasbreathing.

“Allhands,fallin!”awomanroaredacrossthelot,somewherebehindthelizardhorde.“Formaperimeter!Meleetothefront!Iwantamagehereandamagethere.Lightthemup.Archers,formuponmages.Givemeintersectingfieldsoffire.Actlikeyou’vebeentoapartybefore.”

Afoot.Anotherfoot.Wekeptgoing.Mybreathing

evenedout.Mymindcatalogedtheinjuriesandignoredthem.Grendelbledbuthestillfought,rippingintoreptilianbodies.Thehordetightenedtheringaroundus.TheywerekeyingonGrendelnow,judginghimtheeasiertarget.Theywouldn’tgetmydogaslongasIbreathed.

Ichancedaglanceovermyshoulder.Twentyyardsto

theGuild.Theywouldbeahardtwentyyards.Iwasabouttothrowupagain.

Alizardcrashedinfrontofme,itsbodybroken.

Totherightthereptilianbodiesflewupandaside,asifbulldozed.Someonestrongandverymotivatedwastearingdownthebattlefield.

“Whatthehellisthat?”Alixsaid.

“That’smyhoney-

bunny.”Curranburstintothe

open,aseven-and-a-half-foot-tallmonsterclothedinsteelmuscleandgrayfur.Faintstripescrossedhislimbslikedarkwhipmarks.Blooddrippedfromhisclawedhands.Ontheleftside,apatchofhisskinwasmissing,muscleexposedandraw.

Hegrabbedthenearestlizard,twisteditwithaloud

snap,andtosseditaside.“Hey,baby.”

“Hi.”Ibeheadedalizard.“Wherearethekids?”

“WiththeMSDU.”Hedisemboweledabeastwithaquickswipeofhisclaws.“You’rehavingallthisfunwithoutme.”

“I’mnotdoingmuch.Justhavingteaandcookies.”Icutatanotherlizard.“Thinkingdeepthoughts.”Iloveyou.

“ThenI’lljoinyou.”Helovedme,too.Webackedawaytogether.

TheGuilddoorsloomedbehindus.

“Down!”Kenbarked.IgrabbedGrendelintoa

bearhuganddropped.Curranlandednexttome,hisarmovermyback.

Ajetoffoulyellowsteamtoreaboveourheadsandslashedintothefrontrowof

lizards.Theyconvulsed,theirscalehideblistering,anddied.IjumpedtomyfeetandranthelasttenyardstotheGuild.Grendeldashedbetweenthemetaldoors,Iwasnext,andCurranwasthelast.HeandIspunaroundandblockedthenarrowgapbetweenthedoors.Withonlytwelvefeetbetweenthedoors,thelizardscouldn’tcomeatusmorethanthreeat

atime.Juketookpositionnexttous,herspearinherhands.BehindherAlixdrewhisbow.

CurranputhisarmaroundmeandIhuggedhim,goreandfurandall.Thefeelofhisbodywrappedaroundminewasindescribable.Therewerefewmomentsoftruehappinessinlife.Thiswasone.Ihuggedhimharder,enjoyingevery

momentoftouch.“Getaroom!”Juke

growled.Webrokeapartintimeto

seeherjabthefirstlizard.God,myheadwasabout

tosplitopen.“Wherewereyou?What

happened?”Icarvedachunkoutofanotherlizard’sface.

“Ijusttookthekidstofightsomeghouls,”Curransaid.

Oh,soitwasfine,then...Wait.“Youdidwhat?”

Hekickedalizard.Itflewintotheotherslikeacannonball.“IcalledJimbeforeweleftthehousetotalkaboutghouls,andhesaidtheyfoundsomeintheMARTAtunnels.SoIgrabbedthekidsanddidalittlehunting.”

Iwouldkillhim.“Justso

Igetitright,Jimcallsyouandsays,‘Hey,wefoundahordeofghoulsintheMARTAtunnels,’andyourfirstthoughtwas,‘Great,I’lltakethekids’?”

“Theyhadfun.”Acarefulnotecreptintohisvoice.Curransawthesharkfininthewaterbutwasn’tsurewherethebitewouldbecomingfrom.

“Youeventookthedog.”

Grendelchosethatmomenttotrytoshovepastme.IshovedhimbackintotheGuildandhebeganrunningbackandforthbehindus,growling.

“Hehadfun,too.Lookathim.He’sstillexcited.”

Grendelstopped,shook,flingingbloodfromhisfur,andresumedhisorbitaroundus.

“Ithoughtyouhada

poodle!”Jukesaid.“Heisapoodle.”“Thatisnotapoodle.”“Hetransforms.”Intimes

ofcrisisGrendelturnedintoanenormousblackhound.Unfortunately,thetransformationwasgovernedbyhisstrangecaninebrain,andsometimeshedecidedthatthepropercourseofactioninbattlewastopeeandrollindeadthings

instead.Ablacklizardsqueezed

throughthebodiesanddiedbeforeitcouldopenitsmouth,Alix’sarrowinitsthroat.

“Okay,”Jukesaid.“Yourhorseisadonkey,yourpoodleisagiantwolfbreed,andyourboyfriendiswhateverthehellheis.Youhaveproblems.”

“Shutup,”Itoldher.

“Hegottorollonsomeghoulcorpses,”Curransaid.“Hehadagoodtime.”

Thatwashardlysurprising.Grendelhadawarpedsenseofpersonalhygiene.

“You’reaninconsiderateirresponsibleass.”

“Me?”Currantorealizardinhalf.

“You.”Jukegrinned.

“Youwantedtomakeitpersonal.Imadeitpersonal.Youwanttotalkaboutirresponsible?”Curran’seyessparkedwithgold.“Yousawagiantrippingupabuildingandyouranintothebuilding.Andthenyouclimbedontothegiantsoyoucouldpokehimwithyoursword.Whatwastheplantogetdownoffhim?Didyoulearntoflyanddidn’ttellme?”

“Don’tchangethesubject.IgotacallfromSevenStarAcademysayingJuliedidn’tmakeittoschool.Icouldn’tfindher.Icouldn’tfindyou.”

Jukesnickered.“Shouldn’thavetakenthekidswithyou,huh?”

“Stayoutofthis,”Itoldher,andpulledSarratoutofalizard’sbody.“Youmadeallthesepreparationsandnever

oncethoughtwhatwouldhappenwhenIcouldn’tfindyouorJulie.Wouldithavekilledyoutoleaveanote?”

Jukeblinked,suddenlysurprised.

“Ittakestwentyseconds.‘Hi,Kate,takingthekidstofightsomeghouls,bebackbylunch.’”Iwavedmyarms.“IthoughtyoumightbetrappedintheGuildwithJulie.”

“WhythehellwouldIbe

intheGuildwithJulie?”“Becauseyouwere

supposedtogobyherethismorningandbecauseIthoughtIheardheronthephonescreamingforhelp.”

Curransparedmehalfasecondofhishardstare.“EvenifyouthoughtIwasintheGuild,whatdidyouthinkIwasdoingwhilethegiantwastearingitup?DidyouthinkIwassittingonmy

hands?”“Ithoughtyoumightbe

injured.”Helookedatme.“We’ve

met,youandI?”Ideliberatelytookabig

stepback.“What?”hegrowled.“I’mmakingroomfor

yourego.”“Fine.Ishould’velefta

note!”“Youshould’ve.”

“Answermethis,didyouhesitateatallordidyouseethegiant,go‘Wheee!’andruntowardit?”

“Sherantowardit,”Jukequipped.

“Hewasbitingpeopleinhalf.”

“Irestmycase,”Curransaid.“Anotewouldn’thavemadeanydifference.”

Noteornot,Ididn’tcare.Iwasjusthappyhewasalive.

Themagicwaveended.Thelizardsfellasone.

Theheadacheexplodedinmyskullasifsomeonehadpouredgasolineonmybrainandsetitonfireinsidemyhead.WetnessslidfrommyearsandIrealizeditwasblood.

“Kate?”Curranturnedhumaninablink.

“Myheadhurts.”“Ican’tunderstandyou.”

Hisfaceturnedfrantic.“What’swrong?”

“Myheadhurts.”IknewIwassayingit.Icouldhearmyvoice,Ijustcouldn’tmakeoutthewords.

“Medic!”Curranroared.Theagonyinmyhead

drownedoutallelse.Isanktomykneesandslidtotheground.Theworldwentsilentexceptforthepoundingofmyownpulse.

•••

IOPENEDMYeyesandinstantlywishedIhadn’t.Theheadachehadgrownsharpbladesandstabbedthemintomyskullthroughmyeyes.

Theceilingdidn’tlookfamiliar,butthesmellintheairwas.Theexquisitearomaofdisinfectant,rubbingalcohol,andthatweird“medicine”flavortoldmeI

wasinahospital.AlsotheIVinmyarmandthebloodpressurecuffwerekindofagiveaway.Myhandrestedonthesheathofmysaber.Someonehadputmyswordinbedwithme.

Whydidithurtsomuch?Asoftvoicetintedwitha

coastalGeorgiaaccentdriftedthroughmyheadache,thatlowlandgenteelSoutherndialectthatrefusedtodieout

andswallowedconsonantsontheendsofwordsso“better”and“over”cameoutas“bettuh”and“ovuh.”Judgingbytheintonationinthevoice,thedoctorwasinandnottoohappy.

Whatelsewasnew?IhadwokenuplikethistounfamiliarceilingsandupsetmedmagesmoretimesthanIcouldremember.Theonlyquestionwas,whichhospital

hadIendedupinthistime?Itiltedmyheadonthe

pillow.Thegooddoctorwassittinginawheelchairtalkingtoanotherpatientormaybehishelper,Icouldn’treallysee.Hisvoicewasquietandsoothing,andIcouldn’tquitemakeoutwhathewassaying.IfIsquinted,Icouldsortofreadhislips.Intracranialhemorrhage.SomethingtoldmeIshouldknowwhatthat

meant.Heturned.Something

stretchedinmybrainandIrecognizedhisfaceinaflashofpain.Doolittle.Whydidn’tIrecognizehisvoice?Wait,ifDoolittlewashere,thatmeantwewereintheKeep.Wecouldn’tbeintheKeep.Ourthirtydaysweren’tup.Iopenedmymouthtocallout.Nowordscameout.

Okay,ifIcouldn’ttalk,I

wouldsitup.Mybackrefusedtoobey.

Panicpinchedmybreath.Ifeltmybody,Ifeltmylegs,myarms,evenmyfingersandtoes.IcouldfeelSarrat’ssheathundermyfingertips.Ijustcouldn’tgetthemtomove.Mymuscleswereoutofsyncwithmymind.

Iwasparalyzed.No.No,no,no.Ilivedby

mysword.Icouldn’tbe

paralyzed.Icouldn’t.Awordsurfacedfrom

somewherewithintherecessesofmymemory.Hemorrhage.Hemorrhageinsidetheskullwascalledintracranial.Iknewthis.Iknewitwasbad.Ijustcouldn’tfightthroughtheheadachetowhatitmeant.

Adoorswungopenandawomanstuckherheadin.“Doolittle?”

Doolittleturnedhischairtowardherandthelookonhisfacesaidhewouldbiteherheadoffifshewerewithinreach.Seriousbusiness.

“Trishaaskedifyoucouldspareaminuteforsomepaperwork.”

“IfTrishawantstoseeme,shecancomedownhere.”Hisvoicehadasnaptoit.

Thewomanwithdrewandshutthedoor.

TheothermansaidsomethingIdidn’tquitecatchinanunfamiliarvoice.Iblinked,desperatelytryingtobringhimintofocus.Curran.Whatthehellwaswrongwithme?

“ThereisnothingIcando,”Doolittleanswered,hisvoicestern.“TheMRIshowedmultiplemicrobleeds.

Thesmallvesselsinsideherbrainexploded.Theysealedthemselvesalmostimmediately,whichiswhyyou’renotcradlingacorpserightnow,andherbodybegantomagicallyheal,butthedamagewasdone.Sheshouldbedead.Ifitwereanybodyelse,theywouldbedead,butsheistoodamnstubborntodie.ThereisnothingIcandorightnow.

Untilthemagiccomesup,myonlyoptionistomanagethesymptoms.I’mmonitoringherbloodpressure.I’madministeringmannitoltokeeptheswellingundercontrolandanticonvulsantssoshedoesn’tseizeagain.AndIneedtobedoingallthatandyouneedtobesomewhereelse.DidInotgiveyousomethingtodo?”

“Whatifshestops

breathingagain?”“Ifherinternalrespiratory

drivemechanismisaffected,Iwillputheronaventilator.Goaway.”

Curranglancedatme.Iblinkedandthenhewasbymybed.“Kate.Baby.”

Istilldidn’trecognizehisvoice.

“Saysomething.”Iopenedmymouth.No

wordscameout.

“Curran,”Doolittlegrowled.“Move.”

Curranslidtotheside,andDoolittleinhischairtookCurran’splace.

“Canyouhearme?”Doolittleasked,pronouncingthewordsslowly.“Blinkonceifyes.”

Iblinked.“YourMRIshows

rupturesinmultiplesmallbloodvesselsinyourbrain,”

Doolittlesaid,hisvoicecalm.Iwasbleedinginmy

brain,Icouldn’tmove,Ihaddifficultytalking.Thesymptomslineduplikelinksinachain.Iopenedmymouth.Concentrate.Youcandoit.Onesoundatatime.

“S.”Iwouldmakethe

goddamnwordcomeout.“St...stroke.”NexttomeCurran

draggedhishandoverhisface.

“Yes,”Doolittlesaid.“Youhadastroke.Youhadseveralmicrostrokessimultaneously.”

That’sme,theoverachiever.

Doolittlesquintedatme,hisfacesomber.Heusuallyappearedtobeinhisfifties,buthelookedmucholdertoday,atiredblackmanwith

salt-and-pepperhairandkindeyes.

“Howareyoufeeling?”Iopenedmymouthand

concentratedonpronouncingaword.Myvoicewassoweak.“P...”

Theybothleanedin,tryingtohearme.Ifoughtthroughtheboutofpain,drawingasharpbreath.

“P...peachy.”Curranexplodedoutof

thechair,movingoutofmyview.

“That’sgood,”Doolittlesaid,hisexpressionsomber.

Itriedtosqueezemysword.Icouldn’tdoit.Myhandrestedrightonit,becauseCurranmust’veputitthere.HeknewSarratwouldmakemefeelsafe.ButnowIcouldn’tevenclosemyfingersaroundit.

Icouldn’tholdmysword.

Iwantedtogohome.Ihadtogohomerightnow.Ineededtobeoutofthishospitalbed.

Amanstuckhisheadintotheroom.“Arielaisinlabor.”

Doolittlepushedhischairtothedoor.“Iwillberightback.She’sconfusedandsedated.Don’tdoanythingtoaggravateher.Nostressfultopics.Nothingthatcouldpotentiallyupsether.Less

informationisbetteratthispoint.Sam,stayrighthereandmonitorher.”

Adark-hairedmanwalkedintotheroomandparkedhimselfatthefarwall.

Ihadtogetoutofhere.Panictookmythroatintoaclawedhandandsqueezed.

Curranblockedthelightfromthewindow.Ifelthiswarmhandonmine.

“Itwillbeokay,”hesaid,

strokingmyfingers.“Itwillbeokay.”

IhadtotellhimthatIhadtogohome.

“Whatisit?”Curranleanedclosertome.

“Idon’tthinkyoushouldencouragehertotalk...”Samstarted.

Curranturnedtohim.Agoldlightdrownedhisirises.

Sam’smouthsnappedshut.Iheardhisteethclick.

“Whatisit,baby?”Ifinallysqueezedthe

wordout.“Home.”Amuscleinhisface

jerked.“No,baby.Wecan’tgohome.Doolittlewilltakegoodcareofyou.Youjusthavetoholdonuntilthemagicstarts.”

“Home.”“Itwillbeokay.”Ihadtomakehim

understand.

“She’sgettingtooagitated,”Samsaid.

“Itwillbefine,”Currantoldme.“You’resafe.Iwon’tletanyonehurtyou.”

Myeyesfeltwet.Curran’sfaceturnedpale.

“Home.”“Wecan’tgohomeright

now.We’llgoassoonasyou’rebetter.”

Thewetnesswasrunningdownmycheeksnowinhot

streaks.“Havetogohome.”Curran’sfacewasterrible.

Paintwistedhismouthandheforceditdown,hisfacecalmagain,butIknew.Isawit.IfImadehimunderstand,hewouldtakemehome.

“Don’tcry,”hewhispered.

“Please,”Ibegged.“Please.”

“What’ssoimportantabouthome?”

Iopenedmymouth.Myvoicewassoweak.Hewrappedhisarmsaroundme,liftingmetohim.

“Want...todieathome.”

ShockslappedCurran’sface.

Doolittlemadeascreechingnoisethatslicedagainstmyearslikeaknife.

Curranletgoofme.“Getout,”Doolittlesaid,

hisvoiceicy.Curranopenedhismouth.“GetoutorI’llhaveyou

removedfromtheKeep.”Curranspunonhisfoot

andstalkedout.DoolittleturnedtoSam.

“WhatdidIsay?”“Iknow,but...”“But?”“He’sCurran,”Samsaid,

asifitexplainedeverything.“Idon’tcareifheis

Curran.Inyourward,youaregod.Go.”

Samfled.Doolittlewheeledthechairtome.

“Home,”Itoldhim.“That’spatently

ridiculous.Nobodyisgoinghome.”

Coldrushedthroughmyveins.ToolateIsawDoolittletakingasyringefromtheIV.Fatiguemuggedme,threateningtodragme

under.Istruggledtosaythe

words.“Don’twant...todie...here.”

“You’rejustinsultingmenow.Nobodyisdyingtoday,ifIcanhelpit.”Doolittlesaid.Hisvoicefaded,growingweakerandweaker.“You’resafe.Yourmaniacisjustoutsidethedoor,watchingoveryou.Restnow.Rest...”

•••

IWOKEUPbecausesomeonewaslookingatme.Theroomwasdim.Mybodyfeltheavy.Iwassotired.Allmysystemswereshuttingdownonebyone.Icouldn’ttellwhichsymptomscamefromthestroke,whichfromthesedative.IwaslostandIcouldn’tpullmyselftogether.

Thesoftelectricglowofa

floorlampilluminatedateenagegirlsittingbymybed.Shewaspaleandblondand,againstthatlightbackdrop,herhugebrowneyesstoodoutliketwodarkpools.

Shewasimportant.Shewasvitallyimportanttome.

Julie.“Kate,”shewhispered,

hervoiceshaking.“Kate?”“Yes?”Imanaged.

“It’sme,Julie.Areyoudying?”

Icouldtellshedesperatelywantedadifferentanswer.“Iloveyou.”

Theexpressiononherfacetwistedsomethinginsideme.

IlookedfromhertoCurran.“Iloveyousomuch.Both...”

“Youcan’tdie.”Shegrabbedmyhand.Tears

swelledinhereyes.“You’reallIhave.Kate,please.Pleasedon’tdie.”

Myheadhurtsomuch.Ididn’tlikethatshewascrying.Ihadtomakeherbetter.“Itwillbeokay.”

“Kate,don’tleaveme.”Tearsrolleddownhercheeks.“It’snotfair.It’snotfair!”

Thedoorswungopen.“DoIneedtoputalock

onthisdoor?”Doolittle

asked.“Comeon.”Curran

appearedbythebed,tookJuliebyhershoulders,andgentlybutfirmlypulledherawayfrommybed.

“Isshedying?”Juliepulledagainsthim.

“Shewillbeokay,”hetoldher.

“Whatifshewon’tbe?Whatifshe—”

Thedoorclosingbehind

themcutofftherestofherwords.

I’dneverfeltsohelpless.“Home,”ItoldDoolittle.“Soon,”hepromised.Liar.Ihadtogetoutof

here.Ididn’twanttoendmylifeinthishospitalbed.Ihadspenttoolongwithoutmagic,andmybodywasgivingout.Ifeltweakerandweaker.Theyhadtotakemehome.Iwantedtodieinourhouse.

“Toolong...”“You’veonlybeeninhere

afewhours.Itfeelslongerbecauseyoukeepwakingupdespitethesedative.”

“Julie.”“Juliewillbefine.You

don’thavetoworryaboutthatrightnow,”hesaid.“Focusonhealing.Rest.”

•••

IWOKEUPtopain.Mybrainwasslowandconfused.Mymouthtastedlikemedicine.Iwassotired.Iwassinkingdeeperanddeeperintothemurkywaterofpainandexhaustion.Iknewthesigns.Mybodywasgivingout.Whywouldn’ttheyjustletmegohome...

Itwasnightandmyroomwasquiet.Doolittlestillsatinhischair,hispaperbackon

hislap,hiseyesclosed.Ahair-thinlineofbrightorangelightmarkedtheedgeofthedoor—someonehadfailedtocloseitalltheway.Quietvoicesfloatedintotheroom.Ihadtostraintomakeoutthewords.

“Whatifshedoesn’tpullthrough?”

Julie.“Shewill.”Curran.His

voicewasrocksteady,quiet,

strong,reassuring.“Ascaniosaidshemight

beparalyzed.Hesaidshecouldgetamnesia...”

Asparkoftheoldmefoughttothesurfaceofthepainforabriefsecond.Damnit,couldthatkidnotkeephismouthshutforonce?

“Don’tlistentowhatthatidiotsays.Katewouldn’tabandonherfamily.That’snotwhosheisandthat’snot

whatshedoes.”WhichKatearewe

talkingabout?Becausetheoneinthisbeddidn’thaveachoice.

“Butwhatifshedoesn’t?”Juliepressed.Hervoicewastrembling.“Sheisn’tactinglikeherself.She’safighterandsheisn’tevenfighting.Ascaniosaidheheardhersayshewantstogohometodie.”

IfIgotbetter,thatbouda

wasgoingtoregretit.“Ascanioshouldn’trun

hismouth,”Curransaid.“Sometimeswhenpeoplehaveheadinjuries,itchangeswhotheyareforalittlewhile.Shewillbebacktonormalsoon.”

Andoftenthatchangewaspermanent.I’dkilledamanwhohadturnedintoaviolentsadisticdrifteraftersufferingafracturedskull.

“Iknowit’sscary.ButyouhavetotrustDoolittle.Sheisunderheavysedation.Shejustisn’therselfrightnow,”Curransaid.“Whenthemagiccomes,Doolittlewillhealher.”

“Whatifshenevercomeshome?WhatwouldI...Iwon’thaveanybody...”

“Youwillhaveme.Shewillcomehome,butifshedoesn’t,Iwillstillbethere,”

Curransaid.“Wearefamily.Youwillalwayshaveaplaceinmyhouse.Iwon’tabandonyou.Ifsomethinghappenstome,AndreaandRaphaelwillstepup.Derekwillalwaysbethereforyou.Youhavepeople,Julie.Youarenotalone.”

Youarenotalone...Someoneupstairsmust’ve

reallyhatedme.Iwantedtohavepeople,too.Ihad

wantedtohearthosewordsforsolong,andnow,justafterI’dhadasmallcrumbofhappiness,Iwasabouttoloseallofitoversomethingsostupid.Ihadtogetbetter.Ihadtogetbetternow.

Iclenchedmyteeth.Thiswouldn’tendme.

Notlikethis.Notrightnow.Iwouldsurvivethis.

Ifoughtthroughthepoundinginmyhead,trying

tofindsomething,anything,topullmeoutofthecoldmurkydepthstothesurface.Ijusthadtosurviveuntilthemagichit.

Iwouldtakeanything.Anyhelp,nomatterhowsmall.

Irefusedtosink.Iwouldwalkoutofhere.IwouldbewithCurranagain.IwouldseeJuliegrowup.

Iwanttosurvive.

Ifoughtforit,tryingtokeepmyselfup,tryingtoreachthesurface,butIkeptsinking.

Somethingshifteddeepinsideme,anunidentifiedmuscleclenchedtightfortoolongrelaxinginafloodofnewache,andthenIfeltit,atinyhintofacurrentpushingmeup.Itwasweak,ohsoweak,butitwasthere.Iwrappedmyselfinitandfora

briefmomentmyaddledbrainrecognizeditforwhatitwas:thecityI’dclaimedsurrenderingwhatlittleresidualmagicithadkeptduringthetechnology.ThelandI’dclaimedwastryingtokeepmealive.

Itwasn’tenoughtoliftmeup.Itwasbarelythere,butitstretchedtome.Ifeltthecitybreathing.Itwasfilledwithlife.Tinycreatures

squirmingthroughthedirt,plantsgrowinginthesoil,ivyandkudzuclimbinguptheruins,skittishthingshidingintheirburrows,predatorscrouchinginthedark,peopleintheirhomes,allofthemsacrificingatinycrumbofthemagicstoredwithintheirbodies.Ithurtthem,itwasprecious,yetstilltheygaveittomebecauseIasked.

Istoppedsinking.

•••

“...GOBACKANDtellhimthatifhethinkshecandictatewhoIcanandcan’ttreat,Iquit,”Doolittlesaid.“AndIwon’tbecomingbackuntilhellfreezesover.”

Iopenedmyeyes.Theroomwasstilldimlylit.Myheadstillhurt,butIwasfloating.

Awomanstoodnextto

Doolittle,herfaceobscured.Curranleanedagainsttheotherbedlikeadarkshadow.Hisarmswerecrossedonhischest.Hiseyeswereglowingpalegold.Menacerolledoffhim,andtheairintheroomturnedthickandtense.

“That’snotwhattheBeastLordsays.Thelawstatesthataretiredalphacan’tbeintheKeepduringthetimeofseparation.Which

iswhyIbroughtdownthispaper.”ThewomanheldthepaperuptoDoolittle.“ThisisanamendmenttothePacklawcodethatgivesyoutherighttotreatpatientswhoarenotmembersofthePackinthePack’sfacilitiesifyoudeterminethattheirconditionrequiresemergencytreatment.”

“Thisisahospital.Idon’tneedanyone’spermissionto

treatapatient.”Doolittletookthepaperandreadit.

ThewomanlookedatCurran.“Curran.”

Curran’sfacewasgrim.“Trisha.Howdidhemanagetopushthatthrough?TheCouncilwouldn’tstandforit.”

“Theydon’tknowit’sforyou,”Trishasaid.“Theywentintosessionjustbeforeyougothere,andJimbroughtit

upundertheCooperationAct,makingacasethatifthereisaninjuredshapeshifterwithinPackborders,theremaynotalwaysbeenoughtimetoobserveallproprieties.Hebundleditwithanaddendumtotheborderpolicy,andtheypasseditwithoutlookingcloselyatit.”

“Smart,”Curransaid.“It’sJim,”Trisha,saidas

ifitexplainedeverything.“Nobodyexceptthepersonalguardknowsyou’rehere.Itwillgetouteventually,buttheCouncilhaslefttheKeep,soweboughtyouafewmorehours.Howisshe?”

Iclosedmyeyes.Ididn’twanttobeafocalpointrightnow.

“Resting,”Curransaid.“Nasrin!”Iheard

Doolittlerollintothe

hallway.“Ineedasecondopiniononthispaper...”

“Whatwillyoudoifsheremainsparalyzed?”Trishaaskedquietly.

“I’lltakecareofher,”Curransaid.

Hewould.Iknewhewould.Iopenedmyeyes.

“Myauntisquadriplegic,”shemurmured.“Itisextremelydifficult.Wecouldkeepherherefor

you...”Shecaughtherself.“Sorry.”

Excellenttiming.Perhapssheshouldborrowoneofmyknivesandstabhimwhileshewasatit.

Doolittlerolledback,thepaperinhishand.“Wesignedit.”

CurrantookitfromhishandandgaveittoTrisha.Shetookit.

“DidJimneedanything

else?”Curranasked,hisvoicecold.

“No.”Trisharealizedshewasbeingdismissed.“Goodluck.”

Sheturnedaroundandwalkedout.

Curranlookedatthecloseddoorforalongmoment.

“It’sokay,”Doolittlemurmured,hisvoicesoothing.“Comeon.Let’sget

yousometea...”Curranshookhishead.“Stayrighthere,”

Doolittlesaid,rollingtothedoor.“I’llberightbackwiththetea.”

ThedoorclosedbehindDoolittle.Foramomentnothinghappened,andthenCurran’sposeshifted.Tensiongrippedhisspineandhisshoulders.Helookedlikeamanbackedintoacorner,

outnumberedandinjured,resignedtohisfate,butgrimlydeterminedtostandhisground.Hisfacewasneutrallikeamask,buthiseyesweren’t.Theybrimmedwithpainandfear.

Oh,Curran.Ittriedtobendhim,and

hewasn’tusedtobending.Hedidn’tknowhowandhewasfightingit,butwhateveranxietychurnedinsidehim

nowwasslowlywinning.Itwoulddraghimdownandcrushhim.Allofhispower,will,andexplosivestrengthmeantnothingandheknewit.Helookedlikeamanatthedeathbedofsomeoneheloved.

Thatsomeonewasme.Iputhimthroughthis.

Iwasn’teventhatlovabletobeginwith.Iwasaselfishass,butsomehowsomethingI

didmadethismanloveme,deeplyandwithoutreservation.HeknewthingsaboutmethatIwoulddietokeepsecret.ItrustedhimmorethanItrustedanyoneinmylife.Imatteredtohim.HewassufferingandIwantedittostop.Iwantedtoseehimhappy.Ilovedhimsomuch.

ImeanttotellhimthatifhechasedTrishadownandbroughtherbackhere,I’d

punchherinthearmforhim.Imanagedoneword.“Bitch.”

Hepushedofffromthebedagainstwhichheleaned.Allsignsofworryvanishedfromhim.Heforcedaneutralexpressionontohisface.MyBeastLord.

“Come,”Iwhispered.Hecameovertomybed.“Closer...”Heleanedincloser.Ittookallofmywill.I

liftedmyhandandpunchedhisjaw.Itwasthesaddestpunchontheplanet.Myfingersbarelygrazedhisstubbleandthenmyarmgaveoutandfellbackonthebed.

Curranblinked.“Youlookedsad,”I

explained.“Isthisyoutryingto

cheermeup?”“Whatareyou...

going...todoaboutit?”I

asked.“YourWussiness?”Hetouchedhisindex

fingertomyforehead.Hisvoicewasrough.“Tap.You’reout,AssKicker.”

“Ileaveyoualoneforfiveminutesandyou’reinherepunchingeachotherandplayinggrab-ass,”Doolittlesaidfromsomewhereintheroom.“Iexpectthisfromyou,Kate,becauseyouhavenosense,butyou,youshould

knowbetter.Roughhousinginthehospital.Drinkyourtea.”DoolittlethrustoneoftheglassesatCurran.

Curranobedientlytooktheglassanddrainedit.

“Theteawasalie,”Itoldhimquietly.

Henodded.“Hespikesitwithasedative.”

Soheknewanddrankitanyway.“Whatkindofasedativetakesdown...a

shapeshifter?”“Idon’tknow.”Curran’s

facewasrelaxing.Hesatonmybed,movingverycarefully.“Hewon’ttellme.”

“Heneedsit,”Doolittlesaid.“Hehasn’tsleptsinceyougothere.”

“YougetyourteathroughyourIV,”Doolittletoldme.

“Nomoretea.Itmakesmeloopyandsad.”

“Iwouldbemost

appreciativeifyourefrainedfromtellingmehowtodomyjob.IfIneedsomeguidanceonhowtobestskewersomethingtwentytimesmysizeandgetmyselfnearlydeadintheprocess,I’llaskyou.Thereisonlyonemedmageinthisroom,andsinceIamthatmedmage,I’lldecidewhatmedicinetoadministerandwhen.Andforyourinformation,itisyour

headinjurythatistheculprit,notthesedative.”

“Bummer.”Ifeltoddlylightand

sleepy.“Liewithme,”I

whispered.Curranstretchedoutnext

tome.Ourarmsweretouching.Thesmellofhimdriftedover,sofamiliarandcomforting.

Curran’sfingersheldmy

hand,histhumbgentlystrokingmyskin.Irecalledthewayhetasted.Thefeelofhisbodyonmine.Theweightofit.Thestrengthofthearmswrappedaroundme.Hiseyes.Thewayhelookedatme...

“Staywithme,Kate,”hesaid.

“Iwill,”Ipromised.

CHAPTER

HEMAGICWAVEjoltedmeoutofmysleep,the

crushingheadacheafamiliaragonybynow.Thisone-nightstandwithmystrokehadlastedwaytoolong.Thepainwasintensebutmythoughtswerenolongerjumbled.Thecurrentofthecityhadpushedmeafewincheshigher.

IopenedmyeyestothemorninglightandsawDoolittlelookingatme.Curransatontheotherbed.

“Thisiswhatwe’vebeenwaitingfor.”Doolittlerolledhischairclosetome.

“Ohboy.”“Leave,please,”Doolittle

said.Curranroseandtooka

steptome.“Remembernow,”

Doolittlewarnedhim.“Wehaveanagreement.I’llholdyoutoit.”

Curransteppedtomybed.Hisarmsclosedaroundmeandhesqueezedmetohim.Mybonesgroaned.Hisvoicewasalowgrowl.“Iwillwaitforyou.Aslongasittakes.Evenifyouneverchoosetocomeback.Butit’syourchoice.”

Heletmego,turned,and

marchedout.Okay,then.Doolittleregardedme

withhisdarkeyes.“Yourbrainisverydelicate.Thinkofyourmindasaforestcrisscrossedbymanypathsalongwhichsignalstraveltoyourbody.Someareclear,somebecomeovergrownovertime,butallhaveformednaturally.Rightnowthesepathsaredamaged.Icanusemagictorestorethem.”

Isensedabig“but”coming.“But?”

“Thinkofmeasclear-cuttingthepathsbyforceinsteadofallowingthenaturaldevelopmenttotakeplace.Iwilldomyabsolutebest,butmypowerislimited.ThepathwaysIcreatewon’tmatchtheoldpathwaysprecisely.Ihavedonethispreviouslyonfourdifferentoccasions.I’verestored

functionand,inonecase,memorieslostduringanamnesia-inducingevent;however,oneofmypatientshadadrasticpersonalitychangeandtwoothersdevelopedsevereanxietyandreportedepisodesofdepersonalization,duringwhichtheyfeltunabletocontrolthemselves,asiftheeventstheyexperiencedwerehappeningtosomeoneelse.

Theyfeltdisconnectedfromrealityanddisconnectedfromtheirmemories.Oneofthemimprovedovertime.Theotherleftherfamilyandmovedoutofstate.Shehadfourchildren,asupportivehusband,andelderlyparents.Nobodyhasheardfromherinovernineyears.”

“Youareabucketofcheer,Doc.”

“Thereisanalternative,”

Doolittlesaid.“Youcouldletthehealingtakeplacegradually.Thereisapossibilitythatyourbrainwillrestoreitself.”

“Howbigapossibility?”“Asignificantpossibility.

Theonlyreasonyouarealiveandhaveregainedsomeminormotorfunctionisthatimmediatelyafterthetraumathatcausedthestrokes,thebloodvesselsinyourbrain

sealedthemselves.Theprocessofhealinghadalreadystartedbeforeyouwereeverbroughttome.Ibelievethatovertime,withmyhelp,youwillrecovermostofwhatyoulost.”

“Howlongwouldthattake?”

“Idon’tknow.”Doolittle’sleanedforward.“ButI’veobservedithappen.”

“Howlongdidittakeinthecasesyouobserved?”

“Threeyearstocompleterecoveryforonepatientandfourteenmonthsfortheother.”

Threeyears.“Howlongifyouhealme

now?”“Itwillbemiraculous,”

Doolittlesaid.“YouwillwalkoutofherewhenI’mfinishedandnodoubtrunstraightinto

anotherfoolishfight.”Thatwasagiven.“Iwantyoutoknowthat

youhaveachoice,”Doolittlesaid.“Curranis...Well,thereisareasonweallfollowedhim.Whenhewantssomething,hecanbeverypersuasive.”

“Youdon’tsay.”“Hewillabidebyyour

decision,Ipromiseyouthat.Hisfeelings,oranyoneelse’s

feelingsexceptyourown,donotmatterhere.Onlyyoucandictatethespeedofyourrecovery.Wedon’tfullyunderstandhowthemindworks,buteverythingwithinitisconnected.ThereisnoguaranteethatafterImitigatethedamage,youwillexperiencethesameemotionsyouoncefelttowardpeopleinyourlife.Curranwillwaitforyou.”

IfDoolittlehealedme,therewasachanceIwouldnolongerwanttobeme.HowhardmustithavebeenforCurrantowalkoutofthisroomandtakethatchance?

“Hewilltakecareofyouandhewon’tabandonyouifyouchoosetotakeyourtime.NeitherwillJulie.Iwillalwaysbehere.”

TherewasonlyonethingIcouldsaytothat.“Thank

you.”Hereachedoverand

gentlytouchedmyhand.Hissternmedmagecomposurebroke.“Youshouldn’thavelefttheKeep.Lookwhathappened.”

ItmademewanttocryandIdidn’tknowwhy.Isqueezedhishand.“YoureallythinkCurranwillwaitforme?”

“Hegavemehisword.

Trustme,heisn’tgoinganywhere.Heisallyours,soyes,hewillwait.”

“Butwillmyfather?”Doolittlesighed.“Whatwillhappenwhen

myfatherfindsoutIcan’tholdmysword?WillhewaitthreeyearsorwillheburnthecitytothegroundbecauseIcan’tstophim?”

“Itshouldn’tmatter,”Doolittlesaidgently.

“Butitdoes.”“You’vemadean

agreement.”“AndItrustthat

agreementonlybecauseI’mheretoenforceit.Heknowsthathispowerisn’tinfinite.InafighttothedeathIwillhurthimandthatworrieshim.Ineedtobecapableoffightinghim.Ican’tprotectthecityifIamnot.”

“Itisn’tthetimetoworry

aboutthecity,”Doolittletoldme.“Thisisthetimetoworryaboutyou.”

Thesilencestretchedbetweenus.Itwasn’tfair.Itwasn’tfairthataftereverythingwehadgonethrough,claimingthecitycouldcostmeeveryoneIloved.Itwasn’tfair,butliferarelywas.Goodpeopledied.Badpeoplehadhappylives.Thatwaswhysomeonehad

totakeastand,andthatsomeonewasme.

“Curranlovesme,”Isaid.“Nobodyinmypastlovedmethatmuch.Iseeitinhiseyes.Iwanthimtostaywithme.IwantJulietostaywithme.Iwantmyfamily.Iwantallofyou.”Iwoulddoanythingtokeepmyfamily.Anything,exceptbetrayeverythingIstoodfor.“ButIamalivebecausethecitysavedme.It

gavemeitsmagicwhenIwasdying.”

“Kate...”Doolittlesaidgently.“Thetechnologyhasbeenupthewholetime.”

“Iknow.Butallofus,everythingthatisalive,producesandstoresmagic.Weholdontoitevenduringthestrongesttechwave.That’swhyshapeshifterscanstillchangetheirform.Lastnight,whenIwasdying,

everylivingthingintheboundariesofthelandIclaimedsurrenderedatinyfractionofthatmagicandofferedittome.AndItookit.”Myvoiceshook.“Itookittosurvive.”

Doolittleopenedhismouth.

“Lookintomybrain.Youwillseeprogressthatshouldn’tbethere.I’mspeakingincomplete

sentences.”Ileanedforward.“Icould’veaskedformore.Icould’vetakenitalltohealmyself.Icould’vedrainedallofyoudry.”

Doolittle’seyeswidenedasthemeaningofmywordssankin.Icould’veunleashedablighttosavemyself.Herecoiled.

Webothknewwhathappenedtolivingcreatureswhenmagicwassuddenly

rippedawayfromthem.Ayearago,theLighthouseKeepers,aterroristorganizationobsessedwithbanishingmagic,unleashedadevicethatdidpreciselythatatPalmetto,asmalltownontheoutskirtsofAtlanta.Whenwegotthere,Palmettohadbecomeamassgrave.

Doolittleswallowed.“Rolandcan’tbeallowedtoclaimthisland.”

“Hewon’taslongasIlive.I’veassumedtheresponsibilityforit.I’mmeanttoprotectit.WeareboundnowbysomethingIdon’tfullyunderstand,butIknowthatthislanddidn’tsacrificeitsmagicsoIcouldlieinbedforthreeyearstakingmytime.Rightnowthereisacreatureoutthereterrorizingthecityandsendinghordesofghoulsto

doitsdirtywork.Itisimmunetomymagic,whichmeansitspowersandminehavesomethingincommon.Myfathercould’vesentithere.Ihavetostopit.Ican’tturnmybackonAtlanta.ItwouldmeanturningmybackonCurran,andJulie,andyou.Icaretoomuchaboutallofyou.Healmenow.”

Doolittleshookhishead,rubbinghiseyes.“OnceI

start,Iwillhavetofinish.Itwilltakealongtime,itwon’tbepleasant,andyoumaynotrecallanythingsurroundingthemomentofyourinjury.ThatIcannotheal.”

“Thankyou.”Hesighed.“Everyonehas

acrosstobear.”“AmIyours?”Henodded.“Ikeeptrying

todecideifit’sapunishmentorablessing.”

“Abitofboth.”Ismiled.“Youmightaswellbringhimback.Atleastwe’llbothknowwhatwe’reinforfromthestart.”

•••

ITFELTLIKEhundredsofspiderscrawlingthroughmybrain.Itmadetheinsideofmynoseitch.Occasionallytheytuggedonsomethingand

thennauseagrippedme.AfterIheavedforthefirsttime,Curranbroughtabigbucketforme.Itookitawayfromhim.Havinghimholditformewould’vebeengoingtoofar.Istillhadstandards.Nauseatedandweak,butwhatareyougoingtodo?

Thecontrolovermybodycamebackslowly.Itwaslikepushingagainstthecurrentofaverypowerfulfirehydrant

orwalkingunderwater,whileheavyblocksfellontomyheadfromabove.Sometimestheyslidintoplaceeffortlesslyandsometimestheylandedsohard,itfeltliketheyrippedthroughmybrain.Pasteventsexplodedinmyheadasifmymemorieshadsomehowgottenstuckinareplayloop.

Juliecryinginarestaurantovercrablegsandshrimp.

Andreadraggingmeouttolunch.

Thefloodkeptcoming,relentless.Theflare.Fomoriansrunningacrossthefield.

Mishmar.Greg’ssavagedbody.Myaunt.Livelong...

child.Livelongenoughtoseeeveryoneyoulovedie.Suffer...likeme.

Curran.Staywithme,

baby.Iwill.IpromiseIwill.AuntBdying.Curran.SwanPalace.Myfather....Death.Somuchdeath.So

manypeopleI’dkilled.SomanypeopleIcaredaboutwhohaddied.Somanycorpsesinmywake.

Youtrulyaremy

daughter.Wearegreatand

powerfulmonsters.Lovedemandssacrifices.Whenyoulovesomethingthewayyouloveyourpeople,Blossom,youmustpayforit.Oldpowersareawakening.Thosewhohaveslept,thosewhoweredead,orperhapsnotquitedead.

Ibentforwardunderthepressure.Somethinghot

slippedoutofmyeyesandIrealizedIwascrying.

Thisismycity.Thesearemypeople.

Iwillhuntyou.Iwillsucceed.Maybenotnow,butIwillnevergiveup.

“Done,”Doolittlesaid,hisvoicehoarsefromthestrain.

Curranputhisarmsaroundme.Itwassuchasimplegesture,buthistouch

pulledmeoutofthetangledchaosofmymemoriesbacktonow,anchoringmehere.

Thetwoofthemwerelookingatme.

“Hey,”Curransaidquietly.

Iswallowed.Myheadthrobbed.

“Diditwork?”CurranaskedDoolittle.

“Idon’tknow.”Doolittlesoundedtired.

Curranroseandhelduphishand.“Kickmyhand.”

Ipushedoffthebed.Theysaidwalkingwasjustcontrolledrhythmicfalling.Myfallingturnedouttobeuncontrolled.Ilandedonmyass.

Currandidn’tmove.Igotuptomyfeet.My

bodyfeltlikeanumblimbcomingbacktolife.

Isnappedacrescentkick.

I’dwhippeditwithmyhipanditwassofast,itblurred.Myfootslappedhishand.Hetookastepback.Hiseyesnarrowed.

“Tap,”Itoldhim.“Itworked,”Doolittle

CHAPTER

“W13

HAT’STHELASTthingyouremember?”Doolittleaskedme.

“Mypowerwordbackfiredforsomereason.Ithinkthebacklashofmagiccausedmystroke.Itriedtofreezethegiantandfailed.Therecoilfromithitmeanditfeltlikemyhead

exploded.”Ifeltoddlyflat.Asiftherewerenoemotionatallinme.

“Itdid,”Doolittlesaid.Curranwaswatchingme

carefully.“Itwastheworst

headacheofmylife.IthoughtIwasdying.”Itriedtoscroungeupmorememories.“Iwaskillingthegiant.Lagojumpedonit,butIhadalreadycuttheveininthe

giant’sneck.Wefell.Nothingafterthat.”Myvoicesoundedflattoo,asifitweresomeoneelsetalking.

“Youkilledthegiant.Lawenforcementshowedup.Hiscorpsestartedspittinglizards,”Curransaid.

“Howbig?Whatcolor?”Ittookhimaboutten

minutestobringmeuptospeed.ItwasFriday,March4,threeo’clockinthe

afternoon.IhadlostThursdayandagoodchunkofFriday,althoughIcould’veswornI’dbeeninthehospitalbedalotlonger.Thetwenty-four-hourdelaymighthavecostEduardohislife.

“NonewsonEduardo?”“No,”Curransaid.“Wherewereyou?I

thoughtyouandJulieweretrappedintheGuild.”

“Iwenttokillsome

ghouls,”Curransaid.“Youshould’velefta

note.”“Ishould’veleftanote,”

hesaid.Hisjawlinewastight.Ipushedoffthebedand

walkedtothebathroom.Mylegsobeyedme.Thelastremnantsoftheheadachelingered,buttheytoobegantomelt.Ibrushedmyteethandsplashedcoldwateronmyface,feelingnumband

somehowdisconnected,asifIwasn’ttrulyinmybodybutwasstandingnearby,watchingsomestrangewomanwashingherface.

“Youneedtobealert,”Doolittle’svoicefloatedtome.“Thereisnowaytodeterminehowmuchfunctionshehasrecovered.Shemaybecomedisoriented.Theremightbesharppersonalityfluctuations.NormallyI

wouldexpecthertopanic,butwebothknow...”

