PraiseforthenovelsofAllysonJames

Stormwalker

“Boastsacolorfulcastofcharacters,acoolsetting,andatwistymystery.”
—EmmaHolly

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moreafterthelastword.”
—MarjorieM.Liu,NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthor

“Jamesisonahotstreakasshelaunchesanamazingnewserieswithabookthatissexyanddynamic.
Thisheroinehasbaggagegalore,butalsogutstospare.Themixofkick-buttaction,fierypassion,and
seriousdramaensuresreaderswillwanttorevisitthisworldASAP.”
—RomanticTimes(TopPick)

“Anexcitingstarttoanewserieswithanelectrifyingblendofparanormalandrealworld...Afun
read!”
—FreshFiction

“Addictivelycompelling...Ican’twaittoreadmoreabout[JanetandMick]whenFirewalkercomes
out.”
—AllThingsUrbanFantasy

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Stormwalkerandridethelightning.”
—DarkWyrmReads

“WOW!!ThatwasmyprimaryreactionafterturningthelastpageinthisparanormalgembyAllyson
James.Stormwalkergrabbedmefromthefirstpageandtookmeononewildandcrazyroller-coaster
ride.”
—TheRomanceDish

“AllysonJamesweavesawonderfulstoryfullofintrigue,mystery,suspense,andromancewhileatthe
sametimetemptingthereaderwithwhatmightbenextforJanetandMick.”
—RomanceNovelNews

MortalSeductions

“Thisstorywillhookyoufromthefirstwordtothelastone...Averytemptingread.”
—NightOwlReviews

“MortalSeductionsdoesanexcellentjobdevelopingDemitri’sstory,andshowingthedepthoffeeling
betweenhimselfandVal...Veryinterestinglovescenes...IlovedwatchingValandDemitritryto
workouttheirissues.Excellentjob!”

—RomanceJunkies(fivestars)

“Averymodernstorywithlotsofhomagestoancientculturesandlotsofhot,powerfulmen.Amazing
characterskeptmeinvolvedfrombeginningtoend.Ms.Jamesbringstheheat,adventure,andjuicy
surprisesthatreadersaredemanding.Thesexissmokin’hot...bothsensualandamusing.”
—JustEroticRomanceReviews(fivestars)

MortalTemptations

“Thebalanceofintrigue,romance,andunbridledsexualfantasiesmakesJames’sstoryofgods,demigods,
andmortalsasizzlingpage-turner.Thisbookisthestartofaseriesfeaturingthesedeliciouspartners.”
—RomanticTimes

“Hot!Hot!Hot!Itdoesn’tgetmuchhotterthanthisone...Ifyouenjoystoriesfullofaction,bothinthe
bedroomandout,thisisonestoryyouwillwanttoread.”
—TheRomanceStudio

TheDragonMaster

“Superb...Amasterfultale.”
—AlternativeWorlds

“Ifyou’relookingforabookthat’sfullofpassion,characterswho’llcaptureyourheart,andsometruly
greatstorytelling,looknofurther:TheDragonMasterishere.Getyourcopytoday!”
—RomanceReviewsToday

“ForafantasticromanticfantasysuspensewithadelightfulethnictwistIrecommendTheDragon
Master.”
—ParaNormalRomance
“AllysonJamesdoesanamazingjobblendingparanormalelementsandenoughheattokeepthereader
turningthepages.IhadahardtimeputtingthisstorydownasthefierypassionthatSethandCarolhave
willleaveyouwantingmoreandmoreofthesedragons!TheDragonMasterwillmakeyouwantyour
veryowndragontocurlupwithandkeepyouwarm.”
—TwoLipsReviews

“Therearetwostoriesgoingonsimultaneouslyinthisbook.Oneisaboutadragonmasternooneknows
aboutandademongod.TheotheristhelovestorybetweenSethandCarol.Botharegoodstoriesbut
togetherandintertwinedtheyarefantastic.Readerscanenjoythemysteriesofoneandthetenderlove
scenesoftheother.Theactionconcerningeachneverslowsdown.”
—NightOwlReviews

“IhavelovedeveryoneofAllysonJames’sstoriessofarandhavetosaythisonewasnodifferent.You
arebroughtintoaworldjustthissideofreality,andyoureallydon’twanttoleave.Myfavoritepartof
thesebooks(asidefromthedragonsofcourse)istheirentwiningstorylinesandcharacters...Ilook
forwardtoseeingwhatelseisinstoreforusfromMs.James.”
—FallenAngelReviews

TheBlackDragon

“Oneofmyfavoriteauthors.Auniqueandmagicalurbanparanormalwithdragons,witches,anddemons.
Willkeepyouenthralleduntiltheverylastword!”
—CheyenneMcCray,NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthor

“Afabulouslydeliciousread.”
—DarqueReviews

“Beginswithabangandtheactionneverletsup,notforonesingle,solitary,wonderfulmoment.I
devouredthisbookinjustafewhours...SooverwhelmingthatIcouldn’tevenconsiderputtingthis
bookdown.Thestoryisunusual,wonderfullyoriginal,andfilledwithintriguingcharacters...Dragons,
magic,andafighttosavetheworld—AllysonJameshasawinningcombinationthatmakesTheBlack
Dragonastorytoremember!”
—RomanceReaderatHeart
“Abookdestinedtoleaveasmileonyourfaceanddragonsinyourdreams.Getyourcopytoday.”
—RomanceReviewsToday

“[AllysonJames]keepsthesexualtensionuptothepointofboiling...Suchanincredibletalent.”
—TwoLipsReviews

DragonHeat

“[A]delightfulromanticfantasy...Afuntaleoflifebetweenamortalandherdragon.”
—TheBestReviews

“Ms.James’simaginativestoryisexceptionallyintriguing...Highlysensual.”
—TheEternalNight

“Thisstoryhasawonderfulfairy-talefeelaboutit.AllysonJamesdoesanoutstandingjobofcreatingand
bringingthesemysticalcreaturestolifewithcharacteristicsandemotionsthatyoucan’thelpbutfall
deeplyinlovewith;eventheso-calledevilBlackDragonwithhiscocky,bad-boyqualitieswillmakethe
readerhuminpleasureandclamorforhisstory.”

—TwoLipsReviews

“Asizzlingparanormalromance.Ms.Jamespensarivetingstorythat’sbrimmingwithaction,sinfully
sexycharacters,andthebeautifulgiftoflove.Amagicalandthoroughlyenchantingread.”
—DarqueReviews

“Asexy,funnyromanticromp...Atrulymesmerizingread.ThechemistrybetweenCalebandLisais
searingandthelovescenesarewonderfullyentertaining.”

—RomanceReaderatHeart

TitlesbyAllysonJames

DRAGONHEAT

THEBLACKDRAGON

THEDRAGONMASTER

MORTALTEMPTATIONS

MORTALSEDUCTIONS

STORMWALKER

FIREWALKER

THEBERKLEYPUBLISHINGGROUP

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FIREWALKER

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BerkleySensationmass-marketedition/November2010

ExcerptfromShadowwalkerbyAllysonJames©byJenniferAshley.

Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthisbookmaybereproduced,scanned,ordistributedinanyprintedorelectronicformwithoutpermission.

Pleasedonotparticipateinorencouragepiracyofcopyrightedmaterialsinviolationoftheauthor’srights.Purchaseonlyauthorizededitions.

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eISBN:978-1-101-44493-1

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eISBN:978-1-101-44493-1

http://us.penguingroup.com

Acknowledgments

Iwouldliketothankmyeditor,KateSeaver,forsupportingthisseries,herassistant,KatherinePelz,for
allherhardwork,andthewonderfulpublicistsatBerkley:KathrynTumenandErinGalloway,fortheir
supportandbehind-the-scenesgreatness.Alsotomyreaders,whotookachanceonthisnewdirectionfor
AllysonJamesandencouragedmetocontinue.

One

IknewshewasaChangertheminuteshewalkedintomylittlehotel.Wolf,Ithoughtfromhergraywhite
eyes,butherhumanfeatureswereNativeAmerican.Herdarkskinandblackhairmadeherincongruous
eyesallthemoreterrifying.Sodidthefactthatshewasshiftingevenassheracedacrossthelobby,
grabbedmebytheshirtfront,andslammedmeagainstthepolishedreceptioncounter.

Ilookedupintothefaceofanightmare.Half-changed,hernoseandmouthelongatedintothatofa

wolf’s,fangscoatedwithsalivajuttingfrombloodredgums.

Ihadnodefenses.Therewasn’tacloudinthesky,nostormtochanneltofightherwith.Thewardsin

mywallsfunctionedtokeepevilbeingslikeskinwalkersandNightwalkersfromenteringthehotel,but
Changersweren’tinherentlyevil,justarrogant.Butwhenprovoked,theytendedtoattackfirst,ask
questionsoftheshreddedcorpselater.

Ibroughtupmyfisttoslamherjaw,butsheshookoffthepunchandhungontome.Icouldn’tscream

forMick,becauseMickhadvanishedintothenightthreeweeksago,andeventhemagicmirrordidn’t
knowwherehewas.

Therewasnoonewasinthehotelbutmeandmynewmanager,Cassandra,inherneatturquoise

businesssuit,herblondhairinasleekbun.Thetouristswereoutornotyetcheckedin,thesaloonclosed.
Itwasjustusgirls:acrazedChanger,apowerlessStormwalker,andawitchwhostaredacrossthe
receptiondeskinshock.

“JanetBegay,”thewolf-womansaid,hervoiceclottedwiththechange.
“Whowantstoknow?”Itriedtokickheroff,butsheheldontome,clawspoisedtotearoutmythroat.
OntheothersideofthedeskCassandracrossedherarms,placedherpalmsonhershoulders,and

startedtochant.Aninkycloudsnakedoutofhermouth,shotacrossthecounter,andwrappedaroundthe
Changer.TheChangersnarled.SheshovedawayfrommeandleaptoverthecounteratCassandra.

Cassandrawentdownwiththewolf-womanontopofher,thetwograpplinginatangleofrawsilkand

blackleather.IchargedbehindthecounterandgrabbedtheChangerbythehair,hersleekblackbraid
givingmesomethingtogrip.Ipulled,butshewasdamnstrong.ShehadCassandra’sheadinherhands,
readytobeatherskullontheSaltillotile.

Igrabbedatalismanfrommypocket,clencheditinmyhand,andscreamed,“Stop!”
TheChangerhaltedinmid-slam.Cassandra’sheadfellfromherslackgripandbumpedtothefloor.
Iwavedthetalisman—abundleofrosemaryboundwithwireandonyx—intheChanger’sfaceandsaid

inahardvoice,“Obey.”

TheChangerstraightenedup,fangsandclawsreceding,herfacebecominghumanagain.Hereyes

remainedgray,thefuryinthemelectric.

Cassandrarosebesideherinthesamerigidcompulsionandfixedmewithafrustratedstare.
Oops.ButIcouldn’treleaseCassandrawithoutalsoreleasingtheChanger.MickandIhadmadethis

spellforemergencies,suchasahordeofskinwalkersattacking.Itwasablanketspellthatwouldn’tstop
theattackersentirelybutmightatleastslowthemdownuntilhelparrived.

“Inthere,”Ipanted,pointingatmylittleofficebehindreception.“Goin.Sitdown.”
TheChangermarchedinside,stillgrowlingsoftly.Cassandrafollowedherlikearobot.
TheChangerandCassandrasatnexttoeachotheronmynewsofa,bothwomenradiatingfury.They

lookedoddtogether,thesophisticatedhotelmanager,onlyalittledisheveledinspiteofthefight,andthe
Changerinblackleatherpantsandjacket.Bothstruggledtobreakthespell,bodiesswayingalittleasthey
willedtheirmusclestoobey.ButthetalismanheldbothMick’sdragonmagicandmyStormwalkermagic,
apotentcombination,sothey’dhavetoputupwithit.

“Whoareyou?”IaskedtheChanger.
“PamelaGrant.”
“CassandraBryson.”
“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
Cassandrastartedtellingmeaboutwhateverjobshe’dbeendoingbeforetheChangerattacked,but

Pamelasaid,“Iwassent.”

“Whosentyou?Todowhat?”
Theybothstartedtalkingatonce.ItunedoutCassandraandfocusedonPamela.“Ihaveamessagefor

you,Stormwalker.”

“Isthatall?Thenwhydidyouattackme?”
WhileCassandraprotestedthatshehadnointentionofattackingme,Pamelasaid,“Ihadto,topasson

themessage.ThenthisWiccanbitchtriedtoparalyzeme.”

“Whatthehellisthismessage?Youcouldn’tjusttellme?”
Foranswer,Pamelapulledoutashort-bladedknife.Myeyeswidened,andIshookthetalisman.“Stop!

Obey!”

Cassandrawentrigid.Pamelacameatme,hereyesfixed,asthoughshelistenedtoavoicemoredistant

thanmine.Irealizedasshejumpedmethatshewasunderanothercompulsionspell,onestrongenoughto
canceloutmine.Thatcouldn’tbegood.

Ifought.Cassandraremainedseated,eyesfixedinagony.Pamelapinnedmetothedeskwithherstrong

bodyandextendedmyleftarmacrossthetopofit.

“Cassandra,getheroffme!”Ishouted.
Cassandrasprangtoherfeetbutfellbackasthoughaninvisiblehandhadshovedher.Atthesametime

Ismelledabiteofsulfur,hotwind,fire—thescentsofdragonmagic.

IstaredatPamelainshockasshenickedmypalmwithherknife.Sheflippedmyhandoverand

squeezedapuddleofmybloodontoapristinepieceofCrossroadsHotelnote-paper.Dippingmy
forefingerintheblood,sheforcedmetowritethewords,Helpme.

Assoonaswe’dformedthelast“e”in“me,”Pamelawentlimp,andhereyesrolledbackinherhead.I

loweredherslumpedbodytothefloor,mypalmstingingwhereshe’dcutit.Asthecompulsionspell
releasedher,theChangerwomandrewapeacefulbreath.

Istraightenedup.Myveinsburnedlikefire,andmytemplesstartedpoundingasthecompulsionspell

latchedontome.IunderstoodnowwhyPamelahadn’tsimplyrelayedthemessageverballyoratleast
reachedforsomethingasconventionalasapen.She’dneededtotransferthespellthroughmyblood.

Helpme.Thewordsscreamedatmefromthepaperandbroughtmyownfearsboilingtothesurface.

I’dbeenworriedsickaboutMick,eventhoughI’dtoldmyselfhe’dsimplygoneofftodowhatever
dragonthingheneededtodo.Mickcameandwentashepleased,healwayshad,althoughlatelyhe’d
beenniceabouttellingmewherehewasgoing.

Pamela’smessagemeantthatMickwasintrouble.Trapped.Ill.Maybedying.IfMickwasbeggingfor

myhelp,hewasindeepshit,indeed.

Myheadturnedofitsownaccord,andmygazemovedoutthewindowtothewest,wherethedistant

moundoftheSanFranciscoPeaks,thetraditionalboundaryoftheNavajolands,layinmistysilhouette.

Thespellmademewanttoraceoutofthehotel,leaponmyHarley,andrideofftowardthemountains,

now,now,now.ButMickwouldwantmetobesmart.Ineededsupplies,Ineededtoplan,andI’dneed
help.ThefactthatthespellletmecalmmyselfandthinkthisthroughmeantthatIwasright.

IforcedmygazebacktoCassandra,whowasstillsittingstifflyonthesofa.Iliftedthetalisman,broke

it,andsaid,“Befree.”

Cassandraleapttoherfeet,facedarkwithrage,andkickedtheinertChangerinthebuttockswithher

Blahnikheel.“That’sforcallingmeabitch.”

Pamelaopenedhereyes.Thewhiteinthemhadfadedtohumanbrown,andthoughsheretainedthe

arrogantscornoftheChanger,shenolongerlookedterrifying.

Shepushedherselfintoasittingpositionandsmoothedbackhairthathadfallenfromherbraid.“Hey,

doesn’tmeanIwouldn’twanttosleepwithyou.”

Cassandraflushedandfoldedherarms,butshedidn’tlookasoffendedasshecouldhave.
“Shewasunderaspell,”Isaidtightly.“Andnowit’sgone.Right?”
TheChangerwomanrubbedthebackofherneck.“Finally.Yourboyfriendisdamnstrong.”
“Canyougivememorespecificdirectionsthan‘headwest’?”
Pamelashookherhead.“IwasonthenorthwestsideofDeathValleywhenyourdragonman’sspell

grabbedme.Buttheremustbeamemorycloudspellontheplace,becauseIdon’trememberexactly
where.Iwasdoingsomehunting,mindingmyownbusiness,andthenextthingIknow,I’mdiggingmy
waythroughatunnelandtalkingtoadragon.Hecouldn’ttalkback;hejustinvadedmewiththatdamned
spell.Bastard.”

“Whenwasthis?”Iasked.
“Middleoflastnight;thenIrodestraighthere.”
“Mickwasalone?Nootherdragonsaround?”
“Onewasenough.I’dneverseenadragonbefore,neverbelievedtheyexisted.”Hereyesflickeredto

grayandbacktobrownagain.“Imaginemysurprise.”

ThatwasChangerfor“Itscaredtheshitoutofme.”Changersdidn’tliketoadmitfear.Fearmeant

weakness,submission,andtheytookdominance-submissionrolesveryseriously.

Pamelapulledherselftoherfeetwithlithegrace.ShewastallforaNativeAmerican,butmost

Changersweretall.Shetoweredagoodfootoverme.“Compulsionspellsmakemehungry.Isthere
anythingtoeatinthisgodsforsakentown?”

“Thesaloon’scloseduntilfive,”IsaidwhileIstaredagainattheclearblueofthewesternsky.“But

there’sadinerinMagellan.Twomilessouth.”

“It’llhavetodo.Comewithme,Wiccan?”
Cassandragaveherawitheringglance.“Inyourdreams,wolf-girl.”
Pamelagaveherahalfsmile,shrugged,andsaunteredoutoftheoffice.Cassandrafollowedclose

behind,herspikedheelsonthelobbytilesastaccatocontrasttothethudofPamela’smotorcycleboots.
Throughthewindow,IwatchedtheChangerwomanwalkoutofthehotel,mountherbike,andrideoff
towardMagellan.

Onceshewasgone,Cassandrareturnedtomyofficeandshutthedoor.Shelookednonetheworsefor

wearforthefight,exceptforafaintbruiseonherlowerlipandonestrandoffairhairfallenfromherbun.

“Whatareyougoingtodo,Janet?”sheasked.“Youcan’tchargeofflookingforMickonthewordofa

Changer.”

“It’snotjustherword.”Ipressedmyfingerstomytempleswherethespellthrobbedmercilessly.“I

havetogo.Ihavenochoice.Mickmustbedesperate,orhewouldn’thavesenther.”

“Don’tgoalone.”
Cassandra’seyeswerelightblue,beautifulinherpaleface.ShewasfromLosAngeles,whereshe’d

heldahigh-profilejobataluxuryhotelchain.Whyshe’dwantedtomoveouttothemiddleofnowhereto
helprunmyhotel,Ihadnoidea,butIneverasked.Shewasgoodwiththetourists,knewthehotel
business,andsheputupwithmymagicmirror.Ididn’twanttoloseherbyaskingawkwardquestions.

“Iwon’tbegoingalone,”Isaid.“Canyoukeepthingstogetherhere?”
“Ofcourse.”
Ofcourseshewould.CassandraranthisplacebetterthanIevercould.
“KeepaneyeontheChanger,”Isaid.
Cassandragavemeanoddsmile.“Oh,Iwill.”Sheturnedandwalkedoutoftheoffice,smoothingher

hairasshewent.

Ifloppedintothechairbehindmydeskandputmyheadinmyhands.Iachedallover,wouldacheuntil

thespelltookmetoMick.

Iglancedattheframedphotoofmyfatherthatrestedonthedesk,aslimNavajoinaformalvelvet

shirt,hishairneatlybraided.I’dtakenthepictureonmylastvisittoManyFarms,andhe’dinsistingon
dressingupforit.Myfatherdidn’tbelieveincandidshots.Hiswiseeyesheldnoadvice,onlyquiet
confidencethatI’dknowwhattodo.

Ididknowwhattodo.Orrather,whototurnto.Ihadn’tseenCoyote,whowouldhavebeenthemost

help,inalongtime,noteveninmydreams,andIhadnoideahowtosummonhim.JamisonKee,a
mountainlionChanger,wasthemaninMagellanItrustedthemost,buthehadawifeandstepdaughterto
takecareof,andIcouldn’tbringmyselftoputhimindanger.

ThatlefttheonemanIdidn’ttrust,buthewaspowerfulasallget-out.Ididn’tunderstandhispower,

andneitherdidMick,butifIcouldconvincehimtohelp,IknewI’dhaveapotentally.

Ipulledthephonetowardmeandpunchedinthenumberofthesheriff’sofficeinFlatMesa.Thedeputy

atthedeskputmestraightthrough.Thephonemadeacoupleofclicks,andthenthesheriff’svoice
soundedinmyear.

“Jones,”hesaid.Dark,biting,laconic.
“Hey,Nash.It’sJanet.”
Therewasalongsilence.
“Fuck,”NashJonessaidclearly,andhehunguponme.

Two

DidImentionthatthesheriffofHopiCountywasanasshole?EveryonecutsNashJonessomeslack
becausehespenttimeinIraqandhadbattledwithPTSD,buthecouldbethemostarrogant,in-your-face
bastardthateverlived.

Myheadstillthrummingwiththespell,Ibuckledmotorcyclechapsovermyjeansandleftthehotel.I

rolledoutmyHarley,anicelittletwelvehundredccSportster,midnightblue,andtookthehighwaynorth
toFlatMesa.

Itwascool,theSeptemberwindchilldespitethebluesky,andIwasgladofmyjacket.It’sdesertout

here,butwehavealtitude,nearlysixthousandfeet,whichmakesforcrispautumnsandcoldwinters.I
keptlookingwest,yearningtoturnthebikethatwayandrideflatout.IneededtogettoMick,neededit
withmywholebody,andIwouldhave,evenwithoutthespell.

MickandIhadourdifferences,andhewasuneasyaboutthelatentmagicI’dinheritedfrommybitch-

queengoddessmother,butthethoughtthatsomeoneheldhimcaptiveworriedmesenseless.Mickwasa
strong,powerfuldragon,whocouldwieldfiremagiceveninhishumanform.Beingsstrongenoughto
imprisonhimwouldbeterrifyinglypowerful.

Mickhadangeredhisdragoncouncilthisspring,andthoughwehadn’tseenahintofthemallsummer,

dragonsrankeduptherewiththekindsofbeingscapableoftrappingMick.Andtheyseriouslywantedto
killhim.

IcoveredthetwentymilesbetweenMagellanandFlatMesaquicklyandpulledintothesheriff’s

departmentparkinglot.LopezgrinnedatmeasIwalkedin,andhewavedmethroughwithoutstopping
me.Lopezlikedme.IthinkwhathelikedwasthatIstuckinSheriffJones’scraw,andanythingthatcould
getunderhisboss’sskinmadehimhappy.

IdidJonesthecourtesyofknockingonhisdoor.Athisbittenoff,“Come,”Iflungopenthedoorand

wentinside.

NashJonesglancedupatmewithhishabitualscowl,fluorescentlightgleamingonhisveryshortblack

hair.Nashwasaboutthirty-twoandhadahardbuthandsomefaceandgrayeyesthatcouldpierceaperp
atfortypaces.I’dseencriminalsbackdown,whimpering,fromthatice-coldstare.Hiskhakisheriff’s
uniformwasspotlessandwrinklefree,hisbadgeshining.Evenhiscreaseshadcreases.

“I’mbusy,Begay,”hegreetedme.
Ileanedmyfistsonhisdesk,rightoverthenameplatethatread“NashJones.”“Ineedyourhelp,”Isaid

inarush.“Mick’sbeingheldagainsthiswill,outinDeathValleysomewhere.”

Nashdidn’tevenblink.“Wayoutofmyjurisdiction.”Hereturnedtothefileonhisdesk.“Getthe

policeuptheretodealwithit.”

“It’snotasimplekidnappingcase.ThisisMick,mygiantdragonboyfriend.Thepolicewouldn’tstand

achanceagainstanythingthatcansnatchandholdMick.Comeon,Jones,please.Ican’tdothisalone.”

Hegavemeaflatstare.“YouandMicknearlygotmekilled,remember?Youandyourstormsandfires

andearthquakesanddragons.Infact,forthesafetyofeveryoneinHopiCounty,Ishouldhaulyoubackto
yourreservationandtellthetribalpolicetokeepyouthere.”

Nashthreatenedmelikethisallthetimeandhadn’tyetmadegoodonit,butIknewthathisbitereally

wasasbadashisbark.SomedayhemightjustarrestmeandshipmebacktotheNavajoNation,andthe
tribalpolice,who’dhadtodealwithmeasakid,wouldlockmeupwithglee.

“Believeme,ifIthoughtIcouldrescuehimalone,Iwould.IfIcouldturntosomeoneelse,Iwould.

HowaboutifIremindyouthatMickoncesavedyourass?”

“Yes,hesavedmyassfromyou.IfyouthinkI’lltravelalonewithyoutosomeplaceasremoteasDeath

Valley,you’recrazierthanIthought.”

IconsideredthiswhileIhungoverhisdeskandmetthehardnessinhiseyes.Itwastruethatlast

spring,NashhadgottencaughtupinthemadnesswhenmyevilgoddessmotherfromBeneath—theshell
worldbelowthisone—hadpossessedmeandforcedmetoopenthevortexesandletherout.She’dhad
nefariousplansforNashtoo,becauseNash,forsomereason,wasn’taffectedbymagic,anymagic,no
matterhowpowerful.MymotherhadwantedmetomakeachildwithNash,toproduceababysteepedin
bothmymagicandNash’sabilitytoresistmagic.Needlesstosay,Nashhadn’tcooperated.

Nashhadalsotakenafullblastofmymother’spower,nottomentionMick’sfire,whichshouldhave

obliteratedanyhumanbeing.ButnotonlyhadNashsurvivedtheattacks,he’dbrushedthemoffandlived
tobesarcasticaboutit.

Playingnicewasn’tworking.Ineededtoplaydirty.“Tellyouwhat,”Isaid.“Youhelpme,andI’ll

keepitquietaboutyouandMaya.”

Thatgotmealookofoutrage.MayaMedina,abeautifulLatinawomanwhowasmyelectricianand

moreorlessmyfriend,hadoncehadathinggoingwithNash,aprettyseriousone.WhenNashhadcome
homefromwar,they’dbrokenup—splitattheseamswasabetterwayofputtingit.Evenbetter,exploded
intofieryfragments.WhatsheandJoneshadnowcouldn’tbecalledarelationship—moreaseriesof
one-nightstands—butJoneswanteditkeptquiet.ThishurtMaya,butshewasproudandrefusedto
acknowledgethatshecared.

“LeaveMayaalone,”washisswiftresponse.
“Idon’tthinkshe’dmindifeveryoneknewyouwenttobedwithher.”
“Don’tthreatenme,Begay.Noonewouldbelieveyou,anyway.You’reanoutsider,andeveryonethinks

you’realittlecrazy.”Histonesaid,They’renotwrong.

“Maybenot,”Isaid,producingmyace.“Butthey’dbelieveFremont.”
Jonesjerkedhisheadupagain,andIknewIhadhim.FremontHansen,myplumber,wasaniceguy,but

hewasalsothebiggestgossipinHopiCounty.IfItoldFremonttheinterestingtidbitaboutJonesand
Maya,itwouldbealloverMagellanandFlatMesabymorning,andNashknewit.

“Don’tbluffme,Janet.”
“I’mperfectlyserious.Ineedyou.Youdothisforme,andyoursecretstayssafe.”Ihadnointentionin

theworldofembarrassingMaya,butdamnit,Iwasdesperate.

“Idon’thavetimetogotraipsingthroughthedesert,”hetried.
“Nottraipsing.It’sastraightshotthroughLasVegas,bigwidefreewaysandhighwaysthewhole

route.”AtleastuntilwegottoDeathValleyitself.Thenwe’dhavetosearchtheknife-sharpmountainsto
findthetunnelPamelahadmentioned.IknewthatonceIgotthere,thespellwouldpullmetoMick’s
preciselocation,butIdidn’tthinkNashwantedtohearthatIhadnoideawheretostartlooking.“It’sfive
orsixhoursthere.Wecanbebackbymorning.”

Hegavemeaseverelook.“Ican’tleaverightthisminute.Maybenotuntilseven,oreveneight.Ihave

ajobtodo.”

Oh,forfuck’ssake.Whatwastheuseofbeingsheriffofthewholeplaceifyoucouldn’tcomeandgo

asyoupleased?“There’sthatmuchcrimearoundherethatyoucan’ttakeanafternoonoff?”

“Youwantmetocomewithyou,ornot?”
Iheldupmyhands.“Fine.Fine.Youtakeyourtime.”
“GobacktoMagellan.I’llpickyouupwhenI’mfinishedhere.”Nashopenedhisfolderagainand

lookeddeterminedlyatit.Discussionover.

“You’llbedriving?”Iasked.
“I’mnotridingallthewaytoDeathValleyonthebackofyourmotorcycle.Besides,we’llneedaway

tobringMickbackwithus.”

Hewasgoingtodoit.Myhearthammeredinrelief.Iwantedtolungeacrossthedeskandhughim,but

IsuspectedthatifIdid,he’dbreakoutthehandcuffs.“Good.I’llbewaiting.”

Ididn’tmisshisglareasIhurriedout.

Nashshowedupinfrontofthehotelatseven-thirty,andIwaspackedandready.Itwasalreadydark,
starsprickingtheclearSeptembersky.I’dbeenchafingwithimpatienceandthespell,drivingCassandra
crazy.Shewavedmeoffinobviousreliefbuttoldmetokeepintouch—throughthemagicmirrorifcell
phoneswereoutofrange.

Nashdrovehisnewtruck,ashiningblackF-250withacabandahalfandtintedwindows.Itlooked

freshlywashedandpolished,asthoughhe’dreadieditspecificallyforthetrip.Itossedmyduffelbag
behindthefrontseatandclimbedinside,sighingwithreliefthatwewerefinallygoing.Nashsaidnothing,
onlywaiteduntilI’dbuckledmyseatbeltbeforehedrovecarefullyoutoftheparkinglot,fartooslowly
formytaste.Butatleastwewereoff.

“Can’tyougoanyfaster?”Iasked,asNashdroveupthehighwayatasedatefiftymilesanhour.
“No,”Nashansweredwithoutlookingatme.
HedidthespeedlimitallthewaytoWinslow,andIwasclenchingmyfistsandbitingthesideofmy

mouthbythetimewefinallymadeitontotheI-40headingwest.Trafficpickedupasweapproachedthe
Flagstaffexits,thetowntwinklingunderthedarkbulkofitsvolcanicmountains.Theairgrewchill,
ponderosapinessoaringagainstthenightsky.AfterFlagstaff,trafficdiedoffagain,andwerodedown
fromgreenhillstorollingdesertmountains.

Nashdidn’ttalk.Hedidn’tlistentotheradio;hedidn’tofferconversation;hejustdrove.Eyesonthe

road,oncomingheadlightsglitteringinhiseyes,theredglowofthedashboardlightinghisface.Henever
surpassedthespeedlimit—ofcoursenot—butthen,heneversloweddown,either.

Iwasapersonwholikedsilence;mydadandIhadenjoyeddrivingforhoursthroughemptylands

withoutwords.ButwithNash,thesilencewasstrained.Ittookonitsownpersonality—likeahostile
relativewhoglaredataroomuntilthehappychatterdiedaway.Itpressedonyou,thatsilence,waitedto
beatyoutodeath.

OntheoutskirtsofKingman,Isaid,“IhearthatMaya’sbirthdayisnextweek.”
“Idon’twanttotalkaboutMaya.”
Theanswer,swiftandabrupt,shutmedown.Nashdidn’tevenadjusthishandsonthewheel.
HestoppedforgasinKingmanandgrudginglyletmeusethebathroom,andthenwetookthehighway

thatclimbednorthoutoftown,curvingalongthesideofamountain.Lightstwinkledinthevalleytoour
left,becomingsparseraswemovedon.Withinafewmiles,thedesertnightwasblackagain,theroad
straightandmonotonous.

Ifoldedmyarmsandslumpedagainstthedoor,tryingtograbsomesleepwhileIcould.Icouldn’t.My

eyesstayedopen,thespellpullingmeonward.

Afteraboutanotherhour,theroadbeganrollingthroughsteepcuts,hardrockhammeredoutby

dynamitelongago.Toourleft,beyondthehillsthatlinedtheroad,wasasteepdroptotheColorado
River,whichsnakeditswaysouthwardthroughbone-dryland.

Orangeconesgleamedaheadofus,directingusintoonenarrowlanethatledtoacheckpoint.There

wereonlyafewcarsaheadofusthislate,redtaillightssilhouettingdriversandpassengersinsidethe
cars.

IdrummedmyfingersonthedashboardasNashslowed,buthehadnochoice.Theroadwetookled

overthemassiveHooverDamintoNevada,andacheckpointhadbeensetupbythenicefedstomake

surewedidn’tdoanythingcutelikecarryexplosivestothemiddleofthedamandsetthemoff.

Thecarsinfrontofusmovedthroughanddroveon,butoneoftheofficershelduphishand,signaling

Nashtostop.Nashhaltedandrolleddownthewindow,lettinginablastofcoolnightairandtheacrid
scentofexhaust.Ifoldedintomyselfandtriednottoscreaminimpatience.

Theuniformedmanstrolledthefewfeettous,flashlightshining.Everyhairprickledonmyskin,the

latentBeneathmagicinmescreamingawarning.

“Nash,gunit,”Iwhispered.“Getusoutofhere.”
“Janet,ifIspeedoutofhere,everystateandfederalcopwithinrangewillbeafterus,andtheywon’t

beafraidtousedeadlyforce.”

“I’mtellingyou,there’ssomethingnotright.”
“Iknowthat.I’mnotstupid.”Nashwaitedcalmly,hishandsonthewheel,asthefedapproached.

Gods,hedrovemecrazy.

“CanIseesomeID?”theofficerasked.
Myinsidescrawled.Icouldfeeltheman’saura,thick,black,andinky.Ihadnoideawhatoneofthem

wasdoingouthereinthemiddleofthehighwayatabrightlylitcheckpoint—aneasywaytofindvictims,
maybe?

Theofficershonehislightonthedriver’slicenseandsheriff’sIDJoneshandedhim.Themanliftedhis

browsandspokeinthefriendlywayofapatrollerjustdoinghisjob.“Sheriff,eh?Officialbusiness?”

“Personal.Vacation.”
Theflashlightmovedtome,andhesmirked.“Vacation.Isee.Pulloverthere,sir,andgetoutofthe

truck.”Hegesturedtoapull-offjustbeyondtheglareofthegeneratorlights.

“Nash,”IsaidfranticallyasNashdrovethefewyardsintothedarkness.“Wecan’tstop.Thisisn’t

whatitlookslike.”

“Iknow,butI’mnotrunningfromtrigger-happyfeds,”Nashsnapped.“Besides,hestillhasmyID.”
IseethedasNashsetthebrake.Theofficerwalkedtouswithoutfear,puttingNash’struckbetween

himselfandhisfellowofficersatthecheckpoint.Itwaspitch-blackouthereawayfromthelights,onlythe
glowofNash’sheadlightsandtheofficer’sflashlighttoilluminateus.

“Ifyou’llgetoutofthetruck,sir,”hesaid.“Youtoo,ma’am.”
Ihoppedout,searchingforsomesparkofmagicwithintohelpmeout.Theskywasdeep,velvetblack,

thestarsstretchingacrossitinaropysmudge.AStormwalkerwithoutastormwasuseless,andthere
wasn’tacloudinsight.Iscowledattheemptyskybeforetheofficershonehisflashlightinmyface.

“Youhavedocumentationonyou,ma’am?Greencard?Naturalizationpapers?”
Hewaseitherawise-assorjustignorant.“Myancestorshavebeenhereahellofalotlongerthan

yours,”Igrowled.“Where’syourgreencard?”

“Justgivehimyourdriver’slicense,Janet.”Nashsoundedweary.
Ipulleditoutandhandeditover.Sourly.Theofficer’sflashlightmovedacrossit.“Clearedfor

motorcycleoperation,eh?Youabiker,sweetie?”

“Nottonight.”
Themangrinned.“Funny.”Hehadeyesofdarkness,andIsmelledthebloodonhim.
HeswitchedtheflashlightbacktoNash.“Putyourhandsonthetruck.”Nash,damnhim,obeyed.
“Youtoo,ma’am.”
Ididit,mutteringundermybreath.Ineededmagic.Something.Anything.
TheofficerpatteddownNash;thenhereachedthroughthepassengerwindowtotheglovecompartment

andfishedoutNash’snine-millimeter.“Yougoonvacationarmed?”

“I’manofficerofthelaw,”Nashsaid.“IneverknowwhenImighthavetohelpout.”
Themansetthegunonaboulderbehindhim,outofreach,thenmovedtome.Handsrovedupand

downmylegs,slidbetweenmybuttocks,cuppedmycrotch.

“Pervert,”Isnarled.
Nashcametolife.“Watchwhatyou’redoing.”
“Oh,you’llwatchme.”Themantookhisownpistoloutofitsholster,cockedit,andshoveditinto

Nash’sneck.“You’llwatchwhileIfeedoffher,knowingthatnext,I’lldothesametoyou.”Helaughed,
hisunnaturallyblackeyesglittering.“Gods,Ilovethetasteofmundanesinthemoonlight.”

Three

“Nightwalker,”Igrated.

“YouknowaboutNightwalkers?”TheNightwalkersniffedme,nevermovingthegunfromNash.

“Funny,youdon’tsmellmagical.”

“WhatthehellisaNightwalker?”Nashaskedme.“Andwhatdoeshemean,feedoffyou?”
TheNightwalkerchuckled.“Hedoesn’tknow?Thisshouldbefun.”
Verycleverofoneofthethingstofigureouthowtoworkacheckpoint.He’dprobablybeenafederal

officerbeforehe’dbecomeabloodsucker,likelystilldidhisjobwellifhedidn’tmakemanyfullkills.
Hecouldonlypartiallydrainhisvictimsandletthemgo,unawareofwhathadhappened,andhe’dstillbe
abletohidehistruenaturefromhiscolleagues.Butbloodlustlithiseyes,andIhadthefeelingthatthis
wasgoingtobeoneofhiskills.

Iwantedtokickthethingintheballsandgetthehelloutofthere.ButNightwalkersarestrongandhard

tokill,andIdidn’thaveahandywoodenstakeorswordwithme.Iwouldpackbetternexttime.Atthe
moment,Ihadnowayoffightinghimexceptwithmyfists,whichwouldn’tdoanythingbuthurtmyfists.

Butsomethingstrangewashappeninginsideme.Ifeltaburningsensationinmyfingertips,which

movedallalongmyveins,anditwasn’tfromMick’scompulsionspell.Thecompulsionspellwasadull
ache;thiswasrawandcoldandnew.

Ihadaswiftvisionofmybodygrowlingtaller,shootinguptotowerovertheNightwalker,abright

whitenessglowingaroundmetolightthenight.Isawmyselfraisingmyhands,heardmymouthissuing
commandsinalanguageIdidn’tunderstand.IsawtheNightwalkerscreaming,hisredmouthopen,his
bodytwistinginexcruciatingpain.Hewasdyingbutcouldn’tdie.Iwassomehowholdinghimtogether,
makinghimrelivethetormentofeveryvictimhe’deverdrained,overandoveragain.Itwasheady;it
wasexhilarating.Ilaughed.

NashJones’svoicecutintomybrainlikeascalpel.“Don’tloseit,Begay.”
Iblinked.Thevisiondied,andIwasstandingwithmyhandsonNash’struck,sweatinginsidemy

leathercoat.TheNightwalkerwasverymuchaliveandlookingatmewithatingeoffear,asthoughit
sensedmyvisionbutwasn’tquitecertainithad.

“Whateveryouare,”Nashwassaying,“leaveheraloneandlethergo.I’lldowhatyouwant.”
Whatahero.TheNightwalkerwouldneverletmego,becauseI’drunscreamingtohisfellowfeds,and

he’dhavetoabandonthissweetlittlesetuphe’dmade.Nashwaseyeingtheotherofficers,butthey’d
surroundedadieselpickupthathadpulledup,itsnoisedrowningoutallothernightsounds.Nash’struck
wasbetweenusandthem—theNightwalkerhadperfectedhismethods.

ButNash’sheroismgavemeanidea.Ididn’tknowwhetheritwouldwork,andifnot,I’dhavetotryto

pryablood-frenziedNightwalkeroffofNash,butitwasworthatry.

“Dohimfirst,”Isaid,makingmyvoiceweakandwhiny.“Please.Taketheedgeoff.ThenI’llmakeit

funwhenyoudome.”

TheNightwalker’ssmilereturned,andIswallowedmydisgust.“IthinkIlikeyou,sweetheart.What

didyouhaveinmind?”

“Anythingyouwant.I’vebeentoldIhavestamina.”
NashwasstaringatmeasthoughI’dlostmymind,buthekeptquiet.EitherhethoughtIhadlostmy

mind,orhewastrustingthatIhadaplan.

TheNightwalkertouchedmycheek,andIstoodstillandtriednottogag.“Sweet,”hesaid.“Ifyou

pleaseme,Navajogirl,Imightjustletyoustayalive.Withme.”

“Sure,”Isaid,tryingtokeepmyvoicefromshaking.

TheNightwalkergrabbedNashbytheneck.Hismouthopened,baringfangsonbothupperandlower

jaw,hismouthnarrowlikeacat’s.Nashstruggled,buttheNightwalkeryankedNash’sheadtotheside
andsnappedthathideousmouthoverhisthroat.

Nashdidn’tgodowneasy.Hefought,andhefoughthard,smackingtheguyintheheadwithhisfists,

whichdidaboutasmuchgoodaspunchingabuilding.IgrabbedtheNightwalker’spistolasthefeeding
frenzytookhim,eventhoughIknewbulletswouldn’tkillhim,andstoodbackashesuckeddownNash’s
bloodingreedy,wetgulps.

TheNightwalkerkeptfeeding,andmyheartpoundedinterror.Ifmyhunchwaswrong,Nashcoulddie.

Wordstoadozenspellsranthroughmyhead,butnonewouldbepowerfulenough,especiallywhenI
didn’thaveastormtodrawon.Thegunwasprettymuchuseless.ANightwalkerfullofbulletswasjust
anangryNightwalker.

Andthenithappened.TheNightwalkerjerked,hiseyeswideninginsuddenagony.Nightwalkers,Ihad

thescarstoprove,heldfasttotheirvictimswhentheywereinbloodfrenzy,notlettinggoevenwhen
someoneranthemthroughwithastake.ThisNightwalkershuddered,snarling,Nash’sbloodrunningfrom
hismouth,buthewouldn’trelease.Nashwaswhite,holdingontothetrucktokeeptohisfeet.

Idroppedthegun,wrappedmyarmsaroundtheNightwalker’smiddle,andhauledbackward.Atfirstit

wasliketryingtomoveahugeboulder,butthentheNightwalkercameawayfromNashsosuddenlythatI
fell,theNightwalkerlandingontopofmelikeawetrag.TheNightwalkerkeened,asharp,piercing
soundthatrosetoaninhumannote.

Thethingcrawledoffme,tearingathislips,hishandssproutingclawsthatrakedintohisownface.

Nashgaspedforbreath,hishandclampedtohisbloodyneck,watchingwithastunnedlook.

TheNightwalker,stillscreaming,fellapart,collapsedintosteaming,stinkingpiecesoffleshandgore,

blackbloodmakingariverinthesand.Hisfacewentlast,hisscreamdyingintoagurgleashisflesh
meltedintoamessofbloodandveins.

Bilebubbledinmythroat,andIscrambledtomyfeetandlungedforthetruck.IheardNashbehindme,

hissoft,“Janet,whatthefuck?”

“Youkilledit,”Ipanted.
“Ikilledit?How,bystandingtherelettingitsuckmedry?”
“Canwetalkaboutitlater?Weneedtogetthehelloutofhere.”
Iyankedopenthedoor,butNash’sheavyhandlandedonmyshoulder.“Easy,Janet.Takeiteasy.We

driveawayslowlyanddon’tattractattention.”

Igroundmyteeth,furiousthathecouldbesocalm.Iknewhewasright,butmypanicwantedmeto

diveintothetruck,startitup,andpeeloutofthere.

ImademyselfclimbslowlyintothepassengerseatwhileNashretrievedhisgunandtheNightwalker’s

andgotinside.Heleanedovermetostowbothpistolsintheglovecompartment,bloodstillstaininghis
neck.

“Youallright?”heaskedme.
“AmIallright?You’retheonebleedingtodeath.”
“I’lltakethatasayes.”Nashsatup,putthetruckingear,andpulledslowlyontothehighway,thesame

asanyothervehiclethatwasapprovedtoproceed.Theotherpatrollersneverevenlookedatus.

Notuntilwewerewelldownthedarkroad,dippingandclimbingalongcanyonwalls,didIseethat

Nash’shandsshookashegrippedthewheel,hisfacegray.

“Shit,Nash,stopandletmedrive.”
“NowayamIlettingyoubehindthewheelofmybrand-newtruck.There’safirstaidkitbehindthe

seat.Shouldhavesomegauzeandantibacterialsprayinit.”

Idugaroundintherearofthecab,foundapristinewhiteboxwitharedcrossonit,draggeditontomy

lap,andopenedit.Bandages,antibacterial,aspirin,sterilegauze,tape,andotherusefulitemswere

stowedinsideinneatcompartments.

“Thisisn’tafirstaidkit,”Isaid.“It’samobileemergencyroom.”
Nashdidn’tanswer.Iextractedawadofgauzeandscootedacrosstheseattowipethebloodfromhis

neck.

Ihadtoreacharoundhim,becausetheNightwalkerhadbittentheleftside,andNashgrunted

impatientlywhenIinadvertentlyblockedhisviewoftheroad.Therewasnoplacetopulloffonthis
stretch,thehighwaymovingthroughcutsthatleftmaybeafootofspaceoneithersideofthepavement.
Besides,Idon’tthinkeitheroneofusmuchwantedtostop.

IsquirtedNash’sneckwithalittleantibacterialandpressedmoregauzeoverthewound,fasteningit

withsteriletape.

NashreturnedbothhandstothewheelwhenIsatbackandstartedcleaningup.“Whatthehellwasthat

thing?”heasked.

“ANightwalker.Inlayman’sterms,avampire.Exceptit’sreal.”
“Avampire.”Nashdigestedthiswithafewsoftswearwords.“Andyou’resayingIkilledit?”
Ifinishedputtingthesuppliesbackintothefirstaidkitandclosedthelid.“TheNightwalkerisa

creatureofmagic,butyoucanceloutmagic.Anull,Coyotecalledyou.TheNightwalkergotenoughof
yourmagic-negativeessenceinit,whichdestroyedit.”ThatwaswhatIhadthoughtwouldhappen,andI
wasgut-wrenchinglyrelievedthatI’dbeenright.

“Ifeltsomethingchangeinme,”Nashsaid.“Iwaslosingblood,Iwasdying,andthenitallstopped.It

wasasifsomethingfreezingcoldformedinsidemeandmovedtohimthroughmyblood.”

“Interesting.”I’dspeculatedwithMickoverthesummerhowNashhadbecomeamagic-absorber,and

neitherofuscouldfigureitout.I’dnevermetanythinglikehim,thatwasforsure.

Nashcontemplatedtheroadinsilence,andIknewthiswashardforhim.Upuntilafewmonthsago,he

hadbeenthebiggestUnbelieverinallofHopiCounty.Thenhe’dseendragons,watchedCoyoteshift
frommantoanimal,foughtskinwalkers,seenwhathadcomeoutofthevortexes,andhadmeattackhim
withstormmagic.

“Idon’twantittobereal,”hesaidafteratime.“I’mtryingnottoletitbereal.It’snotwhatIgrewup

believing.”

“Iknow.”Inodded.“Believeme,whenastormfirstreachedouttome,itscaredtheshitoutofme.I

thoughtIwaschindi,asorceressfilledwithevil.Thesadthingis,Iwasn’tfarfromwrong.”

“WhatamI,then?”
“We’renotsure.Coyotecalledyouanull,awalkingmagicvoid.You’vetakenthebruntofsome

amazingpowerandneverbrokenasweat.”

“DidyouknowforsurethatIcouldkillthatNightwalkerthing?”
Ihesitatedbutdecidedtobetruthful.“Ifigureditwasworthashot.”
Heshotmeascathingglance.“Whatthehellwereyougoingtodoifitdidn’twork?”
“Shoothim,maybe.Runforhelp.”
“WhileIstayedbehindandturnedintoavampire?”
“Nightwalkersdon’tturntheirvictims,”Isaid.“Usually.Theydrainthemuntilthey’redead,orthey

cankeepthemaliveiftheywantto.Somedrinkonlyalittlefromeachvictimandthenmakethemforgetin
ordertonotleaveatrailofbodies.Someevenbecomecivilizedandlearntodrinkanimalblood,live
amonghumansalmostnormally,aslongastheyavoiddirectsunlight.Thecrossesandgarlicthingisalla
myth,though.IoncemetaNightwalkerwhowasamonk.Heprobablystillisone.”

“Damnit,”NashsaidwhenIwounddown.Hishandsweresteadiernow.I’dneverseenanyonehealso

fastfromaNightwalkerattack.

“Thisonebitthewrongneck,tonight,”Isaid.
Nashbangedhisfistsonthesteeringwheel.Nottoohard—hewouldn’twanttodamagehisnewtruck.

“Mylifemadesomuchmoresensebeforeyoucameintoit.Whatthehelldidyoudotome?”

“Sorry.”Ireallydidfeelsorryforhim.MovingfromUnbelievertoacceptancewasn’teasy.“Butit

didn’treallymakesense,andyouknowit.”

NashhadbeeninjuredintheIraqWar,whenabuildinghe’drushedintohadcollapsedonhimandall

hismen.He’dbeentheonlyonewho’dmadeitout.He’dsufferedfromflashbacksandhadgonethrough
allkindsofhell.

“So,educateme,”Nashsaid.“ThereareStormwalkerslikeyou;Nightwalkers,whicharevampires;

andthenskinwalkers,thosecreaturesIfoughtoutatthevortexes.Whatarewerewolves—dogwalkers?”

“You’rehilarious,Jones.Therearen’tanywerewolves,justChangerswhocanbecomewolves.”
Wewereapproachingthedam,theroaddescendingsharplyaroundhairpincurves,trafficslowingtoa

crawl.“IlikedbeinganUnbeliever,”Nashsaid.“Ilikednotknowingthisshitwasoutthere,ontopofall
theothershit.ButIfeltthatthingdiewhilehewasdrinkingme,andIsawitdisintegrateinawayno
humancould.”

Isaidnothingbutstaredupatthearchofthebridgethathungagainstthesky.Litupbyconstruction

lights,theman-madesteelwassuspendedbetweensheercliffshundredsoffeetabovetheColorado
River.

“Itisn’ttheworldIgrewupin,”Nashsaid,butIknewhe’dresignedhimself.
“Yes,itis,”Isaidquietly.“ButIknowwhatyoumean.”Mymagicalcherryhadbeenbrokenatage

eleven.Nashwasthirty-two,withalifetimeofstubborndisbelieftogiveup.Icouldn’tdecidewhich
wouldbemoredifficult.

Nashfellsilentagainashecrossedthedamandnavigatedupthecliffsontheotherside.Thenwewere

headingdownthehighwaytotheglowofLasVegas,Nashmaintainingthespeedlimitandproperlyusing
histurnsignals.Thecityspreadoutatthebottomofthevalley,itslineofbrightcolorstemptingtravelers
toitspleasures.Nashstucktothefreeway,passingthetallhotelsthatreachedouttouswithpromisesof
easymoney,delectablefood,andtantalizingglimpsesoffleshofbothgenders.

Ontheothersideofthecity,thedesertwasstarkandempty,lonelyandcold.Aftermoremilesof

endlessnight,Nashturnedoffonanarrowsliceofroadthatheadedduewest.

WedrovethroughacreaseinthemountainsintoCaliforniaanddownintoDeathValleyitself,where

moonlightdancedonalkalibedsthatspreadacrossthevalleyfloor.Mountainssoaredaroundus,ten
thousandfeethigh,cuttingoffmoisturefromthisbleakgashoftheland.Atthesametimeitwascold,the
hardcoldofahigh-desertnight.

“So?”Nashaskedme.“Whereto?”
Ilookedoutintoallthedarkness,feelingthespellpullingmenorthward.“Keepfollowingthisroad.

Pamelasaidshewasonthenorthwestsideofthevalley.”

“WhothehellisPamela?”
IfNashhadletmeindulgeinconversationbefore,Icouldhavetoldhimthewholestory.Igavehima

truncatedversionnow.

“Weneedtoturnoffsomewherearoundhere,”Ifinished.
“Thisistheonlypavedroadoutthisway,ifyouhadn’tnoticed.Iwon’ttrytonavigateunfamiliardirt

onesatnight.”

Whichmeanthedidn’twanttogethispreciousnewtruckdirtyor,godshelpus,stuck.Iagreedhewas

probablyrighttobecautious;inthedarkitwouldbeeasytorunoffadirtroadstraightintodesert.Desert
floorsaren’tnecessarilyhardorsandy—pocketsexistunderthecrustthatcanswallowanunwaryhiker’s
foot,orbike,orhalfacar.Beingstrandedoutherewhenthesuncameupwasnotagoodidea.

“We’llgoonfoot,then,”Isaid.
Nashgruntedbutpulledthetruckontotheroad’sshoulder.“Youdon’thaveamorespecificdirection

than‘somewherearoundhere?’”

“I’mluckyPamelacouldtellmethismuch.Thereareprobablyspellsallovertheplacetoprevent

peoplelikemefromfindingMick,compulsionornocompulsion.Sono,Idoubtsheleftmeadetailed
trail.”

Nashsetthebrakeandturnedofftheignition.Hegotoutandrummagedinthebackofthecab,then

begantopilestuffonhisseat.

Myeyeswidenedatthecache:athinthermalblanket,filledcanteensplusapacketofwater-purifying

tablets,foodrations,asmallerversionofhiscar’sfirstaidkit,flashlights,extrabatteries,waterproof
matchesandacouplecandles,chemlights,sunscreen,alengthofrope,crampons,acompassandan
electronicGPSdevice,apocketknife,socksandhikingboots,andaWindbreakerthatwoulddeflectthe
night’scoldaswellastomorrow’ssun.Hedroppedallthisonhisseatplusammunitionforhisnine-
millimeter.Heretrievedbothpistolsfromtheglovecompartment,addingtheNightwalker’sguntothe
growingpileandholsteringhisown.

“Shit,Nash,”Isaidashebeganstuffingalltheaccoutrementsintoabackpack.“Wereyouplanningto

invadeacountry?”

“It’sopendesert,andyoudon’tknowwherewe’regoingorhowlongitwilltake.Wereyougoingto

comeouthereandlookaroundwithoutwaterorlight?”

Ihadn’t,butNashcouldmakeaneliteopsunitlookunderprepared.“Ibroughtenoughforyoutoo,”he

said.“Canwegetamoveon?Dawn’satseven.”

Itwasalreadytwo.FivehourstofindMickbeforedaylight,whenthedesertfloor,eveninSeptember,

wouldbecomebrutallyhot.I’dlivedmyentirelifeinandarounddesertsandknewthatheatstrokewas
swiftanddeadly.

IstoodonthegravelwaitingwhileNashlockedallthedoorsandsetupawarningtriangle,sothat

anyonedrivingupthisroadwouldbesuretoseehisprecioustruck.

Awashribbonedupthesideofthehillafewyardsfromtheroad,rockyandtreacherous,butIknewI

hadtoascendit.Therewasnoothertrail.

“Upthere?”NashaskedinadisbelievingvoicewhenIpointeditout.Hegavemeanirritatedlook,but

hestartedclimbing.Takingadeepbreath,Iscrambledupafterhim.

Thewashwasfullofgravelanddifficulttonavigate.Islippedandslid,bloodyingmyhandswhenI

grabbedboulderstosteadymyself,keepingasharpeyeoutforsnakes.

NashreachedthetopofthefirstridgeandwaitedwhileIclamberedupthelastfewyards,thedry

limbsofcreosotescratchingme.Nashwasindamnedgoodshape,barelybreathinghardashestoodin
shadowandsurveyedthelandscape.Silhouettedagainstthesky,helookedformidable,bicepsbulging,his
shoulderholsterandgunemphasizingthefactthathewasawalkingdangerzone.

Thetruckalreadylookedsmallandfaraway,thevalleyemptyandwideinthedarkness.Nashflicked

onhisflashlight,checkedhisGPS,andplayedthelightaroundtheridge.Themountainroseinfolds
aroundus,thenarrowridgelinerunningalongwaynorthintothehills.

Wewalkedon,followingtheridgeuntilwefoundanotherwashthatledupanotherfoldofthe

mountain.Nashmovedswiftlyalongtheunevenground,melaggingfartherandfartherbehind.Itwasa
goodthingthenightremainedcloudless,brilliantlyclear—washesliketheonewetraversedwould
explodewithwaterafterarain,pouringwhitewateranddebrisdownthehill,sweepingusalonglikeso
muchflotsam.

Arockclickedonrocksomewherebelowme,andIhalted,tense.Itmightbelizard,Ireasoned,

slitheringtoasafershelter,oranightbirdlookingforameal.Ididn’tsenseanythingdownthere,noauras
ofevilorevenplainhuman.Afteramoment,Irelaxedalittle,andthenIrealizedthatNashhadvanished.

Shit.Ilookedaroundwildlybutsawnosignofhim.“Nash,”Icalledinawhisper.
Thesmallsoundwasloudinthestillness.Ihurriedforward,dislodginggravelinmyhaste,andfinally,

afterafewyardsofscrambling,Ispottedhim.

Windandwaterhadcarvedoutanicheintherockwallalittlewayupthetrail,yearsoferosion

formingashelter.Nashhadhisbacktothecliff,deepinshadow,hisshirtapalesmudgeinthedarkness.
AsIdrewcloser,Isawstarlightgleamsoftlyonhisdrawnweapon.

“Whatisit?”Iasked,keepingmyvoicesoft.
Nashremainedmotionless.
Isteppedcloserbeforerealizingmymistake.Nashwaswatchingmeapproach,deadlypurposeinhis

eyes.Whoeverhethoughtwascomingforhim,hewasn’tseeingme.

“Nash,it’sJanet,”Isaiddesperately,butmywordsweretoolate.
ThelastthingIsawwasthebuttofNash’spistolcomingtowardmyhead,andthenthestartledhorror

inhiseyeswhenitconnectedwithmyskull.

Four

Iresistedwakefulness,becausewakingmeantpain.Ididn’twantpain.Thedarknesswassomuchnicer.

Iheardsomeonecallingmyname,andsomethingcoldtouchedmyforehead.
“Janet,sonofabitch,wakeup.”ItwasNash’svoice,swift,worried,urgent.
“Areyougoingtohitmeagain?”Itriedtoask.Noactualwordscameout,onlyagroan.
“Openyoureyes,damnyou.”
Icouldn’t.Itriedtomakemyeyelidsobey,buttheyremainedheavyandsealedshut.
IfeltahandinmyhairandNash’svoiceinmyear,bothgentlerthanI’dthoughtpossible.“Janet,I’m

so,sosorry.”

Ifloatedoffagain,dreamingthatIwasinalovely,warmbed,snuggleduptoMick,whoheldme

againsthislarge,sexybody.Wewerenaked,settlingdownintoanafterglowoflovemakingasfrenziedas
onlyMickcouldmakeit.WhatNashwasdoingthere,Ididn’tknow.Arrestingusforhavingtoomuchfun
inbed?IwasprettysurethatsomeofthethingsMicklikedtodowereillegalinafewstates.

“Janet,comeon.”Tendernomore,theflatofNash’spalmconnectedwithmycheek.
“Wouldyoustophittingme?”Igrowledandopenedmyeyes.
Ilayflatonmybackonhard-packedearthunderaskyfullofstars.Nashwassilhouettedagainstthe

brightpatternofthestarsuntilhisflashlightplayedintomyeyes.ThewarmdreamofmeinMick’sarms
dissolvedtomist,andasuddenheadachestabbedmytemples.

“Ow.”
“Youneedtositup.Slowly.”
Ifeltlikesomethingwastryingtobangmyheadintoadifferentshapefromtheinside,butNash’stouch

wasalmosttenderashehelpedmetosit.Ifhewaslikethisasalover,nowonderMayahadfallenfor
him.

“Whydidyouhitme?”Iputmyhandtomyheadandflinchedatthepain.Myfingerscameawaywet

withblood.

Nashlookedashamed,anexpressionI’dneverseenonhimbefore.“Ididn’tmeanto.Ithoughtyou

were...No,Idon’tknowwhatIthought.”

“Youwerehavingaflashback.”I’dunderstoodthatthesecondbeforehe’dbrainedme.Ishouldhave

hungbackandtalkedtohimbeforeIapproached.Iwasluckyhe’ddecidedtodisablehisenemywithout
makingnoise,orI’dbedeadrightnow,abulletthroughmyhead.Nash’saimwasaccurateandsure.

“Yes,”heanswered,almostinawhisper.
Iwassittingupnow,mythrobbingheadmakingmedizzyandnauseated.“Sorry,Ishouldn’thave

startledyou.”

“Don’ttaketheblameonyourself,Janet.I’mtheonewhohityou.”
“Youshouldn’ttaketheblame,either.”Itriedasmile.“It’snotyourfaultthatyou’recrazy.”
Hedidn’tlookamused.“Ihaven’thadaflashbackinoverayear.IthoughtIwasfinishedwiththem.”
“Maybeit’ssomethingyounevergetover.”
Nashshookhishead.“WhenMayatoldmetogethelp,Iwouldn’tlistentoher.IthoughtIwasstrong

enoughtohandleit.Butshewasright.”

“Youdon’twanttobeweak.Igetthat.”
Jonessnappedoutofhisself-pity.“Ineedtogetyoutoanemergencyroom.Doyouthinkyoucanmake

itdown,ordoIneedtocarryyou?”

“Oh,no,youdon’t.I’mnotleavinguntilIfindMick.”
“Don’tbeanidiot.You’reconcussed.Youneedstitchesandadoctor.”

“Thenpatchmeupwithyourstate-of-the-artfirstaidkit.WefindMick,andthenIpromiseyoucan

drivemetothenearestER.”Icouldn’tleaveMickaftercomingthisfar.EvenifIweren’tsoworried
abouthim,thespellhadmeinitsgripandwouldn’tletmego.IfeltlikeIwasbeingsqueezedbyagiant
octopus.

“Ican’triskthat,”Nashsaid.
“Toobad.Icandohealingspellsonmyself.I’vedonethembefore.”Somany,manytimesbefore.What

didthatsayaboutmylife?“Theywon’tcuremecompletely,butI’llbeabletogoon.Ihavetofind
Mick.”

Nashheardthepanicinmyvoice;maybeheevenunderstoodit.Withagrowl,hereturnedtohisfirst

aidkit,whichalreadylayopenontheground.HetookouttheantibacterialI’dusedonhimandcleaned
mywoundwithgauze.Ithurtlikehell.

Iquicklywhisperedthewordsofahealingspell,someoftheminormagicIcoulddowhenthere

wasn’tanearbystorm,butnothinghappened.Foramoment,fearsqueezedmyheart,andthenIrealized
thatNash’sbodytouchedmineashewipedbloodfrommyhead.

“Couldyoumoveawayalittle?”Iasked.“Ithinkyou’rekillingmyhealingspells.”
Hestopped.“What?”
“You’reawalkingmagicvoid,remember?Mypowersaren’tstrongenoughtoovercomethenegative

fieldthatisyou.”

Nashstaredatme,bloodygauzehovering.“Howfar?”
“Ihavenoidea.Startwalking,andI’lltellyouwhentostop.”
NoonecouldpinsomeonewithasuspiciousglarelikeNashJonescould.Criminalswhocamethrough

MagellanandFlatMesa,thinkingtohideoutinsmalltowns,endedupbeggingtobeturnedovertothe
fedsorstatepoliceonceNashgotholdofthem.ThetimesI’dbeeninNash’scustody,hisdeputies
claimedNashhadgoneeasyonme.Thethoughtmademeshiver.

“Seriously,”Isaid.
Nashgavemeonefinalicylook,thenunfoldedtohisfeetandstarteduptheridge.
Iwhisperedmorespellstomyselfashewent,andfinally,Ifeltmyscalpprickleandthepaineasea

little.“Farenough,”IcalledtoNash.

HewaitedwhileIgottomyfeet,brushedoffthegravelthathadcutmyskin,andpackedupthefirstaid

kit.Myhandsshook,andmynausealetmeknowthehealingspellshelpedonlysomuch.

NashpushedoneofthecanteensintomyhandwhenIreachedhim.“Don’tdehydrate.Idon’twantto

havetocarryyoudownthismountain.”

“Youhaveaheartofgold,Jones,”Isaidbutsuckedgreedilyattheplastic-tastingwater.
Wewenton.Ihadtostopoften.Myhealingspellcouldkeepmybloodinsidemybody,butIwasn’ta

strongenoughmagetocuremyselfcompletely.Thenightremainedblissfullyclearandquiet,thewind
comingoffthemountains,chilly.

“Nash,”Icalledsoftly.
Nashstopped,handonweapon.“What?”
“Hewantsustogothatway.”Ipointedtoaridgeofftoourleft,onethatthispathwouldn’ttakeusto.
Nash’seyesglitteredinthebeamofhisflashlight.“Howcanyoubesure?”
“Ijustknow.”Itouchedmytemple,winced,andrubbedit.ThecloserIgot,themorethecompulsion

spellhauledmetoit,likeafishinanet.

“Wehavetobacktrackaboutamiletogetthere.”
IstartedbackdownwhatIlaughinglycalledour“trail.”“Betterthangoingthewrongdirectiontherest

ofthenight.”

Nashgruntedsomething,buthecameafterme.Rocksslippedandslidundermyfeet,asIpickedmy

waydownthesteeptrail.Nashcamebehind,hisstepsslow,deliberate,thelightofhisflashlightbobbing

behindmine.Themountainswereclosingaroundus,theoccasionaltreestraightandstarkinthe
moonlight.

Wefoundthesidetrailthatledacrossasaddle,foldsofjaggedrocktumblingawaytoeithersideofus.

IfIcouldhaveseenbetter,I’dhavebeennervousaboutthesheerdropstotherightandleft.Asitwas,we
concentratedonthenarrowribbonoflandbeneathourfeetandmovedslowly.

Ourmakeshifttrailwidenedwhenwereachedtheothersideofthesaddle,andweclimbedagain.I

wasgladofNash’sGPSdevice,becauseI’dlosttrackofwherethehellwewere.

Moreclimbingforanothermileortwo.ThespellgrewstrongerasIascended,whichincreasedboth

myhopeandimpatience.

NashstoppedsoabruptlyIalmostranintohim.Hestoodstill,sayingnothingwhileheplayedflashlight

overthetrail.