“Shewillprobablystabsomeoneinstead,”Curranfinished.

Iwipedmyfacewithatowelandlookedatmyselfinthemirror.Slowly,veryslowly,ahintofrecognitionstirredinme.Hi.MynameisKateDaniels.Nicetomeetyou.Icanstillkickpeopleinthehead.Iamstillme.Ihave

peopleIlovewholovemeback.Ihaveajobtodo.

Ifeltbetter.Mybodyhadbeenrestinginthehospitalbedforhours.Veryslowly,bitbybit,itbegantofeellikemeagain.IfeltfreshasifIhadgottenuponMondaymorningafteraveryrelaxingweekend.

Isteppedoutofthebathroom.

Doolittlerolledtothe

door.“Whereareyougoing?”I

asked.“I’mgoingtoliedown,”

hesaid.“BecauseIamoldandtired,andIhaveexceededmymonthlydoseofexcitement.Kate,nostrenuousactivity.Nofighting,nosex,andnopowerwords.Especiallynotagainstanygiants.Ifyourepeatthatexperience,itwill

killyou.Yourbrainisstillhealing.Don’tdoanythingthatcouldraiseyourbloodpressure.Comeandseemeinaweek.Idon’tknowwhyIprattleonbecauseI’msureyouwillignoreme.”

Icameoverandhuggedhim.

“Therenow.”Doolittleshookhishead.

“Thankyouforeverything.”

“Youlistentome.”Doolittlefixedmewithhisstare.“Idonotwanttoburyyou.Idon’twanttoseeyouinacoffin.Atsomepoint,nomatterhowstubbornyouare,youneedtostoptreatingyourbodyasifitwereaswordthatyoucanresharpeneverytimeitbreaks.”

“Ifitbreaks,sharpeningalonewon’tfixit.”

Doolittlemadean

annoyedgrunt.“Kate!Takecareofyourself.Ifyoudon’tcareaboutanoldmanlikeme,doitforthesakeofyourfuturehusbandandyourdaughter.”

“Nopowerwordsagainstthegiants,”Ipromised.

Heleft.Iclosedthedoorbehindmeandturned.

Curranstoodbythebed,hisarmscrossedonhischest.Iwalkedovertohim.

“Areyoubackorareyounot?”heaskedquietly.

“Somewhat.”“Kate.”Thewayhesaidmyname

mademewanttoreachoutandtouchhim.

“Ineedtoknowwhereweare.”Hisgrayeyeshadgrowndark,notangrybutresigned.“Areweokay?Arewecompletestrangers,areweonafirstdate,orarewe

goinghometogethertonight?”

Isteppedclosertohimandkissedhim.Foramomenthedidn’trespond,andthenheopenedhismouthandpulledmetohim,grippingme.Ilickedhistongue,lettinghistastewashoverme.Anticipationfloodedme.Thisfeltright.Hewasmine.MyCurran.I’dalmostlosthim,butI’dfoughtfor

himandherehewas,lovingme.Islidmyhandsuphischestandaroundhisneck.Westoodlocked,intertwined,almostone,tastingthesametaste,breathingthesamebreath,andinthismomentIfeltwhole.

Ifeltonfire.Hethrusthistongueinto

mymouth,pressingitagainstmine,hisbodysohardandstrongagainstme,hisskin

hot,hishandsroamingmyback,slidingloweralongthecurve,andcuppingmybutt.Hekissedme,hardandravenous,drinkingmein.Everystrokeofhistongueagainstminemademecrazierandcrazier.Islidmyhandsintohisshorthair,pressingintohim.Iwantedittolastforever,tostaylikethis,wrappedupinhim,whole,loved,andwanted.Ineeded

more.Peoplerosefrommy

memories:myadoptivefather,Greg,mybiologicalfather...Getlost,allofyou.Heismine.Iwanthim,Ipickedhim,andheismine.Idon’thavetojustifyittoyouoranyoneelse.Ifyoudon’tlikeit,pissoff.

Webrokeapart.Hiseyeswerefullofgoldensparks.Whateverrestraintsheldhim

back,Ihadjusttornintopieces.Hisgazeshould’vemeltedtheclothesrightoffmybody,andIhadnoideawhytheywerestillthere.Iraisedmychinandhedippedhisheadtomyneck.Histeethnippedtheskinthere,sendingdeliciousshiversdownmyspine.

“Loveme,”Iwhispered.“Lovemeandwe’llbeokay.”

Hishandsroamedmy

body,caressing,stokingtheneedinmewitheverybrushofhishardfingers.Heinhaledmyscent.Igroundagainsthimandfeltthelonghardlengthofhimbehindthefabricofhisjeans.Yes.Please.

Someoneknockedonthedoor.

“What?”Curransaid,hisvoiceeven.

Ikissedthesensitivespot

underhisjaw,tastinghisskinandthefaintscratchofstubble.Itdrovehimnuts.Irememberedthat,too.

Hiseyeswentcompletelygold.

“YouwantedanupdateontheGuild,”Dereksaidthroughthedoor.

Goddamnit.“They’rehavinga

meetinginanhour.Also,Trishasayswehavehalfan

hourtocleartheKeepbeforeitcausesissues.Theyarehavingtroublecontainingthefactthatwe’rehere.

“Curran?”Derekcalled.“Wegotit.”Withalow

growl,Curranletgoofme,lookingasifitphysicallyhurthimtostepaway.

“Hehastheworsttiming,”Isaid.“Always.”

“It’shissuperpower.”Currangrimaced.“Wehave

tostopanyway.Idon’twantyoutoregretthislater.AndIdon’twantyourheadtoexplode.”

“Really?You’resogoodthatmyheadwouldexplode?”

Ittookhimamoment.Hisexpressionchangedfromintensetospeculative.“It’sapossibility.I’mnotadoctor,butDoolittlesaysitcouldhappen.”

“That’salotofexpectationtoliveupto.”

“Iexceedexpectations.”Somodest,too.“Doyouwanttogo

home?”heasked.“No.Iwanttogotothe

GuildandthenIwanttofindEduardo.”Andkickhiskidnapper’sassoutofthiscity.

Hepulledabagfromundermybed.“Yourgear.I

hadDerekstopbythehouse.”Ieasedthebagopenand

sawmybelt,mythrowingknives,myoldbeat-upjeans,andabagwiththestrangedirtyglasswehadfoundbyEduardo’scar.“Iloveyou.”

Hesqueezedmetohim,kissedmyforehead,andbreathedinthescentofmyhair.Thereliefwassoplaininthewayhetouchedme.

“It’sokay,”Itoldhim.

“Iknow.”Hisvoicewasquiet.“Iwillalwaysbethere.IwillwalkacrossthewholeplanetifIhaveto.”

Iclosedmyeyesandwhispered,“I’llmeetyouhalfway.”

Acoupleofminuteslaterweemergedintothewaitingroom.Derekwasslouchingagainstawall.JuliesatnexttoAscanio.ThesameAscaniowho’dtoldherI

mightendupparalyzedorwithamnesiaandthatIwantedtogohometodie.

Juliesawmeandjumpedtoherfeet.Ascaniograbbedherhand,tryingtoholdherback.

Amnesia,huh.Well,let’sseehowitplaysout.

“Idon’tknowwhoyouare,”Itoldhim.“Butdon’ttouchmykid.”

Surpriseslappedhisface.

HeletgoandJuliehuggedme.Ihuggedherback.

“Areyouokay?”Julieasked.

“I’mokay.”Itoldher.“I’mnotgoinganywhere.I’mnotleavingyou.Yougotit?”

“Igotit.”Shenodded.We’dtalkaboutitmorelaterwhenweweren’tinfrontofotherpeople.Somethingswerebetterdiscussedinprivate.

CurranwasmovingandIwalkednexttohim.WehadtogetthehelloutoftheKeepassoonaswecould.

DerekandJuliefellinbehindus.Ascaniochasedme.“Kate!It’sme.”

“‘Me’isaterriblename,”Itoldhim.“Youshouldaimforatleastthreeletters.”

“Ascanio!Youhavetorememberme.”

Ishookmyhead.“Nope.”

“It’snotfair!”hedeclared.

“Yes,makeitallaboutyou,”Julietoldhim.

Ascaniostopped.“Iwillmakeyourememberme!”hecalled.

Thefourofuskeptgoing.“Youdorememberhim?”

Juliewhispered.“Ofcourse,Iremember

him.”Shesnickered.

“WhereisBarabas?”Curranasked.

“HesaidhewouldbeattheGuildincasewedecidedtoattendtheirmeeting,”Dereksaid.“Hepackedusacarepackage.It’sinmycar.”

“Good,”Curransaid.“We’llneedtostopbythe

SteelHorsetopickuptheClerk,”Iadded.WalkingintotheGuildwiththeClerkwouldbelikesucker-

punchingBobrightinthegut.“Didyougetalookatthe

giant?”IaskedJulie.“Yes.”“Whatcolorwasthe

magicofthecorpse?”“Bronze,”shesaid.“Just

liketheTahoe.”That’swhatIthought.

“Let’stalkmoreinthecar.”Weopenedthebigdoors.

Sixpeoplebarredourway.Irecognizedtwo.TheBeast

Lord’spersonalguard.Currandidn’tevenslow

down.“Um...”oneofthemen

said.“Move,”Curransaid.Theymoved.Weheaded

downthehallway.Apetitewomanturnedthecornerandrushedtowardus,adjustingherlargeglasses.Dali.Hey,Irecognizedher.Scoreoneforme.

“Wait.”Daliblockedourpath.“Kate,you’rewalking?”

“Yes.”Andkicking.“Canyoutellmewhat’s

goingon?Iknowthatwhateveryou’redoingisconnectedtothePack,butJimisduckingme.”

“We’rehandlingit,”Currantoldher.

“I’mnotaskingyou.”Daliturnedtome.“What’sgoingon?”

IntheolddaysIwould’vewalkeddownthehallwayandmadesurenobodycouldhearussoIwouldn’tcauseanincident,butIwasnolongertheConsortandIdidn’tgiveashit.“EduardoismissingandMahonwon’tlookforhimbecausehedoesn’tthinkEduardowouldmakeaproperson-in-law.GeorgeaskedJimtohelp,buthedoesn’twanttooverstephis

authority.”Daliblinkedandturnedto

thepersonalguard.“Rodney.GoandgetEduardo’sfileforme.”

“Ican’t.”Thebigshapeshifterarrangedhisfaceintoanapologeticexpression.“Jimwon’tlike—”

Dalileanedforward,herstaredirectandheavy.“Idon’tcarewhatJimlikes.Doit.”

Rodneyhesitated.“Whatareyouwaiting

for?”Daliasked.Hervoicemadeitclearshewasn’tinterestedinananswer.

“He’swaitingforan‘or,’”Itoldher.

“What?”“Usuallythereisan‘or’

attachedtothiskindofthreat.Doitorsomethingbadhappens.”

“Hedoesn’tgetan‘or.’”

AfaintgreensheenrolledoverDali’sirises.“Thereisno‘or.’Doit.BecauseIsaidso.”

Rodneyduckedhishead.“Yes,Alpha.”

Wewatchedhimretreatdownthehallway.

“You’regettinggoodatthis,”Itoldher.

Sheshrugged.“Ifigureditout.Mostpeoplewilldojustaboutanythingyoutell

themtodo,ifyouactwithauthority,givethemnochoice,andaccepttheresponsibilityfortheiractions.That’skindofscary,isn’tit?”

•••

GETTINGTHECLERKoutoftheSteelHorseprovedtoberidiculouslyeasy.CurranandIwalkedinthereandsatat

thebar.TheClerkwasdryingshotglasseswithatowel.Hewasatrimmiddle-agedmanwithlightbrownhair.Hewould’vebeenagoodbartender.Helikedtolistentopeople.

“Kate.Longtimenosee.”TheClerkeyedus.“Whatwillitbe?”

“Youlikebeingabartender?”Iasked.

“Ithasitsmoments,”he

said.“It’sacomplicatedbusiness.Havetokeeptrackofsuppliers.Havetodealwithcustomers.”Hedidn’tsoundespeciallyenthusiastic.

“WhatdidyoumakeattheMercenaryGuild?”Curranasked.

“Fortygrand.”“I’llpayyousixtyifyou

comeback.”TheClerkpulledthe

toweloffhisshoulderand

calledtotheback.“Hey,Cash?Iquit.”

Aswewalkedoutofthebar,theClerksmiled.“Iwould’vedoneitforless.”

“Idon’twantyoutodoitforless,”Curransaid.“Youneedtobepaidwhatyou’reworth.IfyougettheGuildrunning,we’lltalkaboutaraise.”

TheClerksmiledwider.“I’llholdyoutoit.”

NowhewasfollowingourJeepinhistruck.Onesmallvictoryatatime.

Currandrove.Themagicwasinfullswingandtheengineroared,butthesoundproofinginthecabindampenedthenoiseenoughso,eventhoughwehadtoraiseourvoices,wecouldcarryonaconversation.

“Hereiswhatweknow,”Isaid.“Theghoulsoriginate

inancientArabia.Sodothewolfgriffinsandthewindscorpions.Beforethegriffin,theOswaldswereattackedbyagianttick,butticksareuniversal.They’reoneverycontinent,exceptprobablyAntarctica,andIwouldn’trulethatoutcompletelyeither.SoitcouldhavebeenatickfromArabia.”

“Whataboutthelizards?”Julieasked.

“Ican’trememberwhattheylookedlike,becauseoftheheadtrauma,butit’spossibletheyareazdaha.”

“Whatareazdaha?”Derekasked.

“Azdaha.Persiandragons.TheoldIranianmythosisfullofdragonslayers.”

ThislineofreasoningwaspointingmetoaverytroublingconclusionandIwastryingtodomybestto

holdupdenialasashield.“Thereisapattern,”

Curransaid.“Everythingisconnectedbytheplaceoforigin.”

“Yes.Also,reanimativemetamorphosisisrare.Tohavetwooccurrencesofitsoclosetogetherisveryrare.Iwouldbetmyrightarmthatwhoeverisbehindthewolfgriffinandghoulsisalsobehindthegiantandthe

azdaha.”“WeneedtogetJulieto

yourfriendthewizard,”Curransaid.

“YoumeanLuther?”Henodded.“Yousaid

theyquarantinethebodies.Wouldhekeepthewindscorpiononice?”

KnowingLuther?Yes,hewouldkeepitoniceandscrewwithituntilsomeonehigheruplosttheirpatience,

tookitawayfromhim,andsetitonfire.IknewwhatCurranwasthinking.Ifthewindscorpionalsoemittedbronze-coloredmagic,wewouldhaveconfirmationthateverythingwe’dencounteredsofarwasconnected.

“LutherpromisedmeaccesstoMitchell.”IglancedatJulieovermyshoulder.“WouldyouliketogotothePADmorguewithmetolook

atweirdremainsandthenvisitthePAD’spetghoul?”

Juliewrinkledhernose.“IcoulddothatorspendtheeveningwritinganessayforContemporaryEnglishonanextremelyboringbookaboutpeoplelivinginapre-Shiftsmalltown,whichhasabsolutelynobearingonmylifeandhelpsmenotatall.Idon’tknow,bothoptionsaresoenticing...”

“Ithinkthisnewschoolmadeyoursassevenworse,”Isaid.

“Youmademeworse,”Juliesaid.“I’myourpunishment.”

Ishookmyhead.“Anyway,everythingwe’verunacrosswhiletryingtofindEduardocomesfromArabianmythology,whichmeansitcomesfromthesamegeographicalregionasmy

magic.Sameasmyfather’smagic.”

“YouthinkRolandisbehindthis?”Curranasked.

“Idon’tknow.Idoknowthatthegiantwasimmunetomypowerwords.Mymagicbouncedoffitandtherewashelltopay.Ican’triskusingapowerwordagainstthiscreatureagainormyheadwillexplode.”

“Wejustlostoneofour

biggestguns,”Dereksummedup.

“Notnecessarily,”Curransaid.

“Ican’tattackitwithpowerwordsdirectly,butIcanattacktheenvironmentaroundit.Mymagicdoesn’tworkonlyagainstthecreatureitself.Iusedapowerwordonghoulswhowereclearlyansweringthiscreature’scall,anditworked

asintended.”“Why?”Derekasked.“Becausetherearesome

verykeydifferencesbetweentheghouls,thegriffin,andthegiant,”Isaid.“Let’sassumethatsomebeing,someSummoner,isbehindallofthis.Hehassomesortofagenda,butheislimitedbecausehecanonlyaccomplishhisgoalsduringmagic,sohesomehowfindsa

waytocontroltheghoulsandusesthemtodohisbidding.MypowerwordsworkagainstthembecausewhiletheyareundertheSummoner’scontrol,theystillretaintheirownmagic.”

“Thatmakessense,”Dereksaid.

“Good.Now,agriffinisasummoning,somethingtheSummonerpulledoutofthinair.It’sanexpressionofhis

magic,somypowerwordsmayormaynotworkonit.Idon’tthinkthegiantisasummoning,becausehewasclearlywearinganobjectofpower.Itwasshiny.Isawitinhisear.Ithinkitmighthavebeenapieceofjewelryofsomesort.”

“Howdoyouknowitwasanobjectofpower?”Julieasked.“Maybeitwasjustsomerandomearring.”

“Becausethegiantwasnakedexceptforitanditwasclearlytoosmallforhim.Thatobjectmostlikelyturnedhimintoagiant,andheprobablystartedoutasaperson,notasummoning.Forthatkindoftransformationtotakeplace,theSummonerwouldhavetoimbuethehumanbodywithhispowercompletely.”

“Igetit,”Juliesaid.“The

Summonerpossessedthepersonandturnedhimintoagiant,whichmakesthegiantanavatar.It’salmostasiftheSummonerhimselfbecamethegiant.”

“Exactly.Mypowerwordsworkonthecreatureshecontrols,theymightworkonthecreatureshesummons,buttheysureashelldon’tworkonhimdirectly.”

“Nopowerwords,”

Curransaid.“Iagree,”Juliesaid.“Ihavenoplanstouse

powerwordsunlessIabsolutelyhavenochoice.”ImadeamentalnotetoaskLutheriftheobjectofpowerhadbeenrecovered.ItfeltlikeIwasmissingsomething,somevitalpiece,butwhenIreachedforit,Ifoundnothing.

“Idon’tunderstandwhy

heattackedtheGuild.”Derekgrimaced.“Whatwasthepoint?”

“Revenge,”Curransaid.“Lookatitfromhispointofview.First,hedecideshehassomethingagainstcatsandstartsattackingtheOswaldfamily.Hesummonsatick.Eduardo,amerc,comesandkillsit.ThenKateandIkillsomeofhisghouls.Thenhesummonsawolfgriffin,and

twomercsfromtheGuildkillit.Heturnsthegriffinintoawindscorpion,andKateandI,whohadjustcomefromtheGuild,killit.Thenyou,Ascanio,Julie,andIgointotheMARTAtunnelsandkillmoreofhisghouls.IfIwerehim,I’dbepissedoffandcomeovertotheGuildtomakethemercspayandtomakesuretheystoppedscrewingwithme.”

“TheproblemwithourtheoryisthatEduardodoesn’tfit,”Isaid.

“Whynot?”Derekasked.“Theydidn’tkillhim,”

Curransaid.“IfEduardojusthappenedtobetargetedbecausehewasamerc,thanwhynotjustkillhim?Whygothroughthetroubleofkidnappinghim?What’ssospecialaboutEduardo?”

“Wewon’tknowuntilwe

pullhisotherjobsfromtheGuild,”Isaid.Andtodothatweneededtwothings:fortheClerktohelpus,andfortherestoftheGuildtolooktheotherway.EverythinghingedontheGuild,onewayortheother.

CurranturnedontoPhoenixDrive.ThetopflooroftheGuildwasinruins,itsrooflineraggedandbroken,butallofthedebrisfromthe

parkinglotwasgone.Thewreckedcarsandchunksofthebuildinghadvanished.Aninchofsilverypowdercoveredthestreet.

“TheMSDUdidashakeandbake,”Isaid.

Curranglancedatme.“Theytorchedthe

contaminatedgroundandsaltedit.”

Saltwasauniversaldetergentforallthingsmagic.

Whenyoudidn’tknowwhatsortofmagicyouweredealingwith,youhadtwooptions.Youcouldsetthecontaminatedobjectonfireoryoucouldburyitinsalt.MSDUusuallyoptedforboth,whichwasknownasashakeandbake.Theyhadexcellentflamethrowersandtherehadtobetruckloadsofsaltonthestreet.Ifanythingmagicalsurvivedthat,I

wouldbesurprised.“Okay,putyourgame

faceson,”Itoldthekids.Weparkedontheside.I

grabbedthebagBarabashadgivenDerekforourshow-and-tellattheGuild.Currangotoutofthecarandswunghiscloakon.ThecloakwasBarabas’sidea.Big,black,andedgedwithblackfeathers,itwasgatheredonCurran’srightshoulder.The

PackhadmadeitforhimafterherippedofftheRavengod’sheadduringtheflare.Heneverworeit.BarabashadsentitinviaDerekwithmychangeofclothesandanoteforCurranthatsaid,Wearit,please.Itforcedyoutofocusonhisface,andyoudidn’twanttolookatthatfaceortoseethepowerinhiseyes.CurrantheGodkiller.

TheClerkcaughtupwith

us,hisexpressionstretchingashesurveyedthedamage.“Jesus.Icametoseeityesterdaybutcouldn’tgetclose.Theauthoritieshadtheplacecordonedoff.”

“We’llputitbacktogether,”Itoldhim.“Likenew.”

“Better,”Curransaid.WewalkedtotheGuild.

Thesaltcrunchedunderourfeet.

Thelong-sufferingmetaldoorsoftheGuildwereopenaboutafoot.Somehalfheartedattempthadbeenmadetopushthemtogether.Itmust’vetakenseveralpeople,becausetheedgesofthedoorsleftscrapemarksonthesaltedpavement.

“Youshoulddothedramaticdoor-openingthing,”ItoldCurran.

“Wouldyouliketosee

medothedramaticdoor-openingthing?”

“Yes,Iwould.Verymuch.”

Aquicksmilebenthislips.Wepickedupspeed.Wewerealmostmarchingnow.Amercstuckhisheadoutofthegap,sawus,anddisappeared.

Wereachedthedoors.Currandidn’tevenslowdown.Heraisedhisarms.Hishandshitthedoors.He

pushedandtheyswungopenwithametalgroan,scrapingthefloor.

Currankeptwalking.Myscary,scarybastard.

WewalkedintotheGuildHall.Thefloorhadbeenstrippedbare.Mostoftheroofwasgoneandopenskyrosehighaboveus.Thiswouldtakesomuchwork.Workandmoney.

Mercssatandstoodby

thewalls.IsawBarabasstandingtotheleft.Ourstaresconnectedandhesmiled.

InthemiddleofthefloorstoodMark;BobCarver;Ivera,whowastheonlyothermemberoftheFourHorsemenintheAssembly;Rigan,abigblondbearofamanwholookedlikeheaccidentallygotleftbehindbysomeVikingraiders;andSonia,agracefulAfrican

Americanwomanmuscledlikeafencer.Ohgood.TheGuildAssemblywasallhere.

Everybodylookedatus.Marksparedusaglanceandturnedbacktothecrowd.Hissuitsataskewonhisframe.Histiehungloosearoundhisneck.Helookedfeverish.

“Foryears,Iranthishellhole.Ibabysatyouridiotfounder,”Marksaid.

Facesturnedgrim.

InsultingSolomonRed’smemorywasn’tagoodmove.

“Ibargainedwithsuppliers.Igotyouthebig-ticketcontracts.IhandledtheVIPclients.TheMalinovcontract?Igotthatforyou.TheHorowitzjob?Iarrangedthat.NotSolomonRed.NottheClerk.Ididthat.”

Ohgoody.We’dcaughthiminthemiddleofhis“I’maspecialsnowflake”speech.

“That’sbullshit,”Rigansaid.“IwasontheHorowitzjob.Theywouldn’teventalktousuntilSolomonconvincedthemweweregood.”

Markspuntohim.Hiseyesnarrowed.“Youknowwhat,Rigan?”Hetookadeepbreath.

Waitforit...Waitforit...

“Fuckyou!”

Thereitis.“Fuckallofyou.”Hewasgoingtowalk.I

couldfeelit.Bobknewittoo,becausehewasn’ttalking.Unlikethree-quartersofthepeoplepresent,BobalsoknewthatrunningtheGuildwithoutMarkwouldbealmostimpossible.

“I’mdonedefendingmyself.I’mdonejustifyingmyself.Thisplaceisfinished.

Finished!”Markgrinned.“Well,I’mnotgoingdownwiththissinkingship.Igotmyselfajob.Iamdone.”

“Whatthehellarewesupposedtodo?”oneofthemercscalledout.

“Idon’tgiveagoddamncrapwhattherestofyoushit-sniffinganimalsaregoingtodo.Iamout.IjustwantedtoletyouallknowhowmuchIhateeachandeverysingle

oneofyou.RotinhellforallIcare.”

Markturnedtoleave.“Wait,”Bobcalled.

“Whataboutyourshares?”Markspunaround.“You

wantmyshares,Bob?”Hegiggled.“Isthatit?MyworthlesssharesthatyouandyourNeanderthalsdrovefromtwohundredandsevendollarspersharetofifty-sixcents?You’renotgetting

them,Bob.Ialreadysoldthem.AndIgotabovemarketvalue,too.Enjoytherestofyourlivesinthisbusted-assruin.”

Markbowedwithaflourish,turned,andtookoff.

Silencereigned.“Whoboughthisshares?”

Soniaasked.“Idid,”Barabassaid.Everyonelookedat

Barabas.BobCarverhadthe

expressionofamanwhowasfeverishlycalculatinghisodds.

“I’minvokingtheDonationsandCharitableContributionsprovision,”Isaid.“ThelastentryunderMembershipPowersintheManual.”

Everyonelookedatme.Iraisedmybag.“Iam

donatingtwentythousanddollarstotheGuildtobeused

onlytofundtheClerk’ssalaryandthesalaryforanassistantofhischoiceforthenexttwomonths,iftheGuildiswillingtoreinstatehim.”

“Youcan’tdothat,”Bobsputtered.“Youcan’tjustbuyyourwayin.”

“Yes,shecan,”Rigansaid.“Hell,yes,shecompletelycan.”

Bobturnedtohim.“Wehadadeal.”

“Yourdealdidn’tmentionherdonatingmoney.Whatthedevildoyouthinkthisis,theOrder?”Riganturnedtothecrowd.“Raiseyourhandifyouworkhereforfree.”

Nobodymoved.“Whoherewantstoget

paid?”Aforestofhandswentup.

It’snicewhentheydoyourworkforyou.

“Threeofmylast

paycheckswereshort,”Soniasaid.“Three!I’msickofit.”

BobturnedtoIvera.Sheshrugged.

“Whyarewestilltalkingaboutthis?”Riganasked.“ImovetoreinstatetheClerk.Allinfavor?”

Hethrusthishandup.Soniajoinedhim.Iveraraisedherhand.Bobhesitated,buthishandwentup.VotingagainsttheClerkinfrontof

thewholeGuildwouldslamthelidonthecoffinofhisleadership.

“Majority,”Riganannounced.“You’rereinstated,Clerk.”

Someoneinthebackclapped.Thecrowdcaughtit,andthehalleruptedwithstomps,applause,andwhistles.

TheClerkmadealittlebow.

“Alright,alright,”Bobyelled.‘Wehavebiggerproblems.Likenodamnroof.”

“Underthecorporationprovision,Irequesttoenrollthreepeopleasmyauxiliaries,”Isaid.

“Thiscanwait.”Bobglaredatme.

“No,itcan’t,”Itoldhim.“LasttimeIchecked,

Daniels...”Bobstarted.

“Shekilledthegiant,”awomancalledout.“Shecuthisneck.Lagotookthecredit,butIsawherdoit.”

Lagotookthecredit?Soundedlikesomethinghewoulddo.AndIdidn’trememberabitofit.Must’vehappenedbetweenthegiantfallingandthelizardsCurrantoldmeabout.

“Whatdoesthathavetodowithanything?”Bob

yelled.“Ifitweren’tforher,the

Guildwouldn’tbestanding,”thewomananswered.“Letherdoherthing.”

“Wherewereyou,Bob?”anothermerccalledout.

“Iwasonthejob,”Bobbarked.

“Lethertalk.”AlixSimossteppedforward.Thatwasunexpected.Ibarelyknewhim.

“Whoareyouenrolling?”Soniaaskedme.

“Him,him,andhim.”IpointedtoCurran,Derek,andBarabas.

“No,”Bobsaid.“Don’tyousee?She’susingittoavoidthestopgap.”

Barabasopenedhismouth.Ishookmyhead.ItwouldbebetterifIsaidit.

“Bob,it’snotuptoyou.I’vebeenregisteredasa

corporatememberforoverayear.Icanenrollmyauxiliariesanytime.”

“She’sright,”theClerksaid.

“You’llbeliableiftheyscrewup,”Bobsaid.

“Fine,you’reenrolled,”Soniasaid.“TheClerkwilldothepaperwork.”

Bobspreadhisarms.“What?”Soniagavehim

alook.“Iwanttoseewhere

thisisgoing.Thethreeofyouarein.”

Isteppedback.Barabassteppedforward.“CuttingEdgeinvokestheDonationsandCharitableContributionsprovision.Inaccordancewithfinanciallimits,CuttingEdgedonates$150,000totheGuild,$50,000perauxiliarymember,tobeearmarkedasfollows:$18,000fortherepairoftheroof,$10,000for

therepairoftheinterior,$12,000tosettletheoutstandingbalancesonutilitybills...”

Hekeptgoing.Howhadheevenmanagedtofigureoutallofthisinlessthanforty-eighthours?WitheachitemBob’sexpressiondarkenedalittlemore.

“...andfinallytheremaining$16,000torestockthesupplyofammunitionfor

theweaponsroom.Intheinterestsofmakingsurethemoneyisdistributedasassigned,CuttingEdgedesignatesmeasthetreasurerforthesefunds.”

“Allinfavorofgrabbingthismoneybeforetheychangetheirmindandappointingthatguytohandlealltheadmincrapwithit?”Riganasked.

“Don’tyousee?”Bob

pointedatCurran,wholoomednexttoBarabasinhisdarkcloak.“It’shim.He’sbankrollingit.”

“Idon’tgiveaflyingsnakewhoisbankrollingit,”Soniatoldhim.“It’smoney,Bob!Moneyinhand!”

Bobgroundhisteeth.“Weallfoughtforthisspot.Weearnedit.Youcan’tjustletanoutsidercomeinandtakeitover.He’sbuyinghis

wayin.”“Wouldyoucareto

explainhowexactlyIamanoutsider?”Iasked.“That’smeanofyou,Bob.Myfeelingsareallinjured.”

Thecrowdsnickered.RiganturnedtoBob.“He

isn’taskingforanything.”Bobopenedhismouth

andclampeditshut.Yep,you’vejustbeen

outmaneuvered.Currandidn’t

askforanypositionintheGuildexceptforthatofanordinarymerc.

Curransmiled.“Themanisgivingus

magicmoneywithnostringsattached,”Rigansaid.“Hehasn’taskedforanyspecialpower.Heisn’tbargainingwithus.He’sjustofferingusmoney.Doyouhavemoney,Bob?Ifyouwanttogiveus150K,I’lluseyoursinstead.

Hell,I’lluseanybody’smoneytogetgigscomingintotheGuildagain.”

“Let’svote,”Soniasaid,andraisedherhand.

Riganputhishandup.Iverahesitated.

“Ivera,shit,piss,orgetoffthepot,”Rigansaid.

Mercs,peopleofgenteeldispositionandrefinedmanners.

Iveraraisedherhand.Bob

shotheraninjuredlook.“Weneedthemoney,”

Iverasaidquietly.“Done.”Riganrubbedhis

handstogether.“Wejustpassedthebudgetforthenexttwomonths.”

Bobspatonthefloorandwalkedout.Iverafollowedhim.Wrongmove.He’djustgivenCurrantherunofthefield,andCurranwouldn’twastetheopportunity.

CurranponderedBob’sspit.“Weneedtocleanthisplaceup.Grabashovelorabroom,andlet’sgo.”

“I’mnotajanitor,”Paula,oneofthemercs,calledout.

Curranturnedtoher.“Funny,I’mnotajanitoreither.Althoughthatdependsonwhoyouask.SometimesIendupcleaningupotherpeople’smesses.Butwe’veallbeenthere.That’swhat

beingamercis,right?”“Youwouldn’tknow,”

Paulasaid.Curranglancedather.“I

takeityoucometousfromaprivilegedbackground.”

Pauladrewback.“That’snoneofyourbusiness.”

“Idon’tcomefrommoney,”Curransaid.Hisvoicerolled,fillingthespace.“EverythingIhaveImadewithmyowntwohands,and

Ihavetoworkhardeverydayforit.”

“EvenDaniels?”anothermercasked.

Thatgotsomegiggles.Currancrackedasmile.Itwasabright,infectioussmile.“EspeciallyDaniels.Iworktokeepherdaily.Otherwiseshewouldn’tputupwithme.”

Morelaughs.“IthoughtIwasgoingto

berichatonepoint,butwhen

Ileftmypeople,insteadofpayingme,theygavemesharesinthisGuild.”

“Yougotsuckered,”someonecalledout.

“That’swhattheythought,too,”Curransaid.“TurnsoutIsuckeredthem.Ithinkthisplaceisacashcow.”

Peoplelaughed.“Youneedtohaveyour

headexamined,”Paula

volunteered.Heignoredher.“I’mnot

heretomakespeechesortorunanything.I’vebeenthereanddonethat.IhaveafamilynowandI’mhereforonlyonereason.I’mheretomakemoney.”

Hehadsaidthemagicwords.Theywerelisteningnow.

“WhenIhiresomeone,Ilookatthetoolsofhistrade

andhisplaceofwork.IfIamhiringanelectrician,Iwanthershoptobecleanandorganizedandhertoolstobeingoodrepair.IfIamhiringakiller,Iwanttoknowhehasrespectforhisjobandhisweapon.Lookaroundyou.Thereisgarbageonthefloor.Dirt.Oldfood.Theplacedoesn’tsmelltoogoodandlooksworse.”

Themercslookedabout,

asifseeingtheGuildforthefirsttime.

“IfIwalkedthroughthatdoorrightnowandsawthis,Iwouldn’thireus.Welookweak.Welooksloppy.”Curranshookhishead.“Judgingbythisplace,youcouldnevertellthatthisisaguildofskilledtradesmen.Becausethat’swhatyouare.Youputyourlifeonthelineeverydaytomakeabuckand

tohelppeople.NoteveryJoeBlowcandothisjob.Thisisjustasmuchaguildasanelectricians’ormasons’guild,exceptthatwhenamemberofthisguildscrewsup,insteadofthepowergoingoutorthebuildinglookingcrooked,peopledie.”

Theywerehangingonhiseverywordnow.

“Youdeservebetterthantocometoworkingarbage.

Oncethegigsstartcomingin,we’llhirejanitorsandwe’llpaythemwell,becausewe’llhavethemoneytospare.Butforsomeonetohireus,hehastomakeitthroughthefrontdoorwithoutgagging.Besides,that’smykidoverthere.”HenoddedatJulie.“Idon’twanthertothinkthatIworkinadump.SoI’mgoingtogetoffmyassandcleanthisplaceup.Ifyouaretoo

wellbredtotakeprideinthisplaceorifyouaretooscaredofdirt,Idon’tmind.Gositoutofthewaywiththerestofthespecialsnowflakes.”

•••

FIFTEENMINUTESLATERIstoodnexttotheClerkashepulledthelistofEduardo’sjobs.Iwasfeelinglight-headed.Myleftsideitched

allover.ButiftheseweretheworstsideeffectsIgot,Iwouldbethrilled.

TheGuildhadturnedintoabustlinghive.Trashwasbeingswept,debriswasbeingshoveledintowheelbarrowsand,acrossthefloor,Curransingle-handedlypickeduphugechunksofbrickworkthathadfallenoffthewallsandcarriedthemoutside.

“Hereiseverything.”The

Clerkhandedmeahandwrittenlist.

Iscannedit.Routine,routine,routine...NothingevenremotelypointingtoArabianmythology.Nothinginthatparticularsubdivision.Thislookedlikeadeadend...Eduardohadworkedalotinthesefewweeks.Didheeversleep?

Wait.Ipointedtoanentryon

thefifthofFebruary.“Itsaysherehedeclinedagig.”

Clerkcheckedthelist.“Irememberthat.Hetookajobinthemorning,camebacktwohourslater,anddroppedit.”

Droppingagigwasn’tunheardof,butonceyoucommittedtoagig,youhadtodoit,sotheGuildallowedonlythreedroppedgigsperyear.Thiswasabluegigtoo,

whichmeantdoublerate.“Whathappened?”

“Itwasabodyguarddetail,VIPclient.Rosewaswithhimonit.Ididtheinterviewwithherafterwardfortheliabilityandevaluation,andshesaidthateverythingwasfineuntilEduardosawaneighborcomehome.Holdon...Idon’trememberthisthatwell.”Clerkflippedthrough

anotherbook.“There.‘Amaninhisearlyfifties,sixfoottall,largeframe,darkhair,darkeyes,shortbeard,olivecomplexion,glasses...’”

I’dbetmyarmthiswasNitish’scustomer.

“‘...ridingabreathtakingblackArabianhorse.’”

“Arabian?”Thatbyitselfdidn’tmeananything.

“Yes.Roseknowsherhorses.Shewentonforabout

fiveminutesabouthowgoodthathorsewas.Let’ssee,Rose‘madeacommenttoEduardo,“Theregoesamillion-dollarhorse.”Eduardolookedatthemanashewasdismounting.ThemanrecognizedEduardoandcalledhimbyname.Eduardodidn’tanswer,wentinsidethehouse,gothisgear,andleft.Themanwatchedhimleavebutdidn’tinterfere.’The

end.”Hello,Eduardo’sstalker.TheClerklookedup.“He

camestraighthere,droppedthegig,andtookanotherone.Itoldhimitwasabadhabittogetintoandhesaiditwaspersonal.”

“CanIhavetheaddressoftheneighbor?”

“No,buthereistheaddressofthegig.”Clerkwroteitdownonapieceof

paper.“Justthisonce.”“Ipromise.”“Washeafriendof

yours?”Clerkasked.Ididn’tlikethesoundof

that“was.”“Hestillis.”“Ihopeyoufindhim.”“SodoI.”IneededDerek.Itwould

bedarksoonandIhadtotalktoMitchell,becausehewasstillmybestbettofigureoutifsomethingwasinfluencing

theghoulsintheAtlantaarea.Icouldn’tmissthatdate.

IglancedupandsawAscaniopickinghiswayacrossthefloor.Amiddle-agedAfricanAmericanmaninasuitwalkednexttohim.

Ascaniosawmeandmadeacoursecorrection.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Iasked.

“ThisisMr.Oswald,”Ascaniosaid.“Hecameby

theoffice,soIthoughtitwouldbebetterifyoutalkedtohimyourself.”

Mr.Oswald.ThewomanwhosefamilywesavedfromthewindscorpionhadthelastnameofOswald.

Iheldoutmyhand.“Mr.Oswald?”

“Thankyouforsavingmywifeandmykids,”hesaid.

NormallyIwouldoffertotakehimtooneoftheside

rooms,butrightnoweverythingwasfilthy,sowemightaswellstand.“Noproblem,sir.Sorryabouttheaccommodations.Wehadsometroublethelastmagicwave.Howisyourfamilydoing?”

“They’redoingwell,”hesaid.“We’vehiredmoversandputthehouseonthemarket.Wedon’twanttotakeanychances.”

“That’sunderstandable.”Keephimtalking...

“Pamelamentionedthatyouaskedifanybodyhadaproblemwithusorourcats.”

Pleasetellmethatsomeonehadaproblemwithyouandthatyouknowhisnameandaddress.Please,Universe,domethisonefavor.

“AcoupleofweeksagoIwasdoingsomeyardwork

afterthatstormwehad.Iwasinthefrontyardandthismancameuptomeandstartedrantingabouthowourcatsgetonhiscar.”

“Haveyoueverseenhimbefore?”

Mr.Oswaldshookhishead.Ofcoursenot.Thatwouldbetooeasy.

“Itoldhimthathemusthavemeconfusedwithsomeoneelse,because

SherlockandWatsonareinsidecats.Itmakesnosense,ifyouaskme.Acatisapredator.Hemustgooutandhunttobefulfilled,butthekidsarescaredthatsomethingwilleatthem,sowekeeptheminside.”

“Whatdidthemansay?”“Hebecamevery

agitated.”Mr.Oswaldfrowned.“Heraisedhisvoice,wavedhisarms

around,andproceededtowhatIcanonlydescribeasranting.Ithoughthemightbeintoxicated.Eventuallyhegottothepartwherehetoldmethateverythingwasfineuntil‘youpeople’movedintotheneighborhoodwith‘yourspoiledbrats.’AtthatpointItoldhimtogetoffmyproperty.”

“Didhe?”“Hetoldmethatnowhis

handsweretiedandwalkedoff.”

Ipulledmysmallnotebookout.“Whatdidhelooklike?”

“Latefifties,darkhair,balding,averagebuild.”

“White,Hispanic...?”“White.Heworeasuit

andtie.Glasses.”Toogeneric.“Anything

else?Anythingyoucanremember?”Iasked.

“Tattoos,scars,anythingoutoftheordinary?”

“Heworeanearring.”Mr.Oswaldthoughtaboutitandnodded.“Yes,Iremember.Heworeanearringinhisleftear,oneofthosedanglingearringswithaverylargeglassgeminit.Ithoughtitwasstrangebecauseitdidn’tfithimatall.”

“Howdoyouknowitwasglass?”

“Itwasbrightredandthesizeofanalmondinashell,almostaninchlong.Ithoughtitlookedridiculous.”

Alarmswentoffinmyhead.

“Canyoudrawtheearring?”Ipassedthenotebooktohim.

Hesketchedaquickshapeandpasseditbacktome.Itlookedlikeaclusteroflargegrapeberriesfusedtogether

andcoveredbyametalcorkwiththegeminitscenter.

“Itwasobviouslyaverybadimitation,”hesaid.“Thegoldlookedtoopale,likeoneofthosemetallicpaints,andtheearringwasoldanddented.”

Crap.Oldwasbad.Asimpledesignwasalsobad.

“Wasthegemfaceted?”Iasked.

“No,itwassmooth.What

isitcalled?”Hegrimaced.“Cabochoncut,”Ascanio

said.“Yes.”Andwejustwentfrom

badtoworse.“Thankyousomuch,Mr.Oswald.Youwereofgreathelp.”

“Ofcourse.Sorrywedidn’ttellyousooner,butInevermentionedittoPamela.Shewasalreadyworriedabouttheneighborhood.”

“Whywassheworriedabouttheneighborhood?”

“Wehadsomeoddthingshappen.Itstartedwiththecars.We’vegotaneighbordowninthecul-de-sac.He’swhatyoumightcallabikeenthusiast.EverydamnSundayifthetechisup,rightwhenwe’retryingtosleepin,hestartsridinghisbikeupanddownthestreet.TwoweeksagoIsawhimcrying

onthecurb.Someonehadcrushedhisbikeandallofhiscars.Isawwhatwasleft—itlookedlikesomeonesteppedonthem.”

Youdon’tsay.“Whenwasthis?”

“LastMonday.ButtheworstthingwaslastThursday.WedecoratedforShiftDay.Therearealotofkidsonourstreet.”

ShiftDaywasanew

holiday,bornfromtheterrorofthefirstmagicwaveyearsago.Ontheanniversaryofit,peopleputoutdecorations:streamersmadewithribbons,crosses,crescents,theStarofDavid.Theylitbluelightsandlittlekidswentupanddownthestreetknockingondoorsandhandingoutlittlecharmsinexchangeforcookiesandcandy.Itwasawaytocelebratelifeonthe

anniversaryofthedaywhenone-twelfthoftheEarth’spopulationdied.

“Wehadallthedecorationsout,theribbons,thewiremonsters,everything.Thewholesubdivisionwasdecorated.Thenovernighteverythingdisappeared.”Mr.Oswaldclearedhisthroat.“Allofitgoneintheentireneighborhood,likeitwas

neverthere.ItalkedtoArnieacrossthestreetandhesayshewascominghomelatethatnight.Hedrovepastthedecorations,pulledintothegarage,andthenrememberedtogograbthemail,sohewalkedbackout.Weareseriousaboutthedecorationsatourhouse.We’dwrappedourtreeinribbons.Ittookthekidsagoodhour.Arniemighthavebeenaminuteinthe

garage,butwhenhecameout,everythingwasgoneontheentirestreet.Whatkindofmagiccanmakeitallvanishinacoupleofminutes?”

Thekindofmagicthatturnedanormalmiddle-agedmanintoasixty-five-footgiant.LastThursdaywasFebruary24.EduardodisappearedonMonday,February28.“Mr.Oswald,couldyouthinkbackforme.

Whendidyoutalktothemanaboutyourcats?”

“Afewdaysago,”hesaid.

“WasitbeforeorafterthatThursday?”

Hefrowned.“Ithadtobebefore.IleftonFriday,soitmust’vebeen...ItwasWednesday.IrememberitwasWednesday,becauseItookthetrashtothecurb.”

“Andyoudon’tknow

whomightbebehindthis?”Iasked.

“Noidea.ButIhopeyoufindthebastard.Well,Ibettergetgoing.”

“Ofcourse.Thankyousomuchforyourhelp.”

Hewentout.“Whyisitimportantifthe

gemwasfaceted?”Ascanioasked.

“Becausepeopledidn’tstartcuttinggemsuntilthe

fourteenthcentury.Beforethattheydidn’thavethetools,sotheyshapedthemintocabochons.Thatmansawanancientearringwithaninch-longrubyinit.”

IturnedtoAscanio.“Doyouworkforme?”

“Yes.Youpromotedmefromunpaidtopaidintern.”

“Whoseideawasittomakeyouaninterninthefirstplace?”

“Yours.Andreathoughtitwastoodangerous,”hesaidhelpfully.

“That’sbecauseAndreahasabetterheadonhershouldersthanIdo.”Therewasareasonwhyshewasmybestfriend.“IneedyoutocalltheChambleeandDunwoodyPoliceDepartmentsandaskthemiftherewereanycomplaintsagainsttheOswalds

specificallyoranythingintheirneighborhood.”GiventhattheOswalds’housewasrightontheborder,therewasnotellingtowhichdepartmentthecomplaintsmighthavebeenplaced.

Ascaniogotaweirdlookonhisface.“Youalreadytoldmetodothat.Theyhadnocomplaints.”

“Didyoucallorgothereinperson?”

“Icalled.”Sincehewasanintern,I

hadtotrainhim.“Aloudmotorcycle,abunchofbrightdecorations,andcatswhositonpeople’scars.Whatdotheyhaveincommon?”

“Acrankyneighborwhoshakeshiscaneandyellsatpeopletogetoffhislawn.”

Therewashopeforhimyet.“Crankyneighborscomplainandtheyusually

complaintotheauthorities,andofteninwriting.”Andsometimes,whentheircomplaintsareignored,theymakedealswitharcanepowers.Unfortunately,therewasalwaysapricetopay.“Canyoubecharming,Ascanio?”

Ascaniounleashedasmile.Hedidn’tjustgrin,helaunchedasmilelikeamissilefromacatapult.It

wouldlikelyhavethesamecatastrophicimpactonanythingfemale,agesfifteentothirty.Perfect.

“IneedyoutogototheDunwoodyPoliceDepartmentandbecharming.Askaround.Someonehastorememberthismancallingin.Ifyoudon’tfindanything,gotothehealthdepartment,thentoanimalcontrol.Doyouhaveacar?”

“Yes.”Henodded.“Goanddothisforme.

Don’tcomebackuntilyoudigsomethingup.Ineedaname.”

“Okay.Andthenwillyourememberme?”

“Idon’tknow.Ihaveamnesia,paralysis,andadeathwish,andtheydon’tgoawayjustlikethat.”

Heopenedhismouthandfroze.“Okay.I’manass.She

wantedtoknowwhatcouldhappen,soItoldher.ButIshouldn’thave.”

Goodcall.“Bringmeaname.ThenI’llgiverememberingashot.”

HetookoffandIwenttocollectJulie.WeneededtofindLutherandaskhimsomequestions.

CHAPTER

HEBIOHAZARDDIVISIONoccupiedalargesolid

buildingmadewithbigblocksofthelocalgraygranite.Alargeblacksigninfrontannounceditsofficialname:TheCenterforMagicalContainmentandDiseasePrevention.Iparkedinthefrontinavisitorspot.It

wasjustmeandJulie.IhadaskedDerektogotothesuspectstalker’saddressandwatchhishouse,doingwhateverhehadtodonottobeseen,andCurranwasstillattheGuild.

Thedayhadburneddowntoacoldevening,theskyanicypurpleinthewestasthesunrolledtowardthehorizon.Themagicwasstrongtonight.

Curranhadofferedtocomewithme,butIinsisted.Heneededtostayandgethishandsdirty,becausethemercswouldrespectthat,andIneededtoseeamanaboutaghoul.HeofferedagainandItoldhimno,andnotjustbecauseMitchellwouldn’tcrawloutofhisburrowifhesmelledCurrancoming.

Curranwasimpossibletoignore.Hewasn’tquite

hoveringaroundme,buthewasveryforciblythereincaseIwasabouttocollapse.Rightnowhewastheequivalentofhavingasquadoftrainedkillersatyourbeckandcall,readytodefendyouattheslightestprovocation.Mystrokehadputhimonedge.Icouldfeelhimsurfingthatnarrowlinebetweenmaintaininghiscomposureandlosingallsemblanceof

rationalthought.Hehadlosthisparentsandhissiblingstoloups,andhehadneverrecovered.Thefearthatsomethingwouldhappentomeconstantlygnawedathim,andsittingonhishandsfortwodayswaitingtoseeifI’ddiewhilethekidswerefreakingouthaddrivenhimnuts.Hewaswoundsotight,theenergyrolledoffhim.Ifsomeoneaccidentally

bumpedintome,he’dripthemtopieces.Whathewantedmostwastostuffmeintoanarmoredroomlinedwithpaddedpillowsandstandguardoverituntilalltheinsanitythatdrovehimboileddowntothesimplerealizationthatwewerebothgoingtobealright.Hewouldneversayitandhewoulddefinitelynevertryit,buttheurgewasthere.Isawitinhis

eyes.Maybeitwasbecausehe

wasextrawoundup,ormaybeitwasthewaywealwayswere,butIfeltcompletelysecurewhenhewasnear.Ifeltsafe.Hewaslikeaone-manarmy.

RightnowIdidn’twanttohavetheluxuryoffeelingsafe.Ineededtofeelfear,thegoodelectrifyingkindoffearthatkeptmesharpwhenmy

lifewasontheline.IneededtoknowIcouldfunction,thatIwasstillfastandcouldstillkill,andthatIcouldhandleAtlantaonmyown.ThatIwasstillme.

“Iknowyou’reworried.Ineedtodothis.EitherIgoorImightaswellpackitupandretire,”Ihadtoldhim.“I’llbecareful.”

“Youshouldwait,”hehadsaid.

“Howlong?”Theanswerhadbeen

clearinhiseyes:forever.Ihadtogo,becauseIwouldn’talwayshavetheluxuryofhavinghimwithmeandwebothneededtodealwiththat.

“Promisemethatifyourunacrossanothergiant,youwon’tgoafterituntilIgetthere,”Curranhadsaid.

“Ipromise.”Agiantwasananomaly.Runningacross

anotheronewashighlyunlikely.

“Imeanit,Kate.Youcan’ttakeanotherstroke.”

Andneithercouldhe.“Igiveyoumyword.”

NowwewereinfrontoftheBiohazardDivision.Ihopedmyarmsandlegswouldworkaswellastheydidbeforeallthismesshappened.

“Howdotheyget

‘Biohazard’outofCMCDP?”Julieasked.

“TheCenterstartedasadivisionoftheAtlantaPoliceDepartment.BeforetheShift,whenevertherewasamurderorsomeviolentaltercation,peoplewouldcallcrimescenecleanupcrews.Theycleanedupblood,bodydecomp,animalfeces,thatsortofthing.Biohazard.”Igotoutofthecarandstarted

towardthebuilding.Juliecaughtupwithme.

“Atthattime,magicwasnew,butitquicklybecameclearthatitslittlepresentshadtobestudiedandcontained.Nobodyquiteknewhowtodothat,andtheAPDendedupcreatingitsownBiohazardDivision.Theygaveitafamiliarname,probablybecauseitmadethemfeelbetterand

everybodyknewwhatitstoodfor.Overtheyears,Biohazardexpanded,untilfinallythegovernorseparateditandbroughtitunderstateauthoritybyanexecutiveorder.”Istoppedbythewallandpointedatadarkshinyspotinthegranite.“Doyouknowwhatthisis?”

Juliesquintedatit.“No.”“Darktourmaline.This

buildingismadewithStone

Mountaingranite,whichhasnaturaltourmalineinclusions.Why?”

Juliewrinkledherforehead.“Tourmalineisfrequentlyusedinpurifying.Itcangenerateaweakelectricalcurrentwhenrubbedorheatedbythesun,anditisagoodmagicconductor,whichmakestheirwardsstronger.”

“Whatelse?”

Shelookedatme.“Uhh...”

“Scrying,”Itoldher.“It’susedasascryingstone.Ithelpsthemwiththeirresearch.Comeon.”

Wewalkedtothebigdoors.Awardsqueezedme,cuttingoffmybreathforamoment,andthenthepressurevanished.Wewerethrough.

Inoddedattheguardat

thefortifiedreceptiondesk.“KateDaniels.IamheretoseeLuther.”

“Goin,”thewomantoldme.“Secondfloor,bigdoorontheright.”

Wewentupthestonestairs.Peoplewalkedpastus,talkinginquietvoices,sometimesrelaxed,sometimesintense.Wemadeittothesecondfloorandturnedright.Adeserted

hallwaystretchedinfrontofus,litbytheblueglowoffeylanterns.

“Kate,”Julieasked,hervoicesmall.

“Mm-hm?”“Youdorememberme,

don’tyou?Youdon’thaveamnesia?”

Oh,Julie.Iturnedonmyfootandhuggedher.Sheleanedagainstme,limp.

“Doyourememberwhen

ItookyoutoPelicanPoint?Youateshrimpandcried.”

Shesniffled.“Andwhenweboughtthe

owl?”Isaid.“Thewomanwantedthirtybucksforit,andthen,whenwegothome,Ihadtofightwithyoutowashit?”

“Yes,”shesaid.“EvenifIhadamnesia,I

wouldstillrememberthatIloveyou.”

Shehuggedmeonce,squeezingmetight,andletgo.Wewalkeddownthehallasifnothinghadhappened,rightuptothebigmetaldoorblockingourway.Iknockedandswungitopen.

Lutherstoodbythelaboratorytable,holdingaclearplasticcontainerfilledwithdriedherbs.Heworepalescrubsthathadbeenbleachedtoomanytimesand

hisfacewassour.Onthetable,splayedoutandbutterfliedlikeachickenforthegrilling,sprawledthecorpseofascaledlizardlikebeast.Lutherbentoveritandsprinkledtheherbsontotheexposedtissue.Ugh.

“Really,Luther,ifIknewyouwerethathungry,Iwould’vepickedupsometakeout.”

Atthesoundofmyvoice,

heturned.“You!”“Me.”“Whatisthis?”Helooked

atJulie.“Mini-you?”“Julie—Luther.Be

carefulwithhim,he’ssharp.Luther—Julie.She’smyadopteddaughter.”

“Showinghertheropes?”LuthersquintedatJulie.“Whatisthatmagicyou’vegotthere?Asensate?You’vebeensittingonasensateall

thistimeandyoudidn’tshare?Notcool,Daniels.Notcoolatall.”

“I’llshareifyoudo.”Lutherspreadhisarms.

“AllthingsthatareMineareYours,andYoursareMine.”

“Johnseventeen,thePrayerforDisciples,”Juliesaid.“ButnottheKingJamesversion.”

That’sright.TheKingJamesversionwould’vehad

“thines”init.“NewAmerican

Standard,”Luthersaid.“I’mapatriotandproudofit.”

“Isthatthelizardthatcameoutofthegiant?”Iaskedbeforetheydecidedtodazzleeachotherwiththeirbrilliance.

“Itis,andIhadtofightthemilitaryandtheGBIforit.Ijustsprinkledmugwortonit.”

Nice.WhateverfaultsLutherhad,stupidwasn’toneofthem.Iwalkedoverandlookedatthecarcass.

“Whymugwort?”Julieasked.“Ithoughtitwasforwardingoffevil?”

“BecauseitisassociatedwithGoddessNuWa,”Luthersaid.

“ThereisareasonwhyNuWawasdepictedinancientChineseartashaving

theheadofahumanandthebodyofaserpent,”Itoldher.

Luthercheckedtheclock“Three,two...one.”

Theexposedmuscleturnedbrightemeraldgreen.

“Adraconoid,”Isaid.Outofthefryingpanandintothefire.

Lutherstaredattheceilingandmadeafrustratedgrowl.

“Whyisthatbad?”Julie

asked.“Therehavebeenfour

documentedsightingsofarealdragon,”Luthersaid.“TheyaretheUFOsofourage.Wedon’tknowalotaboutthem...no,scratchthat,wehaveawealthofmythssoweknowalotaboutwhattheymightbe,butwehavealmostnoempiricalevidencetojustifyanyofthebullshit.Wedoknowthat

theyarebeingsofimmensemagicpower.Threeofthesightingshavebeenduringaflare.”

“Adraconoidisacatch-allnamefortheproto-dragons,”Iexplained.“Aproto-dragonisalmostlikeaprimitivedragon,notquiteadragonbutdefinitelynotjustalizardoraserpent.Theypackaseriousmagicpunch.IftheSummonercanproduce

hundredsofthese,whatelsecanhesummon?”

“ButIthoughtyoufoughtadragonalongtimeago?”Juliesaid.

“No,Ifoughtanundeaddragon,apileofboneswithaveryfaintmemoryofwhatitusedtobe.IftheSummonercallsoutadragon,we’llbeindeeptrouble.”

“Itwouldn’tevenhavetobeadragon,”Luthersaid.“If

hesummonsadrake,we’reindeepsewage.Therearenoprotocolsforfightingdragons.Wehavenoideawhattoexpect.Wewouldbefightingblind.Thiscityisn’treadyforadragon.”

IlookedatJulie.“Color?”“Same,”shesaid.

“Bronze.”That’swhatIthought.“Bronze?”Luther

blinked.“Whatthehell

registersbronze?Daniels,whatareyounottellingme?”

Denialonlygoessofar.Itookadeepbreath.“Ithinkwehaveadjinn.”

•••

LUTHERSANKINTOachair.“Howsureareyou?”

“Sureenoughtosayitoutloud.”

Hedraggedhishand

acrosshisface.“Youknow,ifanyoneelsehadtoldme,Iwould’vesmiledandnoddedandafterheleft,I’dmakecallstohisemergencycontactsandsuggesttheyhospitalizehimASAP.”

“Iknow.”“Adjinnisproblematic

becauseit’sahigherbeing?”Julieasked.

Inodded.Truegodscouldn’tmanifestexcept

duringtheflares,timesofuninterruptedmagic.Atothertimes,so-calledgodswerejustconstructionsoftheSummoner’swilloracreatureinhabitinganavataroraneffigy.Theirpowersintheseformswereseverelylimited.Mostofthecreaturesweencounteredpost-Shifteitherstartedashumanandtransformedintotheirnewshapesorhadpowersthat

werenotsignificantlygreaterthanthatofanaveragehuman.Evenso,thesecreaturesclungtomagic.Fomoriandemonsattackedduringaflare,andrakshasashadmadeexcursionsintoourrealitythroughaportal,runningtoitanytimethemagicdropped.

Thedjinnandthedragonswereonanotherlevelentirely.

“Howdidyouarriveatadjinn?”Lutherasked.

“It’salongstory.”Hegotupoffthechair

andpulledalever.Athickmetalhooddescendedonthetable,hidingthelizard’sbody.Lutherthreadedathickchainthroughtherungsinthehoodandthetable,wrappingitseveraltimesaroundthehood,secureditwithapadlock,anddisappearedinto

thesideroom.Amomentlater,heemergedwiththreemugsandacarafeofcoffee.

Istartedwiththeencounterwiththeghoulsandlaiditallout,glossingoverdetailslikeGhastekpointingmetowardtheghoulsinthefirstplace,protectingthecity,andhavingmicroscopicstrokes.Itdidn’ttakehimlongtoconnectthedots.Wehadadisgruntledneighbor

whosomehowgothimselfinvolvedwithamagicalheavyweightfromArabianmythology.Hemadethreewishesandtheninturnthemagicpowerpossessedhisbody,turninghimintoagiant.ThegiantpunishedtheGuildforinterfering.Allofthiswasconsistentwithadjinn.Theygrantedwishes,theycamefromtheArabianmythos,andtheyhelda

grudge.Itwasasolidtheory,butitwassolidinthesamewaySwisscheesewassolid.Westilldidn’tknowwhatthedjinnwanted,whyhewasgatheringghouls,orwhyhe’dkidnappedEduardo.

WhenIfinished,Lutherexhaled.

“Unlimitedpoweratthisguy’sfingertips,andhewishesforhisneighbor’sbiketobecrushed,stealsthekids’

decorations,andsummonsamonstertoeatallofthecats.”

“ThanktheUniverseforsmallfavors.”Itcould’vegonemuchworse.

“Thatkindofshowofpowerrequiresahigherbeing,soyouareright.Asfreakyweirdasitis,wemighthaveadjinn.Whynow?Whyhere?”

Ihadbeenaskingmyselfthatsamequestion.Ifadjinn

existed,hewouldbeasmuchofathreattoRolandashewastome.Mymagicwasmyfather’smagic.Wasthissomesortofextra-specialtest?DidmylovingfathersendmethislovelypresenttoseeifIcoulddealwithit?Wasithiswaytounderminemewithoutbecominginvolved?Wasitcompletelyunrelated?Therewasreallynowaytotell.

“Ifit’sadjinn,what

kind?”Lutherfrowned.“Isitamarid,anifrit,ashaytan?”

“It’snotajann,”Ithoughtoutloud.“Theydon’tpackenoughpower.Itcouldbeamarid,butiftheliteratureistobebelieved,theirpoweriselementalinnature.”

“Butmaridsaredescribedasgiants,”Lutherpointedout.

“True.Ihavesomethingforyou.”Ireachedintomy

backpackandpulledoutmybagofdirtyglass.“WefoundaringofthisaroundEduardo’scar.Ithinkit’smeltedsandthatwasusedasateleportationanchor.Weneedtoknowwhereit’sfrom.”

Luthergrabbedthebagandhelditupsothelightofthefeylanternshonethroughit.Hesquinted.“Whatisthatsquirmyshinythinginside

theglass?”Theonlythinginsidethat

glasswasdirt.Ihadlookedatitthroughamagnifyingglass.Isighed.“Luther,wedon’tallhavemagicvision.Wecan’tseewhatyousee.”

Hepulledtheziplockbagopenandpassedhishandovertheglass.“Ooo.Thisissomething.”

“Whatisit?”Julieasked.“Idon’tknowyet,butit’s

notnothing.”Mages.Clearasmud.“Youthinkthere’sa

three-wishcycle?”Lutherasked.“Hegrantsthreewishes,thenpossessesthebody?Why?”

“Idon’tknow.CanItalktoMitchell?”Iasked.

“Youcantry.Itriedlastnight.Ievenbroughtverydeliciouscarrionwithme,buthewouldn’tcomeoutofhis

burrow.”“I’llgiveitashot.”“Okay,”Luthersaid.“I’ll

getthetranquilizergunincasethemagicfails.”

“Isthisdangerous?”Julieasked.

“Yes,”Itoldher.“I’llneedyoutostaywithLuther.Youcanseeeverythingfromthebalcony.”

“But—”“Ifyoucomewithme,

Mitchellmightnotcomeout.”

Herfacefell.“Fine.”Luthercameoutofthe

backroomcarryinganoversizedrifle.“Shallwe?”

Wefollowedhimoutoftheexaminationroom,downthehallway,toadoorleadingtotheoutside.Lutherpulledakeychainoutofhispocket,flippedthroughthekeyswithonehanduntilhefoundthe

rightone,andunlockedthedoor.Westeppedoutontoaprivateconcretebalconyrunningalongthesideofthebuildingforaboutfiftyfeet.Infrontofusalargelotstretched,securedbyatwenty-footstonewalltoppedwithcoilsofrazorwire.Thewirehadsomesilverinitandthelightoftherisingmooncoateditinabluishglow.Treesdottedthelot,some

normal,someoddandtwisted.Ontheleft,blacktar-likegoooozedfromoneofthetrunks.Ontheright,agroupofbusheswithsmallredleavessproutedtwo-foot-longbrightorangethorns.Tinybluespheresfloatedinthegrass,movingindifferentdirections.Magicpooledandcoursedthroughit,twistingbetweenthetreesandleakingfromtheleavesandspiraling

intotheground.Eventhegrounditselfwaschanged.Sharpoutcroppingsoftranslucentcitrine-coloredcrystalcutthroughthesurfacelikethefinsofmythicalseaserpentsswimmingunderwater.Hereandtheresmallveinsofpalewhiterockstretchedtoformknobbyprotrusionsaboutafoothighandbuttressedtothegroundbythinroots.

“Whatisthis?”Julieasked.

“Thedumpingground.Thisiswhereweputthingswewanttostudy,”Luthersaid.

“Thisiswheretheyputthingswhentheyhavenoideawhattheyareorwhattodowiththem,”Itoldher.“Luther,don’tbullshitmykid.”

Lutherrolledhiseyes.

“Yes.Whatshesaid.”“Whatiftheygetout?”

Julieasked.Hepointedup.Julie

leanedout.Iknewwhathewaspointingat,butIglancedoverallthesame.Massivecatapultsandgunslinedtheroofofthebuilding,pointingatthedumpingground.Anythingthattriedtoleavewouldbepoundedtoabloodypulp.

Istrippedoffmyjacketandpulledoffmyboots.

“Sowhydoyoukeepaghoulinthere?”Julieasked.

“Becauseheusedtobeoneofus,”Luthersaid.“Mitchellwasabrilliantguy.Hestudiedghoulismandweallthoughthewouldcrackit.Turnedouthewasapointzerozerozerotwopercenter.”

“Oh.”Julienodded.“Thatmakessense.”

MitchellandIwentwayback.Iknewhimwhenhewasstillhuman.Hewasoneofthosehealthnutswhodidthingslikerunningpunishingmarathonsandthengotupsetifhewasn’toneofthefirsttentocrossthefinishline.Whenhistransformationhitandhedisappeared,Biohazardhiredmetofindhimandbringhimbackquietly,becausetheyfelt

responsibleforhim.Everytimeanewcaseofghoulismbecamepublic,peoplefreakedout,whichwaswhythePADeliminatedallnewghoulswithextremeprejudice.NobodyatBiohazardwantedMitchelltobehunteddownandshot.

Onlytwopeopleoutofeverytenthousand,0.0002percent,weresusceptibletoghoulism,andevidence

showedthattheywereprobablyrelatedtoeachother.Statistically,acitizenofAtlantahadahigherprobabilityofbeingmauledbyashapeshifter,buteverynewcaseofghoulisminvariablycausedapanic,becauseforthosetwooutoftenthousandtherewasnocure.Shapeshifterswerestillhuman.Theylivedinhouses,heldjobs,hadkids,andled

semi-normallives.Butghoulshidincemeteriesandgorgedthemselvesoncorpses.

WhenIstartedlookingforhim,allthatmarathonrunningmadenodifference.Mitchellhaddonetheexactsamethingthatmosthumanandsupernaturalfugitivesusuallydid—heranalittlewaysandsquatteddowninthefirsthidey-holehefound,whichjusthappenedtobethe

SouthRiverSewertunnel.IfoundhimandbroughthiminbeforethePADmanagedtogetholdofhim.

Ipulledoffmyturtleneck.“Mitchelllikesitinthedumpingground.Hefeelssafe,heisfedwellandonschedule,andnobodybothershim.It’sprobablythebestplaceforhimrightnow.Hewouldn’tdowelloutinthewildonhisown.”

Myswordfollowed,thenmybelt,andmypants.Acoldwindhitme.Argh.

“Damn,Daniels.”Luthershookhishead.

Iglanceddown.Hugepurplebruisescoveredmylegs.Icouldn’trememberhowIgotthem.“Occupationalhazard.”

NormallyafterbeingtreatedbyDoolittle,everythingwould’vebeen

healed.Heconsidereditapointofprofessionalpride.MymemoryservedupanimageofDoolittlerollingoutoftheroom.I’mtired...Healingmybrainhaddrainedhimdry.Hedidn’thealmybruisesbecausehehadnothingleft.

Iwasanungratefulassholewhotookhimforgranted.Oncethiswasover,Iwouldhavetotakehimoutto

lunchandtellhimhowmuchIappreciatedhishelp.

Ishivered.Iwasdowntomysportsbra,underwear,andsocks.

“You’renotgoingouttherelikethat,”Juliesaid.

“Thesearetherules,”Itoldher.“Mitchellgetsscaredeasily.HelikestobereassuredthatIamnotcarryinganyweapons.”

“That’swhyMitchell

talkstoher.Crazy,right?”Luthersettherifledownandturnedaheavycrankonthesideofthebalcony.Afoot-widemetalrampslidfromunderthebalcony,crossedthelineofthefence,andstretcheddown,haltingaboutfivefeetabovetheground.“Iwon’tgointherenaked,andIamaqualifiedmage.It’snotjustwhatweputinthere,it’sallofthethingsthatspawnin

therebythemselves...”“Nothelping,”Igrowled.LutherglancedatJulie

andshutup.Iswungmylegsoverthe

concreterailofthebalconyandsteppedontotheramp.Thecoldmetalburnedmyfeet.Anothergustofwindchilledme,andIfeltitallthewaydowntothebone.HowdoIgetmyselfintothesethings?

“Remember,trytokeephiminplainview,”Luthersaid.“Ican’tbindhimifIcan’tseehim.”

Istarteddowntheramp.Walkingonslipperyice-coldmetalthirtyfeetabovehardground,whileacoldwindwastryingtoscourtheskinoffmybody.IfIfell,I’denduprightintherazorwire.Wheeee.

God,thatwindwascold.

AndhowdidyouspendyourFridaynight,Ms.Daniels?Outonthetown,havingalovelydinnerandadancelikeanormalperson.Yeah,right.WhenIfinallycaughtupwithwhoeverwasbehindthismess,Iwouldventallofmyfrustrationatonce.I’dbeenbeaten,cut,clawed,andthrownaroundlikearagdoll;mymagichadbackfiredandexplodedinmy

brain;andI’dlostpiecesofmymemories.MemoriesItreasuredandrequiredtoprotectthoseIloved.I’dnearlylostmyfamily.Ihadahellofalotoffrustrationbuiltup.Abloodyoverabundanceofit.

“Yoursecondmomisaniceperson,”Luthersaidquietlybehindme.“Therearen’tmanypeoplewhocareaboutwhetherthey’rescaring

aghoul.”IexpectedJulietotell

himIwasn’thermom.Shedidn’tsayanything.

Ireachedtheendoftheramp.Itterminatedrightoverarockyoutcropping.Perfect.Justperfect.Icrouched,sat,andsliddowngently.Myfeethitthehardstone.Myteethchattered.Iwantedtohugmyself,buttherewerethingswatchingmefromthe

darkness.Lookinglikeavictimencouragedpredators.Isquaredmyshouldersandpickedmywayacrosstherockyground.

Somethingshiveredinthetallblack-leafedbushestotheleft.Apairofsilveryelongatedeyesignited.Thehaironthebackofmyneckrose.Adrenalinecoursedthroughme,theinstinctualfearhotandsharp.

Istaredattheeyes.“Pissoff.”

Theeyesnarrowedtoslits.Thebushesrustledastheirownerretreated.That’sright.Keepgoing.

Iskirtedapoolofslimyorangegooandcameintoasmallclearing,exactlythirtyfeetwide.IknewthesizebecauseLutherhaditmowedonceeveryfewweeks.Ittookfivepeopletodoit.One

droveanarmoredlawnmowerandtheotherfourguardedthedriver.

Alargewhiterockjuttedoutofthecenteroftheclearing.Nexttoitaholegapedintheground,sodarkitlookedlikeitwasfilledwithliquidblackness.

Ichoseaspotabouttenfeetfromtherock,pickedupastonethesizeofagrapefruit,crouched,and

knockedonarockyoutcropping.

Knock.Knock.Nothing.Mitchellrequired

patience.Iknockedagain,hittingtherockagainstthestoneinasteadymeasuredrhythm.Mybackwastothebrush.Ipresentedanawesometarget,crouchedandnearlynaked.

Knock...knock...

knock...Comeon,Mitchell.Cometalktome.

Knock...knock...Somethingstirredwithin

thedarknessoftheghoulburrow.

Iputtherockdownandwaited.

Alongspadelikehandarmedwithstraight,narrowclawsemerged,followedbyathinarm,agrotesquehead,andthenshoulders.A

momentandMitchellsqueezedhimselfoutoftheburrowandcrouchedintheopen.Moonlightslidoverhisdirt-coloredskinmottledwithpatchesofgrayanddeeperbrown,andsethiseyesaglowwitheeriesilver.Hishorns,thecurvedspikelikeprotrusionsonhisbackandshoulders,werealmostsixincheslong,afullthreeincheslongerthanthelast

timeIsawhim.SomethinghadterrifiedMitchellandhisbodyhadresponded.Alongchainwrappedaroundhisleftankleandaroughbandofthickscartissueencircledhislegrightaboveit.Hehadclawedathisownfleshtryingtogetthechainoff.IfLutherhadputhimonachain,heandIwouldhavewordsonceIwasdone.

Mitchelldidn’tmove.

NeitherdidI.Wecrouched,barelythreefeetbetweenus.Somepicturewemust’vemade,anakedghoulandanearlynakedhumanshiveringinthecold,sittingnosetonose.

Mitchellturnedhisheadandlookedatthemoon,hiseyesglowing.

“Tellmeaboutthechain,”Isaid.

“Ifoundit.”Hisvoice

wasrough,asifheweregrindinggravelwithhisteeth.“Thethingchainedtoitwasdead,soItookthechain.”

Sohehadputhimselfonthechain?“Why?”

“Doyounothearit?Thecall?”Mitchelllookedatthemoonagain.“He’scalling.It’slikeaweight.Itgrindsonyou,itpushesandpushes,andithurts.”Helookedbackatme,hisfacecontorted.“It

hurts.”Hetouchedhisforehead.“Inhere.”Hisclawedhandsslidlowertohisneck.“Andhere.”Lowerstilltohischest.“Here.Andhere.Inthestomach.Itsqueezesme.Ithurts.”

Suddenragefloodedme.Mitchellhadsufferedenough.Hehadlosthishumanityandhisfamily.Hewasascared,quietcreaturewhohadneverhurtanyone.Allhewantedto

dowastoliveinhisburrowandbesafe.Andnowsomesupernaturalassholewastorturinghim.

“Whoiscallingyou?”“Idon’tknow.ButIfeel

it.Icanseehiminmymind.Idon’twanttogo.”Mitchelllookedatthechain.“Idon’twanttogo.IwilldieifIgo,butthepainisgettingstronger.OnedayIwillgnawthroughmylegandgo.”

“Canyoutellmewherethecalliscomingfrom?”

“Why?”Mitchell’svoicedrippedwithdespair.

“SoIcangothereandmakehimstop.”

“Youcan’t.You’renotstrongenough.Notstrongenoughforhismagic.”

“IcanandIwill.I’veneverfailedyoubefore.Iwon’tnow.”

Mitchelldidn’tanswer.

“Letmehelpyou,”Iwhispered.“Letmemakeitstophurting.”

Mitchell’sfacetrembled.Hiswholebodyshuddered.AsIwatched,thepatinaofspotsonhisskinshifted,turningdarker.Hishornsgrewanotherquarterinch.Holycrap.Thatwascrazyevenforaghoul.Hewasscaredoutofhismind.

“Hewillknow,”Mitchell

whispered.“HewillknowifItell.”

“How?”“He’ssentotherstoget

me,butIburroweddeepandtheygotscaredbeforetheycoulddigtome.Theywatchme.”

Damnit.“Whenwasthis?”

“ThedayIfed.”SoonTuesday.“Howdid

theygetthroughthefence?”

Mitchellleanedevencloserandwhispered.“Theydugahole.Theyarewaitinginthereevennow,watchingus.”

Theydugatunnel.Ofcourse.Oncewefinishedhere,LutherandIwouldhavetofindit.“Ifyoutellme,IpromiseIwillkillthemandthenI’llfindhimandkillhim,too.”

Mitchell’sskinturned

almostblack.“No.Hehasothers.SomelikemeandsomelikeIwasmeanttobe.Hehasothers.Hehasamaninacage.”

Eduardo.Thiswasmyonlychance.

“Youwilldieandthenhewillsendothersforme.”

“Ihaveneverliedtoyou.”Iscratchedthebackofmyleftarmwithmynails.Atinydropofbloodswelled.“Iwill

stophim.”Istretchedmyarmtohim.

Hisnostrilsflared.Hefocusedontheblood,hiseyesglowing.

“Tasteit,”Iwhispered.Slowly,Mitchellrested

oneclawedhandontheground,leanedforward,anddippedhishead.Athicktongueslidfrombetweenhisteethandscrapedthetraceofbloodoffmyskin.Lightburst

inhismouth,abeautifulfire,asifhehadswallowedatinyyellowstar.Theveinsinhisneckignitedwithfieryradiance.Itdasheddownhisbloodvesselstohisheart,throughhisbody,tohislimbs.

Mitchellsurgedupright,glowing,hisbodylarger,stronger,moremuscular.Fireswirledaroundhim,caressinghisformbutnevertouching.

Hisfacesnappedintoalongmuzzlethatmighthavebelongedtoadragonorademonicdog.Hornsoffirespiraledoutofhishead.Hiseyesflaredwithbrightorange,asifaninfernoburnedinsidehim.Aforeignintelligenceregardedmewithcooldetachment.

Mitchellcriedout.Ifeltthemagicexplodeinsidehimanddovetotheground.A

blastofheattorethroughtheclearing,snappingbranches.Mitchellshudderedandcollapsedbackintohisoldform.

Itwassofast,IthoughtI’dimaginedit.MaybeIdid...

“Holyshit!”Lutherbarked.

Nope,Ididn’t.Mitchellraisedhishead.

Hiseyeswerestillonfire.

“Takeit!”hewhispered.Thefieryeyesburnedinto

mymind.Magicstretchedbetweenus,wovenwithpowerandheat.Ittouchedmymindandexplodedintofireinmyhead.Imagesswirled.Acavern...No,theinsideofahalf-collapsedbuilding.Thefloorshadfallendownandonlytheouterwallsremained.Palebeamsofmoonlightshining

downthroughtheholesintheroof.Ahuman-sizedcagesuspendedfromtheceiling.Amaninthecage,thin,hisclothestornandbloody.Eduardo.Ghouls.Dozensofghoulsbelow,blanketingthefloorwiththeirbodies...

Asurgeoflightandfire,asifsomeonehadslitrealityopenandcosmicflamesspilledout.

Afacewithinthefire.

Rough,heavy-jawed,muscledface,withbrightblacktattoosmarkingthecheeksandthebrow.Sohumanlike,yetsoalien...Longpointedearsbearinggoldenhoops,oneafteranother.Acollarofgoldinsetwithbrightgreenjewels.Amaneofstraightblackhair,eachhairshaftglowingwithagoldencorelikeanemberbarelycoveredwithsoot.Wingsrising...

Eyesoffire,filledwitharroganceandinsanity.

Avoicerockedthroughmymind.“You’reweak.Youwilldie.Thebetrayerwilldie.Yourcitywillkneelbeforeme.”

“Thiscitydoesn’tkneel,asshole.I’mcomingforyou.Startpraying.”

Thevisiontoreapartandrealitytookmebackintoitscoldembrace.Iblinkedand

sawMitchell’sfeetashedoveintotheburrow.

“Wait...”Ifeltsomeone’sgazeon

myback.Thestarestabbedmerightbetweentheshoulderblades.Iheldstill,crouched,onekneetotheground.

Asecondcrawledby,painfullyslow.

Makeyourmove.Let’sseehowwellyoudance.

Somethingexplodedoutofthebushes.Ipivotedandsawaghoulinmidleap,curvedclawsraised.

Therewasnoplacetogo.Irolledontomyback,

matchingitsmomentum,andkickedwithbothfeet.Myheelssmashedintotheghoul’sbelly,drivingitforwardovermyhead.Itlandedhard,itsbackslappingtheground.Iflippedand

lungedattheghouljustasitmanagedtoturnonitsstomach.Mykneescamedownonitsback,hard.TheghoultriedtoriseandIgraspedthesidesofitshead,shoveditdowntowarditsspine,lockingthevertebrae,andtwisted.Itsneckbrokewithadrycrunchlikeatwig.

Theghoulgurgled,shaking.Inamomentitwouldregeneratetheneck.

“Clearshot!”Lutherscreamed.“Givemeaclearshot!”

IgrabbedtherockIusedtocallMitchellandsmasheditintotheghoul’sskull.Tinydropsofbloodflew.Ipummeleditsheadwiththerockasfastandhardasmyarmwouldmove.Theskullcrackedlikeaneggshell,thebonefragmentscavedin,andIcrushedthesoftbrain

underneathwithmyrock.Theghoulwentlimp.I

jumpedtomyfeet.Silvereyesglaredatmefromthedarkness.One,two,three...Toomany.

Isprintedtothefence,flyingacrosstherockyground.Behindmetheundergrowthrustled.Thesoundofclawsandlaboredbreathingchasedme.

OnthebalconyLuther

thrusthishandsstraightup,hisarmsvibratingwithtension,turnedhispalmsout,hisfingersrigid,andforcedhisarmsdown,straining,asifhewereswimming.Aneeriegreenglowswirledaroundhim,aglowingnimbus.Juliegrabbedthecrankofthemetalbridge.

Lutherjerkedhislefthandup,fingerscurvedlikeclaws.Darkrootsburstoutofthe

groundinanexplosionofdirtclumpsandsurgedupward,sproutingfoot-longgreenthorns.Theghoultotheleftofmescreeched.OutofthecornerofmyeyeIsawitflailinginaclumpofthevines.Lutherthrusthisotherhandintheair.Anotherghoulscreamed.

Iwasalmosttotheramp.TenfeetandIwouldbethere.

Aghouldodgedtheroots,

sprintingforwardonallfours,andlungedatmefromtheside.Igrabbeditsrightforearmwithmylefthand,pullingthearmstraightandjerkinghimdownandforward,andslidmyrightarmoverthebackofitsneckandallthewayunderitsarmpit.MyforearmpressedonthebackofitsneckandIdroppeddowntooneknee,bringingalloftheforceof

mybodyontomyelbow,rippingthesofttissueandcrushingthevertebrae.Thewholethingtookhalfasecond.Ireleasedtheconvulsingghoulandrantotheramp.

ThreefeetfromitIjumped.Myfingerscaughtthecoldmetal,andIpulledmyselfupanddashedacrossthebridge.Juliespunthecrank,retractingitasIran.I

leapedoverthelastfivefeet,landingnexttoher,andturnedaround.Sevenghoulshowledinimpotentfurybythefence,theireyesglowing,theirteethbared.

Thesmallestofthemturnedtorun.Rootsshotoutoftheground,formingacrescentbarrieraboutthirtyyardsindiameter.Theghoulswhirled,realizingtheyweretrapped.

Luthersmiled.“Ohno,mypretties.Thisismydomainandyou’vetrespassed.Thereisapricetopayforthat.”

Luthertookadeepbreath,hisarmsrisingasifhewereabouttotakeflight.Magicshudderedinfrontofhim,likeelasticropewoundtootight.Themusclesofhisbackflexedandhesnappedhisarmstothesideanddown,

palmsup.Thegroundunderthe

ghoulsmovedasiftheEarthhadsuddenlybecameliquid.Theysankdown,feverishlytryingtofreetheirlimbs,butthesoilheldthemfast.Agreenbubbleformedinthecenteroftheclearing,grewtothesizeofabasketball,andexploded.Brightemeralddustshotout,glowing.Spores,Irealized.Millionsof

spores.Thegreensporeswashedovertheghouls.Theirmovementsgrewlessfrantic,thenslow,slowerstill,untiltheywerestrugglinginslowmotionasiftheirveryfleshhadgraduallypetrified.Thesporessprouted.Adensecarpetofmossinadozenvarietiesgrew,sheathingtheghoulbodieslikeavelvetblanket.Delicatepinkstalksformedoverthebarely

recognizablebodies.Tinywhiteflowersopenedattheendsofthestalks,releasingtinydotsglowingwithgold.Theairsmelledsweet,likeaforestjustafteramorningrain.

Lutherinhaledandsmiled.

“Verypretty,”Juliesaid.“Well,wedon’tjustsiton

ourbuttsfillingoutpaperwork,”Luthersaid.“We

workforourliving.”Ipulledmypantson.My

feetwerebeattohellfromrunningonrockyground.Mymiddlelefttoewasprobablybroken.

“IthoughtyoupromisedCurrannothingviolent.”Juliehandedmemyturtleneck.

“No,IpromisedhimIwouldn’tfightagiant.”

“Soyouobeytheletterofthelawandnotthespirit,”

shesaid.“Yes.”Myteethfinally

stoppedchattering.Ilovedmyturtleneck.Ilovedmyjacket.Ilovedmyboots.Mmm,wonderfulwarmboots.

“HowcomewhenIdothat,youchewmeout?”

“Becauseyoudon’tdoitwellenoughtogetawaywithit.”

Julieblinked.“Whatkind

ofmovewasthat,attheend?”

“It’sfromEscrima,aFilipinomartialart.I’llshowyouwhenwegetaminute,butyouwillhavetopractice,becauseithastobedonereallyfastforittowork.”

“DidyougetanythingfromMitchell?”Lutherasked.

“Yes.It’sanifrit,averypowerfulone.Coal-blackand

redincolorandveryfondoffire.”Ifithadbeenamarid,folkloresaiditwould’vebeenblue,andwehadtogobyfolkloreuntilreallifedisprovedit.“Hehasahellofalotofpower,andforsomereasonhe’skeepingEduardoinacage.”

IhadseenabowlofwaterinEduardo’scage,butnofood.HisshouldershadbeenstickingoutofhisT-shirtand

hisfacewasgaunt,sohewaslikelystarving.Anaveragehumancouldsurviveroughlytwentydayswithoutfood.Ashapeshifterhadtoconsumetwotothreetimesasmanycaloriesasahumanofthesamesize.Theirregenerationsloweddownthestarvationsomewhatbutnotenough.Ifwedidn’tgetEduardooutofthatcageinthenextthreedaysorso,wewouldn’tneed

tobotherlooking.Apiercingshriektore

throughthesilence.Itcamefrominsidethebuilding.

CHAPTER

UTHERJERKEDTHEdooropenandsprinteddown

thehall.JulieandIchasedhim.

“Whatthehellisthat?”Iyelledovertheshrieks.

“Myalarm!Someonejustbrokeintomylab.”

Weroundedthecornerandalmostcollidedwithfour

otherpeople,oneinasuit,twoinscrubs,andoneinabiologicalcontainmentsuitwithouthelmetorgloves.Eachwaschargedwithenoughmagictolevelasmallbuilding.Luthershovedpastthemandthrustthedoorofhislabopen.Themetalhoodwasraised,thebodyofthedraconoidoutintheopen.Adeeppuncturewoundgapedinitsside.

“Damnit!”Lutherdraggedhishandthroughhishair.“Hestabbedmyspecimen!”

Someonehadgottenintothebuilding,bypassingallofthesecuritymeasures,andbrokenintoLuther’slab.IfthepressfoundoutthatBiohazard,therepositoryofallthingsstrangeanddangerous,hadhadasecuritybreach,therewouldbenoend

ofheadsrolling.“Thisway!”awoman

screamed.“He’sgoingoutthefrontdoor!”

Themagesspunandgavechase.Theguyinthebiocontainmentsuitshovedthenearestwindowopen.Flamesburstoverhisfists.Hepunchedtheair.Afireballbrokefreeofhishand,streakeddowntothestreet,andexploded.

Ohboy.Everybodyexceptforthe

firebugranforthestaircase.Idecidedtoruntoo,justsoIwouldn’tbeleftout.

Wecollectivelyburstoutthefrontdoor.Thestreetlayempty.Nothingbutfive-foot-widescorchmarks.

“Wheredidhego?”Lutheryelled.

Nobodyanswered.“WhereisFluffy?”a

womanasked.“Janatookheronajob,”

amananswered.“Oh,comeon!Whatgood

isatrackingdogifshe’sneverheretotrack?”Lutherthrewhishandsup.

Afireballtoreoverourheadsandsplashedflamesontothestreet.

“Garcia,willyoustopsettingthingsonfire?”Lutherroared.

“Sorry!”themanfromthewindowcalled.“Itwasanaccident.”

Iputmyhandovermyface.Nexttome,Juliepressedherlipstogetherandwasmakingsmallmeowingnoisestryingnottolaugh.

ThedoorofBiohazardflewopenandPatriceLane,theheadoftheInfectiousDiseasesdepartment,emergedwithagaggleofher

techsbehindher.“Alright,whereishe?I’m

chargedwithStaphylococcus.Givemetwoseconds,andhe’llbecoveredinboils.He’lltelluseverything.”

“Hegotaway,”adark-hairedwomanexplained.

“What?”Patriceblinked.Juliebentinhalfand

begansnorting.“Stopthat,”Luthertold

Amanwalkedoutoftheshadows.Heworejeansandabrownjacketwithahoodthatrightnowrestedonhisback.Ofmediumheight,hehadlightbrown,slightlycurlyhairandapleasant,friendlyfacewithhoodedblueeyes,abignose,andthestubblybeginningofamustacheandbeard.Therewassomethingvaguelyfamiliarabouthiseyes.

Hecameovertome.“Consort.It’ssuchanhonortomeetagain.Oops.Shouldn’thavecalledyouthat.”HehadalightIrishaccent.

“Shemightnotrememberyou,”Juliesaid.“She—”

“Jardin,”Isaid.ThelasttimewehadmethewasinhiswereratformandIalmoststabbedhim.HeworkedforRobert,AlphaofClanRat

andthePack’scurrentsecuritychief.

“Ah,”Jardinsaid.“Youremember.Iamsoflattered.”

“Whoishe?”Lutherdemanded.“Whoareyou?”

“It’snothim,”thedark-hairedwomansaid.“Theotherguywasolderandtallerandworeblack.”

“He’samemberofthePack,”Itoldhim.

“Oh.Wait!”Luther’seyes

litup.“Canyoutrack?”“Yes.”Jardinnodded.“Great.Amanranoutof

here.Doyouhavehisscent?”“Sure,”Jardinsaid.“Isaw

himandIcansmellhim,butyousee,youwon’tcatchhim.”

“What?”themaninasuitdemanded.“Why?”

“Hehadahorse.”“Ahorse?”Lutherwaved

hisarms.“Wehaveseveral

advancedvehicles.Wecanbeatahorse.Withallofuschanting,wecanstartitinunderthreeminutes.”

Ha.Ifmorethanonepersonchanted,thecarsstartedfaster.Whyhadn’tIevertriedthis?Ifiledthattidbitawayforfurtherstudy.

“Itwasaveryfasthorse,”Jardinsaid.

“Howfast?”thedark-hairedwomanasked.

Thewereratsmiled.“Ithadwings.”

Thestreetturnedcompletelysilent.

“Beautifulblackwings,”Jardinsaid.

So.WehadanifritholdingEduardoatsomeundisclosedlocationandouronlyleadhadflownawayonawingedhorse.

Everybodyspokeatonce.Themageswavedtheirarms.

Luther’svoicecutthroughit.“I’llcalltheOrder.”

Really?Iraisedmyeyebrow.

“Sorry,Daniels,”Luthersaid.“It’sprotocol.Weneedtheheavyartillerynow.”

IsteppedawayandsmiledatJardin.“Blackhorse?”