Aheadofus,theridgeended,droppingintoacraggymorassthatconnectedtothehigherwallof

mountainbeyond.Thegapwasn’twide—Nash’sflashlightbeamreachedtheotherside—butitwaswide
enough.Oneofthebighornsheepthatpopulatedthisplacemighttraverseit,butnevertwohumanswithout
rappellinggear.Flyingwouldbeanotherasset,butneitherofuscouldturnintosomethingwithwings.

Iwasbreathinghard.We’dclimbedfromthebelow-sea-leveldesertfloortothreethousandfeet

accordingtoNash’sdevice,andthenextridgelinewasanothercouplethousandfeethigherthanthat.

“Whatnow?”Nashaskedme.
Ididn’tknow.Thespellwasstrongerthanever,butnowayinhellcouldIclimbdownthoserockswith

myheadspinninglikeamerry-go-round.

Nashstartedexploringthetopoftheridge,whileIsanktoaboulderandtriedtofeelthesourceofthe

spell.Ifishedachamoisbagfrommybackpack,carefullypulledoutashardofmagicmirror,andsetiton
myknee.

Thevoidinsidethemirrorwasblack,nocolor,nolight.Onebignothing.
Achillwentthroughme.Mickalsocarriedapieceofthebrokenmagicmirrorwithhimincasehe

neededtocommunicatewithme.Magicmirrorsbeatcellphoneseverytime.Butlately,wheneverI’d
triedtofocusonhisshard,Igotthis.

“Anything?”Iaskedit.
Theblacknesscleared,andthemirrorreflectedmyanxiousbrowneyesintheglowofmyflashlight.
“Sorry,sweetcakes,”themirroransweredmeinadrag-queendrawl.“OurMicky’sjustnot

answering.”

“Youcan’ttellwhereheis?”
“It’sdark.”Themirror’stonewasworried,andthatworriedme.
“Thanksfortrying,”Isaid.
“Surething,sugar.Hey,tellthesherifftocomeoverhere.”
“Why?Canhehelp?”
“Idon’tknow.Ijustwanttolookathisprettyass.”
Igrowledandstuffedthemirrorbackintothebag.
“Whoareyoutalkingto?”Nashstoodoverme,hisflashlightlikeaninterrogator’slamp.
“Noone,”Isaid.“Didyoufindanything?”
“Theremightbeacaveoverthere.Oranoldmineshaft.”
Shaftsdottedthelandaroundhere,leftoverfromthedayswhenthesemountainswerepickedoverfor

gold,silver,talc,andborax.Noonemineduphereanymore,theshaftsplayedoutandabandoneddecades
ago.

Nashhauledmetomyfeetandledmetoasmallholethatyawnedfromthebaseofaboulder.When

Nashcroucheddownandshonehislightinside,Isawthattheholedroppedalongwaybelowthesurface.
Afoul-scentedbreezerosefromit,tobeblownawaybytheincreasingwind.

Thespellwrenchedmewithamightythrob.“Yes,”Igasped.“Downthere.”
“Areyousure?Oldshaftsareunstableandfullofpoisonousgases.”
Igottomyhandsandkneesbesidehimandpeereddowntheshaft.Onceuponatime,woodplankshad

shoredupthehole,butthey’drottedaway,leavingafewgrayslivers.Thepullofthespellwasdamn
strong.

“I’msure.Ineedtogodownthere.”
Nashmovedback.“Janet,youcameuphereonthewordofawomanyou’venevermet,whocharged

intoyourhotelandstartedactingcrazy.Shecouldhaveluredyououthereonpurpose—tokillyou,
maybe.Haveyouthoughtofthat?”

“OfcourseI’vethoughtofthat.It’sonereasonIdidn’twanttocomealone.ButIcan’ttakethechance

thatMickisn’tintrouble.Ihavetoknow.Ican’tleavehimoutherewithouthelp.”

Nashplayedtheflashlightontheholeagain,thenonme.“You’rereadytogetyourselfkilledforhim,

andyoudon’tevenknowifhe’sreallydownthere?”

“Mick’snearlygottenhimselfkilledformelotsoftimes,”Isaid.Myvoiceborderedonhysteria.“He’s

beenlivinghiswholelifeonthelineforme.”

Nashshonehislightintotheshaft,buthewaslookingatme,notthehole.“Ifhe’sriskedhislifefor

you,he’dnotwantyoutodienow.It’sfoolishtoputyourselfindangerbecauseofguilt.”

Itriedasmile.“SaysthemanwithPTSD.”
“Iknowallaboutguilt.Icrawledoutofapileofrubblethatshouldhavecrushedme,theninemenI

wassupposedtoleadandprotectdeadbehindme.Ilosteveryman,andtothisday,Idon’tknowwhyI
lived.ButI’velearnedthepainfullessonthatthrowingawaymylifewon’tbringthemback.Jumpinginto
thatholeandchokingtodeathonsulfurfumesisn’tgoingtosaveMick.”

“Youhavesomebetterideas?”Iaskedhim.
“Wegototherangerstationandtellthemwe’velostsomeoneuphere.They’llhavetheequipmentto

getinthereandfindhim.”

“Ifitwerethatsimple,don’tyouthinkMickwouldbeoutbynow?He’sadragonandprettydamned

resilient.So,ifhehasn’tbeenabletoblowhimselfoutofthisplace,he’sseriouslytrapped,magicallyas
wellasphysically.Norangerstationwillbeequippedtohandlethat.”

“Andyouare?”
“No,I’mnot.That’swhyIbroughtyou.”
“BecauseI’mthismagicvoid,”hesaid,soundingskeptical.
“That,andyou’regoodinanemergency.Please,Nash.Anyway,ifyouwanttotalkaboutguilt,you’ve

justhitmeontheheadwithyourgun.IthinkI’mentitledtosomehelpforthat.”

Nashgrowledatme,butIwaspastcaring.
Hedumpedhisbackpackonthegroundandstartedrummagingthroughit.Hetookoutaspooloftwine

andacandleandtiedthecandlesecurely.Leaningoverthehole,helitthecandleandstartedunwinding
thetwinedownintotheshaft.Iwatchedthecandleburningmerrilyasitwentdown,theflamehigh,
steady,andbrightyellow.

“Whathappensifthere’smethanedownthere?”Iaskedworriedly.“Won’tthatexplode?”
“Thenwe’llknowit’snotsafe.”
Ibackedquicklyfromthehole.“You’reafundate,Nash.”
Nothingdirehappened.Thecandlecontinuedtoburn,theflamelookingnormalandhappy.
Nashbroughtthecandlebackupandblewitout.“Soweknowwecanbreathe,atleastthatfarin.That

stilldoesn’tmeanit’ssafe.”

“I’mlightandnimble,andPamelagotinandoutallright.”
“Soshesays.”
Whilehespoke,Nashwastakingoutaropeandharness,soIknewhewasgoingtohelp;hewouldjust

becrabbyaboutit.Finewithme,aslongashehelped.

Heturnedtome,helduptheharness,andgavemeacoldsmile.“SinceI’mbiggerthanyou,yougetto

godownfirst.”

Five

Iwasneveratmybestinenclosedspaces.AsNashloweredme,wrappedintheropeandharness,I
secretlyagreedthatNashwasright.Thiswascrazy.

IhadnowayofknowingwhetherMickwasreallydownhereorwhetherthiswasanelaboratetrap,

Pamelaapartofit.Butthespelltuggedmeon,andmyhearttoldmethatMickwaitedformeattheendof
theline.

Afterwhatseemedalongtime,myfeettouchedfirmground.Iplayedmyflashlightaroundandfound

thatahorizontalshaftrantomyright,slopingalittledownward,shoredupinplaceswithrottingtimber
orrough-hewnstones.Lovely.Thisplacecouldcollapseatanymoment,andonlythecrushedremainsof
anex-Stormwalkerwouldbefound,ifanyonebotheredtodigmeoutatall.

IcalledbackuptoNashthatIwantedtoexplorethetunnel.Hekeptafirmhandontherope,andI

realizedthatifhedidn’twantmelookingaround,he’dsimplyhaulmebackupwhetherIlikeditornot.I
unhookedtheharnessandslidoutofit.

“Janet!”heshouteddownatme.“Don’tbestupid.”
Iignoredhimandstartedwalking,thecompulsionspellnowtoostrongformetofight.
Afteralongtimeofsteppingoveroldtimbers,rottedsacking,andfallenstones,aswellasstirringup

thestinkofbatdroppings,Ifeltheat.Theshaftbentleft,runningdeeperintothemountainuntilitendedin
awallofsolidstone.

BeforeIcoulddespair,myflashlight’sbeamfoundalong,verticalcrack,aboutthreeincheswide,that

ranfromthestone’sbasetotherottedtimbersabovemyhead.Throughthatcrack,somethingglowed.

Iputmyeyetothecrack.Itwentallthewaythroughstoneaboutafootthick,andbeyondthat,Isawa

vastcavernrisinghighintothemountain,aspelunker’sdelight.TheheatIfeltcamefromawallofflame
thatdividedthecavernneatlyinhalf.Behindthatflame,cutofffromme,layadragon.

“Nash!”Ishoutedbackupthetunnel.“Getdownhere!Ifoundhim.IfoundMick!”
IheardthefearinNash’svoiceashecalleddowntome—afterbeingburiedinthatbuildinginIraq,he

musthateenclosedspacesevenmorethanIdid.ButIcouldneverfaultNash’scourage.Iheardhim
climbingdown,cursingalltheway.

“Youdon’thaveapickaxinthatbackpack,doyou?”Iaskedwhenhereachedme.
“Don’tbefunny.”
Ilookedaroundtheflooroftheshaft,searchingforsomething,anything,thatwouldhelpmebreak

throughthewall.Nashmightnothaveapickax,butminersdid.Ifoundone,buriedundergravel.The
handlehadrottedaway,buttheheadhadbeenmadeofgoodsteel.Alittlerusty,yes,butitwoulddothe
trick.

Nashtookthepickaxawayfrommewithhisglovedhands.Hecarefullyjabbedthepointoftheaxinto

thestoneandworkedituntilrubblestartedtofall.Therockwasn’tsolidgranite,justcrustthathadfilled
theendoftheshaft.

IscrapedgravelasideasittrickledawayuntilNashandIhadmadeaholebigenoughformetocrawl

through.Isqueezedintothecavern,ignoringthepainoftherocksscrapingmyflesh.

Thecavernfloorslopeddownwardtothewallofflame.Isawaholeinthewalloppositemine,though

onthissideofthefire,muchbiggerthantheoneI’djustcrushedthrough.ThatmustbewherePamelahad
entered,andIwonderedwhythecompulsionspellhadn’ttakenmethatway.Butmaybeminehadbeenthe
easierrouteforme;afterall,Pamelacouldchangeintoawolfanddig.

Thedragonbehindthewalloffirewasfoldedsotightlythatitturnedbackonitselfseveraltimes,the

endofatailsnakingaroundtotouchitslongsnout.Icouldn’tseehiswings,butIknewtheyhadtobe

there,largeandleathery,amidthepileofhisbody.Hisheadwaslong,lipsslightlypulledbackfrom
enormous,jaggedteeth.

Iknewthatifhe’dbeenabletoshifttohishumanformandgivehimselfmorespace,hewouldhave.As

itwas,thedragoncouldopenonlyoneeye,abulboussilverandblackorb,andfixitonme.

“Mick,”Iwhispered.
Thespellthrummedbetweenus,vibratingtheair.Mick’seyegleamedashelookedatme,buthewas

jammedintheresotightlythathecouldmakenoothermove.Isawfuryintheeye,plusrelief,worry,and
theimpatiencetobeoutofthere.

Asheblinkedatme,hiscompulsionspelldiedaway.Thereleasesentmetomykneesasdidevery

otherhurtthespellhadstavedoffsoIcouldgethere.

Nashpressedhimselfintothecaveandswitchedoffhisflashlight.“Youallright,Janet?”
Ilaystilltocatchmybreath.“Iwillbe.”
NashstudiedthemotionlessMick.“He’sadragon.Whydoesn’thejustflyout?Idoubtthefirewould

burnahidethatthick.”

Icouldn’treadMick’sthoughts,butIsensedhisvastirritation.Heliftedhisheadwhatlittlehecouldin

thetightspaceandshotasuddenstreamoffiretowardus.

Iduckedinstinctively,andsodidNash.Thewhite-hotfirestrucktheflames,andthewallofthem

bulged,swelling,growinghotter.Myskinburned,myhairsinged,andNashthrewuphisarmtowardoff
thebrightness.Anysecondnow,theflamewouldburstout;anysecondnow,we’dbeincinerated...

Andthen,weweren’t.Aswewatched,thefiresuckedMick’sdragonflamestraightintoit,absorbedit,

inhaledit.Thewholethingflaredred-hotforafewseconds,thensettledbackdowntoasteadyroar.

Iblewoutmybreath.“It’smagicalfire,”Isaid.“Itfeedsonmagic,thesamewayMickcansiphonoff

mystormpower.Anymagicthrownatitwilljustmakeitstronger.”

Thedragonloweredhisheadwithalittlewhumpofbreath,happywe’dfiguredouttheobvious.
Inudgedarockthatwasaboutafootindiameter,checkingforscorpionsorspidersbeforeIhauledit

intomyhands.Ibent,swungtherockbackbetweenmylegs,andheaveditintotheflames.

Thefiredisintegratedtherockintheblinkofaneye.NothingreachedMick’ssidebutatrickleofdust

andash.

“EvenMick’shidewouldn’tsurvivethat,”Isaid.
Nashstudiedtheflamewallasthoughhewastryingtofigureoutawaytoarrestit.“So,didyoubringa

magicfireextinguisher?”

Sothemanhadasenseofhumor.“Sortof,”Isaidinaquietvoice.“Ibroughtyou.”
Heturned.“AndIcandowhat?”
“Youdrawoffmagic,likeyoudidtotheNightwalker.Maybeyoucandrawoffthat.”
Nash’sbrowsshotupovercoldgrayeyes.“Youwantmetotouchfirethatburnsrocktoashtosee

whathappens?Forgetit.Ilikemyhand,nottomentiontherestofmybody.We’llfindanotherway.”

“Thereisnootherway.Idon’thavemagicwithoutastorm,andevenifIdid,thefirewouldprobably

justabsorbthattoo.”

AsNashturnedbacktothefire,anothervisionhitmewiththeforceofahurricane.InitIwasstanding

inthiscave,myarmsraisedabovemyhead,thesamekindofwhitelightI’dseeninthelastvision
pouringfrommyhands.Thiswasn’tmystormmagic—itwasdifferent,moreintense,likethedifference
betweenacheerfulfireonahearthandastreamofmoltenlava.

Inthevision,thewallofflamebowedbeforemeinterror.Thecaveshookwithmypowerandthen

collapsed.TherubbleburiedNashandMick,butbouldersglancedoffmeasIroselikethesunoutofthe
mountain.

IheardmyselfscreamingandthenIwasonmyhandsandkneesonthebone-hardfloor,Nashbending

overme.

“Janet?Whatthehell?”
Isatdownhard,myspinningheadmakingmesick.“It’snothing.Nothing.It’sjustmyheadache.”
Iwassuchaliar.Mick’seyefocusedonme,thedarkslitofhispupilglowingorangered.Ifelthis

sharpinterest,hisworry,andnotjustformyphysicalwell-being.DespiteeverythingMickandIhadbeen
through,despitewhatwehadtogether,IknewthatMickstillwatchedmewithwariness.Helovedme,
protectedme,sharedabedwithme,yes.HadcompletefaiththatIwasn’tadangertoeverylivingbeing
ontheplanet,no.

Nash’sfaceglistenedwithsweatashecontemplatedtheflamesagain.Thenhequicklyloweredhis

backpackandwalkedtowardthem.

“Wait!”Ishouted.Likehim,Iwasn’tentirelysurethefirewouldn’tannihilateNashthesameasithad

theboulder.AsmuchasIwantedhishelp,Ididn’twanttowitnesshisfierydeath.

Nashignoredme.Hereachedtowardtheflameasthoughmesmerized,fingersextended.Iscrambledto

myfeet,ranathim,grabbedhimaroundthewaist,andtriedtoyankhimback.

Nashhadgoodinstincts.Hegrabbedmeandswungmeoutoftheway,andthemomentumputhim

squarelyintotheflames.

Thefireflaredwithglee.Nashwaslostinsideit,theflamescoveringhimlikeablanket.Iwatchedin

horror,andsodidMick,mecradlingmyarmthathadcometooclosetothefire.Bothofusknewwe
couldn’thelphim;wecouldonlywaitandseewhathappened.

Afterafewlong,sickeningminutes,Nash’sformbecameasolidsilhouetteinsidethefire,pushingthe

flamesaside.

No,notpushingthemaside.Absorbingthem.Yellowfireoutlinedhisbody,andflamesstreamedfrom

thewallsandceilingintohiscore.MickandIwatchedinastonishment,butNashstoodstillandtookit;
hedidn’tscream,andhedidn’tdie.

Assoonasthefirebeganpullingawayfromthecavernwalls,Mickmoved.Hisdragonbodyshrankin

onitself,thesinuouscurvesunwindinginfastmotion,hislongsnoutflatteningdowntoahumanface.And
thenhewasMick,thetallmanIlovedwithglitteringdragontattooscurlingdownhisarms.

Mickburstoutthroughtheholeinthefire,grabbedme,shovedmebackthroughthecrackintherock,

andhauledassbackuptheshaft.

Foranakedmanwho’djustbeenadragon,Mickcouldmove.Ilethimhalfcarry,halfdragmedown

thenarrowtunnel,thebeamofmyflashlightbouncingcrazilyoffthewalls.Myarmhurtlikehell,butmy
skinwasred,notblack.Nashhadtossedmeoutofthewayjustintime.

“WhataboutNash?”Ishouted.
Wereachedtheverticalshaft.Mickgrabbedtheharnessandsnappeditaroundme,notlisteningtomy

breathlessprotests.Hegrabbedtheropethathungfromaboveandstartedtoclimbout,handoverhand,
feetmovingonthewall,asthoughhewasborntoclimb,evenbare-assednaked.Ihadaverygoodview
ofhisbareassashescrambleduptheshaft.

Mickgainedthetopandstartedtopullmeup.Ibracedmyselfagainstthewallandtriedtohelp,butI

wasexhaustedandburned,andmyheadthrobbedlikefury.

Mickmercilesslydraggedmeupward.Finallytherope,harness,andIwentoverthelipoftheshaft

withoutimpediment,andthenMickrippedopenthebuckleswithstronghandsandhauledmeagainsthim.

Oh,gods,itfeltsogoodtohavehimholdmeagain.Mickwasabigman,madeofmuscle,hisflatface

andonce-brokennosesodamnbeautifultome.Iwrappedmyarmsaroundhimandheldon,lovingthe
heatofhisbodyandthesaltscentofit.

Hestartedkissingme,lipsrough,handsrovingmybodyasthoughhewantedtofeelallofmeatonce.I

kissedhimback,mytongueinhismouth,strokinghim,tastinghim.I’dnevergetenoughofhim.

Therisingsuntouchedmyface,andIfinallypulledback,pantingandbreathless.“WhataboutNash?”I

repeated.

Mickburiedhisfaceinmyneck.“Ifthefiredidn’tgethim,he’llbecoming.”
“Ifthefiredidn’tgethim,he’llbepissedatme.”
Hischucklewarmedmyheart.“Thattoo.”Heheldmyfaceinhishands,studiedmewithdarkblue

eyes.“Imissedyou,baby.”

Weheardagruntandagratingofrope,andNashappearedintheshaft,clingingtotheropeMickhad

tossedbackdown.Helookedunburned,hisclothesinplaceasthoughnothingworsehadhappenedtohim
thanahikethroughanoldmineshaft.

“Ihatetobreakupthehappyreunion,”hesaid,voiceasdryandsarcasticasusual,“butyouneedtolet

himgetdressedbeforewegodown,Begay.Idon’twanthisbareassonmynewseats.”

I’dhopedMickwouldturnbackintoadragonandflyusdown,butheshookhishead.“Thefuelforthat
firewasme.Itsiphonedoffeverybitofmymagic,andshiftingtohumantooktherestofit.Thedragon
councilfixeditsoIlockedmyowncage.”

“So,itwasthedragons?”Istudiedthenightskyworriedly,expectingtoseeflamesonthehorizonany

second.

“Don’tworry,”Micksaidbesideme.“Theywon’tcomeback.”
“Howdoyouknow?”
Insteadofanswering,Micktouchedthewhitebandageonmyhead,hisexpressiongrave.“What

happened?”

“Ihither,”Nashsaid.
Mickmightbedrainedofmagic,buthisfurywhenheswungonNashwouldhavemadealesserman

backdown.“Whatthefuck,Jones?”

NormallyI’ddelightinmysix-foot-sixbikerboyfriendglaringatNashwithdeath-promisingrage,butI

wasexhaustedandachingandIwantedtobeoutofthere.

“Hedidn’tmeanto,”Isaidquickly.“HethoughtIwasaninsurgent.”
“What?Shit.”
“ItriedtogethertogotoanER,”Nashsaidashestashedthingsinhisbackpack.“Sherefused.”
“Youshouldhavetriedharder,”Mickgrowled.
Tearsfilledmyvoice.“Notandleaveyououtheretrappedinsideamountain.Besides,Iwasunderthis

compulsionspell,remember?”

Mickcuppedmyfaceinhishandsagainandpeeredintomyeyes.“Itwasalightone;thatwasallI

couldcast.Itwouldn’thaveletyoudietryingtofulfillit.”

Irealizedthetruthofitatthesametimehesaidthewords.Thecompulsionspellhadledmetohim,but

ithadbeenmyownemotionsthathadmademesodeterminedtogettohim.“Doesn’tmatter.Icouldn’tgo
andleaveyououthere.”

Mick’stouchsoftenedonmyface.“Well,you’regoingnow.”
HesnatcheduptheclothesI’dbroughtforhimandquicklydressed,coveringhisnakedbody.I’d

broughthimhisleatherjacketaswell,notknowinghowcolditwouldbeuphere.Despitetherisingsun,
achillwindblewfiercelyalongtheridge,andMickshruggedintothejacket.

“Whichway?”heasked.
Nashsnappedofftheflashlight.Themountainstotheeastcastdeepshadows,buttheskyabovewas

alreadybrighteningtoblue.We’dmakeittolowerelevationsaboutthesametimethesundid,andthen
we’droast.

Nashsignaledustofollowhim,andwestartedbackdownthetrail,mestumblingandclingingto

Mick’shand.

“Howdoyouknowthedragonswon’tcomeback?”Irepeated.

“BecauseIknowthedragoncouncil,”Micksaid.“Escapingwasmepassingatest.Puttingmeback

wouldbecheating,andthey’dneverdoanythingsodishonorable.”

“Passingatest?”Thatdidnotsoundgood.
“Sortoflikememakingbail,orthemhonoringatruce.”
“Butwhatwouldhappenwhenyourmagicranout?”Iasked.“Thefirewoulddie?”
“No,I’dbedead,”Micksaid,notsoundingworried.“Buttheywouldn’thavekeptmeintherethat

long.WeneedtocatchuptoNash.”

Endofconversation.Nashwasmarchingataswiftpace,thesoldierinhimeatingupdistance.Mick

propelledmealong,keepingmetoobreathlesstoaskmorequestions,butnomatter.I’dgrillhimlater.

WecaughtuptoNashonthenarrowsaddlethatledtothenextchainofhills.Withoutthinking,Ilooked

overtheedgeoftheridge,andIbitbackahystericalcry.Thedawnlightshowedmewhatthedarkness
hadhidden—toeithersideofthepath,cliffsfellawayinripplesofgrayandblack,down,down,down
throughclumpsofsagebrushandcreosotetothedarknessatthebottom.

Isawsomethingelsedownthere.Eyes.Hundredsofthem.Faintwhitelightswirledatthebottomofthe

hilllikemist.Avortex.

Fromthevortex,demonswerecrawling.Theshardofmirrorinmypackstartedshrieking,drowning

outmyowncryofhorror.

Micklookedovertheside,sawwhatIsaw.“Aw,damnit.Up!”heshoutedatNash.“Backup!”
Hestartedhustlingmealongthepathbacktowardthemineshaft.Nashdidn’twastetimeasking

questionsandsprintedwithusupthetrail.

Thedemonsboiledafterus.I’dfoughtcreatureslikethisbefore,downinthedarkdesertofNevada,

foughtformylife.ThatwasthenightI’dmetMick,butthatnightI’dhadagoodstormtohelpmeout.This
morning,theskyaboveremainedstubbornlyclear,notevenabreathofwindtostirthedust.

Mickshovedmebehindhimandfacedtheonslaught.Hewasexhausted,Isawitintheslumpofhis

shoulders,andhe’djustsaidhewasdrainedofmagic.Nashpassedmethegunhe’dtakenfromthe
Nightwalkerplustwomagazines,butIknewitwouldn’tdomuchgoodagainstahordeofcrazeddemons.

Nashsighteddownhisnine-millimeteratthebeingswithleatherybodies,clawedhands,andbloodred

eyes.“Whatarethey?”

“Demons,”Mickansweredcurtly.
“Notthesteal-your-soul,take-you-to-hellkindofdemons,”Iputin.“Justthegarden-variety,kill-and-

eat-youdemons.”

Nashgavemearesignedlook,sighteddownhispistolagain,andfired.Theboomofthepistolechoed

intothemorning,andaroarfromahundreddemonthroatsansweredit.

Nash’sbullethitthefirstdemonsquareinthechest,andittumbledbackintoitsfellowsinashowerof

blood.Thedemonscameon.Nashfiredagain.

FlamesdancedinMick’shands,butIcouldtellhismagicwasatlowebb,verylittlerestoredyet.I

aimedthegunNashhadgivenme,sightingdownthebarrel.Ihatedguns.Iknewhowtouseone,because
Mickhadtaughtme,butwhenIfinallymademyselfpullthetrigger,thekicksentmereeling.Ifellflaton
myback,alreadyoffbalancefrommyheadinjury.Theacridsmellofthegun,plustheroarofit,mademe
wanttopuke,andIcouldn’teventellifI’dhitthedemon.

Mickwasfightingwithfists,Nashshooting,andstillthethingscameon.Atthisrate,thedemonswould

leaveourshreddedbitsoverthemountain,andtherangerswouldassumewe’dbeenmauledbybearsora
puma.Iwonderedifanybitswouldbeidentifiable.

DemonsboiledatNashlikeahordeofcockroaches,andhewasswearingandshooting,fallingtohis

knees.Micksagged,hisbodygleamingwithsweat,hisfirefading.Thedemonsswarmedoverhim,
jumpingonhisback,dragginghimdowntofeastonthefleshofthemanIloved.

Itossedmygunintothepackandstoodup,somethingwildsurginginsideme.Isuddenlyfeltstrong,

adept,fearless;thesuretythatIcouldkillthedemonsandsavethedayrisinginanamalgamofwhite-hot
heatandblindinglight.Iraisedmyhands,andlightpouredoutofmypalms,justasinthevisionsI’dhad
tonight.

Aterribleglowlitupthemountainandflowedlikeadelugetowardthedemons.Thewhitelight

engulfedthedemons,Mick,Nash,theridge.Rocksexplodedintorubbleandrainedintothecrevice,and
thedemonsscreamedastheybegantofallwithit.Treesontheridgeaboveusburstintoflame,grasses
cracklinginthegraymorninglight.

AssoonasthedemonsfellfromMick,hesprangtohisfeet,grabbedNash,anddraggedhimawayfrom

themewling,desperatedemonsandthewhitelight.Iliftedmyhandshigher,mylaughterbooming.Words
cameoutofmymouth,andIdidn’tunderstandoneofthem.Iwasn’tspeakingDinéoranyotherIndian
languageIknew,orEnglish,orLatin,orSpanish.

Thedemonsranfromme,plungingovertheprecipice,screamingastheydropped.Mywalloflight

followedthemdown.Itkilledallofthedemons,andthenthelightincineratedthem.Themagicinme
killedeverysingledemon,allthewaydownintothevortex,andoncetheywerenothingbutash,my
magicsnappedthevortexclosed.

IturnedtofaceNashandMick,whowatchedfromalittlewayaway,bothofthemcoveredwithbloody

bitemarks.Mick’seyeshadgoneblackallthewayacross,andthewayhelookedatmeshouldhave
terrifiedthehelloutofme.

Ilaughed.“Hi,boys,”Isaid,raisingmyhandsagain.“Wanttoplay?”
Therocksinfrontofthemexploded.Thetwomenscrambledoutofthewayoftheensuingrainof

gravel,andNashtrainedhispistolonme.“Whythehellarehereyesgreen?”Iheardhimshout.

“Janet.”Mick’svoicewasharshwithwarning.“Stop.”
Ihadnocluehowtostop.I’dkilledthedemons,allofthem,completingthetaskIshouldhave

completedthatnightsixyearsago.NowIwantedtocrushtheentiremountain,findthedragonswho’d
imprisonedMickinitandimprisonthemtoo.

Mickstartedforme.Braveman.IknewIcouldstophim,enslavehim,makehimobeyme.Mickhad

theabilitytoabsorbmystormpowersandnotbehurtbythem,butIknewgoodandwellthathecouldn’t
survivethemagicinmenow.

“Icommandyou,”Isaid,powerboilingupinsideme.“Youaremine.”
ThewhitelightwrappedaroundMick,andhesnarled.Andthen,withoutwarning,themagicblinked

out.

Thelightdied,andwithitwentthelastofmystrength.Ifellandstartedslidingtowardtheedgeofthe

gorge,myfatalplungestoppedbyasingleboulderthathookedmearoundthewaist.Beneathme,the
rockstumbledovertheside,bouncingandrattlingforhundredsoffeettothemistsofthevortex,which
fadedintotherisingsun.

Six

IwokeuphangingfacedownonMick’sback.Itwasdamnhot,andIfeltasthoughsomeonehadpoured
cleanserintomybodyandscrubbedmyinsideswithawirebrush.

AssoonasIgroaned,Mickstoppedandlaidmegentlyontheground.BothMickandNashwere

breathinghardandsweating,smearedwithdriedbloodwherethedemonshadclawedandbittenthem.
Mick’swildlycurlyblackhairhungacrosshisface,andhisblueeyesglitteredbehindit.

“Areyouallright?”Icroaked.
“Weshouldbeaskingyouthat,”Nashsaidinclippedtones.
MickwaswatchingmeinawayIdidn’tlike.Hisfaceborethewarylookofamanwhosetrained

animalhadsuddenlyremembereditswildnessandturnedonhim.

“Mick,don’t,”Isaid.
“Youreyeschangedcolor,”hesaid.“Toverylightgreen.Likeice.”
Fearkickedmeinthegutandkeptonkicking.“Mymotherisn’tinsideme,Isweartoyou.Iknowhow

thatfeels.Wesealedhervortex,Mick,youandme.Eventhecracksaresealed.She’strapped.”

Nashcrouchednexttous,hisgunout.“Whatthehellareyoutwotalkingabout?”
MickbrokeinbeforeIcoulddrawbreathtoanswer.Justaswell.Explainingthiswasbeyondme.
“Theentityyousawcomingoutofthevortexlastspring,”Micksaid.“Sheisagoddess,trappedinthe

worldBeneath.ShecreatedJanet,eventhoughJanetwasbornofhumanparents.Sheis,inessence,
Janet’smother.Shehastheabilitytopossesswomen.Orhad.”

Nashstaredatme.“Thatthingwasyourmother?”
“We’renotresponsibleforourparents,”Itriedtojoke.
“You’vealwayshadherBeneathmagicinyou,”Micksaid.“Whendidyoulearntochannelitso

well?”

Hisvoicewasquiet,dark,waiting.“Ididn’t,”Isaid.“IhavenoideahowIusedthatmagic,Ipromise

you.Ijustdidit.”

Nashunfoldednexttome.“Goodthingyoudid.Wewouldn’thavesurvivedthatattack.”
Istilldidn’tlikethewayMickwatchedme.Hewasn’tgoingtoletitgo,andIhadthefeelingthatme

bustinghimoutofthatcaveandthensavinghislifewouldn’tmitigatethings.Myconnectiontomy
goddessmotherandthepowersofBeneathweretheveryreasonsalldragons,including,atonetime,
Mick,wantedmedead.

“We’lltalkaboutitlater,”hesaid.“It’sgoingtogethothere,quick.”
Itwasalreadyhot,thesunstreamingovertheeasternmountains,bringinganotherdayofheattothe

valleyfloor.Mickcarriedmeagain,anditgothotteraswedescended,thewhitealkaliflatsreflectingthe
sunlightinbrightwaves.IrememberedreadingastatisticthatthegroundtemperatureinDeathValley
couldreachtwohundreddegreesduringtheday.Youcouldmakefrybreadonthat.Salty,sandyfrybread.
Igiggled.

Mickstoppedandfedmewater.“She’sdelirious,”hesaid.
“Notmuchfarther,”Nashpromised.
Lowerandlowerwewent,asthemorninggrewhotter.IhungupsidedownoverMick’sshoulderand

quietlystarteddying.Sunplayedonthepalesanddunesanddryflats,forcingmyeyesshutagainstthe
brightness.

Mickfinallystoppedandloweredmetomyfeet.Westoodonblackpavement,aroad,andmyheart

leapt.IneverthoughtI’deverbesohappytoseeasphaltinmylife.

Whentherushingsoundinmyearsclearedalittle,IheardNashswearing.

“What’swrong?”Itriedtoask.
Nashwasshoutingfoulandfilthywords.Paralleltiretracksshowedwhereatruckhadbeendrivenoff

theroad,butofNash’sshinynewblackpickup,therewasnosign.

“Sonofabitch!”Nashkickedthedirt,sendingupspraysoffinegravel.Iknewhewasn’tangryabout
beingstrandedinthemiddleofDeathValleywithnotransportationandlittlewater—hewaspissedthat
someonehaddaredtotouchhisbelovedtruck.

Mickgavemewateragain,andIslumpedagainsthissidetodrink.“Wherearewe?”Iheardhimask.
“AboutthirtymilesfromStovepipeWells,”Nashsaid.
“Wewalkit,then.Wecan’taffordtowait.”
Ididn’twanttohearthat,andIwasabouttoarguewithhim,tobeghimtoletmeliedownrighthere

andgotosleep,whenIheardtheblissfulsoundofacarengine.Itwasn’tNash’sbigtruckbutanolder,
dust-coveredpickupwithitswindowsdown,bumpingtowardusalongtheroad.Threepeoplecrowded
intothecabandseveralmorerodeinthebed.

Thetruckstoppedbesideus,itsenginechugginglikeasteamboat’s.ANativeAmericanmanleanedout

thewindowandlookedusover.“Hey,youfolkslost?”

Mickdidn’thesitate.“Sheneedsadoctor.”
Ayoungwomanpeeredoverthedriver’sshoulder.“We’regoingintoBeatty,”shesaid.“Comeonwith

us,ifyouwant.”

Achubbyyouthobliginglyvacatedhisseatinthecabandhoppedintothetruckbed.Theyoungwoman

remained,helpingMickslidemeinnexttoher.Mickbuckledaseatbeltaroundmebeforehekissedmy
forehead,shutthedoor,andclimbedintothebackwithNash.

Thetruckhadnoair-conditioning,buttheopenwindowsadmittedadrybreezethatstillheldmorning

coolfromthemountains.Myrescuersdiscussedsomethingaswepulledaway,usingaNativeAmerican
languageIdidn’tknow.IftheywerefromDeathValleyitself,they’dbeShoshone,fromthetribethatlived
inthesouthernpartofthevalley.

Thegirlturnedtome.“I’mBeth,”shesaid.“That’smydadandmygood-for-nothingbrothersinthe

back.”

“Janet,”Icroaked.“Really,reallypleasedtomeetyou.”Bethwascollegeage,Iguessed,maybeabout

twentyortwenty-one.Sheshotmeagrin.“Thatwhiteguywiththegrayeyesiscute.Whoishe?”

“HisnameisNashJones.ThesheriffofHopiCounty.InArizona,”Iaddedwhenshelookedblank.
“Yeah?”Beth’sdadsaid.“What’shedoingouthere?”
“Hiking.”Well,itwaspartlytrue.
BethlookedthroughthebackwindowatNashagain.“Well,heissurecute.Hehaveagirlfriend?”
DidMayaMedinaqualifyashisgirlfriend?“It’shardtosay.Haveyouseenabrand-newblackFord

250outhere?IthinkNashlovesitmorethananygirlfriend.”

“Nope,”Beth’sdadsaid.“You’refromArizona,huh?Whattribe?”
“Diné,”Isaid,copyinghislaconicstyle.
Hedidn’tmakeanyreplytothat,andneitherdidBeth,andmyeyelidsdrooped.AsIdriftedtoward

sleep,myvisionstartedtoplaytricksonme.ThroughmyeyelashesIsawBeth,butIalsosawa
shimmeringlightsuperimposedonherandananimalshape—withfeatherywings?Wings?Werethey
Changers?

Beth’sdadglowedalittletoo.Hewasatonceablack-hairedNativeAmericanindustyjeans,anda

shiningcreatureIcouldn’tidentify.Weretheyaliens,maybe?Igiggled.

“Youokay?”Bethaskedme.
IthinkInodded,buttheworldwasgoingdark.Itoccurredtomethatwe’dbeenveryluckythatthey’d

happenedbyjustatthetimewe’dmadeittotheroad,asthoughthey’dknownwe’dbeintroubleand
exactlywheretofindus.

Guardianangels?
“Didmygrandmotherputyouuptothis?”Itriedtoask.
Bethgavemeaworriedlookandtouchedmyforehead.ShewhisperedsoothingwordsinShoshone,

andmyeyesdriftedclosedagain.Whentheyopened,Iwaslyingaloneinahospitalbedwithwhite
curtainsaroundit,andtherideinthepickupwasfadinglikeadream.

IfirstnoticedthatIwascoolandnotthirsty,andthenInoticedthatIfeltnopain.Notaniota.Infact,Ifelt
prettygood.

“Mm,”Isaidinsatisfaction.
Thecurtainopened,andtherewasMick,cleanedupalittle,butstillintheT-shirtandjeansI’dstuffed

intomybackpackforhim.Hisarmsandfacewerecoveredwithgougesfromthedemons,butthewounds
wereclosed.

“Hey,Mick.”Iheldoutmyhand.“Comeandgetintobedwithme.”
Mick’ssmilewarmedhisface—gods,howI’dmissedthatsmile—buthiseyeswerestillwatchful.
“Soundslikeyou’refeelingbetter.”
Iwantedtothrowmyarmsaroundhimandpullhimdowntome,butmyarmsfeltlikerubber,andthey

werefilledwithtubes.Ialsohadabigbandageonmyhead.Nopain,butthebandagewasawkward.

“Shesoundshigh.”IsawNashJonesonachairbehindMick,amagazineinhishands.“Whatdidthey

giveher?”

Ismiled.“Whateveritis,Ilikeit.”
“Youhadaconcussion,sweetheart,”Micksaid.“Plusdehydration,thebeginningofsunstroke,anda

third-degreeburnonyourarm.Liebackandtakeiteasy.”

Inotherwords,IwasluckymyguardianangelsgotmeherebeforeIkeeledover.“Youfindyourtruck,

Nash?”

“No.”Theanswerwasshort,irritated.“IhavetheparkrangersandsheriffsinbothNevadaand

Californiaonalertforit.”

“Mustbenicetohavesomuchpower.”
Hegavemeanoncommittalgrunt.
“Iwanttogohome,”Isaid.
Micksmoothedmyhair.“Notjustyet,baby.Yougetbetter,thenwe’llgo.”
“Turnaround,”Isaid,mymindrelaxing.“Iwanttolookatyourass.I’vemissedyourass.”
“Canyougagher?”Nashgrowled.
“Hey,yourassisn’tsobadeither,”Itoldhim.
“Please,gagher,”Nashsaid.
Fearworkeditswaythroughthesoothingdrug.“Mick,whyareyousocertainthedragonswon’tcome

afteryou?Whatwereyoutalkingabout—makingbail?Whatthehelldoesthatmean?”

“Janet.”Micksatontheedgeofthebedandtookmyhandsinhiswarmones.Withmusclesandhis

tattooshelookedlikeabig,badbiker—andhewas—buttome,hecouldbegentlenessitself.Evenso,
therewassomepartofhimalwayswaryaroundme,andmylittledisplayonthemountainhadheightened
that.“LikeItoldyou,itwasatestofmyresources,theequivalentofahumanputtingtogetherenough
moneytogetoutonbail.Theywon’tlockmeinagain,butI’mhonor-boundtoturnupatthetrial.They
knowI’llshowup;it’sadragonthing.”

Mymouthpoppedopened.“Trial?”
“Forbreakingdragonlaw,forlettingyoulive.”Mick’sgazeheldmine,thatdeep,ancientgazethat

betrayedhownonhumanhetrulywas.“Whentheyconvictmeatthetrial,thentherewillbenoescape
fromthat.”

Theproblemwithgooddrugsisthattheywearoff.BythetimethedoctorsdecidedIwaswellenoughto
gohomethenextmorning,Iwashungoverandaching.Ihadmedstostaveofftheworstofthepain,butI
wasstiffandsore,myskinsmartingfromboththefireinthecaveandthebrutalsunofDeathValley.

IdiscoveredonceIwascoherentthatweweren’tinBeatty,asmalltownjustinsidetheNevadaborder,

butinLasVegas.

“YoumadethosepeopledriveusallthewaytoLasVegas?”Iaskedinsurprise.
“Theywantedto,”Micksaid.“Theywereworriedaboutyou,andIwantedyouatthebestpossible

hospital.”

IrememberedmyconvictioninthetruckthatBethandherfamilyweresomekindofmysticalbeings,

likeangelsorgods.Hadthatbeenreal?Orpainhallucination?I’dbeenhalf-goneonsunstrokeatthetime,
sowhoknewwhatI’dreallyseen.

MickrentedanSUVtogetushome,butNashinsistedondriving.IwantedtogrillMickaboutthe

dragontrial,butthemedskeptmetoodrowsy,andIsleptfitfullyinthebackseat,myheadonMick’slap.
AnytimeIslidfromsleep,IfoundMick’scomfortinghandonmyshoulder,heardhimwhisperinghealing
spellsoverme.I’ddriftoffagain,dreamingofchasingNightwalkersanddemonsaroundMagellan,
demandingthattheypaytheirhotelbills.

WhenInextwoke,IwasinMick’sarms,beingcarriedintothehotelthroughthebackdoor.Ashorthall

ledtomybedroomandbathroom,withadoorbeyondmysuiteleadingintothehotelitself.Throughthis
entranceIcouldcomeandgowhenIpleased,withouthavingtopassanyoftheguestsorreception.

IblessedtheprivacyasMickcarriedmeinfromthewarmafternoontothecoolshadowsofmy

bedroomandlaidmeonthebed.Hequicklyandcompetentlyundressedme,whileIlaythereandenjoyed
it.Whathealingspellshe’ddoneonmeduringthedrivemademefeelbetter,thoughIstillhadalongway
togo.

Micktuckedmeintobedanddisappearedintothebathroom,andIheardtheshowergoon.Ilistenedto

himcleaninghimselfupandwasstillawakewhenhecameout.

“Mick.”
Helookeddownatmewhilehetoweledhishair,injeansbutwithhistorsobare.Hehadthebestbody

I’deverseen,six-packabsandmuscularchest,hisbicepshardandsmooth.Adragontattoocurleddown
eacharm,theirblackeyesseemingtoglitterwithlife.Theykepthisdragonessence,he’doncetoldme,
holdingthatpartofhimwhilehewalkedaroundinhumanform.

“Youneedtotellmemoreaboutthisdragontrial,”Isaid.
Mickwrappedthetowelaroundhisneckandheldontobothends.“No,whatyouneedistosleep.”
“I’mtiredofsleeping.Whatdidyoumeanwhenyousaid,whentheyconvictyou?Don’tyoumeanif?”
“That’snothowdragontrialswork.Guiltisalreadyproved.Thetrialismoretocleartheair,butthe

factthatthey’reholdingoneatallgivesmesomehope.”

Howhecouldtalksocalmlyaboutit,Ihadnoidea.“Hope?Howcanatrialinwhichthey’vealready

foundyouguiltygiveyouhope?”

“Becauseeventhoughyouopenedthevortexes,astheyfeared,wesealedthemagain,mitigatingthe

threat.Thatactchangedtheorderforimmediateexecutiontooneofatrial.Itgivesmeachance.”

“Thisisbullshit.”Iwantedtoleapoutofbed,huntdownthisdamneddragoncouncil,andtellthem

whatIthought.“Takemetothedragons.Letmetalktothem.”

WryamusementdancedinMick’seyes.“I’mnotlettingyouanywherenearthedragoncouncil,orthem

anywherenearyou.Whatyou’regoingtodoisstayoutofitandgetbetter.”

Likehell.Ididn’thavethevaguestideahowtofindthedragonsandtheircouncil,butI’dhuntthem

downandwringtheirscalynecksifitwasthelastthingIdid.

“Damnit,Mick,”Isaid.“Yousaidtheyknowyou’llshowupatthetrialeveniftheydon’tforceyou

there.Whywouldyougo?WhynotflyawaytoAntarcticaorsomething?”

“IfIdon’tappearonthetrialdate,I’llbeimmediatelyhunteddownandkilled.Antarcticawouldn’t

help,andbesides,it’stoocoldforme.”Hesmiled,asthoughhefoundmyhumanignorancefunny.“I
wouldalsobedishonoredifIdidn’tgo,andhonoriseverythingtoadragon.Evenifmysentenceis
execution,myhonorwillremainintact.”

“Well,thankthegodsforthat.”
“Iknowyoudon’tunderstand.ButtherearethingsIcandoinmydefense,andImightbeableto

persuadethemtogivemeapunishmentIcansurvive.”

“Shit,Mick,don’tblindmewithyouroptimism.”
“Youwon’thavetoworryaboutthis,sweetheart.Whentheyschedulethetrial,I’llgo,takemy

punishment,anddomydamndesttogetbacktoyou.”

“You’renotgoingalone.Thedragonsareallhottokillyoubecauseofme,andI’mgoingwithyou.”
Micklosthissmile.Heturnedfromthebedandreachedforhisshirt.“No,youarenot.It’sfartoo

dangerousforahuman,andIdon’ttrustthatoneofthemwon’ttrytokillyouassoonasmybackisturned.
Theydon’tlikeyou,andyourlittledisplayupontheridgehasn’tmadethingsanybetter.”

“My‘littledisplay’savedyourlife.Whichyou’reabouttothrowawaywhenyougotothisfucking

trial.”

“Idon’thaveachoice,”hesaid,wordsclipped.
Iputmyhandstomyachinghead.“Shit,Mick.Idon’twantthis.Idon’twantanyofthis.Whycan’twe

justhaveanormalrelationship?”

Mick’sfacesoftened.“AStormwalkerandadragon?Notinthisworld.”Heleanedtome,hisbody

hardandwarm,hisfistsfirmonthemattress.“Janet,sweetheart,I’dathousandtimesratherhavewhatI
havewithyouthanany‘normal’relationshipwithanyoneelse.”

ThatwasmorewhatIwantedtohear.Hisskinwashotanddamp,hisbreathwarm,andI’dmissedhim

somuch.Ibrushedmythumboverhiswrist.“Stayanddosomehealingmagicwithme?”

Tomyvastdisappointment,Mickshookhisheadandstraightenedup.“Sorry,sweetheart.I’mstill

prettyweak.ThelittlehealingIdidonthedrivebackwasallIhadfornow.”

Ishiftedoverinthebed,givinghimplentyofroom.“Youdoknowthataskingyoutodohealingmagic

ismysubtlewayofsaying‘cometobedandscrewmybrainsout’?”

Mickdidn’tsmile.“You’retired,love.Idon’twanttohurtyou.”
“Justhavingyouinbedwithmewillhelpmefeelbetter.Imissedyou,Mick.Iwassoworriedabout

you.”

“Janet.”
Iheardthe“no”inhisvoice.Myheartached.NeversinceI’dmetMickhadhebeenanythingbuthappy

toslidebetweenthesheetswithme.Ineededtoreassuremyselfthathewasbackwithmeandunhurt.

Ifoldedmyarms.“NexttimeI’llleaveyouatthebottomofthedamnedshaft.”
Mickleanedtomeagain,closerthistime,hisbreathhot.“Whatyoudon’tunderstand,Janet,isthatI

wantyousobadrightnowthatIwouldn’tbeabletostopmyself.ThethingsI’dwanttodotoyouwould
hurtyou,maybeputyoubackinthehospital.Isthatwhatyouwant?”

Theroughnoteinhisvoicerippledagreeableheatthroughme.Igavehimatiredsmile.“IthinkI

wouldn’tmind.”

Mickwasstrong,nevermindthathismagicwasatalowebb.Gods,thatturnedmeon.
“ButI’dmind.”Hestoodup.“I’dhurtyou,baby,becauserightnowIwouldn’tbeabletocontrol

myself.I’mstrong,andyou’reinjured,andI’dtakeadvantage.Idon’twanttohavetolivewiththat.”He

turnedaway,butnotbeforeIsawhishandsshaking.

“Mick,”Icalledbeforeheopenedthedoor.
Helookedback,somuchpainonhisfacethatIalmostrelented.Almost.
“Youdohavethesweetestass,”Isaid.
Hegrowledsomething,duckedoutintothesunlight,andslammedthedoor.
Igruntedandlostmysmile.Mickwassexyassin,butIstillhadonehellofaheadache.

WhenIwokeupagain,thesunwassetting,andIfeltbetter.ThehealingspellsMickhaddoneonmein
theSUVhadhelped,andIdidafewonmyselfwhileIshowered,butIcouldhavedonesomuchmoreif
Mickhadstayed.He’dtaughtmethepowerofTantra,andtogetherwe’dworkedsomebrilliantmagic.
Thewardsthatsecuredthishotelwerefullofit.

IstillhadabandageonmyheadwhenIwalkedouttothereceptionarea,thoughmyarmfeltwell

enoughthatIcouldleavethatbandageoff.Itwassixintheafternoon,andthehotelandlobbywerequiet.
Touristseasonwaswindingdown,andweweren’tfull,whichwasfinewithmetoday.

Cassandrasatbehindthereceptiondeskathercomputer.Thebruiseshe’dsustainedinthefightwith

Pamelawasgone,probablymagickedaway.Sheworeanelegantblacksilkpantsuitwitharust-colored
blouse,herblondhairinitsusualFrenchbraid.Apairoftastefulsilverandonyxearringsclaspedher
lobes,andsheworeonesilverringwithHopidesignsonhermiddlefinger.

“Micktoldmeabouttherescueandthedemonattack,”Cassandrasaid,flickingmeaglancefromher

screen.“Areyouallright?”

IwonderedhowmuchMickhadrelatedaboutmyroleinit,butCassandraonlylookedconcerned.“I’ll

live.”Ishrugged.“WhereisMick?”

CassandrahadgottenusedtothefactthatIdidn’talwaysknowwheremyboyfriendwas.“Hesaidhe

haderrandstoruninFlatMesa.”

Fine.Hemightbelievethedragonswouldn’tcapturehimagain,butIstillworried.
“Anydisastershere?”IaskedCassandra.
“Dependsonwhatyoumeanbydisaster.Hadaproblemwithafaucetinroomsix,butFremontfixedit.

Iwasjustpayinghisinvoice.Butthemagicmirrordidrunoffoneoftheguestslastnight.”

Igrippedthecounter,bracingmyselffortheworst.Normalhumanbeingscouldn’thearthemirror,but

Cassandra,beingmagical,ofcourse,could.

“Tellme,”Isaid.“Howdidthemirrormanagetorunoffaguest?”
“Itwasodd.”Cassandrafinishedtheinvoiceasshetalked,amodelofmultitaskingefficiency.“Ididn’t

thinkthemanwasasupernatural.HeregisteredasJimMohan,saidhewasfromSouthDakotaoutvisiting
theSouthwest.Hiscreditcardcheckedout,andhisauralookednormal—humanandunthreatening.He
wasquiet,interestedinthetouristattractions,andaskedthewaytotheHomol’oviruins.Itoldhimthat
theparkwasclosed,buthesaidhe’dcomeallthiswaytophotographthem.Hewentupthereanyway,
yesterdayafternoon,andshowedmehispictureswhenhecameback.Lastnight,whenhewalkedintothe
saloonforadrink,themirrorwentballistic,shriekingandscreamingandswearinglikeI’veneverheard
before.Itriedtoshutitup,butitwouldn’tlistentome.Pamelaeventhrewherdrinkatit.”

Iliftedmybrows.“Pamela’sstillhere?”
“Shedecidedshewantedtostayacoupleofdays,”Cassandrasaid,hervoiceneutral.“Wehadaroom,

soshebookedit.Imadesureshewasgoodforthefee.”

Ihadnodoubt.“SowhatwasthisJimguy?Asorcerer?”
“That’sjustit.Idon’tknow,butJimcoulddefinitelyhearthemirror.Hewentsheetwhite,andthe

mirrorkeptyellingathim,callinghimnamesandspewingthefilthiestlanguageI’veeverheard.Jimran
outofthesaloondoortotheparkinglot,andIneversawhimagain.”

“Stiffinguswiththebill,youmean.”
“Ichargedhiscardforthetwonightshe’dbooked.Ifhewantstodisputeit,fine,buthe’llhavetogo

throughhiscreditcardcompany.”

ThatwasCassandra,cuttingtotheessentials.“Didheleavehisstuff?”
“Yes;IwasgoingtohaveJuanapackeverythingupandputitinstorage,buttheroom’snotbookedfor

anothercoupleofdays.”

“LeavehisthingsuntilIhaveachancetolookthroughthem,”Isaid.“I’dliketoknowwhatheis.Nota

Nightwalker?”

“Definitelynot.I’dhavesensedthat.Plus,heateplentyoffoodandwentoutinbroaddaylight.Nota

Changer,either,orsoPamelasays.”

“Whatdidthemirrorsayhewas?”
“Itdidn’t.Ihaven’tbeenabletogetausefulwordoutofitabouttheincident.”
Thatdidn’tbodewell.ThemirrorusuallylistenedtoCassandra,eventhoughtechnically,itwas

supposedtoobeyonlymeandMick,becausewe’dwokenitfromitsdormancywithoneofourTantric
spells.WheneverIthreatenedtomuzzlethething,themirrorwouldburble,“Oh,honey,youwouldn’tdo
that,”andwouldkeeprightontalking,butwhenCassandratoldittoshutup,itdid.Itwasinaweof
Cassandra,andifshehadn’tbeenabletomakeitspeak,itmusthavebeenscaredinabadway.

ThankingCassandra,Iwentintothesaloon.
Therestoredsaloonwasallpolishedwoodandbrass,old-fashionedbutnotkitschy.Weservedlight

mealsinherestartingatbreakfastanddrinkswellintothenight.

Thebrokenmagicmirrorhungoverthebar.Aholehadbeenblowninthemiddleofit,andspiderweb

cracksradiatedouttotheframe.Ineededtogetitfixed,buttherewerefewmagesinthecountrywho
could,andIwasstilllookingforone.

Afewguestssatatatablenearthewindow,butthebartenderhadduckedoutsomewhere.Inoddedto

thecoupleandwentbehindthebar,pickeduptheicetongsandaglass,andhelpedmyselftoacooldrink
ofwater.

“Sowhatwashe?”Imurmuredtothemirror.“Theguyyouscaredofflastnight.JimfromSouth

Dakota.”

“Idon’twanttotalkaboutit,sweetcheeks,”themirrorsaidinasmallvoice.
Iheldontomypatience.“Iorderyoutotellme.”
“Oh,honey,that’ssounfair.”Iheardtinklingasthemirrorshuddered.“Hisaura—ohmyGod,itwas

likeatarpit.Bewarehim,sugar-pie.He’spureevil.”

Seven

Pureevil.Terrific.

Ikeptmyvoicecalm,notwantingtosendthemirrorintoanincoherentpanic.“Washedemon?”
“He’sadangertoyou.Toallofus.”
“Howdoyouknowthat?”
Themirror’svoicedroppedtoawhisper.“BecauseIcanseethedarkontheotherside.”
“Cutthedrama.Hewasn’tfromBeneath,washe?”
“Idon’tknow,girlfriend.Similarfeel,butdifferent.”
Veryclear.IdidnotwanttodealwithanymorebeingsfromBeneath,buttherewasstillplentyofevil

upherewiththerestofus.“Youreallydon’tknowwhathewas?”

“No,hotpants.Sorry.”
“Well,ifyourememberanythingelse,letmeknow.”
“Surething.Tellyouwhat,givemealittletongue,andI’llseewhatIcanthinkof.”
Thethingneverstopped.“You’reamirror,”Iremindedit.“Youdon’thavebodyparts.”
“Hey,honey,Icandream.”
Thebartendercamebackin.HewashumanandhadnoideawhyIkeptabrokenmirroronthewallthat

Isometimestalkedto.Liketherestofmynon-magicalstaff,hethoughtIwasalittlecrazy.Ismiledathim,
putmyemptyglassinthesink,andleftwithoutsayinggood-byetothemirror.

Iwasitchy,andIwashungry,butIdidn’twanttodisturbthetemperamentalchefwhowaspreppingfor

dinnerinthevastkitchen.ShewasanApachewomanwithagiftforcuisine,who’dtrainedatthebest
restaurantsinNewYorkandChicago.Whenaskedwhyshewantedthejobhere,shesaidshewanted
somethingnearhergrandchildreninWhiteriver.Elenawasn’tthemostpleasantwomantobearound,but
hersweetcorntamalesweretodiefor.

IwantedtotalktoMickagainnowthatIwasmorecoherent,andIwantedMickforother,morebasic

reasonsaswell.Buthe’dnotreturned,soIleftthehotelandrodemyHarleythroughabrilliantsunsetto
thedinerinMagellan.

Thedinerwasfulloflocalstonight,includingthechiefofpoliceandhiswife.Theplacewascramped

becausepartofithadbeenbarricadedbyatemporarywall,anextendeddiningroombeingbuiltbehind
it.Therestoftheroomwasplentycrowded.

Itookthelastopenseatatthediner’scounternexttoamanwhowasastallandmuscularasMick.He

worejeansandajeansjacket,hisblackcowboybootsproppedontherailunderthestools.Hewas
NativeAmerican,andhisblackhairhunginathickbraiddownhisback.

“Wherethehellhaveyoubeen?”Iaskedhim.
Coyoteshruggedhismassiveshoulders.“Around.”Hisliquiddarkeyestookinmybandages.“Where

thehellhaveyoubeen?”

“FindingMick.Icouldhaveusedyourhelp.”
Thewaitresswhizzeddownthecounter,coffeepotinhand,andaskedmewhatIwanted.Isaid,“The

usual,”andsheshouted,“Burger,extracheese!”intothekitchen.

“Iseeyoumadeitbackalive,”Coyotesaidaftershe’dgone.
“Andalmostdiedalongtheway.Abighordeofdemonsattackedus.”
“You’restillinonepiece,obviously.”
“ButifI’dhavehadsomeonealong,like—Idon’tknow—agod,torescueMick,I’dbehappyand

wholeandnotonmedication.”

Coyoteshotmeagrin.“Adversitybuildscharacter.”

“Ihaveplentyofcharacter,thanks.”
Hissmilefaded,andCoyotelookedatmewithhisgodeyes,theonesthatsawintoeverycornerofmy

being.“YourBeneathmagiccameouttoplay,didn’tit?”

Imovedmywaterglassandtracedtheringitleftbehind.“Andhowdidyouknowthat?”
“It’smarkedyou.Youneedtolearntonotuseit,Janet.It’sdangerous,andthere’ssomuchcoming.”
“IfIlivethatlong,”Isaid.
“Yes.Ifyoulivethatlong.”
Neverturntoatrickstergodforcomfort.BeforeIcouldaskwhathemeant,thewaitressslidmyburger

infrontofmeandslappedthechecknexttoit.SheknewIneverordereddessert.

Itookabigbiteofjuicyburger,thecheesemeltedjustright.Isighedinsatisfaction.Hospitalfoodhad

beenJellOandcrackers.

Thecouplewho’dbeensittingtomyleftdeparted,andawomaninwhitecoverallsslidintooneof

theirvacatedseats.Shetookherwhitecapfromherhead,shookoutherlongblackcurls,andfixedme
withanaccusingstare.

“Whatthehell,Janet?”shesaid.“HalfthetownwashappytotellmethatyourodeoffwithNashinhis

newtrucktwonightsago.”

Iwipedburgergreasefrommylips.“IneededhishelptorescueMick.”
MayaMedinagavemeanothermeasuredstare.She’dalwayshadthenotionthatNash,herformer

boyfriend,wasinterestedinmesexually.Hewasn’t.

“So,isMickallright?”sheaskedme.
“Heisnow.”
“Good.”
Itookanotherbiteoftheburger,chewed,andswallowed,savoringthewarm,gooeycheese.“Nashgot

histruckstolenoutinDeathValley.”

Maya’sgrinbrokeoutlikesunshineafterrain.“Good.”Shetossedherhattothecounter.“Buymea

drink,andIwon’tkillyou.”

IstoppedthewaitressandorderedMayaabeer.Nottequila—Iknewfromexperiencethatshedidn’t

handleitwell.

AsMayatippedherheadbackandsavoredthebeer,IturnedbacktoCoyote,buttheseatnexttome

wasempty.

“Ihatewhenhedoesthat,”Igrowled.
“Whenwhodoeswhat?”Mayaasked.
“Coyote.Whenhevanisheslikethat.”
Shegavemeaconfusedlook.“Coyote?”
“Hewasjusthere.Pleasedon’ttellmehestuckmewithhisbill.”
Maya’sfrowndeepened.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?Noonewassittingnexttoyou,andIhaven’t

seenCoyoteinweeks.”

Iopenedmymouthtoargue;thenIcloseditagainandtouchedthebandagepeekingoutfromundermy

hair.“Nevermindme.Igothitonthehead.”

Isensedanotherpresencebehindme,andMayasaid,“Hey,Mick,”amomentbeforeMickslidontothe

stoolwhereCoyotehadbeen.Heputhishandonmythighandkissedmeonmyketchup-smearedlips.
“Youallright?”heaskedme.

“Hungry.”Ilickedmyfingers.“DidyouseeCoyoteonyourwayin?”
“Coyote?”Micklookedpuzzled.“No.”
“Ihatewhenhedoesthattoo,”Imuttered.
“Doeswhat?”
“MakesmethinkI’mcrazy.”IknewCoyotehadreallybeenthere,warningmeinhiscrypticwayof

somemysteriousdanger.Butgodscanrevealthemselvestowhomevertheypleaseandhidewhenthey
wantto.Iwonderedifhe’dgottenawaywithstiffingthedinerforhismeal.

Mickslidhishandupmythigh.“Readytogo?”heasked.
“Don’tyouwantsomethingtoeat?”
“IhadsomethinginFlatMesa.Icameheretofindyou.”
Myheartbeatfaster.Icouldtellhewasfeelingbetter,hisaurarestoredtoitsfierytingle,andIwas

feelingbettertoo.MickpaidforbothmymealandMaya’sbeer,andweleftthediner.

“Ridewithme,”Micksaidwhenwereachedtheparkinglot.
MyexcitementbuiltasIswungontothebackofMick’sbike,settlingintothefamiliarseat.Iknewno

onewouldbothermymotorcycleifIleftithere,notwiththechiefofpolicesittinginsideandeveryonein
townknowingthelittleHarleybelongedtome.IalsoknewwhyMickwantedtoleaveitbehind—
whereverweweregoing,whateverMickwantedtodo,hedidn’twantthepieceofmagicmirrorhe’dhad
groundintomybike’smirrormakingsmart-asscomments.

MickrodesouthoutofMagellan,theoppositedirectionfrommyhotel.Itwasdarknow,thestars

bright,themoonhangingonthenortheasternhorizon.Mickturnedontoadirtroadthatledbacktoa
coupleofranches,drovedownthisforabouthalfamile,andstopped.

Theroadwasempty,thedesertdark.Ismelleddust,theexhaustfromMick’sbike,andMick.
“Imissedyou,baby.”Mick’svoicewasrawanddark.Hepulledmefromthebikeandagainsthim,his

fingersbitingintomyarms.“Iwaslockedawayforweeks,andallIcouldthinkaboutwasyou.”

“Notaboutfoodandwaterorfreedom?”
“Funny.Dragonscangoalongtimewithoutsustenance.Wecanexistforyearscurledawayinthe

dark.”Hebrushedbackalockofmyhair.“Butallthisbad-assdragoncoulddoiscravethehuman
womanhe’sfallenfor.”

“Imissedyoutoo,”Isaid.
Insilence,Mickkissedme.Thekisswe’dsharedinDeathValleyafterwe’dcrawledoutofthemine

shafthadbeenoneofgladdesperation.ThistimeMickkissedmeslowly,takinghistimetodoitright.He
pressedmetohimwithhispalmonthebackofmyneck,hislipshard,thetasteofhismouthdarkand
spicy.

Gods,Iwantedhim.Ipriedloosehisbelt,tuggedopenhiswaistband,finallyfelthiminmyhand,hard

andready.Hewasunbuttoningmyjeansaswell,andthenhiswarmhandsslidtomybackside.

“Iwanttotasteyou,”hewhisperedagainstmymouth.
HewaskissinghiswaydownwardevenasInodded.IhalfleanedagainstthebikeasMicksanktohis

knees,pullingmyjeansandunderweardownashewent.Itippedmyheadbackashismouthstartedits
dancebetweenmythighsandgazedatthestarsspreadoutinwhitegloryaboveme.

WhatMickdidblottedoutallthought.Myachingbrainfocusedontheheatofhisbreath,theheady

frictionofhistongue,hishardfingersonmythighs.Ifurrowedhishair,pressinghimtighttome,letting
mycriesringuptothestars.

WhenIcouldthinkagain,hewasonhisfeet,pullingmeagainsthim.Ireachedintohisjeans,wanting

toreturnthefavor,buthestilledmyhandsandkissedmeagain.

“Turnaroundandfacethebike,”hemurmured.
Heartbeatinginexcitement,Ididashewanted,leaningmypalmsonthebike’sseat.Hishandswentto

mybarewaist,andIfelthiskissonmyneck,hisbreathhotinmyhair.

Hemadelovetomerightthere,mebentoverhisbike,heliftingmyhipsandslidingintome.Ismelled

thevinylofthebikeseat,thepungentodorofdriedgrassesastheywitheredforthecomingwinter,andI
smelledthescentofourloving.Mickstretchedmegloriously,fillingmewithhishardnessatthesame
timecoolairtouchedmyskin.

“Iloveyou,Janet,”Micksaid,hisvoicethickwithsex.“Loveyousomuch,baby.”

Iwasbeyondwords.Hemovedfasterandfaster,andIclungtothebikeandmadenoisesofhappiness.

Wecouldbeasloudaswewantedtoouthere,whichwaspartofhispointinbringingmehere.Theother
partwastheexcitementofdoingitoutside,atnight.HeknewI’dloveit.

Hethrustintome,andIpushedmyhipsback,wantingmoreandmore.Hishandswerehardonmyhips,

thefeelofhisthighssmackingmybuttockssoerotic,mybreastshotandachingwithit.Mickhadbeenmy
firstandonlylover,andheknewexactlyhowtomakemefeelthedeepestkindofpleasure.

Icouldn’tseeandcouldn’tthinkbythetimeIshoutedmyclimax,butMickwentonandon,ourbodies

sweatingevenintherapidlycoolingnight.HedroveintomeuntilIcameagain,andthistimehecame
withme,sayingmynameoverandover,hisvoicehoarse.

ThenMickturnedmearoundandheldmetight,strokingmyskin,kissingmyhair.Ikissedhisneck,

feelinghispulsethrobhardbeneathmylips.Hewassohuman,andyet...

“Howdodragonsdoit?”Iasked,outofbreath.
Hishandswarmedmyhipsashechuckled.“Carefully.”
“Seriously.”
“Iamserious.Afemaledragoncanturnonherlover,killhimassoonashe’sdonewhathe’stherefor.

Femalesaremoreinterestedintheirclutchthantheirmates.”

“Mmm,sothat’swhyyoudecidedIwasyourmate.Becauseyoudon’thavetoworryaboutmegoing

blackwidowonyou.”

Mickkissedmyforehead,lipsscalding.“You’reprettydangerousyourself,JanetBegay.”Hewas

laughing,butIsensedhistensiondespiteourlovemaking.

Headlightsslicedabruptlytowardusoutofthedark.Mickhadmyjeansupintwosecondsflat,sothat

theonlyonecaughtinthelightwithhisbuttbarewashimself.Mickcalmlypulledupandzippedhispants
asanSUVwithflashingredandbluelightsstoppedafewyardsfromus.

“Damnhim,”Isaid,asNashJonesopenedthedoor.“Can’thegiveustwosecondsofprivacy?”
“Hehelpedgetmeoutofthatcaveandbacktoyou,”Micksaid,unperturbed.“I’llcuthimalotofslack

forthat.”

Nashapproached,theSUV’sheadlightsthrowinghimintostarksilhouetteandgleamingonhis

holsteredgun.

“Howlonghaveyoutwobeenouthere?”heaskedashereachedus.Hedidn’taskwhatwe’dbeen

doing—heknewdamnwellwhatwe’dbeendoing.

Mickcoollyfinishedbucklinghisbelt,notintheleastembarrassed.“Anhour?”hesuggested.“Maybe

longer.”

“Ihavesomethingtoshowyou,”Nashsaid.“Youneedtofollowme.”
Withoutwaitingforus,hewalkedbacktohisSUVandgotinside,theenginewhiningashebackedit

untilhefoundaplacetoturnaround.Mickswungontohisbikeandstarteditup.

Ididn’tmovetojoinhim.“You’rejustgoingtodowhathesays?”
Mickshrugged.“I’mcurious.”Hepulledonhisdrivingglovesandrestedhishandsonthehandlebars,

waiting.Iheavedasighofexasperationandscrambledupbehindhim.

MickturnedthebikeandheadedafterNash’sretreatingvehicle.Nashledusouttothemainhighway

andthenturnedwestonadirtserviceroad.IcoughedfromthedusthisSUVkickedup—ithadn’trained
outhereinacoupleweeks.

Nashstoppedaboutahalfmilealongthisroad,andMickdrewthebikealongsidehim.Nashwas

alreadyclimbingout,gesturingwithhisflashlightforustofollowhim.Wewalkedwithhimdownthe
road,theSUV’sspotlightblottingoutthemoonlight.

Abouttenyardsalong,Nash’sflashlightreflectedonanorangehazardcone.Theconewascleanand

bright,notaspeckofdustorascratchonit.Nashhadprobablyhadhisdeputiespolishitbeforehecame
outhere.Hesteppedofftheroadattheconeandledusacrosshardearthandclumpsofbristlygrass.

ThestenchhitmebeforeIsawtheblood.Nashdidn’tprepareme,didn’ttellmewhatwewereabout

toview.Hesimplyplayedhisbrightlightonthebloodymessstretchedoutonthedesertfloor.

“Deargods,”Iwhispered.
Theperson,whoeverithadbeen,hadbeenturnedinsideout.Theboneswereontop,brokenand

smashed,restingonabedofblood,organs,andskin.Itwasaparodyofahumanbody,deaderthandead
underthebrightstarsofthedesertsky.

“HaveeitherofyouseenCoyotetonight?”Nashaskedusafterwe’dlookedatitforawhileinstunned

silence.

“Coyote?”Iaskedsharply.“Why?”
Nashgavemeagrimlook,eyesicycold.“Becausehe’smyprimesuspect,”hesaid.“Coyotewasseen

onthisroadrightaboutthetimewhoeverthisiswouldhavebeenkilled.I’dlikeverymuchtotalkto
him.”

Eight

IstaredatNashinshock.“Seenbywho?”Iasked.

Thekillhadbeenfairlyrecent,anhourorsoagoatmost.Whoeverthatpoorpersonwas,heorshe

hadn’tlaintherelong.

“Areliablewitness.”WhichmeantNashwasn’tabouttotellme.“ThiswitnessgaveCoyotearide

fromtheCrossroadsBaranddroppedhimoffhereanhourandahalfago,athisrequest.”

“Coyotecouldn’thavedonethis,”Isaid.Hewasunpredictable,cryptic,annoying,sexuallyblatant,and

sometimesfrightening,butIcouldn’tseehimrippingsomeoneopenlikethis.

Thenagain,whatdidIknowabouthim?Hewasagod,apowerfulbeingwhodidn’tnecessarilyfollow

humanrules.Mybloodchilled.

Nashcontinued,“Coyotehasnoknownaddress,hehangsaroundMagellanbotheringpeople,andhe

wasdroppedoffonthisroadtonight,asthoughhe’dcomeoutheretomeetsomeone.Thatmakeshima
suspiciouspersoninmybook.”

“Buthewasatthediner,sittingnexttomeanhourandahalfago,”Isaid.Hehadbeen,hadn’the?
Mickdidn’tmeetmyeyes.Nashdid,hisgrayiriseslikechipsofice.“Areyoucontradictingmy

reliablewitness?”

Ididn’tknowhowtoanswer.NoonehadseenCoyoteinthedinerbutme—atleast,MayaandMick

hadn’t.Couldhebeintwoplacesatonce?Ihadnoidea.

“Idon’tknow,”Isaid.
Nashfrowned,andMickstillwouldn’tlookatme.
“So,you’reputtingthetimeofdeathtoanhourandahalfago?”Iasked.
“TheMEwillsayforcertain,butI’dguessnolongerthanthat.”
“Andyouhavenoideawhoitis?Thevictim,Imean.”Thebones,stringsofmuscle,andbloodagainst

thegrassweregruesome.IdoubtedI’dbeeatingmeatforawhile.

“Ididn’tfindanyobviousID.Walletgone,nodriver’slicense,anythinglikethat.ItwillbeDNAand

dentalrecordsthattelluswhoitwas.”

IranthrougheveryoneI’dseenatthediner:Maya,theMcGuires,thewaitress,othertownspeopleI

recognized.They’dbeensafeandwhole,notturnedinsideoutonthedesertfloor,norhadtheybeenout
herecommittingmurder.

Butplentyofpeoplehadn’tbeenthere:JamisonKeeandhiswife,Naomi;Cassandra;FremontHansen;

AssistantChiefSalas;Nash’sdeputiesfromFlatMesa;anynumberofothers.I’dseenCoyote,butnoone
elsehad.Whyhadhechosentonightofallnightsnottorevealhimselftopeople?

“Coyoteisonlyonepossibility,”Mickwassaying.“Thiswasaprettypowerfulkill,butanynumberof

supernaturalkillerscouldhavedonethis.Adragon,forinstance.”

IknewMickspokerhetorically,butNashwasthekindofsheriffwhowouldarrestandinterrogateina

heartbeat.

“Whatotherkindsofsupernaturalkillers?”Nashaskedhim.“TheseskinwalkersorNightwalkersJanet

toldmeabout?”

Ishookmyhead.“Skinwalkerseitherjustkill,ortheyflaythecorpseandstealtheskin.Nightwalkers

sucktheirvictimsdry.Changerswouldmaul,inwhateveranimalformtheychangeinto.Itwouldlooklike
ananimalkill.”IglancedatMick.“Wouldn’tadragonjustfrysomeone?”

“Usually,yes,”Micksaid.Ofthethreeofus,hewasthecalmest,lookingatthiswithalmostclinical

interest.“Mostoften,dragonsignorehumans.Notworththetrouble.”

Mickspokewitheasyconvictionaboutthearroganceofhiskind.Ididn’tknowhowtorespond,soI

askedNash,“Whydidyoubringmeoutheretoseethis?”

“Because,whetherIlikeitornot,youhavethereputationforfindingoutthetruthaboutweirdcrimes.I

decidedtotakeashotandaskyouwhatyouthoughtaboutthisone.”

ThatNashhadevenconsideredaskingmemyopinionspokevolumesastohowfarhe’dunbentsince

he’dfirstmetme.WhenI’darrivedinMagellanfivemonthsago,he’dmadeitclearhethoughtmeacon
artistwho’dbamboozledtheMcGuiresintobelievingIcouldfindtheirmissingdaughter.Itflooredme
thatNashwasextendingthissmalltetheroftrust.

Ilookedatthebodyagain,atthestickyblackaurasurroundingit.Itradiateddeath,buttheonlythingI

couldsenseaboutthevictimwashisorheracutesurprise.Whoeverhadkilledhaddonesoquickly,and
thevictimhadprobablybeenunawareithadevenhappened.

Themagicresiduefromthekillerwasincrediblypowerful.Ithadawhiffofgodlikepower—notgood,

solidearthmagic—butitwasuncertain.Itmightnotbegodmagicatall,or,indeed,Beneathmagic.The
factthatIcouldn’tseeanythingclearerbotheredmealot.

Irubbedmystill-achinghead.“Hardtosay.Ifyou’rehopingI’llconfirmthatCoyotedidthis,Ican’t.”
Nashopenedhisnotebookandstartedwriting.“That’sit?”
“Somethingorsomeoneishidingtheauraofthemurderer.Whoevercandothatwouldbevery

powerful.”

“Likewho?”theliteral-mindedNashasked.
Coyoteforone,Ithoughtbutdidn’tsay.“Ahumanmage,possibly.Iftheywerepowerfulenough.”
Nashlookedatmeoverhisnotebook.“Mage?”
“Awitch,you’dcallthem.NotnecessarilyWiccan,butsomeonewithsomehard-assmagic.”Someone

likethat,Ididn’twanttomeet.

Nash’seyesnarrowed.“HeatherHansenclaimstobeawitch.”
Heatherownedthelocalwoo-woostorecalledParadox,whichsoldcrystals,tarotcards,incense,and

otheraccoutrementsformagicworking.“Idon’tthinkso.Heatherthoroughlyembracesthecreedofdoing
noharmtoothers.Sheworksspellsofprotection,leavesgiftsfortheweefolk,organizestheGhostTrain
festival.Shehaspower,morethansheknows,butshedoesn’thavethetemperamenttokillwithit.
Especiallynotlikethis.”

Nashlistenedwithalookofdoubt,butIknewIwasright.Heather’saurahadnodarkness.Shewasa

trulykindpersonanddidn’thavethepowerIsensedhere,butIwatchedNashnotingdownHeather
Hansenasapersontobequestioned.

“Anyoneelse?”
Cassandra,Ithoughtbutdidn’twanttosay.ShewasWiccan,butIdidn’tknowherwellenoughto

knowwhatshewascapableof.Shewasstrong,Iknewthat,anddamngoodatherjob,butIcouldn’t
knowwhethershehaditinhertokill.

IwasdebatingwhethertomentionhertoNash,whowouldprobablywhipherunderhotlightswithout

drawingbreath,whenthearrivaloftherestofthepoliceinterruptedus.Acarmarked“CityofMagellan
Police”pulleduptodisgorgeEmilioSalasandauniformcop.Lopezandtwootherdeputiesfromthe
countypulledinrightbehindthem,LopezandSalasgreetingeachotherliketheoldfriendstheywere.

“Don’tleaveyet,”Nashsaidtome.“Ineedstatementsfrombothofyou.”
“Statements?Whatfor?”
Nash’sbadgewinkedinthelightoftheflaresSalaswassettingout.“Iamstillpinningmysuspicions

onCoyote,buteitherofyoucouldhavedonethis.Youonlyalibieachother.”HelookedfrommetoMick,
whonoddedthoughtfully.

“Icouldn’t,”Isaid.“Notwithoutastorm.”
MickandNashlookedatmeatthesametime,andIknewtheywererecallingwhatI’ddonetothe

demonsinDeathValley.Bothgavemehardstares,andIdidn’thavetobepsychictoknowtheythought

meperfectlycapableofthishorrificdeed.

“Idon’tknowhowIcalledthatmagic,”Isaidirritably.“Itjusthappened,probablybecausewewere

goingtodie.Ican’tconjureitatwill.”

Nashdidn’tbelieveme,butthen,Nashneverbelievedme.
HedirectedustogivestatementstoLopez,andthenheturnedawaytotakeSalasandhisdeputiesover

thescene.Lopez’slipsquirkedasIhadtotellhimexactlywhattimeIleftthediner,whoI’dseenthere,
andwhyI’ddecidedtoridewithMickintothemiddleofthedesert.Everyoneintownwouldknowby
tomorrowthatMickandIhadbeenengagedinsexualactivityoutthereinthedark,becauseLopezwas
almostasgoodagossiperasFremontHansen.Finally,LopezfinishedwithusandtoldmeandMickto
go.

Mickstoppedbythedineronthewaytothehotel,whereIpickedupmybike.Everyonehadalready

heardaboutthecorpse,ofcourse,andtownspeopleintheparkinglottriedtogetoutofuswhatweknew.
MickandImanagedtoevadequestionsandheadhome.

MickhadknownmelongenoughtounderstandwhatIneeded.Hepulleddowntheblindsand

undressedmehimself,andthenhecarriedmeintothebathroomandsetmeunderawarmshower.His
clothescameoff,andhesteppedinwithme,hislargebodyenvelopingmine.

Wedidn’tmakelovethereaswesometimesdid;wejustsoakedupthehotwater.Iclosedmyeyesto

thefeelofMick’sbighandssmoothingsoapovermybody,openingthemwhenherinsedmeoffandlifted
meout.Hewrappedmeinatowel,carriedmeintothebedroom,andlaidmeonthebed.

Nowhemadelovetome,slowandeasy.Bythetimehewasdone,Iwaspleasantlydrowsy,thehorror

ofthecrimescenefadingalittle.AshadbeenMick’sintention,Idriftedofftosleepinhiswarmembrace.

WheneverIencounteredCoyoteinoneofmydreams,Iseemedtobenaked.Thistimewasnoexception.
Westoodsidebyside,heinhisanimalform,lookingdownattheremainsofthebody,mehumanand
naked.Turkeyvulturesmovedinslowhopsaroundthecorpse,likehoodeddemonsfeastingontheir
victim.Coyotes,luredbythescentofblood,circledatasafedistance,theireyesshininginthedarkness.

“Didyoudothis?”IaskedCoyote.Hesatonhishaunches,acoyoteasbigasawolf,exceptthathehad

therail-thinlegsandpointednoseofhisspecies.

Iamcapableofsuchathing.
“Don’tgoallcrypticonmeagain,”Igrowled.“Wereyoureallyinthedinertonight?”
Wereyou?
“OfcourseIwas.Iwaseatingdinner.”Iglancedatthecorpse.“KindofsorryIdid,now.”
Thereisyouranswer.
“Nooneelsecouldseeyou.Mayacouldn’t.Didyoupullaglamtogetfreefood?”
Hisansweringlaughwasfullofamusement.Iwantedtotalktoyouwithoutanyoneknowingaboutit.
“Why?Youdidn’tsaymuchofanything.”
Ididn’thavetime.IknewMickwascomingforyou.BecarefulofMick.He’smoredangerousthan

youknow.

“Youtoldmethatbefore.I’veseenhowdangerousheis.”
Youknowonlywhatyou’vewitnessed.Whatgoesoninhismindisunfathomabletoyou.Ifhemakes

thedecisiontokillyou,hewillwithoutwarning.Hewillbeswiftandmerciless.Youlovehimwithyour
humanemotions,butheisnothuman.Heneverhasbeen.Hisemotionsare...complicated.

“Likeyours?”
Nooneisascomplicatedasme.
“Nokidding.”Iknewbetterthantoignorehiswarnings,butIhadmanyimmediatethingstothinkabout,

likethedragonstakingMicktotrialfornotkillingmeandnowacorpseattheedgeoftown.Worrying

aboutwhatMickmightdointhefuturewouldhavetowait.

YouneedtoendyourBeneathmagic,Coyotesaid.Beforeitendsyou.
“Easyforyoutosay.”
Youwerebornwiththemagic,butithasbeenbidingitstime,unabletogrowhereinthisworldof

earthmagics.NowithasbeentriggeredbyyourjourneyBeneath.

Ifeltcold,butInodded.“Ifiguredasmuch.Ithoughtmaybeyoucouldhelpmegetridofit.”
No,Stormwalker.Itispartofyou.Butyoumustcontrolit,oritwillconsumeyou.Andpossibly

everythingelseonearth.

“Howcoulditdothat?Mymotheristhemonster,notme.”
Don’tworry.I’lldestroyyoubeforeyoucandotoomuchdamage.Iloveyou,JanetBegay,butthat

doesn’tmeanIwon’tputasidemyfeelingsandkillyou.

“Itisalwayssocomfortingtotalktoyou.”
Coyotechuckled.Icoulddomorethancomfort,ifyou’dletme.Sexwithyouwouldbewicked.
“Restrainyourself.”Iglancedatthecorpse.“Doyouknowwhoitis?”
Iknow.Andyes,agodwouldmakethiskilliftheythoughtitnecessary.
“Andyou’ddothattome?Ifyouthoughtitnecessary?”
Yes.
Istareddownatthepileofbonesandgoreindisquiet.Thevulturesmovedaboutitunhurriedly,their

wingsspreadforbalance.Thedreamwasmercifullyfreeofsmell,butIrememberedthestench.

“Tellmeonething,”Isaid.“ThosepeoplewhogaveusarideinDeathValley,theShoshone.They

weren’twhattheyseemed,werethey?Didyousendthemtohelpus?”

Coyote’stonguelolledfromhismouthashestartedtopant.Forthatone,you’llhavetoaskthelady

Crow.

Thecrow.Ihadn’tseenherinawhile.“I’llgiveheracall.”
Shedoesn’tliketotalkonthephone.
“Iknow.I’llaskherwhenIdriveupagain.”
Coyotewinced.She’squiteawoman,yourgrandmother.Shedoesn’tlikecoyotes,andshewieldsa

meanbroom.

Ihadthesatisfactionoflaughing.“Ifshewentafteryou,I’msureyoudeservedit.”
Coyotedidn’tbothertoanswerthat.Timetowakeup,Janet.ButIhavealittlegiftforyou.
“Don’tgivemeanything.Really.”Giftsfromgods,especiallytrickstergods,weren’talwayswhatthey

seemed.

You’lllikeit,Janet.Trustme.
Famouslastwords.Inoticedaswetalkedthatthecorpsehaddisappeared,andsohadthescavengers.

Thunderrumbledinthedistance,followedbyawaftofrain-drenchedair.Iinhaled,mymindcalming.

Thedreamdissolved,andIwokeupinmybed.Itwasearlymorning,theskygray,andrainpoured

downoutsidethewindow.Mickwasgone,buthe’dleftmecocoonedinanicewarmbedthatsmelledof
him.

Iliftedmyhandaslightningstruckafewmilesawayandletsparksdancebetweenmyfingers.Agift

indeed.

IrealizedasIrolledoutofbedandsteppedoutmybackdoortoenjoythestormthatCoyotehadnever

answeredmedirectlyabouteithertheidentityofthevictimorwhetherhehimselfhaddonethemurder.

Nine

Thestormwasanautumnstorm,notaswildasthemonsoonsthatsweptthroughduringspringand
summer,butonethatbroughtsteadyrainandlanguidrumblesofthunder.Ithrewbackmyheadandinhaled
thecleanair.

MagellansitsonaplateauthatslopesslowlyfromtheMogollonRimandtheten-thousand-footWhite

MountainstothevistasofthePaintedDesert.Wide,deepwashesandgorgeslikeChevelonCanyon
crisscrossthedesertfloorontheeastsideoftheoldrailroadbed,fissurescutbyeonsofflowingwater.
Mostofthetime,thesewashesweredry,butthey’dstartfillingifthiskeptup.Ashallowoneranright
throughMagellan,thehighwaycurvingalongsideit.AfewofthesidestreetshadbridgesoverMagellan
Wash,butmanyweresimplycutoffwhenitflooded.Mosttownsinthedeserthaveawashortwoor
threetoworryabout,butbridgesareexpensive,andmostlywejustputupwithit.

Thestormenhancedmyhealingspells,andIfeltmuchbetter.Mybathroommirrorshowedmethatthe

woundonmyheadhaddwindledtoayellowgreenbruise,andtheskinonmyburnedarmwashealthyand
brownagain.

Iwantedtogobacktothesceneofthecrimenowthatthebodywouldbegone,toseeifIcouldread

anything,especiallywithmystormpowerstohelpme.Thekillinghadbeencruelandnasty,andIneeded
toknowwhatkindofbeinghaddonethisandwheretohuntitdown.

Cassandravolunteeredtheinformationthatshe’dseenMickrideawaynorthonhisbike,soI’dhaveto

goonmyown.Ipassedthroughthesaloononthewayout,wheremyguestswerewhisperingaboutthe
death.Iwantedtoreassurethemthatiftheystayedinmyheavilywardedhotel,they’dbefine,butnotall
ofthemwerebelievers.

IpassedthelittlebreakfastbarCassandrasetupeverymorningwiththefreshbreadsandmuffinsfrom

Magellan’sbakeryandtookuponeofthebigsugar-crustedblueberrymuffins.InmyyouthI’dlistenedto
auniversityprofessorexplainthatindigenouspeopleshaddifficultyeatingsimplecarbohydrates,because
untilveryrecentlyourdiethadconsistedmostlyofwholegrains,beans,squash,nuts,andleanprotein.
There’dbeennodoublecheeseburgers,milkshakes,orbeerinthetimesofmyDinéancestors.Our
metabolismhadn’tevolvedtotolerateprocessedflour,sweets,and,evenmoreproblematic,alcohol,
she’dexplained,whichwaswhyNativeAmericanshadahigherriskfordiabetes.Themoreisolatedthe
tribe,thehighertheincidence.

Therefore,IknewIshouldn’tdowntheblueberrymuffinslatheredwithbutterandchaseitwithlemon

poppyseedpoundcake,buttheyweresodamngood.Besides,alongroadtrip,nearlydyingofahead
woundandheatstroke,andviewinganastymurderscenemademehungry.

RainpeltedmeasIrodemymotorcycleintotown.Thespeedlimitwasthirty-fiveonthemainhighway

throughMagellan,andtheyweren’tkidding.Magellanalwaysneededmoney,andspeedingticketswere
lucrative.Irodeslowlyandpulledinatthetown’sonegasstation.

Mystormmagic,toolongsilent,jumpedalongmynerves,makingmewishI’dhadthesensetofillup

whiletheweatherwasstillgood.Ididn’tneedtobesparkinglightningatthegaspump.

NaomiKeewasthereinherbigredpickup.Naomiownedthetown’splantnursery,Hansen’sGarden

Center,sohertruckwasoftenloadedwithbagsofdirt,flatsofbeddingplants,orwholetreesasshe
madedeliveries,buttodaythetruckbedwasempty.

“You’resoaked,Janet,”shegreetedme.“CanIdriveyousomewhere?”
“Thanks,butIdon’tmind.”Islidmycreditcardintothegaspumpslotandstartedfillingmysmall

tank.

“Imind.I’mshiveringjustlookingatyou.”

Therainwascomingdownharder.Imademyselfcarefullyfinishgassingupandputthenozzleback.

Mypowerswantedtograbthedistantlightningandallthisrainandplaywithit,butIrestrainedmyself
aroundthegasfumes.MyStormwalkerancestorsneverhadtoworryaboutgaspumps,Ithoughtgrumpily,
justastheyhadn’thadtoworryaboutsimplecarbohydrates.

“I’mheadingtolookatthecrimesceneagain,”ItoldNaomi.
“Inthepouringrain?”
“Beforeeverythinggetscompletelywashedaway,yes.Ididn’thavetimetogooveritlastnight.”
Naomi’sbluegreeneyesnarrowed.“That’sit.I’mdrivingyou.Idon’twantyougoingouttherealone.”
Istartedtoargue,butlightningforkedaboutamiletotheeast,andIbarelystoppedmyselffrom

reachingforit.Ineededtoclosemyeyesandconcentratetokeepmyselfundercontrol.ButIalsowanted
togettothecrimescene,soItookNaomiuponheroffer.

Naomiusedthehydraulicliftonthebackofhertrucktoloadmybike,andshecoveredtheSportster

withatarp.Shepulledoutontothemainroad,alsocarefullydrivingthespeedlimit.ChiefMcGuire’s
boyshadustrained.

Naomiaskedmewhetherthebodyhadbeenidentified,andIhadtosayIdidn’tknow.IdoubtedNash

wouldrushtheinformationtome,butIsuspectedthathedidn’tknoweither.InthegossipmillofHopi
County,someonewouldhaveleakedanametheminutethecorpsewasID’d.Iwonderedifitwasmy
missingguest,JimMohan,butuntilNashgotthedentalrecords,Ihadnowayofknowing.Ialso
wonderedwhetherJim,who’dscaredthemirrorsomuch,haddonethekilling.Andwhy.

“HaveyouseenCoyotelately?”Iasked.NaomiandherdaughterJuliewerefriendswithCoyote,as

muchashecouldbesaidtohavefriends.CoyotehadasoftspotforJulie,who’dbeenbornwithtotal
hearingloss.

Naomithrewmeastartledlook.“Igavehimaridetothesouthedgeoftownlastnight.Droppedhim

offattheendofthatserviceroadwherebodywasfound.”

“SoyouareNash’sreliablewitness?”Well,Icouldn’targuewithNaomi’sreliability.
“Didhecallmethat?”Shelookedamused.“IpickedupCoyoteoutsidetheCrossroadsBar.Iwas

drivingbackwithaloadofflatsfromWinslow,andIsawhimhitchhiking.Juliewaswithme.Hehopped
inandaskedmetodrivehimdownhere.”

Naomislowedthetruckatthenarrowdirtturnoff.Gravelshoreduptheentrancetotheroadtokeepit

frombeingwashedout,butbeyondthat,therutsandholesinthehardearthwerealreadyfullofwater.

“Don’tdrivedownthere,”Iadvised.“You’llgetstuck.”
“Whatareyougoingtodo?”
“Walk.”
Naomipulledthetruckoffthehighwayandsetthebrake.“I’mcomingwithyou.”
“Noneed.”
Shegavemeastubbornlook.“Janet,IknowIdon’thaveanymagic,butImightbeabletospot

somethingwithmyregularhumaneyes.Besides,there’sbeenonemurderouthere,anddamnedifI’lllet
youbeasecondvictim.”

Thatsettledit.Naomiwasnice,butnotapushover.Shewascomingwithme.
Thesceneofthemurderwaslessgruesomenowthatthecoronerhadremovedthecorpseandrainwas

washingawaytheblood.AloneturkeybuzzardwanderedaroundthescenecheckingincasetheME’s
teamhadleftsomethingbehind.

Thebodymightbegone,butthemiasmaofdeathlingered.I’dgrownupinahouseholdthatheldto

traditionalways—whensomeonediedinahogan,thebodywaspushedoutthroughthenorthwall,the
waytotheancestors,andoftenthehoganwasabandoned.Non-Dinédidn’talwaysunderstandwhy,but
I’dseenfirsthandhowmuchdamageaspiritinunrestcoulddototheliving.

Ismelledthestenchofpowerthathoveredoverthespotand,again,sensedthevictim’ssurprise.

Whoeverthepersonhadbeenhadn’trealizedhowclosetodeathheorshewas.Thatwascomforting—he
orshehaddiedtooquicklytobeafraid—butthenagain,itmeantthatIwasdealingwithsomethingthat
couldstrikeswiftly,mercilessly,andefficiently.Igazedattheemptylandaroundme,feelinganitch
betweenmyshoulderblades.

“Thisishorrible,”Naomisaid.
Naomihadnomagic,soshesawonlytherain-drenchedgrassesandredearthturningtomud,the

loweringgraysky,thebuzzard,andtheleftoverblood.Isawallthatplusthefouldarknessthatcoatedthe
spotliketar,thestinkofdecayandhardmagic.

TheheadacheI’dfinallymanagedtogetridofthrobbedanew.Stormpowertingledthroughmybody,

andIfelttheBeneathmagicstirinresponse.TheBeneathmagicurgedmetofindoutwho’ddonethisand
destroythem,tokillastheyhadkilled,exceptslowly,sotheycouldexperienceeverynuanceofthe
unknownperson’sdeath.

AllIhadtodo,themagicwhisperedtome,wassendmystormpowerthrougheveryhousein

Magellan,seekingevilanddestroyingit.EvenifIhadtokilleverysingleperson,I’dbesuretogetit,
wouldn’tI?

Iclosedmyeyes,tryingtoshutoffthevoice,butthatletmeviewthecrimescene’saurawithout

obstruction—denseblackandshotthroughwithred,crimsonlikethickblood.Ipoppedmyeyesopen
again,preferringthegrayrainstreamingintomyface.Waterwaslife.Therainwouldwashawaythe
blood,cleansetheair,givelifebacktotheearth.

Butyoucouldkilleverypersoninthistown,themagicofBeneathtoldme.Youknowhow.Andnoone

couldstopyou.

Iheardarushofwings.Abigblackcrowsailedintolandnotfarfromthebuzzardandgavethelarger

birdadisapprovingeye.Thecrowturneditsheadandregardedmewithsimilardisapproval.

“I’mnotgoingtodoit,”Itoldher.IclenchedmyfistsagainstanotherwaveofBeneathmagicthat

showedmehowtoturnthecrowintoalittlepileoffeathers.“Ipromise.”

Thecrowkeptherbeadyeyeonme,thesteady,watchfulgazethathadbeenonmesincebabyhood.

“Crossmyheart.”I’dsaidthatasachildwhenmygrandmothersuspectedIwasuptonogood.She’d
usuallybeenright.“They’remyfriends.Iwon’thurtthem.”

Thecroweitherdidn’tbelieveme,orshewasjustacrowwonderingwhyahumanwastalkingtoit.
Naomiwatchedmeworriedly.“Youallright,Janet?”
Iturnedmybackandstartedfortheroad.“I’mfinishedhere.Ineedtogo.”
Naomifellintostepbesideme.“Aterriblethinghappenedhere,”shesaid.“I’msorryyouhadtosee

it.”

Shewassorryforme,theStormwalkerwhospecializedinsolvingmagicalcrimes?Naomiwastoo

sweettobebelieved.“Thevortexesdrawtheterrible.Anyplacemagicaldoes.”

“IgrewupinMagellanandnevernoticed.”Naomigavemeafaintsmile.“Ithoughtallthevortexstuff

wasjustastorytoattracttourism.ButI’veseensomebadthingssinceIstoppedbeinganUnbeliever.I’ve
watchedaskinwalkernearlykillJamison.Jamisonhadtoburntheskinwalkeralivetodestroyit,and
Jamisonnearlydiedhimself.ThingslikethatmakemewishIwereanUnbelieveragain.”

“Trustme,Naomi,youhaven’tseenanythingasbadasme.”
“You’renotevil,Janet.Notlikethatskinwalker.”
“Lookscanbedeceiving.”
“NashJonesthinksCoyotedidthis,”Naomisaid,staringoffintothedistance.“Hequestionedme

prettyhardaboutwhattimeI’dpickedupCoyoteandwhenIdroppedhimoff.Healsowantedtoknow
everythingCoyotesaidtome.HeevenwantstointerviewJulie.ButCoyotecouldn’thavedonesomething
likethis.Iknowhewouldn’t.”

“He’sagod,Naomi.Ifhefeltjustified,hewould.”

Naomigavemeastubbornlook.“Idon’tbelieveitforasecond.YouseehowheiswithJulie.Coyote

hasalotofkindnessinhim,andhe’ssavedJamison’slife—andmine—morethanonce.”

Ididn’targue.ItwastruethatCoyotecouldexhibitamazingcompassion,buthewasdangerous,despite

hisaffablepersona.Icouldimaginehimlaughingwhilehekilledwhoeverhethoughtheneededtokill.

WesloggedthroughmudtoNaomi’struck,whichsatuntouchedonthesideofthehighway.Ifeltlike

shit,butItoldNaomiIwantedtoridethebikehome.Ineededthewindandraininmyfacetoclearmy
brain.

Sheliftedthetarpfromthemotorcycle.Idon’tknowwhyshe’dfeltitnecessarytocoveritup—I’d

riddenmyHarleythroughplentyofsnowandrainandhail.

Assoonasthetarpcameoff,themirroronthebikecried,“OhmyGod,sugar,youneedtogethome!”
Whatnow?“Why?”Iaskedirritably.
Naomithrewmeanotheranxiouslook.That’sit;I’dconvincedherthatIwasthoroughlynuts.
“Seriously,girlfriend,weareindeepdoo-doo.”
Damnit.Istartedupmybike,putonmyhelmet.“Gohome,Naomi.KeepJuliethere,anddon’tgo

anywherewithoutJamison.Anywhere,allright?”

“Thatbad?”
“Idon’tknow.”Frustrationandfearmademeimpatient.
“Assumetheworst.AskJamisonifhe’snoticedanythingweirdaroundherelately—anythingatall—

andtellhimtocallme.”

Naominodded.She’ddowhatIasked,beingsmart.
Irodebackthroughtown,themirrorurgingmetohurryalltheway,butIdidn’tdarebreakthespeed

limit.Salasoroneoftheuniformcopsstoppingmetocheerfullyhandmeaticketwouldjustslowme
down.

TherainwascomingdownharderasIreachedtheCrossroads,parkedthebike,andstrodeintothe

hotel.Cassandrawasn’tbehindthedesk,buteverythinglookedquiet.Pullingoffmyhelmet,Iheadedto
thesaloon.

Thesaloonwasdesertedexceptforalargemanwithahardfaceandlongblackbraidwhosatatoneof

thetables,sippingfromabottleofbeer.Hisdenimbikervestandsleevelessshirtshowedthathis
musculararmsandneckwerecoveredwithinterlockedtattoos.AsIwalkedin,unnoticed,hemovedthe
beerbottlefromhislipsandglaredatthemirror.

“Hey,magicmirror,”hesaid.“Shutthefuckup.”
“Youjustcomeoverhereandmakeme,youbigbully,”themirrorsaid.
Themanhelduphishand,flamedancinginhispalm.“Shutup,orImeltyou.”
Themirrormadeanoiselikeewp,butIfeltthethingsensemeandrelax.Momwashome.
“Letmeguess.”Iputmyhandsonthetableandleanedtostudymyvisitor,whoreturnedthelookwith

eyesofchillylightblue.“Dragon?”

Ten

Thedragon-manlookedmeupanddown,thenfixedablatantgazetomycleavage.“IgetwhyMicky
wantstokeepyoualive,girl.You’reonefine-lookinglady.”

“Thesaloonisn’topenyet,”Isaidcoldly.
“It’sopenforme,darling.Bytheendoftheday,you’llopenformealltheway.”
Inhisdreams.“Iownthishotel.Getoutofit.”
Themanhookedabootedfootaroundachairleg,slidoutthechair,andplantedbothfeetonit.“Not

untilI’mdone.”

Iheldupmyhand,drawingonthelightningoutsideuntilsparkscrackledanddancedonmyfingertips.

“You’redonenow.”

Thelickofflamesprangbackintohispalm.“Youwanttoplay,littleStormwalker?”
Iwasn’tcertainIcouldhurthim,butI’dnevertellhimthat.ThenightI’dmetMick,I’dslammedhim

withaboutninethousandvoltsoflightning,andhe’djustlaughedandsuckeditin.Mypower,unlessIwas
intheheartofastorm,madedragonsstronger.ButBeneathmagic,thelittlevoicewhispered,isthe
antithesisofallthingsdragon.

BeforeIcouldfigureoutwhatthehellthatmeant,somethingmovedpastmewithincrediblespeed.The

chairthedragon-mansatonwasscrapedbackanddraggedaroundtofaceafuriousMick.

“Out,”Micksaid.“Now.”
Thestrangergrinned,showingwhite,slightlypointedteeth.“Aw,comeon,Micky,Icametohelpyou.

Screwingyourwomanwillbejustabonus.”

I’dseenMickangry,butneverlikethis.“Getawayfrommymateandthefuckoutofmyterritorybefore

Ikillyou.”

Thedragon-manliftedhishands,nowfreeoffire.“Hey,I’mnotheretocopyourplace.Ifthatwasmy

intention,itwouldbeburnedalltohellalready,andyouknowit.”

“Notthroughmywardsitwouldn’tbe.”
“True,you’vegotsomegoodmagichere.Andamagicmirror.Mouthylittleshit.”
Ibrokein.“Mick,whoisthisguy?”
Themangrinnedatme.“Thename’sColby.Mick’safriendinneed.”Hisgrinwidened.“AndI’ma

friend,indeed.”

“Colbythedragon?”Iaskedinadubiousvoice.“Nicename.”
“It’stheonehumanscanpronounce,”Colbysaid.“But,hey,sweetheart,he’sthebadguy.Whenthe

dragoncouncilwashandingouttheassignmentoftrackingyoudownandoffingyou,Irefused.Cold-
bloodedmurder’snotmything.ButMickyherevolunteered.Jumpedatthechance.Saidhecouldn’twait
tobreakthestormbitch’ssweetlittleneck.Thestormbitchwouldbeyou,bytheway.”

OfcourseColbywouldsaysomethinglikethat.He’dwalkedinhererightthroughourwards,scared

mymirror,andchallengedmeandMick.Iwasn’tabouttowhirlaroundandscream,Mick,isthistrue?
That’swhathewanted.Divideandconquer.

“Janet,gorunyourhotel,”Micksaid.Eventheeyesofhisdragontattoosglitteredwithrage.“Ineedto

talktoColby.”

“Forgetit.”Ifoldedmyarms.“Iwanttoknowwhoheisandwhathe’sdoinghere.AndIdon’twantto

seeanyfire.Toomanyflammablethingsinhere,andIalreadyhadtorestoretheplaceonce.”

“Iheardaboutthat,”Colbysaid.“Goodfight.I’msorryImissedit.”
“Talkorgetout.”
“She’safeistyone.”Justtopissmeoff,Colbyshotaflameskyward,butitwasasmalloneand

dissipatedbeforeitreachedthetinceiling.“Shethisfeistyinbed?”

Iletelectricitydanceonmyfingersonceagain.“HaveyoueverseenaStormwalker’spowerenhanced

byamagicmirror?”Ihadn’t,butitmightbefuntofindoutwhatwouldhappen.

“Allright,allright.”Colbyliftedhishandsinsurrender.“Ireallyamheretohelpyou,Micky.The

dragonswanttoburnyoutoacrisp,andwhileIwouldn’tmindseeingthat,they’redeterminednottolet
youhavealltherightsthatgowithatrial,andIdon’tliketheprecedentthatsets.NowaydoIwantusall
tobelittleslavestothedragoncouncil.SoI’mheretotakeyourside.”

“Whatdoyoumean,notalltherightsthatgowithatrial?”Iaskedinalarm.
Colby’seyesnarrowed,buthisangerwasn’tdirectedatme.“Thecouncilconsistsofthreesticks-up-

their-assesdragonswhohavebeenalivesincethebeginningoftimeandthinktheyownus.Theywantto
controleverythingeverydragondoes.Theyneedtolearnthatthetimes,theyarea-changing.”

“So,what,youcameheretogangupwithMickandfightthem?”
“She’sprecious,Micky.No,I’mgoingtobehisdefenseattorney,sortof.Findprecedentsandstuffthe

rulesdowntheelders’throats.Imayneedyourhelp,honey,thoughyoumightnotdowellinfrontofthe
council.You’rewaytoosmart-ass.”

InspiteofColby’snonchalance,Isensedhisnervousness.Mick’seyeshadgoneblackalltheway

across,andColbydidn’tlikethat,inspiteoftheloose-limbedwayheloungedinthechair.Toanordinary
human,theymightlookliketwobikerbuddiestheretocatchuponoldtimes.ButColby’suneasiness
screameditselftome—hewaslikeawolfwho’dwanderedintoanotherwolf’sterritoryandhad
unhappilycomeface-to-facewiththeheadwolfofthepack.

Ipulledbackachairandsatdown.“So,talk.Whatexactlydoyouhaveplanned?”
IcouldtellMickdidn’twantmethere,buttherewasnowayIwaslettinghimkeepmeoutofthis.I

foldedmyarmsandwaited,andfinallyMickgaveColbyaresignedlook.

“Whythehellyouaresointerestedingettingmefree?”Mickaskedhim.
Colbyshrugged.Heleanedbackandputhisfeetupagain,andMicksatcasuallyontheothersideofthe

table,butthetwomenmightaswellhavebeencirclingeachother,hacklesraised.

“Becausethistrialcouldmakelifebadforme,foralldragons.Whattheydotoyou,theycandoto

everyone.”

“Idon’tplantoletthemwin,”Micksaid.
“Theyweren’tevengoingtoletyouhaveateam,didyouknowthat?Ihadtogotothearchive,pull

records,prostratemyselfinfrontoftheMightyThreetoconvincethemthey’dgetlynchediftheydidn’tat
leastpretendtofollowdragonlaw.”

Mickwatchedhimnarrowly.“Youdon’tcareaboutthegreatergood;you’rehelpingmesoyoucan

saveyourownassoversomething.Whatdidyoudotopissoffthecouncil?Thistime,Imean.”

Colbylaughed,butthelaughwasnervous.“Coupleofthings.LikeIsaid,Idon’twantthemtoseta

precedentoffryingadragon’shidewithoutadefense.”

“Whatmakesyousosureyoucanhelpme?”
“Ihavesomeideas.AndIknowthings.Thingsthatcouldgiveyouleverage.”
“Andwhatdoyouwantinreturn?”
Colbychuckledagain.“You’llowemeone,Micky.AndI’llcallinthefavorwhenit’sthemosthellfor

you.”

“Aslongasthatfavordoesn’tinvolveJanet.”
Colby’sgazeflickedtomycleavage,baredbymytightblacktop.“She’satastymorsel.I’dliketolick

herfromnecktoknees,andIdon’tevenlikehumans.”

“JustwhatIwant,”Isaid.“Dragondrool.”
Colbychuckled,butMickleanedforward.“Janetismymate.Touchheranddie.”Hedidn’tevenhave

toraisehisvoice.Iknewhe’ddoit,andsodidColby.

“Hey,youkillme,noonewillbeonyoursideatthetrial.”
“Iwon’tcare.SolongasJanetissafefromyou,I’lldiehappy.”
Colbyshookhisheadinamusement.“Oh,man,she’sreallyknockedyouonyourass,hasn’tshe?”
“Morethanonce.”
Ididn’tknowwhethertowarmatMick’sfondglanceorgetirritatedatthemfortalkingaboutmeas

thoughIweren’tthere.“Excuseme,”Isaid.“Canweconcentrateonyousurvivingthetrial?AndIchoose
whatdragonIendupwith,noteitherofyou.”

Colbychortled.“Oh,Ilikeher.Ireallydo.Irememberwhenyouwereallhottokillher,Micky.You

saidwehadtodoanythingtokeeptheBeneath-goddess’sgetfromopeningthevortexes,evenifthegirl
hadtobeslaughtered.Youwerereadytooffherwithoutasecondthought.Sowhathappened?”

“Yes,Mick,”Isaidinahardvoice.“Whathappened?”
Mick’sgazewasallforme,andthistime,Ichosetowarmtoit.“Iwatchedyoufighting,”hesaid.“You

werealone,upagainstassholeswhowerereadytothrowyouonthefloorandgangbangyou.Youboiled
withpower,buttheywerehuman,magicless.Youcouldhavewipedouteverysingleoneofthemand
broughttheroofdowntoburythem.”Mick’seyeswentblueandhot,thehintofhissmilemakingme
rememberhimhardandgoodinsidemelastnight.“Butyoudidn’t.Youpulledyourpunches,triednotto
hurtthem.”

“Stupidofyou,”Colbysaidaroundasipofbeer.
“Ididn’thavealotofchoice,”Isaid.MickmightclaimI’dbeenoozingpowerthatnight,andIhadjust

comeoffabigstorm,butI’dfeltsickandweakanddesperate.

“Janetwascornered.Sheknewshemighthavetokilltogetaway,andIsawonherfacethatshedidn’t

wantto.”

“Andthismadeyouwanttoclaimherasmate?”Colbysoundedskeptical.“Igetthatshe’sahotlay,but

mateisforever,Micky.”

Igavehimadeprecatinglook,butMickwasstillstudyingmewithatendernessthatheatedmyblood.

“Matecamelater,”hesaid.“AfterIgottoknowherbetter.”

Ishiftedinmychair,wishingColbyfarawaysoIcouldtellMickhowmuchIappreciatedhis

sentiments.

Colbyheavedanexaggeratedsigh.“Ihopeyouknowwhatthehellyou’redoing,Micky.Mateorno,

youdidletheropenthevortexes.Thedragoncouncilplanstoscrewyoutothewallforthat.”

“Andyouwanttokeepmealive,”Micksaid,turningfromme.“Whendidyoufallinlovewithme?”
“Trustme,Idon’tcarewhathappenstoyou,myoldfriend.Ionlycarethatyougetafairtrialandaby-

the-bookdefense.Idon’tgiveademon’sdickiftheyenduppinningoneofyourwingstothewallinthe
trophyroom.”

“Youinspireconfidence.”Mickleanedacrossthetable,puttinghisfaceclosetoColby’s.“Butyou

touchJanet,andyou’retoast.Idon’tcareifwe’reinthemiddleofthedragonhighcourt.”

Colbyliftedhishands,tippingbackinhischair.“Fine.Igetit.Talonsoffyourmate.”Heflashedmea

grin.“Oh,girl,thisisgoingtobefun.”

MickescortedColbyoutofthehotel,sayinghewantedtofindColbyaplacetostay,andIletthemgo.It
waswithmixedfeelingsthatIleanedonthebarintheemptysaloonwatchingthemrideoffon
motorcyclestowardMagellan.Colbydidn’texactlyinspiretrust,buthe’dalreadytoldmeahellofalot
moreaboutthetrialthanMickhad.InspiteofMick’swarmpraiseofmeandmycompassion,Ididn’tlet
thatblindmetothefactthathewasstubbornlytryingtokeepmeoutofallthis.

“Hescaredme,”themirrorsaidovermyshoulder.“But,sugar,whatabod.Iwonderifthosetattoosgo

allthewaydown?”

“Whydidn’tyouaskhimtodoastriptease?”Iaskedsourly.
“Ooh,doyouthinkhewould?”
“Ithinkhereallywouldmeltyouifyousuggestedit.Canyoutellwherethey’vegone?”
“Wanttodoalittleeavesdropping,doyou?”
Ishrugged.“Itcouldn’thurt.”
“Well,Idon’tknow,sugar.Mickynevertakeshispieceofmeoutofhispocket.Ilikeitinthere,butI

can’tseewhereheis.Sorry.”

OfcourseMickwouldrealizeIcouldusethemagicmirrortospyandmakesurehekepthisshard

hidden.“That’sallright.Nevermind.”

“TellMickytogocommando,”themirrorsaid.“Andworkalittleholeinhispocket...”
Iwasdebatingwhetherornottobotherwithananswerwhensomewhereupstairs,awomanbegan

screaming.Ijumped,andthemirrorshriekedresponse.

“Shutup!”Ishoutedatitandranouttoreception.
Cassandrawasalreadyhalfwayupthestaircase.Thelobbyitselfwasmercifullyfreeofguestsatthe

moment,noonetheretohearourmaidJuana’sscreamsdieoffintoastringofunhappySpanish.

Thestairswentuptoarailedgalleryaroundthemainlobby,theguestroomsopeningontoit.The

screaminghadcomefromroomnine,theverylastone,whichlaynexttothestairsuptothethirdfloor.

AsCassandraandIranalongthegallery,theChangerPamelaemergedfromanotherguestroom,

watcheduspass,andfollowedus.

Roomninewasmymostspacious.Twoopenshoulderbagslayontheking-sizedbednexttoapileof

clothingandwhatIknewtobeanexpensivecamera.Apairofdustyhikingbootsrestedonthefloor.

Assoonasshesawus,Juanaranforme,hereyeswide.“It’sterrible,it’sevil.Idon’ttouchit.Idon’t

touchthisroom.”

Sheduckedpastusandout,andneitherCassandranorItriedtostopher.
Pamelasniffed.“Ismellblood.Dry,notfresh.”
“ThisisJimMohan’sroom,”Cassandrasaid.“IaskedJuanatopackuphisclothes.Iwasgoingtohave

youlookoverthebagsandtheroomandthenputthebagsdowninstorage.”

Iapproachedthebed.Juanahadbeensortingthroughclothesandhadfoldedshirts,pants,andsocks

intoneatpiles.Therestshe’ddroppedinanunorganizedheap.

Itwasn’tdifficulttofindwhathadscaredJuana.AT-shirtlaycrumpledonthesmallpileoffolded

underwear.Thelogoonitread“Sedona,”thetownsouthwestofherethatalsoboastedvortexesand
mysticalenergies.TheshirthadbeendyedwhatwascalledSedonared,thecolorofiron-richearth.

Iliftedtheshirtandshookitout.Thebackofitwasentirelycoatedwithdriedblood.
Idroppedtheshirtastheauraofitcrawledupmyarmsandtriedtoinvademybody.Isawmovement

inamirroracrosstheroom,darknessthatroseandswallowedthereflectionofmyblood-drainedface
andwildeyes.

Theblacknesssqueezedmeinafreezingembrace,mycracklingstormmagictryingtodriveitaway.

Theauraheldmetighter,andcoldlipstouchedmyear.

“Helpme,”itwhispered,andthenitdispersedandwasgone.
“Janet?Areyouallright?”
IfoundbothCassandraandPamelastaringdownatmeinconcern,Pamela’seyesshiftingtowolf

white.

Iblewoutmybreath.Thedarknessdispersed,andIwasleftsittingonthebed,holdingaT-shirtin

whichamanhadbeenmurdered.

Eleven

“So,didthisshirtbelongtoJim?”Iasked.“Ordidhekillwhoeverwaswearingit?”

Theshirtinquestionlayonmydeskinmyoffice,bathedinsunlightthathadstartedtearingthroughthe

clouds.Cassandrarefusedtotouchit,butPamelaspreadtheclothinbacktoshowustheslitinit.
Someonehadbeenstabbedtodeathinthatshirt.Maybeclawed,Pamelasuggested,butifso,veryneatly.
AChanger,whohadhumanintelligenceandcouldcontrolitsstrike,coulddothat.

“CanyousmellwhetherthebloodisJim’s?”
Ipushedtheshirttoher,butPamelashookherhead.“Idon’tneedtoburymynoseinit.Itsmellslike

everythingelseJuanawaspacking.ThatcouldmeanitbelongedtoJimorsataroundhisthingslong
enoughtotransferthescent.Asfortheblood—Iwasn’tpayingattentiontoJimcloselyenough.Humans
smellaliketome,unlessI’mfocusingonaspecificone.”

Cassandrafoldedherslenderarms.“IfthisJimskeweredsomeone,whynotleavetheshirtonthe

victim?Whytakeitoff,bringitbackhere,andputitinthecloset?AndifJimisthevictim,same
question.”

“MaybetherewassomethingincriminatingontheT-shirt,”Pamelasuggested.“Likethekiller’sown

bloodorhair.ADNAtestwouldfindthedifference.”

Ishookmyhead.“Thenwhywouldn’thegotoalaundryandwashit?Orburnit?”
Pamelawentonspeculating.“WhatifJimmurderedwhoeveritwasinhisroomandhadtoremovethe

shirttotakethebodyawaywithoutleavingatrailofblood?”

“No,Jim’sroomwasclean,”Cassandrasaid.“WhenIwentupthereafterhedidn’treturnthatnight,

therewasnoblood,nomess.Onlyonetowelusedinthebathroom.Thekillerwouldn’thavecleanedthe
placefromtoptobottomandthenleftabloodyT-shirtforustofindwhenwepackedup.Thatdoesn’t
work.”

Whileshespoke,avoicewhisperedinmyhead.Youcanfindoutwhathappened.It’seasy.
AndIknewexactlyhowtodoit.
“Reveal,”Isaid.
DarknesspouredoutofmyhandsandengulfedtheT-shirt.Thedarknesscoalescedaroundtheshirtlike

abubble,andmovementflickeredinsideit.

IknewrightawaythatPamelacouldn’tseethemagic.Sheremainedsittingpassivelyontheloveseat

withanuninterestedlook.Ontheotherhand,Cassandra’seyeswidened,andsheleanedforwardto
watch.

Thedarknessclearedalittle,andamanIdidn’trecognizestoodinprofiletous.Hehadthelean,ropy

buildofarunner,limbstannedfromthesun,carriedhisstate-of-the-artcamerainonehand,andworethe
SedonaT-shirt,walkingshorts,socks,hikingboots,andabaseballhat.InthebackgroundIsawtheblocks
ofstonethatformedancientpuebloruins,reddishdirt,anddrydesertgrass.

Theman’sarmswereoutslightly,hischestthrustforward,andhehadaknifeburiedtothehiltinhis

back.

AsCassandraandIwatched,mesmerized,themanfoldedquicklyandsilentlytotheground,thecostly

cameralandingbesidehim.Themanlayinamotionlessheap,windstirringtheendsofhishairandthe
grassesaroundhim.Ahandcameintoview,aman’smuscularhand.Heyankedthebloodyknifefromthe
man’sbacktorevealtheslit,coveredinblood,thatwe’dfoundintheshirt.

Icouldn’tseewhoheldtheknife,butthehandandforearmwasdefinitelyaman’s.Thegoldenbrown

skincouldbelongtoanIndian,buthecouldalsobeAsian,Latino,Mediterranean,orofmixeddescent.
Theknifewasplain,dullsteel,nothingdistinguishedaboutitexceptthatithadbeeninanotherman’s

back.Thekillertookitwithhimashesteppedback,outofsight.

Thecorpselaythereforalongtime,butbythewaythewindmovedthroughthegrass,Icouldtellthat

timehadspedup,asthoughwewerewatchingafilminfastmotion.Iwasabouttoblink,totrytobanish
thevision,whenJim’seyespoppedopen.

CassandraandIbothjumped.Jimslowlyliftedhimselffromtheground,limbsstiff,andthenhestood

upstraight,blinkingatthehorizon.Hedrewadeepbreath,puthishandtohisback,andthenstaredin
amazementatthebloodthatcoatedhisfingers.

Theimageandthemagicvanishedthenextsecond,leavingmebreathlessandstaringataT-shirt

coveredwithbloodonmydesk.Pamelawasonherfeet.

“Allright,whatthehelljusthappened?”shedemanded.“Youtwojerkedlikeyousawsomethingthat

scaredyou.Whatwasit?”

Cassandraputherhandtoherface,turningthenervousgestureintosmoothingheralreadysmoothhair.

“Wejustwitnessedamurder.”

“So,whodidit?”Pamelademanded.
“Someonewithaknife.Icouldn’tseewho.”IpretendedtobelessunnervedthanIwas.“Notvery

helpful.”

Cassandrastudiedtheshirtwithabewilderedlook.“Idon’tunderstand.ThatwasJimMohan,

definitely.ButI’dswearthatwhenJimcheckedintothehotel,hewasn’tsupernatural;hewashuman.I’d
stakemyreputationonit.”

“Andnowhe’sadeadhuman?”Pamelaasked.
“Wealsojustwitnessedhimcomingbacktolife.”Cassandra’svoicewasfaint.
“Notpossible,”Pamelasaidwithconviction.“Cassandra’sright;theguywashuman,andhewasn’t

magical.Hedidn’tsmelllikeasorcerer.”

“Letmethink.”Imassagedmyachingtemples.Mymouthwasdry,andIlongedtosuckdownabouta

gallonofwater.“I’mprettysurethatwastheHomol’oviruinsinthebackground.Andyousaidthemagic
mirrorwentcrazywhenJimwentintothesaloon,afterhe’dbeenoutatHomol’oviallday.”

“Yes,”Cassandrasaid.“Buthewasverymuchalivewhenhecameback,notstabbedorcoveredwith

blood.”

IlookeddownattheT-shirt.Jimhadwornitwhenhedied,andnowthebloodyshirtwasinhisroom.

WhendidamurdererremoveaT-shirtfromacorpseandthrowthebloodyshirtintoacloset?HadJim
somehowsurvivedandwasnowwalkingaround,aliveandfineandthinkinghewasgettingawaywithnot
payinghishotelbill?Thevisionmightnothaveshownmeeverything.

OrthemagicmirrorandCassandramighthaveseenhisghost.Cassandraandthemirrorwerebothvery

magical;theywouldseethingsthatPamelaandotherhumanscouldn’t.

Butinthevision,whenJimhadclimbedtohisfeet,he’dbeenbreathing,ifbloody.He’dnotbeena

ghostbutverymuchalive.

Thenextalternativeonthelistleftmestonecold.
So,whendidamurdererremoveaT-shirtfromacorpseandthrowthebloodyshirtintoacloset?When

thecorpsedidithimself.

“Hewasresurrected,”Isaidslowly.“Jimwasresurrectedbeforehereturnedtothehotel.Heprobably

didn’tevenknowit,wassurprisedhe’dsurvived,butthemagicmirrorknewsomethingwaswrongwith
him.”

Cassandralookedsick.“Youmeanresurrectedbyanecromancer?Can’tbe.I’veseenresurrected

slavesbefore.They’rezombies,animateddead.Jimwasalive.Breathing,drinking,sunburned,excited,
andalive.”

“Thenaverygoodresurrectionist,”Pamelabrokein.“Isthatpossible?”
“Onlyifhewereagod,”Isaid.Agod.

Oh,gods.
IwithdrewmyhandsfromtheT-shirtandwassuddenlyvery,veryafraid.

CassandraandPamelaleftmyofficetogether,bothofthemalittledazed.Imusthavelookedthesame.I
foldedtheshirtandstasheditinthebottomdrawerofmydesk.IclickedthroughallthepicturesonJim’s
digitalcamerabutsawnothingexceptinnocentpicturesofancientruins.

Shockandthestrangesurgeofmagicleftmenauseated.Istashedthecameraandlefttheoffice,heading

upthestairstothethirdfloorandouttotheroof,whereIstoodinthewindandthesunshine.

Thestormwasracingaway,afewraggedcloudsdriftinginitswake.Theairwassweet,washedclean

bytherain,notchargedwithmagic.Iinhaledthefreshness,lettingitcalmmyroilingstomach.

Butmyworrydidn’tleaveme.Acompleteresurrectioncouldbedoneonlybysomeoneextremely

powerful,andthevisionhadn’tshowedmewho’ddoneit.Irememberedthefast-forwardpartofit—how
longJimhadactuallylainthere,dead,Ididn’tknow,andI’dseennooneapproachhim.Butanyonewho
wasstrongenoughtobringsomeonebacktolifewouldhavethemagictostayoutofanyvisionIcould
conjure.

ThefactthatI’dbeenabletocallupsuchaprecisevisionatallbotheredme.Icouldreadaurasand

sensepasteventsiftheyweretraumatic,butneverwiththatclarity.

Ilookedeastpasttheabandonedrailroadbedthatmarkedtheedgeoftown.Thevortexeslaybeyondit,

swirlingmagnetsofmysticalenergy,gatewaystoBeneath.ThevortexMickandIhadsealedlastspring
wasstillthere,buttheenergyfromitwasgone.Completelyshutoff.Wemadeitapointtohikethemile
orsotoitonceaweektomakesure.

IwantedtoblamethevortexesfortheBeneathmagicthathadbeensurginginmelately,butIcouldn’t.

WhatCoyotehadtoldmeinmydreamIknewinmyheartwasright—theBeneathmagichadbeenthere
sincemybirth,giventomebymygoddessmother.Butinthepast,themagichadalwaysbeensomewhat
dormant,fightingmystormmagicinsideme,butdoingnomoredamagethantogivemeahangover.

NowtheBeneathmagicletmekillhordesofdemonsinonestrokeandreplayaman’sdeathinliving

colorbymysimplyfocusingontheshirthe’ddiedin.Ithadalsotriedtoconvincemetocatchamurderer
bykillingeveryoneinMagellan.

Isatdown,puttingmybackagainstthewallthatmadeupthepartialthirdfloor.Thewallwaswarm

fromthesun,butIstillshivered.TheBeneathmagicmademefeelpowerful,unstoppable,invincible,and
thatscaredtheshitoutofme.

“Youshouldbescared.”
Ishrieked,jumpedhalfwaytomyfeet,andsliddownthewallagain.“Damnit,Iwishyouwouldn’tdo

that.”

Coyotegrinneddownatme.“Iliketomakeanentrance.”
Atleastthistimewewerebothdressed.Coyoteworehisjeansanddenimjacket,ashehadatthediner,

turquoisebuckle,andcowboyboots.“Iwanttokeepyouonyourtoes,”hesaid.

“NotwhenIfeellikethis.”Irubbedmytemples,wishingthisdamnheadachewouldgoaway.
Coyotecrouchednexttome,jeansstretchingoverhardthighs.“StopusingtheBeneathmagic,Janet.”
“Itusesme.Itsurgesupandtellsmehowtodothings,andIjustdothem.”Igavehimahopefullook.

“Canyouteachmetocontrolit?”

“No,ImeanstopusingtheBeneathmagic.Idon’twantyoucontrollingit.Iwantyounotusingit.”
“Ican’thelpit...”
“Letmeputitthisway.Stopusingit,orI’lldestroyyou.Idon’twantto—I’drathersleepwithyou.But

IwillkillyouifIhaveto.”

Ilookedupintothefaceofagod.Coyote,theaffableIndianwhomadethetouristslaughandwas

friendswithyoungJulie,hadfaded.Hiseyesweredarkandhard,thepowerinhimunmistakable.He
couldsquashmeandnotbreakasweat.

No,hecan’t,mymagicwhispered.Youhavethestrengthtostopevenhim.
Coyote’seyeswentblack.
Iquicklyheldupmyhands.“Don’t.I’mtrying.”
“Tryharder.”
Thewayhelookedatmemademewanttorunfarandfast.“DidyouresurrectJim?”Iaskedhim.
Coyoteblinked.“Who?”
“Theguyinmyhotelthatthemirrorscaredaway.Hegotstabbedandbroughtbacktolife.Iknowyou

knowwhoI’mtalkingabout.Didyouresurrecthim?”

“No.”Hisvoicewasflat.“Idon’tbelieveinthatshit.”
“Butyoucoulddoit?”
“Icould.ButIdidn’t.”
“Doyouknowwhodid?”
“Nope.”Hedidn’tlookmuchinterested.Butthen,Coyotewasn’talwaysforthcomingwithhisfeelings,

exceptaboutsex.

“You’vebeenalotofhelp.Asusual.”
“I’mnotheretohelp,Janet.I’mheretokeepthebalance.”
“Andscrewasmuchasyoucan.”
Aflickerofhisusualgrincrossedhisface.“Thattoo.”Coyotegottohisfeet,stillthegod.“Don’tuse

themagicagain.”

“Idon’tknowifIcanstopit.”
“Ifyoudon’t,Iwill.”
Damnit,thiswassounfair.Ididn’twantmymother’smagictobeinme,butIhadn’tbeengiventhe

choice.

Iopenedmymouthtoarguesomemore,butafierypresenceburstontotheroof.Mickwasacrossitin

thespaceofthreeseconds,andbysecondnumberfour,hehadhishandaroundCoyote’sneckandCoyote
againstthewall.

“Leaveheralone,”Micksaid.HiseyeswereasblackasCoyote’s,andfireflickeredonthelinesofthe

dragontattoos.

“Dragon,”Coyotesaidwithoutchangingexpression.“Youwanttotanglewithmeagain?”
“No,Iwanttothrowyouofftheroof.LeaveJanetalone.”
Mickradiatedpower,butsodidCoyote.Afightbetweenthemwouldblowaholeinmyhotel.Just

whatIneeded,myhotelobliteratedbyagodandadragon.

Igottomyfeet.“Woulditdomeanygoodtoaskthetwoofyoutostopit?”
“No,”Coyotesaid.“It’ssweetthathewantstoprotectyou.Evenasdangerousasyouare.”
“Idon’tcareifshe’squeenofthedamned,”Micksnarled.“Youwon’ttouchher.”
Coyoteneverlosthissmile.IknewhimcapableofkillingmeandMickbothwithoutblinking,buthe

justkeptgrinning.“I’llgothroughyoutogettoher,dragon.”

“You’llhaveto.”Mick’svoicewasice-cold.
“Justmakesureshedoesn’tusethatcrazymagicfromtheworldbelow,andI’llleaveheralone.”
MickfinallyeasedhishandawayfromCoyote’sthroat.Coyotestraightenedhisshirtbutmadenoother

indicationthatMickhadhurthim.Hewinkedatme,turnedaway,andwentbackinside,whistling.

Mickwatchedhimgo,hiseyesstillhard,beforeheturnedtome.“Youallright?”
Ileanedbackagainstthesun-drenchedwall.“Hedidn’thurtme,ifthat’swhatyou’reasking.”
“Iwon’tlethimtouchyou,Janet,Ipromise.”
“Whatcanyoupossiblydoagainsthim?He’sagod.”

Tomysurprise,Micksmiledhisbad-asssmile.“Rememberwhenhetoldyouwe’dmetinthepast?It

wasalongtimeago,maybeahundredyears.Iwonthatfight,notCoyote.”

I’dbeencuriousabouttheencountersincethedayI’dlearnedaboutit.“Whathappened?”
“Dragonsdon’tstandinaweofanygodsbuttheirown.Coyotewasexploring—helikestoexploreand

getintootherpeople’sbusiness.Heinvadedmyterritory,andIobjected.Strongly.Iprotectedwhatwas
mineandranhimoff.Godsarepowerful,butyoudon’tmesswithadragononhisterritory.”

Ifoldedmyarms,theaircooldespitethesunshine.“Whereisyourterritory?”
“Volcano.OnaPacificisland.”
Iliftedabrow.“You’reaPolynesiandragon?”
“Sortof.There’svolcanicactivityallaroundthePacificRim.There’sareasonthevolcanoesare

namedaftergods.”

“Becausethosegodsarereallydragons.”
“No.Therearegods.Anddragons.”Hesmiledatme,hiseyesbecomingsparklingblueagain.“That

wasmyterritory—stillis.Butthisismyterritorynowtoo.Andyou’remymate.”Hesteppedinfrontof
me,cuppedmyshoulderswithhiswarmhands.“Idefendyou,andit,againstallcomers.IncludingNative
AmericantrickstergodsandassholedragonslikeColby.”

Iswallowed.“SpeakingofColby,whereishe?”
“MagellanInn.Iwasn’tabouttolethimstayhere.”
“Becauseit’syourterritory?”
“Damnright.He’sadragonandmychiefrival.Itwouldbeinhisnaturetotrytotakeoverifhestayed

here.Ifhe’sholedupintown,lessofatemptation.”