“Yes.”Henodded.“AnArabian?”“I’msorry,Iwouldn’t

know.”Ibetitlookedlikea

million-dollarhorse.“Wastheresomething

youwanted?”Hereachedintohis

jacket.“MyalphabroughtthistotheattentionoftheBeastLord,butJimdoesn’tfeelthisistherighttime.Myalphahasadifferentopinion.HefeelsthisisathreattothePackandtothecity.Hesaid

youshouldknowaboutit.”Hehandedmeastackof

Polaroids.Thefirstoneshowedabiggrayblockformedfromtheremnantsofdifferentbuildings.Apersonstoodnexttoit.Theblockhadtobeatleastthirtyfeettall.Myheartjerkedinmychest.Ihadseenthisbefore.ThatwashowmyfatherhadmadeMishmar.

Iflippedthroughtherest

ofthePolaroids.Anotherblock.Another.Asmallwoodenmodelstandingonafoldingtableinthemiddleofafield.Myfatherstandingnexttoamanholdingablueprint.Hewasstillwearinghis“wisefather”persona,anoldermanwiththefeaturesofZeusorperhapsMosestowardthesecondhalfofhislife,wise,beautiful,possessing

otherworldlypower,hisdarkbrowneyesageless...Myfather’sprofileblurred.Heturnedtowardmeinthephotographandwinked.Cute.

Julieclampedherhandoverhermouth.Jardinturnedpale.

Sonovabitch.Hewasbuildinganothertower.Hewouldnottakethisland.

“Wherewasthistaken?”Jardinrecoveredenough

tospeak.“NearLawrenceville.”

Justoutsidemyterritory.Ohno,youdon’t.Overmydeadbody.Betteryet,overhis.

“Thankyou,”ItoldJardin.“TellRobertIwillhandlethis.”

Iturnedandmarchedtowardourcar.Approachingmyfatherdirectlycouldbeseenasanactofwar,and

tryingtocontacthimbymagicmeanswasjustaskingfortrouble.Inthemagicarenahewasmilesaheadofme,andopeninganykindofconnectionthroughmagicwasunwise.Ihadnoideahowtogetholdofhim,butIknewsomeonewhodid.

“Arewegoinghome?”Julieasked,speed-walkingnexttome.

“No.”Myvoicehadalot

ofsteelinit.“We’regoingtotheCasino.I’mgoingtohaveachatwithmyfather.”

•••

“HOWDIDHEdothatwiththephotograph?”Julieasked.“How?Thetechwasupwhenthepicturewastaken.”

“Idon’tknow.”Iwould’velovedtoknowwhatSienna’svisionmeantas

well,butsofarIhadnosageinsights.Itbotheredme.

WewerewalkingthroughtheparkinglotoftheCasino,wherethePeople,myfather’spetcult/undeadpettingzoo,madeitsheadquartersinAtlanta.TheCasino,areplicaoftheTajMahal,perchedinthecenterofahugelotwheretheGeorgiaDomehadonceofferedseventy-somethousandseatstosportsfans.

TheDomewaslonggone,fallencasualtytothemagicwaves,andnowtheCasinodominatedthearea.Duringtheday,thetintofitspurewhitemarblechangeddependingonthecolorofthesky,butatnight,paintedbytheglowofapowerfulfeylantern,theintricatemarblelatticeworkappearedcompletelyotherworldlyandweightless,asiftheentire

massivebuildinghadbeenspunoutofmoonlightbysomemagicspiders.Longrectangularfountains,decoratedwithstatuesofHindugodscaughtinmid-moveabovethetintedwater,stretchedtowarditsdoors,andaswewalkedbetweenthemtowardtheCasino,thetinyredlightsofvampiremindsglowedinmymind.Theycrawledalongthe

texturedparapets,theymovedinsidetheCasino,andbelowthebuilding,wherethestableslay,thegroundwascompletelyred,likethetideofsomebloodysea.Iwould’velovednothingmorethantoreachoutandcrushthemonebyone,untiltheseaofredlightsvanishedandonlypeacefuldarknessremained.

“Howdoesthisnotfreak

youout?”Juliedemanded.“Ican’taffordtobe

freakedout.Neithercanyou.”

“Well,I...”Juliestopped,hereyeswideopen.

Iturnedtoher.ShestaredattheCasino,

lookingdown,wherethestableswouldbe.“Arethose...?”

Thiswasn’thersensatemagicatwork.Weweretoo

farawayandseparatedfromthestablesbytonsofrockandsoil.

“Vampires,”Itoldher.Awhileagoshehad

almostdiedandIhadpurifiedherbloodwithminetosaveher.Itwasmyfather’sbloodritual,butitwastheonlyway.ItboundhertomeinthesamewayHughwasboundtomyfather,andlikeHughshecouldneverdefyadirect

orderfromme,somethingIhadtriedmybesttokeepsecret.Unlessmymemoryfailedme,sofarIhadavoidedit,simplybecauseJulieusuallydidwhatIaskedwithoutmyhavingtoorderher,andinthoseraretimeswhenIhadtoissueacommand,Juliewaswillingtoobey.Onedaythetimewouldcomewhenshewouldwanttodotheexactopposite

ofwhatIsaidandwouldfindoutthatIhadrobbedherofherfreewill.Idreadedthatday,butIwoulddealwithitwhenthetimecame.RightnowIhadtodealwithawholedifferentsideeffect.ItseemedthatmybloodwaschangingJulie.

“Theyhavesomany,”Juliewhispered.

“Yes.”Istoodnexttoher.“Theykeepitquiet.Ifpeople

knewhowmanyvampiresareundertheCasino,nobodywouldevercometogamble.”

HergazeswepttheCasino.

“Canyoufeeleachone?”Iasked.

“Yes.”“Doyouthinkyoucould

reachoutandgrabone?”Shenarrowedhereyes.

“ItfeelslikeIcould.”“Good.Oncewefind

Eduardo,wecanpractice.Nowfollowmeandkeepyourpowertoyourself.”

WewalkeduptothedooroftheCasino.Twoguardsstudiouslyignoredus.Wepassedintothelobby.Thesoundhitmefirst:themechanicalwhirringoftheslots,redesignedtoworkduringmagic;thedinofhumanvoices;theexcitedshoutsofsomeonewinning

thatsoundedalmostlikeabirdinpain;theclangingofmetaltokens;allofitblendingtogetherintoadisorienting,hystericalcacophony.Isawthemainfloor:dozensofmachines,litupbyfeylanternsandcrowdedwithusers,and,pastthem,greencardtablesandroulettewheels,thefacesofthepokerplayersdevoidofanyhumanemotion.Servers

glidedthroughitall,andhereandthereajourneymaninblack-and-purpleCasinocolorswatchedoverthepatrons.

Oneofthejourneymen,anaverage-sizedmaninhismidtwentieswithapinchedface,steppedinmyway.“Excuseme,wewillneedsomeID.”

Ifrownedathim.“MyID?”

“Hers.”HepointedatJulie.“MinorsarenotpermittedontheCasinofloor.”

“TellGhastekthatKateisheretoseehim.He’llmakeanexceptionforme.”

Thejourneyman’sfacetookonapompousexpression.“I’msorry,heisn’tacceptingvisitorsrightnow.”

“Hewillacceptme.”

“No,Idon’tthinkso.IworkdirectlyunderhimandI’mquitesurehewon’tbeseeingyoutoday.”Hepointedatthedoorwithhishand.“Please.Iwouldrathernotcallsecurity.”

Isighed.“Fine.IguessI’lltellhimmyself.”

Ireachedoutwithmymagicandgrabbedtheseaofredlightsunderneathus.Theentirevampirestablesatstill.

Holdingtwohundredvampireswasreallydifficultandmybrainreally,reallydidn’tlikeit.

Thejourneymaninfrontofmenoticednothing.“PerhapsIwasn’tclear,”hesaid,speakingwithexaggeratedslowness.“SometimesIgotoofast.”

“That’sbecauseofyourblindingintellect,isn’tit?”Julieasked.

Itriedreallyhardnottolaugh.Here’shopingsomeonenoticedthatalloftheirundeadwerefacinginthesamedirectionandnotmoving,becauseIcouldfeelmymagicrippingattheseams.

Thejourneyman’sfaceturnedred.“Look,you,therearetwokindsofpeoplewhobelonghere:thosewithtalentlikemewhoworkhereand

thosewhocomeheretohaveagoodtimeandspendmoney.Youdon’tworkhereand”—hegavemyjeansandbeat-upbootsalongonce-over—“youdon’tlooklikeyouhaveanymoney.”

Rowenaemergedfromtheback.Herbrightredhaircrownedherheadinaheavycomplexbraid.Shewasfivefeet,twoinchestallandherfigure,adornedbyakelly-

greenshimmeringgown,wasimpossiblyperfect:tinywaist,generousbreasts,perfectbutt,nicelegs.Herfacewasshockinglybeautiful.Shedidn’tjustturnheads,shekeptthemturned,andgiventhatshewastheCasino’sPRperson,thiswasquitehandy.ShewasalsothethirdstrongestMasteroftheDeadinthecityandmadeaformidableenemy.Normally

herentrancewasanevent,butrightnowitwasrathercomical.Rowenawasrunningasfastashernarrowgownandsix-inch-highgreenpumpswouldallow,whichwasn’tveryfast.Behindhertwojourneymen,amanandawomanbothintheirmidtwentiesandwearingbusinesssuitsratherthanuniforms,weretryingtofindadelicatebalancebetween

hurryingandovertakingher.Thelate-yearapprentices,closetograduating.

Iletgoofthevampires.Rowenasawmeandput

anextraeffortintoherspeed-walking.

“Youdon’tbelonghere,”thejourneymancontinued.“Wedon’ttoleratepanhandlers.”

“You’reinsomuchtrouble,”Julietoldhim.

Rowenacaughtupwithus.Truetoform,shewassmiling,buthereyeswereterrible.Thejourneymansawher.“Master,Icanhandle—”

Shehithimonthebackofthehead.Heflinched.

“Bow,”shesqueezedthroughthesmile.

“What?”“Bow,youidiot.”Thejourneymanbowed,

hisfacesurprised.

Rowenasmiledatme.“Sharrim.Ourdeepestapologiesforthemisunderstanding.Heisnewandwedidn’texpectyou.”

Sharrim.Oftheking.IhatedbeingcalledConsortwhileCurranwastheBeastLord,butIwouldtakeitoverSharrimanyday.“Noworries.”

Thejourneymanwasstillbowed.Judgingbyhisface,

hehadnocluewhatwashappening.

“Thisway,please.”JulieandIfollowed

Rowena.Behindusthejourneymanstraightened.“Whowasthat?”

“Nevermind,”thefemalejourneymantoldhim.“Thisisyoursickpass.Youneedtogohome.”

“What?”“You’reverysick,”the

malejourneymangroundout.“Youneedtogohomeandliedown.Youwerehomeallevening,andifGhastekasks,youhavenoideawhowasworkingthefloorinsteadofyou.Go.”

Weturnedthecorneranddescendedthestaircase.Adryrevoltingstenchwashedoverme,theodorofundeath.Avampirehungfromtheceilingdirectlyaboveus,

fastenedtoitwithitslongclaws.Skeletallythin,gray,andhairless,itshedfoulmagic.Gaggingwould’vetotallyruinedthemoment,soIdidmybesttoignoreit.Wemoveddown,andtheundeadfollowedus,itseyesglowingdullred.

Rowenakeptherexpressioncarefullyneutral.Hermotherandmineweredistantlyrelated,whichshe

hadprobablyfiguredoutbynow.Sheowedafavortothewitches,andthewitchesinturnhadboundhertohelpme,becauseatthetimetheyweretryingtomakemestrongersincetheCovensdidn’tfancybeingenslavedbyRoland.NobodyexcepttheWitchOracleandthetwoofusknewaboutthisarrangement.Whateveremotionschurnedinside

Rowena,shewaskeepingthemunderlockandkey.

Wedescendeddeeperanddeeper,intothebowelsoftheCasino,passedthroughasteeldoorandintoaconcretehallway,andkeptwalkingintoamazeoftunnelsdesignedtoconfusetheunpilotedvampiresincasethelocksontheircagessomehowfailed.Thetunnelsfinallyendedandweemerged

intoavastroundroomfilledwithvampirecells,twotoarow,stretchingtowardthecenterofthechamber.Thestenchwasoverpowering.NexttomeJulieinhaledsharply.

“Noneedtoworry,”Rowenasaid.“They’resecured.”

Julieglancedatme.Iputahandonhershoulder,tryingtoreassureher.Toomany

undead.Theirmagicwasoverloadinghersenses.

“IseeGhastekdidn’twantNataraja’soffice?”ThePeople’sformerheadusedanopulentofficeinthedomeoftheCasino,completewithagoldenthroneandpricelessworksofartonthewalls.

“Westrippeditandconverteditintoaclubforchildren,sotheywouldbeentertainedwhileweseparate

theirparentsfromtheirmoney,”Rowenasaid.“Weareaimingtobeafamily-friendlydestination.”

Ialmostchokedonthat.Weturnedleftandwalked

upastaircasetoabalconyofopaqueglassoverlookingtheenormousroom.Rowenaknockedandheldthedooropenforus.IhadbeeninGhastek’sofficebefore.Ithadn’tchangedmuch—same

shelvessupportingbooksandassortedoddobjectsliningthewalls,samelate-sixteenth-centurywitchshackleshanginginaplaceofhonoronthewall,samecrescent-shapedreedsofa,andofcourse,avampireperchedinthecorner,likeavigilanthairlesscat.

Ghastekstoodbythefloor-to-ceilingwindow,sippingcoffeefromawhite

mugthatread,GraveyardShift:Wedoitinthedark.Fromthisside,theglassofthewindowwascrystalclear,offeringanexcellentviewoftheundeadstables,andGhasteksurveyeditlikeheownedit,becauseheprettymuchdid.Heworeatailoredpairofsleeknavypantsandawovengraysweaterwithahintofblue.Bothlookedelegantanddeceptively

simple,whichprobablymeanttheywerehideouslyexpensive.Asmallblackvelvettriangleinterruptedthetextureoftheweavejustbelowtheflat-knitcollar.Thetrianglealoneprobablycosthimanextrathreehundreddollars.

Theclothesfithimwithsomeslack.Heneededtoeatmore.

Forsomereason,the

thoughtofGhastekandfoodmademeuneasy.Ipuzzledoverituntiltheanswerfloatedupohsoslowly:we’dstarvedtogetherinMishmar.Thatwasit.

“Soyoulikedthemug?”Iasked.IhadsentittohimforChristmas.

Ghastekpivotedtowardme.Rowenasatonthesofa.

“Thankyouforthelovelygift,”Ghasteksaid,managing

toputexactlyzeroemotionintothosesixwords.“WhatcanIdoforyou?”

“Ineedyoutocallmyfather.”

•••

GHASTEKSTAREDATme.Rowenablinked.

“Whatdoyoumean,callyourfather?”

“Dialhisnumber,usethe

phone,andringhimup.”Ghastekstruggledwithit

forafewseconds.“OnedoesnotsimplyringRoland.”

Ohboy.IsupposedIwouldgetalectureonthedangersofwanderingintoMordornext.“Okay,howdoyounormallycontacthim?”

“Wedon’t,”Rowenasaid.“Ifsomethingthatwe

viewascrucialarises,”Ghasteksaid,“wefilea

petition.”Thephonerang.Ghastek

pickeditup.“Isaidholdmycalls.”

Hiseyeswidened.Verycarefullyhesethismugdownandheldthephoneout.“It’sforyou.”

Itookit.“Blossom,”myfather’s

voicesaidinmyear.Hismagicwashedoverme,asifsomeonehadsplitthe

atmosphereandtheuniverseinallitsgloryraineddownonme.Thesheermonumentalpowerofittookmybreathaway.Hemust’vebeenworkingonsomething—probablyonthatdamntower—becausethelasttimeIspoketohim,hetookthetimetotoneitdownandtheimpactofhiswordswasn’tquitesocosmic.

Ipressedthespeaker

buttonandputthephonedown.Iwantedbothhandsfreeincasesomethingjumpedoutofitandtriedtoripoutmythroat.

“Mynightisbrighter,”myfathersaid.

Rowenafroze,completelystilllikeastatue.Juliepulledapieceofchalkoutofherpocket,drewaprotectivecircleonthefloor,andsatinit.Attheotherendofthe

room,Ghastekclenchedhisteeth,probablytryingtomitigatetheeffectofRoland’svoice.Yeah,goodluckwiththat.

“Howhaveyoubeen?”myfatherasked.

Saysomethingdiplomatic...something...“IfyoubuildatowerinLawrenceville,Iwillsmashit,setitonfire,andsaltthegrounditstoodon.”

Ghastekputhishandsoverhiseyesandpressedthemintohisface.Icouldn’ttellifitwasfromfrustrationorterror.

“Weshouldhavethisconversationinperson.Iknow,whydon’twegoouttodinner?”

What?“No.”“WhenIfirstawakened,

afewyearsbeforetheShift,Iusedtofrequentthislow-

keychainofrestaurants,withawidevarietyonthemenu.Ican’tquiterecallthenamebutithadafruitandaninsect.”

Ghastekmouthedsomethingatme.Ishookmyhead.Iwasdistractedenoughalreadytryingtokeepmymagicshieldsup.Talkingtohimduringtechwasaloteasier.“Iconsiderthetowertobeadeclarationofwar.

Youarepreventingmefromexpandingmydomain.Thatspecificallyviolatesouragreement.”

Ghastekgrabbedapieceofpaperoffhisdeskanddrewfuriously.

“Iwouldlovetoseeyou.”Ghastekhelduphis

drawing.Itwasabuttwithabeeflyingoverit.What?

“Ihaven’tspokentoyouinoveronehundreddays.”

“That’swasn’tanoversightonmypart.”

Imust’vemadeaface,becauseGhastekscribbledonthepaperandhelditup.Hehaddrawnaleafonthebutt.Well,yes,thatexplainseverything.Thankyou,Mr.Helpful.Iwavedhimoff.Rowenagotup,tiptoedovertoGhastek,andtookthepaperawayfromhim.

“I’mfreetomorrowat

five,”hesaid.“Bringthefamily.”

Rowenaheldupthepaper.OnitinlargeletterswaswrittenAPPLEBEE’S.

Oh.“I’mnothavingdinnerwithyouatApplebee’s.”

“Tomorrowatfive.Thankyouforinvitingmeintoyourdomain.Iamsogladwecoulddothis.Itwillgivemeachancetostopby

ourlocalofficeaswell.Ilookforwardtocatchingup.”

Thedisconnectsignalbeepedatme.

Goddamnit.Ireachedoverand

carefullypushedtheoffbutton.

Julieexhaledandsteppedoutofthecircle.

“Didthathelp?”Iasked.“Idon’tknow,”shesaid

andlookedatGhastek.“I’msorryIdrewonyourfloor.”

Hedismisseditwithawaveofhishand.“It’sfine.”

Rowenaraisedhereyebrowsathim.“Didyouforgethowtowrite?”sheaskedsoftly.

Ghastekjustlookedather.Iunderstoodperfectly.BeinginthepresenceofRoland’smagicdemandedyourattention.You

concentratedonblockingituntilitshort-circuitedyournormalthoughts.Itwasliketryingtocarryonanintelligentdebatewhilebeingsuckedintoamaelstrom.Youhadtotreadwatertostayafloatandittookeveryiotaofconcentrationyouhad.

Ihadcomehereintendingtodeclareapossiblewarandinsteadendedupplanningadinnerdatewithmyfatherat

Applebee’s.TherewasonlyoneApplebee’sthathadsurvivedtheShiftinAtlanta.ThechainhadstartedinDecatur,Georgia,inthe1980s,andasinglerestaurantbearingthenamestillstoodthere,claimingtobethefirstandoriginalApplebee’s.

Iwouldhavetogotodinner.Stoppingbythelocalofficewasathreat.Iwasn’tsureifGhastekandRowena

knewit,butIunderstoodhismessagecrystalclear.Itwasuptomehowthissurpriseinspectionwouldgoandhowmanyheadswouldrollbecauseofit.

Foramanwhohadn’tbeensureIexistedformostofmylife,myfathergotmynumberveryfast.

Ghastekleanedbackandcrossedhisarms.“Ihadapromisingcareer.Ihad

achievedrecognitionandsomeinfinitesimalmeasureofsecurity.Andthenyoucamealong.”

Aha.Heandthedozensofhostagesworkinginthisbuildingcouldcrymeariver.“Whotaughtyoutodraw,Ghastek?Thatdoesn’tevenremotelylooklikeanapple.Itlookslikeabutt.”

“Morelikeapeach,”Rowenasaid.

“Ihaveaninspectioninlessthantwenty-fourhours,”Ghasteksaid,hisvoicedry.“Ifwehavequitefinishedcritiquingmyabilitytodrawfruit,Ihavethingstodo.”

Ileanedback.“Areyouworriedaboutit?”

Helookedinsulted.“No.Wecanbeinspectedatanypoint,andwewouldstanduptoscrutiny.”

“Ifyouareanxious,Ican

makesureheeatssomethingdeliciouslysweetbeforehecomesoverhere.Likeageneroushelpingoftreslechescakeorachocolatesundae.”

Ghastekstaredatme.“Getout.”

Iroseandmadeashowofsniffling.“Comeon,Julie.Clearlywearenotwantedhere.”

“Iwillshowyouout,”

Rowenasaid.Iwenttothedoor,turned,

andlookedatGhastek.Myfatherhadmynumber,butIwashisdaughterandIhadmadeacareeroutofstudyinghim.

“Youkeepthinkingofhimasagod.Heisaman.Heloveslifeandhepaysattentiontoeverymoment.Eachsecondisfilledwithendlesswonderforhim.He

noticesthetextureofthecouchunderhisfingertipsandthecoloroftheteainhiscup.Thisishowhestaysalive,becauseifheevergrowsboredanddisillusionedwiththeworld,hewillbecomeashadowofhisformerselfanddie,justlikemyaunt.Treathimasaman.Ifyouwanttomakeagoodimpression,don’tdoabigofficialwelcome.Meethim

yourselfandmakesuretoaffordhimthesmall,everydaycourtesies.”

Iwalkedout.

•••

“CANISPEAKtoyouinprivate?”Rowenaaskedunderherbreathaswewalkedintothelobby.“Outside?”

“Sure.”Ihadapretty

goodideahowthatconversationwasgoingtogo.Whydidn’tyoutellmeyouaremynearlyimmortalboss’sdaughter?Itdidn’tcomeup.Wheredowegofromhere?Ugh.

Butshewasboundtomebytheoathshehadsworntothewitches.IturnedtoJulie.“Goaheadofmeandstartthecar,please.”

JuliegaveRowenaa

sidewaysglancefilledwithenoughteenagescorntoinstantlyincinerateasmallarmyandspedupaheadofus.

“Thatchildisjustlikeyou,”Rowenasaid,hervoicemakingitobviousitwasn’tacompliment.

“Thankyou.”Wewerealmosttothe

doorwhenajourneywomanwithshortdarkhairnearly

sprintedtousacrossthefloor.“Trouble,”ItoldRowena.Sheturned.The

journeywomanranuptoher.“Notnow,”Rowenasaid.Thejourneywoman

gulpedsomeairandwhispered,“Frederickexposedhimselftotwoyoungwomeninfrontoftheladies’bathroom.”

Rowena’seyeswentwide.Sheturnedonherheel

towardme.“Oneminute.”“Takeyourtime.I’llwait

foryoubythefountain.”Iwalkedoutofthe

Casino’sdoors.Afterthestenchoftheundead,thenightairtastedrefreshing,likeagulpofcoldwaterintheheatofasummerday.I’dhadenoughofthePeople’shospitalityforonenight.MaybeifIsplashedsomewaterfromthosepretty

fountainsonmyface,itwouldwashthestenchoff.

Amansteppedinmyway.“Kate!”

HowdidIknowhim...Ihadseenhimbefore.Hesteppedforwardandthelightshoneonhisface.LagoVista.ExceptthisLagoseemedtohavelostatleasttwodecades.TheLagoIrecalledhadseenforty-five.Inmyhead,hishairwasthinning,hismuscle

droopedabitoffhisframe,andlineshadbeguntocropuponhisface.ThisLagowasinhisprime.Hestoodstraight,hisshoulderswerebroad,hischestfilledouthisleather,andashesaunteredtowardme,hisgaitbetrayednotraceofalimp.Hishairwasthick,hiseyesbright,andhissmirkhadgonefromself-deprecatingtosmug.

Allmywarningsirens

wentoffatthesametime.“Hey.”Lagowinkedat

me.“Didn’tknowyougambled.”

“Idon’t.Strictlybusiness.”TherewassomethingimportantIneededtorememberaboutLago.Somethingvital.Itwasmakingmyheadhurt,butwhenIreachedforthosememories,therewasnothingthere.

“IjustwantedtotellyouthatyouandIarecool.Idon’tholdgrudges.”

“Whatthehellareyoutalkingabout?”

Lagogrinned.“That’stherightkindofattitude.Waterunderthebridge.”Hewavedhisarmasiftossinganinvisiblebaseball.“Whoosh,goneandforgotten.”

Okay.Animportantchunkofmymemorywas

definitelymissing.“Sowhereisyourguy?”“Athome.”“Oooh.Outonthetown

byyourself.”Henodded.“Ilikeit.Comeon,I’lltreatyoutoacoupleofspinsontheroulettewheel.”

“Canyouaffordtogamble,Lago?”

Hereachedintohisjacket.Itlookedbrand-new.Newpants,too.Newboots.

Lagopulledoutawadofcashheldtogetherwitharubberbandandhelditupbetweenhisindexandmiddlefinger.“I’mflush.”

Icouldalmostrememberit.Icouldfeelthetailendofamemorysquirmingsomewherejustoutsidemyreach.“YougotarichuncleIdon’tknowabout?”

“Nahh.I’maself-mademan.Sowhatdoyousay,

Kate?Letmeshowyouagoodtime.Yourguydoesn’thavetoknow.”

Lagohadsomeseriousballs.

“Sorry,”Itoldhim.“I’mmeetingsomeonehereinacoupleofminutesandthenI’mgoinghome.”

Lagoponderedit.“Youknow,you’reright.Whygointhere?Toomanypeople.Let’sgoforadriveinstead.I

alwaysthoughtyouwerehot,Kate.Mmm,legs.”

Andwehadgonestraightintocreepyterritory.Ireallydidn’twanttobreakhisarms.“No.”

“No?”“Moveon,Lago.”Hesmiledatme.“Well,

shoot.IguessI’llhavetodoittheotherway.Iwantthisone.”

Magicclampedme,trying

topullmeforward.Overwhelming,catastrophicpowersqueezedme.Analienintelligencebrushedagainstme.Everyhaironthebackofmyneckrose.Idroppedmyshieldsandpushedback.Mylegsshookfromthestrain.Icouldn’tcryout.Ihadnovoice.ItwastakingeverythingIhadtonotmove.

Lagomadeacome-heremotionwithhishand.“Car,

car,car.Quicklynow.”Asleeksilverconvertible

slidfromtheshadows,completelysilent.

Lagoswungthedooropen.“Inyougo.”

Themagicsqueezed,grindingme.ItwasstreamingfromLago,butitwasn’thismagic.Hewasmerelyashell,ananchorforsomethingancientandpowerfulwithafamiliarflavor.We’djusthad

achatinBiohazard’sdumpingground.

Sohereyouare,precious.Didn’twaitlong.

Thepowerpressedonme,demandingcompliance.Strong.Sostrong.Iclenchedmyteethandpushedback.Theifrit’smagicrecoiledslightly,shockedattheresistance.

That’sright,punk.Tryme.I’mcomingforyou.

Thepowerclampedme,harderandharder.Iconcentratedonliftingmyhand.Lagomust’vegottenholdofwhatevershinythingthegiantworeinhisear.Oh,youstupidfool.Neverbargainwithbeingsyoudon’tunderstand.

“Isaid,Iwantthisone,”Lagosaid.“What’sthematterwithyou?”

Thepowersqueezed,

tryingtopullmeoffmyfeet.I’mgoingtokillyou.I’m

comingforyouandIwillkillyou.

Myhandcreptup,eversoslowly,asifIwereswimmingthroughcoolingtar.Itfeltlikemymusclestoreandsnappedoffmybonesonebyone.Thepresencebehindthespellthrewallofitsweightagainstme.Mymagicanditsmagic

groundandclashedliketwoswordslockedagainsteachother.

MyhandwasalmosttoSarrat’shilt.AnotherinchandIamsothere.Sorry,Lago.Takeouttheanchorandtheshipwilldriftaway.

“Kate?”Rowenawalkeduptous.

Lagostrokedhischin.“OhmyGod.Nooffense,Kate.Forgetthatone,let’s

takethisoneinstead.”Rowena’sfacewent

slack.Themagicvanished.Iflewbackwardtwenty-fivefeetandlandedonmyassonthepavement.Ittookmehalfasecondtorolltomyfeet.Thecarwasalreadyspeedingawayintothenight,Rowenainthepassengerseat,hereyesblank.

Isprintedaftertheconvertible.

Avampirebarreledintome,knockingmeoffmyfeet.Werolledanditlandedontopofme,redeyesburning.Themassivemouthunhingedaninchfrommyface,thetwinfangslikesicklesinthemoonlight.

“Donotmove!”Anavigatorbarkedinmyear.“Identifyyourself.”

Ipunchedthebloodsuckerinthehead.“Youmoron.

He’skidnappingyourMasteroftheDead.Getthehelloffme.GetGhastek!TellhimanoldpowertookRowena.Move,damnyou!”

Foramomentthevampirefroze.

Thegatesofthewhiteminaretsabovemeopenedwideandvampiresrainedontothepavement.

CHAPTER

IFTEEN-YEAR-OLDSMAKETERRIBLEdrivers.They

speed,theypaynoattentiontotherulesoftheroad,andtheythinkthey’reimmortal.Therearetimeswhenyouabsolutelyhavetohaveafifteen-year-oldbehindthewheel.Chasingaconvertibledrivenbythekidnapperofa

necromancerdownAtlanta’sdesertedstreetsinthemiddleofthenightwasoneofthosetimes.

“He’stoofast,”Juliegrowled.

Wehitabump.TheJeepwentairborneandlandedwithacreak.Iranmytonguealongmyteethtomakesuretheywereallstillthere.

Aboveus,vampiresdashedalongthebuildings.

Somethinglandedontheroofwithathud.Irolleddownthepassengerwindowandavampirestuckhisheadin,hangingupsidedown.

“I’mnotamused,”Ghasteksaidthroughthevampire’smouth.

“Well,pardonme.Youcangetyourrefundbackattheticketbooth.”

“Justonce,couldyouvisitmyplaceofbusinesswithout

causingamajorincident?”“Ididn’tcausean

incident.”“No,you’reright.I

misspoke.YoutalkedtoamanwhothenkidnappedaMasteroftheDead,requiringustomakeamassiveshowofforce,whichwillnodoubtresultinfinanciallossesandnegativepublicitylessthantwenty-fourhoursbeforeyourfatherinspectsourfacilities.

‘Incident’wouldbetoomildaword.Ifthisisadiversion,itwon’twork.MorethanathirdofourforceremainsattheCasinoundercapableleadership.Theyareabletorepelanyattack.”

“It’snotadiversion,”Isqueezedthroughclenchedteeth.“It’sanifritwhowantstotakeoverthecity.”Also,he’donlybroughtlessthanaquarterofhistotalvampire

force.Thevampire’sface

becamecompletelystillasGhastekmulleditover.

“Holdon.”Julietookthecorneratabreakneckspeed.Thevehiclecareened.Igrabbedthehandleabovethewindow.Weflewontwowheelsforastomach-pinchingsecondandlandedbackontheroad.

“Adjinn,”Ghasteksaid

finally.“Yes.It’sanoldpower,

probablytiedtoanitem.Themaninthecarisamerc.Ibelievehegotaholdoftheitem,madehimselfyounger,wishedforamagiccarfilledwithmoney,andforawoman,andnowitwillbetimetopaythepiper.”

“Thedjinnwilltakeoverthehumanhost,”Ghasteksaid.“Sothegiantwho

destroyedtheGuildwasofdjinnoriginand,sincethisman’sthree-wishcyclejustranout,wecanprobablyexpectanothergiant.”

WhateverfaultsGhastekhad,stupiditywasn’toneofthem.

“WhatdoIneedtoknow?”heasked.

“It’sanifrit,soitlovesfire.Thelastgiantwasalmostseventyfeettall.Hewasstill

transformingwhenIcuthimdown:metallegs,highheat.Lowintelligence,nospeech,lotsofrage,andfunreanimativemetamorphosisoncehe’sdown.Hiscorpsetransformedintodraconoids.”

“Lovely,”Ghasteksaid.“Dothehumanhost’sabilitiesaffectthegiant’sperformance?”

Andwhyhadn’tIaskedmyselfthatquestion?“Ihave

noidea.Lagoisagood,well-trainedmerc.Iguesswe’llfindout.”

Thevampire’sheaddisappearedandIheardGhastek’svoice.“TeamLeaderOneandTwo,mergetobandit.TeamThreeandFour,maintain.TeamLeaderOne,tap,ifnoresponse,stopanddismantle.Watchforheatdamage.”

Thevampirespickedup

speed,convergingonthevehicle.SixvampiresontherightdroppedontoLago’sconvertible.Theywereinmidfallwhenthetopofthecarsnappedclosed.Metalplatesformedonthevehicle,overlayingeachotherlikescales.Fivevampireslandedonthescales,nimblelikecats.Thesixthslidoffandfell,rolling.

“Youmustbefasterthan

that,Evgenia,”Ghasteksaid.Thebloodsuckersripped

intothevehicle,clawingatthearmor.Thelinesofthecarflowed,reshapingthemselvesasthearmorgrewthicker,coveringthewheels.Twoofthevampiresmanagedtopryopenthetoppanel.Itwentflyingandanewarmorplatesnappedintoitsplace.

“Idon’tgetit.”Julieswerved.“Sothedjinntakes

overthebodyafterthreewishes?”

Iftheifritdidn’tkillus,herdrivingwouldforsure.

“That’sthetheory.”Andbecausethedjinnwantedtotakeoverahostforreasonsunknown,hewould’veactivelypushedhisvictimtomakethewishes.Foraweaker-willedperson,thecompulsiontowishforsomethingwould’vebeen

impossibletoresistandthemorewishestheymade,thegreatertheirbreakwithrealitywouldbecome.Undernormalcircumstances,Lagowouldn’thavetriedtokidnapme.Hewasaself-proclaimedCasanova,notarapist.AndtheOswalds’neighborprobablywouldn’thaveletadeadlymonsterlooseinaresidentialneighborhood.Wehadtostopthisnow,before

anyoneelsegothurt.“ButLagoalreadyhadhis

threewishes.Whyisthecarmakingarmor?”Julieasked.

“Becausetheifritneedstimeforthetransformation.IfwekillLagonow,westopit,sohe’sprotectinghim.”

Juliesteppedonit.TheJeepsqueezedanothersmallburstofspeedoutofitsengine.WeweretenfeetbehindLago.

“Butwhyishemakinggiants?”

“Ifweknewthat,wewouldhavethisproblemsolved.”

Thearmoredscalessproutedspikes.Thebloodsuckersdodgedinunison.Oneoftheundeadsquirmed,impaled,pulledhimselfoffthespike,andkeptclawingatthearmor.

“TeamLeaderTwo,stop

anddismantle.”Wewerebarrelingdown

theroadwhenLagoturnedagain.Great.Wehadzigzaggedthroughthethree-square-mileblockofthecityandnowwewerealmostexactlywherewehadstarted...Hmm.Ifwekeptgoingstraight,we’drunrightintotheMoleHole.TheMoleHole,oncethesiteofMolenEnterprises,wasa140-yard-

widecraterlinedwithafootofglass.ItformedwhenoneoftherichestAtlantafamiliestriedtohatchaphoenix.AllkindsoffunactivitiestookplaceattheMoleHole,fromrollerderbytostreethockeytournaments,butrightnowitwouldbedeserted.

“Thecarisglowing,”Juliereported.

Themetalscalesshieldingthecarhadgainedasoft

brightglowontheleftside.Lagowastransformingandifwedidn’thurry,Rowenawouldbecookedalive.

Iknockedontheroof.Noanswer.

Iunbuckledmyseatbelt.“Areyougoingtojump

ontohiscar?”Julieasked.“Icangetcloser.”

“Whatareyou,outofyourmind?No,I’mnotjumpingonhiscar.Thatonly

worksinmovies.”Istuckmyheadoutofthewindow.“Ghastek!”

Thebloodsuckerswiveleditsheadtowardme.

“Holdontothecar,”Itoldhim,droppedbackintomyseat,andbuckledup.Lagomighthaveamagicconvertible,butIhadakidwho’dlearnedtodrivefromDali.“Hehasasharprightcomingup.Hewillslow

downforit.Julie,doyourememberhowtodoaPITmaneuver?”

Juliegrinned.“CanI?CanI,please?”

Ibracedmyself.“Hithim.”

Lago’scarslowedfortheturn.Juliesteppedonit.ForamomentourJeepovertooktheformerconvertible,pullingupalongsideitontheleft.Thetwocarsconnected

gentlyandJuliethrewthewheeltotheright.TheimpactshooktheJeep.Theconvertiblespunandslidofftheroad,skiddingacrossthepavementintotheMoleHole.

Welcometothetwenty-firstcentury,asshole.

TheJeepkeptgoing,veeringdangerouslyclosetothebuilding.WemissedalamppostbythreeinchesandJuliebroughtustoastop.

Shehitthewheelwithbothhandsandsanginahigh-pitchedvoice,“Cru-u-u-u-shedit.”

“Greatjob.”Ijumpedoutofthecar,swordinhand,andrantotherimoftheMoleHole.Theconvertiblelayonitsside.Twovampiresclawedatthepassengerdoor.

“SecureMs.Daniels,”Ghastekorderedbehindme.

Fourvampireslandedin

frontofme.“Whatthehell?”“ThisisaPeoplematter,”

Ghasteksaid,hisvoicecrisp.“Iwillconsideranyviolenceonyourpartadeclarationofwar.”

“Likehell!”“Imeanit.Youhavea

veryimportantdinnertomorrow.I’mnottakinganychances.”

Argh.PunchingGhastek’s

bloodsuckerwouldaccomplishnothingbecauseGhastekwouldn’tfeelathing.Istillwantedtodoit.Iwantedtocutitsheadoff.Myhanditched.

“Kate!”Julie’svoicerangout.“Youcan’tfightagiant.Youpromised.”

Damnit.IslidSarratbackinitssheath.“I’mgoingtorememberthis,”Igroundout.

“Ishudderatthe

thought,”Ghasteksaid,hisvoicedry.“Excuseme.”

Thebloodsuckerdashedforwardandtookahugeleap.Itlandedbetweenthetwovampiresclawingatthedoorandstabbeddownwithitshand.Thedoorpoppedopen.Ghastek’svampiredoveinsideandemergedwithRowena’slimpbody.Itspunandhandedherofftoadifferentbloodsucker,who

sprintedawayfromthecar.Theconvertibleexploded.Acloudofsmoke

billowed,spiralingup.Somethingsolidmovedinsideit.Somethingmassiveandfilledtothebrimwithmagic.Thesmokewhippedintoacolumn,spinninglikeatornado,andatoweringgiantspilledforth.Hardmusclesheathedhisseventy-foot-tallframe.Hiseyesglowedwith

red,hisearswerepointed,andamaneofstraightblackhairfelldownhisback,buthisfacewasstillrecognizable.HelookedlikeLago.

Thegiantclenchedhisfists,hisenormousarmsbentattheelbows,andheroaredatthesky.Ablastofheatrolledatus.SomethingshinysparkedatLago’sthroat.Isquinted.Anearring.Hehad

piercedtheskinbelowhisclaviclewithit,probablytoconcealit.Theearringmust’verequiredbloodcontact.Lago,youfool.Youstupid,stupidfool.Nowhewoulddie.Therewasnowaytosavehim.Suchawaste.

“Youpromised,”Juliesaidnexttomeinasmallvoice.

“Settledown.I’mnotgoingtofighthim.”

Ghastek’svoicerolledthroughtheMoleHole.“Allteams,takehimdown.”

•••

ICROSSEDMYarms.“It’sbeenfifteenminutes.”

“Sixteen,”oneofmyvampirebabysitterssaidinafemalevoice.“Ma’am.”

Thatdidn’texactlymakethingsbetter.

Thequestionofwhetherthehost’sbodyaffectedthegiant’spowerhadbeenanswered.Lagohadsurvivednineyearsasamerc.Hewasdamnfast.Thevampiresslicedathim,buthecaughtthem,brokethem,andtossedthemaside.Theyregenerated,andhebrokethemagain.

Glossymetalscaleshadbeguntoformonhislegs,slowlyclimbingtheirwayup.

Theyweremidwayuphisthighsnow.

Somethingfelloffthegiantandlayinaheap.Itlookedlikeahuman-sizedpalemaggot.Isquintedatit.Itwasavampire.Normallygaunt,ithadswollentoridiculousproportions,asifsomeonesomehowhadgottentheMichelinmanfromtheoldcommercialsandturnedhimintoanundead

monstrosity.Asifthevampiresweren’talreadyrevoltingenough.

Thevampirenexttomeopeneditsmouth.“StrikeLeader,wehaveaone-twenty-eightinprogress.Permissiontoretrieve?”

“Permissiongranted.”Thevampiresprinted

acrosstheglasscratertowardtheundeadmaggotthing.

“What’swrongwithit?”

Julieasked.“Toomuchblood,”oneof

thenavigatorssaidthroughanotherbloodsucker.“It’sanalmostnever-seenphenomenon,butit’sbeenobservedinacontrolledstudyinalabenvironment.Ittakesanaverageofforty-eightlitersofbloodconsumedinacontinuousstream,orthebloodofroughly1.28Holsteincows,toinducethis

stateinavampire.”Thegianthadtoomuch

bloodandhewasregenerating.Theycouldn’tdrainhimfastenough.Icouldn’tuseapowerwordonhim,butIcoulddosomething.

Thevampirethatleftuspickedupthebloatedundead,slungitoveritsback,racedbackacrosstheglass,anddumpedtheabomination

besideus.Thevampire’seyeshadturneddull.

“Ew.”Julieshuddered.“Ew.”

“Ew”didn’tevenbegintocoverit.Itsskinlookedreadytorupture.“Whyisnobodypilotingit?”

“Itwon’tbeabletomoveforanotherhour,”themalenavigatorexplained.

“PleaserelayamessagetoGhastekforme,”Isaid.

“Yourwayisn’tworking.Letmehelp.”

Thevampiredutifullyrepeatedthewords.

“Hesays,‘Thesituationisundercontrol.’”

“Tellhim,no,it’snot.Youcan’tcontainitnow.Whathappenswhenthemetamorphosisiscomplete?”

“Hesays,‘Yourconcernisdulynoted.’”

Argh.“Asshole.”

Theundeadopenedhismouthandpausedasthenavigatorcaughthimself.“ShouldI...?”

“No,”anothernavigatortoldhim.“Youshouldn’t.”

AcaravanofblackSUVscloggedthestreetleadingtotheCasino.TheSUVspulledupinasemicirclearoundtheMoleHoleanddisgorgedGhastekandaflockofjourneymen.Irecognizedtwo

MastersoftheDead:ToakaseKakau,adark-eyedwomanofTongandescent,andRyanKelly,alargeCaucasianmanwholookedthecorporatesharkineveryway,exceptforaverylongpurplemohawk.

ThejourneymenandtheMastersoftheDeadthinnedout,formingalooseringaroundtheMoleHole.Ajourneywomannextto

Ghastekraisedalargehorntoherlipsandblewasharpnote.

Vampiresdashedintothecrater.Ajourneymancouldpilotone;aMasteroftheDeadcouldcontroltwoorinGhastek’scasethree.TherewereabouttwentypeoplearoundtheMoleHoleandprobablythirtyvampiresbelow.Eachwasmarkedwithabrightsmearoffluorescent

paintinadozencolors,somewithacross,somewitharing.Somethingreallyweirdwasgoingon.

ThevampiresswarmedLago,climbinguphislegstohischestandstomach.Heroared,throwingthemaround.Theylandedontheground,someontheirfeet,someinabrokenheap.Thescaleswereuptohiswaistnow.Hisfeetbegantoglow.

Theglassunderhimwouldmeltbeforelong.

Ghastekraisedhishand.Thehornscreamedinresponse.

Inmymind,thedullredsmearsofmagicthatwerethethirtyvampiresintheMoleHoleturnedbrightred.

DearGod.Theyhadturnedthevampiresloose.

Anunpilotedvampirewentintoaninstantrage.It

wouldslaughteruntilnothingwithapulseremained.IfthePADfoundout,nobodywouldbearrested.Theywouldshooteveryonehereoutofprinciple.Thiswasinsane.NowIunderstoodthepaint—they’dmarkedthebloodsuckerssotheycouldquicklygrabthemagainwithoutgettingconfused.

Theundeadtoreintothegiant.Heroared,frantically

tryingtoknockthemoff.Fleshflewastheyripped,clawed,andburrowedintohisbody.Thevampirespiledon,maddenedbybloodlust.

Aminutepassed.Thegiantwasstillstanding.

Another...Twovampiresdropped

down,theirbodiesengorgedwithblood.Lagostompedonthem.

“Steady,”Ghasteksaid.

Thegiantcareened,rollinghisshouldersin,asiftryingtogatherhimselfintoaball.Thevampiresnearlycoveredhimnow.

Magicexplodedlikeaclapofthunder.Withadeafeninghowl,Lagojerkedupright,hisarmsstraightout.Thevampiresfelloff,knockedasidebyanenormousforce.

“Acquire!”Ghastek

snapped.Thehornscreechedagain,

frantic.Thenavigatorsgrabbedthemindsoftheirvampires.

SmokelessorangeflamessheathedLago’sfeet.Heturned,roaring,hisfacenolongerbearinganytraceofhumanity.Themetalscaleswereuptohiscollarbonenowandthoseathiswaistandbelowglowedorange.The

glassunderhisfeetsoftened,melting.Thegiantturnedinourdirection,castingalonglookatthecity,andraisedhisfoot...