Mickwasfirmlyinfrontofme,thewalljustasfirmlybehindme.“Youknow,Mick,thishotelactually

belongstome,”Isaid.“Iboughtitwithmyownmoney.”

Hisbreathsmelledofmintandwaswarmonmyface.“Territoryisn’taboutwhoownswhat.You

shouldknowthat.”

“Andwe’venevertalkedabouttheconnotationsofthis‘mate’thing.”
“ItmeansItakecareofyou.”Mickgentlypriedmyarmsapartandskimmedhishandstomywrists.“I

defendyoufromyourenemies.Ikeepyousafe.”

Howniceitwouldbetomeltintothatprotectivewarmthandlethimeasemytroubles.Ididn’tthinkit

couldbedoneanymore,butitwasafinefantasy.

Mickeasedawayfromme,tomydisappointment.“Coyoteisn’twrong,though.Youcan’tusethe

Beneathpoweranymore.”

Iblewoutmybreathinexasperation.“Iwishthetwoofyouwouldgetit.Idon’tdoitonpurpose.I

needtodosomething,andthemagicjustcomestome.”

“Butwhathappenswhenyoucan’tstopit?Whenyouneedtofightsomething,andyouendup

destroyingtheentiretowntodoit?”

Ifoldedmyarms,suddenlycold.Themagichadwantedmetodestroytheentiretowntoprevent

anotherpersongettingturnedinsideout.Andnowsomeonewasresurrectingcorpses.Abeingwhocould
dothatcouldalsocommitthatawfulmurder.

“I’mtryingtoexplaintoyouthatIdon’tknowhowI’mdoingit.Themagiccomes,andthenitjustgoes.

Believeme,Ihaven’tdonehalfthethingsit’swantedmetodo.”

Hiseyesnarrowed.“Ittalkstoyou?”
“Somethingorsomeonedoes.It’sunnerving.I’veresisted.”
“Whathappenswhenyoucan’t?”
“ThehellifIknow.That’swhyIkeepaskingforhelp,damnit.”
Mickcuppedmyelbows,steppingagainstmeagain.“Iknow,baby.I’lldoeverythingIcantokeepyou

safe.”

“FromCoyote?Whokeepsmesafefromyou?”
Hehesitated.We’dgonethroughthis,hisorderstokillmeandhisdecisiontonotobeythoseorders.

Hencethedragoncouncilputtinghimontrialtodeclarehimofficiallyguilty.

ButIknewinmyheartthatMickdidn’tthinkthedragonswrongforworryingaboutadangerousthing

likeme.Thedragons’ancestorshadn’tcomefromBeneath,asmineandmostofhumanity’shad.Dragons
hadbeenbornofthisearth,infieryvolcanoes.Theydidn’thaveanounceofBeneathinthem,andthey
likeditthatway.Longago,they’dhelpedCoyotetrapsomeofthemoreevilgodsBeneath,tokeepthem
fromemergingintothisworld,andit’snoexaggerationtosaythatthosegodswoulddoanythingtotake
theirrevenge.

AndhereIwas,thedaughterofoneofthoseevilgoddesses,wanderingtheearthaliveandwell.

ProtectedbyMick,oneofthedragons’own.Nowonderthedragonswantedtoputhimtodeath.

ButMickwasn’tanyhappierwithBeneathgoddessesandtheirpowersthanhisfellowdragonswere.

He’dhappenedtostartlikingme—luckyme—orhe’dhavefriedmealongtimeago.Iwasalivebecause
Mickhaddecidedheadmiredmycourage.

“Canyouanswerme,Mick?WhathappenstomewhenyoudecideI’mtoodangerousforthisworld?”
Hisgriptightenedonmyelbows,hishandsstrongenoughtobreakmybones.“That’swhyIwantyouto

try,baby.SoIdon’thavetomakethatdecision.”

“Don’trushtoreassuremeoranything.”
Micktouchedhisforeheadtomine,eyestroubled,breathwarmonmyface.“I’lldoeverythinginmy

powertokeepyoualive,Janet.Isweartoyou.”

Iknewhewould.ThatwasMick,protectingmefromeverythingandeveryone,evenfrommyself.But

Mickwastellingmethatthemomenthethoughttheworldwouldbebetteroffwithmedead,he’ddothe
deedhimself,muchashehatedthethought.

Ipressedhimawayfromme.“Ihaveworktodo.”
Micksteppedback,andIslidoutfromunderhimandheadedforthedoor.Hewasallowingmetogo;I

knewthat.Ihadn’twonanythinghere.

Hisvoicesoundedbehindme,lowanddeep.“Iwon’talwaysletyouwalkawayfromme,Janet.”
Inspiteofmyself,ashiverrandownmyspineasIcontinuedintothehotelandshutthedoorbehindme.

Twelve

TheMagellanInnwasasingle-storymoteltuckedintoacurveofthehighwayrightinthecenteroftown.
AssistantChiefSalas’sbrother,whoownedandmanagedthemotel,recognizedmeandwashappytolet
meknowthatmyfriendColbyhadbookedintoroomtwenty.

Ihadn’tbotheredtotellMickaboutthiserrand,andI’dborrowedFremontHansen’strucksothemagic

mirroronmybikewouldn’ttattleonme.Iknockedonthedoorofroomtwenty,whichwaswrenched
openafterasecondbyColby.Hewasshirtless,hishairdamp,asthoughhe’djustcomeoutoftheshower.
Hischestandbackwereascoveredwithtattoosashisarms.Iwonderedifanyinchofhisbodywasn’t.

Thetelevisionblaredsomesatellitechannel,whichColbyswitchedoffwithaclickoftheremote.
“So,didyoucometoyoursensesandleavethatSOB?”heaskedasIshutthedoor.“Course,you’d

havetokillhimifyouhave,orhe’lljustdragyoutohislairandkeepyouthere.”

“I’mnotadragon.”
“Idon’tthinkhegivesarat’sass.NotthatIblamehim.Iwouldn’twanttoletyougoeither.Wanta

beer?”Colbyopenedthemini-fridgeandtookoutacouplecansofKirin,holdingoneouttome.Itookit,
andhesnappedopenthetopofhis.

“AreyouaJapanesedragon?”Iasked,rollingthechilledcanbetweenmyhands.
“No,I’madragondragon.Wedon’thavenationalities.”
“It’sjustthatyouhavefull-bodytattoosanddrinkKirinbeer.”
“SothatmakesmeJapanese?”Colbychuckled.“WithanamelikeColby?YournameisJanet,not

Runs-With-Coyotesorsomething.NotthatColby’smyrealone;it’sjusteasierforhumanstopronounce.”
Hesatdownonthebed,takingagulpofbeer.“IwasborninJapan,though.Istilllikeit.Thoughtabout
doingsomesumowrestling,butIcouldn’tputonthepoundage.Flyingaroundasadragonkeepsyou
lean.”

“I’llbet.”
Hegavemeanaffablegrin,butitheldwariness.“Whatdoyouwant,Stormwalker?Cometoscoldme

abouthowmeanItalkedtoMicky?”

“No,Iwanttoknowexactlyhowyouplantohelphim.PlusIwanttoknowwhyyou’rewillingtohelp

him.Youfedhimyourpreparedstory;nowIwanttoknowthetruth.”

Colbysippedhisbeer.Hedidn’treachtoputonashirt,buthisbodywassoinkeditwasasthoughhe

woreliving,paintedfabric.

“Dragontrialsareseriousshit,littleStormwalker,”hesaid.“Youshouldstayoutofit,likeMicky

wantsyouto.”

“I’llbedraggedintoitwhetherIlikeitornot.I’dratherwalkinmyself,onmyownterms.”
Colbygavemealookofnewrespect.“Youdohavestones,girl.Allright,here’sthedeal.Thedragons

willallowadefense,notoftheactualcrime,butoftheaccused.Kindoflikecharacterwitnesses,tostate
whytheydon’tthinktheaccusedshouldbeexecutedforthecrime.”

“Inotherwords,the‘trial’ismorelikeahearingtodecideMick’ssentence?”
“Prettymuch.Ifthedefensehappenstoprovetheaccused’sinnocenceintheprocess,thedragon

councilcanreverseitsverdict.”Heshrugged.“It’shappened.Onceortwiceinacouplethousandyears.”

Iopenedmybeerandtookacasualsip.“Itakeityoudon’tholdouthopeforthat.”
“It’sobviousthatMick’sguiltyinthiscase.Heagreedthathe’dwatchoveryouunlessyouwentforthe

vortexes,andthenhe’dkillyou.Youdid;hedidn’t.”

“Ican’tbetooupsetaboutthat.”
“Plushecan’tsolvetheproblembysimplykillingyounow.”Colbyleanedbackonhiselbowsonthe

bed,beerheldnegligently.“Thatwon’tnegatethefactthatheshouldhavedoneittheminuteyoutriedto
openthevortex.No,hisonlychanceistomakethemunderstandwhyhedidit,andtoproveyou’reno
longeradangertothedragons.”

“Andsoyourushedouttotrytoreasonwiththedragoncouncilonhisbehalf?Why?ObviouslyMick

thinksofyouasanenemy.Tellmewhathappenedbetweenyoutwo.”

Colbygavemeanothergrin.“Now,forthat,you’llhavetoaskMicky.It’sold,oldhistory,butdragons

havelongmemories.”

“ThenwhyshouldMicktrustyou?”
“Becausethistime,I’monhisside.Irushedouttohelphim,becausethedragoncouncilwasgoingto

haveashamtrialandexecutehimwithoutdefense.Alreadydecided.Ifigured,whattheydotohim,they
candotome,soIpetitionedforthemtogivehimareal,legaltrial,stickingtotheletterofdragonlaw.
Thewholeworks.”

“Andyoudon’tcarewhetherhe’sexecuted,onlythathehasafairhearing.”
Colbyraisedhisbeertomeandtookasip.“That’saboutthesizeofit.”
Isetmybeercanonthetablebesidethetelevision,cametohim,leaneddown,andgotinhisface.“Let

metellyousomething,Colby.You’dbetterdamnwellcare.You’dbetterpulloutallthestopstosavehis
butt,orIguaranteetherewon’tbeanyonewhocansaveyours.”

“Hey,I’mnotafraidofyou,Stormwalker.Ifyouthrowlightningatme,I’lljustlapitup.I’dloveto,in

fact.I’dlapanythingoffyou,anydayoftheweek.”

Icouldn’tgrabhimbytheshirtsincehewasn’twearingone,soIreachedbehindhimforhislongbraid.

Hishairwaswarmandthick,likecoarsesilk.Mick’swasmuchthesame.Nothingdragonyaboutit.

“ButI’mmorethanjustaStormwalker,”Isaid.“Youknowthat.Plus,Ihavesomeverypowerful

friends.”Ilookedstraightintohiseyes.“Someofthemaregodswhodon’tmuchlikedragons.”

UneasinessflickeredinColby’sgaze,buthedidn’tdrophisbravado.“Youkeeptalkinglikethat,and

you’llcondemnMick,nomatterwhatItrytosaytothecouncil.Mylineofdefensewasgoingtobethat
you’reharmless,thatMickyunderstoodthattheordertokillyouwasunnecessary,andbesides,you
helpedsealupthevortexesandendthethreat.Dragonshatewaste,andtheydon’tlikearbitrarymurder,
especiallynotofinnocents.”

“Howethicalofthem.”
“Soyousee,sweetheart,inordertosaveMicky’shide,wehavetoconvincethedragonsthatyou’reno

threat.Nottothem,nottoanyone.”

“ButI’mnotathreat.”Ismiled.“Atleast,nottodragonsasawhole.Justtoyou.”
“No,darling,youare.You’rebubblingwithpower,andsoonerorlater,you’regoingtoblow.Iwas

willingtogiveMickythebenefitofthedoubtfornotoffingyou,andthenImetyou.”Hissmilewasgone,
hiseyesdarkeninglikeMick’sdid.“NowIthinkitwasn’thisfaulthecouldn’tkillyou.I’mbettingyou
wouldn’tlethim.”

IrememberedthenightI’dmetMick,himandmeinaseedymotelroomhe’ddraggedmetoafter

pullingmeoutofabigbarfight.Mickhaddaredmetotrytohurthim,andI’dbeenangryenoughand
scaredenoughtohithimwithlightning.I’dwatchedinshockwhileheabsorbedmystormpowerlikeit
wasnothing,andthenhe’dlaughedandtakenmeouttodinner.

Colbywaswrong.AllthedecisionsthatnighthadbeenMick’s,notmine.ThenightI’dopenedthe

vortexes,Mickhadstoodwithmeintherain,readytobreakmyneck.He’dhavedoneit;I’dfeltitinhim,
andhe’dhadthestrengthtodoit.Colbywastalkingoutofhisass.

IreleasedColby’sbraidandstraightenedup.“IfMickwantedmedead,hecouldhavekilledme

anytimesinceImethim.”

“Bullshit.Iseeinyoureyesthatyouwouldneverhavelethim.You’reapowerfulbeing,JanetBegay,

andyoulookdownontherestofus.I’llliemyassoffanddefendMicky,becauseIdon’twantthedragon

councilgettingtoouppity.Butyou,girl,areanotherstory.Thedragonswererighttoputoutadeathorder
onyou.”

“Youtoldmethatwhenthedragonsfirstaskedyoutokillme,yourefused.”
“Hell,yes.I’mnottheirpuppet.Letthemdotheirowndirtywork.Plus,then,Ididn’treallybelieve

youwereathreat.WhatcouldaStormwalkerdoagainstthemightofthedragons,evenifyoudohavea
bitofgoddessinyou?”Helookedmeupanddownagain.“NowthatI’vemetyou,Ithinkyoucoulddoa
lotofdamage,nomatterhowsmallyouare.”

“Idon’tcareaboutanyofthat.Ihavenointentionofmessingwiththedragons;Ionlywanttosave

Mick.I’mnotlettinghimdiebecauseofme.Understand?”

“Oh,Iunderstand.So,helpmeconvincethedragonsthatyou’reharmless.That’sallyouhavetodo.”
Iwantedtorageathim.Ofcourse,Iwasharmless.Ofcourse,Icouldconvincethemofthat.
SowhydidIjuststandthere,doubtsflyingthroughmyhead?IhadtheawfulfeelingthatifMick’sfate

dependedonmybeingasweetandgoodlittleStormwalker,Mickwassoscrewed.

IleftColbyputtinguphisfeetandskimmingthroughthesatellitechannelsthemotelprovided.He’dgiven
mealottothinkabout,ideasthathadn’toccurredtome.I’dsomehowpreventedMickfromkillingme?
Couldn’tbe.MyBeneathmagichadalwaysbeendormantuntilrecently,andMickwasdamnpowerful,
whateverColbythoughtabouthim.

AssistantChiefSalascameoutoftheofficeasIpreparedtoclimbintoFremont’struck.“Hey,Janet.

Luistoldmeyouwerehere.Needtotalktoyou.”

Iwasimpatienttogo,butIlikedEmilioSalas,soIwaitedforhim.
“What’sup?”Iasked.“IknowthisisFremont’struck,butheletmeborrowit,honest.”
Salassmiled,eyescrinkling.Hewasgood-looking,aboutthirty,withblueblackhairanddarkeyes,

anddidhisjobwithquietefficiency.“It’snotaboutthetruck.It’sapersonalquestion.Youmind?”

Ishrugged.Ididn’treallylikepeopleaskingmepersonalquestions,butSalaswasaniceguy,and

besides,Icouldalwayschoosenottoanswer.

“I’mthinkingofaskingMayaout,”hesurprisedmebysaying.“Youknowherprettywell.Isitwortha

shot,orisshestillhunguponJones?”

ItoyedwiththekeyswhileIconsideredhowtoanswer.IrememberedhowNashhadbrushedoffany

questionaboutMayaduringourroadtrip,andthehurtinMaya’seyeswhenshe’dapproachedmeaboutit
atthediner.Iknewtheirproblemswerenoneofmybusiness,butNashneededakickinthepants,and
maybeSalaswouldgivehimthatkick.IhatedtowatchMayawastingherlifewaitingforNash.

“Isaygoforit,”Isaid.“Askher.IfMayadoesn’twanttogooutwithyou,she’lltellyou.”
“That’swhatI’mafraidof.Mayaspeakshermind,doesn’tshe?”
Icouldn’thelpsmilingback.Mayahaddecidedopinionsanddidn’tkeepthemtoherself.“Joneshad

hischance,andheblewit.There’sanoldNavajosayingthatIthinkapplieshere:‘Yousnooze,youlose.’
”

Salasburstoutlaughing.“Thanks,Janet.I’llaskher.IneverknowuntilItry,right?”
“Right.”
“I’lltakeachance.Seeyou,Janet.”Salasgavethetruckapatandwalkedaway,singingunderhis

breath.AtleastI’dmadeonepersonhappytoday.

NashJoneshimselfwaswaitingformeatmyhotel.Cassandrabehindthedesklookedlikethunder,andI
concludedthatNashhadpissedheroffinhisusualcharmingway.

“Office?”Nashstalkedtomycubbyholebehindreceptionwithoutwaitingformyreply.

“HegrilledmeaboutwhatkindofwitchcraftIdid,”Cassandramuttered.“Ishoulddoaspelltomake

hisballsfalloff.”

“I’dpaytoseethat,”Isaidandwentintomyofficeandshutthedoor.
Nashwaitedformeonhisfeetlikeagentlemanandgesturedformetositdown.Ileanedmyhip

againstmydeskandfoldedmyarms,waiting.

Nashtookhislittlenotebookfromhispocketandflippedafewpages.“Whydidn’tyoumentionthat

CassandraBrysonwasawitch?WhenIaskedyouatthecrimescenewhatkindofapersoncouldhave
killedthevictim,yousaidwitches.YoutoldmeyouthoughtHeatherHansenincapableofthecrime,but
youneverbotheredtomentionthatyouemployawomanwhocallsherselfawitch.”

“Ididn’thavethechance.Lopezshowedup,andyoushovedusoffonhim.”
“Youhavethechancenow.WhatdoyouknowaboutMs.Bryson?”
“Thatshe’sadamngoodhotelmanager.That’snotwitchcraft;that’sknow-how.She’sgoodwiththe

customers.”

“IfshekilledthepersonIfoundoutinthedesert,Idon’tcarehowgoodsheiswithyourcustomers.”
“Untilyouhavecause,Jones,couldyounotinterrogatemyemployees?Ihaveahoteltorun.”
Nash’sgrayeyesflickedtomeoverthenotebook.“Ihaveamurdertosolve,andmylistofsuspectsis

prettyshort.Youassuredmethatthiswasamagicalcrime,andthatonlycertaintypesofpeoplecould
havedoneit.SofarIhaveCassandraBryson,Coyotewithnolastname,MickBurns,andyou.”

“Icouldneverhavedonethat.Thatwasawful.”
Hisgazesharpened.“IsawhoweasilyyoukilledthosethingsattackingusinDeathValley.Fora

moment,Ithoughtyouweregoingtoturnonus.”

Igrewcoldatthememory,notsomuchofkillingthedemonsbutofhowI’dbeentemptedtotestmy

newpowersagainstadragonandamanwhocouldabsorbmagic.

Iclearedmythroat.“Foronething,theyweredemons,readytoeatusalive.”Igesturedtotheredscabs

onhisarms.“Foranother,itwasn’t‘easy.’Mickhadtocarrymedownthemountain,remember?AndI
didn’tnoticeyougettingtooupsetthatthedemonsweredead.”

“Iwasn’tsorrytoseethedangereliminated,no.ButIalsosawyoustruggletocontainyourself.The

incidenttellsmethatyouhavethepowerormagicneededtokillthepersonatmycrimescene,andMick
admittedtomethatadragoncouldhavedonethesame.”

“Mickhadnoideathebodywasoutthere,”Isaidquickly.“Hewaswithmeatthetimeinquestion,

remember?It’sinLopez’sstatement,I’msureinluriddetail.”

“Soyousay.Butyou’relovers.You’dcorroborateeachother.”
“Thisisano-winsituation,isn’tit?”
Nashflippedanotherpageofhisnotebook.“IfyouorMickdidit,I’llfindtheevidencetoproveit.

SamegoesforCoyote,ifIcaneverfindhim.”

“ThenwhyareyoubotheringCassandra?Shewashere,runningthehotellastnight.”
“Atthetimeofthemurder,Cassandraclaimstohavegoneforawalkalongtherailroadbedtotakea

breakandclearherhead.Noonesawher,andshemetnoone.”

“It’sthreeorfourmilesfromheretothecrimescene.What,shejoggedthereandback?”
“Shecouldeasilyhavedrivenhercarandmadeupthestoryofthewalk.Peopledotendtoliewhen

they’vecommittedacrime.Iwillbeverifyingthestory.Meanwhile,whydon’tyoutellmewhatyou
knowaboutCassandra?Besidesthefactthatshe’sgoodatrunningyourhotel.”

“Askheryourself,”Isaid.
“Idid.NowI’maskingyou.Don’tholdoutonme,Begay,orI’llaskyou—andher—inaninterrogation

room.”

Gods,hedrovemecrazy.
Ontheonehand,Ididn’twanttofeedmymanagertoJones.Ontheother—whatdidIreallyknow

aboutCassandra?She’dworkedforaluxuryhotelchaininCalifornia,whichwasthemainreasonI’d
hiredher.WhenI’dquestionedherdecisiontomovefromLosAngelestomiddle-of-nowhereMagellan,
she’dsaidsheneededabreakfromtheratraceandthatshelikedtheenergyofthevortexes.I’dtakenthis
atfacevalue.IlikedCassandra,neededherhelp,anddidn’twanttoprytoomuch.

IgaveNashanabbreviatedversionofherworkhistory,whichhenoted.“That’snotmuchmorethan

shesaid.”

“It’sallIknow.Maybeshe’scomingoutofabadrelationshipanddoesn’twantthemaninvolvedto

knowwheresheis.”Orwomaninvolved,Iaddedsilently,thinkingoflookspassedbetweenherand
Pamela.

Nashclosedhisnotebook.“WhenpeoplemovetoMagellanfornoapparentreason,itinterestsme.It’s

notasthoughMagellanisthegardenspotoftheworld.”

ForinterestsIknewhemeantannoys.Nashlikedtokeephisfingeronthepulseofeverythingthatwent

oninHopiCounty.Nashhadthreedeputiesunderhim,andbothFlatMesaandMagellanhadpolice
departments,butNashmanagedtopatroleverymileofhisterritory.HopiCountywassmall,squeezed
betweenthelargerentitiesofNavajoandCoconino,soitwasn’tdifficulttodriveitsperimeters,butIhad
towonderwhentheguyslept.

“Areyoudonegrillingme?”Iasked.“Ihavethingstodo.”
“WhataboutCoyote?”
Iblinked.“Whatabouthim?”
“Whatdoyouknowabouthim?Wheredoeshegowhenhe’snotinMagellan?”
“Ihaven’tthefaintestidea.He’sagod.Maybehelivesoutinthedesertasacoyote.Maybehehasa

den.”

Hesparedmeanirritatedglance.“He’sNativeAmerican.”
“Wedon’tallknoweachother,”Isaid.“Besides,he’snotDiné.He’snotanytribespecifically.He’s

Coyote.”

“Itdoesn’texcusehimofmurder.Notinmyjurisdiction.”
IcouldimaginetheNorsegodstryingtohaveRagnarok,andNashliftinghishand,cop-style,and

saying,“No,youdon’t.Notinmyjurisdiction.”

Isaid,“Well,ifyoudomanagetofindhim,youcanaskhimwhetherhedidit.Goodluckgettinga

straightanswer.Now,Ireallyhavethingstodo.”

Nashdidn’tlikebeingdismissed.“Whatthingsdoyouhavetodo?”
“Hotelthings.Ihaveabusinesstorun.”
Nashtuckedhisnotebookandpenintohispocket.“Don’tleavetown.”
“What?Whythehellnot?”
“You’reasuspect.Don’tgoanywhereuntilI’veclearedyou.”
Damntheman.IwantedtogouptoHomol’ovitoseeifIcouldfigureoutwhathadhappenedtoJim

Mohan.

Nashgavemeasuspiciousstare,butthen,hisstaresweremostlysuspicious,soitwasdifficultto

decidewhathewasthinking.Atlastheleftmealone,andIsatdowninthedeskchairandstaredoutthe
windowatthewide,sunlitsky.

IknewIhadn’tkilledwhoeverhadlaininthedesertgrassessouthoftown,butNashwasright;Icould

have.Ifeltthepowercrawlinginsideme,dancingwithglee,wantingawayout.Likewise,Icouldhave
crushedColbyanytimeIwantedtotoday,andhe’dknownit.Coyotehadwarnedmeaboutmymagic,and
sohadMick,andnowNashbelievedittoo.

Theywereallwaitingformetogoonarampage,tokilleveryoneinmypath,andthetroublewas,I

hadnoideawhethertheywerewrong.Isqueezedmyeyesshutandclenchedmyhands.I’dlearned
controlovermystormpowers;Icouldlearncontroloverthis.Couldn’tI?

ThebestthingIcoulddo,Ireasoned,wastofigureoutwhathadhappened.Ifthemurdervictimwas

Jim,myhotelguest,orifJimhadbeenthekiller,Ineededtofindout.IcouldpresentthesolutiontoNash
andclearmyself,Mick,Coyote,andCassandra.

IfNashdidn’tlikethehumancrimesofmurderanddrugdealinginhiscounty,Ididn’tlike

unaccounted-forsupernaturalbeingsrunningaroundmyterritory.Ilefttheoffice,toldCassandraI’dbe
gonetherestoftheday,andfetchedoneofouroldmapsofHomol’ovi.

Thirteen

Iwaitedforty-fiveminutesbeforeIleftthehoteltomakesurethatJoneswasreallygone.Iwouldn’tputit
pasthimtodoublebacktocheckuponme.WhenIfiguredhewouldbesafelyharassingthenextperson
onhislist,ImountedmybikeanddroveupthehighwaytoWinslow.

OnthenorthsideofWinslow,Iturnedontothenarrowroadthatledtheshortdistancetotheruinson

thebanksoftheLittleColorado.Homol’oviwasthesiteofsettlementsdatingbackabouteighteen
hundredyears,thelargeabovegroundpueblosbeingbuiltduringthetwelvehundreds.Archaeologists
calledtheculturethatbuiltthemtheAnasazi,andtheyweretheancestorsofthecurrentpueblopeoples,
includingtheZunisandHopis.

Thestateparkwasclosedfornow,butthatdidn’tstopdeterminedpeoplefrompokingaroundtheruins.

Iparkedmymotorcyclewellofftheroadandlookedaround,usingthemaptotoorientmyselftowhatI’d
seeninthevisionaswellasinthephotosonJim’sdiscardedcamera.

AgreenstreakofvegetationonredbrownlandshowedtheflowoftheLittleColorado,whichsnaked

acrossthedesertwithlife-givingwater.Ihikedthatway,keepingthemoundsofthepuebloruinsinsight.
Jamisonhadtoldmethatthosebuildings,partofacomplexcivilization,hadcontainedmorethana
thousandrooms.

Theruinswereemptyandsilent,buttheriverteemedwithlife.Birdscalledinthetrees,andwater

birdswadedthroughthestream,anoasisinanaridland.Fivestepsbehindme,thedampbanksgaveway
toharddesert,buthere,thewetwasacoolandwelcomerelief.

Ifoundnothing,however,noclueaboutJimorwhathadhappenedtohim.OnceI’dambledalongthe

riverabit,Iclimbedbacktodrierlandandwalkedtowardtheexcavationsites.Abouthalfwaybetween,
Istopped.Here,Ithought.Itwashere.

Asinthevision,IsawthewallsofwhatwascalledHomol’oviIIinfrontofme,theriverbehindme.

TherewasnothingthattoldmewhyJimhadstoppedhere,butmaybehe’dwantedtotakeadistanceshot
oftheruinsagainsttheearthandsky.Theprofessionalphotographerinmewouldn’thavechosenthis
angle;therewerebetterplacesfromwhichtoshoot.Butthen,asfarasIknew,Jimhadjustcomehereto
takeprettypictures,notgethisfineartsdegree.

ButIknewI’dfoundtheplaceofhisdeath.Ismelledithere,theacridsweetnessofdecay,similarto

whathadbeenatthemurderscenesouthofMagellan,butthishaddissipatedwithtime.Ialsofelta
residueofpower,strongpower,againthatgodlikebutuncertainmagicI’dfeltattheothercrimescene.
Somethingevilhaddisturbedthesacrednessofthisplace.

Asawaflashofmovement,andIrememberedthattheparkwasclosed,butpeoplewhoworriedabout

theruinswatcheditclosely.IhopedIwasn’tabouttobearrestedforbeingasuspectedlooter—itwasa
felonytopocketsomuchasapotsherdorobsidianblade.Wouldn’tNashlovethat?

Anotherflash,andamansprangfromnowheretolandonhisfeetinfrontofme.Hehadawhiteand

blackfaceandagapingredmouth,andIscreamed.

Themanputhishandstoeithersideofhisfaceandmimedmyscreamback.Istopped,outofbreath,

andthenIstartedtolaugh.

Hewasaclown,aKoshare,hismostlynakedbodypaintedwithblack-and-whitestripes,two

ridiculousblack-and-whitestripedhornsrisingfromhishead.KosharesappearedwiththeHopikachina
dancers,whodressedinelaboratecostumestoactthepartsofgodsandspirits,excepttheKoshare
weren’ttechnicallykachinasbecausetheydidn’twearmasks.Thedancersbelieved,andsodidI,thatthe
spiritofthekachinatheyportrayedfilledthemwhiletheyperformed.Kosharesweretheclownsofthe
group,theretomakepeoplelaughbutalsotoprovideadmonitiononbadbehaviorthroughtheirjokesand

antics.

Iwonderedwhyonewaswayouthere.Kachinadancesusuallyhappenedinthespring,duringgrowing

season,andnon-Indianswerenotalwaysprivilegedtowatch.Butmaybehe’djustcomeouthereto
communewiththespiritsinthisquietplaceortokeepaneyeonit.

TheKosharejumpedupanddownonbothfeet,clutchinghisheadandlookingterrified.Thenhedida

cartwheel,whirledaround,stuckouthisbackside,andbrokewind.IlaughedashardasIhadasalittle
kid,whenI’dbeenhappilyinnocentofstormmagic,Beneathmagic,dragons,andotherterrifyingthings.

Thepaintedmandidabackflipwithenviableathleticism.Hisloinclothswungwide,baringeverything

tome,butIwastheonlyonearoundtosee.

Iclappedmyhandslikethefive-year-oldI’dbeen.“Again,”Iurgedhim.
Themanspunononeleg,theotherstraightoutlikeadancer’s.Heputhisfootdowninabigstomp;

thenhearchedforwardinasuddenthrust,andIstoppedlaughing.

TheKosharefroze,armsflungout,thrustslightlyforward,exactlyasJimhaddoneinmyvision.Then,

againinanidenticalmanner,theKosharefelltohiskneesandbuckledontotheground.

Irantowherehelayunmoving,theblack-and-whitepaintonhisbodynowcoveredwithdust.I

crouchednexttotheman,unsurewhetherIshouldhelphimup.

“Yousawhim,didn’tyou?Whathappened?”
Themanjerked,hiswholebodyliftingofftheground.Isprangoutoftheway,andhestoodup,limbs

stiff,lookingdisoriented,justasJimhad.

TheKosharehadseenJimdieandcomebacktolife.
“Tellmewhathappened,”Isaid.
Foranswer,themancoweredaway,raisinghisarmsinaprotectivegesture.Helookedterrifiedofme,

eyeswidebehindhispaint.HebackedupasIcametowardhim.

“Ididn’tkillhim,”Isaid.“Ihadnothingtodowithit.”
Heputhisfingersinhismouthandmimedhisteethchattering.Thenhethrewopenhisarmsandspun

around,pretendingtobepickedupbyawhirlwindandslammedtotheground.TheKosharelaythereina
limpheap,thedustkickedupbyhisbodysettlingontohiswideandstilleyes.

Oh,shit,hereallylookeddead.Irantohimagain,sweattricklingdownmyface,andreachedtocheck

hispulse.

Abigpaintedhandclosedovermywrist.Theguywasbig,hishandenvelopingmyarminahardgrip.

Hecouldsnaptheboneanytimehewantedto.

TheKosharepulledmeupwithhimasherosetohisfeet.Hegrabbedmyotherhand,crossedour

wrists,andstartedpullingmearoundinacircle.Fasterandfasterwetwirled,myfeetdancingtokeepup
withhim.Istartedtofall,buthisstronghandspulledmebackup.Theworldwhirledaroundme,bluesky,
redearth,greenlineoftheriver,puebloruins,emptyhorizon.

“Stopit,”Ipanted.“I’mgoingtobesick.”
Hewentfaster,andtheworldspuninablur.Panictookover.Iclawedathishands,tryingtogetaway,

buthewasdamnstrong.Hehadbrowneyes,NativeAmericaneyes,buthewidenedthemsofarthatI
startedseeingonlywhite.

TheKoshareletmego.Ispunaroundbymyselfandfellhardtothedirt.HewasontopofmebeforeI

couldgaspforbreath,pinningmywristswithhishands.Ilookedintohisterriblewhiteeyes,andavoice
rolledthroughmyhead.

Wearewatchingyou.We,thelordsofthesky,willnotletyouwin.
Oh,hell,hewasnolongeramaninpaint;hewasagod,arealone.Hecouldannihilatemewitha

singlethought.

Asifinanswer,myBeneathmagicroseinme,likingthechallenge.Meoragod?IfIbestedhim,who

wouldn’tbowdowntome?

Hismouthopenedwide,wider,asthoughhewoulddevourme.Ilookeddownaredgulletandasilent

scream,andmyownscreamechoedacrossthevalley.

Iheardthepoundingofpawsonearth,thesnarlofananimal,andtheKosharerolledoffmeright

beforeahundredandmorepoundsofcoyotehithim.TheKosharescrambledtohisfeetandstarted
running,movinginacomicallopewithkneesupandfeetout.Coyotechasedhim,andtheKoshare
sprintedaway,limbsflying.

TheKoshareandCoyotedisappearedunderthetreesthatlinedtheriver,whileIsat,myarmsaround

myknees,tryingtocatchmybreath.

Afterafewminutes,Coyotetrottedbackaloneandfloppedtothegroundnexttome,panting.Earlier

today,he’dthreatenedmylife,butrightnowIwasgladtoseehim.Ithrewmyarmsaroundhisneck,
sinkingmyfaceintohisroughcoat.Hesmelledlikesunshineanddust,warmandcomforting.

Theywilldoit,Coyote’svoicesaidinmyhead.ButnotuntilIpermitit.
“Thanks.Ifeelsomuchbetter.”Isatupandwipedmyeyes.“Pleasedon’ttellmeyouhavefleas.”
Coyotescratchedathissidewithabackfoot,andhislaughterrumbledthroughmyhead.
“ThatKosharewitnessedJim’smurder,”Isaid.“Correction,murderandresurrection.Ordoyouthink

hefoundJimandbroughthimbacktolife?”

No.Theclownisharmlessotherthanbeingannoying.Butsomethingevilhasbeenhere.Youfeelit.
Idid,thoughnotasstronglyasIhadattheothermurdersite.“Idonotneedthisontopofworrying

aboutthedragons.WhatamIgoingtodoaboutthedragons?”

ThatoneIcan’thelpyouwith.Dragonshavetheirownlaws,theirowngods,theirownhang-ups.
“Thenwhatgoodareyou?Yougivemecrypticwarningsandthreatenmylife,butwheneverIaskfor

advice,youbrushmeoff.”

I’mCoyote.It’swhatIdo.
“Whatyoureallymeanis,youdon’tknow.”
Hechuckled.Idon’tknowshitaboutdragons;Iadmitit.Theoneyousleepwithisapowerful

bastard.Morepowerfulthanthedragoncouncilwantstobelieve.

“Ishe?Inwhatway?”
Coyoteignoredme—ofcoursehedid.Henarrowedhiseyes,focusingonthetreesaroundtheriver.I

lookedthatwayinalarm,andafewsecondslater,theKoshareburstoutofthebrush,leavesflying,and
startedrunningtowardthepueblo,awayfromus.Helookedsmallersomehow,andgenuinelyspooked.

“He’sthemannow,”Isaid,realizing.“Thegodinhabitedhim,butnowit’sgone.”
WhentheKosharewashalfwaybetweenusandtheruins,Coyotejerkedhismuzzle,andthebackofthe

Koshare’sloinclothburstintoflame.Heranfaster,thenjumpedintotheairandcamedownonhis
backside,bumpingupanddownonthegrounduntilthefirewentout.

Coyotegaveasatisfiedchuckle.I’vealwayshatedclowns,hesaid.

Iwalkedintothehotel’sbackentrancetobestoppedbyMick’sstrongarmbarringthewaydownthehall.
Thesettingsuntouchedhiseyes,whichhadchangedfrombluetodeepblack.

“Hey,Mick,”Isaidtiredly.Itriedtoduckpasthim,butMicksteppedinfrontofme,wrappedhisarm

aroundmywaist,andpulledmeoffmyfeet.

“Itoldyou,”hesaid.“Iwon’talwaysletyouwalkaway.”
“I’mnottryingtowalkaway.I’mtryingtogotakeashower.”
Mick’shumanbodywastwicethesizeofmineandabouttentimesasstrong.Heliftedmewithease

andcarriedmethroughthebedroomandtothebathroom,wherehesetmeonthefloorandpulledoffmy
shirt.

“Youcantellmeaboutwherethehellyou’vebeenwhileIwashyou,”hesaid.

“Mick...”
Hesnappedontheshowertofullyhotanddivestedmeofmyclothes.Ididn’tresistmuch,becauseI

wassweatyandmuckyandwantedsoapandwater.Micksatmeonthelipofthetubwhilehetuggedoff
mybootsandsocks,thenmypants.NotuntilhisbighandswerepullingdownmypantiesdidItrytopush
himaway.

“Icandothat.”
Hiseyeswentdarker.Hebattedmyhandsoutofthewayandyankedmypantiesdownovermybutt.

Thenhepushedmylegsapartandlickedbetweenmythighs,hiswhiskersscrapingmysensitiveskin.

Ileanedback,andtheshowersprayedovermyface.“Mick,no.”
Mickraisedhishead,andtheabsoluterageinhiseyesnearlystoppedmyheart.“Wherewereyouthat

yougotbangeduplikethis?”Heturnedmywristsover,showingmebruisesandabrasions.

“Homol’ovi.”
“Whatthehellwereyouuptherefor?Whowereyoufighting,archaeologists?”
“Veryfunny.AKoshare.”
Mick’seyesnarrowed,andItoldhimthestoryofmyvisionandhowI’dgoneuptoHomol’ovito

investigatethedeathofJim,despiteNashtryingtoconfinemetotown,andwhathadhappenedthere.I
sensedMick’sangergrowasIspoke.

“IsecondNash’srequestthatyoudon’tleavetown,”hegrowledwhenIfinished.“Oreventhehotel.I

especiallydon’twantyounearColby.Youwenttoseehim.”

“Whyshouldn’tIhave?Iwantedanswers.”
“Idon’twantyouinvolvedinthis.”
“Soyouwantmetostandbyandwatchwhiletheykillyou?”Icouldyelljustasloudashecould.

“Whatareyougoingtodo,Mick?TellthemtospareyoubecauseyourealizedIwasyoursoulmate?”

“Somethinglikethat.”
“Howunbelievablystupid.”
“Youletmeworryaboutthat,”Micksaid.
Ihatedthis.HereIwassitting,naked,ontheedgeofmytub,whiletheshowerstreameddownbehind

me,arguingwithamanIwasbothfuriouswithandtryingtokeepalive.Mick,stilldressedandhalf-wet,
kneltinfrontofme.

“They’regoingtokillyou,”Irepeated.“They’vealreadydecidedtheverdict.You’llbeasheep

walkingtoitsownslaughter.”

“I’mnotasweakasthedragonsandColbythinkIam.IknowwhatColbysaidhewasupto,tryingto

defendme,butthatdoesn’tmeanhecanbetrusted.”

“Andyet,heturneddownthedragoncouncil’staskofhuntingmedownandkillingme.”
“Becausehe’safuckingcoward.Helikestopretendtoberebellious,sohetoldthedragoncouncilto

screwthemselves.Butonlybecausehedidn’thavetheballstofaceyou.”

“Andyoudid?”Iasked.
“Yes.”
Ibelievedthat.I’donlyeverseenMickafraidonce,andeventhenhe’dlaughedashegotreadytodie.
Itshouldamusemethatallthesebad-assdragonsweresoafraidofme.I’dbeenexhaustedandterrified

thenightMickhadmetme,surprisedthatIcouldmusterenoughmagictofighthim.

Butifthey’dthoughtmeanythinglikemyhell-goddessmother,thentheywererighttobeafraid.Lucky

forthem,I’dgrownupwithmygrandmother,whoprobablycouldgotoe-to-toewithmymotherinabattle
ofsarcasmandstrongwills.Inacontestofmagic,however,mygrandmotherwouldn’tstandachance.
NeitherwouldMick,orColby,ortheirdragoncouncil.

“Yousaidyouchangedyourmindwhenyousawmefight,”Isaid.“WhenIdidn’ttrytokillthose

assholesinthebar.”

Mickliftedmeintohisarmsandcradledmeonhislap,hisjeansroughonmynakedbackside.“Iwas

readytokillyouwithoutthought.Iadmitthat.UntilIsawyoustandingaloneagainstthoseidiotsinthat
bar.Thatwasthemomentmyworldchanged.YouwerethemostamazingthingI’deverseen.”

“That’swhyyouletmelive?”
Hekissedmyhair,lipssogentle.“Irealizedthatthedragoncouncilwerefools.They’rearrogantand

ruledbytheiregosandtheirfear.Youareastonishing,Janet.You’resomethingtobetreasured,andI
wantedtoprotectyouforaslongasyoulived.”

Thehollowofhisthroatwasrightatmylips,soeasytolick.Ilovedthesalttasteofhimonmytongue.

“YoutoldmeonceyouwereafraidI’dglammedyou.”

“Damnright.Ididn’ttrustmyselfaroundyou.”Hekissedmyhairagain,histouchalittlerougherthis

time.

Iwasgoingtolosehim.Iknewthatwithcertaintyasateartrickledintomymouth.Notsomuchfrom

theupcomingdragontrial,butbecauseofmeandwhatIwas.

Youcanhavehimalways,inanywayyoulike.
Whatevervoicewhisperedtome,Mickdidn’thearit.Helaidmedownonthebathroomrug,thesoft

whitenapticklingmyback.Mickkissedmeasheunfoldedhisbigbodyovermine,pinningmefirmly.

Hekeptkissingmeasheslidhishandsdowntomybarebreasts,palmsroughagainstthem.Iarchedto

meethim,wantingtotwinearoundhimandpullhiminside.Ilovedhisbody,alwayswarmandhardand
readyformine.

Youcanmakehimdowhateveryouwant,andyoucanmakethedragonsleavehimalone.
Micklickedhiswaytomybreastsandtookonedarkpointbetweenhisteeth.Hishairfelltomyskin,

thecurlscoarseundermyfingertips.

“Mick.”Ipressedupintohim,andheopenedhismouthovermybreast.
Iwassuddenlynotafraid.NotofMick,notofColby,orthedragoncouncil,orevenCoyote.Ihad

powertomatchthemandtobestthem.IcoulddoanythingIpleased.Nomorehiding,nomoreshame
aboutmyorigins.Itdidn’tmatter.Ihadmorepowerthanallofthemputtogether.

AsuddenimageoftheKoshareslammedintomyhead.Hisredmouthopenedinhisblack-and-white

face,andtheeyesofagodburnedintomybrain.

Iscreamed.Mickjerkedhismouthfrommybreastandpeereddownatmeinworry.“Whatisit,baby?

AmIhurtingyou?”

“No.”Iclutchedathim,myheartpoundingcrazilyinfear.“Dome,Mick.Now.Please.”MaybeifI

lostmyselfinsexwithhim,thevisionsandthewhisperswouldstop.

Mick’sansweringsmilerippedatmyheart.Hepulledoffhisshirt,thenstoodandstrippedoffhis

pants,boots,andunderwearinrecordtime.Hewashardandready,hiscockdarkandlifting.Isatupand
tookitinmymouth.

“Damnit,”Mickgroaned.
Hehadn’tseenanythingyet.Islidmyhandbetweenhislegs,gentlyplayingwithhisballs,and

stretchedmymouthoverhim.

Mickwasn’tquiet.Heheldontotheshowerrodandstartedtellingme,betweennoisesofpleasure,all

thedirtythingshewantedtodowithme.“I’mgoingtofuckyouuntilyoucan’twalk,Navajogirl.Then
I’mgoingtotieyoutothebedanddoitsomemore.”

Finebyme.Iwastootiredtogoanywhere,anyway.
“ThenI’mgoingtobendyourassoverthisbathtubandgiveyoueveryinchofme.”
Iprettymuchhadeveryinchofhimnow.Iplayedwithhimwithmytongueandfingersforafew

momentslonger;thenIslidmybodyuphis,twinedmyarmsaroundhisneck,andkissedhim.

Mickarousedwasabeautifulsight.Hiseyesdarkenedtoblackagain,hisbad-boysmilesgone.Isaw

usinthemirror,aslimgirlwithblackhairandatallmanwithdarkskinenvelopingher.

HewasmuchbiggerthanIwas,soitwasalittlelikeclimbingatree,butImanagedtoworkmyway

intohisarms,mylegsaroundhiships.Mickheldmeunderthebuttocks,hissmileshiningoutagainashe
slidhimselfinsideme.

Ishoutedashewentintome,hardanddeep.Heheldmetightlyandrockedwithme,screwingme

solidlyrightthereinthebathroom.Hisbackwastothemirror,andIwatchedoverhisshoulderashisass
moved,myeyesshiningwiththejoyofit.

Theonlyproblemwiththeeroticpicturewasthatthegleamundermyhalf-closedlidswasn’tmyusual

brown,butalighticegreen.

Mickactuallydidallthosewonderfulthingshe’dpromisedme.Oursexlifehadneverbeenconventional,
notfromdayone.

Iwokeupasthesunrose.Micksnoredsoftlybesideme,hisbodykeepingminewarm.Theaircoming

throughtheopenwindowhadabitetoit,thepromiseofwinter.

Idrowsed,tryingtosummontheenergytoriseandperformmymorningritualoutsidethebackdoor.

EverymorningIscatteredcornandsaidaprayertotheeast,greetingtherisingsun.Itwasimportantto
me.Butsomedays,liketoday,afteranall-nightrampagewithMick,itwasdifficulttogetgoing.

I’dalmostconvincedmyselftomovewhenabrightflamesquirtedthroughthedoorlock,followedby

Colbyswingingopenthedoor.

Mickwasonhisfeetinaninstant,allsix-foot-sixofhim,hishandsfulloffire.Iwascovered,atleast,

butIglaredatColbyovertheblankets.

“Don’tyouknock?”Isnapped.
“Ifiguredyou’dbetoobusytoopenthedoor.”Colbycloseditbeforeearly-risinghotelguestscould

lookdownthehallandseemewithmynakedboyfriend.Micklethisfirerecede,buthedidn’tmove.

“Whatdoyouwant?”Iasked,sinceMickdidn’tlookinclinedtotalk.Kill,yes;talk,no.
“Iheardfromthedragoncouncilthismorning.Theyfinallysetadateforthetrial—tendaysfromnow

ashumanscounttime.Plustheytoldmewhatkindofsentencethey’llgiveyou.”Colbylookedboth
disturbedandslightlygleeful,astrangecombination.“I’msorry,Micky.ItwillbeOrdeal.”

Fourteen

“Youaredamnwellgoingtotellmewhatitmeans,”IsnarledatColbywhenthethreeofusshut
ourselvesinthesaloon,MickandIdressed.“Whatkindofordeal?”

“Adeadlyone,”Colbysaid.“Theyalwaysare.”
Mickseemedtheleastdisturbedbythenews.Heleanedagainstthebar,underthemagicmirror,which

Iknewwaslisteningwithfullattention.

“Elaborate,”Isaid.
Colbyshrugged.“Can’t.TheOrdealwon’tbedetermineduntilwereachthetrial.Eveniftheydecide

beforehand,theywon’ttellus.”

“Thenwhatisthepointofadefense?”
“Oh,now,sugar,”themirrordrawled.“Iknowthatone.Thedefenseistoconvincethedragoncouncil

togiveMickyanordealhemightpossiblysurvive.That’swhytheydon’tdecideuntilhe’sthere.”

“You’vegottobekiddingme.”
“No,honeybunch.It’swhatdragonsdo.Ferociouslittlebeasties.”
“Thisisbullshit.”Iverymuchwantedtogetmyhandsaroundthenecksofthedragoncouncil.“So,

they’lleithergiveyouatestyou’llneversurviveor,iftheylikeColby’sdefense,they’llgiveyouoneyou
haveaslightchanceofsurviving?”

“Yep,”Colbysaid.“Yougotit.”
“Idon’tbelievethis.”
“It’stheirjobtomakeitdamnhardonadragonwhobreaksthelaw,”Micksaidtoocalmlyformy

taste.“Dragonsarepowerfulbeings.Wehavetostayundercontrolsomehow.”

Iclenchedmyfists.“AndyourdefenseisgoingtobethatI’mnotreallyathreattodragons?NotthatI

don’twanttostranglethetwointhisroomrightnow.”

“AndJanetisathreat,”themirrorputin.“There’snothingstrongerouttherethanher.She’sa

superbitch,thoughIlovehertopieces.”

Iglaredatthemirror.“Don’thelp.”
“Sorry,sugar.IcallthemasIseethem.”
“Themirror’snotwrong,”Colbysaid.“Yougottacontrolyourself,orMicky’stoast.”
Mickliftedhishandsandletfiregatherinthem.“Getout.”
“I’monlytryingtohelp,oldfriend.”
“Thehellyouare,”Micksaid.“Iwouldn’tputitpastthecounciltosendyouheretofigureoutmy

plans,sotheycanprepareforcontingencies.”

“Aw,nowI’mhurt.”Colby’sfingersstartedtoburn.“Idon’ttakeordersfromthefriggingdragon

council.”

“Thatdoesn’tmeantheydidn’tsendyou.Forpunishmentmaybe.Whatdidyoudo?”
Iwantedtobreakintotheargument,butColbylookedsoguilty,Istopped.“Wait,youmeanMick’s

right?”

“Ididn’tliewhenIsaidI’mworkingtomakethemgiveyouafairtrial.Yes,theysentmetosussyou

out,butItoldyou,Idon’ttakeordersfromthem.I’mnottellingthedragoncouncilshit.”

SomehowIbelievedhim.Evenifithadn’tbeenColby’scompletelyaltruisticideatocomehere,he

didn’tseemthetypetorushoutandtellanauthorityfigureeverythingheknew.

“Sowhatdidyoudo?”Irepeatedthequestion.
“MaybeIpoachedoneofthedragoncouncil’sbitonthesideformyself.”
Mickshothimalookofdisgust,butthemirrorlaughed.“Now,thisIwanttohear,”itcrooned.

“Iwanttohearittoo,”Isaid.Colbywasanasshole.HereI’dhopedthattherewassomethinghecould

dotohelpMick,andnowthefingersofworryweretighteningaroundmeagain.

“Issheacutedragon?”themirrorasked.“Alittlerednumber,maybe?”
“She’shuman,”Colbysaid.“ShelivesinTexas,andshedoesn’tknowwe’redragons.Theheadofthe

dragoncouncilishersugardaddy,eventhoughhe’smated.Ijustshowedheralittlefun.”

“Andgotcaught,”Ifinished.
“Somethinglikethat.SoI’mputtingmyassonthelineforyou,Micky.Theysentmetospyonyou,sure,

butIdidn’tliewhenIsaidIdon’twantthemoffingmewithoutatrial.SoI’mhelpingyou,notthem.”

“Why?”IaskedColby.“Whyriskdeathbetrayingthedragons?”
Colbyshrugged,histattoosmoving.“Screwthem.”
Mickleanedbackagainstthebar.“Youdon’tchange,doyou?”
“Hey,lovemeasIam.”
“Youknow,”Isaid,keepingmyvoicemild.“IfIfriedyounow,itwouldsaveusallalotofbother.

MaybethedragoncouncilwouldspareMickifIdid.”

Colbydidn’tlookworried.“Don’tbetonit.Besides,youdon’tknowyourwayaroundadragon

counciltrial.Ido.Andifyouuseyourgoddess-from-Beneathmagiconme,youcankissyourhopesof
savingMickygood-bye.Youcanmurdertheentiredragoncouncil,ofcourse,butwhatwouldthatmake
you?”

“Don’tthinkIhadn’tthoughtofit,”Isaid.
“You’dbetterkeepyourlittleStormwalkerundercontrol,Micky.She’llbethedeathofusall.”
Mick’slipsweretightwithrage.“Let’stalkoutside,Colby.”
“Whatfor?”
“Now.”
“Gods,youarestillabastard.Whatdon’tyouwantJanettohear?”
“I’dliketoknowthattoo,”Isaid.
Mickwaspissed.HestrodebymeandcaughtColby’sshoulder,propellinghimout.Iknewhedidn’t

wanttotalktoColbyinfrontofthemirror,becauseIcouldeitherlisteninusingmyshardorcommandthe
mirrortoreportwhattheysaidlater.

BeforeMickandColbyreachedthedoor,itopened,andMayaMedina,inherwhitecoverall,stopped

andstaredatthethreeofus.Colbyletoutanappreciativewhistle.

“Hey,senorita,wanttothrowbacksomemargaritaswithme?”
MayagavehimascornfullookasonlyMayacould.“Whothehellareyou?”
“Yourdreamcometrue,sweetheart.”
“Imightpuke.”Mayashovedpasthim,hertoolboxjustmissinghisgroin.“It’stooearlyinthemorning

forassholes.”

Mick’sangersoftenedenoughforachucklebeforeheshovedColbyoutthedoor.Icloseditbehind

themand,justtobeannoying,lockedit.

“Really,whoisthatguy?”Mayaaskedme.“Mickisfriendswithsomeonelikehim?”
“Mickisenemieswithsomeonelikehim.”Istillhadn’tgottenoneofthemtotellmewhathadgoneon

betweenthem,butIwould.“Ithoughtyou’dfixedthatshortinhere.Don’ttellmetherearemore.”

“Justcheckingonit.Actually,Icametotalktoyou.”
“Atsixinthemorning?”
“Ithoughtyou’dbeoutsidethrowinggrainaround.Iwantedtoseeyoubeforeanyoneelsewasup.”
“Myoffice,”Isaidwithoneeyeonthemirror.
Themirrorgavemearaspberry.“Beeyotch.”
Maya,notbeingmagical,didn’thearit.IgaveitthefingerbehindMaya’sbackasweleftthesaloon

andwalkedthroughtheemptylobby.Cassandrawasn’tdueinuntilsix-thirtywiththepastries,when

early-risingguestswouldstartcheckingoutorlookingforbreakfastorboth.

MayathumpedhertoolboxtomydeskasIshuttheofficedoor,andsheplopped,cross-legged,ontomy

couch.Eveninherbody-hidingcoverallwithherworkcaponherpinned-uphair,MayaMedinawasa
beautifulwoman.

“EmilioSalasaskedmeout,”shesaid.
Ah,girltalk.TheincongruitybetweenthatandthediscussionI’djusthadinthesaloonalmostmademe

wanttolaugh.Ididn’t,though.Mayalookedtoounhappy.

Isatdownnexttoherandrestedmyfeetonthecoffeetable.“Didhe?”
“Iknowyou’renotsurprised,becausehetoldmeheaskedyouifheshould.”
“Whatdidyoutellhim?”
“Isaidyes.”
Ismiled.“Goodforyou.”
“Idon’tknow.I’vealwayslikedEmilio,but...”Mayaslammedherhattothetableandrubbedahand

throughherebonyhair.“I’mlyingtomyselfifIthinktherewilleverbeanythingmorebetweenmeand
Nash.Whatwehadwasoveralongtimeago.Wehadachance,andweblewit.”

Maya’slowerlashesweredamp,buthermouthwasset,asthoughshe’dbedamnedifshecriedover

this.

“Youreallylovehim,don’tyou?”Iasked.
“Yes.”Thewordtoreoutofher.“Idon’tknowwhy;NashandIaretotallyincompatible.Wefoughtall

thetimeweweregoingout,andwefightnow.It’swhatIgetforfallingforawhiteguy,Iguess.Atleast
SalasisLatino.TheJoneses,theybleedwhite.”

“Nash’swhitenessneverbotheredyoubefore,”Isaid.“Besides,hehasanicetan.”
“Exceptonhisass.Healwayswearsshorts,evenifnoonecanseehim.”Ateartrickleddownher

cheek.

Mayawasn’tthekindofwomanwholikedsquishygirlhugs,andneitherwasI,soIdidn’treachfor

her.Itwasonereasonwewerestartingtogetalong.“Didyoucometoaskmewhetheryoushouldgoout
withSalas?”

“Idon’tknowwhatIcameherefor.”Mayaunfoldedherlegstostandup.“Stupididea.”
“No,stay.We’regoingtofixthis.”
Mayashookherheadbutslumpedbacktothecouch.“There’snothingtofix.Nashisn’tinterestedin

me.Ithoughtwemightpickupagain,buthehasn’tbotheredtocall,tostopby.Hebarelyspeakstome
whenheseesme.”Shewipedhereyes.“Well,fuckhim.I’llgooutwithEmilioandenjoymyself.”

“Good,”Isaidwithconviction.
Mayalookedcrestfallen.“Bad.It’snotfairtoEmilio.”
Istretchedmyarmacrossthebackofthesofa.“You’regoingtohavetomakeupyourmind,Maya.If

Nashdoesn’trealizewhatabeautifulwomanyouareandlosesyoutosomeoneelse,it’shisownfault.
Youcan’twaitaroundtherestofyourlifeforNashtogethisheadoutofhisass.”

AnothertearrandownMaya’sface.“Butit’sareallyniceass.”
True.I’dseenit.Nashhadagreatbody,andmaybeifIdidn’tknowMick,andMayawasn’tinlove

withhim,andNashdidn’tdespiseme,Imightletmyselfgrowinterested.

Mayaangrilywipedawayhertearsandslappedherhatonherhead.“Forgetthis.Iwon’tgooutwith

eitheroneofthem.Tomorrow’sSaturday.Let’syouandmeputonourpartydressesandgoouttothisclub
IknowinFlagstaff.Screwallmen.”

“Nashdoesn’twantmeleavingtown,”Isaidglumly.I’dalreadylefttown,butI’dsneakedoutandback

andgonebarelythirtymiles.“Mickdoesn’teither,forthatmatter.”

Mayagavemeanincredulouslook.“Andyou’relisteningtothem?Ithoughtyouhadmoreballsthan

that,Janet.Whyletmenpushyouaround?”

Isatupwithher,fanningmyannoyance.“You’reright.Ididn’tdoanything,andit’snotlikeI’m

skippingthecountry.Whyshouldn’tIhavesomefun?”

Mayaheldupherhand,andwehigh-fived.
Myelationlastedalloftenseconds.“Oh,wait.Idon’thaveanythingtowear.”Ihadjeansandleather

chapsforHarleyriding,andwhileIlikedmybody-huggingtops,turquoisejewelry,andhigh-heeled
boots,I’dneverhadthetimeorreasontoshopforpartydressesandpumps.

Mayawavedthisaway.“Don’tworryaboutthat.I’llfixyouup.You’resmallerthanme,butIhave

somethingperfectforyou.”

Igotupwithher,excited.I’dneverhadagirls’nightoutbefore,neverhavinghadatruegirlfriendin

mylife.

Mayadeparted,lookingmuchhappierthanwhenshe’dcomein.IknewdamnwellNashwouldgiveme

hellifIwenttoFlagstaff,andsowouldMick,butIwasbeyondcaring.Whyshouldn’tIsnatchfive
minutesoffun?Oratleastaneveningoutinatownbarelyanhouraway?Nashcouldyellatmeallhe
wanted—afterIgotback.AndbetweenmyStormwalkerandBeneathmagics,therewasn’tabeingout
therewhowouldmesswithMayaandme,ifheorsheweresmart.

MayaandImetatFremont’shousethenextnight,becauseoneofNash’scousinslivedacrossthestreet
fromMaya,andMayadidn’twanttotaketheriskofhimreportingouractivitytoNash.

WeshutourselvesinFremont’sbacksparebedroom,whileheprovideduswithmorechipsanddip

thanwecouldevereat.Hewasexcitedtobeinontheconspiracy,andMayahadagreattimefixingme
up.

Mayaworeaturquoisebody-huggingdressandmatchingpumps,andshegotmeintoabrightredtube

dressthatbaredmyshoulders,arms,andalotofmylegs.Thedresswasalittleloose,butMayamoreor
lesssewedmeintoit,anditstayedput.MayahadfinagledapairofstrappysilverheelsfromNaomiKee,
sinceNaomiandIworethesamesize,without,ofcourse,tellingNaomiweweresneakingoutoftown.

Mayaputmakeuponmeandcombedoutmylongblackhair.WhenIlookedatmyselfinthemirrorI

sawacomelyyoungwomanwithstraightblackhairhanginginashimmeringswathdownherback.I
wishedMickcouldseeme,butthen,ifhedid,he’dlockmeintomyroominthehotel.Iwantedmynight
out.

WhenweemergedintoFremont’slivingroom,heflippedoffhistelevision.“Wow.”
“Aren’twegorgeous?”Mayagrinned,pivoting.
Fremontdrapedhisarmsaroundourshoulders.“Man,I’vegottwobeautifulwomeninmyhouse,and

theywanttogooutwithoutme.”

“Youhaveagirlfriend,”Iremindedhim.FremonthadbeendatingawomanfromHolbrookforawhile

now,thoughI’dnevermether.

“True.”Fremontwithdrew.“She’dkillme.”
“That’swhyyou’renotgoingtotellanyone,”Mayasaid.“Youdon’ttellMickandNashwe’regoing

out,wedon’ttellyourgirlfriendyouletuschangeoverhere.”

Fremontrubbedhisbaldinghead,ahabithehadwhenconcerned.“Janet,areyousureaboutthis?

There’ssomeonekillingpeopleoutthere.WhynotsticktotheclubinFlatMesa?”

Mayasnorted.“Becausewewanttohavefun,Fremont.Wecan’tdothatunlessweleavethisentire

boringcounty.”Shewavedathimasweleftthehouse.“Don’twaitup.”

TheSeptembernightwascoolandwouldbeevencolderinFlag,soIslidmyleatherjacketovermy

partydressaswewalkedout.WestashedmybikeinFremont’sgarageanddroveoutinMaya’sredtruck,
undercoverofdarkness.

MayaandIdidn’ttalkmuchuntilwereachedWinslow,asthoughwehadtokeepthechatterdownin

ordertosneakoutoftown.Assoonaswepulledontothefreewayandheadedwest,Mayathrewbackher
headandlaughed.

“It’sabouttimeIgotoutofthathellhole,”sheshoutedtothenight.
“WhydoyoustayinMagellan?”Iasked.“You’reagoodenoughelectriciantoworkinanyofthebig

cities.Youcangoanywhereyouwant.”

Mayashruggedanddidn’tanswer,butIknewwhy.AsmuchassherailedaboutNash,Mayadidn’t

wanttoliveanywherewithouthim,andNashwouldbegluedtoHopiCountyuntilhedied.

Byeight,wewerenearingFlagstaff,thecity’slightsspillingaroundthepileofmountainsthatthrustout

oftheplateau.IexpectedMayatopulloff,buteachexitwentbywithouthersomuchasturningherhead.

“Wherearewegoing?”Iasked.“We’releavingFlagstaffinthedust.”
“We’renotgoingtoFlagstaff,”Mayaannouncedcalmlyasshemovedouttopassaslow-movingtruck.
“Okay.”Idrewthewordoutslowly.“Whereareyoutakingme,then?”
Mayaflashedmeasmile,herteethwhiteinthedarkness.“Flagstaffisboring,Janet.We’regoingtoLas

Vegas.”

Fifteen

“Maya!”

“Whatthehell?”Mayapressedherfoottotheaccelerator,andhertruckleaptforward.“IsaidIwanted

tohavesomefun.”

ItriedtobesensibleJanet,well-thinkingJanet,ever-mindful-of-dangerJanet.Anysecondnow,I’dtalk

Mayaoutofit,makeherturnoffatthenextexitanddrivesedatelybacktoMagellan.Anysecond.

ThenIburstoutlaughing.“Whatthehell?”
“TheclubIhaveinmindstaysopenallnight,”Mayasaid.“We’llhaveagoodtimeandbebackhome

bymorning.”

Convincedme.Ileanedbacktoenjoytheride.
IgotalittlenervousasweshotthroughKingman,rememberingtheNightwalkerlyinginwaitonthe

roadtothedam.Hehadtohavebeenaone-off;therecouldn’tbeagangofthemsuckingpeopledryatthe
checkpoint.

MayamadethepointmootbytakingtheturnofftoLaughlin,bypassingthedamaltogether.Thetraffic

waslightbythistime,andMaya’sspeedateupthemilestoLaughlinandacrosstheriverintoNevada.
ThehighwayshotacrosstheflatnessofadrylakebedontheNevadasideandeventuallyclimbedasteep
hilltomeetupwiththemainhighwayintotown.

Mayalaughedagainasthecitylightsspreadoutbeforeus.“Partytime,”sheshouted.Shecrankedon

theradio,lettingmusicpourintothetruck.

BythetimewereachedtheclubontheStripandlefthertruckinthecareofvaletparking,wewere

bothboilingoverwithexcitement.Theclubwasperfect,crowdedandnoisyanddark,withmusic
pumpinghigh.Wewereinahigh-dollarhotel,andthemenandwomeninsideweredressedtokill.The
retireecrowdwaseitherinbedbynoworplantedattheslotmachinesinthecasino,thehardgamblers
wereatthebaccaratandpokertables,andthepartierslikeuswereintheclub.

Afteradashtotheladies’roomtofreshenup,MayaandIsqueezedintoatinytableandordereddrinks.

Thenwehitthedancefloor.Ihadn’tletgoinalong,longtime.Onesipofmyfancymartini,andIwas
readytoexplode.

Ihadfungyratingtothemusic,butMayacouldreallydance.Sheraisedherarmsandrolledherhips,

herskin-tightdressshowingoffherbeautifulbody.IfI’dbeenaman,I’dhavebeenalloverher.Asit
was,itwasapleasuretowatchherasshegaveherselfentirelytothemusic.IwishedNashcouldseeher,
becausehe’dwanttosweepherintohisarmsandcarryherofftomakelove.No,wait,Nashwould
swearatherandprobablyfindsomeexcusetodragherbackhome.Asshole.

Weattractedattention.Andmen.Wecouldn’thelpit.Mayawasasiren,undulatinglikethebestharem

dancer.Menflockedtoher,eachtryingtocutinanddancewithher.Afewtriedtodancewithmeaswell,
butitwasMayatheywanted.Mayafoiledthembysidesteppingthemallanddancingwithme.

“They’regoingtothinkwe’regay,”Ishoutedather.
“Idon’tcare.Letthesonsofbitcheseattheirheartsout.”
Iunderstood.Shewasn’theretopickupmenbuttomakeherselfrememberthatshecouldattractthem

anytimeshewantedto.

Wedanced,wedrank,andwedancedsomemore.NoNightwalkerstriedtopickusoff,nodragons

triedtoburntheplacedown,andnogodscametoadmonishme.MayaandIsimplyhadagoodtime.

“I’mtired,”IsaidintoherearasIslumpedintomychairafterhoursofdancing.Ihadnoideawhat

timeitwas,andIdidn’tcare.“We’retoodrunktodrivehome.”

“That’sokay.Ibookedusaroom.You’resplittingthecostwithme.”

Somuchforourplantomakeitbackhomebeforeanyonenoticedweweregone.Butrightnowasoft

bedsoundedgood.“Ididn’tbringatoothbrush.”Igiggled.

“Thehotelsellsthem,andIpackedcleanunderwearinmypurse.Ibroughtsomeforyou.”
Herpursewastiny,andIimaginedtheunderwearwastoo.Istartedlaughing,drinkandexhaustion

makingeverythinghilarious.

Mayawantedtodancesomemore.Iwatchedher,baskingonthecushionofmusic,half-asleep.Aguy

satdownnexttomeandtriedtopickmeup,butIstonewalledhim.Hewasgood-looking,tall,obviously
richifhe’dpaidforthatsuit,butIwasn’tinterested.Ipreferredbig,hard-muscledbikerswhotiedmeto
thebed.

IwasinthemiddleoflettinghimdowneasywhenMayagrabbedmebythehandanddraggedmeup.

“Sorry,”shesaidtotheguy.“It’stimeforbed.”

Weleftthemansittingtherewithhismouthopen.IwaslaughingandhangingonMayatokeepmyself

uprightaswesnakedthroughthestill-busycasinototheelevatorsatthebackofthehotel.

“Thatwasmean,”Isaid.
“So?Hewassleazy.”
“Ibethiswalletwasprettythick.”
“Idon’tcare.”BlessMaya,shereallydidn’t.WhileIlikedbikerswithwickedsmiles,sheliked

crabbysheriffsincrisplypresseduniforms.

Theelevatorarrived,andweglidedupalone.“Nashisgoingtokillus,”Isaid.
“Serveshimright.Ishouldhavesleptwiththatguy,maybestolenhisboxersorsomethingtoshowto

Nash.”

TheideaofMayawavingherprizesilkshortsinfrontofafuriousNashmademedoubleoverin

laughteragain.I’dnevermakeitdownthehallway.

Theelevatorspilledusout,andMayaputherarmaroundmetohelpmetoourroom.Ishouldn’ttouch

alcohol.I’dfeellikecrapinthemorning,andIknewit.Oh,wait,italreadywasmorning.

Mayawasshovingherkeycardintothedoorslotwhentheelevatordingedsoftly.Iheardatreadonthe

carpet,andthenaman’svoice.“Quepasa,ladies.”

Theguywho’dtriedtopickmeupwasstandingbehindus.Myheartthumpedalittleinmyalcohol

haze.

“Sureyouwanttosleepalonetonight?”heaskedus.
Mayatightenedherarmaroundme,andIfailedmiserablyatkeepingastraightface.“We’resure,”

Mayasaid.

“Idon’tmindwatching,”hesaid.“Tellyouwhat,whydon’tyoushowmealittlerightnow?Kissher.

I’dliketoseethat.”

“Ewwww,”Mayasaid.
IpushedawayfromMaya,triedtostandupright,andendedupsaggingagainstthewall.“Goaway.I

don’tcarehowrichyouare.”Imighthavesaidthat.Thewordswereprettyslurred.

“Really.Kisseachother.”Hisvoicehadchangedfromeageridiocytosomethinghardandnasty.

“Hurryup.”

“No,”Mayasaid.
“Bitches.”ThemancorneredMayaagainstthedoor.Hishandmoved,Isawthebarrelofagunpointed

atMaya’sgut,andmyalcoholfogliftedabruptly.Mayadidn’tseethegunandwentoncursinghim.

ThemanshovedMayainsidetheroom,hercallinghimasonofabitchatthetopofhervoice.Iranin

afterthem,andtheheavydoorswungclosedbehindme.

“Maya,”Isaidsharply.
“What?”
Shelookeddown,sawthegun,andfroze.

Peoplehavedifferentreactionstogunsbeingdrawnonthem.Somestareindisbelief,notbelievingit

real.Peoplepullinggunsonlyhappensontelevision.Otherspanic.Stillothersflyintoarage.

Mayachosethesecondreaction.Shescreamed.Theguypressedhishandoverhermouthandshoved

herintoawall.

HethoughtIwasthelesserthreat,thesmallIndianwomanteeteringinherhigh-heeledsandals.Too

badforhim.Ichosethethirdreaction—rage.

TheBeneathmagicinmesurgedupwiththeforceofatornado.Oneflickofmyfingerstwistedhis

pistolinhalf.Thenextsentthemanflyingacrosstheroomatasickeningspeeduntilhesmashedagainst
thewindow.Theheavy-dutywindowheld,andhesliddownittogroaninaheaponthefloor.

WhileMayastaredinshock,Ihurriedtothemanandleanedoverhim.Hebreathedevenly,knocked

out,nothingmore.IgrabbedMaya’shandanddraggedheroutoftheroom.

“Wait!”shecried.“Wherearewegoing?I’mgoingtopuke.”
“Out,”Isaid.Theelevatoropenedwithamachine’squietindifference.IpulledMayainside,andwe

zoomeddowntothelobby.

“Idon’twanttogobackout.Myfeethurt.”
“Doyouwanttobeintheroomwhensecurityfindsthatguy?We’llbearrestedforassault.I’mnotsure

howhardIhithim.”Iglancedupatashiningblackhalf-sphereintheceiling,behindwhichIknewwasa
spycamera,aswehurriedoutoftheelevatorandjoinedthecrowdinthecasino.

Mayastoppedarguing.Sheletmeleadherbythehandataquickwalkoutthemainentranceandalong

thelineoftaxis.Luckyus,wewereabletojumpintothebackofthefirstone.We’dleftourcoatsin
Maya’struck,butthenightsinLasVegasweremildinSeptember,andweslidunencumberedintothe
cab’sbackseat.

“Whereto,ladies?”
“Someplacewithmalestrippers,”Isaidonimpulse.“NotlikeChippendales.Somethingsmaller,more

intimate.”

Thecabbygrinnedthroughhisrearview.“Gotcha.”Hezippedsmoothlydownthedriveandintothe

nearlygrid-lockedtraffic.

“They’llchargemefortheroom,”Mayacomplained.“Theyhavemycreditcard;theyknowwhoIam.”
“I’llpayforit.”Myadrenalinewashigh,mybodycharged.“Besides,”Iwhispered,“iftheyfindthat

guyinourroom,withagun,they’llarresthim.Wejustgotscaredandranoff.Right?Youreadytogo
homeyet?”

Mayapushedherhairoutofherfaceandsatup.“No.Fuckhim.Iwanttohavesomefun.”
Iheldherhandandwhoopedasthetaxiscootedintothefarlaneandmaneuvereddownthepacked

Strip.HedroppedusinfrontofaclubnearolddowntownVegas,theneighborhoodkindofseedy,butI
didn’tcare.Iwasstrongandpowerful.Noonewouldmesswithus.

Theclubwasstillgoingstrong,themenonthelittlestagestrippeddowntowhatwaslegal.Iwentlight

onthedrink,thoughMayahadanothermartini,butIletmyselfenjoytheshow.ItookmostofthecashI’d
broughtwithmeandsliditintotheG-stringofaguywholookedlikeMick.Herewardedmewitha
beautifulsmile.

“Thisisboring,”Mayayelledinmyear.“Iwanttodance.”
Aclubablockawayprovidedmoredancing.Itwasevenseedier,butbythistime,MayaandIhad

decidedwecouldhandleanything.Wedancedtogether,attractingthesameamountofattentionaswehad
attheupscaleclub.Theguysherewereworking-classandahellofalotmorefriendlythantherichones.
Noonepulledagunonus,anyway.

Thensomethingevilenteredtheclub.
Mayacontinueddancing,andtwoguysundulatedwithher.Theairwentthick,themusicdimming,as

thoughIwatchedthescenefrombehindtexturedglass.Asmellcametome:death,decay.

Noonenoticedbutme.Themusicgroundon;thedancingcontinued.Iscannedthecrowd,tensing,

waiting.Isawnoskinwalker,sensednoauraofaNightwalker.Notadragoneither,cometoscoopmeup
andcarrymeoff.Dragonssmelledgood,anyway,fieryandhot,andthisthingborethestinkofrot.

Hewalkedthroughthecrowdtowardme.Peoplepartedforhimwithoutrealizing,asthoughtheir

subconsciousnotedhispresence,buttheirconsciousmindsdidnot.Heslidthroughuntilhestoppedin
frontofwhereIwaited.Hisbodywaswiry,likearunner’s,andhislightblueeyesheldnosparkofevil,
butIknewwhohewas.

“Jim?”
Hewasthemanfrommyvision,theonethemagicmirrorhadclaimedwasevilincarnate.
“Youleftyourcameraatmyhotel,”IsaidwithacalmIdidn’tfeel.“Nicepiece.Iwouldn’thaverun

offandleftthatbehind.”

“Idon’tneeditanymore,”Jimsaid.“Youtakeit.”
Thecamerawasstillstashedinmydeskdrawer,becauseIfeltqueasyeventouchingit.“Howdidyou

findmehere?”

“Ifollowedyou.”JimMohanspokeinanormalvoice,butIcouldhearhimevenoverthemusic.“I

sensedyouwereindanger,andIwasright,wasn’tI?Thatguytriedtokillyou.Icametomakesureyou
wereallright.”

Myheartsqueezed.“Whyshouldyouwanttoprotectme?”
“Becauseyouhelpedme.Yourmagicbroughtmebacktolife.”
“What?”Istaredathim.“Thehellitdid.”
“Youusedthesamemagictonight,whenyoufoughtthemaninthehotel.”
Themusichaddimmedtoalmostnothing,althoughpeoplekeptondancing.ItwasasthoughJimandI

stoodinabubblesurroundedbylightandnoise,butnoneofittouchedus.

“Whatdoyouknowaboutthemaninthehotel?”Iasked.
“Itoldhimnottohurtyou.Ididn’tmeantokillhim.”
Ifrozeinhorror.“Oh,gods.”
“They’resofragile,humanbodies.Evenminewas.”Helaughedalittle,hisleanfacesonormal.

“Guessit’snot,anymore.”

Ifeltsick.“Youkilledhim?”Ithoughtofthebodyoutinthedesert,alltheblood,thesmell,theterror.

“LikeyoudidthatpersoninMagellan?”

Jimnodded.“Theybothwerejustguys.LikeIusedtobe.Ireallydidn’tmeantodoanythingtothe

hiker.Hewashurt—he’dsprainedhisankle,andhedidn’thaveacellphone.Iwantedtohealhim,like
youhealedme.”

“Ihadnothingtodowiththat,”Isaid.
“They’relookingforyou.Thepeopleatthehotel.Icametowarnyou.”
AsMayahadmentioned,thehotelhadhername,heraddress,hercreditcardnumber,allthepertinent

factsaboutMayaMedina.Ididn’tknowwhethershe’dindicatedshe’dbesharingtheroomwithJanet
Begay,butitdidn’tmatter.Itwasonethingfortwogirlstorunawayfromamanwho’dshovedhisway
intotheirroomwithagun,anotherwhenthegirlsleftbehindamangledcorpse.Wehadtogo.

Jimtouchedmewithahandthatwaswarm.Heshouldhavebeenice-cold,dead,buthewasalive.A

living,breathingcreature,butnotright.

“They’recoming,”hesaid.
Isawredandbluelightsthroughtheopendooroftheclub.IturnedtofindMaya,butshe’dworkedher

waytotheothersideofthefloor.“Stayhere,”ItoldJim,andstartedwormingmywaythroughthecrowd.

Themusicandnoisecamebackwitharush.IgottoMayaandpulledherawayfromaLatinoshe’d

wrappedherarmsaround.Shesworeatme.

Atthesametime,mymidsectiongaveasuddenlurch,andmagicflaredthroughthebuilding.Themusic

diedwithascreech,andpeoplestartedtoscream.

Jimwasstandinginthemiddleoftheroom,hishandout,palmpressedforward.Thesickeningstench

ofmagic—amixtureofdeathandgodlikepower—flowedfromhimtocollapsethedoorandburyitin
rubble.

Peoplestartedmakingadashfortheemergencyexit.Lightscameonoverhead,tobeextinguisheda

secondlater,andtheclubplungedintodarkness.IstillhadmyhandaroundMaya’sarmandshepulledat
me,tryingtogetmetotheemergencyexit.Analarmsounded,theconstantnoteofitlodginginsidemy
head.

“Stop!”IscreamedatJim.
Hepouredmoremagicatthefrontdoor.Iheardthecrunchofcars,andplasterraineddowntheinside

oftheclub.Bricksexplodedinward,fallingonthepeopletryingtocramtheirwayout.

Ihadtostophim.IdugformyBeneathmagicandfounditveryclosetothesurface.Coyote’swarnings

andtheKosharescaringmehadn’tdampeneditatall.Mypromisetotrytocontrolitwasalie,andI
knewit.Icouldn’tcontrolittakingmeover,andrightnow,Ididn’twantto.

Ididn’tevenneedtoraisemyhandthistime.IshotthemagicaroundJim,bindinghimandhismagic

intoalittlebubble.Hestaredatmeandstartedshouting,buthissoundsweremuffledbythecrackling
magic.

Hispowermetwithmine,andtheairaroundusexpanded,unabletotakethepressure.Everybottleand

glassbehindthebarexploded.Shardsofglassslicedmyface,andthesmellofliquorcutsharplythrough
themustysmelloftheclub.

Mostoftheguestshadmadeitoutofthedarkclub,andMaya,afteronewildlookatme,ranafterthem,

thelastoneout.Nowpoliceofficersstartedinthroughtheemergencyexit.Islammedupanothershield
overthatdoortokeepthemoutoftheclubandsafe.

“Letmego,”Jimscreamed.
Ihadn’tthefaintestideawhattodowithhim—givinghimtothepolicewouldonlycondemnthenice

officerstoabloodyanduntimelydeath.I’dhavetokillhimtostophim.Myinsidesroiledatthesame
timemyBeneathmagicrejoiced.Itwantedmetobeabitch-queengoddesslikemymother.Itwantedme
totakemymother’splace.

“No,”Isaidinaloudvoice.“Iwon’t.”
Younolongerhavethechoice.
“Coyote!”Iyelled.“Helpme!”
Jimturnedhismagiconme.Mybubbleexpandedandburst,andtheemergencylightsintheclub

exploded.Sodidtheflashlightsthecopshadbroughtinwiththem,andweweresentbackintodarkness.
Inthatdarkness,somethinginkyandclutchingcrawledupmylegs,weavingaroundmythighs,stretching
fingersintomyunderpants.

Iwasn’tputtingupwiththat.“Dust,”Iscreamed,andthevineliketentaclesdissolved.
Jimwaspoundingmewithmagiclikethatofgods.MyStormwalkerpowerswouldhavecrumbledand

diedbeforeit,butmyBeneathmagicresisteditwell.

AdetachedpartofmythoughtswonderedwhyJimthoughtI’dresurrectedhim.Becausehesensed

goddesspowerinme?Hadhebeenbroughtbacktolifebyanothergod?Bymymother?Ineededtofind
out.

WhateverhadcreatedJim,hewascurrentlytryingtodestroyme.IthoughtofMick,howmuchIloved

him,evenwhenhedrovemeinsane.Ithoughtabouthisfire,howhecouldcallflamewithoutthought.

“Burn,”Iyelled.ThemagicJimwasshovingatmeburstintoflames.Hescreamedandbeatatthefire

thatstartedinhishairandclothes.

Iyankeddownthebarrierbetweenusandsmotheredtheflameincold.Jimtriedtofight,andhewas

strong,buthehadn’tfiguredouthowtocontrolhispower.Ididn’tknowhowtocontrolmineeither,butI

hadtheadvantageofyearsbattlingtokeepmystormpowersfromkillingme.

Jimwithstoodmymagic,buttheclubcouldn’t.Thewallsstartedtofall,theceilingtocomedown.Jim

wasalreadydead—mydetachedthoughtswonderedwhetherhe’dgetupafterbeingcrushed.Onething
wasforcertain:iftheclubfellonme,Iwouldn’triseagain.I’dbeverymuchdead.

Isprintedforthebackexitaspipesburstandfell,lightsandwirestumblingdown.Theroofcameapart

slowly,piecebypiece,givingmemeresecondstorunfortheemergencydoor.Thepolicewerestill
there,waitingontheothersideofthemagicbarrierI’derected.

Herewasmychoice:runintotheirarmsandliveouttherestofmylifeinprison,orstayinhereand

takemychancesbeingburiedalive.

Neitheroptionexcitedme.Ashowerofbricksjustmissedme,kickingupaheavycloudofdust.Jim

hadvanishedintothedarknessandrubble.Icouldtrytoclimboverit,headforwherethewallsgaped
opentothenight,andgetoutthatway.

Iturnedtoscrambleupapileofbrick,pipe,andglasswhenNashJoneswalkedinrightthroughmy

magicbarrier.Hisbodysuckedthemagicintoitwithalittlepop,allowingMick,hishandsfulloffire,to
followhimin.

Nashhadhisgunoutandtraineditonme.“Standdown,Janet.”
Ikeptscramblingfortheopeninginthewall.WouldNashshootme?Icouldlosehiminthedark,make

mywaytothemainroads,hitcharidesomewhere.ToMexicoCity,maybe.Brazilwassoundinggood.

MickmovedbetweenmeandNash’sgun,grabbedmearoundthewaist,andhauledmeoffmyfeet.One

ofNaomi’sprettysandalsgotleftbehindastherubblewrencheditfrommyfoot.

MyBeneathmagicsurgedtostophim.“Mick,letmego!”Icried.“Idon’twanttohurtyou.”
Flamelickedhishandsbutdidn’tburnme.Mickhadamazingcontrol,andIfoughttokeepmyflaring

magicfromobliteratinghim.

MayawaitedbyNash’ssheriff’sSUV,huddledinNash’scoat,tearsandmascarablackrivuletsonher

cheeks.Mickputmedownandtookmyfacebetweenhishands.“Janet,stop.”

MyteethwerechatteringsohardIcouldbarelyspeak.“Idon’tthinkIcan.”
Ilookedintoblueeyesfilledwithanguish.Mickwasscared,notforhimself,butforme.“I’msorry,

baby.”

IthappenedsoquicklythatmyBeneathmagichadnotimetoanswer.Oneminute,Mickwaslookingat

meinsorrow,thenext,Ihadnoair.Irecognizedthetentaclesofaquickanddirtybindingspell,felt
Mick’shandsonmyneckandovermymouth,buttoolate.Spotscrashedintomyvisionandthendarkness.

Sixteen

Iswamtowakefulnessinsideamovingvehicle.Itwasmercifullyquiet,exceptfortheoccasionalburstof
staticfromapoliceradio.Myheadwascushionedagainstastrongthigh,andanequallystronghand
smoothedmyhair.

Openingmyeyesdidn’thelpmuch.Itwasdaylight—Ithought—butIstaredatthedark,bare

floorboardsofsomeone’sbackseat.Igroaned.

“Canyouknockheroutagain?”Nashaskedfromthefront.
Mickleanedoverme,histouchgentle.“Youokay,sweetheart?”
“No.”
Theworddraggedoutfrommytightmouth.Icouldbarelymovemylips,oranythingelseforthat

matter.IlayonMick’scomfortablelapforalongtime,gettingmybearingsandfeelingabsolutelyshitty.
TheBeneathmagicwasgone—where,Ididn’tknow—andithadleftmewithahellofahangover.Or
maybethatwasthemartinis.

“Itoldyoutentimesalready,”Mayasaidfromsomewhereinfrontofme.“Idon’tknowanythingabout

adeadguyinthehotelroom.Ibookedtheroom,butwedecidednottogoin.Wewenttoastripclub
instead.Withmalestrippers.Ipaidahundredbucksforalapdance.”Mayawaslying—she’dnever
gottennearthestrippers.

“Idon’twanttohearit,”Nashsaidinatightvoice.
“Hisasswaswaybetterthanyours.”
Ilaughed,whichquicklyturnedintoacough.“CanIhavesomewater?”
Mickhelpedmesitupagainsthimandfedmewaterfromasportsbottle.Ialmostchokedonit.
Hepatientlywipedmymouthwithatissue,andIlookedupintohisworriedeyes.“It’sgone,”Isaid.

“TheBeneathmagic.Idon’thaveadropleft.”

Ididn’t.Outsidethewindows,deepbanksofcloudshuggedtheapproachingmountains,agoodold-

fashionedstormbuilding.Thestormtingledthroughmyblood,buttheBeneathmagichadfled.Not
forever;Iknewthat.

“Janet,Nashthinkswekilledsomeone,”Mayasaid.“Youandme.Canyoubelieveit?”Hervoice

beggedmetosupportherinthelie.

Nash’shandstightenedonthewheel.“Therewasabloodycorpseonthehotelroomfloor.Theonly

reasonyoutwoaren’tlockedbehindheavybarsisbecauseIvouchedforyou.Itlookedliketheguyhad
beenturnedinsideout.Soundfamiliar?”

IleanedbackagainstMick.“Ididn’tkillhim,andneitherdidMaya.Jimdid.Hekilledtheguyin

Magellantoo,ahiker.Idon’tknowwhothehikerwas.”

Nashgavemeafuriousglanceintherearviewmirror.“WhothehellisJim?”
“JimMohan.Hewasaguestatmyhotel.He’sdeadtoo,stabbedupatHomol’oviacoupledaysago.

Notbyme,”Iaddedquickly.

“Ifhewasstabbedacoupledaysago,howthehelldidhekillsomeoneinMaya’shotelroomtonight?”
“Hegotresurrected.Idon’tknowwhoby.Nowhe’sundeadandoutofcontrol.”
“Undead,”Nashrepeated.“Right.”
“Whereishe?”Iasked.“Jim,Imean.Hewasintheclubwhenitcamedown.”
“Theydidn’tpullanyoneout,”Micksaid.
Ipushedmyselfupintoasittingposition.Outside,desertmountainsrushedby,rollingArizona

mountains,notstarkNevadapeaks.ThemotionoftheSUVmademystomachunhappy,andmyneckhurt
too.Irubbedit,andIsuddenlyrememberedMick’sfiercelystronghandtwistingit;thatplushisbinding

spellandhispalmovermyfacerenderingmeunconscious.Hecouldhavesnappedmyneckrightthere,
endofJanetproblem.

Iscootedawayfromhim.“Don’ttouchme.”
Mickdidn’tlookcontrite.Iknewhewouldn’tbotherexplainingorapologizing,andIknewhe’d

decidedthatitwastheonlywaytostopme.Ifoldedmyarmsandstaredoutthewindow.Iwasgetting
tiredofbeinggratefultoMickfornotkillingme.

I’dgrownupbeingdistrustedbymyownfamily,bymyownpeople,andI’dlefthomeassoonasI

could.WhenI’dmetMickontheroad,I’dthoughtI’dfinallyfoundsomeoneforme.He’dprotectedme
andtreasuredme,andI’dbaskedinhisattention.Buthe’dkeptsomuchfromme,andwhenI’dfoundout
whyhe’dreallypickedmeup,thehurtofthathadstungforalongtime.I’dtalkedmyselfintoputtingit
behindus,startingourrelationshipafresh.

AndherewasMick,stillwatchingme,stillwaitingformetogowrong.Hewasmyguardianandmy

loverbutalsomyparoleofficer.WhenhethoughtIwasgettingdangerous,he’dstepinandrenderme
harmless.Thensay,“I’msorry,baby,”kissme,andmakelovetomeuntilIforgotaboutit.

Whatthehellkindofrelationshipwasthat?
“Nash,stop,”Isaid.
Nashcontinueddrivingatapreciseseventy-fivemilesperhour.“Why?”
“Juststop.Iwanttogetout.”
“Whatfor?Ihaveairsickbagsbackthereifyouneedtothrowup.”
“You’reallheart.No,IwanttogetoutbecauseIdon’twanttobearoundyoupeople.IfI’msofucking

dangerous,I’llleave.I’llgotoGreenlandorsomething,andyou’llneverhavetoworryaboutmeagain.”

“I’llgowithyou,”Mayasaid.
“Nooneisgoinganywhere,”Nashsaidfirmly.“You,Maya,aregoinghometosleepitoff,andyou,

Janet,arestayingputinyourhotelwhileyoutellmeeverythingthat’sreallygoingon.”

“You’reabastard,”Mayasaid.“Wewentdancing.Wedidn’taskforsomeguytopullagunonus,or

forsomeonetoattackusintheclub.”

“Agun?”Nashroared.“Whatthehell?”
“Stopthetruck,”Micksaid.“I’llgetout.”
Myarmswerejammedovermychest,fistsburiedinmysides.MythroatwassotightIcouldn’tspeak.
“We’remilesfromanywhere,”Nashsaid.
“Doesn’tmatter.Pulloff.”
Nashwentsilent,whichmeanthedidn’thavealegitimateargumentfordraggingMickbackto

Magellanwithus.EvenMayastoppedberatingNashandsatsilently.AttheAshForkexit,Nashleftthe
freeway,pullingoveratthebottomoftheramp.

MickopenedthedoorbeforetheSUVstopped.Iwantedtobesick.Ithoughtofthedragonswaitingto

makehimgothroughgods-knew-whatordeal.Ithoughtofotherdangerslurking,likeanundeadmanwho
couldn’tcontrolhishomicidaltendencies.IwasscaredforMickandfuriousathim,andmadatmyselffor
caringsomuch.

MickhoppedfromtheSUV.Heheldthedoor,hisbodysilhouettedagainstthemorningsky.“Janet,tell

Colbythatifhebringsyoutothetrial,Iwillkillhim.”

“Mick,”Isaid.“It’sdangerousoutthere.”
“SoamI.”Heslammedthedoor.Nashgavehimaninquiringlookouthisopenwindow,butMick

shookhisheadandwalkedaway.

Nashpulledoff,andMickstarteddownthehighwaythatsnakedsouthwardtoChinoValley.Iwatched

hislone,uprightfigureaslongasIcould,untilNashroundedacurve,andMickwaslosttosight.

IhadtoexplaintoNaomiwhyI’dlefthershoebehindinLasVegas.Nashhadsentadeputytoretrieve
Maya’struck,butofcourseNaomi’ssandalwasburiedunderrubble.Naomididn’tcareabouttheshoes,
butshewasnothappywithmeforrunningoffaswehad,afterI’dadmonishedhertobecareful.Imeekly
offeredtobuyheranotherpair,butIcouldseethatshewasmadashellatme.

IfNaomiwasangry,Jamisonwasfurious.Atme,notMaya.Jamisoncametothehoteltheeveningwe

gothome,whileIwasinmyofficestillnursingonehellofahangover.I’dalreadyrelatedtheentiretale
toNash,includingeverythingIknewabouttheundeadJimMohan.WhenJamisonstarteddemanding
explanations,Ilostit.

“Mickisthegodsknowwhere,”Ishouted.“Withdragonsbreathingdownhisneck,andalunaticout

thereturningpeopleinsideout.Micklooksatmelikehe’sscaredtodeathofwhat’sinsideme,andunless
you’vehadsomeonedothattoyou,youcan’tunderstandit.I’msorrysomeidiottriedtorapeusinLas
VegasandthatUndeadJimtriedtokillus.Ithappenstome,allright?I’mdoingthebestIcan.”

Jamisonlistenedtomewithhisusualstoicism.He’dknownmesincehighschool,whenhe,a

handsomeNavajoacoupleofyearsolderthanme,hadhelpedmecometotermswithmystormpowers.
Then,he’dbeenaminorshaman;nowhewasaChanger.ItwasbecauseofJamisonthatI’dmovedto
Magellaninthefirstplace,andhefeltresponsibleforme.

“NoneofthatiswhyI’mangryatyou,”Jamisonsaid.
“Justtellme,then.I’mnotinthemoodforcryptic.”
Jamisonfoldedhisstronghands,thesamehandsthatcouldsculptlikeagodandtouchNaomiwith

tenderness.“You’rebattlingsomething,andyou’redoingitalone.Ithoughtwewerefriends.”

“IfyoumeantheBeneathmagic,it’spowerfulshit,Jamison.Idon’twantyouanywherenearit.

Besides,IthinkIcancontrolitnow.”

“I’mrememberingafifteen-year-oldgirl,oneeatenupwithstormmagic.Soscaredshewasafraidto

gotoschool,andshe’drunawayfromhomesohergrandmotherwouldn’tmakehergo.Shewassittingon
aledgeoverlookingSpiderRockandcryingbecauseshecouldn’tmakethelightningstop.”

Iremembered.Thestormhadbeenamajorone.Electricityhadcrawledallovermybody,anditwas

comingoutofmeinbursts.TerrifiedthatI’dburndownmyhouse,theschool,andeveryonewithinreach,
I’dstolenmydad’spickupanddrivendowntoCanyondeChelly,figuringIcoulddirectthelightninginto
thechasm.Thestormwouldkeeppeopleaway,andIwouldn’thurtanyone.

ThenJamisonhadarrived,theyoungshamanouttocommunewithnature.Thegodshadbeenlooking

outformethatday.BecauseofJamison,I’dfinallybelievedIcouldliveasomewhatnormallife.

“Ihelpedyouthen,”Jamisonsaid.“Icanhelpyounow.”
“Thisisdifferent.Stormmagicisearthmagic,wholesomeevenifit’sdeadly.Beneathmagicisn’tlike

thatatall.It’slikealivingentity.Itwantstodestroy,anditwantstousemetodoit.Ihearwordsinmy
head.”

“Yourmother’swords?”
“No.It’snother.It’sme.OrsomepartofmeIneverknewexisted.”
“Soweexplorewhatitis.Youhavetolookatit,Janet.Youcan’trunawayfromit.”
Myheadachegaveasharpjab,oritmighthavebeenmyfear.“It’snothingyouwanttohaveanythingto

dowith.Youcan’tunderstandwhatthisislike.”

Jamisongaveashortlaugh.“IfoundoutIwasaChangerwhenmybodymorphedintoamountain

lion’s,justlikethat.”Hesnappedhisfingers.“IspenttwoyearslockedinacageinMexicowhilecrazy
peopletaughtmehowtocontrolthechangeandthepower.Thatordealknockedthearroganceoutofme.I
dothinkyourpower’sdangerous,whichisexactlywhyyouneedtofindoutwhatitisandhowtodeal
withit.”

Iclenchedmyhandsonmydesk.Myfathergazedoutofhispictureatme,seemingtoagreewith

Jamison.

“Ihateitwhenyou’relogical,”Isaid.
Hegrinned.“Getsomesage.Let’sdothis.”
Wewentupstairstotheroof,underthetwilitsky.EastofMagellan,therailroadbedmadeastraight

borderbetweentownanddesert.Beyondthat,theworldrolledawaytothehorizon.Thegroundlooked
flat,butscoresofwashesandarroyoscutthroughit,alongwiththewidecrevicethathousedChevelon
Creek.Chevelonwasaplaceofmysteries,whereancientpeopleshadleftpetroglyphsalongthewalls,
depictingstrange-lookingbeings.Ilikedtowalkthereindryweather,lookingatthepictogramsandtrying
tofigureoutwhattheymeant.Iwasprettysurethatmanyofthemdepictedthegoddessesanddemonsfrom
Beneath,thoughsomeNewAgerslikedtobelievetheywerealiens.Butthen,Beneathwasanotherworld,
somaybetheNewAgersaren’ttoofaroff.

JamisonandIfacedeachother,cross-legged,andhelitasagestickanddroppeditintoastonebowl.

I’dbroughtashardofthemagicmirrorincaseitcouldhelp,thoughIwarneditsternlytostayquiet.

Jamisontookmyhandsandheldtheminthesmoke.Thepungentsagewaftedintothecoolingair,andI

inhaleddeeply.

JamisonspokeintheDinélanguage,whisperingwordsofmagic.IlovedJamison’svoice,velvetand

lilting.Hewasonehellofagoodstoryteller.Naomihadfalleninlovewithhimthenighthe’dcometo
tellstoriesinMagellan,andIunderstoodwhy.

“Letyourthoughtsgo,”hemurmuredtome.“Letthemdriftwherevertheywill.”Hishandstightened.

“Andstopconcentratingonsex.”

Howdidhealwaysknow?“IwasthinkingaboutyouandNaomi.”
Jamisonflushedbutdidn’tlookallthatembarrassed.“Ineverthoughtofyouasavoyeur.”
“Imeantthatwhatyoutwohaveisgreat.”
“Mmm,”theshardofmagicmirrorsaidatmyfeet.“Pleasetellmeeverythingyou’rethinking,soIcan

imagineittoo.Don’tholdback.”

Jamisonsqueezedmyhandsagain.“You’reavoidingwhatwe’resupposedtodo.Letyourthoughtsgo.

Concentrateonthesmellofsmokeandthesoundsofthenight.”

WhatJamisonwantedmetodoscaredme.IcouldpretendthatI’dalreadylearnedtodirecttheBeneath

magicinme—hadn’tIdonewellfightingattheclub,nottomentionknockingouttheguyinthehotel
room?ButIknewJamisonwasright;themagicinsidemewaslikeabeast,waitingtogetout.

Jamison’slowNavajowordsmademyBeneathmagicstir.Notinfear,inanger.
Thedesertatourfeetwasalsohometoskinwalkers,hideouscreaturesofmassivestrengththat

wrappedthemselvesintheskinsofanimalsorpeopletheykilledtotaketheirform.MyBeneathmagic
couldsummonthem.Iknewthisinstantly,althoughI’dneverthoughtaboutitbefore.

Youcansummonthem,controlthem,usethemtodestroyyourenemies.
Ididn’thaveenemies.Ididn’thavetimeforthat.
Imagesofpeopleflashedbeforeme,everyonewho’deverhurtme.Girlsatschoolwhomadefunof

me.Highschoolboyswhowerenicetomeuntiltheyrevealedtheyonlywantedafreegrope.My
grandmotherandherstrictadmonitions.NashJones,wholikedtolockmeinhisjail.Thedragons,vast
wingedcreatureswhowantedmetoceasetoexist.Mick.

Youcancommandanyofthem.Skinwalkers,Nightwalkers.Yousummonedtheonewhotriedtokill

Nash.

LikehellIhad.Iopenedmyeyes,whichhaddriftedshut.Thesageglowedwithhotsparks,orangeand

angryinthedarkness.Jamison’svoicewenton,lowwordsinNavajothatenvelopedusinprayerand
protection.

I’dhadnothingtodowiththatNightwalkeratthecheckpoint.HowcouldIhave?He’dbeenthere

lookingforeasypickings,hadn’the?

Butthen,theNightwalkerhadlookedatmewithsomethinglikefearinhiseyesafterI’dhadthestrange

visionofgrindinghimtodustwithabeamoflight.WhatifmylatentangeratNashhadmanifestedinme
callingonaNightwalkertofinishhimoff?Nash’suniqueresistancetomagichadkilledit,butI’dbeen
uncertainaboutthatoutcome.

OrmaybeI’dsummonedtheNightwalkertotestNash’sabilitytonullifyitsmagic.Useditandletitdie

tosatisfymycuriosity.

“No!”Isaidoutloud.
Jamisonjumpedandopenedhiseyes.
Ijerkedmyhandsfromhisgrasp.“Thisiscrazy.Itwon’twork.Leaveitalone.”
“Whatareyouafraidof,Janet?”
Hisvoicewastoogentle,toounderstanding.Itdrovemecrazy.
“Me.”Igottomyfeet.“ThemagictellingmehowevilIam,howIcanmakethatevilworkforme.”
“Demonslie,Janet.Theytellfrighteningliestobringyouundertheirpower.That’sall.You’restrong

enoughtoresist.”

“Itisn’tdemons.It’sme.AndIdon’tthinkit’swrongaboutmebeingevil.”
Jamisongottohisfeet,bootsgrating.“Itiswrong.Iknowyou.Youneedtolearntoseparateyourself

fromit,toobserveit,tonotletithavepoweroveryou.”

“IsthiswhattheytaughtyoudowninMexico?”MyvoicehadasneertoitIdidn’tlike.
“No,theytriedtokeepmewastedondrugsdowninMexico.Ilearnedcontrolthehardway.Butit

works.Trustme.”

“Youcanteachmetocontrolthis?”
Themagicleaptintomyhands,whitelightsohotthatitmademyhangoverbeatthroughmybrain

afresh.TheagonyinmyheadwassofierceIfearedIwashavingastroke,butatthesametime,thepain
wasdetachedandfaraway.

Jamisonsteppedback,warinessinhiseyes.IscentedtheChangerinhim,thewildcatwaitingtobreak

freeincaseitneededtoattack.

Ikickedthebowlwiththesage,scatteringherbsandashes.“Youdon’tknowthefirstthingaboutme,

JamisonKee.Yourarroganceneverleftyou,nomatterwhatyouclaim.Theyshouldhavelockedyouina
strongercageandsparedallofusyoucomingbackhere.”

“Janet.”Jamisonbackedanotherfootortwo.“Thisiswhatyouneedtocontrol.Focus.”
“Youfocusonthis.”
Iscoopedthewhitelightintoonehand,squishingitintoaball.ThenIthrewit,notatJamison,butat

thepieceofmagicmirror.

Themirrorscreamed,“Oh,no,girlfriend!”andthenthelighthitit.Themirrordidn’tbreakbut

reflectedthelightback,doubledinsizeandstrength.

Assoonasthemagicleftmyfist,itreleasedmybody,andIsatdownhard.Myheadpoundedlikefury,

andIwantedtovomit.

“No,”Icroakedatthelight.“Stop.”
Jamison’sdarkeyeswidenedinfearasthelightswepthisfeetoutfromunderhim.Icriedout,tryingto

getup,tryingdesperatelytostopit.ThenthemagicliftedJamison,myoldestanddearestfriend,and
threwhimfromtheroof.

Seventeen

Weepingandscreaming,Icrawledtotheedgeandpeeredintothedarknessbelow.TheBeneathmagic
haddissipatedandvanished,leavingmeweak.Behindme,themagicmirrorsobbed.

“Jamison!”Ishouted.
Thegrowlofamountainlionansweredme.Isaweyesinthedark,glowingfaintlyinthetwilight.
Iscrambledtomyfeetandstumbledbackinside,downthestairs,aroundthegallery,anddowntothe

firstfloor.Acouplewascheckingin,andtheystoppedandstaredasIranpast,myclothesfilthyandmy
eyeswild.IheardCassandrabehindme,reassuringtheguestsinsoothingtones.Ihadtowonderwhat
excuseshewascomingupwithforme.

Itoreoutthebackdoorandheadedfortherailroadbed.Amountainlionwaslimpingtowardit,

leavingatrailofJamison’sclothesbehindhim.

“Jamison!”
Heclimbedtotherailroadbedandstopped,sidesheaving.Therisingmoonlightshowedmepiecesof

Jamison’sshirtstillclingingtohisback.

“I’msorry,”Ibabbled.“It’sgone.Themagichasgone.Areyouallright?”
Thankthegodshe’dhadthepresenceofmindtochangeashefell,landinglikeacat.Theair

shimmered,andJamisonroseonbarefeettohismanshape.Hemovedhisshirtragstocoverhisprivates
andregardedmewithamixtureofangerandfear.

“Areyouallright?”Irepeated.
“I’lllive,”hesaidwearily.“Youwereright.Iamarrogant.I’mnotstrongenoughtohelpyou.My

magicsarenowherenearwhatyoursare.”

“Thatwasn’tmesayingthat.Itwasthemagic,whateverisinsideme.Ilied.Ican’tcontrolit.Jamison,

whatthehellamIgoingtodo?”

Jamison’sangrylooksoftened.Maybehewasrememberingthescaredfifteen-year-oldagain.NowI

wastwenty-sixandjustasscared.

“Coyotecanhelpyou.He’sstrongenough.”
“Right.HekeepsthreateningtokillmeifIdon’tstopusingthemagic.ButIdon’tknowhowtostopit.”
“Mick,then.”
Ihuggedmyarmstomychest,theeveningairturningchilly.“Hesaysthesamething.Besides,he’s

gone.Wehadafight.”

“Makeupwithhim.Youneedhim.”
“WhenIsaidgone,ImeantgoneasinIhavenoideawhereheis.ThelastIsawhimhewasheading

downthebackroadsofArizona.Hecouldhavehitchedaridetoanywherebynow.”

“Nash,then.Ifhe’sthisnull,maybehecanhelpyoumufflethemagics.”
Ihadthoughtofthatbutwasunsurehowitcouldwork,orwhetherIcouldconvinceNashtohelpme.
“Idon’tknow.I’llthinkaboutit.”
Jamisonstartedtoreachforme,buthethoughtbetterofitanddroppedhishand.
Thegesturecutmyheart.JamisonhadbeentheonepersonIcouldturnto,theonefriendIcouldtrust.

Nowhedidn’twanttotouchme,andIcouldn’tblamehim.

“Ifeellikeshit,”Isaid.
“Youneedtorest.Whatyou’regoingthroughis...Well,Idon’treallyknowwhatyou’regoing

through,butexhaustionwon’thelp.”Jamison’stonesoftened.“Myshamanadvicetoyouistogotobed.
Beforeyoudo,willyoucallNaomiandtellherIneedaridehome?IfIwalkhomeasamountainlionin
thistown,I’llprobablygetshot.AndifIdoitasanakedman,I’llneverliveitdown.”

IretreatedtomybedroomafterIhadCassandracallNaomi,andlockedthedoor.Isatwithmyback
againsttheheadboardforalongtime,thethoughtsinmyheadwringingmedry.

I’dhurtoneofmybestfriendsintheworld.IfJamisonhadn’tbeenaChanger,hadn’tmanagedtosave

himselffromthefall,he’dbelyinginabrokenheap,possiblydead.I’ddonethat.Thehorrorinhiseyes
hadbrokenmyheart.

Thiswasthethingthedragonssawandfeared,whatMickhadbeensenttostop.Thispastspring,

they’dwantedtopreventmefrommeetingwithmyhell-goddessmother,butIrealizednowitwentdeeper
thanthat.Theydidn’twantmetobecomeher.

Ididn’twanttoeither.Stupidme,thinkingIhadthemagicundercontrol.JustbecauseIwasnowable

tofightwithit,tochannelittobattleathreat,IthoughtI’dmasteredit.HowcouldIbesuchanidiot?This
powerwasbeyondme.Itwasgodpower,andIwasahumanbeing.

Thoughagoddesshadbroughtmeintoexistence,I’dbeenbornofhumanparents,withhumanfrailty.

Godpowerwouldripmeapart.

Ipressedmyhandsbetweenmyknees,mykneestomychest.CouldIbeterrifiednow?WhatwasI

goingtodo?Jamisonhadtriedtoteachmetoobservethemagicandunderstandit,butIdidn’tthink
chantingandmeditationwasgoingtohelpthistime.

IneededMick.He’dtaughtmetocontainmyStormwalkerpower,tomakeitpartofme.Hismethods

hadbeenharshattimes,butthey’dworked.ButIhadnoideawhereMickhadgone.I’dthoughtabout
callinghimearliertoday,butwhenI’dwalkedintomybedroom,I’dfoundhiscellphonesittingsquareon
mydresser.Thesightofithadwashedpainallthroughme.

IcouldusethemirrortocalltoMick,butonlyifMickhadn’tthrownhispieceawayorwouldeven

takeitoutofhisdamnedpocketifheheardit.I’dlefttheshardupontheroof,butIhadanotherinits
chamoisbaginthepocketofmyleatherjacket.Icouldfeelthemirror’sterrorfromitaswellasallthe
wayfromthesaloon.BecauseI’dawakenedit,ithadtoobeyme,whetheritlikeditornot.Rightnow,it
fearedme,andIdidn’thavethehearttoforceittowork.

IfeltsoalonerightthenIthoughtI’ddie.
Isatforhourswhilethenightgrewdarkandthemoonfloatedacrossthesky,changingtheshadows.I

feltthemagicwantingtocomeoutandplay,butifIheldmyselftightlyenough,Icouldfenditoff.Maybe.

Akeyturnedinthelock,andthedoorswunginward,thebrightrectangleofthedoorwaypiercingmy

eyes.Mayacamein,leavingthedooropenbehindher.

“Youallright,Janet?”Shesatonthefootofthebed.“Everyone’sworriedaboutyou,butthey’reafraid

tocomeinhere.”

“Andyouaren’t?”
“No.”Mayaworejeansandashirtthisevening,butshemanagedtolookaslovelyinthatasshehadin

herturquoisepartydress.“Theonlythingsthatfrightenmearemymother’slecturesaboutgettingmarried
andhavingchildren.ShesaysI’mgoingtobefatanduglyinafewyears,soI’dbetterhavesnaredaman
andpushedoutacoupleofkidsbythen.”

Iwantedtosmile,butmymouthwastootight.“Ifyouworkoutandtakecareofyourself,yourlooks

willstayaroundforawhilelonger.”

“Haveyoueatenanythingsincewegotback?”
Ishookmyhead.I’dintendedtograbsomelunchinthekitchen,butnevergotaroundtoit.
Mayaheldoutherhand.“Comewithme.We’regoingtogetyoudinner.”
“Ican’t.”
“I’mnotgoingtobringyouatray.Yourcookisascarybitch,andIdon’twanttointerruptherwhen

she’sanywherenearherknives.”

“Maya,Ican’t.IthrewJamisonofftheroof.Icouldhavekilledhim.”
“Isthatwhyhewasstandingoutontherailroadbedmostlynaked?Youknow,he’sreallyhot.Ifhe

wasn’tmarried...”

“Thisisn’tajoke.”
Mayagrabbedmyhandandpulledmetomyfeetwithsurprisingstrength.“Ifyou’retryingtoget

throughsomething,noteatingwilljustmakeyouweaker.”

RightnowIfeltweakasaflea.Weaker—fleascanbemean.
Forsomereason,Ididn’ttrytostopMayatowingmeoutfrontandthroughthelobby.Atleastshelet

mebringmyjacket.Cassandrawatchedmefromthereceptiondeskbutmadenomovetointerceptme.
Pamelastoodnearher,armsfolded,lookingformidable.ShewasprotectingCassandra,Irealizedwitha
jolt.Fromme.

Mayatookmeouttowhereherowntrucksatinthelot,backfromitsLasVegasadventure.The

CrossroadsBarwasgoingstrong,theparkinglotfullofmotorcycles,aknotofbikermenandwomen
clusterednearthedoor.NashJoneslikedtoraidtheplaceonceinawhile,lookingfordrugsandarms
dealers.Ihopedhedidn’ttonight,becauseIdidn’twanttoseehim.

IthoughtMayamighttakemetothedinertostuffacheeseburgerandmilkshakeintome,butshepassed

thedinerandturneddowntheroadthatledtoherownhome.Thewhiteframehousestoodbackfromthe
roadinaneatpatchoflawn,flowersbloominginthetinygardenunderthefrontwindow.

Mayaletusin.“Gocleanyourselfup.I’llmakeusdinner.”
Ilookedintothebathroommirrorandbitbackascream.Myfacewasdrainedofcolorandstreaked

withdirtfromcrawlingacrosstheroof.Myshirtwasrippedandjustasdirty.Myeyes,though,terrified
me.Anicegreenglintglowedoutatmebeforerecedingtomyusualdarkbrown.

MyhandsshookasIwashedmyfaceanddriedmyselfwithMaya’scleantowels.WhenIwalkedout,

Mayawascookingsomethingthatsmelledgood.Shepointedwithaspatulaatapileofshirtsonthecouch
andtoldmetopickoneout.

“Whyareyoubeingsonicetome?”IaskedherasIstrippedoffmytopandpulledonablackonewith

aspangleddesign.Itwasalittlebigformebutatleastcleanandwhole.“WhenIfirstmovedhere,you
hatedme.”

“Withgoodreason.Youcanbeatruebitch,Janet.ButyoualsosavedmyassupinLasVegas,and

you’refuntopartywith.”

“Goodforme.”
“Shutupandeat.IonlyknowhowtocookMexicanfood,sothat’swhatyou’regetting.Mymother

wouldn’tteachmeanythingelse.”

“IlikeMexican.”
“That’sgood.”
Theplatesheputinfrontofmetemptedmeinspiteofmymood.Shehadn’tmadeyouraveragetacosor

burritosbutasavorymeatinathicksauceladledoveracoupleoffreshcorntortillas.Acornandrice
pilafhadbeenpiledbesideit.Idugin,myeyeswateringfromthechiles,mymouthveryhappy.

“Youshouldopenarestaurant,”Isaid.
“Noway.Ilikeworkingwithwiringbecauseitdoesn’tcomplain.Peopleinrestaurantsdo.Allthe

time,abouteverything.”

True.I’dalreadyencounteredpeoplewhocouldn’tbehappywithanythinginmyhotel,nomatterhow

hardItried.

Iwasshovelinginthelastmouthful,thinkingIcouldfallinlovewithMaya,whensheglancedsharply

outofthewindow.“Whothehellisthat?”

Iwhirled,nearlysendingmyplatetothefloor.Alongblacklimousinehadstoppedinthestreetoutside,

anincongruousvehicleinthisneighborhoodofpickupsandmodestfamilysedans.

Adark-hairedmanemergedfromthefrontpassengersideandopenedthebackdoorofthelimo.

Anotherdarkmangotout,thisonewithsleekblackhairinaponytailthatglitteredunderthestreetlight.
Heworealongleathercoat,andIsawlinesoftattoossnakingaroundhisnecktodisappearintohisshirt.
Hisauraboresparksoffire,asdidtheauraofthesimilarlydressedmenbehindhim.

Myheartsqueezedintoatinyball.“Maya,youshouldgetoutofhere.”
“Why?Whoarethey?”
Dragons.Heretoslayme?ButIwasunderprotectionasMick’smate,wasn’tI?Whichonlylastedas

longasMickwasalive,Iremembered.ThefineaftertasteofMaya’sfoodturnedbitter.

HadthedragonsbypassedthetrialandsimplykilledMick?Foundhimwalkingaloneanddecidedto

takehimouttogettome?AndwherethehellwasColby?

Thetwotallmeninleatherdusterskeptcomingupthewalk.TheBeneathmagicstirredinme,readyfor

battle.

ThefirstdragonsteppedsquareintoMaya’sflowerbed,squashingblossoms,andshewasoutofthe

houselikeashot.“Hey.Watchwhatyou’redoing!”

Theman’seyeswereblackdark,likeMick’swhenthedragoninhimrosetothesurface.Hisponytail

baredhisneck,andIsawthatthetattoolinesweretheendsofsharpwings.Hemustbeinkedalldown
hisback,withtheedgesofthetattsrisinguphisneck.

“We’renothereforyou,”themansaidtoMayaandflickedhisgazetome.Thedragon-manbehindhim

waseventaller,hishairshorter,atattooflowingupthesidesofhisneckandoverhisears.Helooked
olderthanthefirstman,moreregal.

Mayaregardedthemcoldly.“No?Whothehellareyou?”
“They’rehereforme,”Isaid.
Isteppedoutpasthertofacethefirstdragon,whowasastallasMick.Ifoldedmyarmsandgazedup

athim,tryingfortheprotectivelookPamelahadassumedwhileshe’dwatchedoverCassandra.

Mayaduckedbackinside,andIsawhergoingforherphone.She’dcallthecops,maybeNash.The

firstdragonglancedin,raisedhishand,andthephoneburstintoflame.Mayashrieked.

“Leaveheralone,”Isaidinahardvoice.“Whatdoyouwant?”
“Foryoutocomewithus,”thefirstdragonsaid.
“That’salinefromabadmovie.WhyshouldI?”
“WeneedtotalkaboutMick’strial.”
Iwentcold,althoughsomerelieftouchedme.Iftheyweretalkingaboutthetrial,thenMickmuststill

bealive.

“It’sstraightforward,isn’tit?”Iasked.“You’vealreadydecidedthatMick’sguilty.Youonlyneedto

decidewhethertogivehimachancetosurvivehispunishment.HisOrdeal,whateverthatturnsouttobe.”

“Thathasyettobedetermined.”
“You’rethedragoncouncil,Itakeit.”
“Heis.”Thefirstmanjerkedathumboverhisshoulderatthetallerdragon.“Hewantstomeetwith

youinprivate.It’sperfectlywithindragonlaw.”

“I’msorelieved.”LikehellIwasgoingtogetintoacarwiththem.“Wecanhaveourlittlemeeting

righthere.”

“No.”Thetallermanspokeforthefirsttime.Hisvoicewasdeep,withundertonesofdarkness,far

richerandfullerthanthefirstman’s.Hewasmucholder,Iguessed,withtimetodevelopatimbrelike
that.“Wewillspeakinaplaceofmychoosing.”

“WhatguaranteedoIhavethatI’llmakeitbackfromthisplaceofyourchoosing?”
Hisflunkyansweredme.“Youareprotectedunderdragonlaw.Youarematedtoadragon,andyouare

akeywitness.Untilthetrial,youareuntouchable.”

“Andafterit?”

Themanraisedhisshouldersinaleather-cladshrug.“Thatremainstobeseen.”
“Youknowhowtomakeagirlfeelgood.”
Ithoughtthecornersofthecouncilman’smouthtwitched,butIcouldn’tbesure.Theflunkydidn’tlook

amused.“Youcancomewithusvoluntarily,orwecanforceyou.”

“IthoughtyoujustsaidIwasuntouchable.”
Hegavemeabriefnod.“Wearenotallowedtokillyou.Butwecankidnapyouifwelaterreleaseyou

unharmed,especiallyifitmightbeforyourowngood.”

“NowIknowyou’redragons.Youhavethattwisteddragonlogic.”
Mayawasontheporchagain,lookingscaredbutscowling.“You’renotleavingwiththem,Janet.”
“Yes,Iam,”Isaid,deciding.“Iwanttohearwhattheyhavetosay.”
Ididn’ttrustthem,butIdidknowbynowthatdragonsfelldownandworshippeddragonlawand

honor.IalsoknewthatmyBeneathmagicwasuptotakingthemiftheygotcocky.Ikeptthatthoughtoutof
thefrontofmyhead,incasetheycouldsenseitsomehow,butthemagicwasamused.

Iwassotiredofthinkingofmymagicasaseparateentity.Iwantedtoconqueritorgetridofit.Ididn’t

likeittalkingtome.

Thecouncilmanstartedwalkingbacktothecar.Theflunkygesturedmetoprecedehim.Imadethem

waittofetchmycoat,andtheflunkyinsistedMayabringittome.

“Janet,”Mayasaidasshehandedmemywarmleatherjacket.
Ishruggediton.“GototheMagellanInnandaskforColby.TellhimwhatI’mdoing.”
“PuttingyourtrustinColbyisfoolish,”theflunkysaid.
“Yes,well,he’sadragon,andIfigureatleasthe’llknowwhereyou’vetakenme.Andhowtofindme

ifIdon’tcomeout.”

Nowtheflunkylookedannoyed.Ididn’tlikegoingwiththem,butIwantedtopicktheirbrainsasmuch

astheywantedtopickmine.

“Tellhim,”IsaidtoMaya.
Shenodded,andIwalkeddownthedriveaheadoftheflunky.Thechauffeur’sassistanthadtheback

dooropen,aportaltoadark,plushinterior.

Thecouncilmanenteredthecar.Theflunkystoodbackandwaitedformetogetin.Suchagentleman.I

hadonefootinthedoorwhensomethingwrappedaroundmefrombehindandyankedmeoutagain.Nota
hand,notanarm,abandofwhitemagicthattriedtosqueezemeintwo.

Iheardshouting—theflunky,thechauffeurwho’djumpedoutofthecar,hisassistant,Maya.Theband

oflightliftedmehighandthendroppedme.

IlandedatthefeetofJimMohan,whodidnotlookgood.Hisfaceandarmswerecoveredwith

abrasionsandbruisesfromtheclubhavingfallenonhim.Healingabrasions—whichwasweird.His
woundshadhealedevenmorethanminehad,andI’ddonehealingspellsonmyself.

Igotspeedilytomyfeet.Thedragonsrushedus,andtheflunkygrabbedmebythearmstohaulme

awayfromJim.

“No!”Jimshouted.“Leaveheralone!”
Theflunkydraggedmeaway.Thechauffeurandhisassistantpulledoutpistols.Irealizedwithajolt

thatthosetwoweren’tdragons—theywereashumanasMaya.

IhadnoideawhetherbulletswouldkillJimorjustpisshimoff.He’dbeenresurrected,buthecould

obviouslybehurt.Couldhebekilledagainbyhumanweapons?

TheflunkyshovedmeagainstthecarandmovedtoJim,handsflaming.Thecouncilmanhimselfcame

behindhim.

IfJimignoredthepistols,hedidn’tignorethedragonfire.Heswungtofacethetwodragons,hands

raised.

“Don’tattackhim!”Iyelledatthedragons.“Getinyourdamncar,andgetoutofhere!”

Theydidn’tlistentome.Ofcoursenot.Stubborn,arrogantdragons.Thecouncilmanandflunkywent

forhim,flamesstreamingfromtheirhands,tattoosglowingundertheirclothes.

Ithappenedsofast,Icouldn’ttellhowhedidit.Onemomentthetwodragonswereadvancing,readyto

burnJimtoacinder.Thenext,thedragoncouncilmanroseintotheairandstartedtoscream.

Hisbodycrackedstraightdownthemiddle.Crimsonbloodsprayedovermelikewater,the

councilman’sscreamdiedtoagurgle,andhisbodyfell,rippedinsideouttolandonMaya’spristinefront
lawn.

Eighteen

Theflunkylethisflamedieandstaredatthecouncilmaninhorror.Thechauffeurandassistantstarted
unloadingtheirgunsintoJim.Jimflinchedfromtheimpactofbullets,buthedidn’tfall,didn’tdie.

IgrabbedatthemagicIfeltdancinginmybodyandhurleditatJim.“Stop!”
“No,”hesaid.“They’llkillyou.”
“Juststop!”Ishouted.
Thechauffeur’sassistanttookadvantageofthedistractiontoplugJimrightinthehead.Again,Jim

flinched,buthestayedverymuchalive.Heturned,madeaslicingmotionwithhishand,andthe
chauffeur’sassistantfelltothegrass,dead,hisbodycutinhalf.

“No!”Iscreamedmyselfhoarse.
Jimgavemeawildlook.“I’msorry.I’msorry.”Heturnedandranoffintothedarkness.
Whatwasleftofthecouncilmanlayinasteamingheap,andthechauffeurwasbentdouble,sobbingand

puking.Mayahaddisappeared,theonlysmartonearoundhere.

Theflunkywasstandingstill,hisdarkeyeswide,thefireunderhisskinredinthedarkness.Igrabbed

hisshoulders,shookhim.

“Makehimturnintoadragon,”Ipanted.“Makehimturnintoadragon.”
Ididn’tevenknowifthatwouldhelp.ButwheneverMickgotbadlyhurtasahuman,heshiftedtohis

dragonformtosavehimself.Ihadnowayofknowingwhetherthecouncilmancouldstillshift,orwhether
hewasalreadydeadandbeyondsaving.

Theflunkynodded.Hestrippedoffhiscoatandthenhisshirt,sweatpouringdownhisfaceashe

hastilygotridofhisclothes.Oncehewasnaked,heraisedhisarmsouttohissidesandletfirepourout
ofhishands.Thefirewrappedaroundwhatwasleftofthecouncilman,encasinghimlikeasheath.

Thedragonflunky’sbodygleamedwithsweat,thetattooofafulldragononhisback.Thetattoo

wrappedallthewayaroundhistorso,thewingsrunningdownhisarms;whatI’dseenonhisneckwere
thebarbedspikesatthebendofthewings.

Thetattooglowedandrippled.Itseemedtoabsorbtheflunky’sbodyintoit,untilablackdragon,

shininginthestreetlights,spreadrealwingsandroseonthem.Thedragonshotintotheair,expandingas
hewent;thenhesnakedonetalondownandscoopedupthecocoonoffire.Thedowndraftofhiswings
bombardedmewithhotair,andthenthedragonwasrisingintothenight.

Aseconddragonswoopedoutofthedeserttomeethim,thisonesofieryreditglowedwithitsown

light.Hewasn’tMick—Mickwashugeandblackallover.Thedragonsexchangedscreechesbefore
wingingofftogetherovertheemptydesert.Silencesettledonthestreet,andthebreezestirredthedead
man’scoat.

SirenseruptedfrombothsidesofMagellanatonce,boththetownandcountypoliceresponding.
IturnedshakilytowardMaya’shouseandfoundmyselfstaringdownthebarrelofasemiautomatic.The

Beneathmagichadleftme,vanishingasquicklyasithadcome.Theeyesofthechauffeuroverthebarrel
werehuman,terrified,andenraged.

“Getin,”hesaid.
“What...?”
“Getinthefuckingcar!”
Iraisedmyhandsandbackedquicklyintothelimo,andthechauffeurslammedthedoor.Igrabbedthe

handleassoonashestartedforthedriver’sside,buthe’dlockedthedoor,andtherewasnobuttonor
latchtoletmeout.Ibouncedtothefrontofthelimo,readytocrawloutthatway,butthickglassseparated
backfromfront,firmlyinplace.They’dnotwantedtheirprisonertoescape.

ThedriverslammedhimselfinsidethecarandsquealedawayfromMaya’shousejustastwoMagellan

policecars,twosheriffs’cars,andNash’sofficialSUVspedtowardus.Thechauffeurdrovethrougha
yardtoavoidthemandthendownMaya’sstreettothemainhighway.

Onesheriff’scarturnedtopursueus,andIsawaflashofLopez’sfaceatthewheel.Theotherfour

vehiclescontinuedtheirchargetoMaya’slit-uphouse,Nashleadingtheway.

Meanwhile,Lopezchasedthelimo.ThechauffeurdrovethroughMagellanattriplethelegalspeed,and

LopezhunginthereaswebarreledoutoftownpastmyhotelanduptheroadtowardFlatMesa.About
halfwayalong,thechauffeurjerkedthewheeltotheright,spinningusontoaroadIhadn’tevenknown
existed.Itwasnarrowandtreacherous,whatwasknownasaprimitiveroad.Thatmeantithadn’teven
beengraded,anddroppedintoandoutofwasheswithjarringabruptness.

Therewasnowaywecouldmakeitdownthisroadinthiscarandnotgetstuck.Raisedpickupswith

four-wheeldrivecoulddoit,butnotalimousine.Therecentrainshadmadethegroundsoft,andwashes
outherewouldbefullofwater.Ididn’tcarehowbigthiscarwas;agoodwhitewaterwashwouldsweep
usawayinseconds.

“Wherethehellareyougoing?”Ishouted.
Ifthechauffeurheardmethroughtheglass,hemadenosign.Herocketedthroughthedesertataninsane

speed.Lookingback,IsawLopez’slightsswervewildly,andthengostill.He’dhitmudorsoftdirt,and
hiswheelswouldbespinninginplace.Ihopedhewasallright.

Afewmomentslater,thechauffeurslammedonthebrakes.Iwentflyingforward,barelystopping

myselffromslammingintotheglassbetweenus.Redlightsblinkedoutofthedarkness,andIheardthe
thrub-thrubofahelicopter.

Thechauffeuryankedopenmydoor,shovinghisguninmyfaceagain.Idon’tknowwherehethoughtI

wasgoingtorun,butIlethimherdmetowardthehelicopter.

Iapproacheditwithmyheartpounding.Ihatedflying,andI’dheardbadthingsabouthelicopters.Yes,

Ihadmanymorethingstoworryaboutrightnowthanfearofflying,butwiththemachinevibratinginfront
ofmeandaguninmyback,Idevelopedabadcaseoftheshakes.

Withnostormtohelpme,andmyBeneathmagichibernatingagain,Ihadnochoice.Iclimbedontothe

step,thechauffeurpushedmein,andIlandedonaseatthatwasmuchlikeacarseat.Icouldn’thear
anythingovertheblades,couldn’tseeanythingbuttheglowofcockpitlightsinthefront.

Thechauffeurdroppedintotheseatnexttome,gunstillaimedinmydirection.Hejammedonaheadset

andstartedshoutingsomething.Thepilotlookedoverhisshoulder,arguingwithhim,butIcouldn’thear
muchofwhattheyweresaying.Thepilotswungaroundtohiscontrols,andthehelicopterliftedwitha
slightjerkandglidedupintothenight.

Ihunkeredintotheseatwithmyarmsfolded.Myfacewassticky,andIrealizedIstillhadthe

councilman’sbloodalloverit.Myjacketwasspatteredwithittoo.

Weflewforalongtime.Ihadnoideahowfarorhowfasthelicopterscouldgo;IjustknewthatIwas

scared,uncomfortable,unhappy,andhadtopee.Ifiguredifthechauffeurhadwantedmedead,he’dhave
shotme,sohemustbeunderorderstotakemesomeplacespecific.OnceIgotthere,Imightbeexecuted,
butuntilthenIwasrelativelysafe.Suchcomfortingthoughts.

Bytheclockinthecockpit,itwasabouttwoa.m.whenwestartedtodescend.Ilookedoutthewindow
andsawacityinthedistance,fartoobigtobeanythinginnorthernArizona.Ihadnoideawhichdirection
we’dgone,butIknewIwasn’tlookingatLasVegasortheenormoussprawlofPhoenix.Thatleft
AlbuquerqueorSantaFe—wecouldn’thavegonefarenoughtohavereachedSaltLakeCityorL.A.

Sobyprocessofelimination,IwasprobablyinNewMexico.Thatwasconfirmedaswestartedto

land—IsawthetwistystreetsofoldSantaFeflashunderusandthevastbulkoftheSangredeCristo

Mountainsinthedarkness.I’dbeentoSantaFeplentyoftimesinmywanderingsbeforeI’dmovedto
Magellan,andIknewwe’dheadednorthandwestofthecity.

Welandedjustoutsideawalledcompound.Thechauffeurhadtoliftmeoutofthehelicopter,becauseI

wastooexhaustedandshakytomanageonmyown.

Thecompoundturnedouttobealargehousesurroundedbyanequallylargewall.Theouterwalls

wereadobe,smooth,plain,andunbroken.Insidethegate,thehouseitselfformedanotherbarrier,with
smallwindowsfacingtheapproach.

Oncethroughthenextgatedbreezeway,Ifoundparadise.Thecourtyardwasavastopenspacethat

followedthenaturalcontoursoftheland,withdesertmountainplantsandtreesinabundance.Walkways
ledthroughthislushgarden,andatiledarcaderanalongallfoursidesofthehouse.

Thechauffeurtookmeinside,stillatgunpoint,andledmethroughcooltiledhalls.Thehousehadbeen

builtintheoldSpanishstyle,withstaircasesbendingupwardbeyondarches,roomsopening
unexpectedly,andfewwindowsexceptthosethatoverlookedthecourtyard.TheroomIwastakento,
aftertheysearchedme,hadabalcony,butbelowitwasasheerdropdowntheclifffacethatthehousehad
beenbuiltupon.