Ohno,youdon’t.IdrewSarrat,slicedmy

leftarm,andstabbedthebloodybladeintothebodyofthebloatedvampire.Myblooddasheddowntheblade,itsmagicspreadingthroughtheundeadblood,likeaspark

chargingdownadetonationcord.Inhalfasecond,allofthebloodwasmine.Iyankedthebloodoutoftheundead’sbody.Ithoveredbeforemeinamassiveroundsphere.Ithrustmybleedinghandintoit,flatteningtheliquidintoasoliddisk,twofeetacross,spun,andhurleditwithallmystrengthandwithmymagic.

Itflew,expandingasit

whistledthroughtheair,itsedgeturningrazorsharp,andcleavedthegiant’sneck.Theimpactshatteredthenowfive-foot-widediskintodust.Thegiant’sheadfloppedtotheside,hisneckthree-quarterssevered,hismouthcontortingsilently,hisredeyeslookingindifferentdirections.Bloodgushedout,washingoverthetorso,andhissed,evaporatingasitmet

thehotscalescoveringhisskin.

There.Nopowerwords.TheMoleHoleturned

completelyquietandinthesilence,thesoundofhoofbeatsrolledthroughthenight.Ahugegrayhorsegallopedtowardus,bearingariderinagraycloak.Hecarriedalancetippedwithaglowinggreenspark.

Thegiantdroppedtohis

handsandknees,hisneckjerking,tryingtofliptheheavyheadbackintoitsproperplace.Thewoundonhisnecktriedtosealitself.

Thehorseleapedontothegiant,poundingitswaythroughtheflamesuphisspine,tohishead.Theriderclampedthelancetohisbodyandrammeditintothebloodystumpofthegiant’sskull.Thehorsereared,silhouetted

againsttheorangeflames.Therider’scloakflared,hishoodfalling.NickFeldman,aknightoftheOrder.

Ohhell.Weweresoscrewed.

Themassivehorsejumped,clearingthegapbetweenthegiantandthesideoftheMoleHole.

Thegiant’sheadexploded.Brainandbloodflew,splatteringthevampires

infrontofmeanddrenchingmeingore.

Fan-freaking-tastic.That’sjustthecherryontopofthesundaeofthisday.Curranwouldkillme.

Nick’svoiceboomedthroughtheclearing.“TheOrderthanksyouforyourassistance.Kindlydisperse.”

Ghasteksteppedforward,clearlyuntroubledbythesizeofthehorse.Twovampires

movedinunisontositonbothsidesofhimlikeloyaldogs.

Ibracedmyself.“ThisisaPeoplematter,”

Ghasteksaid,hisvoiceicecold.

“ThePeoplehavenojurisdictionhere,”Nicksaid.“ThisinvestigationbelongstotheOrder.”

“Acrimehasbeencommittedagainstamember

ofthePeopleandwerespondedtoitdecisivelyandwithoverwhelmingforce.ThePeoplefindtheOrder’spresenceandresponseinsufficienttoproperlysecurethebody.”

Translation:thereisonlyoneofyouandalotofus.

“Iamthelaw,”Nicksaid.“Impedemeandyouwillsuffertheconsequences.”

“LasttimeIchecked,the

Orderwasnotalawenforcementagency,”Ghasteksaid,hisvoicedangerouslymild.

“You’reonlyoneman,”someonecalledout.

Ghastektookamomenttoglancetowardthespeaker.HeadswouldrollwhentheygotbacktotheCasino.

Aw,hell.IreallyhatedtheOrder.

“Three,”Isaid.

Everyonelookedatme.Juliepulledoutheraxes.

“Heisthree.BiohazardbroughttheOrderinonthepreviousgiantappearance.Therefore,thisoccurrenceisacontinuationofanongoinginvestigation,authorizedbyaformalpetitionfromastatelawenforcementagency.Heisthelaw.Iwillupholdthelaw.”

Ghastekpaused.Some

sortofcalculationwasfeverishlytakingplaceinhismind.Hecouldn’tbackdown.Therewerenogoodchoices.Ifheletthebodygetaway,hewouldhavetoexplaintoRolandhowadjinnkidnappedRowenaandhowhehadwastedseveralvampiresandabunchofresourcestryingtokillitbuthadnothingtoshowforit.Ifheclaimedthebody,he

wouldhavetoexplaintoRolandwhyhe’dattackedaknightoftheOrder,brokenabouthalfadozenlaws,andgeneratedaquicklyrisingmountainoflegalbills.

Hewouldgoforthebody.ThevalueofacorpsepossessedandtransformedbythedjinnwouldmeanmoretoRolandthanthelegalproblems.

Iflickedmysword,

warmingupmywrist.Thiswasabouttogetbloody.

Ghastekraisedhishand.Theundeadleanedforwardasone.

“Staynexttome,”ItoldJulie.

Sirenshowled,growingcloserandcloser.AfleetofBiohazardandPADvehiclesturnedthecorner,fillingupthestreet.Ghastekstaredatthemforalongmoment.“Get

thelegaldepartment.”IlookedupatNick.“It’s

anearring.Aboutthesizeofaplum.Heworeitlikeapiercingonhischest.”

Hegavenoindicationheheardme.You’rewelcome.

“Theifritismovingfromhosttohostinanattempttoacquireamorepowerfulhost.Youneedtosecuretheearring.”

Nickrodeoffwithout

sayingaword.“Fuck.”“Didyouexpect

gratitude?”Toakasaasked.“No.Iexpecthimto

containthemagicsowedon’thaveanothergiant.”I’dhavetofindLuther.Hewouldatleastlistentoreason.

Awomanranuptomeandthrustapieceofpaperintomyhand.Iglancedatit.Abillforeighty-two

thousanddollars.“Whatthehellisthis?”

“Thecostofthedestroyedvampire,”thejourneywomanchirped.“Haveaniceday.”

•••

IREFUSEDTOleaveuntiltheearringhadbeenfound.IttookfourhoursforBiohazardtosiftthroughthegorycarcass,quarantiningeach

sectionofthecorpsetheyhadremoved.IsatontheedgeoftheMoleHoleandwatchedthemdoit.Juliefellasleepinthecar.ForawhilethePeople’slawyersandBiohazard’slawyerssquabbledoverwhowouldgettheearringwhenitwasfinallyfound,buteventuallytheytoogrewquietandjustwatched.

Biohazardtechsgingerly

placeditintoaboxcarvedfromacubeofsalt,whichwasthenplacedintoaplasticboxlinedwithvolcanicrock.Volcanicrockhadbeenexposedtosuchhightemperaturesthatmagicallyitwasfoundtobeinertandimpervioustoalltypesoffiremagic.

ThetechssealedtheboxandthenNickpromptlyconfiscatedit.

“Youcan’tdothat!”IfLuthergotanymoreworkedup,hewouldsufferapoplexyrighthere.Hewaswearingabiohazardcontainmentsuit,andhe’dtakenhishelmetofftotalk.“Itneedstobeexaminedandstudied.”

“Examinedhow?”Nickasked.“Areyouplanningonhavingteawithitandaskingitaboutitsfamily?Weknowit’sadjinn.Wemustcontain

it.That’sallthatmatters.”Lutherturnedtohis

lawyers,whobynowhadlostallsemblanceofprofessionalismandloungedonblanketsnexttothePeople’slawyers,whoweresharingtheircoffee.“Canhedothis?”

“Yep,”aHispanicfemalelawyersaid,pushingherglassesuphernose.

“How?”

“Yougavehimthatpowerwhenyousignedthepetition,”athin,dark-skinned,malelawyertoldhim.“Itoldyounottosignit.”

Nickplacedtheboxinhissaddlebag.

“Thecorpsesexhibitedreactivemetamorphosisineverysinglecase,”ItoldhimloudenoughforLuthertohear.“Exceptthisone.That

meansthedjinnwantsyoutohavethatbox.Hewantsamorecapablehostandwedon’tknowwhathisendgameis.Nick,donotputitintotheVaultwhereeveryknightcanhaveaccesstoit.”

Nickignoredme.Right.Iguessweknewwherewestood.Ihadafeelingmyparentageandthefactthathesomehowsharedhislastnamewithmydeceased

guardianhadagreatdealtodowithit,butnowwasn’tthetimeortheplacetodiscussanyofit.

“Whateveryouthinkofme,youknowIwouldn’tlietoyouaboutit.DonotputthatboxonashelfintheVaultwhereanybodycangettoit.”

Nothing.Bigblankwall.God,thisnightsuckedsomuch.

Lutherwavedhisarmsatthelawyers.“Can’tyoucontestitorsomething?He’sabouttorideoffwithit.”

“You’rescrewed,”oneofthePeople’smalelawyerstoldhim.“TheOrderpetitionisironclad.”

“Whathesaid,”thefemalelawyerwithglassessaid.“Sodoesthismeanwe’redonehere?”

“You’redonewhenyou

getmethatbody,”Ghasteksnapped.

Thelawyerscollectivelygroaned.

Nickrodeoffintothenight.

“IfadjinnpossessesaknightoftheOrder,we’rescrewed,”ItoldLuther.“Lookwhathedidwithamerc.”

Lutherponderedthebodybelowforalongmoment,

punchedtheair,kickeditafewtimes,andthrewhishelmetontheground.

Sometimesbeingalaw-abidingcitizenreallysucked.IwenttotheJeeptowakeJulieup.I’dhadmyfillofAtlantaforonenight.

CHAPTER

“W17

EARENOTgoingtotellhimaboutthegiant,”ItoldJulie.

Thesunwasrisingandthemorningpromisedtobelovely.IhadgivenCurranmywordthatIwouldnotattackagiant,andI’dbrokenit.Ididn’twanttofightwithhimnow.Ididn’twanttofight

withhim,period,butespeciallynow.AweekagoIwould’vesaidourrelationshipwasrocksolid.Alothadhappenedinaweekandwewerebothreallystressed-out.TodayIwasn’tsurehowfarIcouldpushhim.Ijustdidn’tknow.Iwastootiredtohandleitrightnow.

AlsoIneededsleep.Andfood.Iwouldkillforfood.

Andashower.Andsleep.Ihadtostopthinkingincircles.IhadbrieflyconsideredgoingtoCuttingEdgetoshower,butCurranwould’vesmelledthebloodonmeanyway.ItwouldtakeaverylongsoakbeforeImanagedtogetitalloutofmyhairandoffmyskin,andIjustwantedtogohome.

IwouldhavetotellCurranaboutiteventually,

becausewehadagreednottolietoeachotherandbecausetheifritwasavindictivesonovabitch.Ihadinsultedhimandnukedhisgiantagain.Well,technicallyNickhad,butIhadplayedalargepartinit.Thatmeanthewouldlikelysendusalovelysurprisewhenheregainedhismagic.Toobadtherewasnowaytotellhowlongthatwouldbe.

Julieopenedhereyessowide,you’dthinkapurpleflyingelephanthadlandedinfrontofus.“Areyouaskingmetolie?”

Sowhenitsuitedherpurposes,Juliehadnoproblembendingthetruth,butwhenIsuggestedit,therewasshockandoutrage.Howexactlydidthatwork?“No,I’mtellingyounottovolunteerinformation.”

“Whatifheasksme?”“Tellhimtoaskme.”“AreyouandCurran

goingtogetadivorce?”Julieasked,hervoicesmall.

“Wecan’tgetadivorce.We’renotmarried.”

“OhGod,I’llbeoneofthosekids.”

“Oneofwhatkids?”“Withweekendparents.”“Julie,damnit,wearenot

gettingadivorce...Whythe

hellaresixcarsparkedinourdriveway?”

Webothstaredatthecompletelyfulldriveway,occupiedbyfourPackJeeps;Pooki,whichwasDali’sPlymouthProwler;andasleek-lookingsilverFerrari,whichwasRaphael’sfavoriteride.

“Somethinghappened,”Juliesaid.

Iparkedfiftyyardsaway,

justincase,andhightailedittothedoor.Thedoorhandleturnedinmyhand.Unlocked.Iwalkedin,Julieatmyheels.

“Iwanttoknowwhynobodytoldmeshealmostdied!”Andreasaid.

Ifollowedhervoiceandsteppedintothekitchen.Shesatatthetable,eatinghandfulsoftrailmix.Raphaelsatnexttoher,strokingherback.

“I’mherbestfriend.Ihadarighttoknow!”

“Youhadarighttoknow?”Georgewavedherarm.“I’mdirectlyinvolvedinthisandnobodytoldme.”

“Weallhadarighttoknow,”Robertsaid,onehandoverthephonereceiver’smouthpiece.Hishusband,Thomas,stoodnexttohim,drinkingcoffeeoutofamugwithakittenonit.Both

alphasofClanRatwereinattendance.

“Sheclaimedthecity.It’samatterofPacksecurity,”Robertsaid,thenputahandoverhisfreeearandwentbacktohisphonecall.

“It’samatterofKateandCurran,”Dalisaid.

Jimdraggedhishandoverhisface.“Youweren’ttoldbecauseyouwouldbickeraboutitalldayandbythe

timeyouweredonedeciding,shewould’vebeendead.”

“Ohplease,”Desandrasaid.“It’snotlikewe’rechildren.”

“Could’vefooledme,”Dalitoldher.

TheblondalphaofClanWolfwinkedather.

Curranstoodnearthestove,behindeveryone.Ourgazesmet.ReliefshowedinhiseyesandthenIsawthe

precisemomentherealizedIwascoveredingore.Agoldfiresheathedhisirises.

“Itwasmydecision,”Jimsaid.“Dealwithit.”

“Whatisthatsmell?”Andreaturned.Suddenlyeverythingwentquiet.

“ThescoutsreporttherewasagiantincidentneartheCasino,”Robertsaid,hangingup.

“Whatkindofagiant

incident?”Desandraasked.Curran’sfacewasterrible.“Anincidentwithagiant

init,”Robertclarified,andsawme.

Curranmoved.OnemomentIwas

standingandthenIwasinthehallway,myfeetintheemptyair.He’dclampedhishandsonmyshouldersandliftedmetohisface.Hisvoicewasglacial.“Onething.Iasked

youtodoonething.”Hewasreallypissedoff.I

would’vepreferreditifhe’droared.

“I’msorry.”Somethingthudded

againstthefrontdoor.“Yougavemeyourword

andyoubrokeit.”“Yes.I’msorry.Ihadno

choice.IwastryingtosaveRowena.”

Heopenedhismouth.

“Reckless,stupid,wrong,brokeyourtrust,I’msorry,”Itoldhim.“Don’tbemadatme.”

Thedoorthuddedagain.Currandroppedmedownandjerkeditopen.“WHAT?”

Athirty-foot-tallbullwithenormousmetalhornsglaredbackatuswitheyesthesizeofteacups.Flamessheatheditshugelegs,flaringarounditshooves.Thebullopened

itsmawandvomitedfire.Curranspunmearound,

clampingmetohischest,hisbacktotheflames.

Thefiresmashedintotheinvisibleshieldofthehousewardandsplashedback,fallingharmlesslytotheground.Curranthrustmeaside.Hishumanbodytoreandaseven-and-a-half-footmonsterspilledoutandchargedthebull.

Theeightshapeshiftersinmykitchenwentfurryasoneandsprintedthroughthehallwaypastme,followedbyGrendelbarkinghisheadoff.

“Alive!”Icalledafterthem.“Weneedtoaskhimsome...”

Thebullduckedhishead,readytogoreCurran.Currangrabbedthebull’slefthornandpunchedtheenormousbovineintheface.Thebull’s

headsnappedtotheside,butCurranjerkeditbackandhammeredanotherhardpunchintoitsskull.

Nevermind.Curranpuncheditagain

andagain,hisfistlikeajackhammer,smashingintothebone.Thebullattemptedtobackup,jerkingitshead,tryingtofreeitshorn,butCurranheldonandkeptpunching.Bloodflewfrom

thesideofthebull’shead.Themonsterpushedforward,tryingtobulldozeCurranoffhisfeet.Curranlockedbothhandsonthebull’shornsandthrusthisclawedfeetintotheground.Musclesbulgedunderhisgrayfur,thefaintdarkstripesstandingoutlikewhipmarks.

Curran’sfeetslidandstopped.Theystruggled,facetoface,thebull’smaddened

fieryeyesstaringintoCurran’sice-coldgray.Theshapeshifterswaitedinaraggedsemicircle.

Thebullstrained,butCurranheldit.

Holyshit.Thebullopeneditsmouth

andbellowed.Curranroaredback,thesoundofpurefury.Tinyhairsroseonthebackofmyneck.

Fireflared,sheathingthe

bull’ssides.Curranvaultedontoitsback,onehandstillonthehorn.HisenormousleoninejawsgapedopenandCurranbitintothesideofthebull’sthroat.Themonsterscreamedandtheshapeshiftersrippedintothebovinemonster,oblivioustotheflames.

“Thisisgood,”awereratinawarriorformsaidnexttomeinRobert’svoice.“He

wasverystressed-out.Excuseme.”

Hepushedpastmeandjoinedtheslaughter.Islumpedagainstthedoorframeandwatched.

•••

“WILLYOUSTOPeatingit,”Igrowled.

“No,”Andreasaid.Shewassittingonthegroundand

chewingonsomeunidentifiablechunkofbullflesh.

“It’sapieceofmeatfromsomethingadjinnsummoned.”

“Youdon’tknowthat.”“Whoelsewouldsenda

bullmadeoffiretomyhouseafterIhelpedkilladjinn-possessedgiant?Stopeating.Itmighthavebeenaperson,”Itoldher.

“Idon’tcare.”“Andrea!Youdon’tknow

whatthiswilldotothebaby!”

“Itwillmakeitniceandstrong.”Andreabitintothepieceofmeat,shreddingitwithhersharpboudateeth.

“It’sevidence.”“Youhaveallthat

evidenceoverthere.”Shewavedattherestofthebullcorpse,spreadinabouta

hundredpiecesacrossourlawn.Curranhadtornittopieceswithhisbarehands.“I’vebeenstarvingalldayandeatingthatbird-foodtrailmix.I’mpregnant,hormonal,andtired,andIamdamnhungry.I’mgoingtosithereandeatmymeat.”

“She’sright,”Desandratoldme,bitingintoachunk.“It’sreallydecent.Tasteslikegrass-fedAngustome.So

kindofyourfiancétotenderizeit.”

Thatwasit.Iwasdone.Ijustdidn’tevencareanymore.

Imarchedmywayupthedrivewaytothehouse.Anenormouswhitetigersprawledinmydriveway,flickinghertailatasmallflockofbutterfliesthatbouncedonbrightwingsaroundherbrilliantwhitefur.

IcircledDaliandthebutterfliesandwentinside.Curransatonacouchinthelivingroom.Hewasbackinhishumanskin.Thecouchwascoveredinblood.Thatwasfine.Iwashavingsecondthoughtsaboutthecoloranyway.

Isatnexttohim.Watchinghimripthebullapartwasn’tjustfrightening.ItwasoneofthosethingsI

wouldneverforget.Itwasimprintedinmybrain.Curran’scontrolwasabsolute,sowhenheopenedthedoorandtheferallethalmonstershotoutandreveledinunrestraineddestruction,itmadeyourbloodruncold.He’dhadlessoutletthanusualsincewemovedoutoftheKeep.Therepeoplerecognizedwhathewas.Ifhewantedsomething,hehad

onlytopickupthephoneandpeoplewouldruntodohisbidding.Here,hewastryinghisbesttobeagoodconsiderateneighbor.Tobeanormalhuman,notinthetruesenseoftheword,butinthemeaningothersuburbanfamilieswouldacceptandfindnonthreatening.Ihadn’tfullyunderstoodhowharditwasforhimuntilnow.

Itwasover.Peoplesawit.

Theystoppedandstared,andtherewasnogoingback.AndIcouldn’tbehappieraboutit.

“Julieaskedmeifwearegettingadivorce,”Itoldhim.

Noresponse.“Itoldherthatwe

couldn’tgetonesincewearen’tmarried.”

Silence.“Iunderstandnow,”Itold

him.“YouleftthePackformeandthrewitallaway,

becauseyouthoughtwewouldhaveahappypeacefullifetogether.You’vebeensogoodandassumedthiscalm,niceroleofamanwholivesinthesuburbswithhisfamilyandinsteadthismessed-upcrapkeepshappening.I—”

Heputhisarmaroundmeandpulledmeclosertohim.

Ishutup.Wesattogetheronthe

couch.

“Ididn’ttouchthegiant.Ididn’tuseanypowerwords.Ionlythrewsomeundeadbloodatit.Ijustgotsplatteredwithgore.”IalmostsaidIpromisebutheldmytongue.

“Iwillkillanythingthattriestohurtyou,”hesaid,hisvoicequiet.

“Iknow.Iwillkillanythingthattriestohurtyou,”Itoldhim.

Curranlookedatme.“Ijustcan’tfigureoutwhattodowhenyouhurtyourself.WhoamImadat?”

Iopenedmymouth.Nothingsmartcametomind.“Ifanyonecanfigureitout,itwouldbeyou.You’retheonlyonewho’llputupwithme.”

Hedidn’tanswer.“Ihavesomebadnews.”

Mightaswelldropallofthe

shoesatthesametime.“Tellme.”“TheOrderclaimedthe

earringthathousestheifrit.Theywon’tletanyoneexamineit.Eduardoisbeingheldinsomeabandonedbuilding.Heisstarvingandwehavenowaytoknowwhichbuildinghe’sin.Isawhiminavision.Hedoesn’thavelong.”

“Anythingelse?”Curran

asked,hisvoiceeven.“Yes.Myfatheris

buildingatowernearLawrenceville.Hewantstohavedinnertonight.AtApplebee’s.”

Thearmholdingmeshook.Iglancedathim.Curranwaslaughing.

“Iloveyou,”Itoldhim.“Idon’tgiveacrapwhatanybodythinksorsays.Youdon’thavetobeanyoneor

anythingbutyou,Curran.Don’tdothisforme,becauseIjustwantyou.”

“Yourealizealloftheneighborsaregoingtomove,right?”

“Screwthem.Goodriddance.Icouldn’tcarelessifwefitinwiththemordon’t.Ineverwantedthe‘good’neighborhoodortobeseenas‘normal.’Ijustwantedtoliveinahousewith

youandJulie.Youcanbeyourself.Youletmebemyself,soit’sonlyfair.Stoptryingsohardtofitin.Iloveyoubecauseyoudon’t.”

Hekissedmyhair.“Anythingexciting

happenwhileIwasgone?”Iasked.

“RememberhowwesentGeorgetohaveasubtleconversationwithPatrick?”

Ohno.“I’mafraidto

ask...”“Hetriedtolectureheron

herdutytotheClanandshetoldhimtoshutup.Hetoldherhewouldtakeherinhandforherdad.”

Isqueezedmyeyesshutforafewseconds.“Ishealive?”

“Ohyes.Shedidn’tkillhim.Bothofhislegsarebroken,butheisalive.”

“Wasthatanofficial

challenge?”“No,theyareclassifying

itasafamilydispute,sinceGeorgedecidedtoseparateandisn’tintheclanchainofcommandanymore.”

Raphaelwalkedintotheroom.Hewaswearingworn-outjeansandaleatherjacket,andifyousenthimandtheleadingmalemodeldownthestreet,hewouldturnmoreheads.Therewasjust

somethingaboutRaphaelthatbroadcastedsex,loudandclear,andIhadyettomeetawomanwhodidn’trespondtoit.Ofcourse,theyusuallydidtheirbesttohidethatresponsebecauseAndreawasacrackshot.

RaphaelcrouchedbyCurranandsaid,“Hey.Ijustfiguredouthowweallcouldmakealotofmoney.”

“Goon,”Curransaid.

“I’mgoingtobuyoutyourneighborsandoffertheirhousestoPackmemberswholiveinthecity.AnyPackfamilywouldgiveuptheirlife’ssavingstolivenexttotheformerBeastLord,andsomethingtellsmeyourneighborswillbeextremelyeagertosell.”

Curranlaughedagain.“We’llmakeasmall

fortune,”Raphaelsaid.“All

youhavetodoisgooutonceinawhileinyourwarriorformandroar.Especiallywhenit’sdark.They’lllineuptosellsofast,we’llhavetogiveoutnumbers.”

Ilaughed.“I’mcompletelyserious.”

Raphaelwasgrinning.“Youcouldusetheextracash.”

“Youshouldgetyourwifetostopeatingunidentifiedmeat,”Itold

him.Curranstrokedmyback.Desandrathrustherhead

intotheroom.“Youbetterhurry.Mahonishere.”

•••

MAHONSTOODONthelawn.Large,burly,withacurlybeard,helookedlikeheneededachain-mailhauberk,amace,andacastleto

defend.Hisbeastformmadehishumanbodylookweakandpuny,whichwaswhyMahonservedasthePack’sExecutioner.Hisglowermadehardenedfightersrunforcover.Hisdaughtercouldn’thavecaredless.Shestooddefiantinthemiddleofthelawn,holdingablanketaroundherselfwithheronehand.Usuallytransformingfromahumantoabeastand

thenbacktoahumanwould’veputherdownforanap,butthetiltofherchintoldmeshewasverymotivatedtostayawake.Georgewaspissedoff.Theybothlookedreadytoexplode.Ibracedmyself.

AcrossthestreetacrowdofneighborshadgatheredatHeatherSavell’shouse.Awesome.Nothingbetteratashapeshifterfamilybrawl

thanconvenientlyplacedinnocentbystanders.

“...Separationisridiculous.You’vehadyourfun,”Mahonsaid,hisvoicedeep.“Thisfoolishnessstopsnow.Comehome.”

“No.”IfGeorgehadfreezingpowers,thatonewordwould’veturnedherdadintoanicicle.

“YouarenotleavingthePack.”

“Yes,Iam.”Mahonexhaledrage.“For

what?”Hisvoiceboomed.“Forsomeboy?”

Georgebaredherteeth.“Heisn’taboy.Heisaman.Myman.TheoneIchose.”

“Yes,justlikeyouchoseAidanbefore,andwhat’s-his-face,Nathan.Thiswillpass.Don’tthrowyourlifeaway.”

“Stayingwithyouwouldbethrowingmylifeaway.

Youwantmetomarryawerebearandbeagoodlittlebroodmare.”

Ohboy.“Iwantyoutostaywith

yourfamily!”Mahonroared.“Donotraiseyourvoice

atme!”Georgeroaredback.“Weraisedyou,we

clothedyou,wefedyou,weeducatedyou,andthisishowyourepayus?”

“Youdidallthethings

thatparentsarelegallyobligatedtodo.Congratulations,Dad.Youweren’taneglectfulparent.Thankyou.Itdoesn’tgiveyoutherighttoshacklemefortherestofmylife.You’renotentitledtoit.ThisismylifeandIwillliveit.”

“Sheisn’tleavingyourfamily,”Thomassaid.“She’sleavingthePack.”

“Thehellsheis.”Mahon

seemedtogetbiggersomehow,hisfacedarker.HepointedatCurran.“Isthisit?Isheyourexample?Youwanttothrowitallawaybecausesome...humancouldn’tstandlivingintheKeep?Shenaggedathimandnaggedathimuntilhegaveinandnowlookathim.Yearswasted!Years!Andweareallworseoffforit.Hethinkswithhisdick,butyou,you

werealwayssmarterthanthat.”

It’sfunnyhowloudhorrifiedsilencecanbe.

Curranlaughed.Mahonstaredathim,

incredulous.AcrossthestreetHeather

wasgapingatme.Ismiledandwavedather.

“Whataboutthisisfunny?”Mahonroared.“YouweresupposedtobetheBeast

Lord.Youweresupposedtostartalegacy!”

“I’mhappy,”Currantoldhim.“Don’tyouwantmetobehappy?”

“It’snotaboutbeinghappy!It’saboutdutyandobligationsanddoingsomethingwithyourlife!”

“Whataboutyourobligations?”Curranasked,hisvoicemild.“WhatwasyourdutytomymatewhenI

wascomatose?”Mahonopenedhismouth.“Didyouprotecther?”

Curranasked.“Didyouhelpher?Didyoudoanythingtosupportthisfuturelegacy?”

“Shewasnotapropermate.Shewillneverbeapropermate.Sheisahuman!”

Well,ofcourse.“Youdon’tgettodecide

that.”Curransaid.“Itisn’t

yourplace.Ichoseher.IledthePackforseventeenyearsanditfailedmewhenIneededitmost.Youfailedme.”

Mahonrecoiled.“Myobligationtothe

Packisover,”Curransaid.“Youfailedtoupholdyourendofthebargain.”

“Speakingofduty,”Georgeputin.“Whatthehellwereyouthinking,sendinga

fifteen-year-oldagainstAndorf?HewasaberserkbearwithyearsofexperienceandCurrancouldbarelyshave.Whydidn’tyougo,Dad?”

“Bequiet,”Mahonsnapped.“Youwerebarelytwelve.Youhavenoideawhatwasinvolved.Isenthimbecauseweneededaleader.Becausethepackswouldn’tfollowme!”

IwentandsatbyAndrea.I’dhadalongdayandIwastiredofstanding.

“Soyourconvenienceandloftyidealsjustifiedsendingachildtotheslaughterandthenunloadingtheburdenofbeinginchargeofpeople’slivesonhim?”Georgeraisedhereyebrows.“Soyoucouldstandbehindthethroneandhavefunplayingkingmaker?Youshouldaskyourself,

Dad,whyallyourchildrenwanttoescape.Maybewe’renottheproblem.”

“Thisisit!”Mahonroared.“Thisendsnow.You’recomingwithme,ifIhavetocarryyou.You’renotseparatingfromthePack.Iwillputyouunderlockand—”

“Enough.”Jim’svoicecutthroughMahon’sroarlikeaknife.

“—key,I’ll—”“Isaid,enough!”Jim

snarled.“NomemberofthePackwillinterferewithseparation.NomemberofthePackwillberestrainedagainstherwillbecauseherfatherisonapowertrip.Mindyourconduct,Alpha.”

IfIslow-clapped,Mahon’sheadwouldprobablyexplode.

“Youneedtorethink

that,”Mahontoldhim.“Youwillnotbreakthe

lawyouyourselfhelpedputinplace.Thelawappliestoeveryone.”JimglaredatMahon.“Youwillobeyit.Ifyoufindyourselfunabletofollowthelaw,stepdownandClanHeavywillfindanalphawhocan.”

“You—”Mahonbegan.“IamtheBeastLord,”

Jimsaid.

“Notforlong,”Mahonsnarled.

“Isthatachallenge?”Jimbaredhisteeth.Dalirosefromherspotinthedrivewayandstalkedover,pawovermassivepaw,likeasilentmajesticshadow,andstoodbesidehermate,herblueeyesstaringatMahonwithunyieldingintensity.

MahonglancedatCurran.Curranshookhishead.

“Youwouldsidewiththemagainstme?”Mahonlookedshocked.

“You’rewrong,”Currantoldhim.“Thelawisthelawwhetheryoulikeitornot.Eitheryou’reanalphaandyouupholdthelaw,oryouarenot.”

“It’salwayslikethatwithyou,”Georgesaid.“You’vebeenafterCurranforyearstofindamate,andwhenhe

foundone,youdidn’tapproveofher,soyoudecidedthatnoneofthethingsyouweresupposedtodoashisfatherapplied.You’vebeenaskingmeforyearswhenIplannedtosettledown,andwhenIdid,youdidn’tlikehimeither.Nowhe’sdisappearedandit’syourresponsibilityasanalphatolookforhim,butyoudon’tlikeit,soyouchosenottodo

it.Allyourtalkofdutyandobligationsmeansnothing.Youthinkyouknowbetterthananyofus.Youdon’t.Lookatwhatyou’redoing,Dad.You’rechallengingtheBeastLordyousworeallegiancetobecauseyoudon’tlikethemanyourdaughterloves.Becauseithurtsomeweirdlittleplaceinyourpride.Thisishowyouserveandleadyourclan.

Don’tyouhaveanyintegrityatall?”

Aburningrockthesizeofabasketballstreakedacrosstheskyandlandedinthestreetinfrontofourhouse.IlungedinfrontofAndrea,tryingtoshieldher.Theexplosionshooktheground.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Andreahauledmeback.“I’mashapeshifter.Iregenerate!”

“You’repregnant.”

“Oh,shutup.”Abrilliantgoldenflame

tenfeethighandfivefeetwideignitedinthemiddleofthestreet.Insideit,Eduardowrithedinhiscage.TheifritwaspunishingEduardobecausewe’dkilledthebull.

Avoicerolledthroughthestreet,avoicechargedwithinhumanpowerthatprickledagainstmyskinlikestatic.Itraisedeveryhairontheback

ofmyarms.“Allwhoareguiltywilldie.Witnessthebetrayerspawn.Seehissuffering.”

Georgeran.Ijumpedtomyfeetandchasedher.Jimmadeagrabforher,buthewasn’tfastenough.Georgedashedintothestreet,rightintothefire.Itbrokeapartintoathousandsparksandtransformedintoathirty-foot-long,glowingsnake.

Georgescreamedatthetopofherlungs.Itwasascreamofrageandpain,rolledintoonehorrible,soul-crushingsound.Shescreamedasifsomethinginsideherhadtornandnothingcouldputitbacktogether.

Thesnakelungedather.Georgegrabbeditbyitsneck,heaveditupright,andslammedthebodyagainstthe

pavement.Thesnakehissed,themassivecoilstryingtowindaroundGeorgeandcrushher.Thewerebearplantedonefootonthesnake.Themusclesonherarmflexedandshetorethereptileintwo.Thelightwentoutofthesnake’seyes,butGeorgedidn’tstop.Shemauledandrippedthecreatureagainandagain,ventinghergriefonitsbody.

Wewatchedherrage,tearswellinginhereyes,untilshefinallyletitgo,andthenCurranandIledherbackintothehouseoffthestreet.

CHAPTER

OPENEDMYeyes.Ilayinourbed,onmyside.Somethingfeltodd.IpuzzledoveritandrealizedCurranwasn’twithme.

Theblackoutcurtainshadturnedourbedroomintoaquiet,darkplace.Ihadnoideawhattimeitwas.AfterGeorgehadcalmeddown,

Lyc-Vfinallytookitstollandshecrashedinoneofoursparebedrooms.ItriedmybesttodescribethebuildingI’dseeninthevisiontoRaphael.Heownedareclamationcompanythattookusefulthingsoutofcrumblingskyscrapers,andhehadfilesonjustabouteverymajorruininthecity.Hewroteeverythingdown,butIcouldtellnothing

clickedwithhim.Mydescriptionhadbeentoogeneric.HesaidhewouldlookthroughhisfilesandDalisaidthatshewouldsendasurveyteamouttothebuildingsRaphaelidentified.CurrantoldmethatwhenhehaddroppedDerekoffattheaddresstheClerkhadgivenusforthegigEduardohadturneddown,hehadrecognizedthescent

permeatingthearea.Itbelongedtothemanwho’dstalkedEduardo.Westilldidn’tknowwhohewasorwhyhewasobsessing.Itwasnicethattwoandtwofittogether,butsofartheystillequaledtwelve,whichdidn’thelpus.

ThedjinnspokeEnglishthistimeanditwasn’tjustasingleword.Hewasgrowinginpower.Nobodylikedthat

news.Finallyeveryoneleft.I

draggedmyselfupstairs,tookalongshower,andcollapsedonthebed.IhadwokenupwhenCurrancameinandwentintothebathroomtowashthebloodoff.Henevercameoutofthebathroom.Iwould’vesensedhimmoving.Exhaustedornot,myinstinctsstillworked.

Islippedoutofthebed,

walkedacrosstheslickwoodenfloortothebathroom,andnudgedthedoorwithmyfingertips.Hewassittinginourenormouscast-ironbathtub,leaningback,hiseyesclosed.Thetubwashisfavoriteplaceasidefromourbed.Huge,custom-madetoaccommodatehimeveninhislion-formwithmorethanenoughroomtospare,thetubwasheatedwith

electricityduringtechandwithamagicvolcanicrockatothertimes.Usuallyhisfacewasrelaxedwhenhesoaked,butrightnowitlookedtight.Hewasalmostfrowning,histhickeyebrowsfurrowed,thelineofhissquarejawhard.

TherewassomethingI’dbeenwantingtodo,eversinceIwokeupinthehospitalbedandsawhimstalkingthroughmyroom,

worriedandangry,allcoiledstrengthandhardwill.

IslippedoffmyT-shirt.MypantiesfollowedandIwalkednakedtothetub.Tubsalwaysgotmeintotrouble.Itouchedmyfingerstothewater.Itwasnearscalding.

Worthit.Isteppedintothewater.It

camemidwaytomythigh.Hiseyesstayedclosed.Ibentmykneesandsank

inontopofhim,straddlinghim.Mythighsbrushedagainsthislongleanlegs.

Curran’seyessnappedopen,aferal,piercinggray.Ipressedmylipsagainsthisandlickedhisbottomlipwiththetipofmytongue.

Comebacktome.Comeoutofwhateverdarkplaceyou’reinandfeelmeinstead.

Heopenedhismouthandkissedmeback,hisfingers

tighteningonmyback.Ifelthimhardenunderme.Histongueslidintomymouth,thekissdeepened,andImovedontopofhim,mybodyhotandpliant.Hemadealowgrowlingnoiseinhisthroat,harshandmale,filledwithrawneed,andIfelthimleavewhateverhewasthinkingbehind.Hewasminenow.Therewasnoworry,nodread,notomorrow.There

wasonlyusandnow.Hebrokethekissand

nippedmyneck,inhalingmyscent,andIarchedmyspine,rubbingagainsthim,wantingtofeelhiminsideme,wantingmore.Hishandslockedonmybuttandhepulledmecloser,roughandhard,inasinglepossessivemovement.Hismouthclosedonmybreast,histonguepressingagainstmynipple,

andInearlymelted.“Sofuckingbeautiful,”he

whispered,hisvoiceragged.Hekissedmeagain,his

bodyrockhardandrigidunderme.Islidmyhandsuphiscarvedchest.Hisskinwasasscaldingasthewater.Idraggedmyhandsuphismuscularshouldersandranmyfingersthroughhisshortdamphair,tryingnottoloseallcontrol.Hishandslid

lower,downmyback,acrossmybutt,acrossmyleg,brushingthesensitiveskinofmyinnerthigh.Hetouchedme.Ijerkedandbrokeawayfromhislips,ashishandcoveredme.Hisfingersslippedinsideme,histhumbbrushingthemostsensitivespot,draggingamoanfromme.More.More,please.

Hisskilledfingersdippedinandout,teasing,stroking,

andmybodygaveintohisrhythm.WhatevercontrolIhadvanished.Irodehishand.Hewatchedme,hisgrayeyesfilledwithintenseneed,anditmademehotter.Mybreastsached.Alowsteadypressurepooledinthebottomofmystomach,threateningtobreak.

“Comeforme,”hetoldme,hisvoicecommanding.“Comeforme,baby.”

Mybodyclenchedaround

hisfingers,wavesofpleasuredrowningme.Islumpedback,limpandboneless,buthecaughtme.“Notyet.”

Hisfingerskeptgoing,strokingme.Mybreathwascomingoutinraggedgasps.Myworldshranktothemovementofhisfingers.

“Again,”hetoldme.No,therecouldn’t

possiblybeanagain...Iclimaxedagain,

shuddering,heldinplacebyhishandsastheorgasmrockedme.Ifeltheavyandexhausted,floatinginmyprivatehotbliss,thevaporrisingfromthewaterswirlingaroundme.Thiswaswhathappinessfeltlike.

Hethrustinsideme,thethicklengthofhimstretchingme.Mybodyclenchedaroundhim,stillripplingwiththeechoesofaclimax,andhe

groaned.“Yourturn,”Ibreathed.“Notyet.”Ileanedonthewallwith

onehandtosteadymyselfandrodehim,matchinghismovement,squeezinghim.Hegrittedhisteeth.Icouldfeelhimpullingback,tryingtodisconnectandslowhimselfdown.Ohno,hewasn’tgoingtolast,becauseIwantedhimtocome.I

wantedhimtofloatintheblisswithmeandIhadnoplanstoplayfair.Islidmyrighthanddownintothewaterandmyfingersclosedaroundthebaseofhisshaftwithhimstillinsideme.Hegasped.Ipumpedhim,slidingupanddown.

“Kate...”hegrowled.“Iloveit,”Iwhispered,

pumpinghimagain.“Ilovewhenyoudothistome.I

lovewhenyou’reinsideme.”Hesnarledandflippedme

over.Ilandedonmyknees,catchingtheedgeofthetubwithmyhands.Heburiedonehandinmyhairandthrustintomefrombehind,plungingdeep,buildingtoafasthardrhythm.Whateverlittlesemblanceofcontrolwasgonenowandhepoundedintome.Ilostmyselftoit,eachpowerful

thrustpushingmecloserandclosertotheedge,untilIfinallyhurtledoverit.Heshudderedinsidemeandwesankintothewatertogether.

•••

THEWATERWAStoohot,butIhadnostrengthtogetout.Ifeltexhaustedanddrunk,soIjustlaythere,myheadonhischest.Hewasslidinghis

fingertipsupanddownmyarm.Hiseyeswereclosed,hisfacerelaxed.Aslightbeginningofasmilecurvedhislips.

“Let’snotgoanywhere,”Itoldhim.

“Themagicisup,”hesaidquietly.

“And?”“Ifwedon’tshowupfor

dinner,yourfatherwillmanifestinthisbathroom.”

“Maybeyoucanscarehimawaywithfullfrontal,”Isaid.

Helaughed.“Whatwereyouthinking

aboutbeforeIcameinhere?”Iasked.

“IwasthinkingthatInevergottoknowmyfather,”hesaid.“AllIrecallofhimarechildhoodmemories.Ihavenoideawhatkindofmanhewasorwhathestood

for.Mahonbecamemyfather,buthisapprovalalwaysfeltconditional.Still,he’sallIgot.YouhadVoron.”

“Whowasroyallyfuckedup,”Isaid.“NowIhaveRoland.Thatkindofsaysitallrightthere.Myonlylivingbloodrelativeisamegalomaniacwithcosmicpowerandanunshakablebeliefthatheknowsbest.”

Andsayingitoutloudjusthammeredithome.Ugh.“Wejustdon’thavethebestluckwithfathers.Butyouknewallthat.”

“ItoccurredtomethatonedayIwillbeafather,”hesaid.“AndIhavenoideahowthehellI’mgoingtodothat.”

“You’realreadyafather.Sortof.”

“Juliewasalreadyagood

kidwhenyoufoundher.Mostofthehardworkwasdone.Iamtalkingaboutraisingalittlehumanfromthefirstbreath.Idon’tevenknowwhatthehellIwoulddowithababy.”

“Ithinkyouwillmakeanexcellentfather.I’dworrymoreaboutwhatkindofmotherIwouldmake.”

Wewouldscrewupourchildren.Itwasinevitable.

Juliehadtaughtmethatyounevergetthechildyouwantorexpect.Yougetthechildyougetandyoutryyourbesttomakesuretheyturnouttobeadecenthumanbeing.Thatwasallthatmattered.

AnimageofpregnantAndreasittingonourlawnandeatingtheremnantsofabullflashedacrossmymind.“IfIgetpregnantandwekillsomethingmagic,don’tlet

meeatit.”Hegrinned.“IfAuntBwerealive,

there’snowayAndreacouldgetawaywithit.”

ButAuntBwasdead.ShewouldneverseeRaphaelandAndrea’sbaby.Hughd’Ambray’sIronDogshadkilledher,butHughwasatoolandmyfatherusedhimlikeabatteringramwhenhewantedtobreakdownadoor.

Rolandboretheultimateresponsibilityforit.

“Ifoundoutwhatitmeanstoclaimtheland,”Isaid.

“Tellme.”Idid.“Itwasn’ta

hallucination,Curran.IimprovedwhenIshouldn’thave.”

Hemadeanoise,halfagrowl,halfafrustratedgrunt.“Thatmeanshewieldsmagic

evenduringtech.Hewon’thesitatetoshieldhimself.”

“Yes.Attackinghimduringtechnologywhileheisinhisterritorymeansriskingthelivesofeveryoneinit.Hewilldrainthemdrytokeephimselfalive.Hewilldeeplyregretitandbeconflictedaboutitlater,buthewilldoit.Hiswilltolivetrumpseverythingelse.”

“We’llgethim,”Curran

said.“Iknow.”Ijusthadno

ideahow.Howdoyoukillsomeonewiththatmuchpower?

“We’regoingtobesmartaboutthis.We’regoingtowatchhim,testhim,andwhenweknowwecanwin,we’llcrushhim.”

Andthatwaswhyhewasascarybastard.“Curran...”

Hekissedmyhair.

“Yes?”“Ican’tgetSienna’s

visionoutofmyhead.I’vebeentryingnottothinkaboutit,butitkeepspoppingup.”

“It’sapossiblefuture,”hesaid.“Notthedefinitefuture.”

“Iknow.IjustwishIknewwhatitmeant.Iusuallyseehimonagrassyhillinmydreams,too.OnlywhenIseeit,thereisalwaysatower

beingbuilt.”Myfatherwasanactiveparticipantinthosedreams.Iwouldn’tbesurprisedifIsawwhathewantedmetosee.

“BeforeJimandRobertleft,Iaskedthemwhentheconstructiononthetowerhadstarted,”Curransaid.

“And?”“Thedaywekilledthe

windscorpion.”“Whatareyougetting

at?”“Therewasnothingthere

untilthescorpiondied.Thateveningheputthefirstblockdownandhewasn’tatallsubtleaboutit.Whybuildatowernow,inplainview?Hehasnopowerbasehere.Heisn’treadytodefendthetower,unlesshecampsoutinit.”

Curranhadavalidpoint.Rolandspentmostofhistime

inhislittlebuddingempireintheMidwest.Hisversionofthenewworldorderwasratherfragile;hehadtobetheretokeepaneyeonit.Whywouldhedropeverythingandcomeovertobuildatowerhere?HehadtoknowIwouldloseitwhenIfoundout.

Ah.Thatexplainedit.“It’sadiversion.”Currannodded.“For

somereason,he’sworriedaboutthedjinn.Everytimewemadeprogress,heescalatedtheconstructionuntilyoucouldnolongerignoreit.Heisfuckingwithyourhead.”

“Butwhy?Ithoughtthedjinnmighthavebeensomesortofscrewed-uptestheshovedourway,butifit’satest,whynotjustletusdealwithit?”

“Yourmagicdoesn’tworkonthedjinndirectly.Doeshis?”