Thechauffeurclosedthedoorandlockedmein.Thebalconydoorswereeasilyopened,whichmeant

theydidn’tworrythatIcouldescapethatway.

Idroppedapieceofloosetileoverthewrought-ironbalconyrailandwaitedasickeninglylongtime

beforeIheardaclickofrockonrockbelow.Unlessmyjailershadconvenientlystashedclimbinggear
underthebathroomsink,Iwasstuck.

Iexploredtheroom,findingphoneandcomputerjacks,butnophonesorcomputers.They’dtakenmy

cellphonewhenthey’drudelypattedmedown,butthey’dleftmypieceofmagicmirrorinitschamois
bag.TheyprobablythoughtIkeptitsoIcouldcheckmymakeuponmydaringadventures.Everyperson
I’dseenheresofarhadbeenhuman,luckyme.Asupernaturalbeingwouldhavesensedthemirror’s
magic.

Isatdownonthebed,whichwasamazinglycomfortable.I’dvacationhereifIwasn’tbeingheld

captive.

Afull-lengthmirrorinaheavy,carvedframehungonthewalltotheleftofthebed.Igazedintoitfora

fewminutes,notingthesplotchesofdriedbloodonmyfaceandMaya’sprettyshirt,theblackmessofmy
hair,myeyeswideandbrown.Brown,thankfully.Nogreengleaminsight.Ofcourse,nowthatIcould
haveusedmagictohelpmeescape,ithaddesertedme.

Itookoutthepieceofmagicmirrorandangledittowardthemirroronthewall.
Themagicmirrorpurred.“Oh,girlfriend,thisisnice.HereIwasallworriedaboutyou,andyou’re

sittinginsplendor.Sonotfair.”

“Lockedinsplendorismorelikeit.”
Ikeptplayingwiththemirroruntilawhitesparkflashedbetweenthemagicmirrorandthemundane

one.Magicmirrorscouldenhancethepropertiesofordinarymirrors,orsoI’dheard.Ihadn’ttakenthe
timetodiscovereverythingIcoulddowithamagicmirror,beingbusywiththehotelandBeneathmagic
anddragonsandbeingkidnappedandall.Plus,workingwiththemagicmirrormeantlisteningtoit.

“Canyouletmeseethroughallmirrorsinthehouse?”Iasked.“Channelthemintothisone?”
“Idon’tknow.Itdependsonthemirrorsandwheretheyare.”
“Well,try,”Isaidimpatiently.
“Givemeasecond.Thisispowerfulmagic,honey,notsimplechantingandincense.”
Lightdancedbetweenthetwopiecesofglass,glintinginthewaymirrorsdidwhentheycaughtthe

sunlight.Itwaspitch-darkbeyondthewindows,exceptforthecitylightsIcouldseeinthedistance.The
airthroughthebalconydoorsI’dleftopenwascrispandcold.Winterbeginsearlyatseventhousandfeet.

Akeyscrapedinthelock.Iquicklydroppedthemirrortotherugandsliditunderthebedwithmy

heel.“Givemeabreak,sugar,”themirrorsaid.“Ican’tworkifIcan’tseeanything.”

Theyoungmanwhowalkedindidn’thearthemirror.Hisauratoldmehewashuman,onewithout

magic.Hewasmaybetwenty-twoorsoandgood-looking.Verygood-looking.Goodthingthemirror
hadn’tseenhim,orI’dbelisteningtoapanegyricabouthisflawlessface,hischocolatebrownhair,his
lightblueeyes,hisfirmbody,andhisassintightjeans.HehadaTaserinhisbelt,andthetwomen
standingoutsidethedoorheldautomaticrifles.

“Allthathardwareforme?”Iasked.
“You’redangerous,”theyoungmansaid.Heclosedthedoorbehindhim,andsomeoneoutsidelocked

it.“Don’tbothertryingtotakemehostage.Theywouldn’tcareifyoukilledme.I’mexpendable.”

Istoodup.“Andthisdoesn’tbotheryou?”
“It’sagoodjob,withlotsofperks.”Theyoungmanshookatableclothoveratableinthecornerand

startedlayingoutsilverwareandglasses.“ImakewaymoremoneythanIwouldinanofficejob;plusI
getlotsoftimeoff.Theydon’tmindifIpartyherewhenthey’reout,andImeetalotofwomen.”

“Paradise,”Isaid.
Hegrinnedinanun-self-consciousway.“Itisforme.Butreally,ifyoukilledme,they’djusthire

someoneelse.”

“Iguesswhenyouworkforbigreptiles,youhavetoexpectthemtobecold,”Isaid.
Hegavemeapuzzledlookandthenshruggedashesetacovereddishonthetableandopenedabottle

ofwine.“Yeah,Iguess.I’mTodd,bytheway.Thisispolloenmole,oneofthecook’sspecialties.”

“Ialreadyate.”
“Thewine’sfromalocalvintner.It’sprettygood,thoughI’mnotreallyawineguy.”
“Youcantakeallofitawaywhenyougo,Todd.I’mnotabouttoeatanddrinkanythingservedtomeby

dragonswhowantmedead.Iftheycan’tfrymewithfire,poisonmightwork.”

Toddlookedblank.“Theydon’twanttokillyou;theyjustwanttotalktoyou.Look,I’lleatsomefirst.”

Hepickedupaforkandscoopedadrippingbiteofthechickendishintohismouth.“Mmm.Damngood.I
lovepoblanochiles.They’renotashotasthehabanerosbutstilltasty.Trysome.”

“Maybelater,”Isaid.
Isankdownonthebedagain,tryingtodecidewhattodo.IbelievedToddwhenhesaidthedragons

wouldn’tcareifIkilledhim.Hewasanotherflunky,ahouseboy,ifawell-paidone.Theycountedonme
beingniceenoughtonothurtaninnocent.IfIdidhurthim,takehimhostage,throwhimoverthebalcony,
orkillhim,thenI’dconfirmtothedragonsthatIwasthemonstertheybelievedmetobe.

Toddtookasipofwinetoshowmethatitwasn’ttainted.Heputthecoverbackovertheplatetokeep

itwarm.Verythoughtful,wasTodd.

“Youallright?”heasked.Hecameandsatbesidemeonthebed,switchinghisTasertothesideofhis

beltoppositeme.“I’mtrainingtobeamassagetherapist,soIcangiveyouamassageifyouwant.Neck
andshouldersorfullbody,clothesonoroff.Orifyouneedsex,I’mhereforthattoo.”

Igavehimanirritatedlook.“Doyouofferthattoallguests?Andprisoners?”
“Sure.It’spartofmyjob.”
“WhatifIwereaman?”
Toddlaughed.“Thenthey’dhavesentinawoman.Oragayman.”
“Theyreallytakecareoftheirguests,don’tthey?”
“Theydo.Liebackandenjoyit.They’lltalktoyouandreleaseyouinacoupleofdays.There’sclean

towelsinthebathroomifyouwanttoshower,plusrobesinyoursize.Icantakeyourclothesdowntobe
cleaned.”

“WhatIreallywant,Todd,isaphone.”
“Sorry.Nocando.”
“Doesn’titbotheryouthatthey’reholdingmehereagainstmywill?”

Toddstoodup,makingsureIhadagoodviewofhisbehindashelookedintothemirrortosmoothhis

hair.“No,becausetheytoldmeyou’retheirenemy,andthesearesomeprettycoolguys.They’renotdrug
dealersoranythinglikethat.Justbusinessmen.Soiftheydon’twantyouleavingbeforetheycantalkto
you,they’vegotagoodreason.”

“Sure.Whydon’tyougoaway,now,Todd,soIcaneat?Orshower?Orjumpoffthebalcony,whatever

Iwanttodo?”

Hegrinnedatmethroughthemirror.“Youdon’tlooklikethetypewho’dkillherself;youlooklikethe

typewho’dtrytotalkherwayout.That’swhythey’reallowingyououtonthebalcony.It’skindofcold
tonight,though.Youmightwanttoclosethewindows.”

“Thanksforthetip.”
“Sure.”Toddheadedforthedoor.“You’reprettygood-looking,though,soifyouchangeyourmind

aboutthesex,justthumponthedoorandtelltheguardtoletmebackin.”

“I’llthinkaboutit,”Isaid,deadpan.
“Great.Goodnight.”
Toddtappedonthedoor,itopenedfromtheoutside,andmyaffablejailerwaltzedout.Themen

stationedinthehalldidn’tbothertolookinorgivemeanevilglareoranythingelsevillainousbeforeone
ofthemshutthedoorandlockeditagain.

Isnatchedthemirroroutfromunderthebed.“Iassumeyouheardallthat.”
“Yes.Pleasetellhimyouwantsex,andpleaseletmewatch.Hesoundsdivine.”
Iheldtheshardupinfrontoftheothermirror.“Concentrate.”
“Oh,you’renofun.”
Ididn’twanttobefun;Iwantedtogetfree.“Showmewhat’sgoingoninthisdamnhouse.Andwhile

you’reatit,yellatMick.Ineedtofindhim.”

“Well,whichdoyouwantfirst,sugar?I’mnotpowerfulenoughtodoboth.EspeciallysinceMicky

hatestopullmeoutofhispocket.Ilikeitinthere,asIsaid,butIcanneverseehim.”

“Showmethehouse,first.”I’dhavemoreinformationtoimparttoMickifIdidreconnaissance,and

besides,Mickmighthavetossedawayhismirrorshard.Thelookinhiseyeswhenhe’dleftusonthe
highwayhadbeenbleakandempty.

“Gotsomething,”themirrorsaid.“Oh,nice.”
Thebigmirrorcloudedasthoughshowersteamcoatedit.Thenitcleared,showingmeapictureofa

bathroom.Toddhadjustopenedhispantstotakealeakandpreenhimselfinthemirroratthesametime.

“Somethingalittlemoreimportant,”Isaidinirritation.
“Can’thelpit,sweetie.I’mfixingonhimbecausehewasinhere,andhe’seasiesttofollow.He’llgo

somewhereelseinaminute.”

Toddtookhistimeatthetoilet;thenhemovedtowashhishandsandpreensomemore.Hedidn’tlook

self-absorbed,justanxioustopresentthebestpossiblepicturetotheworldwhenheleftthebathroom
again.

Finally,afterhe’dcombedhishair,anxiouslyscrutinizedit,andcombeditagain,Toddlefttheroom.

Theimageofthebathroomdissolved,andIcaughtaglimpseofToddstridingdownalong,tiledhall.I
guessedIwaslookingatthecorridorfromanornamentalmirroronthewall.

“He’soutofrange,”themirrorsaid.“Wantmetokeepfollowinghim?”
“Stayhereforawhile.Let’sseeifwecanseesomeoneelse.”
Wewaitedforthelongesttimewhilethehallremainedboringlyempty.Iduckedintothebathroomafter

twentyminutesandwashedmyface,hands,andarmscleanofblood,butIrefusedtodiscardmyclothes.

TogivemyselfsomethingtodoItookafewbitesofthefoodToddhadleft.Itwaslukewarmnowbut

quitegoodaspromised.Ilikedmole,whichwasasmoothsauceofchilesandunsweetenedchocolate,
withvariousvegetablesandotheringredients,dependingonwhatthecookhadhandy.Thisonehadthe

biteofhazelnutsinit.IwonderedifthechefwasalsolikeTodd,workinghereforhighpaybutknowing
heorshewasexpendable.

Ididn’thavetheappetiteorthetimetoappreciatethefood.Aftermysecondbite,themirrorsaid,

“Who’sthat?”

Iglancedatthemirrorandletmyforkclattertotheplate.Thedragonflunkywasstridingdownthehall

awayfromus,hisleatherdustermoving,hisponytailinplace.

“Him,”Isaid.“Focusonhim.”Imovedtothemirrortowatchtheflunkydisappeararoundthecorner.

“Followhim!”

“Allright,keepyourpantson.Ornot,ifyou’rewearingthatcutelittleblacksatinnumber.”
Ididn’tbothertotellthemirrortoshutup.Itneverlistenedanyway.
Thebigmirrorcloudedagain,andwhenitclearedIsawtheflunkyenteringalong,darkroom.Theend

waslitbyafireplace—no,itwasthecocoonoffiretheflunkyhadwrappedaroundthecouncilman.So
he’dmadeithere.

Theroomwasdark,thewindowshighintheceilingandcoveredwithwoodenshutters.Theonlylight

camefromthefierycocoon.

Anotherman,adragon,steppedfromtheshadowsbesideit.Hewasastallasthecouncilman,tattoos

coveringhisneckandreachinguptohischeekbones.“Draconilingius,”hesaid.

Thewordappearedtobetheflunky’sname,becausehestoppedandbowed.“Sir.”
“TheStormwalkerdidthis,didn’tshe?”thenewdragonsaid.Hisvoicewasdeeplikethe

councilman’s,thoughalittlemoregravelly.

“No,sir.Anothercreaturedid.Helookedhuman,buthestankofpowerfulmagic.”
“Inleaguewithher,then.”
“I’mnotcertain,”Draconil—whateverhisnamewassaid.I’dhavetocallhimDrake.“Shejoinedin

theattempttofighthimoff.”

“IfhehadanyBeneathmagic,thenshewasthecauseofit.Sheshouldbekillednow.Whereisshe?”
Drakehesitated.Heglancedatthefireasthoughaskingforguidancefromtheflames.“Idon’tknow,

sir.Welostherinthedarkness.”

Isatbackinsurprise.DrakemustknowIwashere,musthavebeentheonetogivetheorderformeto

bebroughthere.Whywashelying?

Theotherdragonsnarled.“Findher.Idon’tgiveadamnifsheisMicalerianicum’smate;she’snota

dragon.Iwantherobliterated.Endofproblem.”

Drakebowedagain,hisentirebodydeferential.“Yes,sir.Willyoubestayinghere,sir?Icanhave

accommodationreadiedforyou.”

“No,Ihaveamatetoreturnto.I’llseeyouatthetrial.”
Theflunkylookedstartled.“That’sstillgoingthrough?Eventhough...”Heglancedagainatthecocoon

offire.

“Youassuredmehe’drecover.We’llelectanothertothecouncilifwehaveto,butIhopethatitwon’t

benecessary.”

“Yes,sir.”
Theseconddragonturnedawayandstrodeoffintodarknesswithoutsayinggood-bye.Iheardadoor

clang,andIwonderedifitopenedrightoutintothecliffs.Dragonswouldn’tneedtoworryaboutsheer
drops.

Theflunky,Drake,turnedawayfromhismasterandstareddirectlyintothemirror.Hiseyesmetmine,

althoughIknewtherewasnowayhecouldseeme.Drake’sfaceset,andhestrodepastthemirroronhis
wayoutthedoor.

“Hesensedyou,”Isaid.
“Ican’thelpthat.He’smagicalandverypowerful.”Themirrorhummed.“Andcute.”

Thelockrattledagain,andthedoorswungopen.Thetwomenwithgunspointedtheirweaponsatme.

Oneworeanearpiece,throughwhichDrakedownstairscouldeasilygivehimorders.

“Youaretocomewithme,”hesaid.
Idroppedthemirrorshardontothebed.“KeeptryingtofindMick,”Iwhisperedtoit,coveringby

pretendingtostraightenmyshirt.

Ifollowedtheearpieceguydownthestaircase,fullyawareoftheothermanwithanequallylargegun

comingbehindme.Wewentthroughanotherhalltoalargediningroom.Awidewoodentablewith
heavilycarvedlegsranthelengthofit,surroundedbyequallyheavilycarvedchairs.Thetablewasbare.

Draketheflunkystoodatoneendoftheroom,waiting.Themenwithrifleswalkedmetohim,then

closedinbehindmewhileIfacedhim.

Drakelookedunhappy.Linestightenedaroundhisblackeyes,strandsofhairhadcomeoutofhis

ponytail,andhisbreathingwasuneven.Hefoldedhisarms,closinghimselfofftomewhilehescrutinized
me.

“Stormwalker,”hesaid.“IsHisHonorright?ShouldIjustobliterateyouwhileIhavethechance?”
“No,”Isaid,tryingforaconfidenceIwasfarfromfeeling.“BecauseI’mtheonlyonewhocansave

yourmaster.Willyouletmetry?”

Nineteen

Drake’smouthtightened,buthiseyestookonuncertainty.“Letyounearmymasterwithyourhell-magic?
WhatsortoffooldoyouthinkIam?Whatistostopyoufromkillinghim,andme,andeveryoneelsein
thisplace?”

“He’sstillalive,then?”Ihadn’tbeenabletotell.
“Onlyjust.”
“Icanhealhim.”Ididn’tknowhowIknewthat.ButIcould—ifIcouldchanneltheBeneathmagic,and

ifitwouldwakeupandanswermybidding.“Ifyoudon’tletme,hewilldie.Notgreatchoices,Iknow.”

“Youareaskingmetotrustyou.”
“Yeah,Iam.”
Drakewatchedmeamoment.“Why?”
“Whydidn’tyoutelltheotherdragonIwashere?”Ihopedthehiredmenbehindmewereloyalto

Drakeandwouldn’trushoffandblabtotheotherdragonaboutmethemomenttheylefttheroom.

Drakedidn’tseemconcerned.“Youaremyresponsibility.Mycouncilmanwantedtoseeyoubeforethe

trial,apartfromtheothers.Hewantstoassessthesituationforhimself.Theothersnowknowhewashurt,
butnothowithappenedorwhyyouwerenear.Itishiswish.”

“Thenhonorhiswish.Letmetry,atleast.Youknowhe’lldieotherwise,don’tyou?”
“Wehavehealers...”
“I’velearnedthingsaboutdragonslivingwithMick,”Iinterrupted.“Shiftingtodragonhelpsyouheal

fromhuman-inducedwounds—gunshots,forinstance.Magicallyinducedwoundsaredifferent.Dragon
healersarepowerful,Micktellsme,butthey’reearth-magiccreatures.Thepersonwhodidthishasmagic
giventohimbyagod.Ithink.Idotoo.”

Drakelookedanguished,poorguy.Hedidn’ttrustmeaninch,butIcouldseethathedesperately

wantedtosavehismaster.Finallyhejerkedanodatmeandgesturedthegunmentoleadmeout.

Theroomhetookmetodeepinthebowelsofthecomplexwasthesizeofasmallhangar.Theroom

wasfurnishedforcomfort,Icouldsee,butwasalsoabigenoughtohouseafull-sizeddragonif
necessary.Atightfit,ifIwentbyMick’ssize,butadragoncouldshifthere.

Ilookedintothebigmirrorthathungnearthedoor.“Ready?”Iaskedit.
Dimly,asthoughfromaradioplayinginanotherroom,camemymagicmirror’svoice.“Readyanytime

youare,girlfriend.”

AmusclemovedonDrake’sjaw.“Theyshouldhavesearchedyoubetter.”
“That’swhathappenswhenyouemployhumans,”Isaid.“Theydon’tknowamagicalimplementfroma

pieceofglass.”

Hiseyesglittered.“Theyshouldhaveconfiscatedeverything.”
“Shouldhave,butdidn’t.Goodthing.Myknowledgeandmyconnectiontothemirrorcanhelpyou.”
“Theyhadbetter.”
IhadnodoubtthatDrakewouldorderhismentoopenfireonmetheminuteIdidanythingwrong.

Sweattrickleddownmyback,andmyhandsachedfrommeclenchingthemsohard.Iwasallbluff,andI
knewit.

TheheatincreasedasIapproachedthelivingflameattheendofthebigroom.I’dneverseenanything

likethis.Mickmightbeabletoexplainwhatwashappeningbeneaththefierycasing,maybeeventellme
whattodo.Drakestoodsilently,watchingmelikethemenacehewas.

Iaskedthemirror,“Didyoufindhimyet?”
“No,honey.Sorry.Helikestoplayhardtoget.”

“Ifsomethinghappenstomehere,IbequeathyoutoCassandra.”
Magicmirrorscouldbeownedbyonemageatatime—twoinourcase,becauseMickandIhad

wakenedittogether.Whenamageleftamirrortoanothermageuponhisorherdeath,themirror
automaticallyobeyedtheinheritor,nomatterwhatothermagicalcreaturewaslyinginwaittoenslaveit.
BequeathingittoCassandrameantthatDrakecouldn’tgrabtheshardandstartusingittheminuteIwas
dead.

“Cassandrahatesme,”themirrorcomplained.
“Shehasstrongearthmagics,andshe’lltakecareofyou.Andyou’llstillbeloyaltoMick.”
“IfIcaneverfindhissweetass.”
IturnedtoDrake,who’dbeenwatchingmenarrowly.“Doyouhaveanysage,orincense?Sticksare

betterinthiscase.”

“That’switchmagic.”
“Canyoustopbeingallsuperior-raceforfiveminutesandseeifyouhaveany?”
Drakelookedannoyed,buthepickedupanearpiece,putiton,andgaveorders.IimaginedTodd

scramblingaroundthekitchensearchingforsage.Iwonderedifheevenknewwhatitlookedlike.

Whilewewaited,Iclosedmyeyesandtriedtostillmymind,butthatwasawasteoftime.Mythoughts

couldn’tsettle.CoyotewouldknowthatI’dcalledontheBeneathmagic—healwaysdid.Infact,Iwas
surprisedhewasn’talreadyhere,readytostopme.

ButifIdidn’ttrytosavethedragoncouncilman’slife,thedragonswouldcertainlykillme.Toddmight

havebeentoldthatthecouncilmanhadbroughtmeheretotalk,butDrakehadmurderinhiseyes.He’d
sentawaytheotherdragon,yes,butprobablybecausehewantedfirstdibsonrippingmeapart.

Theincensestickscameatlast,broughtnotbyToddbutbyayoungwoman.Shewasblondandas

beautifulinthefemininewayasToddwasinthemasculine.Iassumedherjobwastowaitonthemale
guests.ShehandedDrakeaboxofincensesticks,gavehimaquickbow,andlefttheroom.Shenever
oncelookedatmeorshowedanyinterest.HergazehadbeenonlyforDrake.

IheldupthreesticksofincenseandaskedDraketolightthem.Hedidsowithaflickofdragonfire,

thoughIcouldtellhewasirritatedatmyrequest.Iproppedthesticksinacopperbowlononeofthe
tables,andhelookedevenmoreirritated.Likelythebowlwasapricelessantique.

Theendsofthesticksstartedtoglow.IthoughtaboutsittingonmyrooftopwithJamison—haditbeen

onlythisafternoon?—andhowI’dawakenedtheBeneathmagicbywatchingsparksonthelitsage.

No,I’dawakeneditbythinkingabouthowpowerfulIwas,howeasilyIcouldsummonbeingstodomy

bidding:skinwalkers,Nightwalkers.Dragons.

Dragonswerehugecreatures,bornoffireandrock.Noonehadcreatedthedragons,Micktoldme—

they’dcomefromthevolcanoesthemselves.Dragonsansweredtotheearthalone,nottomagicofthe
godsofthisworldortomagicfromBeneath.

JamisoncalleddragonsFirewalkers,beingsthatcouldsummonandcontrolfire,makeitdotheir

biddingasIusedstormstodomine.Therewasnostormtonight,butastrengthinsidetoldmethatIno
longerneededone.

WithJamisonthisafternoon,I’dusedthemirrortoenhancetheBeneathmagic,thattimetopushmybest

friendofftheroof.I’dactedinanger.CouldIhealthisdragonindesperationtosavemyownlife,or
wouldmyBeneathmagictakeoverandtrytokill?

IfIkilledthecouncilman,Drakewouldsignalhismentounloadtheirgunsintome.CouldIstopthem

beforeIfelldeadattheirfeet?Themagicinsidemechuckled,thinkingitanicechallenge.

Shit.
Ifocusedontheincense,tryingtocalmmyselfbyobservingtheshapeandintensityoftheorangeglow

attheendofeachstick.Thedragonfirearoundthecouncilmanragedon,preservinghimandkeepinghim
alive.I’dhavetoremovethefire,whichwaspowerfulearthmagic,beforeIcouldusetheBeneathmagic

onhim.Icoulddoitmyself,butIdecideditwasagoodideatoletthedragonsthinkIcouldn’tnegate
theirpower.

“Shutitoff,”IsaidtoDrake,gesturingtothefire.
“He’lldie,”Drakesnapped.
“Youhavetotakethatchance.”
Isteppedbackandwaited.Drake’sfaceshonewithperspirationandanger,andhiseyes,tomy

surprise,werewetwithtears.

Givingmeafinalwarningstare,Drakeliftedhishandoverthefire.Theflamesstreamedupwardinto

hispalm,muchasthefierybarrierhadintoNashwhenwe’drescuedMick.Drake’stattoosglowedwhere
theypeekedfrombeneathhisclothes,andhiseyestookonaredtinge.

Thefirecameawaytorevealthebloodymessthatwasthecouncilman’sbody.IflinchedwhenIsawit,

andIheardoneofthegunmenswearunderhisbreath.Ihadnoideahowthecouncilmancouldstillbe
alive,butIsensedhisredandblackaura,stillsmellingofheatandashbutlacedwiththestenchofdeath.

“Ish,”themagicmirrorsaidinthedistance.“Hedoesn’tlookgood.”
Imademyselftouchthecouncilman’saura.Itwascold,deathsoclose.Ilettheaurawraparoundmy

hand,shiveringasthedeath-chilltouchedmyskin.Withmyotherhand,Itriedtosummonawhiteballof
Beneathmagic,similartotheoneI’dthrownatJamison.

Itwouldn’tcome,ofcourse.Iswallowedhard,triedagain.Nothing.
Iglancedwildlyatthemirror,butitdidn’thelpme.Themirrorreflectedme,aslenderNavajowoman

indirtyjeans,herhairdisheveled,withonehandheldouttoherside,theotherinfrontofher.

Drakestartedtogrowl.I’dheardgrowlinglikethatbefore,fromMickwheneverhegotreadytofight

something.

Comeon.
Makethedragonsbowtoyou,myinnerselfwhispered.Holdtheelder’slifeinyourhand,andmake

thedragonsworshipyouforsavinghim.Demanditofthem,orthey’llneverrespectyou.

Idon’twanttheirdamnedrespect,Isnarledinreturn.Iwantthemtoletmegohomeandtoleave

Mickalone.

Andtheywill,whenyoucommandthem.
“I’msickofpeopletellingmewhattodo!”Ishoutedoutloud.
Drakeblinked,wonderingwhothehellIwastalkingto.Therewasarestlessnoisebehindmeandthe

smallmetallicsoundofgunscocking.Gunsmademesodamnnervous.

“Tellthemtobackoff,”IsaidtoDrake.“Tellthemtoputtheweaponsdown—inanotherroom

preferably—orhedies.”

Drakehatedme.Isawthehatreddeepinsidehim,inhisfire,andinhisaura.Hewantedmetodrop

deadathisfeet.

“Doit,”hesaidtohislackeys.“Leavetheroom.DonotreturnuntilIsummonyou.”
Inthemirror,Isawthetwogunmen’sreluctancetoobey.Drakekepthisglareonthem,untiloneofthem

saidaresigned,“Yes,sir,”andledtheotheroneout.

Irelaxedafraction.“Idon’tlikeguns.”
“NeitherdoI.”Drakecalledflametodanceinhishand.“Savehimoryoufry.”
Iwilledthemagicagain.Hecan’tresistyou,itsaid.Youcansnuffhispunyfirewiththeflickofyour

finger.

Icould.AndIdid.
Draketookseveralhastystepsbackastheflamesinhishanddied.Heopenedhismouthtoshoutforthe

guardsagain,butIsaid,“Wait.”

Awhiteballroseabovemyhand.Itossedit,almostcasually,towardthemirror.
TheballshotdownthelengthoftheroomasthoughIwereaprobaseballplayer.Ithitthemirrorand

returnedlikeabeacon,arrowingtowardthecouncilman’storn-apartbody.

Thelightsurroundedthebody,encasingitinwhitenessthesamewayithadbeenencasedinfire.Istill

heldthecouncilman’saura,andnowIdirectedthewhitelighttoit.Holdingboththedyingauraandthe
light,Ifoundthecompassioninsidemyselfthatmycrazymotherhadn’tmanagedtocrush.

“Live,”Iwhispered.
Thelightbrightened.Thecouncilman’sauragrewhot,hotter,sosearinghotIwantedtoflingitfrom

me.Igrittedmyteethandheldoninspiteofthepain,knowingthatifIletgonow,thedragonwoulddie.
Finallyandcompletely.

Drake’seyeswidenedbehindthewhiteglowasthecouncilman’smusclesbegantoknit.Aswe

watched,thebloodypulpofhisbodystartedtoclose,healthyskingrowingtoreplacethatwhichhadbeen
tornapart.Icouldnowseetherealshapeofthecouncilman’shumanbodyinsteadofapileofbonesand
muscle.Hisfacesolidified,becamerecognizableasthatofthesternmanwho’dapproachedMaya’s
housewiththeintentofkidnappingme.

Youcanstilldestroyhim.You’replentystrongenough.
ButIwasalsostrongenoughtosavehim.
Ikeptthemagicgoing.Drakehadclenchedhisfists,histensionandworrypalpable.Ifeltinvincible,

powersurgingthroughmeuntilIknewIcouldsprintaroundtheworldandnevergettired.IfIjumped
fromthecliffsbehindthehouse,Iwouldsoarintotheairlikethedragons.

ThesensibleStormwalkerinmetoldmethatthemagicsaidthisbecauseitwantedmetotryjumping

offthecliff.TheBeneathmagicwouldthinkitfunnyifIdidn’tsucceed.

Thatmakesnosense,Ithoughtinannoyance.IfI’mdead,itistoo.
Beneathmagicisthemagicofgods.Itdoesn’tunderstandmortality.
Andthat,anotherlittlethoughtsaidtome,mightbewhatsavedme.
“Gods,”Drakewhispered.“He’salive.”
Thecouncilmanlayonhisbier,wholeandunbloody,surroundedbymylight.Ireleasedhisaura,which

wrappedaroundhisbodylikelovinghands.Iclosedbothmyfists,andthebeaconshotbackintothe
mirror,likeafilminreverse,kickingtheoriginalballoflightaroundbacktome.

Assoonasthelighthitme,themagicwinkedoutandreleasedme.Ifelltothegroundlikeawrung-out

rag,mystrengthgone.EitherIbangedmyheadonthefloor,orDrakekickedthehellofoutme,because
myheadfilledwithstunningpain,andthentherewasnothing.

Twenty

Iwoketoawarm,barebodyatmyback.IthoughtIwashome,snuggleddownunderthecoverswith
Mickspoonedupbehindme,hislargehandcuppingmyhip.Lipsgrazedthebackofmyneck,sowarm,so
loving.

Iopenedmyeyestoanunfamiliarroomwithpricelessartworkonthewallsandfaintlightcoming

throughbalconywindows.Amirrorinaheavyframereflectedmeunderthickquiltswithamanlying
behindme.

“Todd?”Isaidinalarm.IjumpedawaytofindMicknexttome,watchingmewithbad-boyblueeyes.
“Todd?WhothehellisTodd?”
“Ahouseboywithawiderangeofresponsibilities.”Ipressedashakinghandtomyhair.“Mick,what

areyoudoinghere?”

“Themirrortoldmewhereyouwere.”
“Imean,whatareyoudoingheregivingyourselfuptothedragons?”
“WhosaysI’mgivingmyselfup?Theoutsidedoorsaren’tlocked,andIcanfly.”
Isatupstraight.“Thenwhydidn’tyougrabmeandhaulmeoutofhere?Wecouldbehavingthis

conversationbackatmyhotel.”

Mickshrugged.“IwanttohearwhatBancrofthastosay.”
“Bancroft?”
“Bancroftisthedragoncouncilmemberwhoselifeyouhappenedtosave.Iwanttoknowwhyhe’sso

interestedintalkingtoyou.”

“Couldn’tyoucallhiminstead?Iwantoutofthisplace.”
Mick’shandonmyarmwaswarm,caressing.“Janet,love,ifyouplaybytheirrules,thedragonswill

becivilized.Theywon’timprisonmehere.I’mhonor-boundtoappearatmytrial,andthey’rehonor-
boundtoletmegetthereunimpeded.Honormeansahellofalottodragons.”

Ididn’tfeelbetter.“Theymightbehonor-boundtoyou,butnottome.ThedragonwhovisitedDrake

lastnighttalkedaboutobliteratingme.What’stosaythisBancrofthasn’tdecidedthesamething?Whatif
heordersyoutoobliteratemeforhim?”

“ThenI’lldisobey,andthey’llhavetogothroughmetogettoyou.”
Ifloppedbackdownonthemattress,stilldrainedandsickinspiteofmyheavysleep.Ialsohada

tenderspotonmyhead,whichIwasprettysurehadbeenputtherebyDrake’sboot.

“WhatguaranteedoIhavethatyoudon’tagreewiththem?”Iaskedtiredly.“IsawyourfacewhenI

crawledoutoftheclub,Mick.It’sunnervingtoknowthatthemanyoulovethinkstheworldmightbe
betteroffwithyoudead.”

Micktouchedmyface,andIwastooexhaustedtorollawayfromhim.“I’vespentalotoftimethinking

sinceIlastsawyou,Janet.Walkingandthinking.Youhavesomecrazymagicinsideyou,butyoudid
whenImetyoutoo.Youlearnedtodealwiththat,andyou’lllearntodealwiththis.”Thetouchturnedto
acaress,hisfingersonmylips.“AndIwanttobeheretowatchyougrow.”

Hiswordswarmedme,butIcouldn’trelax.“Yousuddenlyhavealotoffaithinme.”
“Notsuddenly.Themagicsarepartofyou,nomatterhowfrighteningtheyare.Theyarewhatmakeyou

uniquelyyou.”

“Luckyme.”
Mickroseonhiselbowtogazedownatme.“You’reabeautifulwoman,JanetBegay.Youhave

amazingstrengthbutamazinggentlenesstoo.IsawthatwhenIfirstmetyou—youtemperedyourstrength
tokeepfromhurtingothers.ThisBeneathmagicisn’tbetterthanyou.It’sstrong,butyou’restronger.”

IthoughtofthewaythelittlevoicetalkedtomewhenevertheBeneathmagicwokeup,theterrible

knowledgethatthevoicebelongedtome,notsomethingoutsideofme.

“Themagic’svoiceismine,butit’sherwords,”Isaidworriedly.“Mick,I’msoafraidofturninginto

her.”

“Intoyourmother?”
Mymother,inherrealmBeneath,wasawomanofastonishingbeautyandcoldcruelty.Shewas

powerful—there.Above,shecouldbarelyfunctionandhadtopossessotherstodoit.Shewassealedin
now,butshewasn’tdead.Ianticipatedshe’dfindawayoutagainsomeday.

“You’renothinglikeher,”Micksaid.“Imether,remember?”
“Youweren’ttheretheentiretime.Iwasjustlikeher.Wecan’teverreallygetawayfromourgenetics,

canwe?”

Micktwinedhisfingersthroughmine.“Whenwe’refinishedhere,I’mtakingyoutoManyFarms.”
Iwantedtolaugh.“Whatfor?Mygrandmotherwon’thaveanythinggoodtosaytome,especiallynot

afterI’vebeenusingmymother’smagic.”

“Iwanttoremindyouwhatelseyouinheritedthroughyourgenetics.Yourfatherisakindandgentle

man,andyourgrandmotherhassomepowerfullystrongearthmagic.They’reapartofyou,andyou’rea
partofthem.You’realsoapartoftheland,theDinetah.Bothnaturesareyou,bothareequallyimportant.”

Iunwoundenoughtosmile.“Whendidyoubecomesuchaphilosopher?”
“WalkingdownthatroadallthewaytoPrescott.It’salongwayonfoot,throughincrediblecountry.All

thatbeautyremindedmeofyou,andwhyIneededyoutostayalive.Theworldwouldnotbeabetter
placewithoutyouinit,Janet,anditwilljusthavetolearntolivewithyou.”

Again,thewarmth,accompaniedbyheatinhisdamngorgeousblueeyes.Mickalwaysknewwhatto

say.“EvenifI’madangerouskiller?”Iasked.

“Areyou?”Micksatup,provingthathewasmother-nakedunderthecovers.“YoustoppedUndeadJim

fromkillingpeopleintheclub.Youstoppedhimbeforehecoulddestroythedragonswhocameforyou,
andyouhealedBancroft.”

“Onemandied.”Ithoughtofthechauffeur’sassistant,whosenameI’dneverlearned,lyingdeadon

Maya’sfrontlawn.Hisonlycrimehadbeentoopenthecardoorforme.

“Morewouldhaveifyouhadn’tintervened.”
“No,hewouldn’tbedeadatallifnotforme.Jimrushedouttheretopreventthedragonsfromtaking

me.”

Mickfrowned.“Why?”
“Goodquestion.HellifIknow.MaybehesensesmyBeneathmagicwhenIuseit,likeCoyotedoes,

andcomestofindme.”

“Doyouthinkyourmotherwastheonewhoresurrectedhim?”
“Idon’tknow.Thevortexissealed.Ihaven’tsensedhercomeout,andshehasn’ttriedtofindme.If—

when—shecangetoutagain,IthinkI’dbethefirstpersonshehunteddown.I’dknowifshewerefree.”

“AnothergodfromBeneath,then?”
“Couldbe.That’swhatI’mgamblingon.Butthereareplentyofgodsabovetoo,aren’tthere?Coyote

forone.SpiderWoman.Thekachinas.Theycanbebenevolentbutalsoscary.Andpowerful.”

“Coyotedoesn’tadmittoit?”Mickasked.
“Hesaysno,butdoesCoyoteneverlie?He’satrickstergod.Hedoeswhathepleases,forhisown

reasons.”

Outside,thesunlightbegantodimascloudsgatheredonthemountains.Theywereblack,denseclouds,

fullofwaterandlightning.Thestormmagicinmereachedouttothethickeningstormlikeanoldfriend,
andasparkoflightningdancedbetweenmyfingers.

Mick’seyesstartedtodarken.“Wantmetodrawitoff?”heaskedinalowvoice.

Mickknewhowtoheatmybloodwithonlyalook.He’ddonethattomethenightI’dmethim,overa

mealinaLasVegasrestaurant.Withinanhour,I’dbeeninbedwithhim,surrenderingmyvirginitytoa
manwithwickedeyes.

“Mick,”Isaidslowly,“I’mnotsureI’veforgivenyou.Fornottrustingme.”
“Iknow.”Helaidhishandonmybellyandeasedthesheetdownsohecouldtoywiththetinystudat

mynavel.

“AndIthinkyou’rerighttonottrustme,”Isaid.
“Idon’tagree.”Hemovedtoplaywiththestudwithhistongue.
Hishotbreathonmyskinmademegowarmandpliantinspiteofmyself.“Mick,whydoyoualways

dothistome?”

“BecauseIloveyou.AndbecauseIwanttofeastonyouwheneverIseeyou.”
Heproceededtofeast.Icouldhavestoppedhim,Isuppose,couldhavetoldhimtogetout,or,better

still,toflymeoutofherewithhim.Butno,Ileanedbackagainstthepillowsandmoanedsoftlyashe
lickedhiswayfrommynavel,takinghistime,untilhismouthclosedovermycleft.

Mickdidthingstomewithhistonguethatnomanshouldknowhowtodo.Myhipsmovedashelicked

me,hismouthsendinggrittyheatallupanddownmybody.Outside,thestormbuilt,coldwinddrivingthe
cloudsfromthetoweringmountains.Lightningsparkledinmyfingertips,andMickraisedhisheadand
suckedthatoutofmetoo.

Mick’seyeswerenowblackallthewayacross.HeloweredhisheadagainanddevouredmeuntilI

washoldingontotheheadboard,cryingmyecstasytotheceiling.HekeptonuntilI’dcomeonce,twice.
Rightbeforethethirdtime,Mickshovedtherestofthecoversfromthebedandclimbedoverme,his
bodyhotandhardwithwanting.Icaughthisshaftinmyhandtostrokehim,toreturnthepleasurehe’d
givenme,butheshovedmyhandaway,pressedmedown,andenteredme.

Gods,itfeltsogoodtohavehiminsideme.I’dfearedI’dneverfeelthatagain.IarchedtomeetMick’s

thrusts,mynailsrakingdownhisback.Thetattoothatsnakedacrossthesmallofhisback,fromhiptohip,
washotundermytouch,mydragon-manbarelycontaininghisfire.Thoughtsofwhatwouldhappenwhen
hedecidedtoletgoexcitedthehelloutofme.

Herodemeuntilhespilledhisseed,bothofusgroaninginrelease.ButIknewhewasn’tfinished.

Mickcouldsexmeallnightandwellintothenextdayifhewantedto,andhe’donlystopformysake.

Hewasn’toneforunadventuroussex,andthethingswedidonthatbed—nottomentiontheusewe

madeoftheheadboard,thechairacrosstheroom,andthebalconyrailing—createdmorehotmemoriesI
couldsavorwhenIwasoldandgray.

WhenMickfinallyfinished,hourslater,andlaidmegentlyonthebed,coveringmewiththetumbled

quilts,myheadhadstoppedhurting,myscouredbodyrefreshed.Mickhadhealedmeashe’dlovedme,
andIhadn’tevennoticed.

Drakesenthisgunmenforusabouttenminutesintoourafterglow.IwonderedifDrakehadtheroom
monitored,andthenIdecidedIdidn’tcare.They’dkidnappedmeandheldmecaptive;theycouldeat
theirheartsoutwatchingmyboyfriendenjoyme.

Whenthenicemenwithautomaticrifleswalkedintotheroom,theonewhoseemedtobeinchargetold

ustogetdressedandaccompanythemtoDrake.Noofferofbreakfast,noToddbreezinginwithatrayand
freshtowels.

Igotoutofbedandputonmyclothesrightinfrontofthegunmen,figuringitwouldsavethemfrom

searchingmelater.Ilefttheshardofmirrorwhereitwasnexttothebed.Drakealreadyknewaboutit,
andithadkeyedintoallthemirrorsinthehousebynow.Ifthingsgotbad,itcouldsendamessageto
Cassandra,whomightbeabletofindCoyote,whomightgetoffhisbuttandsaveus.

Might,might,might.Nothingwascertain.
Asweweremarchedthroughthehouse,IwonderedaboutJim.I’dtoldMickthatIthoughtJimwas

sensingwhenIusedmyBeneathmagic,andI’duseditbig-timetohealBancroftlastnight.Iwonderedif
JimweresomewherearoundhereorwhetherBancroft’smenshootinghimfullofholeshadslowedhim
downany.

IfeltsorryforJim.Hehadn’taskedtoberesurrected,andhecouldn’thandlethepowerthatran

throughhisbody.Butalthoughhedidn’tmeantokillpeople,hestilldidit.Hehadtobefoundand
stopped.

Theroomthegunmentookustoopenedontothecourtyard,whereafountainplayed,itswatersoothing

music.Rainpatteredintothecourtyard,thunderrumbledinthedistance,andthebreezebroughtusthefine
scentsofrainandwind.

Bancroftthecouncilman,nowwearingablacksuitsimilartotheoneI’dfirstseenhimin,stoodbythe

openwindowwithhisbacktous.Drake,waitingnearhim,saidnothingwhenweentered,onlymotioned
withaflickofhisfingersforthegunmentoleaveus.

“Micalerianicum,”Bancroftsaid.“I’msurprisedtoseeyouhere.”
“Notsurprisingatall.Janetismymate.”
“YoualwaystoldmeyournamewasMick,”Isaidundermybreath.
Mickgavemeasmile.“Ididn’twanttoscareyouaway.”
Drakesnorted.“Humanshavedifficultywithnamesthatarelongerthanafewsyllables.”
“Youhaven’tmetsomeNativeAmericansIknow,”Isaid.“ButIagreethatMick’sfullnameisalittle

ridiculous.Soisyours.”

“Andyoursissobriefitisfinishedbeforeonetakesinitsmeaning,”Drakereturned.“Whatdoesit

mean,thisJanetBegay?”

“JustJanet.”Ihadanothername,infact,thespiritnamemyfatherhadgivenmethedayofmybirth,but

noonewasallowedtoknowit.Namescouldbetrickythings.Ifyougavesomeoneyourtruename,they
coulduseittogainpoweroveryou.

“Thesewordsarenotourrealnames,”Micksaid,asthoughhereadmythoughts.“Ourtruenamesare

likemusicalnotes,sungtousbeforewe’rehatched.They’repartofthemagicthatmakesdragonswhat
theyare.”

Drakescowled.“Youwouldgivethisknowledgetoabeinglikeher?”
“Thebeinglikehersavedyourmaster’sass.”
Bancroftfinallyturnedaround.“Iwastoldwhathappened,andyourmagicmirrorreplayedtheincident

forme.”Bancroftgavemeastiffbow.“Iamgratefulforyourassistance.”

“Shehealedyou,”Micksaid.“Pureandsimple.”
“Sheshouldn’thavebeenableto,”Drakesaid.
“Noonecanbestrongerthanthemightydragons?”Iasked.“That’swhatthisisallabout,isn’tit?”
Drakewentafineshadeofpurple.He’drecoveredwellfromlastnight,hisdarksuitpristine,his

ponytailsleek,everyhairinplace.“You’veknownoftheexistenceofdragonsforwhat,fourmonths?
Howcanyouevenbegintoknowwhatbeingadragonis?”

“IknowyouwereterrifiedI’dopenthevortexesandreleaseagoddessfromBeneath,endangeringthe

dragons.”

“Endangeringeveryone,”Bancroftsaid.“Humansaswell.”
“Oh,you’refinallygettingaroundtomentioninghumans,areyou?”Iasked.“AllIeverhearisthatthe

dragonsfearthemagic,thatreleasingitwillbetheendofthedragons.Youdon’tgivearat’sassabout
therestofhumanity.Thereareplentyofdangerstohumans,butIdon’tseeyourunningaroundtryingto
putastoptothem.Butwhenthedragonsareintrouble,suddenlypeoplehavetodie,andMickgetsputon
trialfornotdoingmurder.”

Bancroftgavemeafrostylook.“Youknownothing,girl.”
“She’snotwrong,”Micksaid.“Youtwoknowverylittleabouthumans.Youdon’twalkamongthem.

JanethasfarmorecompassionthananydragonIknow.”

“Wewalkamongthem,”Drakesaid.“Welivehere,outsideahumancity.Weemployhumans.”
“Outsidethecity,”Mickanswered.“Employthem.Youdon’tlivewiththem.Youdon’tgototheirbars

andplaypoolwiththemandlistentowhattheyhavetosay.You’velockedyourselvesinyourfortresses
solongyoudon’tknowwhatgoesonoutsidethem.”

Bancroftbrokein.“Shemighthavecompassionasyousay,butthemagicfromBeneathwillconsume

herifshedoesnotlearntosuppressit.Butthatisaseparateissue.You,Mick,willstandtrialfor
breakingyourwordtothecouncilanddisobeyingdragonlaw.I’vetriedtofindsomewayaroundit,butI
can’t.Theothercouncilorsareadamant.”

“That’sfine,”Micksaidinamildvoice.“I’llbethere.”
“It’sridiculous,”Isaid.
“Thatdoesn’tmatter.”Bancroft’stonewashard.“Whetherahumangirlthinksourlawsarerightor

wrongisirrelevant.Hehasbrokenhispledge,andhemustanswerforit.”

Damnbuttheywerestubborn.Mickwasn’tmuchbetter,simplyansweringwithanod.Hewasgoingto

letthemconducttheirshamtrialanddecidewhatkindofordealhehadtowithstandforthecrimeof
sparingmylife.

“Whydidyoubringmehere?”Iasked.“BeforeJimwentonhiskillingrampage,youplannedtokidnap

meanddragmeoffhereforsomereason.You’venevergottenaroundtotellingmewhat.”

Bancroftsurprisedmewithalittlesmile.Hereallywasagood-lookingmanwhenhedidthat.Sowas

Drake,thoughIdoubtedI’devercatchDrakesmiling.

“IbroughtyouheretointerrogateyouaboutwhatMick’sdefensewouldbe.”
Mybrowsshotup.“Really?Andyouexpectedmetotellyou?”
“IexpectedtopryitoutofyouusingwhatevermethodsIhadathand.SothatIcanprepare.”
“Well,forgetit.”Iletlightningcracklethroughmyfingers.Iknewthiswouldn’tscaredragons,who

couldeatstormpowerandenjoyit,butthesparksdancinginmyhandsmadeaniceshow.“Whydidn’t
youkidnapColbyandinterrogatehim?Orhaveyoualready?’

Bancroftshookhishead.“Thatisforbidden.”
“Butinterrogatingmeisn’t?”
“You’rehuman.”
Igrowled,tossedthelightningaroundtheroom,andsmiledwhenDrakeandBancroftjumped.The

electricitydissipatedharmlessly,buttheairsmelledofozoneandpower.“I’dhavedisappointedyou
evenifyoudidtortureme.Ireallydon’tknowwhatColbyisplanning.”

Shoutsoutsidethedoorinterruptedus.Iheardtheheadgunmanyell,“Standdown!Standdown!”anda

snarledresponse.Athirdmanouttherewastryingtoapologizeatthetopofhisvoice.

BancroftjerkedahandatDrake,butDrakewasalreadymoving,apistolcomingoutfromunderhis

coatasheflungopenthedoor.

“Yousendherouthere,unhurt,andI’llgoaway,”asharpvoicesaid.“Withher.”
“Oh,forthegods’sake,”Iwhispered.
“Mr.Bancroft,Iamsosorry,”anothermanwassaying.“Itoldhimwecouldn’tburstinhere,thatyou

wereaprominentcitizeninyourprivatehome,notacriminal.”

“Whereisshe?”
IpeeredoverDrake’sshoulder.Nashstoodtherewithhisnine-millimeterpointedattheleadgunman’s

head,hishandunwavering.BehindNashwasanothermaninasheriff’sdeputy’suniform,lookingred,
apologetic,andoutofbreath.

“I’mallright,Nash,”Isaid.“Wewerejustchatting.”

Nash’sgundidn’tmove.“Letherwalkouthere.”
“Explainthis,”Bancroftsnappedatthem.
“I’msorry,sir,”theheadgunmansaid.“Hechargedthefrontdoorandshovedhiswayin.”
“Heshouldn’thavebeenableto,”Bancroftsaid.“Notthroughmywards.”
IknewdamnwellhowNashhadwalkedinthroughthedragon’sheavyspells,butIwasn’taboutto

volunteertheinformation.

“Mickgotinthroughyourwards,”Ipointedout.
“Weallowedhimin,”Drakesaid.“Andknewwhenhearrived.”
“Letherwalkoutofhereandgetintomytruck,”Nashsaid,ignoringus.“Ifyoudothat,Iwon’tcharge

youwithkidnappingandassault.”

“Micktoo,”Isaid.
Nashdidn’tbetrayanysurprisetoseeMickotherthanaminuteflickerofhisgrayeyes.“Micktoo.”
“Standdown,”Bancroftsaidtohisgunmen.“Lethergo.”
Thegunmenloweredtheirweaponswithoutarguing.Iknewtheydidn’tgiveashitwhetherBancroft

showeredmewithgiftsororderedmeshot.TheywerelikeTodd—eitherway,theygotpaid.

Drake,withgreatreluctance,loweredhisgunaswell.IlostnotimesteppingaroundhimandNash,

puttingmyselfoutofthelineoffire.Mickwasrightbehindme,hishandonmybacktoguideme.

Wedidn’tstopwalkinguntilwe’dreachedNash’sfamiliarSUV,parkedjustoutsidetheopengatesof

thecompound.IwasgladI’dgrabbedmycoatwhenI’dgonedowntoseeBancroft,butI’dlefttheshard
ofmirrorinthebedroom.Nomatter.Themirrorcouldn’tobeythemifIordereditnotto,butitwasfreeto
showerthemwithsnarkycomments.Ismiled.

NashcameoutwithDrakeandBancroft.He’dholsteredhisweapon,buthewasclearlyincharge.The

deputyfollowed,continuingtoapologize.IwonderedhowmuchBancroftpaidhim.

MickhadalreadyhelpedmeintoNash’sfrontseatandtakenaplaceinthebackbythetimeNash

climbedintohisSUV.Hesaidnothingtousashedrovedownthewindingroadthatledtoahighway.
Nashpickeduphissunglassesfromthedashboardandshovedthemon,one-handed,butnotbeforeIsaw
thedarksmudgesunderhiseyes.

“Hedoanythingtoyou?”heaskedmeashepulledontothefreeway.
“Nothingdire,”Isaid.“Youdidn’thavetocomeallthewayouthere,youknow.”
“It’smyjob.Mayatoldmethatyou’dbeenkidnappedatgunpoint,andLopezlostyououtinthedesert.”
Mickspokefromthebackseat,soundingtired.“Ithinkshemeansyoucouldhavereportedtheabduction

andlettheSantaFepolicetakecareofit.”

“Idid.Lopezsawthenumberofthehelicopter,andtheSanteFeCountysheriff’sdepartment

recognizeditasbelongingtooneMr.Bancroft,reclusivebillionaire.Theentiredepartmentrefusedto
botherhimandmakesureyouwereallright,soIdecidedtobotherhimforthem.ThankMaya.Shewas
hystericalaboutwhathappened,adamantthatIgoafteryou.”

Icouldimagine.Mayacouldbeloudandresoluteanddidn’ttireeasily.LikelyNashhadcometofind

metogethertoshutup.

“I’llbesuretothankherwhenwegetbacktoMagellan.Maybeyoushouldgoseehertoo,totellher

whathappened.”

Nashgavemeaflatstarefrombehindhissunglasses.“I’mnottakingyoutoMagellanyet.”
“No?”Ireallywantedtoseemyownbed.“Where,then?”
“FlatMesa.Ihaveinmycustodyamanwhohasconfessedtokillingyourhotelguest,JimMohan.”

Twenty-one

ANativeAmericanmansatacrossthemetal-toppedtablefrommeintheinterrogationroomintheHopi
Countyjail.Mick,surprisingly,agreedtowaitoutsidewhenNashtoldusthatthemanrefusedtospeakto
anyonebutJanetBegay.Nashwasn’tabouttoletmestayaloneinherewiththesuspect,sohetookan
intimidatingseatattheendofthetable.

ThesuspectwasaHopi,largeandmuscular,andhesatwithhisheadbowed.Hisblackhairwas

brushedwithdustbutpulledneatlybackintoabraid.Heworenondescriptclothes—jeansandaloose
shirt—andhislargehandswerescarred.

Whenhelookedupatmehisdarkeyeswerefilledwithsorrowandshame,hismouthpulleddownat

thecorners.I’drarelyseenamoremiserable-lookinghumanbeing.Andhewascompletelyhuman.No
auraofthesupernaturalhunganywhereabouthim.

“ThisisBenKavena,”Nashsaid.“Earlythismorning,hewalkedintoatribalpolicestationand

confessedtokillingawhitetouristattheHomol’oviruins.ThepoliceknewI’dbeenlookingintoJim
Mohan’sdisappearanceanddeathandcalledme.IshowedMr.KavenaapictureofJimMohan,andhe
confirmeditwasthesameman.”

IlookedatBen,notNash.“Why?”Iaskedhim.
“Iwasveryangry,”Bensaid.“Heviolatedasacredplace,andIbecamecrazywithanger.”Tears

stoodinhiseyes.“ButIcommittedaworseviolation.Ihavelivedwiththeknowledgeeversince.”

“WhatdidJimdo?”Iasked.
Foranswer,Nashshovedalidlesscardboardboxatme.“WefoundMr.Kavenawiththese.”
Benmadeanoiseofprotest.“Iwasnotstealingthem.Iwantthemputbackwheretheybelong.”
Ilookedinsideatseveralsubstantialchunksofclaypots.Theylookedold,veryold,andhadyellow

andblackdesignsonthem.

“Jimwaspothunting,”Isaid.“Theasshole.Thephotographystorywasjustacover.”
Pothunters—looters—grazedout-of-the-wayplacesforancientpottery,whichcouldfetchlargeprices

inmuseumswhosecuratorsmightnotpaymuchattentiontolawsorethics.ThepotteryintheHomol’ovi
areabelongedtothepueblopeoplesanddatedbackathousandyearsandmore,andtheseartifactscould
besoldforhighdollartocollectors.

Butthesamepotsthatpeopleprizedforintrinsicvalueweresacredtothepueblotribes.Thepottery

hadbelongedtotheirancestors,usedbothforeverydaytasksandinburials.Someonediggingapotoutof
agravewaslikesomeoneremovingyourgreat-grandmother’stombstoneandfloggingittoacollector.

IcouldimagineBenwitnessingthisrapeofhisancestorsandgrowingfurious.Ifheconsideredhimself

adescendantofthepeopleofHomol’ovi,he’dbeevenmoreenraged.

Studyinghisface,Irealizedthathisangerwentevendeeperthanthat.
“You’retheKoshare,”Isaid,realizing.“Theonewhoscaredmeuptheretheotherday.Atleast,you

werehischannel.”

Bennodded.“Ihadgoneuptheretolookaround,tokeepaneyeontheplace.Thereisnoonenowto

keepthestealersofthesacredaway.AndIsawthisMr.Mohannexttotheriver,puttingpiecesofpots
intoabox.Whenhelefttheboxandwentbackupthehilltolookformore,Ifollowedhim.Helaughedat
mewhenIdemandedhereturnwhathewasstealing,thinkingIwasjustastupidHopi.WhyshouldI
worryaboutafewpiecesofbrokenpottery?Ihadaknifewithme.Whenheturnedaround,Istruckout.”

Irememberedmyvision,Jimfallingforwardwiththeknifeinhisbackandaman’smuscularhand

graspingthehilt.Thehandhadn’tbeencoveredintheKoshare’sblack-and-whitepaint.Benhaddonethe
killing,nottheKosharethatsometimesinhabitedhim.

“Ihavetakenalife.”TearsspilleddownBen’sleatherycheeks.“Ihavedestroyedmyself.”
“AfteryoukilledJim,whatdidyoudo?”Iasked.
“Ranaway.Iwasacoward.Igrabbedthepotsherdsandwenthome.Icouldn’trisklingeringtoputthe

potsback.Iwasgoingtodoitlater.”

“Imeanbeforethat.”Imulledoverhowtoputit.“DidtheKoshare—thespiritthatfillsyou—didhe

cometoyou?MaybetriedtohealJim?”

Bendidn’tchangeexpressionasheshookhishead.“TheKosharedidn’tdarecometome.Iwas

unworthyofhim.”

“ButhecametoyouwhenIwentuptoHomol’ovitoinvestigate.Hewasinyouwhenhefrightened

me.”

“Idon’tknowwhyhecameback.Yes,Iwastherewhenyoucame.I’dputonmypaint,hopinghe

wouldcometomeinthatsacredplaceandforgiveme,butwhenheenteredme,hewassoangry.Hewas
angryatyoutoo,andafraid.Afterthatday,hehasleftmeandnotreturned.”

Hefinished,silentlyweeping.
DamnJim,anyway.Ifhehadn’tgoneoutlookingforwhathethoughtwaseasymoney,Benwouldn’t

havebeendriventomurder,andwewouldn’tbestuckwithanundeadmaniacturningpeopleinsideout.

Butthen,BenshouldhavesimplyreportedJimtothepolice,nottakenituponhimselftoseek

retribution.Pottheftwasacrime,andJimcouldhavedonetimeforit.NowBenwoulddotimefor
murder.

“What’sgoingtohappentohim?”IaskedNash.
“I’mnotsure.YouandIbothhaveseenJimMohanaliveandwell,afterhewassupposedtohavebeen

killed.”

Benlookedup,puzzled.“Themanwasdead.I’veseendeath;Iknowwhatitlookslike.”
“Heisn’talive,”Isaidsoftly.“Hewasresurrected.”
Ben’stearsceased,andhiseyeswidenedinhorror.“No.”Hemoanedit,rockingslightlybackand

forth.“No.”

“DidtheKoshareresurrecthim?”Iasked.
“No.No.Hewouldnotdosuchathing.”
“Doesheknowwhodid?”
Benshookhishead.“Idon’tknow.Idon’tknow.”
Nashpulledtheboxofpotsherdsbacktowardhimandstoodup.“BenKavena,I’mgoingtoholdyou

untilIcanfindthisJimMohanandfigureoutwhatreallyhappened.I’lltellyounowthattheleastyou’ll
bechargedwithisassaultandattemptedmurder.”

Isprangtomyfeet.“Nash,don’ttrytofindUndeadJimyourself.Don’tsendyourdeputiesouttohunt

himeither.He’sakiller.He’lldestroywhoevertriestoapproachhim.”

Nashgavemeanannoyedlook.“Ican’tverywelltellajudgethatIwanttopresschargesagainstBen

formurder,butsorry,Ican’tproducethebodybecauseit’sbeenresurrected.”

“IbetajudgewhowasraisedinMagellanwouldbelieveyou.”
Nashscowled,notfindingmefunny.“IstillneedtofindthisJim.HekilledthemaninMaya’sfront

yard,nottomentionthehikersouthoftownandyourassailantinLasVegas.”

Benlookedterrified.“Ifsuchaonefindsme,hewillkillme.Hewilltearmeopen.”
“Canyouputagoodguardonhim?”IaskedNash.“OratleastletMickwardhiscell?”
“Yes,”Bensaid.“Please,Iwillstayhereunderyourprotection.”
Nashwantedtoarguesomemore,butIwalkedoutbeforehecouldandwenttofindMick.BenKavena

wassmarttobeafraid.IneededtofindUndeadJim,soonerratherthanlater.Herespondedtome—fine,
I’dlethimcometome.

WhatI’ddowithhimafterthat,andhowI’dstophim,Ididn’tknow.IverymuchfearedI’dhavetokill

him,andIwasn’tatallcertainIwasstrongenoughforthat.Whatworriedmeevenmorewasthat
somethingouttherewaspowerfulenoughtoresurrectahumanbeing,andIstillhadn’tfiguredoutwho.

Nashwouldn’tletmegountilI’dsignedformsandpromisedtonotdiscusswhatI’dheardwiththepress.
NotthatMagellanorFlatMesahadmuchpress,anditdidn’tmatteranyway,becausetherumormillwas
farquickerandmoreaccurate.ButIsignedthepaperstomakehimhappy.

“HowisMaya?”Iasked.
“FinewhenIlefther,”wasNash’sabruptanswer.Nashlookedawful,runningonadrenalineandpure

stubbornness.Idoubtedhe’dsleptinthelasttwenty-fourorsohours.

“Whichwas?”
“Lastnight.IaskedLopeztomakesureshedidn’tneedanymedicalattentionorcounseling.”
“Youaresucharomantic,Nash,”Isaid.
“Ifollowedprocedure.Getthehelloutofhereandletmekeepfollowingit.”
Igaveupandlefthim.IdidtellMickeverythingI’dlearnedfromBenKavena,andMickagreedtoset

wardsonthecell.Hestayedbehindtodothat,andoneofthedeputiesranmebacktotheCrossroads
Hotel.

Cassandrawasrelievedtoseeme,althoughPamelagavemeasteadylookandsaidnothing.I

wonderedhowlongtheChangerwomanwasgoingtostay.UntilsheconqueredCassandra?Lookingatthe
twoofthem,Icouldn’ttellwhetherthathadhappenedornot.

“Dragonscan’tbetrusted,”CassandratoldmeinalowvoiceafterI’dshoweredandchangedmyfilthy

clothes.“Theytalkalotabouthonor,buttheydon’textendthathonortohumans.Don’ttrustthem.”

“Idon’t,much.”
“Good.ThenmaybeyoucouldpersuadeColbytoleavethesaloonandreturntohishotel.Hesetsthe

wrongtone.”

Cassandraturnedawaytogreetacouplecheckinginwithacourteoussmileonherface.AsImovedto

thesaloon,IwonderedhowCassandraknewsomuchaboutdragons.Mickhadtoldmetheypreferredto
remainhiddenfromhumans,andyetCassandraspokeheropinionsaboutthemwithconviction.I
wonderedwhereshe’dencounteredthembeforeandwhathadhappened.

BothColbyandMicksatatatableinthesaloon,MickhavingreturnedfromFlatMesawhileI’dbeen

intheshower.I’dbeenalittledisappointedhehadn’tcomeintowashmeagain,butnowIwasgladto
seehiminherekeepinganeyeonColby.

AsIsatdown,Mickflashedmeawarninglookandsaid,“Themagicmirrorshowedhimeverything.”
“Everything.”Colby’sgrinbecamealeer.“Youhavestaminainthesack,girl.Itwasstimulating,even

ifIhadtowatchthroughalotofcracks.”

Myfaceheated.“IswearI’mmeltingthatthing.”
“Don’tbeembarrassed.Itwasbeautiful.WaybetterthananypornIcanfindonthatmotelTV.”
Mick,damnhim,didn’tlookashamedatall,orevenangryatColbyforhavingseenmeinmynaked

glory.Maybeitwasadragonthing—havingColbywatchMickmakingsuchhardlovetomereinforced
theideathatIwasMick’smate.

“Interesting,though,”Colbysaid,takinganothersipofbeer.“ImeanaboutBancroftwantingtogrill

you.SoundslikethedragoncouncilisnotatallunitedintheiropinionsaboutMickyorthistrial.Wecan
usethattoouradvantage.”

“How?”
Colbyshrugged.“Trustme,darling.”
“YourdefensewasgoingtobethatIwasharmless,”Isaid.“Butthat’sout.BancroftandDrakehave

seenwhatIcando.EvenifIsavedBancroft’slife.”

“True.Youfuckedthatup.Doesn’tmatter.Ihaveafewotherthingsupmysleeves.”
“Likewhat?”
Colbygavemeanothershrug.“HavetothinkaboutwhatIcando.”
IglancedatMick,butheandColbyexchangedalook.Igraspedthatthetwoofthemknewexactlywhat

Colbyhadinmind,andneitherwouldbothertotellme.

Irritated,Istoodup.“Fine.Whileyou’replottingtogether,trytothinkofawayIcanfindUndeadJim.

Onethatwon’thurtanyone.”

IstalkedoutandnearlyranintoPamelaatthedoorcomingin.Shelookedmeupanddown,andforthe

firsttime,shesmiledatme,evenifitwasapredatorysmile.

“IheardwhatColbysaid.”Hereyessmoldered.“He’sright.You’rehot,Janet.”
Boilingwatercouldn’thavemademeanymoreuncomfortable.“I’msurprisedthemirrordidn’tsell

ticketsandservepopcorn.”

“Itwasagoodshow,believeme.”
“IthoughtyoulikedCassandra,”Isaid.
“Ido.”Pamelagrinned.“ButIstillhaveeyes.”Shewalkedoninsidethesaloon,andIhauledmyself

outofthere.

Cassandrahadnomoreguestsathercounter.Shewastypingupsomething,herfingersskimmingacross

thecomputerkeyboardwitheaseandgrace.SheflickedherlightbluegazetomeasIapproached.

“YouneedtofindJimMohan,”shetoldme.
“Ido.”Iwonderedifshetoohadseentheshowthroughthemirror,butifshehad,Iknewshe’dnever

mentionit.“He’sattractedtomymagic,butIuseditplentyinSantaFeandneverheardapeepfromhim.”

AsmallpuckerappearedbetweenCassandra’sbrows,andshelightlycaressedthelipofthecounter.

“Perhapsbecauseyouweren’tindanger.”

“ButIwasindanger.I’dbeenkidnappedandheldagainstmywill.”
“IfIunderstandwhathappenedcorrectly,thedragonscapturedyoutotalktoyouaboutMick’strial.

Theyhadnoplanstokillyou.PerhapsJimsensedthat.”

“Theotherdragoncouncilorwantedmedead.Hesaidso,mostemphatically.”
“ButDraconilingiusprotectedyou.Hedidn’tletonthattheyhadyouincustody,whichmeanstheyhad

nointentionoflettingyoubehurt.”

“Gods,youcanevenpronouncetheirnames.”
Cassandra’sshrugwaselegant.“Istudiedupondragons.”
“Ineverknewtheyexisteduntilafewmonthsago.”
“You’renotawitch,andIwasadiligentstudent.Dragonscanbeusefultowitches,ifthewitchis

powerfulenough.”

FirstI’dheardofit.“MyimmediateproblemistofindandstopJim.IfIcangethiminfrontofa

magistrate,aHopimanmightbesparedalifesentence.Thenagain,Jimisunstable,andifhe’shauled
intocourt,hemightjustkillthemagistrate,theHopiman,Nash,andme.”

“Wecantrytobindhim.”
“Hismagicisprettydamnpowerful,Cassandra.Icanbarelyslaphim.”
“Iknowsomespellsthatareprettydamnpowerfultoo.”
Ileanedcasuallyonthecounter.“Isthatwhyyou’reworkingatatinyhotelinabackwatertowninthe

middleofnowhere?”

Cassandragavemethetiniestofsmiles.“Imadesomemistakes.ButIenjoyworkinghere.Ilikethe

quiet.”

“Withhornydragons,attackingChangers,andanundeadmanfilledwithdestructivemagicwreaking

havoc?Sure,Icanseewherethatwouldberestful.”

Hersmilewidened.“Ienjoyachallenge.”

Itampeddownmycuriosityandreturnedtotheproblemathand.“Icouldfindaplaceoutinthedesert,

workalittlemagic,seeifhecomes.Someplacefarfromtown,farfromthevortexes,farfrompeople.If
wecandoabindingspell,great.Itwouldhavetobeaverypowerfulone.”Irememberedthebinding
spellMickhadusedonmetostopmeinLasVegas.Thatspellhadbeendecentlystrong,butifI’dseenit
coming,IknewI’dhavebeenabletoresistit.WeneededsomethingmorepowerfulforJim.

“Icandoit,”Cassandrasaid.“Givemealittletimetoprepare.Butwillyoubeabletotakeaway

what’sanimatinghim?Ifyoucandothat,he’lldieofhisownaccord,hisbodyrespondingtothenatural
forceofdeath.”

Igrimaced.“Idon’tknow.Idon’tknowifMickcaneither,orevenwhetherMickandIcombinedcan

doanything.Mymagicdoesn’talwayscomeatwill.”

IwonderedwhetherIcouldcombinemystormmagicwiththeBeneathmagictodefeatJim.WhetherI

couldornot,thatprocesswouldbecontingentonhavingapowerfulstormragingatthetime.Icouldn’t
countontheweathercooperating,andIcouldn’tcountonmyBeneathmagicworkingperfectlyeither.

Ipushedawayfromthecounter.“I’mgoingtogoscoutalocation.”
Cassandragavemeawarninglook.“Don’ttryanythinguntilIcanperfectabindingspell.”
Iagreedandleftthehotel.Ididn’tbothertellingMickwhereIwasgoing.Ihadpickedupanothershard

ofmagicmirrorfrommybedroomnightstand,thisonealittlelargerthantheothers.Ireflectedthatmaybe
Ishouldn’tbothergettingthemirrorrepairedatall.Havingpiecesofittocarryaroundwastoouseful.

Iclimbedtherailroadbedandheadedeastoftown,tothevortexes.Magellanhadbeenbuiltonan

ancientcrossroads,andthevanishedtribesthathadoncepopulatedthisplacehadleftpetroglyphsthat
indicateditsmysticalenergy.Ithadbeennocoincidence,Jamisonhadtoldme,thattherailroadhadbeen
laidwhereithad,alongalineofmysticalenergy,andnocoincidencethattherailwayhadgonebrokeand
shutdown.

Thetiesandrailshadbeenstrippedawaydecadesago,toleavealong,flattrailfromFlatMesaallthe

waytothesouthernendoftown.Ihadnoideahowfarthebedwent,nothavingexploredthatfaryet.

Ontheothersideoftherailroadbedlaythevortexes.IhadnointentionofluringJimouthere.Ifhehad

godlikemagicinhim,Ididn’twanthimthrowingitaroundandmaybeunlockingoneofthegateways;no
tellingwhatwouldcomeoutofone.

I’dcomehereforadifferentreason.Imademywaydowntheothersideoftherailroadbedand

climbedtothetopofarise.FromhereIhadagoodviewofMagellan,thetownstrungoutalongthe
curvinghighway.Behindme,thedesertstretcheditsemptinesstothehorizon.Awashhadonceflowedat
thebottomofthelittlehillIstoodon,butnomore.Thesidesofithadcollapsed,andfallentreeslay
encasedinbakedearthwherethemudfromaterriblestormhaddried.

MickandIhaddonethis,destroyedthewashandsealedthevortexbeneathit.Iclosedmyeyes,calmed

mymind,lettingnothingbutthesounds,scents,andfeeloftheplacetouchme.

Ibreathedcleanairthatboreonlythescentofdryinggrassesandthepungentodorofjuniper.Nothing

more.Notingleofmagic,noshiverofdanger.

WhenIopenedmyeyes,Isawacrowhoppingnearmyfeet.Itstoppedandcockedablackeyeatme.
“She’sstilltrapped,isn’tshe?”Iaskedit.
Thecrowdidn’tanswer.Ithalfhopped,halfwalkedinitsungainlywaytothemiddleofthenow-

closedwashandpeckedthegroundwithahaughtymanner.

“Stilltrapped,”Isaidwithcertainty.WhoeverorwhateverhadbroughtUndeadJimbacktolife,it

hadn’tbeenmymother.Thatrelievedme,butitalsoleftopenfartoomanypossibilities.

WhenIturnedaround,Coyotewasstandingrightbehindme.
“Damnit,willyoupleasestopdoingthat?”
Coyoteregardedmewithglitteringdarkeyes,notraceofhisusualhumoranywhere.“Itoldyou,Janet,

nottousetheBeneathmagic,everagain.Notforanyreason.”

Twenty-two

Mysmart-assretortdiedinmymouth.Coyotehadmademenervousbefore,butrightnowhelooked
terrifying.TherewasnothinginhiseyesoftheCoyoteIknew,nothingbutdeeprageandvastpower.

“Ihadto,”Ibegan.“Thedragon—Bancroft—wouldhavedied.Hecouldn’thealhimself.”
“Thenheshouldhavedied.It’sthenaturalorderofthings.Dragonsaremortal—they’rehurt,they

bleed,andtheydie.”

“Ididn’thaveachoice.Firstofall,Icouldn’tstandtoseeacreaturediebecauseofme;second,I

neededtodosomethingtokeepDrakefromkillingme;andthird,Bancroftseemsmorereasonableabout
thistrialthantheothers.Icouldn’trisknothavinghimthere.”

“Isee.Youhealedthedragontosaveyourboyfriend.”
“Notjustthat.IsavedBancroft’slifetosavehislife.”
“EvenwhenItoldyounottousethemagic?”
IregardedhimwithacourageIdidn’thave.“Itwasnecessary.”
“No,itwasn’t.Youdon’tgettochoosewholivesandwhodies,JanetBegay.”
“Andyoudo?”
“I’magod.Oneofthefirstgods.I’veexistedsincethefirstworld.Someconsidermetheembodiment

ofallthatisevil,butI’mnot.I’mjustagod,andgodscanbecapricious.”

Nokidding.“ImadethebestdecisionIcouldgiventhecircumstances.”
“Youwentwithyouremotions,andyouthoughtmefaraway,whereI’dneverknow.”
“Butyoudidknow.”
Ahintofawickedglimmerreturnedtohiseyes.“Yourmirrorputonagoodshow.”
“Hell,”Isaid.
“You’reabeautifulwoman,Janet.You’repassionate,andyou’reinlove.Butyou’rehuman.Leavethe

godforcesalone.”

“ButamItrulyhuman?Iwasconceivedbyawomanpossessedbyagoddess,borntoamanwith

Stormwalkermagicinhisfamily.Mygrandmotherispowerfulenoughtoprojectherselfasacrowa
couplehundredmilesfromhome.Ididn’tasktoinheritbothpowers.I’dhavebeenhappybeingplain
Janet,onewitharealmotherandfather,whofoundsimplejoyinwalkingtheland.”

“Ioncetoldyouthatwedon’tchoosewhatweare,”Coyotesaid.“Weonlychoosewhatwedowith

whatwe’vebeengiven.”

“AndIchosetosavethedragon’slife.AndtohelpMick,andthosepeopleinLasVegas.AndI’ll

chooseagaintofindthatundeadmenaceandstophimbeforehehurtsanyoneelse.”

Coyotegavemeathoughtfullook.“Youknow,Janet,IfeelaboutyouthewayyoufeelaboutJim.”
“No,there’sonethingdifferent,”Isaid.“Idon’twanttohavesexwithJim.”
“Touché.”
“Damnit,Iwishyou’dstopthreateningmeandhelpme.We’vegottofindthisguy.Doyouknow

whereheis?”

“No.Youplantotakeawayhislife?”
“Whatchoicedowehave?IfIthoughthecouldcontrolthemagicinhim,thenitwouldbedifferent,but

Idon’tthinkthere’smuchchanceofthat.”

“Exactly.”
Thewayhesaidthewordmademyheartsqueezeinfear.ButIknewthatifIran,Coyotewouldjust

catchme.He’dtumblemetotheground,andwithoneflickofhisbigpaw,he’dkillme.Janetwouldbe
dust,floatingawayonthewind.

“AreyousayingthatifIgiveJimachance,you’llgivemeone?”Iasked.
“I’msayingthatI’mwatchingyou,andthatyoudon’thavethatmanychancesleft.”
Iknewhemeantit.Coyoteheldmylifebetweenhisfingers,andallhehadtodowassnapthem,and

I’dbegone.

Iclosedmyeyes.Ithoughtofthevoicethatspokewithinmeeverytimethemagicstirred,theevilit

urgedmetodo.CouldIstopthewhispers?CouldIsomehowkillthatpartofmypowerandchannelthe
resttodowhatIbadeit?OrwouldtheBeneathmagicsimplyconsumemeintheend?Mymotherwas
evil,andthatevilwasinme.Coyote,thedragons,mygrandmother—noneofthemwerewrongaboutthat.

Iheardvoices,humanones,andopenedmyeyes,exhalinginrelief.NaomiKeeandJamison,withJulie

betweenthem,wereclimbingdowntherailroadbedtomaketheirwaytowardus.Juliebrokefromher
motherandstartedrunningwiththelong-legged,coltishlopeofaneleven-year-old.ShereachedCoyote
andthrewherarmsaroundhim,andhespunheroffherfeet.

“Hello,Julie.”Coyote’svoicewasgentlenessitselfashesetherdown.
“Hello,Coyote.”Juliebothspokeandsignedatthesametime.“Whatareyoudoingwayouthere?Are

youandJanetwalkingtoChevelonCanyon?That’swherewe’regoing.Canwecomewithyou?”

Ididn’treallywanttoseeJamison,buthegavemeanot-unfriendlynodwhenheandNaomireached

us.Iwantedtohughim,toapologizeoverandoverforwhatI’ddone.

CoyotegavemealookoverJulie’sheadthattoldmeI’dpassedsomekindoftest.“Sure,Julie,”he

said.“I’llcomewithyou.ButJanet,shehasthingssheneedstodo.”

Itookthehint.IstoodbackandwatchedasthethreeadultsandJuliewalkedoffintothedesert,thesun

haloingJulieasthoughshewereasacredbeing.

MickwasstillwithColbywhenIreachedthehotelagain.Ididn’twanttolistentoColbygoingonabout
myprowessinbed,soIgotonmybikeandtoldCassandraIwasrunningerrands.Ireallydidhave
errandstorun—Iwasbehindonsomuch—butIusedthemasanexcusetogetawayfromthethingsthat
unnervedme.

IhadtoeitherconvinceCoyotethatIwasinfullcontrolofmymagicandwoulduseitonlywhen

entirelynecessary,orgiveintowhathewantedandstopusingitaltogether.Iwasn’tcertainIcoulddo
either.

Istoppedatthetouristboardtoarrangetohavemynewbrochuresdisplayedthere.Theofficewas

abouttoclose,thesunalreadysetting,butIgotinjustintime.ThenIvisitedthetinysuitebehindthepost
officewhereawomanwhoprintedcutemapsforthetouristsacceptedmymoneytolistmyhotelonone
ofthemaps.Advertisingwasanever-endinggame.

Idecidedtograbsomefoodatthediner,andthat’swhereAssistantChiefSalasfoundme.Stillinhis

policeuniform,heslidintotheboothwithmeandorderedcoffeewhenthewaitressbroughtmyusual
cheeseburger.

“Sowhat’supwithMaya?”heasked.
Iliftedmybrowsandmycheeseburgeratthesametime.“Sheturnedyoudown?”
“Yes.”
“Sorry.”Ididfeelbadforhim,becauseEmiliowasaniceguy.“She’sstillhunguponNash.Giveher

time.”

“No,Imean,Iwenttoseeherthisafternoon,andshebarelyopenedthedoor.Shejustsaidthroughthe

crackthatsheappreciatedmeaskingherout,butshedidn’twanttogo.”Salasthankedthewaitressforthe
coffeebuttoyedwiththecupinsteadofdrinking.“Ionlywentovertheretoseeifshewasallright.You
know,aftertheshitthatwentdownlastnight.”

“YoumeanwhenIgotabducted?I’mfine;thanksforasking.”

Salas’scheekbonesstainedred.“Iknowyou’reokay,Janet.LopeztoldmeNashbroughtyouhome;

plusyou’reprettytough,andyouhaveMicklookingoutforyou.Maya...”

“Isadelicateflower?”Igrinnedathim.“Youhaveitbad,Emilio.”
“I’mjustworriedabouther.Shelookedlikeshehadn’tsleptatall,almostlikeshewassick.Andshe

slammedthedoorinmyfacewithoutevensayinggood-bye.”

“Shesawsomeonebeslicedinhalfonherfrontlawn,”Isaid.“Nashsaidshewasprettyhysterical.”
“Iknow.”Salasleanedforwardandspokeinalowvoice.“AndIhatetosaythis,butitkindofsmelled

inthere.Likerottingfoodorsomething.That’snotlikeMaya.She’susuallyso...prolijo.Whatisitin
English?Fastidious.”

Idroppedmyburger.KetchupandgreasesplashedoutandhitSalas’scoffeecup,andhejumped.“You

allright,Janet?”

“Yes,fine.IjustrememberedsomethingIhavetodo.Finishtheburgerifyouwantit.”
Islappedtenbucksonthetableandhustledoutofthediner,leavingSalasstaringaftermeinconcern.
Mayadidn’tlivefarfromthediner,butIrodemybiketheblockorsothroughthedarkeningstreets,

makingalotofnoisesoshe’dknowI’darrived.Theshadesweredownoverherfrontwindows,thougha
lightglowedbehindone,theflowersinherlittlegardenstillsmashedwhereDrakehadsteppedonthem.

Iwenttotheporchandknockedonthedoor.Mayadidn’tansweruntilI’dstartedknockingthethird

time.Sheswitchedontheporchlight,openedthedoorabouttwoinches,andlookedoutatme.

IsawwhatSalashadmeant.Maya’sfacewaspaleanddrawn,herdarkeyesburninginsunken

hollows.Herhairwasamess,herT-shirtstainedwithcoffee.Icouldn’tseebeyondher,butSalashad
beenrightaboutthesmell.Itwasnotthestenchofdeath,asI’dfeared,butmorelikesomeonehadn’t
takenoutthegarbageinawhile.

“Janet,”shesaidinaclippedvoice.
“Hey,Maya.Icametoseeif...ifyoustillwantedtogoshoppingwithmetomorrow.”
Mayadidn’tblink.“No.Sorry,I’mtoobusy.Ihavealotofcleaninguptodo.”
SheopenedthedooranotherinchuntilIcouldseethekitchensinkpiledwithdishes.Fartoomany

dishesforoneperson,evenifshe’dgoneonacookingspree.

Withoutturningherhead,Mayaflickedhergazedownthehall.Shehadtwobedroomsbackthere,her

ownandonesheusedasadenandguestroom.Bothdoorswereclosed.

“That’sallright,”Isaidloudly.“Howaboutifyoucallmelater?”
“Myphone’sstillbroken.”
“Oh,yeah.Well,comeoverwhenyouhavetime.”
“Sure.”
Shestartedclosingthedoor.IwishedIcouldtellhersomethingtoreassureher,tomakesomegesture

thatIunderstood,butherlifehungonabreath,andIdidn’twanttosayordothewrongthing.

Iletherclosethedoor,andImademyselfwalkcalmlytomybike,putonmyhelmet,starttheengine,

andrideaway.IrodesteadilyasIpassedthediner,incaseSalaswaslookingoutthewindow.Ididn’t
wanthimgettingworriedandhurryingdowntoMaya’shouseagain.

AroundthenextcurvewasthegasstationandHansen’sGardenCenter.Ipulledintotheemptylotofthe

gardencenterandtookoutmycellphone.WhenIreachedtheHopiCountySheriff’sDepartment,Lopez
toldme,amazingly,thatNashhadgonehometosleep.

“AnythingIcandoforyou,Janet?”Lopezasked.
MyhearthammeredasIdithered.IfIbehavedasthoughthiswastheemergencyitwas,Lopezwould

sendcarsdownandalerttheMagellanpolice.Ifthathappened,whoknewwhatkindofchaoswould
erupt?Onethingwascertain—Mayawouldbethefirsttodie.Thishadtobedealtwithquietly.

“No,”Isaid.“Ijustwantedtoaskhimaquestion.”
“Allright,goodnight.”Lopezhungup.

IparkedandwalkedaroundthegardencenterandthroughNaomi’sbackyard,whichabuttedit.

Jamison’sstudiowaslocked,Jamisonnowhereinsight.Julieansweredthebackdoorwithdelight,and
Naomigreetedmefromthekitchen.Jamisonwasthere,leaningonthebreakfastbar,watchingNaomi
cook.IfIhadn’tbeensopanicked,Iwouldhaveenjoyedsoakingupthecoziness.

Juliestartedtellingmeaboutthewalkthey’dtakenwithCoyoteandthepetroglyphshe’dshowedthem:

whirlingstars,strange-lookingmen,andwhathe’dsaidwerecoyotes.Naomisensedmyhurryandtold
JulietosavethestoriesuntilIcouldstaylonger.Shedidn’thaveNash’snumber,shesaid,butshegave
medirectionstohishouseinFlatMesa.

IcouldtellthatNaomiandJamisonwerecurious,butmydearfriendsdidn’task.ForthatI’dreturnand

letJulietalktomeforhoursaboutanythingshewanted.

MyhandssweatedinsidemyglovesasIdrovethroughtherestofMagellanatpreciselythirty-five

milesperhour.ThestarswereoutbythetimeIhitthetownlimits,andIopeneditupontheroadtoFlat
Mesa.

SheriffJoneslivedinamodestneighborhoodinahousebuiltaboutacenturyago.Itwasone-story,

longandlow,withaporchthatranthelengthofthefrontofthehouse.Thepeakedroofhadbeenbuiltto
letthewintersnowslidefromitandalsotocastdeepshadeovertheporchinsummer.

Nash’ssheriff’sSUVwasparkedinthedriveway,andIrememberedthathe’dnotyetrecoveredhis

newpickupstoleninDeathValley.ItwasprobablyinMexicobynow,andunrecognizable.

Nashcametothedoorinsweatpantsandasweat-soakedgrayT-shirt.Hehadabottleofwaterinone

handandatowelintheother,anddidnotlookhappytoseeme.

“Letmein,”Isaidinacalmvoice.“Closethedoor,andkeepyourvoicedown.”
Nash’slipspinched,buthedidasIasked.EvenNashcouldbeperceptive.
Heclosedthedoorbehindmeandlockedit.Nash’shousewasverymuchabachelor’s—hisliving

roomheldanall-in-oneweightmachineandnotmuchelse,andonestoolwasdrawnuptoabreakfastbar.
Hisreadingmaterial,stackedneatlyonthebreakfastbar,wasmagazines,mostlyaboutguns.Nash’sown
gunwasnowhereinsight;beingNash,Ihadnodoubthekeptitresponsiblylockedaway.

Nashdranksomewaterandwipedhisfacewiththeendofthetowel.“What?”
“IknowwhereJimMohanis.”
Nashfroze,thetowelathisface.“Where?Tellmenow.”
“He’satMaya’s.”
Nashstaredatmeforastunnedmoment,hispupilsdilatingtodarkenhislightgrayeyes.Thenhe

explodedpastme,anditwasallIcoulddotogettothedoorbeforehedid.

Twenty-three

Nashwasdamnstrong,butIwasdesperateenoughtojammyhandsagainstthedoorframeandresisthis
attemptstochargeoutofthehouse.

“Nash,no!Ifyougorunninginthere,he’llkillher.Hewillevenifhedoesn’tmeanto.”
Nashstaredatmeinfury,butIsawhisinstinctiveragerecedeandterriblefeartakeover.Heswung

backintohislivingroomandslammedhisfistontohisexercisemachine.Metalcracked.

Shakingouthishand,Nashstrodeswiftlydownalonghallwaythatranbehindhislivingroom.Icaught

uptohiminasmall,darkroomwithagunsafe.Nashremovedhisnine-millimeterfromitandslappedin
amagazine.

“Nash!”
“Hewon’thurtherifIkillhimfirst.”
Iblockedhisexit.“Jimisalreadydead.Iftwomenpummelinghimwithbulletsdidn’ttakehimdown,

thatlittlegunwon’teither.Idon’tcarehowaccurateyouare.”

FromthelookNashgaveme,Iwassurprisedhedidn’tshootmethenandthere.He’dhappilystepover

mydyingbodyandraceofftosavethewomanheloved.

“Allright,”hesaid,hisjawrigid.“Allright.Damnit.”Nashsnatchedupashoulderholsterand

bucklediton,jammingtheguninsideit.“Ihavetobelieveyou.Thisguycanrippeopleinsideout;I’ve
seenthat.Whatcanwedoagainsthim?”

“Wecan’t.Ican.Butthere’sareasonIcametogetyou.”
“BecauseIcanabsorbandnegatemagic.”
Inodded.“Youaretheonlyonewhomightbeabletotakehisattackandsurvive.”
Nash’smouthtightened.“Andhe’sintherewithMaya.”
InolongerneededtoaskwhetherNashcaredforMaya.Itwasinhiseyesandineverylineofhim,the

terrorthatshe’dbehurt,killed,nolongerinhislife.

Hepulledoutandloadedanotherpistolandtuckeditintoasecondshoulderholster.Nash’sguncabinet

heldabouttenhandguns,allneatlylinedupintheircases.Hedidn’tofferonetome.

Nashlockedthecabinet,andwelefthishouseforhisSUV.Hisradiocrackledwhenheturnediton,a

deputycallinginfromaremoteareaofthecountytoreportnotmuchofanything.Nashdidn’tanswer.I
thinkheunderstoodasmuchasIdidwhyheandIweretheonlyoneswhocouldgotoMaya’srescue.
AnyoneelsewasapotentialcasualtyandwouldincreasetherisktoMaya’slife.

WerodeinsilencethroughthedarkenedbackstreetsofFlatMesa,avoidingthesheriff’sdepartment.

Nashflooreditonthehighwaybetweenthetowns,thefirsttimeI’deverseenhimbreakthespeedlimit.It
wasfifty-fiveonthisnarrowroad,andNashpushedittoeightyandninety,eatingupthemilesinamatter
ofminutes.

Heslowedtolegalspeedaswepassedmyhotel,notwantingtodrawattention,andcontinuedthisway

allthewaytoMaya’s.Nashdrovethroughthealleybehindthehousesandparkedinfrontofavacantlot.

Maya’sstreetwasdark,thebackneighborhoodsofMagellanhavingfewstreetlights.NashandIcrept

quietlythroughMaya’sunfencedyard,goingslowlyinthedarkness.Mayahadalittleporchintheback
withlawnchairsforwarmdays.Hummingbirdfeedershungatintervals,allfilled.

FrenchdoorsledtoMaya’sbedroom,buttheywerelocked,theblindsdrawnsowecouldn’tseein.I

didn’tsenseanywardsaroundthewindows—butthen,Jimwashuman;hewouldn’tknowhowtowarda
house.HecountedonhisgodmagictokeepMayapennedinandothersout.ThemomentItriedtouse
magictounlockthedoors,Jimwouldknowit.

Iwasponderinghowwe’dgetinwithoutalertingJimorMaya,whenNashpulledoutakey.

Ifiledthatfactawaytothinkaboutlater.Nashquietlyslippedthekeyinthelockandturnedit.Hehad

hisgunout,ready,ashequicklypushedopenthedoorandsteppedsidewaysintotheroom.Icopiedhis
movements,duckinginbehindhim.

Theroomwasempty.Ifamagicbarrierhadexistedtokeepoutthemagicallyinclined,Nashwould

havejustnegatedit.

Nashmovedsoundlesslytotheclosedbedroomdoor,listened,andeasedthedooropen.
“Maya!”amancalledfromthesecondbedroom.“Bringmemorecoffee.”
“I’mallout,”Mayasaid.“Ihavetogogetsome.”
“Youarenotleavingthishouse.”Jim’svoicetookonanoteofpanic,andheflungopenthesecond

bedroom’sdoor.

Jimlookedthesameasheeverhad,tallandthin,afaceneitherhandsomenorugly,brownhairand

browneyes.Aplain,ordinaryman.Hesteppedoutoftheroomandfoundhimselffacingthebarrelof
Nash’sgun.

Jimstopped.Foronefrozen,soundlessmomentJimstaredatNashandme,andwestaredbackatJim.

Thenhethrewmagicatus.

Jimhadgrowninstrengthandskill.HisballofmagichitNashfullinthechest,theimpactsending

Nashcrashingintothewall.ButNashdidn’tfalldowndead,ashewassupposedto.Awaveofmagic
emergedfromNash’sbackashestaggeredupright;thenthemagicslammedbackintohim,dissipated,and
wasgone.

Jim’seyeswidened.“Holyshit.How’dhedothat?”
Mayaappearedattheendofthehallway.“Nash?Whatthehell?”
IsteppedpastNashandshovedMayabackintothelivingroom.“Getout,”Isaid.Ifumbledwiththe

locksofthefrontdoor,pusheditopen.“Run.”

“Thisismyhouse!”
“Ifyouwanttoliveinitsomemore,runnow.Go!”
Mayacastananguishedlookdownthehall.“Nash,”shecried.“Iloveyou!”Tearsonherface,sheran

outthedoor.

“No!”Jimshouted.HetriedtoblastMayawithawaveofmagic,butNashgotinhisway.Onceagain

Nash’sbodyabsorbedthemagic,butNashdrewasharpbreathwiththeimpact.Iwonderedhowmuchof
Jim’spowerhe’dbeabletotakebeforehewasspent.

“Youdon’tdeserveher,”Jimsnarledathim.“Afinegirllikethat,andyouignoreher.”
Nash’slipswerewhite.“Ifyoutouchedher,Iwilltwistyourheadfromyourbodyandkickitdownthe

street.”

“She’shunguponyou,man.Itriedtopersuadehertodropyou,butshewon’t.”
“Whatdoyouwant?”IaskedJim.
Nashwouldn’tputdownhisdamngun.Iknewbulletswouldn’thurtJim,butNashprobablyfeltmore

comfortablewiththeheavinessofaweaponinhishands.

Jimfacedme.“Whatdoyoumean,whatdoIwant?”
Magicburnedinsideme,needingrelease.ThemagicurgedmetocrushJim,endofproblem.
ButCoyotewasright—ifIdidthat,I’dbenodifferentfromJim.IrealizedthatCoyotecouldhave

killedmelongago,whentheBeneathmagicfirstmanifestedinme—no,hecouldhavekilledmeatbirth,
orwheneverhe’drealizedthatmymotherhadsuccessfullymadeachild.ButCoyotehadgivenmea
chance,manychances.IhadtostepbackanddothesamewithJim.

“Whenyoucamehere,youwerelookingtogetrich,”Isaid.“You’dstealafewoldpots,sellthemfor

bigmoneyontheblackmarket.Butthatgotyoukilled,andyouaren’tinterestedinpothuntinganymore.
So,whatareyouinterestedin?”

Jimshrugged.“Figuringoutwhathappenedtome.”

“ThenwhytakeMayahostage?”
“Ididn’ttakeherhostage.Ijustneededaplacetocrashwherenoonewastryingtoshootme.Youall

ranoffandleftheralonelastnight,andIneededtoheal.”

“You’vekilledthreepeople,”Ipointedout.
“Ididn’tmeanto.”
“Butyoudidit,”Nashsaid.“Andyou’llanswerforit.”
“Whatabouttheguywhokilledme?Willheanswerforit?”
“Yes,”Nashsaidinasteadyvoice.
“Whataboutwhoeverbroughtmebacktolife?Mademeakillingmachine?Whathappenstoher?It’s

notmyfault.”

“Her?”Iasked.“Whydoyousayher?”
“Becauseitwasaher.Ithoughtitwasyou.”
Notme,notmymother.Thenwho?Cassandra?Ichilled.No,couldn’tbe.She’dbeenasamazedasI

waswhenshe’dseenthevisionofJim’sresurrection.

“Well,itwasn’tme.”Iburiedmyspeculations,butIwouldremembertheclue.“Youhavetocontrol

thismagic.You’rehurtingpeoplewhoneverdidanythingtoyou.”

“Whataboutthemanwhotriedtoshoveyouintothatlimoatgunpoint?Iwastryingtosaveyou.And

thatguyinthehotelinLasVegas—hewantedtorapeyouandMaya.WasIsupposedtoletthatgo?You’re
myonlyfriends.”

ThefactthathedescribedmeandMayaashisfriendsmademeslightlysick.“We’dalreadygotten

awayfromtheguyinLasVegas.Securitywouldhavefoundhimandtakencareofhim.”

“Hetriedtohurtyou,”Jimargued.“Icouldn’tletthatgo.”
“Damnit,whyareyousodeterminedtobemyavengingangel?”
“Avengingangel.Ilikethat.Becauseyou’relikeme,andthey’retryingtokillyoutoo.Ithoughtyou

mademe...”

“AtthetimeofyourdeathandresurrectioninHomol’ovi,IwasinDeathValleywithNashandMick.

Nowherenearyou.”

Hedidn’tlookconvinced.“MaybeIwasbroughtbackforareason.”
“No,”Isaid.“Itwasamistake.”
Jim’sfacedarkened.“Howthehelldoyouknowthat?”
“Becausenohumancanhandlethemagicthatwasdumpedintoyou.Idon’tknowwhywhoeveritwas,

whatevergoditwas,decidedtobringyoubacktolife,buttheyshouldneverhave.You’renoteven
botheringtocontrolyourself.”

“Ididatfirst.Itscaredme,andI’msorryaboutthehiker.Ireallywastryingtohelphim.Theothers—

theydeservedit.”

“Noonedeservesthat.”
“No?”Jimliftedhisbrows.“Sowhatareyougoingtodoaboutit?”
“Ifyoucancontrolthemagic,ifyoustophurtingpeoplewithit,maybeIcanhelpyou.”Coyotemight

notlethimoffsoeasy,butJimdidn’tneedtoknowthat.IjustwantedhimoutofMaya’shouse.

“Whilehe’sinprison,”Nashsaidtightly.“He’skilledthreepeople.”
Jimsmiled.“I’mnotgoingtoprison,Sheriff.I’mstayingherewithMaya.She’llcomeback.Shelikes

me.”

Nash’sfingermovedonthetrigger.
“Takesomeadvice,”IsaidquicklytoJim.“Ifyouwanttoliveapeaceful,happylife,don’tpissoff

NashJones.”

“ScrewNashJones,”Jimsaid,andheblastedbothofuswithmagic.
Nashshothim.ThebulletwentrightintoJim’sbrain,andheflinched,buthedidn’tfallorstop.Nothing

showedhe’dbeenshotbutasmall,redholeinthesideofhishead.

Youdon’thavetotakethis.
Atthesametimemylittlevoicespoke,IraisedashieldofwhitelightbetweenmeandJim.Icouldkill

him.Ihadthepower.Daysago,attheclubinLasVegas,Icouldbarelyfendhimoff.Today,Iknew
exactlywhattodo.

“Jim,”Isaid.“Stop.”
Jim’seyeswidenedwhenhispowercouldn’tbreakthroughmybarrier.Hestaredatmethroughitfora

second,andthenheswungaroundandranforhisbedroomwindow.

Nashshothimagain,plugginghimatthebaseofthespine.Jimthrewopenthewindowanddove

throughitasthoughhedidn’tfeelathing.

Swearing,NashranbackthroughMaya’sbedroomandouttheFrenchdoors.Irushedtothewindowin

Jim’sbedroomandslidmyslimbodythroughit.

Jimfoundhimselfcaughtbetweenthetwoofus.Hegaveusawildlookbeforeboltingthroughthe

neighbors’sideyard.Nashwentrightafterhim,mecomingbehind.Jimranbetweenhouses,dodging
gardensheds,kids’toys,andbarkingdogs.Hehittheedgeoftheneighborhoodandkeptrunningoutinto
thedesert.

Hisrunner’sbodymadehimfast,andthemagicmadehimstrong.ButNashhadstamina.Hekeptaflat-

outpace,astiredashemustbe.Ifeltlikecrap,butmymagicwasawakeandexcitedandpropelledme
along.

Jimscrambledovertherailroadbedandheadedforthevortexes.Shit.Ifhestartedusinggod-magic

aroundthem,hemightopenoneandletoutwhoknewwhat.Thelastthingtheworldneededwasmy
motheremergingtogoonarampage.

Theskywasbeautifullyclear,themoonsobrightitwaslikeanincandescentlight.Themoonlight

outlinedJimagainstthedarkdesert,andNashtookafewmoreshotsathim.Notthatitdidanygood.

Jimkeptrunning.Iwaspanting,lagging,realizingIneededtogetintobettershape.IsawJimdisappear

intotheearth,Nashafterhim.Hearthammering,Imadeittowherethey’dvanishedandrealizedthey’d
jumpednotintoavortexbutdownintothecanyonthathousedChevelonCreek.Thewallsweresteep,the
bottomwideandrocky,theflatedgesofthecreekitselfthickwithscrubseekingwater.

NashhadJimcorneredagainsttherockwallontheothersideofthecanyon.Ijoggedthroughweeds

andwateruntilIcaughtuptothem.

“Leavemealone,”Jimsaid.Hisfacewaswaninthemoonlight,hisbodyfullofbulletholes,sagging

againsttherock.“I’llgosomewhereelse,neverbotheryouagain.”

“Wecan’tletyougo.”Irestedmyhandsonmythighs,tryingtocatchmybreath.“Youknowwecan’t.

You’retoodangerous.Youhavetolearncontrol.”

“Likeyoudo?”Jimaskedwithasneer.“Youcan’tcontrolyourmagiceither.”
Ishookmyhead,straighteningup.“ButI’mwillingtolearn.Willingnottouseitatall.”
“Butyouhavetouseit,ifyou’regoingtostopme.Adilemma,isn’tit?”
Atthatmoment,IhatedJim,hatedCoyoteformakingmesoscaredofhimandmyself,andhatedmy

motherforbestowingthismagiconmeatall.TheBeneathmagichadgivenmenothingbuttroublesince
themomentI’dfirstfeltitstir.

Justkillhim,myvoicesaid.
“No.Iwon’t.I’llfindanotherway.”
“Youcan’t.”Jimsoundedsmug.“Nooneisstrongenoughtokillmebutyou.I’mgoing.”
“Likehellyouare,”Nashsaid.
“Andhowdoyouintendtostopme?”
Nashglancedupward.“Withthem.”
Ijerkedmygazetowherehepointed.Fourgiantbeastsfilledthesky,andtheywereanglingtowardour

position.Fourjetsofdragonflameburstintothenight,thedragonswingingintosolvetheproblem.

Ibreathedasighofrelief.Iwouldbesparedthedecision.Coyotecouldn’tblamemeifMickledthree

dragonsinformationtoeliminatethedeadlyundead.IsuddenlylovedMickvery,verymuch.

Thedragonscameon,theblackbulkofMickinfront.Streamsofdragonfiremetandmeshed,

becomingonesingleflamethatarrowedtowardJim.Iwatchedthebrightfire,mesmerized,untilNash
grabbedmeandyankedmeoutoftheway.

Welandedankle-deepinthecreekasallfourflamesshotintoJim.Jimshoutedandflailed,lookinglike

amanmadeoffire,hisscreamshorrible.Iwatched,unabletolookaway,asJim’sskinmelted,draining
awaytotheearth.

Nashstillheldme,thebuttofhisgunpressedintomystomach.IkneweventhenthatIcouldhave

savedJim.Iwaspowerfulenoughtodoit.Icouldhavedampedthedragonfireandlethimlive,butI
chosetostandwithNashandwatchJimdie.

Exceptthathedidn’tdie.Theflamesstartedtodim,althoughthedragonscontinuedtopourthemon.

ThefireandsmokedampenedmoreandmoreuntilIcouldseethatJimwasgrabbingtheflamesintohis
ownhands,squishingthemdownintoasmallerandsmallerball.Thethingglowedlikeadwarfstarthat
longedtobeasupernova.

Ishouted.IfoughtmyawayoutofNash’sholdandchargedatJimjustashereleasedthefirebackinto

theair.

Thedragonsshriekedandbrokeapart.Mickstreamedpastme,hisblackhidegleaminginthemoonlight

asthefourdragonsregroupedandre-formed.TheystreakedagaintowardJim,fasterandfaster,flaming
himasplitsecondbeforetheyreachedhim.

Thistime,Jimwasreadyforthem.Thedragonflamesburstagainstawallofnothing,whileJim,

burnedandblackened,hidbehindthewallandsuckedthedisperseddragonfireintohishands.Asthe
dragonsrolledawayandclimbedtotheskyagain,Jimhurledthefirebackatthem.

Theflamescaughtareddragononthetail.Hescreechedandsaileddownward,landingsomewhereout

inthedarkness.Micksoaredoverthespotwherehiscomradehadfallen,andthenheturnedbacktothe
canyonandcameatJimlikeabulletfromagun.

Mickwasfurious.Ireaditinthetightlineofhishugebody,inhisintensespeed,intheredofhiseyes

ashezoomedbetweenthecanyonwalls.HewentforJimwithhismouthopen,readytofinishthisinthe
dragonway—withonebite.

Jimgatheredeverybitofgod-magicinhimandthrewitatMick.
Nashtriedtojumpintheway,totakeit,butMickwascomingtoofast.Mick’stalonbattedNashoutof

theway,andthewhitelightgrabbedMickfullforce.ThemagiccarriedMickupandup,higherand
higher.Desperately,Ithrewmyownmagicathim,andJimandIhadawrestlingmatchforMick’sdragon
bodywhileithunginmidair.

Theforcesofourfightrippledthroughthedarkness,expandingtheairuntilasonicboomfloatedover

thedesert.Mickwasbeingtornapart.Hewasscreamingandwrithing,tryingtoescapethebothofus.I
hadtoletgo,butifIdid...

Gasping,IsnappedmymagicfromMickandthrewitdirectlyatJim.Jimcollapsed.
Butthesecondbeforehismagicwinkedout,Jimgaveatwistofhishand.Mick’sbodywrenchedin

twodifferentdirectionsatonce.Iheardthecrunchofbonesandcartilage,twohundredfeetaboveme.
ThenJim’smagicvanished,andMickplummetedtotheground.

ItriedtograbMick,tocushionhisfall,buthehithard.ThegroundshookasMick’shugedragonbody

landedatthetopofthecanyonwall,theimpactcascadingbouldersandgravelintothecreek.

IwasracingtoMick,scramblingupthesideofthecanyon,stumblingandfalling,rackedwithsobs.

DragonstoucheddownaroundmeasIreachedthetop,becamehuman.Thesmallerredthathadgotten
burnedwasColby;theotherblack,Drake,thelargeredorange,Bancroft.TheyconvergedaroundMickas

helaymotionlessinthedarkness.Mickopenedonehugesilverandblackeye,whichflickeredwithflame
andthenstartedtofilmover.

Thedragonssurroundedhim.Airshimmered.Mickshiftedfromdragonintothenakedandlimphuman

bodyofthemanIlovedandsoughtmewitheyesthatcouldnolongersee.Ithrewmyselfonmykneesnext
tohim,whereIcouldtouchhishair,kisshisface,lethimknowIwasthere.

Hissmiledatmewithahintofhisbad-boysmile.“Sorry,baby,”hewhispered.
“Mick.”Myvoicegrated,barelyworking.
Theotherdragonscircledaroundus.Colbywasinkedallover,onlyhishands,feet,andfacefreeof

tattoos.Drake’sdragontattoocoveredhisbackwithawingdowneacharm.Bancroft,older,hadmore
modesttattoos,likeMick,dragonsencirclinghisbicepsandflowingupwardaroundhisneck.Igazedat
themallthroughmytears.

“Helphim,”Isaid.
Bancroftputagentlehandonmyback.“He’stoofargone.There’snothingtobedone.”
“Hecanturnbackintoadragon.Thatwillsavehim,right?”
Colbyanswered,hisgravellyvoicesomber.“It’stoolate,Janet.Ifthatwouldhavehelped,he’dhave

stayeddragon.”

“Youdon’twanttohelphim,”Isaid.“Youallwanthimdead.”
Theydidn’tcontradictme,andmyangerflowedanew.IwasabouttoscreamatthemwhenIsaw

movementoutofthecornerofmyeye.Alargecoyotewasboundingtowardus,hisbodysurroundedbya
bluenimbus.

HebecamethemanCoyoteashestoppedandlookeddownatMickwithprofoundsorrow.
“Janet,”hesaid,hisdarkeyesfilledwithsadness.Forme,forMick.“I’msosorry.”
“Don’tbesorry.Helphim!Youcanbringhimbacktolife.I’veseenyoudoit.”
“Mickismortal,”Coyotesaid.“Itoldyou.Youcan’tchangesomeone’stimetodie.”
Icouldn’tbelievethis.Myloverwasdying,andthemostpowerfulmenI’devermetwerestanding

aroundshakingtheirheadsandfeelingsorryforme.IflungmyselfawayfromCoyotejustasIheardmore
shotsinthecanyon.

Don’tlethimgetaway,myvoicesaid.
Isprintedfortheedgeofthecanyon.Coyoteincoyoteformboundedafterme,plantedhimselfinfront

ofme,andsnarled.

“Fuckyou!”Iscreamed.IshovedCoyoteaside.Itdidn’tevenhurt.
AsIscrambledtothebottom,NashwasshootingfranticallyatJim,whowasracingdownthecreek,

splashingwaterasheran.Ireachedoutwithmymagic,lassoedJimaroundthemiddle,andjerkedhimto
ahalt.

Jimlookedhorrible,halfhisskinburnedaway,hisbodyabloodymess.Bonepokedthroughhismelted

flesh,andstillhefacedme,hisburnedmouthformingaparodyofasmile.

NeverpissoffaStormwalkerwho’sbeenfilledwiththepowerofthegods.
“Jim,”Isaid.Iheldupmyhand.Asmallballofwhitelighthoveredabovemypalm.
“Janet,no,”Coyote,humanagain,growled.Thecommandwasclear.
“Thisisyourlife,”IsaidtoJim,pointingatthesilverwhiteball.“Andnow,it’sover.”
Ipinchedtheballbetweenmythumbandforefinger.Itwentoutlikeaspark,andUndeadJimdied.

Twenty-four

Coyoteblastedmewithmagic.Ishouldhavediedonthespot,butNashsteppedbetweenhimandmeand
tookthebruntofCoyote’spower.

DamnedifNashdidn’tabsorbitall,thefullmagicofapowerfulgodlikeCoyote.Coyote’seyes

widenedinsurpriseasNashsuckedthebluelightintohisbodyuntilthemagicflickeredoutand
disappeared.

AtleastNashwasbreathinghardthistime.“Isthatallyou’vegot?”heasked.
“Well,fuckme,”Coyotewhispered.
Jimwasdead.Unmistakably,irrevocablydead.Thepileofhisboneslaymotionlesslyinafewinches

ofwater,hisskinhalf-rotted,thedecompositionthatshouldhavestarteddaysagofinallycatchingupto
him.

I’dkilledhim.AndifIhadtodoitalloveragain,Iwould.
Still,IkeptNashbetweenmyselfandCoyote,justincase.IglaredatCoyote.“SaveMick.”
“Janet...”
Iknewmyeyeswereicegreenwithoutlookingintoamirror.“Savehim.All-powerfulgod,can’tyou

evenhealadragon?”

“It’stoolate.”Coyote’svoicewassodamncalmitmademelivid.
“No,itisn’t.Andifyoucan’t,Iwill.”
Coyotetookasteptowardme,butNashremainedplantedinhisway,afirm,protectivewall.
“Lookathim.”CoyotepointedanangryfingeratJim’sremains.“MickwouldbecomeasJimwas.Is

thatwhatyouwant?”

“WhoeverresurrectedJimdidn’tknowwhattheyweredoing,”Isaid.“Theygavehimlife,animation,

butnotasoul.IknowhowtorestoreMickcompletely.”

Coyote’seyesnarrowed.“Nomortalknowshowtobestowasoul.Onlythegodscandothat.”
“You’dbetterstartlearningwhatmortalscando,Trickster.Especiallythismortal.I’mthedaughterofa

goddess;whyshouldn’tIhaveagoddess’spower?”

“Becauseifyouuseit,shewillhavewon.”
Somethingcoldburnedinmystomach,fearchurningwithdread.“It’sworthit.WorthittosaveMick.”
“Janet,”Nashsaid.“Youknowthatyou’reactingmorecrazythanyounormallydo,right?”
IswitchedmygreengazetoNash.“Mymotherwantedmetomatewithyou.Tocreateachildthat

combinedmypowerandyours,becauseshesaidthatsuchachildwouldbeunstoppable.Iunderstand
whatshemeantnow.You’reinfusedwithmorepowerthananyofusputtogether.”

“Good.”Nashclearlydidn’tknowwhatthehellIwastalkingabout,butthatdidn’tmatter.“Thenlet’s

gohelpMick.”

Hetookmyhand,andwestartedclimbingoutofthecanyon.Coyotewatchedusgo,neitherinterfering

norhelping.Justwatching.Hewaslettingmemakemychoice.

NashandIpulledeachotherthroughdirtandrock.IwassotiredIcouldbarelymove,andNashwas

shakyalso.Whenwescrambledoverthetop,wewalkedtothedragonswhoencircledMick’smotionless
body.

WhenIsawMick,myheartbrokealloveragain.Hishumanlimbswereaskew,hischestnolonger

risingwithbreath.Hestaredatnothing,hisblackhairflowingoverhislifelessface.

Idroppedtomykneesbesidehimandliftedhisheadintomylap.Ismoothedhiswildhairfromthe

faceIlovedsomuch,themouthI’dkissedsomanytimes.“Mick,doyoutrustme?”

Colbymovedbehindme,hisvoicesubduedforthefirsttimesinceI’dmethim.“Janet,he’sdead.”

“Hewillhaveadragonfuneral,”Bancroftsaid.“Withfullhonors.”
“Screwthat,”Isaid.“He’scominghomewithme.”
“Stopher,”Drakegrowled.Iflungthesmallestamountofmagicathim,andDrakefrozeinhistracks.
ItouchedMick’sfaceagain.WhatIhadtodowascomplicated,requiringgreatstillnesswithinmyself.

Mythoughtshadtobeorderlyandstraight.Onewrongword,onewrongsyllable,andMickwouldbe
lost,beyondsaving,orelsemesseduplikeJim.

NashkneltonMick’sotherside.He’dholsteredbothhispistols,andhelookedatmeingrave

sympathy.“Whatdoyouwantmetodo?”

“Keepthemoffme.”
Nashgottohisfeetandwalkedtowardthethreedragons,armsout,likeapoliceofficerkeepinga

crowdfromacrimescene.“Standback,gentlemen.Letherwork.”

“Whatshe’sdoingviolateseverylawoflifeanddeath,”Bancroftsaid.“ThisiswhywesentMickto

killherinthefirstplace.”

“Mickismyfriend,”Nashanswered.“Ihavetoletherhelphim.”
IwastouchedbyNash’scompassion.Ialsodidn’tknowwhatthehellIwasdoing.Iclosedmyeyes

andtriedtolookinsidemyself,asJamisonhadwantedmeto.He’dwantedmetofindmytwonatures,to
observethem,tolearnaboutthem,tomakethemplaynicelytogether.

IwishedIwasbetteratmeditation.IknewIneededtofocusonsomethingspecific—asound,astring

ofwords,mybreathing.ButallIheardwasbuzzinginmyears,Icouldn’tthinkofamantratosayto
myself,andmybreathingwasallovertheplace.

It’ssimple,themagicsaid.PushthepunyStormwalkerpowerout,andletthisonetakeover.Youcan

doanything.RememberwhatitfeltlikewhenyouwereBeneath.

Thatexperiencehadbeenheady.WhenI’dbeenBeneathandwantedsomethingtohappen,itjust

happened.Ihadbuttosayaword.

Andyoudon’tevenreallyneedtheword.
BeingaStormwalkeriswhatIam.Thestormsdrivemecrazy,butifIcouldn’tridethem,whowould

Ibe?

Adamnpowerfulhell-goddess,themagicanswered.
Ahell-goddesswhohasargumentswithherself.Bothmagicsarepartofme.I’mnotalloneorthe

other.

Youcan’tsaveMickwiththestormmagic.
Whynot?Stormmagicmakesdragonsevenstronger.
Becausethere’snostorm,yousimple-mindedbitch!
Well,thatwastrue.Thenightwascloudless,cold,crisp.
Watchwhoyou’recallingabitch,Ithoughtgrumpily.Youwanttoruleme,totakeoverandusemeto

workyourownwill.Well,I’mnotlettingyou.WimpyJanetdoesn’tlivehereanymore.

Youmustembracethegoddesspowerentirely,oryou’llneverbeabletosaveMick.
Wannabet?
Forjustaninstant,Ifelttheothervoicewaver.Thenitwenton.
ForgetaboutMick.He’sweak.Theotherdragon,Drake,hasanicebody,andhe’dmakeagood

slave.Orthehuman,Nash.Youknowyouwanthiminbedwithyou.Justtoseewhatitwouldbelike.

Avisiontookme.Mickgone,ashesscattered,Nashconsolingme.Hismouthonmine.Meontopof

himontheexercisemachineinhislong,lowhouse.

ThenIthoughtofthewayheusuallylookedatme—invastirritation.IthoughtaboutMaya,thelookon

herfacewhenshe’dcalleddownthehalltonight:Nash,Iloveyou.

Thevisionfled.Notlikely.
Youwon’tbeabletosaveMick.Notbyyourself.

Ihadthefeelingthevoicewasright.ButtalkingtoitletmestarttoseparateitfromtheStormwalker

withinme.Thefeelingofeachmagicwasdifferent.TheBeneathpowerwasbright,sharp,brittle.The
stormpowersmelledlikedamp,cleanearth;itwasthick,substantial,solid,andstrong.TheBeneath
powercameandwent,buttheStormwalkerpowerwasalwaysthere,centeringme.

Itouchedboth,marvelingatthedifference.IfIwoundthemtogether,groundingmyselfwiththe

StormwalkermagicwhilewieldingtheBeneathmagiclikeasword,Icoulddothis.Icoulddoanything.

Idrewabreath.WithmyfeetIreachedfortheearth,forthecorethatboundtheworldtogether.With

myhandsIreachedfortheBeneathmagic.Itwinedthedarknessofthestormpowerwiththebrightnessof
Beneath,andtwisteditintosomethingthatsparkledlikeblackonyx.

Beneathmyfingers,Micktwitched.
Atthesametime,allthebreathwasabruptlysqueezedoutofme.MystormpowerandtheBeneath

powersqueakedlikethemagicmirrorwhenitwasscared,andbothvanished.Iopenedmyeyes,weak,
sick,andsuddenlymagicless.

Cassandrastoodnotfarfromme,protectedbyDrakeandColby.Sheworeabusinessskirtsuit,which

lookedridiculousouthereinthemiddleofdust,rocks,andscrub.Pamelastoodbehindher,armsfolded.

Cassandra’sglowinghandswerepressedtogetherwhileshechantedwordsIdidn’tunderstand.Iknelt

besideMick,rigid,unabletomove.

Thebindingspell.CassandrahadbeenworkingononetoweavearoundJim,exceptnowshe’d

decidedtoworkitonme.Anditwassodamnedpowerfulthatmyownmagic,bothStormwalkerand
Beneath,hidbehindmeandwhimpered.

Thedragonsstoodbackandletherwork.IsawCoyoteatthelipofthecanyoninhiscoyoteform,

simplywatching.

Beyondthedragons,MayaMedina’sredtruckthrewupdirtasitspuntoahalt,andMayaleaptoutof

it.Sherantowardus,slippingandstumblingongravel.Nashmetherhalfway,andsheflungherarms
aroundhisneck.

Itshouldhavebeenabeautifulmoment.NashheldMayatight,tight,liftingherfromherfeet,holding

herclose.WhenMayaraisedherheadtolookathim,hecuppedonehandaroundherfaceandkissedher.

Myattentionwasdraggedfromthembythesoundofwings.Notleatherdragonwings,butfeathered

wings.Iexpectedthecrow,buttherewastoomuchnoiseforjustonebird.

Icouldn’tlookaround,couldn’tspeak.Thebindingspellcertainlywouldn’tallowmetotalk.Somany

magescommandedwordsofpower,coulddestroytheirenemiesintwoorthreesyllables.Asmartwitch
wouldincludespeechsuppressioninherbindingspell,andCassandrawassoverysmart.

Whenthewingedbeingssurroundedme,Inearlyscreamedinspiteofthespell.Icouldn’t,ofcourse,

andsothesoundplungedbackdownmygulletandrestedlikearockinmystomach.

Theyweremenwithmaskspaintedinpatternsofred,turquoise,white,black,andyellow.Theywore

loinclothsandsoftboots,andtheirwingedbodieswerepaintedaswell.Thesewerethekachinas,thereal
ones,godsnotveryhappywithonesmallNavajowoman.

Theysurroundedme,cuttingoffmyvisionfrommyfriends,myenemies,andmylover.Icouldn’ttell

whethertheshudderI’dfeltinMickwasthemagicworkingorjustaresidualsparkofhisownlifeforce.

I’dneverknow.ThekachinaswhirledaroundmeuntilIcouldseenothingbutfeatherywings,andthen

thedesertandthenightvanished.Ifoundmyselfinasmall,enclosedspace,inthedark,andutterlyalone.

There’snothinglikebeingwalledinalivingtombtomakeyouappreciatethesmallthingsinlife.

Isatoncoldstone,andcoldstonesurroundedme.Icouldstandupandwalkafewfeetfromwallto

wall,butsharppebbleslitteredthefloor,makingfootingtreacherous.AfterI’dfallenandcutmyhandsa
fewtimes,Idecideditwassafertojustsit.

IwipedmyhandsonmyshirtandtoyedwiththepebbleI’dpickedup.Itwaslightbutsharp—lava

rock.MytiredmindtoldmethatthekachinasdwelledintheSanFranciscomountains,whichNavajocall
theDiichilíDzilandtheHopicallNavatekiaoui.TheSanFranciscoPeakswereextinctvolcanoes,the
cinderconeofSunsetCraterandthelavatubesarounditremindersofthatfact.

WasIthere,underthosemountains?Orinanotherworldentirely?Wouldthekachinashaverisked

takingmetotheirspiritworld?Orhadtheysimplywalledmeinhereandleftmetostarvetodeath?

Strangely,Ididn’tpanic.Theroomwasdarkandcoolbutnotfreezing,andIhadair.Icouldn’tfeelany

breeze,buttheairwasn’tstaleandIdidn’tstruggletobreathe,soIfiguredoxygengottomefrom
somewhere.

ItwascalmhereafterthecrazyfightwithJim,afterfighting,terrified,againstthestasisspell.InhereI

wasalone,dirty,sore,tired,andtrapped—butatleastIwassafe.

Needlesstosay,mycellphonedidn’twork,noteventotellmethetime.Iwassurprisedithad

survivedintact.Ihadthehabitofbeinghardoncellphones.

IpulledoutthechamoisbagIkeptthemirrorinandpulledouttheshard.Evenintheabsolutedarkness,

themirrorglintedwithasparkofitsown.

“So,whereamI?”Iaskedit.
“Haven’tthefaintestidea,sugar.It’sdark.”
“Well,thankthegodsyouwereheretotellmethat.Yourbestguess,then?HowfaramIfrom

Magellan?”

“Idon’tknow.Distancemeansnothingtome.”
Irefrainedfromputtingtheshardundermybootheelandgrindingittopowder.“Willyouatleastgive

mesomelight?”

“ThatIcando.Comingrightup,sweetie.”
Themirrorglowed,thewhitelightstabbingintomydark-accustomedeyes.Isnappedmyeyelidsshut

andthenopenedthemafractionofaninchatatime.

ThepalelightrevealedwhatI’dguessed—Iwasinasmall,cavelikeroomwithnoentranceanywhere

tobeseen.ThefloorwaslitteredwithblacklavarockandglitteringApachetears,whichwere
translucentobsidianstones.IpickeduponeoftheApachetears,likinghowIcouldholdittomyeyeand
seethelightthroughit.

“Whereiseveryone?”Iaskedthemirror.“Whatishappeningatthehotel?”IavoidedthequestionI

mostwantedtoask,butthemirrorcaughton.

“Idon’tknowwhetherMicky’sallright,honey.IfheweretheonlymageIansweredto,I’dknow,

becauseI’dgodarkifheweredead.ButIanswertoyoutoo,soI’mstillhere,andIcan’ttell.”

Painlancedmyheart.“Canyoujustshowmethehotel?”Iasked.
Theshardofmirrorcloudedforafewseconds,andwhenitcleared,Ilookedthroughaspiderwebof

cracksintothesaloonofmyhotel.Theroomwasdark,thechairsuponthetables,theplaceclosed.

IwasabouttotellthemirrornottobotherwhenCassandrawalkedin,tookdownachair,andsankinto

it,restingherheadinherhands.Cassandra,whosedamnedbindingspellhadlandedmehere.

Anotherfigurefollowedher:Pamela,tallandstronginjeansandsleevelessshirt.Shestoodbehind

Cassandraandputherhandsonhershoulders.

“Itwasn’tyourfault,sweetheart,”Pamelasaid.“Youweretryingtohelp.”
“No,Iwastryingtostopherfromusingthemagic.Ididn’tknowtheyweregoingtotakeher.HowdoI

knowshe’sevenalive?Mylocatorspellshaven’tworked.They’rebeingblocked.”Shelaughedalittle.
“Godscandothat,youknow.”

PamelasoftlykneadedCassandra’sshoulders.“Ididn’trealizeJanetwasthatspecialtoyou.”
“Shegavemeachancewithoutquestion,neverpriesaboutmypast.She’sgivenmewhatIneed,a

placetolickmywoundsandbealone.”

“Isthatwhatyouneed?Tobealone?”
“IthoughtsowhenIfirstcamehere.”CassandralaidherhandoveroneofPamela’s.“Notsosure

now.”

Pamelaleaneddown,slidingherarmsallthewayaroundCassandra.“We’llfindher.Thatwassome

damnpowerfulmagicyoudidoutthere.You’llworksomemore.”

Cassandralookedmiserable.“Idon’tknowifIcan.I’msotired.”
I’dneverseenCassandraanythingbutcalmandcool,alwaysknowingexactlywhattodo.Nowshe

raisedatear-streakedfacetoPamela,andPamelabentandkissedherlips.

“Turnitoff,”Itoldthemirror.“Leavethemalone.”
“Noway,sugarpie.Thosetwoladiesarehot.”
Iputmyhandovertheglass.“Whatisitwithyourobsessionwithsex?”
“I’mamirror.Icanonlybeavoyeur,soIhavetogoforit.”
“Willyougettheirattention?Whenthey’reready;don’trush.”
“Hangon,they’recomingupforair.”
WhenCassandra’sfacefilledthebrokenmirror,Iletgoofmyangerather.Hereyeswereredand

anxious,herusuallysleekhairintangles,hermakeupsmearedbytears.

“Janet?Whereareyou?”Shepeeredintothemirror,butIcouldtellshesawonlyherownreflection,

notme.

Shewasmagicalenoughtohearme,though.“Iwashopingyoucouldtellme,”Isaid.
“Mylocatorspellswon’twork.Theyfizzleout.SheriffJonestriedtoactivatetheGPSonyourphone,

butthatdidn’tworkeither.”

“I’msomewhereunderground.Probablytoodeepforsatellitesorphonesignals.It’slava,though.An

oldvolcano.Thatshouldnarrowitdowntoafewhundredplacesintheworld.”

“Keepthemirrorgoing,”Cassandrasuggested.“Maybemyspellswillworkthroughthat.”
“Worthatry.”Mymatter-of-fact,bravetonefaltered.“Mick?”
ThelinesonCassandra’sfacedeepened.“Idon’tknow.Thedragonstookhimaway.Janet,I’msorry.I

thinkhe’sgone.”

Ithoughthewastoo.Irememberedthefilmoverhiseyes,thelastbreathhedrewwhenhesmiledatme

andsaid,Sorry,baby.Iputmyhandovermymouth,stiflingasob.

“Janet?”Cassandrakepttryingtofindmeinthemirror.“Youallright?”
Iwipedmyeyes.“I’llkeepthemirrorout,andyoukeeptryingthosespells.”
“Iwill.”SheturnedawayandstartedtalkingrapidlytoPamelaasthetwoofthemmovedoutofsight.
Idrewmyfeetupandhuggedmyknees.Icouldn’tconcentrateanymoreontryingtofigureoutwhereI

was;Ididn’ttrytowakeupmymagicthatseemedtohavegonedormant;IstoppedworryingabouthowI
wasgoingtogetout.

IcouldonlythinkaboutMick.
Memoriesaremostvividwhenthereisnothingelsetointerferewiththem.Perhapsthat’swhythevery

oldremembertheiryoungeryearssowellwhileforgettingthemonotonousdroneoftheircurrent,day-to-
dayexistence.

IrememberedthefirstnightI’dmadelovewithMick,howhe’dsurprisedmewithhisgentleness.He’d

beenpatientwithaninexperiencedyoungwoman,neverhurryingme,neverlaughingatme.He’d
introducedmetotheastonishingpleasurethatcouldbefoundinbed,andI’dfallenhardandfastinlove
withhim.

Ithoughtofhissmile,theonethatsaidhewasawickedmanwhowantedtodonaughtythingswithme.

Ithoughtofhisblueeyesthatcouldturnblackwhenhewasangryoraroused,hiscrazyhairthatwould
neverstayput.Anysuggestionhecuthisshoulder-lengthhairsohewouldn’thavetobotherwithitwas
metwithanamazedstare.Maybewhenheswitchedfromdragon,that’sjustthewayhishairwent.I’d

notedthattheotherdragons—Colby,Bancroft,Drake—woretheirhairlongtoo.

Myminddredgedupthehalcyondaysafterwe’dfirstmet,whenMickandItraveledupanddownthe

country.They’dbeenthehappiestofmylife.Irememberedstandingonarockypromontoryoverlooking
thenorthernPacific,windbuffetingmybodywhileMickstoodrock-solidbehindme.He’dheldontome,
andI’dbaskedinhiswarmthwhilewewatchedthebeautyofthecoldsea.We’dgonefromthereupand
downthecountry,graduallymakingourwayacross.Werodeformilesduringtheday,stayedinmotelsat
night.Welaughed,talked,fought,madeup,andmadelove.

IrememberedmyastonishmentwhenIfoundoutMickwasadragon.I’dbeenblindtoitbeforethat,

becauseIhadn’tknownthatdragonsexistedatall.Skinwalkers,Nightwalkers,magicmirrors,yes.
Dragons,no.

Myworldhadchangedthatnight,andithadchangedagaintonight.I’dwalkedawayfromMickalittle

overfiveyearsagobecauseI’dbeenyoungandafraid,butsomehowI’dneverthoughtofhimas
completelyoutofmylife.Andhehadn’tbeen;Ijusthadn’tbeenabletoseehim.

Thememoriesflewatmefasterandfaster,untilmyemotionswerealltwistedaround,andIcouldn’t

stopcrying.Whogaveadamnaboutthemagicinsideme,whenMickwasdeadbecauseofit?

Iheardatinynoise,thebarestclickofrockonrock.Iopenedmyeyes,andthroughmytearssawthe

Kosharesittingonaboulderoppositeme,thelightofthemagicmirrorbetweenus.

Twenty-five

“Haven’tyoutorturedmeenough?”Myvoicecameoutaharshcroak.“Ithoughtclownsweresupposedto
makepeoplelaugh.”

Hesatstill,hisgodpowerfillingtheroomwithcracklingintensity.Imightgetashockjusttouchingthe

air.TheKoshare’sdarkeyesfixedonme,buthisredmouthwasclosed,withoutsmiles.

“DoyouspeakEnglish?”Iasked.“IonlyknowafewwordsinHopi,andallofthemaredirty.”
Ispeakalllanguages.IncludingthatoftheDiné.
Thekachinaswerebenevolentgods,comingtotheHopipeopletohelpthemfindthebountyoftheland.

Asakid,I’dlovedwatchingthestatelykachinadances,andtheclownsandtheirantics.SowhywasIso
afraidofthemnow?

Thenitstruckme:because,inthisstory,theywerethegoodguys,andIwastheevilbeing.Mymother

hadbestoweduponmeherpowers,herruthlessness,andherevil.IcouldpretendallIwantedtothatmy
stormpowermitigatedtheeffectsoftheBeneathmagic,thatIcouldhandleboth.ButasIlookedintothe
Koshare’seyes,Iknewitforthelieitwas.

“Sonowwhat?”Iasked.“Areyougoingtoleavemehere?Orkillme?Isupposeitdoesn’tmakemuch

difference,butkillingmeoutrightwillbequickerthanleavingmeheretostarve.”

Isthatwhatyouwant?Death?
“No,butit’swhatyou’regoingtogiveme.”
Itisyourchoice,Stormwalker.Youchoosethepath.
“Now,see,thisiswhatIdon’tlikeaboutgods.Iaskastraightquestion,andyougivemesomecryptic

answer.”

Youcandie.Orwecantakethemagicfromyou.
Istared,shocked.“Youcantakeawaythemagic?”
Wecan.YourStormwalkermagicisnatural,inheritedfromyourDinéancestors.Itisapartofyour

world.Theothermagicisnot.Wecantakeitfromyou,returnittotheworldtowhichitbelongs.

Iopenedmymouthtobellow,Yes!WithouttheBeneathmagicvyingformasteryinsideme,Icouldgo

backtobeingonlyhalf-crazy.IcoulduseonlythestormmagicasI’dlearnedto,knowingIcontrolledit,
nottheotherwayaround.MaybeIcouldgetridofthehangoversIgotafterastorm—I’ddiscoveredthat
theycamefromtheBeneathmagicfightingmyStormwalkerpower.I’dbeabletosleepbetter,andCoyote
andallthedragonswouldceasetalkingaboutkillingme.