“Idon’tknow.Thenaturalresistancewouldstillbethere,becausemymagicisRoland’smagicandIbouncedhardofftheifrit’shost.ButRolandhasalotmorejuicethanIdoandhe’sbeenatitforthousandsofyearslonger.Hemightbeabletooverpowertheifrit,

butit’spossibleitwouldcosthimalotofmagic.We’renottalkingaboutjustanydjinn.He’sanifrit,whichissupposedlysecondonlytothemaridsintherawmagicalpowerdepartment.Accordingtothemyths,theifritshaveasocietymuchlikewedo.Theyexistinclans,andtheyhavetheirownaristocracybasedonpower.Ithinkourguywashighupinthefood

chain,becausehewaswearinggoldandemeralds.Ialsogotaglimpseintohismind.It’samess.He’scompletelybonkers,buttheamountofpowerhehasisstaggering.Youshould’vefeltit—itwaslikeadamnvolcano.”

Curranleanedback.“Soifit’snotatestandtheifritcanpresentachallengetoRoland’spower,whynothelp

usdealwithit?Hewinsifwetaketheifritdown.”

“Ihavenoidea.”“TheintelfromRobert

showsthatthetimelinematchesupperfectly—everytimewetookastepclosertothedjinn,Rolandmadehisconstructionevenmoreobvious.It’slikehedoesn’twantustointeractwiththedjinnatall.Hedoesn’twantustokillit.”

“I’mnotevensurewecan,Curran.Theifrit’spowerisgrowing.Thefirsttwotimeshesummonedsomething,heseemedtobeonlyfulfillingwishes,sohecouldthentakeoverthehost.Thistimehesummonedagiantbullandthendroppedameteorandasnakeonus.Wedon’tevenknowifhe’stakencontrolofanewhostyet.Thisisjusthimventinghis

hurtfeelingsbecauseofthegiant.Ican’tlethimkeepdoingthis.HeisathreattomorethanEduardoorus.Heisathreattoanythinginhisvicinity.”

Currangrimaced.“Didyouhearwhathesaid?”

“Aboutbetrayerspawn?Yeah,whatthehellwasthatallabout?”

“Idon’tknow,exactly,”Curransaid.“ButDalidid

somechecking.Eduardo’sPackadmissionpaperworkisonfile.InthePlaceofBirthsection,helistedAtlanta,Georgia.ShehadpeoplemakesomecallstoOklahoma.Thewerebisonherdisn’ttalkingtothePackofficially.They’recirclingtheirwagonsaroundEduardo’sparents.”

“Why?”“Nobodyknows.But

unofficiallyDali’speoplewereabletofindoutthatEduardo’smotherbecameamemberoftheherdsixyearsafterEduardowasborn.Hisfatherisawerebisonandishighupintheherd’schainofcommand,andhedoesn’twantanyofthis.”

“IfEduardo’sparentssomehowbetrayedtheifrit,it’spossiblehe’spunishingEduardo.Wouldn’ttheywant

tohelp?”“Daligotafeelingthat

Eduardo’smotherhadn’tevenbeentold.Whoeverherpeoplespoketosaidtheysawheratabirthdaypartyyesterdayandshewaslaughingandhavingfun.Byallaccountsshereallylovesherson.Ifsheknewhewasmissing,shewouldlikelybehere.”

“Didtheypullthe

marriagelicense?”“Eduardowassevenwhen

theymarried.”Thatcouldmean

absolutelynothing.Plentyofpeoplewaitedtogetmarried.OritcouldmeanthatthemanmarriedtoEduardo’smotherwashisstepfather.

“Youthinkherhusbandisprotectingher?”

Currannodded.“We’renotgoingtogetanyhelp

fromthem.”“Thenwe’llhavetowork

withwhatwe’vegot.”MaybeIcouldaskRoland

aboutit.Wouldn’tthatbeahoot?Hey,Iknowwe’remortalenemies,butcanyouhelpmewiththisthing?Isankdeeperintothewater.Ididn’twanttogo.

“DidyoueverwanttokillMahon?”AndwhydidIjustaskhimthat?Argh.

“No.TherewasatimeIwould’vedoneanythingforhisapproval.”

Itdidn’tsurpriseme.Afterhewatchedhisfamilybeingslaughtered,Curranlivedonhisowninthewoods,huntedbythesameloupswhohadeatenthebodiesofhisparentsandhissister.ThenMahonledapartyofshapeshiftersintothewoods.Mahonwasolder

now,andIwasstrong,butIwouldhesitatetofighthim.Toastarvedtwelve-year-old,hewould’veseemedlargerthanlife.

“AsIgotolder,Irealizedhewasmanipulatingmetogetwhathewanted.”Curransaid.“Irememberthefirsttimeitclicked.Iwaseighteen.HewantedmetopassalawandIwantedtogoplaywithmynewgirl.”

“Whatgirl?”“Youdon’tknowher.She

wasblondandhadhugeboobs.”Hefrowned.“SomethingwithaK.Kayla...Kelly...Something.”Hegrinned.“Jealous,baby?”

Istretchedagainsthim,myvoiceslowandlazy.“IsKellyinthistub?No?ThenIhavenothingtobejealousabout.”

“Mahonnaggedme,soItoldhertowaitandsattherefortwohoursreviewingthislong-asslawaboutthepercentagesthePackreceivedfromtheprofitsoftheirbusinesses.”

“Soundsriveting.”“Oh,itwas.WhenIwas

done,Mahontoldmemydadwouldbeproudofme.Itoccurredtomethatmydadwasanisolationist.He

wouldn’thavegivenashitaboutthePackorifthemasonsshouldpaytwelvepercentwhiletheteacherspaidseven.ItwasthisemptyencouragementMahonofferedtomewhenIdidsomethingheliked,becauseheknewImissedmyfatherandIwantedtomakehimproud.Isatthereafterheleftandtriedtothinkofalltheoccasionshe’dusedit.He’d

useditquiteabit.”Hisfacehardened.Hello,

BeastLord.“IknewIhadtocutthe

leashthen,becauseIwouldn’tbeanyone’spetruler.”

No,beingsomeone’spetdidn’tsuithim.NomorethanbeingSharrimsuitedme.

Mylifehadalwaysbeenavectorpointedtothesamegoal:killRolandordie

trying.Thatvectordidn’tsurvivecollisionwithreality.Roland’spowerwastoogreatandIdidn’thavethespinetodietryingtomurderhimwhilewatchingeveryoneIlovedburninthesamefuneralpyre.TheexactthingVoronhadwarnedmeabouthadcometopass.Ihadfalleninlove.Ihadacceptedresponsibilityforachild.Ihadfriends,andIwasn’t

capableofcondemningthemtodeathforacausethatwasn’ttrulymyown.Isurvived.

Lookingbackatit,itwastherightchoice.Theonlychoice,really.ButVoron’sconditioningdidn’tjustwearoff.HeraisedmesoIcouldkillRolandordie.EitherwayRolandwouldbehurt,anditwasgoodenoughforVoron.Thenaggingsenseoffailure

wasstillthere,andIfeltenoughguiltandshametofillasmalllake.Theguiltfedmyanger,andeverytimeIthoughtofRoland,myswordhanditched.IknewIwasn’treadyfortheconfrontation,butsomehowIdeludedmyselfintothinkingIcouldwinthesamewayIusuallywon—bybruteforceandmyskillwiththesword.

Itwastimetogrowup.I

hadaresponsibilitytothelandIclaimedandeveryonealivewithinitsborders.IhadaresponsibilitytoCurranandJulie,tomyfriends,andtomyself.Ideservedtohavealifeatsomepoint.Runningatmyenemieswithsworddrawnandpoundingthemwithpowerwordswithallofthedelicatesubtletyofahammernolongerworked.Wewereplayinginthebig

leaguesnow.Thestrokewasapainfullesson,butithelpedbringhomethepoint:Ihadtofightsmarter.

“Wecan’tletonthatwefiguredoutthetowerisadiversion,”Isaid.“I’mgoingtofocusonthatandmaybewecanlearnsomethingabouttheifrit.Hethinksbothofusjustpummelthingswithourfistsanyway.Hewon’tsuspectanysophisticated

subterfuge.”Curransmiled.“Would

youlikemetosnarlattheappropriatemomentsandpromisetobashheadstopieces?”

“Wouldyoumind?”“Well,itmightbea

stretchforme,sinceIneverdoanythinglikethat.”

Ichuckled.“ButifIamproperly

motivated,Icangiveitmy

bestshot.”Ohboy.“Doyouhave

anyspecificmotivationinmind?”

Heleanedtowardme,tinygoldsparksplayinginhiseyes.“Yes,Ido.”

Amuffledknocksoundedthroughthedoorofthebedroom.Curranrose,wrappedatowelaroundhiships(whichshouldn’thavebeenhotbutwas),and

openedthebathroomdoor.“Yes?”

“Weneedtoleaveintwentyminutes,”Juliecalledthroughthebedroomdoor.

“You’renotcoming,”Itoldher.

“I’malldressedandI’veputmymakeupon.”

“No,”Igrowled.“Whatifthisisaclever

ployandwhileyou’reatdinnerHughd’Ambray

comesandkidnapsme?”Oh,fortheloveof...“Youwon’tbeabletoget

itoutofyourheadnow,”Juliecalled.“You’llworryaboutitallnight.”

Curranlaughed.Isankdeeperintothe

water.Whyme?Why?“Also,Ascaniois

downstairs,”Juliesaid.“Hesaysthathewascharming

andthecrankyneighbor’snameisJustinThomasRogers.Ascaniohastheaddress.Mr.Rogers’sdaughterreportedhimmissingyesterday.Hegotthispicture.I’mslidingitunderthedoornow.”

Curranwalkedintothebathroomandheldaphotographtome.Amiddle-agedmanlookedbackatme,balding,thinbutsomewhat

flabby.ThegiantthathadrampagedthroughtheGuildhadwornhisface.Thereitwas,theconfirmationwe’dbeenlookingfor.

“CanItellhimthatyourememberhimnow?”Julieasked.“Heinvitedmetohispityparty,andIreallywanttoleave.”

CHAPTER

WALKEDINTOApplebee’swearingmyworkclothes:loosedarkpants,boots,agraysweater,andasimpleblackjacket.Sarrat’sweightrestedcomfortablybetweenmyshoulders.Curranwalkednexttome.Hewantedtowearsweatpants,because“theyteareasier.”Iasked

himifhewantedmetogethimsomemalestripperjeanssohecouldavoidlookinglikeaRussiangangsterfrompre-Shiftmovies,afterwhichhegotalloffendedandputonapairofregularjeansinstead.

JuliebroughtherKestrelaxes.Shealsoworeherbigblacksteel-toedboots,theburgundy-coloredsweaterI’dknittedforher,andashortpleatedskirtwithno

stockingsdespitethecold.Somethingshadnologicalexplanation.Youjusthadtorollwithit.

Thehostesslookedatthethreeofusandpointedtothesignaboveherhead.“Wehaveastrictno-weaponspolicy.”

“Whatifmyfistsarelethalweapons?”Julieasked.

Amanageremergedfromthebackroom,sawus,and

nearlysprinteddownthehallway.

“Youmaykeepyourfists,”thehostesssaid.“But—”

Themanagernearlyslidtoahaltinfrontofus.“Thisway.Yourtableiswaiting.”

Thehostessopenedhermouthandsnappeditshut.

Heledustothebackoftherestauranttoatablebyawindow.Thetablewas

designedtoseatsix.Myfathersatbyhimself,wrappedinaplainbrowncloak.Thecloakhadseenbetterdaysandthedeephoodthathidhisfacewasfrayed.Hewastryinghisbesttobeinconspicuous,hismagicfoldedandwrappedaroundhim.His“godinbeggarclothing”actwasimpressive,butIsawthroughitanyway.

Asweapproached,he

pushedthehoodbackandmyfather’sfacegreetedme.Hughoncedescribeditas“ifthesunhadrisen.”SayingRolandwashandsomewouldbeagrossunderstatement,likecallingahurricaneagentlebreeze.Myfatherwasbeautiful,hisfaceperfectlyproportioned,withbronzeskin,asquarejawtracedbyashortgrayingbeard,afullmouth,apowerfulnose,high

cheekbones,andlargedarkeyesunderdenseeyebrows.Themomentyousawthoseeyes,youforgoteverythingelse.

TherewasapassageintheBibleinthebookofJobthatsaiditwasn’tagethatguaranteedwisdom,butitwasthespiritinaperson,thebreathoftheAlmighty,thatgavesagemenunderstanding.Whenyoulookedintomy

father’seyes,hisspiritlookedbackatyou.Theyshonewithpower,asifthemagicitselffilledhim,agelessbutverymuchalive.HewasamanwhowalkedtheEarthbeforetheBiblehadeverbeenwritten,andhiswisdomwasastoweringandtimelessastheSarawatMountains.Itdidn’tkeephimfrommakingveryhumanblundersorbeingimmunetosmallpettythings

likerevenge,punishment,ormurderingmymotherbecausehethoughtIwastoodangeroustobeborn.

Yep,thatlastonedidit.BehindmeJuliestumbled

butcaughtherself.Curranappearedcompletelyunconcerned.FormerBeastLord—notimpressed.

Curranapproachedthetableandpulledouttwochairs.Isatinone,andJulie

satintheother,ontheside.Ifthingswentsour,Icouldshoveherintotheboothnexttouswithmylefthandinhalfasecond.

Curransatnexttome.Hisfacewasrelaxed,hisexpressionunreadable.

Themanagerhoverednexttous,alookofcompletedevotiononhisface.

“Icedtea,”Isaid.“Coke,”Juliesaid.

“Icedtea,”Curransaid.“Icedteaformeaswell.

Thatwillbeall,”myfathersaid.

Themanagertookoff.“Isthereanywayyou

couldrefrainfrommagickingourwaiter?”Iasked.

“Iabhorpoorservice,”hesaidandsmiled.“Itookthelibertyoforderingpotatoskinsandonionrings.I’msogladwecoulddothis.”

Itwastimetoplaymypart.“Thetower,Father.Iwantitgone.”

“It’snotatower.Merelyatallbuilding.”

IpulledthePolaroidfromtheinsideofmyjacketandputitonthetable.“Thisisamodelofatower.”

“Weconsideritathreat,”Curransaid.“Ifyouwantawar,youwillgetone.”

“I’mbuildinga

residence,”Rolandsaid.“Why?”“SoIcanbeclosertoyou,

ofcourse.I’vecometodislikehotelsovertheyearsandIwanttohaveacomfortableplacetostaywhileIvisityou.”

“Idon’twantyoutovisitme.”

“Parentsdon’talwaysdowhattheirchildrenwantthemtodo,”Rolandsaid.

“Sometimestheyshowupunannouncedandnagyouaboutyoureatinghabits.AndIamabouttodojustthat.Havethetwoofyousetadateforyourwedding?”

“Don’tchangethesubject,”Igrowled.

“Blossom,Ipurchasedtheland.Youcan’treallypreventmefrombuildinganythingIwantonit.Butifitcausesyoudistress,Iwillbewilling

tostipulateitwon’tbemorethantwofloorsinheight.”

Yes,andeachfloorwouldbeahundredfeetinheight.“Nomorethanfifty-fivefeetinheightfortheentirebuilding.”

Rolandsmiled.“Verywell.”

Awaiterarrived,astockydark-hairedmaninhislatetwenties,bearingawideplatterwithdrinks,potato

skins,crunchyfriedonionrings,mozzarellasticks,andpretzelswithbeersauce,andhebegansettingthemonthetable.Apparentlymyfatherhadorderedtheentirestartermenu.

“NowthatI’veconcededthatpoint,thewedding.Whenareyougoingtostoplivinginsin?”

“Thisisrich,comingfromyou.I’msorry,how

manywivesdidyouhave?”“Recently,onlyone.”“Yes,andyoumurdered

her.”Thewaitervaliantly

clutchedontohisstackofsmallappetizerplates.

Rolandsighed.“Let’snottalkaboutthatagain.”

“Shewasmymother.”Thewaiternearlydropped

theonions.“Yes,andIlovedher

deeply.”Thewaitersetthelast

plateonthetableandpaused.“MayItakeyourorder?”

“Frenchfrieswithcheese,”Juliesaid.

“Idon’tcare,”Isaid.“Bringmesomemeat,”

Curransaid.Myfatherturnedtothe

waiter.“Thechild’sorderstands,withtheadditionofaShirleyTemple.Mydaughter

prefersBajatacos,shrimpsautéednotfried,holdtheonionandbringherablackberryicedteawithextralemon.Myfutureson-in-lawenjoyslamb,mediumrare,nopepper,bakedpotatowithbutterandsalt,nosourcream,andaNewcastleWerewolf,althoughhewillsettleforaBrownAleoraBlueMoon.I’lltakeabourbonsteakandaglassofred.”

Thewaiteralmostsalutedbeforetakingoff.

Myfatherhaduswatched.Notjustfollowed,butobservedthoroughlyenoughtoknowIpickedcookedonionsoutofmyfood.

“Nowifwecouldallstoppretendingtobelesserversionsofourselves,Ibelievethisconversationwillflowmucheasier.”Roland

dippedhispretzelintobeersauce.

“Okay.Howmanyspiesdoyouhaveinourterritory?”

“Enough.”Rolandsmiled.“Ican’thelpit.It’sthelotofaparent.Evenwhenourchildrendon’twantusintheirlives,wecan’thelpbutwatchfromafarandstandreadytoprotectandrenderaid.”

Watchfromafar...Interesting.

“Youdidn’tanswermyquestionaboutyourwedding.”

Ileanedback.“Whydoesitmattertoyou?”

“Considermeold-fashioned,”hesaid.“Peopletalk.Peopleaskwhenoriftherewillbeaformalunion.”

“Whoarethesepeople?”“D’Ambray,”Curransaid.“HowisthePreceptor?”I

asked.

“Ihaven’tseenhim.”Myfathershrugged.“Heistakingasortofasabbatical.Ajourneytofindhimself.”

“Wasthathisideaoryours?”Curranasked.

“Abitofboth.”Thewaiterappearedwith

ourdrinks,clearedtheemptyplates,andvanished.

Hughhadbeenexiledasapunishmentforhisfailure.“Andwhilehe’sonthis

sabbatical,youhavecompletedeniability.Youcan’tbeheldresponsibleforwhatevercrazycraphepullsoffwhilehe’sinexile.Howconvenient.”

“Itisratherconvenient,isn’tit?”Rolandsmiled.

Argh.“Yourcontinuous

insistenceonkeepingyouroptionsopeniscausingastir,”Rolandsaid.“Don’tget

mewrong,theelaborateplottingishighlyamusing,butthisJudeo-Christianagedoescomewithsomestricterconventions.It’sevidentinthelanguage.‘Livinginsin,’‘makeanhonestwoman,’‘shackingup’—theimplicationofthatlastone,ofcourse,beingthatyouaretoopoortogetmarriedandsomustliveinashack.Itisn’tamatterofmoney,bytheway,

isit?”“Stop,”Igrowled.“Iunderstandyou’vebeen

burningthroughyourreserves,”Rolandsaid.

Ohno.Hedidn’t.Currantookaswallowof

hisbeer.“Yourspieshavebeenfallingshort.Wedidn’tburnthroughourmoney.Weshiftedourcashreserveintorealestateholdings.Currencyfallsandbecomesdevalued,

butlandwillalwaysretainitsvalue.Theydon’tmakeanymoreofit.However,ifyoufindyourselfshortoncash,letusknow.Wecanliquidatesomeofourholdingsonshortnotice.”

Ha!Shotsfired.“I’llbesuretokeepitin

mind.Idon’tmeantonag.Isimplywanttowalkyoudowntheaisle,Kate.”

Becivil,becivil,be

civil...“No.”There.Good.“Whatifthereisachild?”

Rolandasked.“So?”Wherewashe

goingwiththis?“Youdon’twantyour

childrentobebastards,Kate.Itneverturnsoutwell.”

Iputmyheadonthetable.Itwasthatorphysicalviolence.

Thefoodarrived.IpickeduponeofmyBajatacosand

ateitoutofdesperation.Ineededfueltocontinuethisconversation.

“How’sschool?”RolandaskedJulie.

Allofmysenseswentintohighalert.

“Fine,”shesaid.“Thankyou.IjustgotanAonmyessayonDaniel.”

“DidyouusetheApocrypha?”Rolandasked,hisvoicemild.

“Ofcourse,”Juliesaid.TheApocrypha,a

collectionofancientwritingsthathadbeeneditedoutofthemodernBibleforvariousreasons,hadawholechapteronDaniel.TheancientDanielkickedalotofass,unlikehismodernversionthatstressedhumilityandpassiveresistance.ItwasentirelypossiblethatIwasreadingtoomuchintothis

conversation,butthewaytheyspokesuggestedthatthiswasn’ttheirfirstdiscussion.Juliehadsomeexplainingtodo.Andmyfatherhadtostopinsertinghimselfintomylife,orhewouldregretit.

“Yourgrandmotherisinpoorhealth,”Rolandsaidtome.

Who,what?Where?“Mygrandmotherisdead.”Andhermagic,trappedbetween

lifeanddeath,fueledthemadhouseofMishmar,myfather’sprison.

“Yourothergrandmother,”hesaid.

Ifroze.“Yourmother’smotheris

stillalive,”hesaid.“Barely.Sheiseighty-nineyearsold.Ivisithersometimesandsheisrapidlydeclining.”

“Doessheknowwhathappenedtoherdaughter?”

Rolandshookhishead.“Sheknowsshedied.”

Hekeptfindingwaystoavoidsayingmymother’sname.

“Shedoesknowaboutyou.Shedoesn’thavemuchtime.Ifyouwishtoknowmoreaboutyourmother,Icanarrangefortransportationsoyoucanspeakbeforethischanceislostforever.”

Myworldturnedupside

down.Ididn’tremembermymother.Notahintofherface,notawhisperofhervoice,notevenherscent.HewasdanglingbaitinfrontofmeandIwasn’tsureifIhatedhimmoreforusinghermemoryormyselfforconsideringsnappingitup.

“Whereisshe?”Iasked.“Seattle,”Rolandsaid.Thereitwas.Hewanted

togetmeoutofthecityand

awayfromtheifrit.He’dpickedahellofalure.Sure,hewouldarrangetransportationthere.Hesaidnothingaboutarrangingitforthetripback.

“Youcanbethereinthreedays,”hesaid.

InthreedaysEduardowouldbedead.Iwassureofit.

CurranglancedatmeandIsawawarninginhiseyes.

Yes.Iknow.Heistryingtodistractmeandgetmeoutoftown.Forsomereason,myfatherreallydidn’twantmedealingwiththedjinn,andthatwaspreciselywhyIhadtostay.

“I’msorry,butIhavetopass.”Thewordshurtcomingout.“IhavethingsIneedtodohere.”

“Kate,youwon’tgetanotherchance.”

“I’mnotgoingtotroubleanoldwomanwhohasneverseenmeinherfinaldays.Myplaceishere.IhavesomethingtodoandIcan’tleaveuntilIseeitthrough.”

“Verywell,”Rolandsaid.Notahintofdisappointment.Verynice,Dad.

Iwantedtojabhimwithmyfork.He’dusedmymother’smemorytomanipulateme.Hewould

regretit.“Besides,youknew

Kalinabest.”Iwatchedhimcloselyand

thecornersofhiseyestrembledwhenIsaidhername.Howdoesyourownbittermedicinetaste,Father?Haveanotherspoononme.“Whydon’tyoutellmeabouther?Youweretheretilltheend.Yousawthelightgooutofhereyes.”

Rolandtookaswallowofhiswine.

“Ifyouwishtoknowhowyourmotherdied,Iwilltellyou,Blossom.Askme.”

Walkaway.Walkaway,becausethatwayliedragons.

Screwthedragons.Ineededtoknow.“Tellmehowmymotherdied,Father.”

Hewaited.Wewerestabbingeach

otherandpretendingthatit

didn’thurt.Iwantedtosqueezethe

wordoutthroughmyteeth,butIwouldn’tgivehimthesatisfaction.Ittookallofmywilltomakeitsoundcasual.“Please.”

“ThereisasmallcaféinthesouthendofWolfTrap,”hesaid.“That’swhereIfirstsawyourmother.”

WolfTrap,Virginia,northwestofArlington,wasa

newtown,builtfromthegroundupbytheOrder.ThatwaswheretheKnightsoftheMercifulAidmadetheirheadquarters.MymotherhadworkedwiththeOrderforawhile.Andmyfatherhadvisitedit,walkingitsstreetsintheplainviewofdozensofknights,knowingtheywouldfalloverthemselvestryingtokillhimiftheyonlyknewwhohewas.

“Shesatatatablebyherselfreadingabookanddrinkingcoffeefromachippedwhitecup.”

Hisvoiceweavedaspell,filledwithlonging,love,andgrief.Iwantedtobelieveitwasfalse,butitfeltsogenuine.Soreal.

“Thesunshonethroughthewindowandherhairglowedlikethefinestgold.IsatathertableandIasked

herwhyshedidn’taskforanothercup.Shesaidthattherewasauniquebeautytotheimperfection.Noothercupwouldeverbechippedinquitethesameway.Itremindedhertopayattention,foreverymomentcouldofferanexperiencethatwouldleaveherforeverchanged.Whenshedecidedshewastiredofrunning,Ifoundherthereagain,inthatcafé,

sittingattheexactsametable.ItooktheotherchairandtoldherthatIlovedher.Itoldherthatshedidn’thavetorun,andthatifshewantedthemoonfromthesky,Iwouldreachout,pluckitfromheaven,andgiveittoher.Shetoldmethatyouwereabeautifulchild.Thatyouwereapartofherandapartofmeandyouwereperfect.Shetookmyhand,kissedmy

fingers,andsaid,‘Iloveyou.Don’tlookforher.’Thenshestabbedme.”

Thepaininhiseyespiercedme,stillaliveandvibrantafteralmostthirtyyears.

“Yourmotherknewthatyourexistencechallengedmypower.Shehadbetrayedmeforyoursake.Itwasn’taprivateevent.ShehadsubvertedmyWarlordand

turnedherbackonourunion.Thecoreofmypower,thoseclosesttome,knewaboutitandexpectedaction.Myprideandmyreigndemandedit.Abetrayalthatcutthatdeeprequiredpublicpunishment.Voronwasmerelyapawn.Youwereababeandborenoresponsibilityforwhathadoccurred.Thatleftonlyyourmother.Whenshedrovea

knifeintomyeye,Iknewshesacrificedherlifesoyouwouldlive.Ifshewasdead,thepublicdemandforrevengewouldbesatisfied.AndsoIhonoredherwishandkilledthewomanIlovedforachildIhadhelpedbringintotheworld.”

He’dlovedherstill,afterallthoseyears.Hemust’velovedhermorethananything,andhewasbothan

instrumentandacauseofherdeath.Ifhehadn’tlovedher,hewouldn’thaveagreedtomyconception.Hewouldn’thaveimbuedmewithhispowerandthenhewouldn’thavehadtotrytodestroywhathe’dcreatedoutoflove.Ihadtoldhimthatourfamilyweremonstersandhehadcorrectedme.Hesaidweweregreatandpowerfulmonsters.Butnoneofour

powermattered.Wewerestillcursed.

“Yourmotherlovedyoubeforeyouwereeverborn.Nothing,notevenmewithallofmypower,coulddiminishit.IwantedhermorethanIeverwantedanythinginallofmyyears.TothinkthatallthatIamwasundonebythesimplestandmostbasicofthings—amother’sloveforherchild.”

Hereachedouttomeandtouchedmyhand.ToolateIrealizedIhaddroppedmyshieldsandmymagichadfilledtheroom,plainforanyonewithagifttoseeit.

“Yourmagicisbeautiful,mydaughter,”theBuilderofTowerssaid,hiseyesluminescentwithpower.“Youshouldshowitmoreoften,foryouareperfect.”

•••

BYTHETIMEwewerealmostdonewithourplates,Julieannouncedthatshewascold.Curranofferedtotakehertothecartogetasweatshirt.Theygotupatthesametimeandwalkedout.Amomentlaterourwaiterappearedandplacedasmallplatewithasliceofchocolatecakeonitinfrontofme.

IlookedatRoland.Heshookhishead.“Notme.”

“Thegentlemanordereditonthewayout,”thewaitersaid,thenputacoffeeinfrontofRolandanddeparted.

Chocolatewasreallyexpensive.Islicedatinysliverofthecakewithmyforkandtastedit.Itmeltedonmytongue.Ihadtoeatthisveryslowlysoitwouldlast.

“Doyouthinkhereally

lovesyou?”myfatherasked.“Hedoes.”AndIhadto

changethesubjectbeforehestartedonthesecondroundoftheweddingconversation.“Father,whyisourmagicbouncingfromhumanspossessedbyanifrit?Isitbecauseofthegeographicalproximity?”Ohyes,thatwassmooth.Not.

“Whatdidyoutrytouse?”heasked.

“Apowerword.”“Iremembertryingthat.

Worstpainofmychildhood.Letmeteachyou.Thereissomuchyoudon’tknow,Blossom.Letmehelpyoumakesenseofit.Attheveryleast,letmekeepyoufrommakingrudimentarymistakes.”

“Youtriedit.”Islicedanotherbiteofthecake.

“Iwaseight.”

Oh.“AndIdiditbecauseI

wasspecificallytoldnotto.”Rolanddrankhiscoffee.“Iwantedtoknowwhatwouldhappen.”

ThatsoundedverymuchlikesomethingIwoulddo.

“Youarepartiallycorrect,theresistanceisduetothegeographicalproximityandamiscalculationonthepartofyourgreat-great-great-

great...”Hefrowned.“No,that’sright.Great-great-great-great-grandfather.Theifritwerethreateninghisborders,andhedecidedthatachildofmixedbloodwouldbeagreatidea,sohemarriedahalf-human,half-ifritwoman.Shewashisfortiethwife.Irememberbecauseitwasaniceroundnumber.Hebegatachild,adaughter,andasexpected,shehadpartial

immunitytotheifritmagicandwasfierceonthebattlefield.Shewasfardowninthelineofsuccession,sohehadn’tworriedabouther,andbythetimehedecidedtoworryaboutit,itwastoolate.Bararu,theShiningOne,theStaroftheValley,hadcutherwaythroughhisprogenytohisheartandtookhisthrone.Shewasyourgreat-great-great-grandmother.”

“Shekilledherbrothersandsistersandherfather?”

“Well,inallfairness,hedidexecutethemanshewantedtomarry.”

“Why?”“Hewastryingtocheck

herpower.Shewasbecomingtoopopularwiththearmy.”

Irestedmychinonmyfist.“That’saheartwarmingstory,Dad.”

“YoucalledmeDad.”

Rolandsmiled.“Iwouldn’treadtoomuch

intoit.Wereanyofourfamilymemberseverfamousfordoingsomethingnonviolent?”

“Yourgreat-great-grandfathercuredthePlagueoftheGodless.Itwasaveryvirulentstrainofinfluenzaanditthreatenedtowipeoutthehumanpopulationontheentirecontinent.”

“That’sgoodtoknow.”“Ofcourse,hefelt

obligatedtodoit,becauseyourgreat-great-grandunclehadunleasheditinthefirstplace.”

Ijuststaredathim.“Historyprovidesuswith

vitallessons,”Rolandsaid.“Forexample,IhavenoplanstomurderCurran.”

Hecouldn’tmurderCurran,notaslongasour

agreementheld.“Why,you’reafraidImighttakeyourthrone?”

“No,Idon’twanttheheartbreakofhavingtokillyou,Blossom.”

Mm-hm.“Heartbreak.”“Youdon’ttrustme,”he

said.“No.”Hesmiled,andIrealized

thatwaswhatparentalpridelookedlike.Hewasproud

becauseIhadenoughbrainstoanticipatethathecouldentrapme.Iwishedhe’dcomewithsomesortofsecretmanual,soIwouldknowhowtodealwithhim.

“Sohowshallwemoveforward?”heasked.

“Youcouldteachmehereandnow.Ineedtoknowabouttheifrits.”

Hepausedforthebriefestofmoments.Ittookhalfa

blink,butIwaswatchinghimverycarefully.Forsomereasonhereallydidn’twanttotellmeabouttheifrit.

“Verywell.Wemightaswellmakegooduseofthetimemyfutureson-in-lawissokindlyprovidingtous.AnsweroneofmyquestionsandIwillansweroneofyours.”

Nothingwaseversimple.“Okay.”

“WhenHughcametokillVoron,hefoundnosignofachildlivinginthehouse.Youhadgoneintothewoods,butwherewereyourbelongings?”

SoHughandRolandhadalongchatbeforethePreceptorwasexiled.“Hughdidn’tlookwellenough.Voronknewaclairvoyant.”HernamewasAnna,shewastheex-wifeofmydead

guardian,andshenolongerreturnedmycalls.“Ithinkhemust’vebeentoldtoexpectsomethingbadtohappenwhenhesentmeoutofthehouse,becausewheneverIwentintothewoods,Ipackedmyduffelbagandburieditunderthepinesonahillbehindthehouse.”

“Buttherehadtobeothersignsofyourexistence,”Rolandsaid.“Achild’slife

doesn’tsimplyfitintoonebag.”

“Minedid.Aweek’sworthofunderwearandsocks,twopairsofjeans,fiveT-shirts,asweater,andtwopairsofboots.Myknives,mybelt,andswordfitinthereaswell.Toothbrush,hairbrush,afavoritebook,andthatwasit.”IcouldpackitallintomybagintenminutesanditwasasifIhadneverexisted.

Rolandlookedatme,hisexpressionodd.

“Youmayaskafollow-upquestion,”Itoldhim.

“Toys,makeup,jewelry,dresses,cuteshoes,akitten,perhapsapuppy?”

Ilaughedathim.“Notevenapet.”Deep

regretreflectedinmyfather’seyes.Hewasactuallybotheredbythis.

“Petsteachchildren

empathy.Voronwastryingtoturnmeintoapsychopath.Besides,wewouldoftentakeoffwithoutwarning.Wecouldn’tbetieddown.”

“Achild’slifeshouldbefilledwithjoy.Itpainsmetoknowyoulivedlikethat.”

“Ifithadbeenuptoyou,Iwouldn’thavelivedatall.”

Rolandexhaled.“Myturn.”“Asagreed.Youmayask

onequestion.Thinkcarefully.Mostofthebattletogettherightanswerdependsonaskingtherightquestion.”

TherewassomuchIneededtoask.Onequestiondidn’tevenbegintocoverit.Ihadtoaskthemostimportantone.

“Ifanifritistrappedinanancientearring,whatwouldhehopetoachievebygrantingthreewishestothe

owneroftheearring,turningsaidownerintoagiantandrampagingthroughAtlanta,andthenrepeatingthisprocess?”

“Howdoyouknowit’sanifrit?”

“Isawhiminavision.”“Didhewearjewelry?”“Yes.Goldwithlarge

greenstones.”“Emeraldorperidot.So

wehaveasultan,then.”

Don’taskaquestion.Heonlysaidonequestionandtherehadtobeapriceforfailingtofollowtherules.“Onewouldthinkthatanifritsultanwouldweararuby,becauseit’sthecoloroffire.HumanslivingintheArabianPeninsulaprizeemeraldaboveallstonesbecauseit’sgreenandArabiaismostlyarid.Butdjinnarenothuman.”

Rolandleanedforward,aslylookinhiseyes.“Onewouldthinkthat.Thenonewouldbrushuponhergeologyandlearnthatthepurestperidotisfoundinharraat,thelavafieldsinthewestofSaudiArabia.Whenthevolcanoesinthewesterupted,theybroughtperidotswiththemfromthedepthsofthemagmachambers.Thedjinntreasurethesestones

becausetheywerebathedinthefierylifebloodoftheplanet.Onlythehighestranksoftheifritswearthem.”

Awaitercametorefillhiscoffee.

“Godcreatedmenfromclayanddjinnfromsmokelessfire,”Rolandsaid,oncethewaiterleft.“EvenpeoplenotversedintheQur’anknowthisline.Haveyoueverwonderedaboutthe

meaningbehindit?”“Peoplearemadeofclay.

WearetiedtotheEarthandsoil;ourmagicisitsmagic.Alsoclaysoilisalmostimpossibletoenchant.”

“Butyoucanenchantaclaypot.”

Ithoughtaboutit.“Buttomakeaclaypot,youhavetofirstaddwater,whichholdsenchantment,andthentreatitwithfire.”

“Precisely.”“Sodjinnhavealotmore

magicthanwedo.”“Notonlydotheyhavea

lotmoremagic,theyaremagic.Theyrequirealargeamountofitjusttosurvive.Adjinnabsorbsthemagicfromitsenvironment,storingitlikeabattery.Nowlet’stakeyourifrit,forinstance.Heisconfinedtoanearring,imprisoned,likelydrivenmad

bythethousandsofyearsofconfinement.Hewantsfreedombuthelacksthemagictobreakfreeandtoexistinourvolatileworld.”

“Theonlywayhecanmanifestisbypossessingahumanhost,”Isaid.“Igatheredasmuch.”

“Thegrantingofthethreewishesisanancientritual.Inreality,itsimplymakesthepossessionthatmucheasier;

toexpressawish,youmustfirstopenyourmindtothedjinnandthenaccepthismagic.Youhavetobelievethathecangrantanywish.Insteadofahostiletakeover,theprocessbecomesaseduction.Witheachwish,yourbodybecomesmoreandmorereceptiveuntilfinallyyourmindsubmitstothedjinncompletely.Somedjinncantakeoverahumanina

singlewish,butmostofthetimeittakesthree.Assoonastheifritpossessesabody,thereserveofthathuman’smagicbelongstohim.”

“Thatstilldoesn’texplainwhyheturnsthemintogiants.”

“Tworeasons.First,fromwhatIhavebeentold,heturnsthemintogiantsandthenattemptstotransformthemintoheatedmetal.Inmy

timethemostpowerfuloftheifritstransformedintoarmoredgiantsbeforethebattle.Thisstatealsopermittedthemtoabsorbalargeamountofmagicfromtheenvironment.”

“Soeverytimehemakesagiant,hegrowsstronger.”Imanagedtomakethatintoastatementratherthanaquestion,butthisonecametoocloseforcomfort.

“Hedoes.”Itwaslikejumpingona

trampoline.Thefirstbouncewaslow,thesecondhigher,thethirdhigherstill.Firstthedjinntookoversomeonewithonlyalittlebitofmagic,whichgavehimenoughpowertotakeoverLago,whohadmoremagic,whichinturnwouldgivehimenoughjuicetopossesssomeonewithyetabiggermagicalreserve.

SuchasaknightoftheOrder.Ireallyhopednot.“Youmentionedtworeasons.”

“Djinnarevindictivebynature,andofallofthem,theifritsarethemostlikelytoholdagrudge.Theyarecreaturesofenormouspride.Wrongthemonce,andtheywillhuntyouacrossanendlessdesertjusttowatchyoudie.Onceyoustrikeoutagainstone,hewillbeyour

enemyforlife.Ifyoufrustratehiseffortsinanyway,youwillfindthatout.”

“Idid.”Hesentabullmadeoffiretomyhouse.

“SoIhear.Whatwouldyouwantinhisplace?”

“Revengeagainstthosewhoimprisonedme.Buttheyarelongdead.”

“Bloodneverdies,Kate.Itgrowslikeatreethroughgenerations.Theifritscan

feeltheirown,especiallythoserelatedtotheirparticularclan.Lookforsomeonehehates.Heislikelygatheringmagictobecomepowerfulenoughtounleashhisrageuponthedescendantsofhiscaptors.Becauseheisanoble,hewillcalllesserdjinntohimtodohisbidding.Hewillidentifyhisvictims,andhewilltortureandmaimthemanddo

whateverhecantoextractmaximumsuffering.Theifritsarenotfondofgrantingaquickdeath.”

Eduardo,thebetrayer’sspawn.Hemust’vebeenadescendantoftheifrit’scaptors.Nowtheifritwastorturinghim.

“Oncehefinisheshisrevenge,hewillturnagainstthelessertargets.Hewillseektorulebecausethat’s

whathedidinlife.”Andwewouldbehis

targets.Wehadtoendthischainofpower-upsbeforeitwentanyfurther.

“You’veallowedmeonequestion.Iwillallowyouoneaswell,”hesaid.

“Whyisheusingtheghouls?”

“Becauseheisusedtoruling.Helikelythinksthatherequiresanarmytodohis

bidding,andthey,bytheirverynature,areeasyforhimtodominateforhim.Yourcakeisgettingwarm,”Rolandpointedout.

Thefountainofknowledgehadrundry.Ihadmorequestions.Iwantedtoaskaboutghoulsandaboutdefeatingtheifrit,butmytimewasup.Onequestionwasallhewouldanswer,soIsettleddowntoeattherestof

mycake.

•••

THEEVENINGWASdyingslowly,thesunbleedingitslifebloodontothehorizonwhenCurranpulledintoourdriveway.Wehadtakenashortdetour.Theanswermyfathergavemeatdinnermademerethinkourstalker,sowestoppedbytheaddress

theClerkhadgivenme.Derekhademergedfromtheshadowsaswehadpulledupandreportedthathehadn’tseenanyone.Wepickedhimup,Ileftashortnotebythedoor,heldinplacebyarock,andwewenthome.

Themagichadebbed.Technologyonceagaintooktheplanetinitsgrip.Atleastwe’dgetashortbreakfromtheifrit.

ThereweresomanythingsIhadwantedtoaskmyfather.Iwantedtoknowabouttheghouls.IwantedhimtotellmewhyhehadbrokenChristopher’smind.Iwantedtoknowmoreaboutmymother.Butthiswasaslipperyslope.

TherewasonepersonIcouldaskaboutallofthis.Troublewas,hewasn’talwaysreliable.

IsteppedoutoftheJeep.“Youokay?”Curran

askedme.“Yeah.I’mgoingtogo

talktoChristopherforalittlebit.Doyouthinkthenotewillwork?”

“Itcan’thurt.”IwalkedtoBarabas’s

house.Here’shopingChristopherwaslucid.

BarabasletmeinandwentbacktotheGuild

Manual.IfoundChristopheronthefloorofthedownstairslivingroom,sittingonarug,surroundedbyopenbooks.Hisfacelitupwhenhesawme,hiseyesclear.

“Mistress.”“Hi,Christopher.”Isaton

thecarpetoutsidehisbookfort.

“I’mgladyoudidn’tdie.”Hesmiled.

“I’mgladIdidn’t,too.

I’vecomeforadvice.”“Mymindisshattered,”

hesaid.“ButIwilltry.”“Whatdoyouknowabout

ghouls?”“Ghoulsarethefallen

djinn,”hesaid.“Fallenlikedemonsare

thefallenangels?”Heleanedback,shifting

hisweight.“Thedjinnarecreaturesofmagic.Theyrequireittosurvive.The

moremagic,themore...”Hestruggledforaword.

“Powerful?Larger?”“Evolved.Whentheylose

theirmagic,theybecomeghouls.Theyarefallen.”

Christopherheldhishandout,paralleltothefloor.“Ghoul.”Heraisedhishandupasfarashecould.“Marid.”

Inodded.Amaridwouldhavemuchmoremagicthana

ghoul.Christopherstruggled

withitforafewsecondsandbroughthishandstogetherintoaball.“OneS.TwoS.TwoP.ThreeS.”

AndIlosthim.“Idon’tfollow.”

Christopherfrowned.“OneS.”Hishandsmovedwider.“TwoS.TwoP.”

“Heistalkingabouttheelectronconfigurationofan

atom.”Barabascameoverwithapieceofpaperandapen,satnexttome,anddrewacircleonthepaper.“Thisisthenucleusofanatom,protonsandneutronsbunchedtogetherintoamass.Ithasapositivecharge.”

Hedrewacirclearounditandputadotonitlikeaplanetaroundastar.“Theelectronshaveanegativecharge.Theyhaveset

orbitals.”Hedrewanothercircle,wider,andthenanother.“Theseorbitalsareidentifiedbyscientificnotations.Thislowestoneis1s.Thisoneis2s.Thisbiggeroneis2p.Thefartherawaytheorbital,themoreelectronsitcanfit.Thefirstcanfittwo,thesecondcanfiteight,andsoon.”

“Okay.”Thiswaswayabovemypaygrade,butifI

couldlearncuneiform,Icouldlearnaboutelectronorbits.“Whatdoesithavetodowithdjinn?”

“I’mnotsure.”BarabaslookedatChristopher.

“Theelectronjumps.”Christophersaid.“It’sexcited.”

“Ah.Theelectroncanexistintwostates:theground,orlowestenergystate,andtheexcitedstate.To

makeitreallysimple,theelectronnaturallywantstostayatthelowestorbit.However,iftheelectronabsorbssomeenergy,itmight‘jump’tothenextorbit.I’mbunglingthisbadly,butit’sbeenalongtimesincecollegechemistry.Forexample,ifyouhaveaneonatom,ithasaconfigurationof1s22s22p6,ifIremembercorrectly.Ifwegiveitsomeenergy,by

shiningalightonitforexample,oneoftheseelectronsmight‘jump’toahigherorbitsuchas3sor3porsometimeseven5s.Thentheelectronemitstheenergyinaformoflightand‘falls’backtothegroundstate.”

“Djinn,”Christophersaidhelpfully.

“Soletmegetthisstraight.Aghoulisthegroundstateofthedjinn.The

lowestmagicalform.Then,iftheghoulsomehowgetssomemagicalenergy,itwillevolvetoahigher-orderdjinn,justlikeanexcitedelectronjumpingtothefartherorbit?”

“Yes.”Christophersmiled.“Itwillbewhatitstruenaturemeantittobe.”

“Butthenitwillrevertbackintoaghoulwhenthemagicrunsout?”Iasked.“Itwillfallagain?”

“No.”Christophershookhishead.“Higher-orbitdjinnmakemoremagic.”

“Doesthismakesensetoyou?”Barabasasked.

“Sortof.Wedon’treallyknowwhyghoulsareghouls.Butwedoknowfromfolklorethattheywererelativelyrareinancienttimes,whenmagicwasstrong.Theothertypesofdjinnwerementionedmore

frequently.Yetnowwehaveanabundanceofghoulsbutnodjinn.Wealsoknowthatsomedjinntendedtointerbreedwithhumans.Ifwesupposethataverysmallpercentageofthehumanpopulationcarriesthedjinngenessomewheredeepinside.Theyhavethedjinnbloodbutverylittlemagic.Itfollowsthatwiththeinfluxofamagicwave,theywould

transformintoghouls.Theirmagicistooweakforthemtobeanythingelse.That’sprobablywhywehaven’tfiguredoutwhatcausesghoulism.Thereisprobablysomesortofcatalystthatinitiatesthechange,butit’snotadisease.It’sageneticpredisposition.”

Christophersmiledatme.“Itwouldexplainwhy

theydevourcorpses,”

Barabassaid.“Humanremains,especiallyafterasupernaturalevent,havealotofresidualmagic.”

“They’reprobablyinstinctivelydriventoittotrytogetenoughmagictotransform.”

Barabasnodded.“But,ifIunderstandcorrectly,ifaghoulsomehowgotenoughmagictoevolveintoitstrueform,hewouldn’t‘fallback’

thewayanelectrondoes?”“No,becauseonceit’s

transformed,itwillgaintheabilitytoabsorbmoremagicfromitsenvironmentandwillbeabletosurvive.It’sgettingthempastthatthresholdthatistheproblem.”Sofarthiswasliningupwitheverythingmyfatherhadtoldmeaboutdjinn.“Christopher,couldmybloodgiveaghoulenoughenergytoevolve?”

Christopherponderedit,gotup,andbeganlookingthroughtheboxes.Aminutecrawledby,thenanother.Hepulledanoldbookout,flippedthroughit,andplaceditinfrontofme.Hmm.Alchemicalsymbols.LookedlikestandardRenaissancenonsense...Iflippedthepage.Acircle,withinthecirclethesymbolforether,atrianglepointingdown

imposedonthetrianglepointingup.Acreaturewrithedinthecenter,caughtinflames.Aboveitbloodpouredfromacupheldbyadisembodiedhand.Let’ssee,viridisflammae,greenflames.Blah-blah-blah...Spiritofbox,saltofvitriol...

Barabaswaslookingovermyshoulder.“Canyouunderstandanyofthis?”

“Yes,it’sbasicalchemy.Theyusedmethanolandboricacidtomaketrimethylborateandsetitonfire.Itburnsbrightgreen.”Aplantriedtocobbleitselftogetherinmyhead.Icouldactuallydothisifallelsefailed.

“Soyoudon’tknowaboutelectronsbutyouunderstandmedievalchemistry?”

“Electronsdon’thelpmesurvive.”Ismiledat

Christopher.“Thankyou,Christopher.Youweregreat.”

Hehuggedme.Itwassuchasimplewordlessgestureandsonotlikehim.Christopherdidn’tliketobetouched.He’dspenttoomuchtimeinHugh’scagestarvingslowlyinhisownfilth.Anyphysicalcontacthadtobeinitiatedverycarefully,butherehewashuggingme,soIheldstillandsmiledathim.

ForafewmomentswesatonthefloornexttoeachotherwithChristophergentlyhuggingmyshoulders.

Someoneknockedonthedoor.Barabasopenedit.Juliestoodinthedoorway.Herfacesaidshewasclearlyputuponandnoadultcouldeverunderstandthefullextentofhersuffering.

“MahoncametotalktoGeorge,butshewon’tlethim

inherbedroom,sotheyaretalkingthroughthedoor,”sherecitedinamonotonevoice.“CouldyoupleasecomehomebecauseLutherandsomeknightoftheOrderareheretoseeyouandCurrancan’ttalktothembecausehehastostandinthehallwayandmakesureMahonandGeorgedon’tbreakthedoordownandkilleachother.”

Whyme?

CHAPTER

WALKEDINTOmyhousetoseetheknightandthewizardsittinginmykitchen,drinkingcoffee.IfyouaddedinJulie’sthievingskillsandmysword,wealmosthadanadventuringparty.

“It’stoobadwe’remissingacleric,”Isaid.

Theybothlookedatme

likeIhadgrownasecondhead.

Nevermind.“WhatcanIdoforyou,gentlemen?”

“TheearringisgoneandIcan’taccountforoneofmypeople,”Nicksaid.

Isatinthechairandrubbedmyface.Juliepositionedherselfonthecouchwithanotebookandseveralbooks.

“Goaheadandgetitoff

yourchest,”Luthersaid.“Itwillmakethingseasier.”

“Itoldyounottoleaveitwherepeoplehadaccesstoit.”

“Ididn’t.IputitintotheVault,intothewallcontainmentunit,untilanexpertfromWolf’sHeadcouldexamineit.”

TheVaultservedastheOrder’srepositoryofallthingsdangerousand

magical,buttoovaluabletosetonfire.

“Istheexpertmissing?”Nickdidn’tsayanything.

Great.“What’sdoneisdone.

Let’snotpointfingers,”Luthersaid.

“Thisisawasteoftime,”Nicksaid.

“Whydon’tyoulikeme?”Iasked.

Nickleanedback.His

hairwascroppedveryshortandhisfeatureslookedliketheywerecarvedfromgranite.“Icouldfilltheroomwithit,startingwithwhoyouareandwhatyoudid.”

Hehadtobereferringtotheclaimingofthecity.

“Ihadnochoice.”“No,thereisalwaysa

choice.”Lutherwasgivingusodd

looks.“ShouldIgiveyoutwo

sometime?”“No,”Itoldhim.“Igetit.

Youhaveaproblemwithme.Whatareyougoingtodoaboutit?”

“Ihaven’tdecided.I’mcontemplatingkillingyou.”

“Knight-protector,”Luthersaid.

Nickgotpromoted.Hehadbeenacrusaderbefore.Hewaslikeascalpel:whenyouhadanastyboil,yousent

inacrusadertolanceit.Hegotthejobdone,cleanedupthemess,andmovedon.ThelasttimeIsawhim,hewasdeepundercoverpretendingtoserveHughd’Ambray.He’dspentyearsinfiltratingHugh’sIronDogs,andtheformerheadoftheOrder,TedMoynohan,blewhiscoverjustbeforehedied.AllofthethingsNickhadenduredwereuseless.Theexperiencehad

changedhim.ThemanIhadmetyearsagowasderangedbuthuman.Themaninfrontofmenowlookedlikehe’dpetrifiedfromtheoutsidein.AndnowhehadTed’sjob.WhothehellthoughtitwouldbeagoodideatoputNickinchargeofAtlanta’schapteroftheOrder?

Andnowhethreatenedmeinmyownhome,whereJuliecouldhear.

“Contemplateitallyouwant,”Isaid.“Whenyou’redonethinkingitover,goandgeteveryknightinyourchapter.Bringthemhereandthen,maybe,ifallofyoubigotedfanaticsworktogether,I’llthinkabouttakingyourthreatseriously.Untilthen,shutthehellup,becauseifyouthreatenmeinfrontofmykidagain,IwillfinishwhatHughstarted.”

SomethingslidunderNick’sskin,liketwogolfballsrollingdownhisarms.

“Okay,”Luthersaid.“Icanseethereisalotoftensionandsomeunresolvedissues.However,noneofthisishelpinguswiththeifrit.HehasescalatedinpowerandnowhehasaholdofaknightoftheOrder.Ihatetobeadowner,butthecitymaynotsurvivethenextmagicwave,

sowhydon’tweallputawayourangryfacesandtrytoactlikereasonableadults.”

TheintensitydieddowninNick’seyes.Whetherhelikeditornot,hehadadutytoAtlantaandsodidI.

“Youshouldapologizetothechild,”Luthersaidquietly.

“Sorry,”Nickcalledout.“That’sokay,”Juliesaid

withoutliftingherhead.“I’m

usedtoit.Justletmeknowifyou’regoingtofight,soIcangointoanotherroom.Ihaveapaperduetomorrow.”

Lutherturnedtome.“See?Heapologized.Whatdoyouhave?”

“Youfirst,”Isaid.Hereachedintohisbag

andplacedaphotographonthetable.Initabaldingmaninhismidfiftiessmiledatthecamera.

“JustinThomasRogers.”Icouldn’tresistrubbingNick’snoseinit.

Nickscowled.I’dhavetothankAscaniolater.

“Hewasanauctioneer.HisexacttitleisCertifiedEstateSpecialist.Whenastrangerdiesinthecity,Atlantahiresoneofthreefirmstoliquidatetheestate.RogersandAssociateswasoneofthem.Thelastsalehe

madewasonSaturday,Februarynineteenth.Hedidn’tshowuptoworkonMonday.”

“Whatwasthelastestatehesold?”Iasked.

“Twofamilies,whichcheckedout,andastatecase,”Nicksaid.“AnunidentifiedmanwalkedintotrafficinUnnamedSquareaweekago.Hehadanoteonhisbodythatsuggestedhe

arrivedbyboatintoSavannah.Theboatisnowgone.ThepaperssaiditcamefromNewYork,buttheNewYorkportshavenodocumentationofit.”

“Smugglers.”Nicknodded.“Ifweassumethatthe

earringpassedfromthatmantoRogers,thatmeanshehaditinhispossessionforoveraweek,”Isaid.“Hemust’ve

beenremarkablystrong-willed,becausethedjinnsubvertedLagoinforty-eighthours.”

“Rogerswasaconscientious,principledman,”Nicksaid.“Hedidalotofcharitablework.Hewasahardernuttocrackthanamerc.”

“ThetwoofyouareforgettingSamanthaBinek,”Luthersaid.“Theknightwho

ismissing.ThedjinnbrokethroughtheOrderconditioninginlessthanaday.Heisgettingstrongerwitheachhost.”

“TellmeaboutBinek,”Isaid.

Nickgrimaced.“Thirteenyearsin,knight-archivarius.Shewasn’toneofmine.ShecamedownfromWolf’sHeadspecificallytodetermineiftheearringcan

bemovedtotheHQvault.Shehadasterlingreputation.ShewentintotheVaulttoexamineit.Aknight-defenderescortedher.ThreehourslaterMaxinewenttocheckonthem.Binekhadactivatedoneoftheartifactsinthevault,incapacitatedtheknight,andtakenoff.”

“Whatdidsheuse?”Iasked.

“Anironmask.Hespent

twohoursthinkinghewastrappedinaslaveship.He’drippedhalfofhisnailsouttryingtobreakthroughthewalls.”

Knights-archivariuswerespecificallytrainedtohandledangerousmagicobjects.Thiswomanwould’vehadallofthetraining,shewould’veevaluatedhundredsofartifactsovertheyears,andshewould’vetakenevery

precaution.Thiswasn’tgood.Wehadtogettothedjinnbeforeshemadeherwishesandtransformed.Theamountofdestructionhecouldunleashwithherbodywouldbecatastrophic.

“Myturn,”Luthersaid.“Ianalyzedyourglasssample.It’ssandthathasbeencookedbyveryhighheat.Thesandcontainsconcretedust,soitwaslikelypartofabuilding,

andmagicallychargedalgae.Itdoesn’tlooklikealgaegotintotheconcreteandsandnaturally.Itappearsthealgaehasbeendeliberatelymixedintoit.”

“Algae?”Henodded.Thatwaswhatthosein

ourbusinesscalledaclueorpotentiallyagiftfromabove.HowmanybuildingsinAtlantacouldhavemagic

algaeinthem?Iwasbettingnotthatmany.IgotupanddialedRaphael’snumber.

“Yes?”hesaid.“It’sme.Ineedhelp.”“I’mhere,”hesaid.Iputhimonspeaker.“Is

thereanyreasonwhydebrisfromanoldbuildingmightcontainmagicalalgae?”

“LazarusBuilders,”Raphaelsaid.“AbouttwoyearsaftertheShift,when

theystartedseeingthefirstevidenceofmagic-inducederosion,abuilderfirmcameoutwithasurefirewaytoproofthebuildingsagainstthemagicwaves.”

Whenitcametomagic,therewasnosuchthingassurefireanything.

“Theyfoundthataparticulartypeofalgaehadthepotentialtoabsorbalotofmagicalenergy,sothey

mixeditintotheirconcrete.Initialtestssuggesteditwouldbemagic-resistant.Itworkedgreatforaboutfiveyears,andthenthefirstflarehit.”

Flareswerelikemagictsunamis—severaldaysofuninterrupted,ridiculouslystrongmagic.Itwasthetimewhengodscouldmanifest.

“Turnedoutthealgaewaslikeawaterballoon.Itwould

absorbsomemagic,butwhentheflareoverloadedit,itpopped.EverythingtheybuiltwithLazarusconcretefelleitherduringtheflareorwithinamonthafterit.ItwasoneofthebiggerscandalsinAtlantarealestate.”

“Howmanybuildingsarewetalkingabout?”

“That’sthebadnews.Theylicensedtherecipe.Theyevenmixeditinto

stuccoandclaimeditwouldmagic-proofresidentialconstruction.Lazaruswasthedarlingofthebusinesscommunitybackthen,becauseeveryonepanickedandrushedtohavenewmagic-proofcorporateheadquartersbuilt.BasicallyanythingbuiltbetweentheShiftandthefirstflarewillhavethatcrapinit.It’ssocommon,Idon’tevenhavea

separatefileonit.”Fatesucker-punchedme

inthefaceandthenlaughed.“Icangothroughallof

myfilesandpulleverysomewhatlargebuildingoutbydate,butitwilltakeawhile.Acoupleofdays.Doyouwantmyguystodothat?”

“No.”Eduardodidn’thaveacoupleofdaysandneitherdidthecity.“Thank

you,Raphael.”“You’rewelcome.Any

time,Kate.Imeanit.”“Deadend,”Luthersaid.

“Lovely.”“Thereissomethingelse

wecantry...”Someoneknockedonmy

frontdoor.Igotupandopenedit.Atallmanstoodinthedoorway,carryingabackpackonhisleftshoulder.Helookedolder,closeto

sixty.Heworedarktrousers,looseenoughtonotrestricthismovement,tuckedintotallboots,asweater,andagraycloakoverit,acommonoutfitforsomeoneonthestreetsofAtlanta.Hisshoulderswerestillbroadandhisposturestraight.Hemust’vebeenverystrongonce,butagehadstolensomeofhisbulk.Icouldtellbythewayhestoodthathecarried

atleastoneknifeunderthecloakandhewasreadytouseitatamoment’snotice.Linesmarkedhisoliveskin,buthisdarkeyesbehindroundglassesweresmartandsharp.Graysprinkledhisonce-darkhairandashortprecisebeardhuggedhisjaw.Heremindedmeofahumanversionofmyfather.

Julieleanedfromhercouch.“Mr.Amir-Moez?

Whatareyoudoinghere?”“Hello,Julie.”Hisvoice

wasquietandcalm.Iglancedather.“Doyou

knowthisman?”“ThisisMr.BahirAmir-

Moez,”Juliesaid.“HeteachesancienthistoryandIslamicstudiesatmyschool.”

Mr.Amir-Moezturnedtome.“Ifoundyournote.Iacceptyourhelp.”

Finallysomethinghad

goneright.“Honey!”Iyelled.“Yes?”Currancalled

down.“CanyoutellGeorgethat

Eduardo’sfatherishere?”

•••

THESEVENOFussataroundthekitchentable.GeorgewasglaringdaggersatBahir.Mahon,abigloomingshadow,occupiedthechair

nexttohisdaughter.Theyagreedtotabletheirdiscussionuntilwesortedthingsout.Bahir,asheaskedtobecalled,tookthechairnexttome.

“Howdidyouknow?”heaskedme.

“Weputittogether,”Itoldhim.“WefoundoutthatEduardowasborninAtlantaandthathismothermarriedhercurrenthusbandwhen

Eduardowassevenyearsold.Theifritreferredtohimasbetrayer’sspawn,whichsuggestedthatEduardo’sancestorsservedtheifritinsomecapacityandhemightbepartifrithimself.WealsoknewthatEduardoreactedviolentlywhenhesawyouandwalkedoffajob,despitebadlyneedingthemoney.Whenaskedwhy,hesaidhisreasonswerepersonal.We

foundthedaggeryougavehim,whichseemedinconsistentwithEduardo’sstanceonreligion.ThenthiseveningIhaddinnerwithmyfather.”

Nickburstintoacoughingfit.Igavehimamomenttocometotermswithit.

“Hesaidthatparentscan’thelpthemselvesand,givenachance,theywillwatchover

theirchildren.”“Itdoesseemrather

obviouswhenlaidoutlikethat,”Bahirsaid.

Hereachedintohisbackpack,pulledoutametalbox,andsetitonthetable.Palesilverlinesofkoftgaristoodout,thescripttiny,asifwrittenwithanenchantedpenontheblackenedsteel.TheAyatal-Kursi—theVerseoftheThrone,Surahal-Fatiha,

thelasttwoversesfromSuratal-Baqara,thefirstverseofSurahal-Imran,alargeportionofSuratal-Jinn...

“Howlongdidittakethesmiths?”Iasked.

“Ayear,”Bahiranswered.“Youknewtheifritwas

coming?”Lutherasked.Henodded.“Itstartedon

thedayEduardowasborn.Atfirstthereweredreams.Violentdisturbingdreams.

RimaandIhadbeenmarriedforthreeyears,wehadaninfantson,andIdidn’twanttojeopardizethem,soIsoughttreatment.Iwenttoapsychiatrist.Igotaprescriptionformedication,whichItookonschedule.Thedreamspersisted.Atfirsttheymadenosense;thengraduallythemeaningbegantoemerge.Somethingwascoming.Somethingwas

huntingme.Thevisionswerefullofdeath.

“Ihadmadeaconsciouschoicetorejectthevisions.We’ddiscoveredthatRimawasashapeshifterandshehadadifficulttimedealingwithit.Shewasawerebison,anuncommonbreed,andtoherknowledge,shehadneverbeenattackedbyashapeshifter.Neitherofherparentswereshapeshifters,

anditcausedagreatdealoftensionbetweenhermotherandfather.Herfatheraskedhertoundergoapaternitytest.Shewassodeeplyhurtbyit.Shesawitforwhatitwas—arejectionofalltheyearsherfatherhadbeenapartofherlife.Toheritdidn’tmatterifshewasorwasn’thisbiologicalchild.Shecutoffalltieswithherfamily.Sheneededme,soI

spentanotheryeartryingtoconvincemyselfthatIwassimplydisturbed.Myparentsweredead.Ihadnobodytoaskforguidance.”

Bahirsighed.“OnenightIwascominghomefromwork.Itwasdark.Anervouswomancameuptomeaskingfordirections.Shedrewaknifesheathedinfireandstabbedmewithit.Ididn’tdie.Thebladepassedthrough

meandwhenshewithdrewit,therewasnowound.Iwaswhole.Ialmostchokedhertodeathoutofsheerfear,butreasonprevailedandIlethergo.ShetoldmethatIwasanifrit,partoftheancientlinestretchingbackfromthetimelostinhistory,whensomeifrit,sensingthewaningofmagic,soughttomixtheirbloodlinewithhumansinanefforttopreserveit.Theifrits

cansensethoseofthesameclan.Shesaidtherewereotherslikemewhohadfeltmypresenceandsenthertotestme.”

“That’sahellofatest,”Isaid.

“Whatifyouhaddied?”Georgeasked.

“ThenIwouldn’thavebeenanifrit.”Bahirsmiled.“EventuallyImetsomeofmyclansmen.Theyhadthe

visionsaswellandtheywerefrightened.Iwastryingtofindsomeanswers.Ifoundonlylegendscobbledtogetherfromfragmentsofvisionsanddreams.Alongtimeagoapowerfulifritruledakingdomofdjinn.Wedon’tknowhisname.OneofmyclansmencalledhimShakush,theHammer,becausehisdreamsgavehimapoundingheadacheasifhis

skullwerebeingstruckbyahammer.Shakushhadmanywarriorsandprincesunderhiscommand.Onedayaholymanwhotrespassedinhisterritorywasbroughttohim.Theifritkingmockedtheholymanandorderedhimbeheaded.Astheholyman’sheadrolledoffhisshouldersontothefloor,hismouthopenedandhecursedtheifrittomadness.”

Sofarthiswasapaint-by-numbersfolkloriccautionarystory.Don’tbemeantorandomstrangersandthoseinneed.

“Eventuallytheifritkingwentmad,buthismagicwastoopotentandeventhecombinedmightofhiswarriorscouldn’tovercomeit.Theyfailedtokillhim.Sometimes,whenthepowerofyourenemyistoogreat,

theonlythingyoucandoiscontainit.Shakush’swarriorsconfinedhisessencetoanamulet.Nobodyknowswhattheydidwithit,butwhenitsurfacedinmydreams,itwasanearringontheearlobeofanoldwoman.Theperiodoftechnologyhadweakenedthesealonitandmagicwokethemadifrit.Atfirsthewasweak,hispoweramerewhisper.Ittookhimyearsto

corrupttheownersoftheearring,butwitheveryvictimhegrewalittlestronger.

“Oneofmyclansmenhadthegiftofprophecy.HecouldreachfurtherintohisdreamsthanIcould.HetoldmethatShakushwasdrivenbyvengeance.ThreeifritwarriorshadperformedthecontainmentritualandnowShakushwashuntingtheirdescendants,killingthemone

byone.Afterhewasdone,hewouldturnontherestoftheclanthathadbetrayedhim.Thatmeantthateventuallyhewouldmakehiswaytome.Ihaveseenmyancestor’sfaceinmydreams.Hewastheonewhofittedthelidontotheamulet.”

Iftheifritswereasvindictiveasmyfatherclaimed,therewouldbenoescapeandnoplacetohide.

Shakushwouldfindhim.“Didyourpeopleofferto

helpyou?”Curranasked.“Theywerenotwarriors.

Withinoursocietytherearecastes.Onlythosewithgreatermagicandaviolentnatureenterbattle.Myclansmenareartists,teachers,andtradesmen.Oneisalawyer,anotherisapediatricnurse.Thewomanwhostabbedmeisanelementary

schoolteacher.Theyhaddrawnstrawstoseewhowouldperformthetestandshepulledashortone.Shewasterrifiedoutofherwits,butShakushscaredhermore.InafightwithShakush,theywouldsimplybecomevictims.Hewoulddevourtheirmagic.Theyweresohappywhentheyfoundme.TheythoughtIwouldprotectthemfromthemadcreature

Shakushhadbecome.”Thatmust’vebeenso

terrible.Tothinkthatyouhadfinallyfoundtheanswersandhelpyouneeded,onlytorealizeeveryonewascountingonyoutosavethem.“Whatdidyoudo?”

Bahirleanedback.“Ihadtoprotectmyself.Ihadtoprotectmyson,soIbegantraining.Itrieddojosandmartialartsclubs,butit

wasn’ttherightkindoftraining.SoIaskedmyclansmenandtheyfinallyfoundamanwhowouldteachme.Hewasakiller,andthethingsIlearnedfromhimturnedmystomach.”

“Buttheyfeltright,”Nicksaid.

Bahirnodded.“Yes.Therewerenopointsandnosubmissionholds.”

“Andyourwife?”George

asked.“Ikeptmostofitfrom

her.Ididn’twanthertohavetocarrytheweightofknowingthatanunseenterriblecreaturewassearchingforherhusbandandherson.Itwasmyburden.Myclansmencouldn’thelpmefight,buttheyhelpedinotherways.Oneofthemwasasmith.Hemademyweapons.Therestdid

research.Wedugthroughfolkloreandhistoricalaccounts,whatlittletherewere.Finallythroughacombinationofmanyhoursofstudyandpropheticdreams,wecameonthedesignforabox.”

Henoddedattheboxonthetable.

“Itshouldcontaintheifrit,sealinghiminonceagain.”

“Should?”Mahonasked.“Shouldisascertainas

wecanbe.Aboxofthisdesignwasusedoncebyaholymantocontainanenrageddesertmarid.Ifitcanholdasandstorm,itshouldholdShakush.”

“Andyourwife?”Georgeasked.“I’mjusttryingtounderstandwhyyouwereneverinEduardo’slife.”

“Itwasn’tbychoice.The

breakingpointcamewhenahusbandofoneoftheteachersatthecollegewhereItaughtatthetimebroughtagunintothebuilding.Hewasadisturbedman.Shehadlefthimandhewastryingtohuntherdown.Itookhislife.Ithappenedveryquickly.Isawthegun.Hefiredather.Ireacted.”

Hisvoicesoundedflat.“Itwasalmostasifthedagger

hadtakenmeoveranddrivenitselfintohisbody.Icould’vedisarmedhim.Iknewhow.ButIdidn’t.”

Beingtrainedasanefficientkillerwasn’tenough.Youalsohadtolearntocontrolyourstressandyourfear,becomingsousedtoviolencethatyoucoulddetachyourselffromthetraumaofitandassessthelevelofviolencenecessaryto

respond.Whenthefight-or-flightresponsekickedin,MotherNatureshutoffourbrains.Itwasabiologicalsurvivalmechanism.Bythetimeourmindsprocessedthefullimpactofapredator’spresence,wewouldalreadyberunningforthenearesttree.

Bahirwasn’tanaturalpredator.Givenamomenttothink,heprobablywouldn’t

havekilledtheman,butinthepressurecookerofthemoment,hisbodysimplyreactedandhistrainingtookover.

“Ihadcommittedagreatsin,”Bahirsaid.

“Whoeverkillsasoulunlessforasoulorforcorruptionintheland—itisasifhehadslainmankindentirely,”Luthersaidquietly.

“Yes.”Bahirnodded.

TheQur’anhadmanydifferentverses,somepointingtowar,somepointingtopeace,butthefifthchapterofitwasclearonthesubjectofmurder.Humanlifewasprecious.

“Iwenttothemanwhotaughtmeandaskedhimwhythishadhappened.HesaidIwastooold.Istartedtoolate.Irealizedthatmysonhadtobeabetterfighterthanme.

Eduardowassixatthetime,soItookhimtobetrained.WhenRimafoundout,shewasfuriouswithme.Shewantedanexplanation,soItoldhereverything.Ihadplannedouthowtotellher,anditsoundedreasonableinmyhead,butwhenitcametotheactualexplanation,everythingwentwrong.Itwasajumbledmess.Imust’vesoundedlikeaman

deepinthethroesofapsychoticbreak,ravingaboutmurder,holymen,andvengefulifrits.Ihadbeguntobuildtheboxbythen,soIbroughtitout.Itwasplainsteelthen.”

Nitishhadsaidtheinsideofitwasbone.“Whatisunderthesteel?”Iasked.

“Myfather’sskull.”Okay,then.“Thelidismadeofmy

mother’sbones.”Shametwistedhisface.“Idesecratedtheirgravestomakeit.Theybothcarriedifritblood.Itestedtheirbonesforitandthemagicinthemwillhelpcontainhim.”

Yeah,ifIwerehiswifeandhehadunloadedallofthisonmeatonce,Iwouldbelessthanthrilled.

“Rimawashorrified.Sheaskedmetocheckmyself

intoahospital.Irefused.Sheaskedmetostopexposingoursontoviolence.Itoldherthatviolencewouldfindhimonewayoranother.Atleastwecouldpreparehim.ShethoughtIwasmentallyill.”

Hesighed.“Mywifeisagentlesoft-spokenwoman,butwhenitconcernsourson,sheisfierce.ThenextdayIwenttoworkandwhenIcamehome,shewasgone.I

foundhertwoweekslater.ShehadtraveledtoOklahomaandjoinedawerebuffalocommunity.Itriedtoreasonwithher.IstayedaslongasIcould,butitbecamecleartomethatshewouldn’tchangehermind.”

“Werebisonareherdcreatures,”Curransaid.“Andtheyhaveachipontheirshoulder.Onceshejoinedthem,theywouldprotecther

againstallpredators.”Bahirnodded.“Yes.It

becameclearthatIwouldhavetomurderallofthemtogettoherorEduardo.Ilovedmywifeandson,butIcouldn’tbringmyselftocommitmoreviolenceandevenifIhad,whatwoulditresolve?Ileftandwentaboutmylife,trainingandhopingthatgrowingupamongshapeshifters,mysonwould

learnenoughtoprotecthimselfwhenthetimecame.Meanwhilemywiferemarried.Herhusbandadoptedmyson.ShesentmeEduardo’sreportcards,andhewaslistedonlyasEduardoOrtego.Itgavemehopethathewouldbedifficulttofind.Itwasafalsehope,butIheldontoit.”

“Whatishisfullname?”Georgeasked.

“EduardoBassamAmir-Moez.Hewasnamedafterhisgrandfathers.”Bahirsighed.“Thevisionshaddieddown,andforalmostadecadeIhadbarelyseenanydreams.Then,ayearago,theystartedagain,morevividthanbefore.Shakushwasgrowinginpowerwitheachnewvictimandcomingcloser.Hehadfollowedthefootstepsofmyfamily.

“Overtheyears,asIwatchedtheatrocitieshecommitted,Iunderstoodthatthisisbiggerthanmeormyson.Allahdoesn’tchargeasoulwithmorethanapersoncanbear.I’mmeanttodothis.Thisisthepurposeofmylife.IfShakushcontinuesunchecked,hewillbecomeaplagueonthisworld,andIwon’tletithappen.Butthesmithwhohadhelpedme

died,soIhadtoturntoNitishtohavetheboxfinished.Iwaspreparingmyselfforthefinalbattle.AndthenIsawmysonandIrealizedthatitallhadcomefullcircle.Itriedtotalktohim,buthewouldn’tlistentome,soIwatchedhim,hopingtobetherewhenShakushstruck.Itriedtogivehimaweaponthatwouldofferatleastsomeslightadvantage.Imissedthe

attack.”Hehaddraggedthis

weightforwardfordecadesalone.Itwasamiracleithadn’tbrokenhim.

“Whydidn’tyoucometotheOrder?”Nickasked,hisfacedark.

“WhatwouldItellyou?ThatIhadvisionsofdistantpeoplemurdered?ThatIwaspartifrit?YourOrderisn’tknownforitskindness

towardanyonetheydeemanaberration.”

“TheOrderispeople,”Nicksaid.“Peoplechange.”

“Perhaps,”Bahirsaid.“Whataboutthe

draconoidcorpse?”Julieaskedfromthecouch.

“ItwasoneofShakush’screatures.Ihadafearthatmyswordwouldpassthroughitjustlikethedaggerhadpassedthroughmewhenmy

peopletestedmeforthefirsttime.IwantedtomakesurethatmybladeworkedsoIcoulduseitonShakushnext.”

“Talktomeaboutthebox,”Luthersaid.“Itisclearlysomesortoftransdimensionalcontainmentunit.”

“Whatdoesthatmean?”Mahonasked.

“Itisanobjectthatexists

asonethinginourrealityandsomethingelseinadifferentrealm.Itleadstoaplacethatisattachedtoourplaneofexistencebutisalsooutsideit.”

“LikethemistsoftheCelticgods,”Isaid.

“Yes.Thatmeansthatsomeonehastoactivateaportaltothatotherplace,holditopen,andthencloseitoncethedjinnisdepositedintothe

box.”LutherturnedtoBahir.Bahirnodded.“Thereisa

ritual.Imemorizedit.Theboxmustrestontheground—itwon’tworkonthesecondfloor,forexample—andImustdrawacomplexcircleandwritesacredversesaroundit.ThenIwillopentheportalwithmybloodandholditopen.Oncetheearringisplacedintothebox,ifeverythingisdonecorrectly,I

willbecomeaconduitandbanishit.Theproblemisgettingtheearringintothebox.Someonemustmurderthehumanhostandphysicallytaketheearringandcarryittome.Theboxcannotbemovedonceit’spositioned.”

“Thatwillbereallydifficult,”Luthersaid.

Thankyou,CaptainObvious.Shakushwoulddo

everythinginhispowertokeepfrombeingputintothebox.EvenifwebroughttheentirechapteroftheOrderandmanagedtoprytheearringfromthecurrenthost,whoevertoucheditwouldbecomeShakush’starget.Hecouldgothroughtheknightsonebyone.Ugh.

“Wewillhelp,”Mahonsaidintothesuddensilence.

Georgestartled.“Dad?”

Heputhisarmaroundhershoulders.“Idon’tcarehowpowerfulheis.Nobodytouchesmyfutureson-in-law.”

“Aslongasyoustayawayfromtheearring,”Curransaid.

Mahonlookedathim.“He’sworriedaboutthe

wishesyouwouldmake,”Itoldhim.“Wishone,CurranistheBeastLord.Wishtwo,

GeorgeishisConsort.Wishthree,youturnintoanevenbiggerbear.”

Georgestaredatme,horrified.

“Youthinksolittleofme?”Mahonsaid.“Thatreallyhurts.”

Hesoundedgenuinelyupset.Ohno.Ihadhurtmystepfather-in-law’sfeelings.

“Westilldon’tknowwhereShakushis,”Nicksaid.

“Canyousensehim?”Bahirshookhishead.“Iknowsomeonewho

can,”Isaid.Iwouldprobablygostraighttohellforthis,buttherewasnochoice.WehadtosaveEduardoandthecity.

“Youcan’tuseMitchell,”Luthersaid.“First,it’sunethical.Second,it’scruel.Third,hewasmycolleagueandit’samatterofbasichumandecency.He’sa

ghoul,forcryingoutloud.”“Whatifhewereno

longeraghoul?”Iasked.Lutheropenedhismouth

andpaused.“Areyouthinkingofsettinghimonfireagain?”

“Wasthatwhatitlookedlike?”

“Yes.Iwasconcerned,actually.”

“Thenyes.Somethinglikethat.”

“Ihaveamoralobligationtosafeguardhim,”Luthersaid.“Theanswerisno.”

“Whydon’tweaskMitchellwhathewantstodo?”Isaid.“Ifhesaysno,I’llwalkaway.Ifhevolunteers,you’llhelpme.”

“Helpyoudowhatexactly?”Nickasked.

Explainingitwastoolongandcomplicated.“Youwillsee.Bahir?”

“Yes?”“Whyhaven’tyouturned

intoaghoul?”Bahirblinked.“WasI

supposedto?”Ghoulsweredjinn

withoutenoughmagictoassumetheirtrueforms.Hemust’vehadenoughmagic.

“Canyoutransformintoanifrit?”

Bahirsmiled.“Notalltheway.”

Thatexplainedit.Healreadyhadenoughmagic,sohebypassedtheghoulstage.

“Okay.”Curranleanedforward,anunmistakablenoteofcommandinhisvoice.Suddenlyalloftheattentionfocusedonhim.“Weneedtolimitthis.Themorepeople,themorepotentialpossessiontargetsforthedjinn.Itwillbeme,Kate,Bahir,Mahon,George.”

HeglancedatMahon.“Anybodyelse?”

“I’lltalktothefamily,”Mahonsaid.

“Me!”Julievolunteered.“No,”CurranandIsaidat

thesametime.“But...”“Youjustgotaunited

parentalno,”Luthersaid.“Staydown,you’velostthefight.”

“Iwillgo.”Derekstepped

outoftheshadowsinthehallway.

Curranthoughtaboutit.Derekwaited.“Okay,”Curransaid

finally.“Whoelse?”“Iwillcome,”Luther

said.“Withthecaveatthatifthedjinnpossessesme,oneofyouwillkillme.Mymagicreserveistoogreat.”

CurranlookedatNick.“Sixknights,”Nicksaid.

“Includingme.”“Thatshouldbeenough,”

Curransaid.MahonandNickroseat

thesametime,headingforthephone.Iwentupstairstogetdressed.

CHAPTER

URRANPULLEDINTOtheparkinglotinfrontof

theBiohazardbuilding,followingLuther’struck.Derekstirredinthebackseat.Hehadbeensoquietandstill,Ialmostforgothewasthere.

TherewasamomentonthedrivewhenIwonderedifitwasevernotgoingtobe

likethis.ButthenIdecidedIwascrazy.Itwouldalwaysbelikethis,ridingtocertaindeatheveryfewmonths,tryingtoprotectpeoplewewouldnevermeet.Somepeoplepainted.Somepeoplebaked.Wedidthis,whateverthehellitwas.Ijustdidn’twanttodie.Ididn’twantCurrantodie.IwantedtosaveEduardo.

Iwantedtheretobea

stretchofnormal,ifnotforafewmonths,thenatleastforafewweeks.

Themagicranthicktonight.WarmwindbathedmeasIsteppedoutofthecar.Achangewasintheair.

Adarkshadowslidacrossthestarsaboveandajet-blackwingedhorseflewthroughtheair,circlingtheyard.Arabianhorseswerenevermyfavorites.Theywereloyal

toafaultandwouldrunthemselvestodeathfortherightrider,buttheywereabithigh-strungformytaste.Butthishorsewasperfect,fromthevelvetcoatandsilkymanetothetaperedhoovesofherelegantlegs.Vastwings,blackasmidnight,spreadfromhershoulders.Sheglidedontheaircurrents,agracefulcreatureoflegendcometolife.EvenMahon

watched,halfwayoutofhiscar.

IcaughtaglimpseofCurranoutofthecornerofmyeyeashemovedtostandnexttome.Wewatchedthehorsegentlylandonthepavement,Bahironherback.

“Doyoueverwishitwerejustnormal?”Iaskedhimquietly.

“Yes.Butthenwewouldneverseethingslikethis.”

Bahirdismounted,lightonhisfeet.

“Wheredidyoufindher?”Iasked.

Bahirpettedthehorse’smuzzle.“Ididn’t.Amalfoundme.”

Heclickedhistongueather.Amalshookherself.Herwingsvanished.

Atlantawasgettingstrangerandstrangerbytheday.

“Comeon,”Luthercalled.Wefollowedhimintothebuilding,upthestairs,tothefarendofalonghallway,wherebigdoubledoorsstoodwideopen.Alargeroomspreadbeforeus,devoidoffurniture.Thefloorwascoveredwithchalkboardpaint.Bronzebraziersstoodbythewallsfilledwithcoalsreadytobelit.Thathadtobetheincantationroom.

Inthemiddleoftheroom,inaprotectivecircledrawnonthefloorwithchalk,Mitchelllayinasmallheap.Theglyphsaroundthewardglowedweakly—thespellpackedonehellofawallop.Shredsoffabriclitteredtheflooraroundtheghoul.Awomansatinachairbythewall,readingabook.

“Blood,”Curransaid.IglancedatLuther.

“Wetriedputtinghimintoastraitjacketsohewouldn’thurthimself.”Luthersighed.“Hekeepstryingtocrackhisskullagainstthefloor.”

“Whathappensduringtech?”Nickasked.

“Barscomeoutofthefloor,”Luthersaid.“They’redownnowtokeephimfromthrowinghimselfagainstthemetal.”

Iapproachedthecircle.

“Mitchell.”Mitchellgaveno

indicationheheardorsmelledme.

“Hewon’trespond,”Luthersaid.“Itried.”

“Itriedscreamingawhileago,”thewomansaid.“He’sgonesomewheredeepinsidehishead.”

Iglancedatthelinesofthecircle.Itwasdesignedtokeepmagicin,notout.Hmm.

Ihadneverdoneitbefore,butitworkedformyfather.

Ipulledmymagictome.Itcameeagerandreadylikeanobedientpet.Igathereditallaroundme,packingittight,andletitfuelmyvoice,reachingtoMitchellwithmypower.

“Mitchell.”Lutherstartled.“Jesus,

Daniels.”Theghouluncoiled,

raisinghisdeformedhead,androlledtohisfeet.Iwalkedalongtheboundaryofthecircle.Theghoulturnedslowly,movingtofaceme.UpcloseIcouldseesmearsofbloodonthepaintinsidethecircle.

“You...”theghoulwhispered.

“Canyousensetheifrit?Ishecallingyounow?”

“Yessss.”

“Doyouknowwhatyouare?”Iasked.

“Yessss...”Heduckedhishead,buthisgazeboreintome.“Iamflame.Iamsmokelessfire.This”—hestretchedhisarmstome—“ismyprison.Killme.”

Ikneltononeknee.Heleanedinascloseastheboundaryofthecirclewouldallow.Amerethreeinchesseparatedus.

“Icanmakeyouwhole,”Iwhispered.“Butthereisaprice.”

“I’llpay.”“Stop,”Nicksaid.“She’ll

promiseyoutheworldandthenshewillmakeyouherslave.Shecan’thelpit.It’sinherblood.”

“Wait,whatisthistalkofwhole-making?”Lutherwavedhisarms.“What’sgoingon?”

Mitchell’sgazeneverwavered.“Iwouldratherbeaslavethanbethis.”

“IfImakeyouwhole,youmusthelpmefighttheifrit,”Itoldhim.“Canyoufindhimonceyouarewhole?”

“Yes.”“Oncefinished,youwill

makeyourhomehere,inLuther’scustody.YouwillservetheBiohazardDivisionforfiveyears.”Thatoughtto

givethemenoughtimetofigureoutwhattodowithhim.

“Yes.”“Swearonthefirethat

burnsinyou.”Theghoulopenedhis

mouth.“Iswear.”Irose,pulledthebookout

ofmybackpack,andthrustitatLuther.“I’llneedthesesupplies.”

Hescannedthepages.

“Whatisthis?”“We’regoingtoevolve

Mitchelltohisproperstate.”“Oh,okay.Wait,what?”

•••

THECOALSHADbeenlit.Ifinisheddrawingthealchemicalsignfortheetherandwasaboutdonewiththesymbols.Mitchellsatwithinthetwotriangles.Justoutside

thetwotriangles,ahalf-gallonbeakerofclearliquid,trimethylborate,waitedonatablenexttomatchesandasmallvialofmyblood.Ihaddrawnitbeforeweleftthehouse.

AgaggleofLuther’scolleaguesgatheredintheroom.Ihadwalkedhimthroughthedjinnground-statetheoryandhehadexplainedittothem.The

reactionsweremixedtosaytheleast.Voicesfloatedtome.

“Youdorealizethatifthisworks,we’vefoundacureforghoulism.”

“Yes,butthecureisworsethanthedisease.Wecan’trunaroundthecountrysideturningghoulsintodjinn.”

“Technicallytheyarealreadydjinn.”

“That’sbesidethepoint.”“Wehavenoideawhat

theyarecapableof.”“What’sinthevial?”“Areyousayingwe

shouldn’tdoit?”Lutherasked.

“No,”awomansaid.“I’msayingthatit’sillegal,dangerous,andpossiblyunethical,butweshoulddefinitelydoit.”

“Yes,whatMargosaid.”

“Thisisaonce-in-a-lifetimeopportunity.”

“Justasanexperiment.”Mages.“Howdoyoufeelabout

herdoingthis?”ThathadtobeMahon.Thatlow-pitchedgrowlcouldonlycomefromhim.

“Weleteachotherbewhoweare,”Curransaid.“Idon’thavetolikeallofthethingsshehastodo.Ilove

her.”Iloveyou,too.Justkeep

thisinmindafteryouseewhatIamgoingtodo.

Idrewthefinalcirclearoundtheglyphs.Wardscameinallvarietiesandthisonewasn’tacontainment;ratheritfunctionedlikeamirror,focusinganymagicenteringthewardonthecreaturewithinit.

Mitchelllookedupatme.

“Hurry.”Ipickedupthebeakerof

thetrimethylborateandpoureditoverhim,saturatingthetriangleonthefloor.

“Shedoesknowit’sflammable,right?”someoneasked.

Ipickedupthevialofmybloodandpulledoutthecork.

“DrinkthiswhenIsay.”Hestretchedhisclawed

handstome.

“Thereisstilltimetostepback,”Itoldhim.

Mitchelltookthevialwithhisclaws.

Istruckamatch.“Now.”Hegulpedtheblood.Ilet

thematchfallintotheward.Emerald-greenflamessurgedup.Mitchellspunaroundthrashing,hisskinblistering,screaming.Ifocusedmymagiconhimandfeltthemagicamplifyit.Myblood

burnedthroughhim,slidingdownhisthroat,deepintothepitofhisstomach,andawakenedaweaksparkoffire.Ireachedforit,asitbathedinmyblood,andwhisperedapowerword.

“Amehe.”Obey.Theshockofittoreatmy

mind.Agonyrippedthroughme.Theworldturnedhazy.Ifoughtit,tryingtokeepholdontheflameinsideMitchell’s

body.IfIletmygripslip,itwouldbeallover.

BehindmeCurransnarled.Yes,Iusedapowerword.Sueme.

Thehazemelted.Istaggered,butDoolittle’srepairstomybrainmust’veheld,becauseIwasstillme.

Mitchellwasstillscreaming.Hisskinsloughedoff,hisrawfleshhissinginthefire.

Ipulledandtheflameresponded,bendingtomywill.Ifannedit,funnelingmymagicintoit.Mitchellcollapsedintoaball.

“He’sdying!”someonesnappedbehindme.

Grow.Likeblowingonafledglingfire,tryingtohelpitgrowhotter.

“Thiswasreallyill-advised...”

Grow,Icajoled,pouring

magicintoit.Grow.“Shush!”Patricesaid.Thegreenflameswent

out,suckedintoMitchell’sbody.

Grow!Thetinyflameexploded,

turningintoawhite-hotblaze.Mitchellsurgedtohisfeet.Brightorangefireeruptedfromhismouthandeyesandwashedoverhim,consuminghisflesh.Iletgo.Hisbody

convulsed,jerkinglikeamarionetteonastring.Thefirespunintoawhirlwindandwithinitanewbodywastakingshape,large,quadrupedal,andmuscled.

Theflamesvanished,absorbedintothenewskin.Astrangefurrybeaststoodbeforemeonfourclawedfeet,hisheadafullfoothigherthanmine.Brightredanddappledwithblack

rosettes,hisbodywasalmostcanine,leanandpowerfullikethatofaDoberman.Alongthickhorsemaneofjet-blackhairranalonghisspine.Alongleoninetailcoiledaroundhislegs.Twinhornscrownedhishead,curvingforwardonthesidesofhisleanface,readytogore.HisfeatureswereunlikeanythingIhadeverseen.Hislongnarrowjaws,studdedwith

sharpperfectfangs,hintedatawolfandanalligatoratthesametime,whilehiseyes,largeandbrightorangewithdarkovalpupils,mademethinkofapredatorycat.

ThethingthatusedtobeMitchellshookhishead,sendinghismaneflying.Heraisedhishead,openedhismouth,andcriedout.Hisvoicewasn’taroarorasnarl,itwasmelodiousandhigh,

liketheshriekofabirdflyinghighthroughtheclouds.

“Holycrap,”someonesaidbehindme.

Mitchellleanedforward,hiseyesevenwithmine.Hisdeadlyjawsunhinged,showinghisfangsandtheblacktongueinsidehismouth.

Don’tflinch,don’tflinch.“Hello,Mitchell.”

“Thenamenolonger

fits.”“Doyouwantadifferent

one?”“Yes.Nameme,human.”Makeitgood.“Iname

youAdib,aftertheWolfStarintheConstellationofDraco.”

“Iacceptmyname.Ioweyouadebt.”

“Yes.”Helungedatme.Itwas

sofast,Iwasinmidairbefore

Irealizedhe’dtossedmeontohisback.Ilandedastrideandgrabbedontohismane.

Curransurgedforward.“I’mokay,”Isaid.“Ipaymydebts.”Theifrit

houndraisedhismassivehead.“Icanhearthemadman’svoice.Followme.”

Hedashedoutthedoor,scatteringthemages.Iclenchedhismaneandtriednottofalloff.

•••

TRAVELINGBYMYSTICALifrithoundsoundedcoolintheoryandentirelyplausible,sincehewasthesizeofasmallishhorse.Buthorsesweretrainedtocarryhumans,whileifrithoundswerenot.Ittookeverymuscleinmybodytostayonhisback.Heranthroughthestreets,leapingoverobstructions,

dodgingoccasionalcars,andpanickinghorses.

ThreeminutesintoourraceCurrandrewevenwithus,ahugegraybeastthatwasneitherlionnorhuman,designedspecificallyforrunning.ThatwasCurran’sspecialpower—hemoldedhisbodyatwilltowhateverpurposesuitedhim.He’dchasedmedownmorethanonceinthisshape.Afew

momentslaterDerekcaughtupwithus.Hewasstillinhishumanform.Aboveashadowswoopedacrossthestarsandpulledahead.Theifritwasfast,butbeatingawingedhorserequiredawholeotherkindoffast.Abluesparkflared,illuminatingthehorseandrider.Bahirmust’vecarriedafeylantern.Heflewaboveuslikeabeacon.HopefullyMahon,Luther,

andtheknightswouldseehim.

Magicscouredme.WehadcrossedtheinvisibleboundaryintoUnicornLane.Ofcourse.Whywoulditbeanywhereelse?UnicornLanecutthroughthecenterofthecity,asifsomeenormousinvisibleenemydrewadaggerandstabbeddeepintotheveryheartofdowntownAtlanta,andnowmagic

geyseredoutfromthewound.Normalrulesdidn’tapplyhere.Thiswasaplaceofpredatorsandpreywhereplantsattackedyou,mosswaspoisonous,andglowingeyestrackedyoureverymove.

Themagicchurnedandboiledaroundmeaswedartedamongthedarkruinsofonce-mightyskyscrapers.Adibturnedleft,leapedovertheremnantsofagutted

building,andshotoutofUnicornLanerunningnorthwestalongthecrumblingColierRoad.Well,thatwasunexpected.

ColierRoad,asimpletwo-lanestreet,onceranthroughresidentialneighborhoods,butasUnicornLanegrew,itswallowedtheroad’ssouthernend,andColierbecameastreetthatled

nowhere.Duringmagicwaves,creatureshidinginUnicornLaneventuredoutinsearchofmeatandblood,andtheroadnicelyfunneledthemdirectlytotheirpreyasleepinbeautifulcolonialhouses.Anyonewithacrumbofbrainsmoved,andovertheyears,theresidentialneighborhoodsonceliningColierbecamedeserted.Abandonedhousestracked

ourprogresswithdarkwindows.

Theifritkeptrunning.Alargeruinloomedontheleft.Anoldsignflashedby,bentandgrimy.PIEDMONTHOSPITAL.That’sright.TheoriginalhospitalcomplexstoodsoclosetoUnicornLanethatpartofithadcollapsedintheShift.NotrealizingthefullimpactofUnicornLane’sexistence,the

cityhadrebuiltitafewmilesdowntheroad,butthen,astheresidentialneighborhoodswithered,sodidthehospital,andiftheyhadbuiltitwiththatalgae,thefirstflarewould’vefinishedit.

Theifrithoundturned,followingtheroad.Yearsagothisplacemust’vebeenbeautifullylandscaped,butnowthetreesandbrushwereinfullrevolt,fillingthe

artificiallycurvedlawns.Astonesignblinkedbywithsomearrowsonit,andAdibpunchedthroughthewallofgreenintotheemptyparkinglot.Theoldhospitalcrouchedinthegloom.Atleastthreestoriesofitwerestillstanding,andthelampssupportingfeylanternsstillglowedweakly,tryingtocombatthedarknessoftheparkinglot.Adibhaltedin

frontoftheemergencyroomentranceunderaconcreteroof.Theridewasover.Thankyou,Universe.

“Wewaitfortheothers,”Isaid,andslidoffhisback.Mythighswerekillingme.

Wewerealone.CurranandDerekmust’vefallenback.

Adibturnedaround,raisedhishead,andinhaleddeeply.“Iwillscoutahead.”

“Wait...”Theifrithounddashed

throughthebrokendoorofthehospitalandvanishedintothegloom.Damnit.

Isatontheground.Mybodyachedasifsomeonehadworkedmeoverwithasackofbricks.

Derekleapedthroughthegreeneryandrantome.

“WhereisCurran?”Iasked.

“Hehadtodoubleback.Thevehiclesandhorsescouldn’tgetthroughtheUnicorn,andthebearsareslow.”

Yeah,IbetMahonwasjustlovingthisrace.

“He’shelpingtolift...”Derekpaused.“Somethingiscoming.”

Ireachedformysword.Thesoundofhoofbeats

echoedthroughtheempty

parkinglot.Acreaturewalkedintoourviewontheleftandhaltedunderalamppost.Itstoodsixfeettall,thelinesofitslean,almostfragilebodyreminiscentofagazelle,butitsneckandpowerfulchestwasallhorse.Palesandyfursheatheditsflanks,stripedwithdarkercinnamon-brown.Asinglefoot-longhornprotrudedfromitsforehead,

narrowandsharplikethebladeofasaber.Longdarkstainsstretchedacrossitsfacefromitseyes,asifithadbeencrying.Crap.

Thecreatureresumeditsslowgait,headingforus,thelinesofitsbodymesmerizing.

“Isthataunicorn?”Derekasked.

Thecreaturepassedunderanotherlamp.Adarkredstainmarkeditshorn.Crap,

crap,crap.“No,it’snot.”Irosefrom

theground.“That’sashadhavar.APersianunicorn.”

“Itakeitthey’renotnice.”

“No.”Derekstoodup.Thetreesandbushes

rustled.Moreshadhavaremergedfromthebrush.Asmallfoalonourright

shoulderedhiswaypasthismother.Hewascarryingaseveredhumanarm,stillinthesleeve,inhisteeth.One,two,three,seven,twelve...Toomany.

“Arewefighting?”Derekasked.

“No,we’regoingtobesensibleandwaitforbackup.”Wehadmuchbiggerfishtofry.Runningintoaherdofcarnivorous

unicornswouldbeverybraveandridiculouslystupid.Whyriskgettingahornthroughyoursideandbeingtakenoutofthefightwhentherewerereinforcementsaroundthecorner?

Alargeshadhavarpawedthegroundwithhishoof.

Derekglancedattheconcreteroofaboveourheads.“I’llboostyou.”

“Go.”

Hegrabbedmebythewaistandhurledmeup.Icaughttheedgeoftheroofandpulledmyselfupontoit.Theshadhavarcharged.

Derekleapedup,bouncedoffthebuilding,anddroppedbymyside.

Theshadhavarreared,baringlongtriangularteethatus,yellowagainsttheirblood-redgums.Thatwasasightenoughtogiveyou

nightmares.“Yes,yes,keepsmiling.”

Noworries.Ourbackupwascoming.

Thewingedhorsecircledaboveus.

Iglancedup.“Whenwe’refighting,keepaneyeonhimforme,please.”

“Sure,”Dereksaid.“Why?”

“Somepeoplearenaturalkillers.Curranisone.Iam,as

well.Heisn’t.Bahiriswhathappenswhenyouforcemurderonadecent,kindhumanbeing.Heisfierceandhe’llkillifhehasto,becausehethinksit’shisduty,buthedoesn’thaveenoughexperiencetomakecalculateddecisions.Hemaytrytosacrificehimselfforourgreatergood.”

“Pot,kettle,”Dereksaid.“Isacrificedmyselfafter

I’veweighedallofouroptionsandrealizedthereisnootherchoice.Hemaynotseealloftheoptions.Hehastakenalife,andtheguiltisgnawingathim.Hemayseehissacrificeasatonement.Iwanthimtosurvivethis,ifwecanmakeithappen.HeandEduardodeservetohaveaconversation.”

ThewingedhorseswoopedlowandBahir

jumpedontotheroof.Amalbeatherincrediblewings,soaredaboveus,andlandedonthecrumblingwallofthebuilding.

“Doyouneedassistance?”Bahirasked.

“We’llwaitforthevehiclestogethere,”Itoldhim.

“Oh.InthatcaseIwillwaitwithyou.”

Hesatbyme.

“Doyouknowmysonwell?”

“Iknowthatheishonestandbrave.Hedoesn’thesitatetoputhimselfbetweenhisfriendsanddanger.HeisdevotedtoGeorgeandheworkedverylonghourshopingtobuildafamilywithher.I’mproudtocallhimafriend.”

Bahirremainedsilent.“Didyouspeakwith

George?”Iasked.“Yes.Shesaidshesaw

himburning.Shakushistorturingmyson.”

“Wesawhimburningduringoneoftheifrit’sattacks.Idon’tknowifitwasrealoranotherillusion.”

“Doyouthinkmysonisstillalive?”heasked.

Hewaslookingforreassurance.SadlyIhadnone.

“Isawhiminavision,”Isaid.“Hewasinacagestarving.Hewasn’tinthebestshape,butIthinkhe’salivebecausetheifritiswaitingforyou.”

“He’swaitingtokillmysoninfrontofme,”Bahirsaid.

“Yes.”Bahirsighed.“Ifyou

comeintopossessionoftheearring,youneedtoknow

whattoexpect.Theifritwillseduceyou.Themomentyoutouchhisprison,heburrowsintoyoursoul,tearsitopen,andfeedsonyourgreatestfear.Ifyouareafraidofgrowingold,hewillofferyouyouth.Ifyouthinkyourselfugly,hewillpromiseyoubeauty.Hewillmovemountainsandresurrectthedead,andifhelacksthepowertodoit,hewilltrick

yourmindintothinkinghehasdoneit.Witheverywish,youwillsurrenderapartofyoursoultohimandhewilllieandbetrayyouuntilhepossessesyoucompletely.”

“Sohowdowefightthat?”Derekasked.

“Youmustrejectthedjinn.”

“Easiersaidthandone,”Isaid.

“Yes.Butthereareforces

withinoursoulthataregreaterthanhe.Loyalty.Duty.Love.Honor.Ifyouarenotsure,itisn’ttoolatetoturnback.”

Ismiled.“I’llstay,butthankyouforthepeptalk.”

“Youhavealife.”“Sodoyouandyourson.

Eduardoismyfriend.Irefusetolethimdieinacage.”

“Yes,butfewpeoplewouldriskcertaindeathfora

friend.”“I’mdoingitoutof

selfishreasons,”Itoldhim.“Ifwefailtostoptheifrit,he’llcomeaftermyfamilynext.Wefrustratedhimafewtimesandhe’sanarrogantsonovabitchwhohateslosing.”

Bahirdidn’tlookentirelyconvinced.

Adistantroarofenchantedwaterengines

announcedthatthecavalrywascoming.

“It’swhattheydo,”Dereksaid.“Don’taskherwhy.Justtakethehelp.Youwon’tgetbetter.”

Thankyou,boywonder.“Ifwesurvivethis,”Bahir

said,“andyouneedsomething,anythingatall,callonme.”

“Youmaycometoregretthatoffer.”

“Anythingatall,”Bahirsaid.

Thefirstvehicletorethroughthegreenery,alargeblackSUVwithametalgrateshieldingtheradiator.IcaughtaglimpseofMartha,George’smother,behindthewheel.Shewasaplumpmiddle-agedAfricanAmericanwomanwithawealthofcurlyhair.Ihadonlyspokenwithherafew

times.SheusuallyknittedduringPackCouncilmeetings,andifourgazeshappenedtocross,shesmiled.Shewasn’tsmilingrightnow.Shesawusontheroof,sawthegatheringofshadhavar,andflooredit.TheSUVplowedintotheherd.Somemanagedtodashaside,butatleastthreecrashedtotheground.Marthathrewthevehicleintoreverseand

rolledoverthethrashingbodies.

Holycrap.Threemorevehicles

followedthefirst,bulldozingtheherddown.Marthapoppedherdooropenandsteppedout.Ashadhavartriedtoramher.Shegrabbeditshornandslappeditupsidethehead.Theshadavarmoanedandcollapsed,itsfeetjerking.Ontheotherside

Georgeexitedthevehicle,grabbedthenearestshadhavarbythehead,twisteditoffitsfeet,andstomped.DearGod.

Thevehiclesdisgorgedshapeshifters.ItlookedlikeGeorge’sentireextendedfamilyhadshownup.

“Ifitmoves,killit,”Marthacalledout.“Idon’twanttohearanythingbutusbreathinginthisparkinglot!”

Iheldmyarmoutto

Derek.“Pinchme.”Hereachedover.“Ow.”“She’sthealphaofClan

Heavy,”hesaid.“Marthaisreallynicebutonlyuntilsomeonetriestoscrewwithherfamily.”

CHAPTER

YTHETIMECurranandMahonarrived,together

withsixknightsoftheOrder,andLuther,Patrice,andanotherBiohazardmagewhosenameIhadn’tcaught,theparkinglotwasfilledwithshadhavarbodies.ClanHeavysustainednocasualties.

“Youmissedtheslaughter,”Ireported.

Currangrimaced.“Youmissedmecarryinghorsesovertherubble.”

Curranandhorsesdidn’tgetalong.Hethoughttheywereunpredictableanduntrustworthy,andtheythoughthewasawerelion.

IwaiteduntilMahonwasoutofearshot.“Whydidn’tyoutellmeMarthawasa

terminatorindisguise?”Hesmiled.“ShewasAunt

B’sbestfriend.Ithoughtyou’dfigureitoutsoonerorlater.Whereisyourride?”

“Hewentintothehospitaltoscout.”

“Thenweshouldfollow.”Ittookaboutthirty

secondstogathereveryone.Wewentthroughthedoorssinglefile:Derekfirst,trackingAdib’sscent;Curran

andme;thenBahir,leadingAmalgently;theknights;themages,protectedfromallsidesbecausetheysquishedeasily;andfinallyClanHeavy.Georgewalkedbetweenherparents.SheandMarthaworeidenticalpinchedexpressions.Mahonwasclearlyinthedoghouse.

WepassedthroughthedesertedhallwayoftheER,thenthroughthedoorway,its

doorslyingonthefloor.Alightglowedahead,inthegapofacrumblingwall.Derekmovedtowardit.Wefollowed.

Avastgardenunrolledbeforeus.Lushflowersbloomedamongthegreenery.Pondsofferedcrystal-clearwater,reflectingthedelicatepetalsofpink,white,andlavenderlotuses.Palmsrustledoverhead,over

curvingpathsofgoldensand.Isteppedthroughthegap.

Inthedistance,reigningoverthesplendor,apalacerose.Itwasn’ttheglowingwhiteperfectionandslimminaretsoftheTajMahal,withitsarchedbalconiesoritsgoldencupolas.Instead,aforestofcolossalcolumnsstoodamongthegreenery,theirlengthpaintedabrilliantred.Eachcolumnterminatedina

carvedtexturedpedestalofvivid,almostturquoise,blue,uponwhichagoldenanimalstatuesnarledatthegarden,itsheadandbodysupportingthesharprectangularblueroof,decoratedwithatexturedparapetofgoldenspikes.Thiswasanancientpalace,conceivedinthetimewhendyeswereprized,heightwasawe-inspiring,andeleganceandsubtletywere

faultsratherthanvirtues.Itmeanttocommunicatetruepower—thepowertomakecountlesshumanbeingstoilalloftheirlivesasslavestoraisethosecolumnstotheirdizzyingheight.Ithityoursenseslikeahammer.Ihatedit.

Howmuchpowermustithavetakentocreatethisoutofnothing?

Nexttome,Curran

squaredhisshoulders.Thepalacewasachallengethrownatunseenopponents.Comeandtakeitifyoudare.Curranwrinkledhislip,hiseyesgold.Hedared.

IelbowedCurran.“Hey,whenIsaidbluewouldbeniceforthedownstairs,Ididn’tmeanthatkindofblue.”

“Maybeit’shisaceinahole,”hesaid,hisfacedark.

“Thirtysecondsinthatpalaceandwe’llgoblind.”

“Ithastobeatleastthreemileswide,”Nicksaidnexttome.“Howthehellishefoldingitintothisbuilding?

“Themadmanlies.”Adibemergedfromthebushesandstoppedmidwayinthepond.

“Theflowershavenoscent,”Dereksaid.“Ismelldustandafewotherthings,butnoneofthis.”

Icrouchedbythepondandscoopedsomewater.Icouldseeitinmyhand,butIfeltnothing.Therewasnosubstance.

“Theknight-archivariusmust’vewishedforthisplace,”Luthersaid.“Butthedjinndidn’thaveenoughpower,sohegaveheranillusion.”

Bahirreachedintothescabbardonhiswaistand

unsheathedablade.Itwasabeautifulsword,almoststraight,single-edged,withaportionofthebladenearthetip,abouttenincheslong,curvedforaviciousstrike.Bahircuthisarm.Bloodrandownhisbladeandburstintoflame.Heraisedtheflamingswordlikeatorch.Hisskingainedadarkergoldenhue.Hiseyesturnedredliketwoglowingembers.Thegarden

partedbeforehim,melting.Apathopened,aboutafootacross,thegroundnotsomegoldensand,butthetypicaldirtandrocksfoundinAtlanta.

“Leadtheway,”Currantoldhim.

WefollowedBahirtowardthepalace.

•••

THEJOURNEYTOthepalaceshould’vetakenonlyfifteenminutes,butittooktwiceaslong.Wewentovertheplanagain.Curranhadcomeupwiththestrategy,andhisplansusuallyworked.Gettingeveryonetosticktoitwasanothermatterentirely.IhadaskedNickifhe’dbroughtanymoreoftheGalahadwarheads,towhichheaskedmejusthowmanyoftheten-

thousand-dollarwarheadsIthoughthewasauthorizedfor.Itoldhimthatbrevitywasavirtueand“no”would’vebeenjustfineasaresponse,andthenLutherhadtogiveushis“savethecityandstopbickering”speech.

Graduallydirtbecamesand,flowersgainedaroma,andmoisturesaturatedtheair.Abouttenfeetfromtheredpalacesteps,theillusion

evolvedintoreality.Istoppedtodrawsomeblood.Icould’veprobablydoneitearlier,butIdidn’twanttotakechanceswithitspotency.Wepassedbetweenthecolossalcolumnsintoashadowedhall,ourstepsloudonthepolishedstone.Athronestoodattheendofthehall,amassivecarvedchairofstone,paintedwithgarishabandon.Awomanof

incrediblebeautysatonthethrone.Herdarkhair,arrangedinartfulspiralwaves,fellonherdiaphanousgownofpalegoldandblue.Goldchainswovethroughherhair,anecklaceofblood-redrubiesrestedaroundherneck,andasinglelargeearring,itssimplicityjarringandoutofplace,decoratedherleftear.Ablackpanthersatbyherthrone,andthe

womanstrokedthebeast’sheadwithherlongfingernails.Ohboy.IhadwalkedintoanoldSinbadmovie.Toobadthemonsterswouldn’tbeClaymation.

Menstoodbehindthethrone,brandishingswords.Someweredarkskinned,somelighter,someclothed,othersmostlynude,buteachwasaperfect,handsomemalespecimen.Ididaquickhead

count.Atleastforty.Shehadherownprivatearmyofmalemodels.

Ireachedforwardwithmymagicandmetthefamiliarresistance.Thatwasahellofalotofmagicanditwaswrappedaroundherlikeashield.Usingpowerwordsdirectlyagainstherwouldbeoutofthequestion.Attackingherrightnowwasoutofthequestion,too.

“She’sshielded,”Luthersaidbehindme.

“Whathesaid,”Iconfirmed.“Thedjinnispouringeverydropofhispowerintoprotectingher.Wedon’thaveenoughfirepowertobreakthroughit.Wehavetogethertotransformsoshe’llstopshieldingandstartattacking.”

“Thatmeansshe’dhavetomakeawish,”Luther

pointedout.“Ifshewishesfortheceilingtocrushus,thereisn’tmuchwecandoaboutthat.”

“Theifritisanoldpower,”Isaid.“They’renotcomplicatedandtheyrespondwelltodrama.Theifritwillwanttobreakushimselfandseeussuffer.Weneedtonudgehertowardafight.”

Bahirpulledthehoodofhiscloakoverhisface.“Two-

thirdsofherbelongstothedjinn.Leaveittome.”

“NotuntilItalktoher,”Nicksaid.“SheisaknightoftheOrder.”

IglancedatCurran.Heshrugged.WecouldwaitacoupleofextraminutesinourrushtodietomakesureNick’sconsciencewasclear.

“Remember,hewillcoverherinmetal,”Curransaid.“Thefasterwehit,the

better.”“Canyourswordslice

throughmetal?”afemaleknightaskedme.

“We’llfindout,”Itoldher.I’dhadjustaboutenoughofgiants.IhadasurpriseforthedjinnandIcouldn’twaittoshowitoff.

Wereachedthethrone.Thewomangazedatus.Flamesrolledoverhereyesanddieddown.

“Youshouldfireyourinteriordecorator,”Itoldher.Icouldn’thelpmyself.

Thewomangavenoindicationsheheardme.That’sthetroublewithancientpowers—nosenseofhumor.

“Thisisnice,”Nicksaid,steppingforward.“Youhadyourfun,Sam.Timetocomehome.”

“Iamhome,”thewoman

said,hervoicerollingthroughthecavernoushall.

“Thisisn’tyou.Thisisnotwhatwedo,”Nicksaid.“YouhaveajobandadutytotheOrder.Yousworeanoath.”

“Thisisme,”shesaid.“Ispentyearsexaminingobjectsofpowerandresistingtheircall.Nowit’smyturn.I’veearnedthis.Iamworthy.”

Shesoundeddistant,the

emotioninhervoicemuted,asifshe’dbeensedated.Right.Samanthawasgone.

“Whathappenswhenthemagicends?”Iasked,slippingthebackpackoffmyshoulder.Ihadbroughtthelastofmyundeadbloodsupplyforthis.Here’shopingitwouldbeenough.

“Themagicwillneverendhere,”shesaid.“Allofthepleasuresaremineinthis

place.Forever.Butyoudon’tbelonghere.Thisplaceisformealone.LeaveandIwillspareyou.”

“Hey,bitch,”Georgesteppedforward,hervoicesharp.“WhereisEduardo?”

Samanthastaredather,hereyesunblinking.

TheskinonNick’sarmsburstopen.TwogreenwhipsshotoutofhisarmsandbouncedoffSamantha’s

magicshield.TheformerknightoftheOrderopenedhermouth.Herteethdidn’tbelonginahumanjaw.Sherolledherheadbackandlaughed.

“Laughallyouwant.”Bahirdrewbackhishood.

“You!”Samanthahissed.Thedjinnhadtohavefelthispresence,butseeinghimmust’vepushedtheifritovertheedge.

“Ilive,creature.Iamhere.I’vecometoreclaimmyson.”

ThemagicaroundSamanthasurgedup,twistingintoaninvisibletornado.Herfaceturneddark,hereyesglowingliketwoembers.

“Youhavenopowertodefeatme!”Bahirscreamed.

Samanthashrieked,hervoiceslashingmyears.“Iwishforthepowertodestroy

myenemies!”Windslammedintome,

hurlingmebackward.Iflew,fell,andslidacrossthefloorandrolledtomyfeet.TomyleftDerekcaughtBahirinmidairandsethimonthefloor.

Onthethrone,caughtinthefunnelofamagicaltornado,Samantha’sbodygrew.Herlegsthickened,herspinereachedup,herarms

grewmassiveliketreetrunks.Herlipsdrewback,exposingaforestofteeth;herearslengthened;hereyespivotedinherskull,turningintopoolsoforangefire.Theceilingpartedaboveher,revealingacagesuspendedbyathickchain.InthecageEduardograbbedthebarsandrecoiled.Helookedlikeaghost.

Samantharaisedher

enormousarmstothesky,herblackclawsglowingattheirtips,andbellowed.

Thegaggleofmenbehindhershivered,morphed,andapackofleoninecreaturessnarledinunison,spreadingmassiveleatherywings.Manticores.Shit.

“ClanHeavy,”Curranroared.“Takeoutthemanticores.”

Thewerebearswentfurry.

Themanticorescharged,screamingandglidingabovethefloor.

“Takeyourplaces.”Curran’svoicecutthroughthesnarlsandgrowls.“Remembertheplan.”

Plan.Right.Idashedtowardthe

giantess.Amanticoreswipedatmefromabove.Idodgedtotheside.Theclawsscrapedmyscalpandthena

thousand-poundpolarbearleapedaboveme,rammingintothemanticore.Theyrolledacrossthefloor,snarling.Ikeptrunning.

Samantha’senormousfeetloomedbeforeme.Amanticorecrashedintome.Itsclawspinnedmyrightarmtothefloor,piercingmybicep.Thehugeuglymawgapedoverme,tryingtoswallowmyentirehead.Istabbedmy

throwingknifeintothesideofitsneck,freedtheblade,andstabbeditagain.Hotbloodspurtedoverme.

Suddenly,themanticorevanished,jerkedaside.IrolledupandsawAdibbitethroughthebeast’sneckwithhisjaws.Firedasheddownhismane.Hisclawsglowedandbrightsparksfelloffhisfurrysides.

Iranforthegiantess.On

theotherside,threeknightsweremovingtogether,tryingtogetinposition.

IpulledthesmallvialofmybloodoutofmypocketasIsprinted.Thesecondgianthadhealedhisinjuries.Thisonewouldhealevenfaster,andIprobablyhadonlysecondsbeforetheifritregeneratedherbody,sothismaneuverhadtobedonefast.Iwouldn’tgetasecond

chance.Ablackviscousliquid

coatedSamantha’sskin,emergingfromherporeslikesweat.Aslightlysweetodorsaturatedtheair.Thedjinnhadcoveredherincrudeoiltokeepusfromclimbingher.Thesonovabitchwaslearning,butnotfastenough.

IdrewSarrat.Ahugefootroseaboveme,itssoleglowing-hot,thefirsthintof

metalforminginlongscalesovertheskin.IdashedtothesideandspunaboutasshestompedandcrushedthevialofmybloodontoSarrat’sblade.Mymagicsparked,reactingtothesaber’smagic,formingasecondedge,crimsonandunnaturallysharp.

Aboveme,Bahirscreamed.“Faceme!”

Amalswoopeddownat

thegiantess’sface,likeahawk,andheslicedhercheekwithhisburningblade.IcaughtaglimpseofGeorgeclimbingupthecolumntowardEduardo’scage.

ThegiantessswattedatBahir,tryingtograbhimwithherclawedfingers,forgettingIwaseventhere.

Thankyou,Bahir.Ichargedforwardandslashedacrossthebackofthe

giantess’sleg.ThecrimsonedgeslicedthroughthethinfledglingmetalandSarratcutintothespringymassoftissuejustabovetheheel,severingit.Bye-bye,Achillestendon.

Thegiantessbellowedandkickedatmewithhernow-uselessleg.IjumpedasfarrightasIcouldandinstantlyknewitwasn’tfarenough.Currancaughtmein

midair,theforceofhisleaptakingustosafety.Thefootmissedusbyinches.Hisfeettouchedtheground.Hetwistedandthrewmebacktowardthegiantess.We’dpracticedthismoveinourmorningsparring,andtheconditioningtookover.Ilandedonmyfeet,sprinted,andslicedthesecondtendon.

Thegiantscreamed,herroarpunchingmyeardrums.I

backedaway.Fortyyardsaway

Curran’sbodyboiled,turningleonine,ashetriedtobuildupmass.NexttohimMahonroared,ahugeKodiak.

Samanthafoughttostayupright;spun,reeling,asheranklesrefusedtosupportherweight;andsawmebackingup.Shit.Shewasfacingthewrongway.Iftheyhithernow,theywouldfail.Ihadto

gethertoturnherbacktothem.

“Isthatallyou’vegot,weakling?”Iranaroundher.Sheturnedtowardme,swaying.

Thelionandthebearsurgedforward,breakingintoarun.

Samantha’smouthopened,thunderclapped,andaglowingtorrentofmagictoretowardme.Therewasno

placetogo.Ithrewmyarmsup.Themagicsmashedintome.

Itdidn’thurt.Itfeltlikeanelasticwall

hadformedbetweenmeandthetorrentofpower.Themagichitit,theimpactknockedmebackafewfeet,butitdidn’thurt.

Thegiantessreeled,clutchingatherhead,offbalance.

Ha!Theresistanceworkedbothways.Paybackisabitch.

Theknightsclosedinonbothsides.

CurranandMahonsmashedintothebackofthegiantess’sknees.Theimpactoftheircombinedweightprovedtoomuchforherinjuredlegs.Shedroppedtoherknees.Herpalmstouchedthefloor.

Curran’sbodytwisted,flowingintowarriorform.

Theknightsrushedtoher.Fourofthemthrusthugelancesintothebackofherhands,tryingtopinher.Nick’sfleshruptured.Twinwhips,greenandtextured,liketheshootsofsomemagictrees,shotoutofhimandwrappedaboutherneck.Theknightsshothookedchainsintoherflesh.Threeofthem

pulledononeside,andCurranpulledontheother,bringingherheadlowerandlower.Themanticorestoreatus,andClanHeavyrippedintothem,tryingtokeepthebeastsoffourbacks.

Thegiantessraisedhershouldersandtuckedherchinin,hidingherneck.Nickgrowledlikeananimal,straining.Hiswhipssnappedandhestumbledback.

“Time!”Luthercriedout.Thefloorburstandplants

spiraledtograbatthegiantess’sneckandbody.Bahirdroppedontoherspineandbeganhackingatthenarrowexposedbandofherneckwithhissword.

“Applyingthevectornow,”Patriceannounced.“Three,two,one...”

Sheclampedherhandstothegiantess’sarm.The

giantessshuddered,shaking,asthedjinnstruggledtoregenerate.Thegiantess’sheadloweredanotherfoot.

Heatbathedus.Sweatbrokeonmyface.Itwashardtobreathe.Luther’splantsbegantowither.Patricecriedoutandstumbledback,herpalmssteaming.

Thegiantessroared.Metalbegantoclimbupherchesttoherneck.Shit.

Currandroppedhischainandlungedunderthegiantess’schin.Hismassivearmsstrained.Hesnarledandliftedherchinup,stretchingherneck.Itwasmyturn.Islippedintotheopening.SarratkissedherneckandImovedclear.Thesaber’snewbloodedgecrumbled,itsmagicexhausted,butthedamagewasdone.Bloodpouredfrombothsidesofher

neck.Ihadcutboththecarotidandthejugular,openingagapinherneck.

Thegiantessstrained,tryingdesperatelytopullherheaddownandcloseherwounds.Currangroaned.Hisframeshook.Hiseyeswerepuregold.

Twofiguresfellfromabove,landingonthegiantess’sface.GeorgeandEduardo.Eduardoclamped

hisfiststogetherandbroughtthemdownstraightontoSamantha’slefteye.Ontheothersideathree-leggedbeartoreintothegiantess’sright.Thelastthingsheeversawwasthesonofthemanshehatedandthewomanwholovedhim.

Aboveus,onthegiantess’sneck,Bahirscreamed.Firesheathedhisswordandspreadtoengulf

him.Hiseyesblazed,brightred,theirglowvisibleeventhroughtheflames.BahirswungthebladeintothegapI’dmade,andseveredthegiantess’sheadfromherbody.Currangruntedandpusheditaside.Itfellintotheblood.Herbodytrembledandsanktothefloor.

Abrightsparkofgoldshoneinfrontofme—theearring,tinyinthegiantess’s

ear.Ilungedforit,butNickbeatme.Heslashedatherearlobewithashortsword.Theearringdroppedintothepoolofblood.

Samanthaexhaledinalonggurglingsigh.Herbodyturnedtoashandfellapart.Theashmeltedintothewind.Themanticoresvanished;thepalacewaveredandwentout,liketheflameofadyingcandle.Westoodinthe

emptypavedlot,theruinofthehospitalbehindus.

“Now!”IyelledatBahir.“Putthespelldownnow!”

Bahirgrabbedthechalkanddrewacircleontheground,ascloseasthepuddleofbloodwouldallow.Hishandsshook.

Therewereatleasttwenty-fivefeetbetweentheearringandthecircle.Ohhell.

Nickreachedfortheearring.

“Clear!”Curranroared.“Clearifyouwanttolive!”

Peoplescattered,puttingdistancebetweenthemandtheearring.WehadtogetittoBahir’sboxoritwouldclaimanotherlife,andweweren’tinanyshapetostopanothergiant.

Nick’sfingerstouchedthegold.Hetookasteptoward

thecircle.Hiseyesturnedwhite.

Hisbodysnappedintoarigidstance.Hishandcreptup,shakingfromthemusclestrain.Musclesinhisfacejerked.Aninch.Anotherinch.Thelureofthedjinnwastoogreat.ItpromisedNickanythingandeverything,everydesirefulfilled,everywishgranted,unlimitedpower,untold

wealth,supernaturaljustice...Ittoldhimhecouldhaveanythinghewanted.Nickwasabouttoslidetheearringintohisear.

CurransmashedhisforearmintothebackofNick’shead.Theknightcrumbledtotheground.Theworldslowedtoacrawl.Theearringflewthroughtheair,painfullyslow,andCurran’sfingersclosedaboutit.

No.Curran’sfurstoodonits

end.Hisfaceturnedflat.Hetookaslowsmallsteptowardthecircle.Hiseyesstaredintothedistance,unseeing,asifhehadgoneblind.

No,no,no.“Hecan’thaveyou,”I

toldhim.“You’remine.Fighthim.Fighthim,Curran.”

ThemusclesonCurran’sfaceshook,reshapinghis

head.Hisjawslengthened.Biggerfangsthrustoutofhisjaws.Hewasbecomingsomethingmonstrous.

Anotherstep.Hisfurbegantosmoke.

Iwaslosinghim.Icouldfeelhimslippingawaybehindthecurtainofthedjinn’smagic.

Isteppedinfrontofhim.“Curran,doyouloveme?”

Hefocusedonme.Bald

patchesformedonhishand,theskinbubblingup.

Ashapebegantoformintheairjustaheadofus,translucentandweak,butIwouldrecognizeitsoutlinesanywhere.ThedjinnhadsearchedCurran’smindforapowerfulemotionandfoundhatehecoulduse.HewasconjuringHughd’Ambray,becauseCurranwantedtokillhim.IfCurrantookthebait,I

wouldlosehimforever.Icutmyforearm.My

bloodrandownmyskin,wettingitwithliquidheat.“Givemetheearring.Ifyouloveme,givemetheearring.”

Curranshook,everymuscleonhisframerigidwithtension.

“Ifyoueverlovedme,youwillgiveittome.Justopenyourfingersandletit

fall.”Mybloodsnappedintoagauntlet,obeyingmymagic.Itshouldshieldme,atleastforafewseconds.

Hugh’sformwasalmostsolid.

Curransnarled.Hisfingersopened.TheearringfellandIcaughtitwithmygauntletedhand.

Powertorethroughme,flingingopendoorsinsidemymind.Everysecretplace,

everyhiddenmemory,everyguiltythought,itknewthemallinstantly.Itsavagedmysoul.

Itookastep.FaraheadofmeflamestreameddownfromBahir,lappingatthecircle’sboundary,bindinghimandtheboxintoone.Hewasholdingtheportalopen.

Twentyyardsleft.DearGod.

Tearsstreameddownmy

face.Youcan’tdefeatyour

father,thevoicewhisperedinsideme.Icanhelpyou.Iwillgiveyoupowerunlikeanyyouhaveeverwitnessed.

Agonyrackedme.Anotherstep.Myhairwasburning.

Iwillgiveyouhishead.Youwillneverhavetoworryabouthimkillinganyoneagain.

Avisionswirledinmymind:myfather’sgrave,Juliesmiling,Currankissingme,aswestoodinthemiddleofparadise,happy,free,andsafe.

Iwillfreeyoufromtheseshackles.Iwillliftyouintothesweetairaboveandletyoubreathe.Iwillstopallpain.Takemyhand.

Anotherstep.Bahirandhiscircleweresoimpossibly

far.Soveryfar.Allyouhavetodoistake

myhand.“Doyouloveme?”

Curranasked.OfcourseIloveyou.“Givemetheearring.”No.Thepaingrippedme,

threateningtopullmetomyknees.No.Staywithme.Stay!

Ilovedhim.Iwoulddoanythingforhim.Ihadto

givehimtheearring.STAY!Iletitfall.Currancaughtthechunk

ofgold.Icollapsedonmykneesintothegiantess’sblood.

Currantookaslowstepforward.Idraggedmyselfup,sobbing.Hewouldneedmeafterhetookthatsecondstep.

Ittookhimthirtysecondstomakeit.Helookedalmost

deadbythetimehehaddoneitandwhenIasked,hegavetheearringtome.Itookit,welcominganeternityofpain.

Wewalked,twostepsatatime.Ifellonceandhadtocrawlthroughtheblood,butweweremoving.Thecirclegrewcloser.

Lookintoyourfuture.Lookintotheverydepthsofyourheart.Youknowwhat

yourfatherwants.Thecirclewasalmost

withinreach.Avisionthrustintomy

mind.Heishidingthefuture

fromyou.Butmypoweristoogreat.Icanseehim.LetmeshowyouwhatIsee...

Theworlddisappeared.Ahillrolledinfrontofme,emeraldgrassunderthebluesky.Rolandstoodonitscrest.

Hewasholdingababy.Magiccrashedagainst

me,afamiliaryetdifferentmagiccomingfromthechild,sostrong,ittookmybreathaway.

MysonhadCurran’sgrayeyes.

Itwasthetruth.Ifelttheconnectionbetweenusstretchingthroughtime.IfelttheloveIhadpouredintomychild.Mybaby.

Mysonreachedforme...

Rolandsmiledandturned,takingthebabyaway.

Iscreamed.Hecouldn’t.Itwasourchild.Mylife,mysoul,everythingIhopedfor.

Thisiswhathewants.Thisiswhathealwayswanted.Youknowittobetrue.Hewilltakeyourson.Hewilluseyourchildtocontrolyou.Hewillturnhim

intoamonster.Youcannotstopit.

“Puttheearringintothebox,baby,”Curransaidnexttome.“Youcandoit.”

ButIcanstopit.Iwillstopit.Don’tyouloveyourbaby?Don’tyouwanttokeephimsafe?

Iwouldkeephimsafe.Iwould.Idon’tneedyou.

Yes,youdo.Youcan’tbeathimalone.

Idon’tneedyou.“Idon’tneedyou.Idon’t

needyou.Youhavenopoweroverme.”IheardmyownvoiceandrealizedIwasscreaming.

Youwilldieandrotwithoutme.Yourfamilywillrot.Everyoneyoulovewillbeslaughtered.TakemyhandandIwillgiveyoueternalpower.

Iopenedmyfingers.

Theearringplungeddown,bouncedfromtherimofthebox,andfellintothecircle.Ihadfallenshort.

George’shandclosedaboutthegold.Thewerebearscreamed,herfacedistorted,hereyesterrible.Sheclenchedherteeth.Themusclesonherarmwerereadytorip.Asecondarmbegantoformoverherstump.

Withagutturalcry,Georgeshovedherselfforwardanddroppedtheearringintothebox.Aburstoffireshotoutofthesmallcontainer.Eduardoloomedaboveit,thelidinhishand.Thefirebathedhim,burninghisarms.

Eduardopushedtheliddown.Thejetoffirehelditup,fightinghim.Eduardostrained.Thelidsliddowna

hair,thenanotherhair.“Youcandoit,son,”

Bahircalledout.Eduardostrained.

Monstrousmusclebulgedonhisarms.“YouhavenothingIwant!”heroared,andslammedtheliddown.

Magicshovedmeback.Thecomplicatedlinesofthecirclespun,turning,likelayersofanintricatelockcomingundone.

Ahorriblescreamtorethroughthenight.Islappedmyhandsovermyears.

Thegroundopenedinsidethecircleandtheboxsank,shootingdownlikeabulletoutofagun,deepintothedarkness.Magicsnappedandallwasquiet.

IEPILOGUE

SIPPEDMYicedtea,holdingtheglassinmylefthand.Therightstillhadnoskinunderthebandages,despiteaweekofDoolittle’scarefulministrations,buthesaidinanothertendaysorsomyhandwouldrecover.He’dalsosaidafewotherchoicewordsthatIdidn’tknowwere

inhisvocabulary.HesatattheothertablenowwatchingEduardoandGeorgeslowdancingtheirwayaroundthelawn.Georgelookedlovelyinapurewhitedress.Eduardowasstilltoothinandprobablyshouldhavebeenonbedreststill,buttryingtooutstubbornawerebearandawerebuffalowasalosingproposition.

Eduardohadtoldme

aboutfifteentimesthathewasgratefulfortherescue.Georgekepthuggingme.Shealsosentchocolatetoourhouse.TheyweremovinginontheothersideofBarabas’shouse,whichmeantIwouldseethemoften.Ifeitherofthemtoldme“thankyou”onemoretime,Iwouldhavetorunawayfromhome.

ImovedmyheadtotossmybraidbackbeforeI

remembereditwasn’tthere.Theheatfromtheifrithadmeltedallmyhair.Itwasbarelytouchingmyshouldersnow,anditdrovemenuts.

AcrossthelawnMahonsatatthetable,hishandoverhisface.Iwasprettysurehehadtearedupanddidn’twantanyonetoknow.Bahirsatatthesametable,lookingslightlyoutofplace.HeandEduardohadspoken.Things

weren’tquitesmoothedover,butGeorgesaidsheremainedhopeful.

Inthepastweek,springhadexplodedinAtlanta.Everythinghadturnedgreen,asifnaturerejoicedintheifrit’sbanishment.Flowersbloomedandtheappleblossomsinthetallvasesonthewhite-clothedtablessentagentlearomaintothewarmair.IwassogladGeorgeand

Eduardohaddecidedonanopen-airweddinginsteadoftryingtopackfifteenhundredpeopleintotheKeep’smainhall.

Ahandsliddownmyback.

“Hey,”Curransaid.“Hey.”Ileanedagainst

him.Heputhisarmaroundme.

“Everyoneisgettingmarried,”hesaid.

“Mm-hm.”“Weshould,too.”InmymindIsawmy

fatheronthegrassyhill,walkingawaywithourchildinhisarms.Iwrappedmyarmaroundhisback,hopinghisstrengthwouldchaseitaway.“Ithoughtweagreedwewould.Youasked,Isaidyes,weareallgood.”

“Yes,butitwastheoretical.Let’ssetadate.

Anactualdate.”“Likewhat?”“Idon’tknow,howdoes

thesixthofJunesound?”“IvanKupalanight?The

nightwheneverythinggoescrazyinSlavicpaganfolklore?”

“ThelastdayoftheWerewolfSummer.”Currangrinnedatme.

EveryfirstweekofJune,thePackcelebratedthe

WerewolfSummer.Theyate,theydrank,theycelebratedbeingalive,andgenerallyhadanall-aroundgoodtime.

“Imeanit.Marryme,Kate.”

“Nopreacherwillmarryus.”

“Wedon’tneedapreacher.We’llgetRomantoofficiate.”

“Youcan’tbeserious,YourFurriness.”

Currangotupoffhischairandknelt.OhmyGod.

“Marryme.”“Whatareyoudoing?”I

groundoutthroughclenchedteeth.Myfacewassohot,theweddingcakefifteenfeetawayhadtobemelting.

“I’mformallyproposing.Thefirsttimedidn’ttake.”

Killme,somebody.“Curran!Getup.People

arelookingatus.”

“Letthemlook.”Hesmiledatme.“Marryme,Kate.”

“Okay.ThelastnightoftheWerewolfSummeritis.”

Hegotup,leanedtome,andbrushedakissonmylips.Ikissedhimbackandheardclapping.ThebrideandgroomhadstoppeddancingandEduardowasclapping.Someoneelseclappedfromtheleft.Andrea.Screwyou,

too.Ismiledandgavethema

littlewave.“I’msomadatyourightnow.”

“Don’tbemad.Here,I’llbringyoumoretea.”

Helaughed,tookmyglass,andwenttothetabletorefillit.

Wewouldgetmarried.Wewouldhaveachild.IwouldloveitmorethananythingIhadeverlovedin

thisworld,andthenmyfatherwouldtakemybabyfromme.

No.Itwasn’thappening.Ihadtofindawaytobeathim.WhatthehellwasIgoingtodo?Howdoyoukilltheunkillable?

Bahirapproachedthetable.“MayIsitdown?”

“Ofcourse.”Hesatontheright.“I

wantedtothankyouonceagain.”

“Noneed.HowisitgoingwithEduardo?”

Bahirsmiled.“Somefencestaketimetomend.Heisangrywithmeforleavinghim.He’sangrywithhismotherfornottellinghimanyofit.Eduardowasalwaysasensitive,gentlechild.”

Itriedtoreconcileasix-foot-fourwerebuffalogougingthegiantess’seyewiththe“sensitivechild”and

failed.“Mm-hm.”“Iunderstandhis

stepfatherwasn’tthemostunderstandingparent.ButI’mnotlosinghope.”

Curranhadrefilledtheglassesandwaswalkingbacktous.Ilovedhimsomuch.Ilovedhiseyes,thewayhelookedatme,thewayhewalked,thewayhemademecrazy...

Sometimes,whenthe

powerofyourenemyistoogreat,theonlythingyoucandoiscontainit.

“Bahir,”Isaidquietly.“YoutoldmebeforethefightthatifIeverneededanything,youwouldhelpme.”

“Yes.”“Doesthatofferstill

stand?”“Ofcourse.”“Afterthewedding,when

thingscalmdown,Iwould

likeustomeet.Iwantyoutotellmeeverythingyouknowaboutthatbox.”

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