Butthenatruthhitme,andIclosedmymouthagain.IftheStormwalkermagicwasanaturalpartofme,

sowasmymother’smagic.ItmighthavelainquietlyinsidemeuntilI’dawakenedittravelingBeneath,
butithadalwaysbeenthere.

Ididn’twanttobeevil.Iwastiredofgodsanddragonsfollowingmearound,watchingmyevery

move.IwantedtobeplainoldJanet,who’dspentafewyearswanderingthecountryphotographingthe
remotestpartsofit,andwhonowwastakingonthechallengeofrunningasmallhotelinthemiddleof
nowhere.Butontheotherhand,ifsomethingsodeeplyingrainedinmewasrippedout,whatwould
happentome?

“You’reafraidthattheBeneathmagicwilltakemeover,”Isaid.“ThatI’llbetoogreatathreattoyou.

Coyotefearsthattoo.Butthat’sbecausenoneofyouunderstandwhatitistobehuman.Wemake
mistakes,andthenwefixthem.”

TheKosharewatchedmeinsilence.Hewassupposedtobecomicalwithhisstripedpaintandknobby

horns,buthisgravestillnessgavehimdignity.

“IfIdidn’thavethismagic,UndeadJimwouldhavekilledsomanymorepeople,”Isaid.“Youcan’t

blamehisexistenceonme.Ididn’tbringhimbacktolife.”

Humansliketoargue.Tojustifytheirdeeds.
“Whenmylifedependsonit,hellyes.”
Itwaseasytobeintouchwithmyearthmagicinthisplace—theearthwasallaroundme.I’dmanaged

totwinethetwomagicstogetherwhenIwastryingtosaveMick,andlookinginsidemyself,the
interwovenmagicwasstillthere,warmandquiet.Partofme.

IknewrightthenIcouldn’tseparatethem,thatiftheKoshareandthekachinasorCoyotetriedto

removetheBeneathmagicfromme,I’dceasetoexist.Thetwomagicswouldfighttoremaintwinedinto
mypsyche,astheyhadalwaysbeen,andIwouldendupempty,dead,nothing.

Beforethisawfuldaystarted,myBeneathmagicwouldhavetoldmethatIcouldbestthispunygodand

thengoadmeintodoingit.NowIknewthatIcouldn’tbesthim—theattemptwouldbethedeathofme—
butIalsoknewthatIwasn’taspowerlessasIfeared.

Igatheredthewovenmagicandletmysensesreachthroughtheheavyrockaboveme,up,up,andup

untilIfoundtheopenair.Itsmelledpungentwithhumidityandgreenery,theairsharpandcool.

“Astormoutside.”Ismiled.“Ilikestorms.”
TheKosharejustwatchedme.
“Youdon’twanttokillme,youknow,”Isaid.“Youdidn’tevenwanttokillJim,andhewasawalking

destructiveforce.”

TheKoshare’seyeswidenedinsurprise.Iknewtheclown,forhistalk,didnotreallywanttodo

murder.Hisjobwastomakepeoplelaugh,ortoadmonishthembymakingfunofthem.Iwasn’tsocertain
aboutthekachinas,someofwhomwereprettydamnpowerful,buthehadbeensenttomebecausehe’d
tryeverymethodhecouldbeforehehadtogiveupandkillme.Becausehehadcompassion.

ButhiscompassionmeantthathemightkeepmestuckinheretherestofmynaturallifeifIdidn’t

cooperatewithhim.Ireachedwithmymindthroughthehundredsoffeetofrockandtouchedwater,wind,
lightning.

IwasaStormwalker,astrongone.LightningstrucktheearthwhereIguidedit,tearingaholeinthe

rock.TheKosharejumped,buthemadenoattempttostopme.EitherhewantedtoseewhatI’ddo,orhe
waswaitingforhisbrethrentodragmeoutandcrushmeintolittlepieces.

Themountainrumbled,anddustandpebblesraineddown.Isnappedoffmymagiccurrentinalarm.

BringingthecavedownonmyheadwasnotwhatIhadinmind.

Therumblingdidn’tcease.TheKosharelookedupinalarm,andthemagicmirrorsaid,“Oh,honey

bun,thisdoesnotlookgood.”

Isnatchedupthemirrorandthrustitintoitsbag.Thecaveplungedintodarkness.
Idon’tknowwhethertheKosharestayedorvanished,butIwasonmyfeet,tryingtodivertthestorm

elsewhere.Maybetryingtohaveitdigmeouthadbeenabadidea.

Moredirtrainedonme,andIheardaloudboom.Iscreamedashalftheceilingcrasheddown,andI

fell.IexpectedtolandontheKoshare,buthewasn’tthere.He’dleftmetomyfate.

Abovemetherockswererippedaside,anddirtstartedtosmotherme.Ididn’twanttodielikethis.I

grabbedmymagicandforceditintoabubbleshape,withmeinside.Whatgooditwoulddomeinthe
longrunIdidn’tknow,butIneededtobreathenow.

Somethingrippedatmybubble,andtheairburnedredwithfire.Great,justgreat.Iwasinsidealive

volcanothathaddecidedtoerupt.I’dneverseemyfatheragain.Ormygrandmother.Orthemoonrising
overthestarkhillatManyFarms.Ormyhotelandmynewfriends.Iwhimperedlikeababy.

Or...notavolcano.Myprotectiveshellwastornapart,notbytheforcesofaneruption,butbyahuge

talon.Adragontalon.

MynameisJanetBegay,anddragonswanttoslayme.
NowthatMickwasdeadandnolongerprotectedmeashismate,therewasnodragonlawtostopthem

findingmeandflamingmeoutofexistence.

Ifought.Thetroublewithfiguringouthowtoserenelyblendmymagicswasthateachonegrewalittle

lesspowerfulasitcombinedwiththeother.Thewholewasstrongerthanitsparts,butdragons,creatures
ofairandfire,couldabsorbmystormmagic.Theyatelightningforbreakfast.Sothey’dswallowhalfmy
magic,andtheotherhalfwouldnolongerbestrongenoughtobestthem.

That’swhatI’dwanted,wasn’tit?AStormwalkerwhocoulduseherBeneathpowersforbenevolence

andgoodness?

Thedragonwhopulledmeoutofthemountainwasn’tinterestedinbenevolenceorgoodness.He

yankedmestraightthroughadragon-sizedhole,wingsbeatingtheairtogainheight.Itwasablack
dragon,abigone,butnotMick.ItwasDrake,theflunkytoBancroftofthedragoncouncil,theflunkywho
reallydidn’tlikeme.

Oncewehitthestarrynight,Isawflameshighinthesky,brightstreamslikecomets.Dragons,dozens

ofthem,werefightingwingedbeingswhodartedanddodgedthefires.

MystomachlurchedasDrakedoveswiftlydownandsideways,avoidingafireballthateruptedinthe

exactplacewe’dbeen.Whatthehell?

ThenIrealizedIwasn’tseeingasimplebattleouthere.Dragonswereflamingdragons.Thewinged

creatures,thekachinas,zappeddragonswithwhitemagic,butnotallthedragons.Icouldn’tworkoutwho
wasonwhoseside,andDrakedippingandwhirlingdidn’thelp.AllIcoulddowashangonandpray.

Adragontookthebruntofanother’sfire.Hescreamedonthewaydown,untilhemetakachina’swhite

lightanddisappeared.Dead?Orsentsomewhere?Alive?Orincinerated?

“Whyaretheyfighting?”Ishouted.“Whatdotheywant?”
Thewindtoreawaymywords.EitherDrakedidn’thear,orhehadnointerestinanswering.
Thebattleheated,firelashingthenight,whiteheatanswering.Ididn’tunderstandhowithappened,but

aformationofdragonssuddenlycuthigh,roaringintriumph.Thedragonsbelowthembeganstreakingfor
thehorizon.Thekachinaschasedthosedragons,thegods’huge,featherywingsflashinginthesunrise.
Thendragonsandkachinasalikewereswallowedintothecomingdawn.

Theformation,aboutadozendragonsinaperfectphalanx,headedourway.Drake’swingswhooshed,

andweshotbackwardatleastacouplethousandfeet.Iscreamed,thensnappedmymouthshutasbile
boiledupfrommystomach.

Ihadnoideawho’dwonthebattle,orwhetherthephalanxofdragonsformingbehindonescreaming

leaderwasonDrake’ssideornot.Igotmyanswerastheformationstreamedpastus,thedragonsa
wingedblur,andDraketookhisplaceattheendofoneofthelines.

Wholedthem,Iwondered.Bancroft?OradragoninterestedinkillingoffaninterferingStormwalker?
Drakecarriedmethroughgrayinglightattheendofthedragonline.Idecidedagainsttryingtohithim

withmagic,becauseifhedroppedme,itwasalongwaydown.CouldBeneathmagickeepmefrom
splattingontheground?Ididn’twanttofindout.

ThedragonsangledawayfromcitylightsIcouldseetothesouthofusandoutacrosstheblacknessof

desert.IfI’dbeenrightaboutbeinginsidetheSanFranciscoPeaks,thenthetownwewerespeedingnorth
andwestfromwasFlagstaff.WhichmeantifDrakedroppedmenow,I’dfallaboutamileandahalfor
moretothebottomoftheGrandCanyon.

Thewindwasfreezing.IhunkeredbehindthedragontalontokeepwarmthebestIcould.
“Couldn’tbothertobringmeasweater?”Iaskedbetweenchatteringteeth.Drakedidn’tanswer,butI

hadn’treallythoughthewould.

Weflewalongway,overanothercityoflightsandoffagainintodarkness.Thedragonsbeganto

circle,andaswedescended,therisingsunoutlinedsharp,highmountainsandglitteredonwhitealkali
flats.

Agoodplacetodie:DeathValley.

ThedragonsflewovermountainsfromwhichI’drescuedMicknotmanydaysagotolandinthevery

centerofadrylakebed.Drakesetmeonmyfeetwithathump,andwhenmyheadstoppedspinning,I
understoodwherewewere.

TheycallittheRacetrack.Notbecausethereareanyracesonit,orevenpavementonwhichtorace.

Thedrylakebedwasanovaltwoandahalfmileslong,anditsfloorconsistedofflat,baked,cracked
earth.Bouldersstoodlikesentinelsatoneend;behindeachofthemwasalong,palesmearinthedirt.

Thebouldersmovedbythemselveswhennoonewaslooking—nooneknewhoworwhy,although

therewereplentyoftheories.Itwaseerietoseethetrailseachhadtakenstretchingoutbehindthem,like
stonecreatureswhoglidedacrossthelakebedandthenfrozethemomentsomeonelookedatthem.

Dragonstoucheddownaroundus,stillinformation,changingfrombeasttohumanastheylanded.

Thereweretallwomenamongtheequallytallmen,andallwerewelltattooed.

Myeyesrivetedtotheleaderofthephalanx,thedragonwho’dbeenthepointoftheformation.Not

Bancroft,asI’dthought,ortheseconddragoncouncilor,asI’dfeared.

Thephalanx’sleaderhaddragontattooswindingdownhisarmsandaflametattooacrossthesmallof

hisback,wildlycurlyblackhair,andamazingblueeyes.Draketriedtoholdmeback,butIshookhimoff
andwasrunning,running,kickingupachokingwhitecloudofdustasIsprintedacrossthelakebed.

IlaunchedmyselfatMicksohardhestumbledashecaughtme,andwewentdown,tangledtogether,to

theparched,crackedearth.

Twenty-six

IkissedMick’slips,hisface,hisneck,hislipsagain,tearsofreliefandjoystreamingdownmycheeks.
Mickcuppedmyfaceandreturnedthekisses,hisowneyeswet.Idrewadeep,chokingbreath,
swallowingthedustI’dkickedup.

“Damnyou,”Icried.“Whyaren’tyoudead?”
Mickwrappedmeinarmsthatwerewholeandunbroken.“Itwasaclose-runthing,sweetheart.But

yougavemethesparkthatkeptmealive.”

Isplayedonehandagainsthischest,feelinghisheartbeatinghardandstrong.“You’renotundead,are

you?”Iasked,worried.

Hesmiledhisbad-boysmile.“No.Youjump-startedmeandmyhealingmagic.KindoflikeCPR—ora

shocktoabattery.ColbyandDraketookmeoffandhelpedmeheal.Don’tbetoohardonthem.”

“I’lllovethemtopiecesiftheybroughtyoubacktome.”
Handsseizedmyshoulders.IfoughtastheytriedtopullmeoffofMick.Mickclimbedtohisfeetand

liftedmewithhim.“It’sallright,”hetoldtheotherdragon,oneIdidn’tknow.“She’snotattackingme.”

“Notyet,”Ipromised,mysmilehot.
Mickturnedmearoundandgavemealongkiss.Hisskinwascoveredwithwhitedust,whichstuckto

himlikepowder,andmyskinwascoveredwithblackvolcanicdust.I’msurewelookedhilarious.

Theotherdragonsremainedinplace,asthoughtheywerewaitingforMicktotellthemwhattodo.

Drakehadmaintainedhisposition,andColbywasthere,naked,inked,andgrinning.

Noneofthedragonshadclothes,Inoticed,andnoneofthemseemedbotheredbyit.Ifaparkranger

happenedalong,whatwouldheorshethinkofagroupofpeoplestandinginnakedformationinthe
middleofthelake?

Onlyonepersonwasclothed,NashJones,whostoodnexttoColby.Hemusthavebeencarriedhereas

well—Iwonderedhowhe’dfared.

“Whydidyoubringushere?”IaskedMick.“Youwerefightingkachinasandotherdragons.Weren’t

you?Whatthehellisgoingon?”

“We’reherebecausethisiswheremytrialwilltakeplace.”
“Yourtrial?”IsoughtoutColby,whonoddedconfirmation.“Why?Youalmostdied.Isn’tthatgood

enoughforthem?”

Micksmoothedalockofhairfrommyface.“It’sdragonlaw.Istillhavetofacethecharges,nomatter

whatelsehashappened.”

“Whatelsedidhappen?BesidesDrakerescuingme?ShouldIbethankinghim?”
“Cassandrafoundmethroughthemirror.Shesaidyou’dtoldheryouthoughtyouwereinsidea

volcano.Weflewtotheonesacredtothekachinas,andthenalightningboltstruckthemountain,pointing
theway.Iknewyou’dcalledittoyou.”

“SoyouhadDrakedigmeout?”
“Yes.Thereareotherdragonswhowantyoudead—theythoughtmedeadandgone,sotheydecidedto

goforyou.Iandmydragonsgottherefirst.”

“Thenwhowerethekachinasfighting?”
“Theotherdragons.Thekachinasweretryingtoprotectyou.”
“Protectme,”Irepeated.“Notkillme?”
“Theydon’twanttheotherdragonstogettheirhandsonyourpower.Iknowtheirleader;ifhethought

hecouldcontrolanduseyou,he’dkeepyoualiveanddojustthat.”

“Controlme?”

Micksmoothedmyhairagain.“Isaidhe’dtry.Whenhedidn’tsucceed,he’dkillyou.Butdon’tworry.

I’llneverletthathappen.”ThiswasthemanIloved.Cryptic,evasive,hidingthingsfrommeuntilhe
thoughtIneededtoknow.

“Thekachinasarefinewithyouhavingme?”Iasked.
“Youseemedtomakeagoodimpressiononthem.”
IthoughtaboutmydebateinthecavewiththeKoshare.Ididn’trememberwinningtheargument,but

maybeithadmadehimthink.Goodgods,didthatmeansomeonehadactuallylistenedtome?

Ihadotherworriesatthemoment.
“Whyisthedragontrialnow?”Iasked.“Ithoughtitwasinaweek—notthatIknowwhatdayitis.”
“Thedragoncouncilcalledanemergencysession.Firstorderofbusiness,mytrial.”
Ilookedaroundatthedragonswho’dbrokenformationandstoodtalkingtogetherinclumpslikepeople

waitingatanairport.

“Whataretheygoingtodo?”
“They’reheretoobserve.Notmuchelsetheycando.Thecouncilofthreewillpreside,andonlythey

andmydefensecandoanytalking.”

“Whataboutyou?Thedefendant?Doyougettotalk?”
Mickshookhishead.“Theprisonerismute,becausethecouncilcan’ttrustthathewon’tlietosave

himself.Aneutraldefensewilltellthetruth.”

“AndColbyisyourdefense.Iwouldn’tcallhimneutral.Whydon’tweflyawaynowandgoto

Australia?”

“Thenwe’dhavethetrialinAustralia.Therearedragonstheretoo.”
Itouchedthemagicinsidemyself,thebeautiful,solid,hardcoreofit.“Whatdoyouwantmetodo?I

cantakeoutthedragoncouncilifyouwant.Icandoit,youknow.Theyneedtounderstandthat.”

“Theydounderstandit.”Hebrushedmyskinwithhisthumbs.“Tellmesomething.WhenDrake

snatchedyou,whydidn’tyou,asyousay,‘takehimout’?”

“Ididn’twanthimtodropme.”
“Youcouldhavehurthimbeforehesnatchedyou.Whydidn’tyou?”
Ishrugged.IlovedMick’shandsonmyshoulders,warmthroughthechillofthedesertnight.“Ididn’t

knowwhohewasatfirst,orwhichsidehewason.”

Micktouchedhisforeheadtomine,breathonmyface.“Andthat’swhyIbelieveinyou.Youcould

wipeawayanyoneyouwantwiththesweepofyourhand,butyouwait,incasetheyturnouttobe
innocent.”

“Notalwayssmart.”
“Butyou’drathertaketheconsequencesonyourselfthandestroysomeonewhodoesn’tdeserveit.Jim

couldn’tmakethatdistinction.”

Igavehimashakysmile.“Isthatwhyyou’drathergotobedwithmethanhim?”
Mick’swickedgrinanswered.“That,andsomanyotherreasons.”
Ifeltsomeonebreathingdownmyneck.Colby.“Thisisverysweet,”hesaid.“Butthecouncilis

arriving.”

Threedragonslandedalittlewayawayfromourgroupandchangedtohumanform.OnewasBancroft;

anotherwasthemanI’dseenDraketalkingtoatBancroft’sstrong-holdinSantaFe.Thethirdwasa
woman,tallandbroad-shoulderedwithwhitehairsweepingtoherwaist.

ThedragonsthathadfollowedMickstartedmovingawayfromthethree,retreatingadistance,

arrangingthemselvestowatch.

ExceptforNashJones,whohadwalkedoverwithColby.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Iaskedhim.
Helookedincongruous,theonlymandressedandnottattooed.Heworehissheriff’suniform,thestar-

shapedbadgeglintinginthemorningsunlight.

“Thedragonswantedaneutralhumanobserver,sincetherewasanotherhumaninvolved.Colbyasked,

Ivolunteered.”

“Anotherhuman...meaningme?”
“Yes.”
IglancedatColby.“I’mmagical.”
“Butmortalhuman,”Colbysaid.“Andyou’rewhatthistrialisallabout.You’reentitledto

representationbyahuman.”

“Besides,Ididn’ttrustthemtoreturnyousafely.”Nashspokematter-of-factly,asthoughbeingcarried

hundredsofmilesbyadragontothemiddleofDeathValleywaspartofhisjob.“NeitherdidMayaor
Cassandra.”

Iimaginedbothladieshadgivenhimhell.“Youknow,Nash,you’reagoodguy,underneathitall.”
Nashfrownedatmeandreturnedtowatchingthedragoncouncil.“Don’tpushit,Begay.”
Ididn’twanttowaitthroughthedamnedtrial.Ihadnowayofknowinghowlongitwouldtake.Twenty

minutes?Twentydays?IwantedtograbMickandtakeoffwithhimsomewhere,toholeupwithhimand
makeloveforaweek.I’dgrievedforhim;nowIneededtoreassuremyselfthathewashere,alive,nota
dream.Iwantedtotouchandtastehim,toholdhimandreconnectwithhim.Andyes,ImostofallI
wantedtohavehard,heavy,andsweat-soakedsexwithhim.

Thedragonsdidn’tdoanythingsoformalascallthemeetingtoorder.Thedragoncouncilsimplystood

inplace,andMickandColbyledmeandNashtostandbeforethem.

Thefemalecouncilorhadfine-linedtattoosdownherarmsandlegsplusonesnakingacrossherperfect

belly.Herauratoldmeshewasolderthantheothertwo,butI’dneverknowitfromherlinelessbodyand
face.

“That’sAine,”Colbysaidinmyear.“Atleastthat’stheshortenedversionofhername.She’swhowe

havetowatchoutfor.She’sold,experienced,smart,anddoesn’thaveanounceofcompassioninherice-
coldbody.”

“Comforting,”Isaid.“Worsethantheotherguy?Theonewhowantsmeobliterated?”
“Farrell.He’sgotanastytemper,buthecanbereasonable—ifthestarsarealigned.He’sthesenior.”
“Theonewhose—whatdidyoucallit—‘bitontheside’youstole?”
Colbygrinned.“Yep.Themanhatesme.”
Bancroftwasthethirdofthecouncil.“WillitmakeanydifferencethatIsavedBancroft’slife?”I

whisperedtoColby.

“Nope.Thedragoncouncillikestobelievethatthey’reblindjustice,impartialjudges.Huh.”
“Thistrialwillbefair,won’tit?”Nashaskedhim.
“Indragonterms,sure,”Colbysaid.“Inhumanterms,notsomuch.”
Micksaidnothing.Hestoodalittleapartfromus,hisstancecalm,thewindfromthemountainsstirring

hishair.Hiseyesweredragon-black,andthejaggedtattoothatsnakedacrosshislowerbackglowedwith
fire.

Thewoman,Aine,spoke.“Micalerianicumhasbeenchargedwithdisobeyingadirectorderfromthe

dragoncounciltokilltheStormwalkerJanetBegaywhenshecommittedanactthatcouldhavebrought
dangertoalldragon-kind.MickhadpledgedhislifetobecontingentupontheStormwalker’sgood
behavior,whichshethenviolatedbyopeningavortex.However,Mickstillinsistedshebekeptalive
evenafterthat,andtookherasmatetoprotectherunderdragonlaw.Howdoesheplead?”

Colbysteppedforward.Whitedustclungtohistattooedbody,makinghimlookalittlelikethe

Koshare.

“Hepleadsguilty,”Colbysaid.
“Damnit,Colby.”IknewMickhadalreadybeenfoundguilty,butitwasanotherthingtohearColbyso

gleefullysayit.

“PleaseadvisetheStormwalkerthatshemaynotspeakuntilrecognized,”Ainesaid.
“Fuckyou,lady,”Imuttered,butNashputhislipsclosetomyear.
“It’satrial,Janet,rifewithruleswedon’tunderstand.Foronceinyourlife,shutup.”
Iclosedmymouth,knowinghehadapoint,butthiswasMick’sfateweweretalkingabout.Losinghim

lastnighthadnearlydestroyedme,andIdidn’twanttogothroughthatagain.

Micksaidnothinganddidn’tmove,amanawaitinghisfate.He’dtoldmehehadideasonhowtoget

outofhissentence,buthehadn’tsharedthemwithme.Besides,whatcouldhepossiblydoifhewasnot
allowedtosayanything?

Farrellspoke.“Doesthedefensecounselhaveanythingtosaybeforesentenceispassed?”
“Oh,Ihaveplentytosay.”Colbywalkedforwardapace.“ButI’llkeepitbrief.Myfirstideawasto

claimthatMickywasinsane,whichwaswhyhechosetobelievethattheStormwalkerwasharmless,but
Ithinkthatwon’twash.”

“No,”Aineagreed.
“ThesecondwastoprovethattheStormwalkerreallyisharmless,anditwasallrightthatMicky

didn’tkillher.Butaftereverythingthat’shappened,everythingthecouncilhasseenherdo,thatwon’t
washeither.”

Obviouslynot.Allthreecouncilmembersnodded.
“SomythirdandfinalideaistolettheStormwalkerherselfpleadforMick’slife,”Colbycontinued.

“Totellyouwhyhewasjustifiedinsparingher.ThereforeIgiveyoutheStormwalker,JanetBegay.”

Alleyesturnedexpectantlytome.
“Colby,whenIgetyoualone...”Isaidundermybreath.
Colbyrubbedhishands.“Ican’twait.”
Isteppedforward,puttingmyselfunderthescrutinizingstareofthreetalldragons.BancroftandFarrell

hadlettheireyesbecomedragon-black;Aine’swereachilllightgray.

Themagicinsidemewascalm,serene,likethesheetofwaterthatmusthavecoveredthislakeeons

ago.Iimaginedapoolofclear,deepbluethathadreflectedthesky.Ifeltmymagicwaiting,readyformy
command.Thedawnskywasemptyofclouds—nomorestorms—butthatnolongermattered.The
Beneathmagicwouldpullwhatitneededfromthestormmagicandviceversa.

Mymouthwasdry,butnoonehadbotheredtobringanywater.Iclearedmythroat.
“Micksacrificedeverythingwhenhedecidednearlysixyearsagonottokillme,”Isaid.“Ididn’t

knowitatthetime,butlettingmelivewentagainsteverythinghesincerelybelievedin.Dragonlawand
dragonhonorareveryimportanttohim—Iknowthisbecausehewouldn’thaveshowedupatthisstupid
trialiftheyweren’t.”

Farrell’seyesnarrowed.“Youareinsolent.”
“IknowIam.Ithinkthat’swhyColbywantsmetospeak,sohecanseeyourfaceswhenIsaywhat

I’vegottosay.”Colby’ssmirkconfirmedmysuspicion.“Ididn’tcoerceMickorglamhimintokeeping
mealive.WhenImethimIhadnoideahewasadragon—noideathatdragonsevenexisted—andnoidea
whathe’dcometodo.Ionlysawhimasamanwho’dcometomyrescue,amanwhoseemedtolikeme,
amanwhocouldtakemyStormwalkermagicandlive.Mick’shadtomakesometoughdecisions
regardingme,decisionsthatnoneofyoupeoplecouldhavemade.Youfollowyourrulesandneverstop
tothinkabouttheconsequences.”

Aine’slipcurled.“Areyoufinished?”
“Notquite.”Iwaswarmingup,beginningtoenjoymyself.“YoufearedmebecauseImightopenthe

waytoBeneath.Well,ifMickhadfollowedhisrulesandkilledme,mygoddessmotherwouldstillbe
wanderingarounduphere,tryingtocreateanotherdaughtertohelpher,onewhowouldhavedone
whatevermymotherwanted.AndifMickhadstucktohispledgeafterIopenedthevortexandkilledme,
Iwouldn’thavebeenaroundwhenUndeadJim,whocouldn’tcontrolhismagic,starteddestroying

people.HecouldhavekilledeverysinglepersoninMagellanandgoneonamurderingrampage.You
couldn’thavestoppedhim.”Istillhadn’tfiguredoutwho’dresurrectedJim,butthatwasaworryfor
anothertime.

“However,”Farrellbrokein,“ifnotforyou,andifnotforBancroftgoingbehindourbacks,this

undeadpersonwouldhavecomenowhereneardragons.Thepointismoot.”

“Gee,whatcompassionyouhave,”Isaid.“MaybeJimwouldn’thavegonenearanydragonsif

Bancrofthadstayedhome,buthewasstillkillinghumanbeings.Nowonderdragonsliketostayhidden
fromhumans—you’dbelockedupforbeingsociopaths.Mick’sactkeptalotofpeoplealiveandeven
savedBancroft’sass.”

“Butthisdestructivehumanwouldnothavebeenwalkingaboutatall,haditnotbeenformagiclike

yours,”Farrellsaid.

“Magiclikemine,”Ireturned.“Notmine.AtthetimeJimMohanwasgettinghimselfresurrected,Iwas

pullingMickoutofajailofyourmaking,inamountainridgenotfarfromthisone.NashJonesiswitness
tothat.IknowyouwanttopinJim’ssecondlifeonme,butyoucan’t.AndIbetthatpissesyouoff.”

“Easy,Janet,”Colbywarned.“Don’tletthemgetyouforcontemptofcourt.”
“ButIhaveeverycontemptforthiscourt.”
Ainespoke.“WeacknowledgethatyoudidnotcreatethecreatureyourefertoasUndeadJim.Butyou

mustknowwhodid.”

“Ihaven’tthefoggiestwhoresurrectedhim.Agodwithanagenda,maybe?Someonetryingtohelphim

andscrewingup?Thepowerdidn’tcomefrommymother.Imadesureofthat.”Allthisbuggedme.IfI
hadn’tdoneit,andmymotherhadn’tdoneit,andCoyotehadn’tdoneit—thatmeantthatsomeothergod
orgoddessfromBeneathmusthavebroughtJimbacktolifeandgivenhimBeneathpowers.ButI’dhave
toconcentrateonfiguringoutwhomadeJimafterIgotMickoutofthis.

Bancroft,whohadn’tspokenatallyet,raisedhishandforsilence.“Thegistofyourargumentis,

therefore,thatMick’sdecisiontodisobeyanorderfromthedragoncouncilresulted,inthelongrun,ina
fewbenevolentactsfromyou.However,manyofthesituationsinwhichyourbenevolentactswere
performedwouldnothaveoccurredatallhadyoubeenterminatedatonce.”

“Yes,thingsdotendtohappenaroundme,”Isaid.“I’maStormwalker,andIhavealotofmagicinme.

Peopletendtoaskmetohelpthembecauseofit.”IfeltasthoughI’dswallowedhalfthedrylake’sdust
andclearedmythroatagain.“MyargumentisthatMickismorefarsightedandcompassionatethanyou
givehimcreditfor.Hedisobeyedbecausehe’ssmarterthananyofyou.No,letmerephrasethat—smarter
thanallofyouputtogether.”

Aine’slipsthinned.“Youdoknowthatthepenaltyforcontemptofcourtisinstantdeath?”
Ihadn’tknownthat,butwhywasInotsurprised?
“Tryit.”Iwasangryandexhausted,scaredandunhappy.“Iwouldn’tmindalittleworkout.”
“No,youwouldn’t,”Colbysaid.EvenMickshotawarninglookatme.
Ainedrewherselfup.“Donottoywiththerageofdragons,littleStormwalker.Youareverysmall

comparedtous.”

“Thenwhyareyousoafraidofme?”Ibravelymethercoldgaze.“Thisiswhatthistrialisreally

about,isn’tit?Fear.Youdon’twanttoacknowledgethatanyforceintheworldmightbemorepowerful
thanthemightydragons.Thatsomeonemightnotallowyoutogetawaywithwhateveryouwanttoget
awaywith.Suchasholdingatrialforsomeonewhenyou’vealreadydecidedhe’sguilty.Suchasordering
ahitonayoungwomanwhomightbeyouronlydefenseagainstwhatevermightcomeoutofthevortexes.
Didyoueverstoptothinkofthat?Thatyoumightneedme?Orareyoutooafraidtoneedanyone?Why,
becauseImightcallinthefavorsomeday?”

“Ithinkthat’senough,”Farrellsaidinahardvoice.
“Iagree,”Bancroftsaid.Aine’seyeswerenarrowinrage,butshekeptsilent.

“Notquite,”Isaid.“Wouldyouliketotellthedragonsgatheredherethatyou’drathermebedeadthan

alivetohelpwhenyouneedit?Ordoyounotwantthemtorealizethatyou’renotstrongenoughtodefend
themfromcertainforces?”

“Okay,nowevenIthinkthat’senough,”Colbysaid.“Shutupbeforeyougetmefriedtoo.”
Aine’slipsbarelymoved.“Youdie,Stormwalker.Rightnow.”
Sheraisedherhands.ForoneawfulsecondIimaginedred-hotdragonfirerippingthroughmebeforeI

couldevenbringmymagictobear,whenbothNashandMicksteppedinfrontofme.

IwassureMickhadjustbrokenallkindsofdragonrulesdoingso,butheremainedasolidwallof

muscle,thetattooonhisbackglowingred.Hedidn’tsayaword,justletthecouncilknowbyhisstance
thattheysureashellweren’tkillingmewithoutgoingthroughhim.Iprayedthatitwouldbeahugedragon
gaffeiftheyfriedhiminthemiddleofhisowntrial.

Nashwasjustasformidable,andjustasmuchintheway.“Micktriedtoexplainalittleabouta

dragon’sperceptionofhonor,”hesaidtothedragons.“Killingawitnessbeforeatrialisoverdoesn’t
seemveryhonorabletome.”

Farrellstaredathimindisbelief.“Whatdoyouknowofdragonhonor,humanman?”
“Idon’tknowmuchaboutdragons—hell,Ididn’tevenbelieveinthemuntilIsawMickturnintoone—

butIknowabouthonor.Ifapersonthinksanorderiswrongandharmful,thatpersonhastheobligationto
questiontheorderanddisobeyifnecessary.Mickmadeadecisionbasedonthebestintelligencehehadat
thetime,anditturnedouttobeacorrectone.”

“Whydoyoudefendher?”Bancroftlookedpuzzled.“Fromourobservations,youdon’tregardthe

witnesswithmuchwarmth.”

“IagreethatJanetBegayisapainintheass,hasasmartmouth,andseemstoattracttroublewherever

shegoes,”Nashsaid.

“Thanks,”Imurmured.
“ShealsoshowsgreatcourageunderpressureandhassavedthelivesofseveralpeopleIcareabout.I

keepextensiverecordsonheractivitiesanddiscoveredthatbeforeshecametoliveinMagellanshe
helpednumerouspeoplewithseriousproblems.Shefoundmissingpersonsandsolvedpuzzlesthat
eludedothers.Ifshehadn’tbeenavailabletodothat,thewrongpeoplewouldhavebeenpunishedfor
thosecrimes,orthemissingwouldstillbelostandindanger.”

Myheartwarmed.I’dneverheardNashbesoeloquent.Iknewbetterthantothinkhespokeoutofgreat

likingforme—Nashwaskeenlyawareofrightandwrong,ofharmversusgood.He’dthoughtaboutthis
logicallyandappliedhisuniqueknowledgetoit.

Still,Iwantedtohughim.
“Wewilltakethatintoconsideration.”Aine’svoicewasfrosty.“Defensecounsel,doyouhave

anythingtoadd?”

Nashremainedinfrontofme,asdidMick,toabsorbanydragonfirethatmightcomemyway.Iwasn’t

foolishenoughtoleavetherelativeprotectionoftheirbodies.

Colbytookanotherstepforward.Strange,I’dstoppednoticingthateveryonewaswithoutclothes

exceptmeandNash.Thedragonsweresocomfortablewiththeirbodies,justasMickhadalwaysbeen.
Theydidn’tseetheneedtoattachshametobareskin.

“Thedefensehasonemorethingtoadd.”ColbyglancedatMick,andhisgringrewbroad.
Micktensed,openedhismouthasiftospeak,thensnappeditshutagain.Damneddragontrialrules.
“Micalerianicumcameheretodaybecausehonormandatedit,”Colbysaid.“He’dneverskipoutona

trialcalledbythedragoncouncil.Butyouknowdamnwellhe’shereonlytobecourteoustoyou,andnot
becauseyoucancommandhim.Heneveruseshisstatusforpersonalprivilege.”

ColbyturnedtoMickagain.Mick’salarmedlookhadvanishedtobereplacedwithmixedannoyance

andanger.

“Mickywasthedragonwhowonthebattleforyouagainstdemonstwohundredyearsago,onethat

happenednotfiftymilesfromhere.Ifnotforhim,twoofyougoodcouncilmembers—AineandFarrell—
wouldbelittledragonsmearsonrocksinthemiddleoftheSierras.Mickwasdecoratedforvalorand
giventhehigheststatusadragoncanachieve:lordandgeneral.Oneoftheperksofthisstatusisthatitcan
beusedtolessenanypenaltiesleviedagainsthimbythedragoncouncil.Ashumanswouldsay,aGetOut
ofJailFreecard.Oralmostfree.Thereasonforthisrelativeimmunityfromthedragoncouncilrulingis
thatit’sthoughtadragonlordwouldn’tbestupidenoughtogoagainstthecouncilwithoutadamngood
reason.Orelse,hewouldn’tbeadragonlord.Circularlogic,butIdon’tmakeuptherules.”

IstaredatColbywithmymouthopen.“Adragonlord?”
Colbywinkedatme.“Oneofthehighest.Damnedarrogantbastard.”
“Thisisyourdefense?”Aineaskedinafreezingvoice.
“Surething,yourladyship.IfMickydecidedthatthedragoncouncilwasatriumvirateofidiotsfor

wantingtokillJanetBegay,thenhewasprivilegedtomakethatchoice.Youcanstillpunishhimfordoing
it,ofcourse,butyouhavetotakehisstatusintoaccountwhenyoupassyoursentence.”

Colbygavethemabowandsteppedback,finished.
“That’sit?”Iasked.“Theywillstillfindhimguilty,butbecausehe’sadragonlordtheycanpassa

lessersentence?Soinsteadofcertaindeath,itwillbealmostcertaindeath?”

“BestIcando,”Colbysaid.
“Damnit.”IreleasedthemagicI’dbeenholdingback,lettingitrippletotheedgesofthelakebed.
Iwasinthemoodfordestruction,butIwasn’tgoingtogivethedragoncouncilthesatisfactionof

confirmingthatIwasthebad-assevilbeingtheythoughtIwas.Instead,Ibroughtallthebouldersthat
litteredthelakebedslidingrapidlytosurroundthethreearrogantdragons.

“I’mnotheretochangeyourlaws,”Isaidastheystaredatme.“Asstupidastheyare.ButasmuchasI

amMick’smate,byyourterms—soheismine.Ifhedies,youanswertome.Isthatwhatyoureally
want?”

Ihadthesatisfactionofseeingthethreedragonslookworried.Isensedtheirdeep-seatedfearthat

somehowIwoulddestroythem,nottomentiontheirpower,theirworld,andeverythingtheywere.

AndmaybeIcould.Themagicinmewasprettydamnedstrong,andIdidn’tknowyetwhatIcoulddo

withit.Dragonswerepowerful,butIwasnowmorethanthenaïveStormwalkerthatMickhadmetall
thoseyearsago.I’dlearnedtomastermystormpowers,andI’dhelpedmanypeople,asNashhadsaid.
I’dgrownstronger,morecapable,lessafraid.

Mickhadbeenresponsibleforsomeofmygrowth,butmuchofithadbeenbecauseofme,myself.I

wasNavajo,tiedtothisearth,butmyspiritsoaredintothestormsandtappedthemagicoftheworldthat
createdus.

IfoldedmyarmsandsteppedawayfromNashandMick.Yes,Istillbelievedthedragonscouldburn

metoacrisp,butIwasfinishedwithbeingfrightenedofthem.Iwasfilthy,bruised,cut,andsotiredI
couldbarelystand,yetthedragonswatchedmeintrepidation.

“Decide,”Isaid.“Andhurryup.Iwanttogohome,andI’mtiredofbeingmessedwith.”
Bancroftgavemeanod,thoughhislookwasanythingbutapproving.“Wewilldeliberate.”
Heandtheothertwoturnedtheirbacksonme,andIcouldtellthatitscaredthepissoutofthemtodo

so.

Tweenty-seven

“Greatassist,Janet,”Colbygrowledatmehalfanhourlater.“Iwashopingtogothehellhome.Butno,
I’mstucksurvivingMick’sstupidsentencewithhim.Walkingoutofthisplacewithyou,nomagicandno
shape-shiftingallowed.”

Iwasn’tmuchhappier,beingalreadyhotandthirsty.Mick’sarmscamearoundmefrombehind,his

bodyhardandwarmandoh-so-good.“Janetjustsavedallourasses,Colby.AsOrdealsgo,it’snotabad
one,sosuckitup.Besides,wasn’titworthittowatchherembarrassthedragoncouncil?”Hechuckled
andpressedablood-tinglingkisstomyneck.“IneverthoughtI’dlivetoseethat.”

Colby’sfacerelaxed,evenashewipedsweatfromit.“Yeah,thatwasprettygood.Janet,sweetie,want

tobemydefenseifIhavetogototrial?”

“No,”Isaid.
Nashsnatchedsunglassesoutofhispocketandshovedthemon.“Ifyou’reallfinishedwithself-

congratulations,weneedtogetgoing.Thatsun’sgoingtobeprettyfierce.”Helookedonceattheglare
comingoverthemountainsandthenstartedwalking.

Thedragoncouncil’ssentence,passedafterabouttwentyminutesofheatedargument,wasforMickand

hiscounselforthedefense—Colby,me,andNash—towalkoutoftheRacetrackandmakeitbackto
civilizationthebestwecould.Noshape-shiftingandflyingout,nomagic.Justus,themercilesssun,and
nowater.Onedragontrustedbythecouncilwastoaccompanyustoactasourwatcher:Drake.Tosayhe
wasn’thappyaboutitisasevereunderstatement.

Onarelativescale,itwasalightsentence,aslaponthewrist.Mick,Nash,Colby,andDrakewerein

goodshape,andwemightwellrunintosomeonedrivingaroundouthere.Iheldoutfainthope,however,
thatthecouncilwouldletushaveitthateasy.RememberingBancroft’shordeofdevotedlackeys,
includinghiscountysheriff,Iimaginedthecouncilcouldensure,bydeviousmethods,thatnoonedrove
upthesebackroads.Itwasatwenty-five-or-so-milewalkacrossthedesertandoversteephillsonadirt
road.Wecouldstilldieofdehydrationandheatstroke,notaterrificprospect.

Nashledtheway.Heremovedhisbutton-downshirtanddrapeditoverhishead,thewhiteT-shirthe

worebeneathbrightinthesunlight.Hehadsunglasses,butIhadnothingwithwhichtoshieldmyeyes,
andthesunbeatdownonmewithoutmercy.

ItrudgedbehindNash,withMickandColbybehindme,andDrakebringinguptherear.Drakewas

angryashell,butwithhisstoicloyalty,Iknewhewouldn’tsimplysay,Screwthis,andflyoff.He’dstay
anddiewithusifthatwaswhathehadtodo.Itwasthatdragonhonorthingagain.IalsoknewMick
wouldobeytheedictofnomagicandnoshape-shifting,andhe’dmakedamnsureColbyobeyedittoo.
Mickmustbeonehellofadragonlord.Iwasstilladjustingtothat.

Icouldn’tusemycellphone,andneithercouldNash,becausebothofourswereinexplicablydead.I

hadmypieceofmagicmirror,butusingittocommunicatewiththeoutsidewasforbidden—thatwould
violatetheruleofnomagic.Thedragonshadthoughtofeverything.

IcaughtuptoNash,whowassettingaswiftpace.“Thanksforthethingsyousaidaboutmeback

there.”

“Theyweretrue.”Hisvoiceheldnoinflection.
“Itwasrealsweet.”Icouldn’tresistsayingthat.“Ididn’tknowyoulovedmesomuch.”
Nash’sglance,eventhroughsunglasses,couldhavecrumbledbouldersintodust.“WhatIsaidabout

youbeingapainintheasswithasmartmouthwastruetoo.Thatandthefactthatyoucausetrouble.”

“Ican’tdenyit.”IshruggedasIstrodenexttohim.“So,howarethingsbetweenyouandMaya?Isaw

thepassionatekissyougaveher.”

“Noneofyourbusiness.”
Igavehimadry-lippedsmile.“That’sallright.I’lljustaskher.”
Nashscowled.Hepickeduphispacetoaquick-timemarch,hislonglegseatingdistance.IfIwanted

tokeepupwithhim,I’dhavetotrot,panting,athisside.

IdroppedbacktowalkwithMickandColby.Mickslantedmeasmilethatmademehot,evenunder

theburningsun,andtookmyhand.Ilookedforward,inmorewaysthanone,togettinghomeagain.

Drakealsogavemealook,butoneofundisguisedfury.Iknewheblamedmeforhisbeingchosento

carryoutthesentencewithus.WouldIhaveproblemswithDrakeinthefuture?Probably.Ididn’thave
theenergytocontemplateitrightnow.

AlreadyIneededwater,havingdrunknothingsincesometimethedaybefore.Iwasgoingtobehalf-

deadbeforeweevenreachedtheedgeofthelakebed.Thebouldersstoodinnocentlybehindus,where
I’dleftthem.Icouldimaginethegeologistsscratchingtheirheadsatthepatternthey’dleft,drawnfrom
theedgesofthelaketoacircleinthecenter.ItwouldgivemyghostsomethingamusingtowatchwhenI
wasapileofdriedbonesinthedust.

Whenwefinallyreachedthenarrowdirtroadthatledintoapassbetweenthehills,therewereno

vehiclesinsight.AnyapproachingtruckorSUVwouldkickathinspiralofdusthighintotheairbehind
it,buttheskyremainedaclearandbrightblue.Noonewouldcome.Itwouldbejustthefiveofus
traipsingacrossopendesertundertheblindingsun.

Colbysaidbehindme,“Ifyougethot,Janet,feelfreetotakeoffyourtop.”
Iignoredhim,tootiredtobanter.
Forthefirstmileorsoafterthat,Iwasfine.Thedragonshadmadeittooeasy,Ithought.Ifinishedthe

nexttwomilesdrenchedinsweat,feelingasunburn.Whatlittleshadethesidesofthemountainshad
madeinthepassvanishedasthesunclimbedoverhead.

Bymileseven,Iwasstumbling.Mytonguewasgluedtotheroofofmymouth,andmybreathingwas

labored.Werested,takingourtime,butitdidn’thelpmuch.

Atmileten,oratleastIthinkitwasmileten,Mickpickedmeupandcarriedme.We’dseennocars,

trucks,SUVs,parkrangers,hikers,campers,oranyone.Theplacewasdeserted,eerilyso.Iwondered
howmuchBancrofthadpaidofftheparkemployees.

Mickcarriedmewithoutcomplaint,hisstrongarmsneverfaltering.ButevenNashwasslowing—

twentymileswaslikelynotthatfarforhim,butbeingwithoutwater,whilethetemperatureclimbedpast
onehundreddegrees,tookitstoll.Talkhadceased,eachofussavingbreathandmoistureforthejourney.

Acarrioncrowglidedoverhead,onthelookoutforfreshkill.Iwavedtoit.
“Overhere,”Icroaked.
“Don’tinviteit,”ColbysaidbehindMick.“Itmightwanttogetanearlystartonpickingmeatoffus.”
Thecrowdidn’tseemtoseeus.Idugintomypocket,andMickhadtoputmedown.Barelyableto

stand,Ipulledoutthepieceofmagicmirror.Icouldn’tuseitmagically,butIcoulduseitforwhatitwas
—amirror,apieceofsilveredglass.Imovedituntilitcaughtthesun,flashingabrightwhitestaroflight.

Thecrowsawit.Itwheeledoverusonce,headcockedtoinvestigate,thenflewawayintosearingblue

sky.

“Whatthehellwasthatabout?”Nashasked.
“Youneverknow,”Isaid.
“Aharbinger,”Colbysaid,andthenweallfellsilentagain.
Mickcarriedmeagainaswemovedupanotherhillandwalkeddownintothetroughontheotherside.

Iheardrattlinglikeametalshedinawindstorm,andIstartedtolaugh.

“Iknewshewouldn’tletmedown.”
Mywordswereunintelligible,eventome.Mickleanedtome.“What,baby?”
Ididn’tanswer.Abatteredwhitepickupcrestedtheriseaheadofus,bangingandclatteringdownthe

ruttedroad.Itwasfullofpeople,threeinthecab,acoupleinthebed.Nashstopped,handsonhips,and
waited.

ThepickuppulledtoahaltnexttoNash,andaNativeAmericanmanwithalinedfaceleanedoutand

calledtoMick,“Hey,whathappenedtoyourclothes?”Hechortled.“Musthavebeensomewindstorm.”

Twogrinningyoungmenjumpedoutoftheback,tossingpantsandshirtsatMick,Colby,andDrake.
Colbycaughtthemwithanamazedlook.“Youcarryextrasetsofclothes,incaseyoumeetnakedmen

ontheroad?”

Insidethecab,theyoungwoman—Beth,Irememberedhernamewas—leanedaroundherfather.“The

crow,shetolduswhatyou’dneed.ShesaidFirewalkersdidn’thaveanysenseofdecency.”

Thatwasmygrandmother.Colbychuckledashepulledonthewornpairofjeans.“She’sright.

Whoeversheis.”

Mickdidn’tmovetopickuptheclothesorcoverhimself.Hecarriedmearoundtheothersideofthe

truckandwaitedforBethtoopenthedoor.“Doyouhavewater?”heasked.“She’sdehydrated.”

“Surething.”AsMicksetmegentlyontheseatnexttoher,Bethproducedathermos,pouredouta

trickleofbeautifulwater,andhandedmethecup.Shehadtohelpmeraiseittomyswollenlips.

Sweet,clear,coolliquidfilledmymouth.Iwantedtosavorit,butmyneedybodysuckeditdown,andI

nearlychokedasIswallowed.

“Easy,”Bethsaid.Shepouredmeanothercup.
Ifeltthetrucklistastheothersclimbedintotheback.Inmyhalf-dazedstate,Ionceagainsawother

beingssuperimposedonBethandherfather.Whiteswirlinglights,ahintoffeather.

“Areyoukachinastoo?”Iasked.
Beth’sfatherchuckled.“Nah.We’resimilar,butweuseadifferentterm.Whereyouneedtogo?”
“Home,”Isaid.“Although,anyplacewithaphoneisfine.”
“That’seasy.”Beth’sfatherputthetruckingearandstartedtodrive.
BethglancedthroughtheopenbackwindowatMick,Colby,Drake,andNash.“Hey,cutewhite

sheriff,”shecalled.“Ithinkwefoundyourtruck.”

Nashwasatthewindow,rippingoffhissunglasses.“Didyou?Black?Ford250?Arizonaplates?”He

rattledoffthelicensenumber.

“Yeah,Ithinkthat’sit,”Beth’sfathersaid.“Wantmetotakeyoutoit?”
“Please.”Nashsatback.“Yes.Thankyou.”
Idrankmorewater.“He’shappiertofindhistruckthanheistogetoutofherealive.”
“Menandtheircars,”Bethagreed.“Buthestilliscute.”
Webangedandbouncedoverthedirtroadforaverylongtime.ThenBeth’sfatherturnedacorner,and

theroadeasedintothesmoothnessofpavement.Thetruck’shorriblejouncingdiedintosuddencalm.

Iclosedmyeyesasweglideddowntherestfulhighway.Beforewe’dgonefar,Beth’sfatherturnedoff

onanotherdirtroad,thisonewiderandbettergradedthantheonefromtheRacetrack.

Westopped,andIpeeledopenmyeyes.Wewereontopofalittlebridgethathadbeenconstructed

overanarroyo,thebridgejusthighenoughsothatamildrainstormwouldn’twashitout.Anything
stronger,andthisroadwouldbeflooded.

Anintenserainhadobviouslycomeandgone.Thebottomofthearroyowasfilledwithsiltandloose

brush,thoughmuchofithadpiledoveranobstacleupstreamofthebridge.Fromthisjetsamprotrudeda
dust-coveredblackcab.Nash’sbeautiful,shinynewpickupinwhichI’driddenoutheretosearchfor
Mickwasnowhalf-buriedinwhitesand.

Tensiondrained,andasuddenwaveofsleephitme.ThelastthingIheardbeforeIdriftedaway,

smiling,againstBeth’scomfortableshoulderwasNashJonesswearingandswearinghard.

TwomorningslaterIwanderedoutofmybedroomandsankintoaleathercouchinmylobby.Itwasquiet
—guestshadbreakfastedandeithercheckedoutorgoneoffsightseeing.Wehadafewhours’respite
beforelunch.

Mickcameoutoftheback,hairwetfromhisshower,andsatnexttome,ourbodiestouching.He

twinedhisfingersthroughmine.

“Howareyoudoing?”heaskedme.
“Better.”
Hewassilentforawhile,justholdingmyhand.He’ddonethisalotsincewe’dgottenhome.The

ShoshonehaddrivenustoFurnaceCreek,andMickhadsomehowbookedthetwoofusintotheluxury
innthere.Coolsheets,air-conditioning,gourmetfood...Itreinforcedmybeliefthatthereisnowherein
theworldsoremotethatsomeonewon’ttrytobuildaresortinit.

I’dsleptforalongtime,andMickleftmetoit.IhadnoideawhathadbecomeofDrake,Colby,and

Nash,butwhenMickreturnedtotakemetodinner,hetoldmethatNashhadgottenparkrangersplusthe
CaliforniaHighwayPatroltohelphimrescuehistruck.Apparently,joyridershadtakenitwhilewe’d
beenrunningaroundthemountainsandthenabandoneditinthewash.Ithadbeenhot-wired,theunderside
ofthedashbroken,andanicetorrentofrainhaddonetherest.PoorNash.

“SowhatdidColbydotoyouallthoseyearsago?”IaskedMickoveraquiettableintherestaurant.

“Tomakehimyourenemy,Imean?”

Micklookeduncomfortable.“Longstory.”
“Wehavetime,”Isaid,sippingmycoolwine.Nomartinis.
Micktoyedwiththefrostedglassofhisbeermugforawhile.Iwaited.Iwasn’tgoinganywhere,not

whileIwascoolandfedandhydrated.

FinallyMicktookasipofbeerandsatback.“Hestolemymate.”
Iblinkedinsurprise.“Wait,IthoughtIwasyourmate.”
“Alongtimeago.Shewasadragon.Ishouldn’tstrictlysayshewasmymate—Iwascourtingher,in

thedragonway,andColbydecidedtocutin.Wefought.Hewon.”

“Colbywon?Butwhyishesoafraidofyou?”
“Becausehefoughtdirty,andheknowsit.Istupidlyclungtohonorandtherules,whilehewentbehind

myback.Hedestroyedmylair,stoleeverythingIhad—anditturnsoutthatthisladywaslookingfora
matebasedonhisworth.Iwasyoungenoughtothinkitwasmeshewanted.WhenIdiscoveredhertrue
colors,IwithdrewfromthecontestandletColbyhaveher.”

“Whathappenedtotheladydragon?IsshestillwithColby?”
“Shedied.”
“Oh.”ThoughI’dalreadylabeledthedragonasashe-bitch,thatwassad.“How?”
“Battlewithanotherdragonfaction.We’renotallbestfriends.”
IrememberedthefightwhenDrakehadpulledmeoutofthemountain.“SoIgathered.”Itoyedwiththe

stemofmywineglass.“I’msorry.Abouttheladydragon,Imean.”

“SheandColbyhadn’tmatedyet.Nobondthere.Butstillitwashardonhim.”
“Andyou?”
Henodded.“Andonmetoo.”
Itgavemesomethingtothinkaboutlaterwhileheheldmesotenderlyinbed.MickfightingColbyfora

ladydragon.Irememberedhimtellingmethatfemaledragonscouldturnontheirmatesandtrytokill
them.IffemaledragonswerealllikeAine,Ibelievedit.IwonderedhowMickviewedmein
comparison.

Fast-forwardtwodaystothecoollobbyofmyhotel,mesittingcomfortablywithMickandwatchingday-

to-daybusinesscommence.Fremontcameintocheckaleakinthekitchen,hischeerfulaffability
soothing.PamelaleanedoverthecountertotalktoCassandra.Ididn’tseeMaya,butIwouldvisither
laterandgrillheraboutherandNash.Nashhaddamnwellbetterhavegonetoseeherbythistime.

Ihadn’tseenCoyotesincethebigfightinthewash.Hadheforgivenme,easedhisstrictures,andletme

go?Ineededtoknow.

IalsowantedtotwisthisfurtohelpmefigureoutwhohadmadeUndeadJiminthefirstplace.Now

thatthedragontrialwasover,I’dtakemoretimetopursuethequestion.Ifsomeothergoddesswiththe
samekindofpowersasmymotherwaswalkingarounduphere,I’dneedtoknow.Ialsowantedtoknow
whythey’dbroughtJimbacktolifeandgivenhimBeneathpowers.And,moreimportant,wouldtheytry
again?

Ididn’tthinkCoyotehaddoneit,butheneededtohelpmetrackthispersondown.Wecouldstartatthe

vortexesandworkourwayfromthere.

Worryingaboutallthiswasastrain,soItoldMickIneededtotakeawalk.
Mickdidn’twanttoletmeoutofhissight—hehadthatlook.
“Totherailroadbed,that’sall,”Isaid.“Youwonagainstthedragons,andthekachinaswillkeepaway

thedragonswhostillwanttokillme.Soyoutoldme.”

Mickdidn’tlikeit,buthe’dlearnedsomethingaboutme—thatifhetriedtotetherme,I’dstrugglethat

muchhardertobreakfree.IgavehimasmilethatsaidthatwhenIgotback,hecouldtethermeinamore
funway.Ikissedhimandleft.

Thesunwaswellupinabluesky,buttheairwascool.ThebrutalheatofDeathValleyhadnoplace

hereinthemile-highelevationofmydesert.Iclimbedtothetopoftherailroadbedandbreathedinclean
scentsofscrubandgrasses,cedarandjuniper,freshearth,dust,andwind.Thevortexeslayoutthere
underthesun,closed,quiet.

Thecrowflewtothejuniperitlikedandgavemetheeye.Ismiledatit.“Thanks,Grandmother.”
Shegavemeher“humph”look,butIsworeIsawaffectionintheglitteringblackorb.
“JanetBegay?”
Atthewoman’svoice,thecrowgaveahoarsecawandflappedintotheair.Iturnedtofaceayoung

womanwhowasmyage,perhapsafewyearsyounger.

ShewasNativeAmerican,butIdidn’tthinkNavajo.Shewasaboutaninchshorterthanme,andher

facewasrounderthanmine.Sheworeherhairinastraightponytailandhadonordinaryclothes—jeans
andatight-fittingblacktop.Theonlythingoutoftheordinarywasthelovelysilvernecklacearoundher
neck,heavydisksdecoratedwithswirlsandanimalsymbols.Ifitwasartisan-created,itwouldbeworth
athousandorso.

“Yes?”Ianswered.
“I’vebeenwantingtomeetyou.”ShestuckherhandsinherpocketsasIsometimesdid,andgrinnedat

me.“Myname’sGabrielleMassey.FromWhiteriver.”

“MychefisfromWhiteriver,”Isaid.IwonderedifthiswasoneoftheApachewoman’sdaughtersor

grand-daughters.

“Iheard.”Gabriellesmiledatmeagain,thesmilewrinklinghernose.Shelookedfriendly,butina

standoffishway,ifthatmadeanysense.AsthoughshewaitedtoseehowIreactedtoherandwas
preparedtofindthereactionamusing.

“Areyoulookingforaroom?”Iaskedpolitely.Itneverhurttobenicetoapotentialguest.
“Notthistime.”Hersmilebroadened.“Youdon’tknowwhoIam,doyou?Andyouthinkyou’reso

goodatreadingauras.”

Ilookedathers—no,Ilookedforhersanddidn’tsenseone.Thatwasweird.Theonlybeingwhose

auraIcouldn’talwayssensewasCoyote’s,becauseheknewhowtosuppressit.That’showhealways
snuckuponme.

Shelaughed.“Ilearnedthetrick.Youshouldtoo.Yourauraismessy.Blackandwhite,likesmokein

sunshine.Twonaturesstrugglingagainsteachothersohard.I’mlucky.Ionlyhaveonekindofmagic.”

Istaredather,confusedashellandgettingnervous.Iwasn’treadytoexperimentwithmynewlymixed

magic,butIstartedimagininganice,imperviousbarrierrisingbetweenherandme.

“I’mnotheretohurtyou,”shesaid,asthoughshesensedwhatIwantedtodo.“Ijustwantedtomeet

you,really.Andforyoutomeetme.It’sbeenalongtimecoming.”

Igaveuponpoliteness.“Well,sinceIdon’tknowwhothehellyouare,Ican’tsayI’vebeenwaiting.”
“Iwantustobefriends,”Gabriellesaid,“whichiswhyI’vedoneitthisway.Butifyouwanttosee...”
Shedroppedwhatevershieldsshe’dbeenusing,andIgotthefullblastofheraura.Itwaswhite,

glittering,hardasiceandjustascold.Iswallowedascream,anditnearlychokedme.I’dfeltthiskindof
aurabefore,andIknewexactlywhere.Ithadhappenednotamilefromthisplaceaboutfourmonthsago,
onapowerfullystormynight.

TheswiftglimpsewasallIgot.BythetimeI’ddrawnasinglebreath,Gabrielle’sshieldswerebackin

place.

“Ilearnedtohide,”shesaid.“Becausetherearethingsouttherethataresoeasilyfrightened.”
Mebeingoneofthem.Iswallowedondryness.“Youcan’tbe...ShesaidIwastheonlyonethat

survived.”

Gabrielle’seyescrinkledinthecorners.“ThethingaboutMother,Janet,isthatshelies.She’svery,

verygoodatit.”

Ifeltasthoughoneofthelocomotivesthatusedtotraversethistrackhadjustslammedintome.My

mother,thegoddessfromBeneath,hadmadeitahabittopossesswomen,getthemwithchildthrough
unsuspectingmales,thenwithdraw.Theresultingchild,likeme,oftenhadtoomuchmagicinherforthe
innocentwomantocarry.Themothermostoftendied,takingthebabywithher.Thegoddesshadtoldme
thatinalltheyearsshe’dbeentrying,therehadonlybeenme.

Theyoungwomanwhostoodbeforeme,half-Apache,half-goddess,wasanother.
Anotherme.
AnotherJanet.
Theworldjustgotvery,verycomplicated.
“YoumadeUndeadJim,”Isaid,knowingIwasright.
“Verygood.Ifeltsorryfortheguy,lyingtherestabbedtodeath,andallhe’ddonewasdigupafew

pots.IknewIcouldbringhimbackbeforehewastoofargone,soIdid.Ididn’trealizehe’dgoona
killingrampage.”

IunderstoodnowwhyJimthoughtI’dresurrectedhim,whythekachinashadthoughtI’dmadehim.

They’dsensedBeneathmagic,Gabrielle’smagic,andthoughtitwasmine.

“Youdidn’trealize?”Irepeated.“Threepeopledead,andyoudidn’trealize?”
Gabrielleshrugged.“I’dneverresurrectedanyonebefore.Don’tgoallmoralizingonme,Janet.Imade

amistake.Youfixedit.Everything’sfinenow.”

“AfterIgotburiedalivebykachinas,nearlyfriedbydragons,andthreatenedwithdeathbyCoyote.

Sure,everything’sfine.”

“Overreact,whydon’tyou?Icamehereasacourtesy,becauseIwantedtomeetmysister.”Gabrielle

grinned.“SoI’mmeetingyou.I’llgoawaynow,soyoudon’tkeepgettingbeatupforwhatIdo.”

“Goawaywhere?”Iaskedinalarm.
“Idon’tknow.Somewhere.Don’tworry,I’llcomebacktovisit.”Gabrielletookherhandsoutofher

pocketsandsmiled,sunshineglisteningonherblackhair.“Seeyou,Janet.”

Andshevanished.
Notinapuffofsmokeoranythingdramaticlikethat.Shewassimplythere,andthenshewasn’t.
Istoodthereforastunned,frozenmoment,andthenIscrambledbackdowntherailroadbedand

sprintedbacktothehotel,shoutingforMick.

Twenty-eight

Gabrielledidn’tmakeareappearance,butIhadMickandCassandrahelpmeputextrawardsalloverthe
hotel.Ispentthenextseveraldayslookingformy“sister,”checkinguponmyfriendstomakesureshe
hadn’tcomenearthem,andwardingtheirhousesaswell.

Coyotedidn’tcometometomakegoodonhispromisetokillmeforusingtheBeneathmagictokill

JimandsaveMick,butthecrowstartedhangingaroundalot.

MygrandmotherwaspissedashellaboutGabrielleandletmeknowit.ThefactthatGrandmother

calledmeonthephoneabouther,voluntarily,theafternoonafterI’dencounteredGabrielle,toldmehow
upsetshewas.Grandmotherhadnotbeenthrilledaboutmyexistence,butatleastIwaspartofherblood
andcarriedherearthmagic.ThisGabrielle—Ihadn’tsensedanyothermagicinherbutthatofBeneath,
whichmeantherbiologicalfatherandmothermusthavebeenordinaryhumans.IdrovehometoMany
Farms,takingMickwithme,totrytoreassureGrandmotherplusstrengthenthewardsonmyfamilyhome.
MymotherhadneverbeenabletoreachasfarasManyFarms,butGabrielle,bornofthisearth,couldgo
anywhereshewanted.

Inspiteofmyworries,Iwentthroughweeksofnothingverytraumatichappeningatmyhotel.Guests

cameandwent,Isoldsomeofmyartphotos,Pamelastartedrentinganapartmentintown,andCassandra
movedinwithher.Theonlyexcitementcamewhenasoft-spokenNightwalkerappearedatmyheavily
wardeddoorandaskedifhecouldspendthenight.Hehadthehollowlookofoneofthetameones,soI
lethim,providedhewaswatched.Hekepttohimself,didn’tmakeanytrouble,didn’ttrytosucktheother
guestsdry,andsoIputthestakesbackintomydeskdrawer.

Coyotefinallydidcometome,inadreamofcourse.
WestoodinthecutofChevelonCanyon,thepetroglyphsonitssteepwallsglowingwiththeirown

light.Thestrangecreaturesinthepicturesseemedtowritheandwhirl,dancingintheirownlittlefrenzy.
Thecreekfloweddownthemiddle,quietinthemoonlight.

Asusual,Iwasnaked.SowasCoyote,inhismanshapethistime.
“Youdidgood,Janet,”Coyotesaid,lookingmeupanddown.“I’mproudofyou.”
“IsthatwhyI’mstillaliveandwalkingaround?”
Coyotegavemeagrin.“Yep.”
“HowdidIdogood?”Iasked,fedup.“YouwerereadytoblastmeintoatomsthelasttimeIsawyou.

Youdidtry,andonlyNashjumpinginfrontofmesavedme.”

“Iwasn’tgoingtokillyou,sweetie,justslowyoudownalittle,butNashmisunderstoodandgotinthe

way.Yousee,youpassedmytest.”

“Yourtest?”Iglaredathim,foldingmyarmsovermybarebreasts.“Whatdoyoumean,yourtest?”
“Ineededtoknowwhatyou’ddoonceyourealizedhowpowerfulyouwere.ThoughIwasn’tlying

whenIsaidI’dkillyouifyouscrewedup.Butyoudidn’t.Youchosetoshowcompassion,evenfor
someoneasmindlesslyevilasUndeadJim.Igetthatyouhadtodestroyhimintheend.Hewaswrong,
andhehadtobestopped.”

Damnhim.Heregardedmewithcalm,darkeyes,stillpowerful,stillagod.StillCoyote.
Iglaredbackathiminrage.“Woulditkillyoutotellmethesethingsatthetime?I’vebeenlosingsleep

worryingaboutwhatyouweregoingtodotome.”

“Poorbaby.StayingawakesoMickcanhelprelaxyou.Damn,Ishouldhavebeenlookinginthe

window.”

“Bastard,”Isaid.
“Hey,itwasforyourowngood,andyouknowit.Youneededtolearnhowtosilencethatvoiceinyour

head.”

Thelittlevoicehadgoneaway.Ithink.Ihadn’thearditinawhileanyway,notsinceI’dlearnedto

braidtheBeneathmagicandthestormmagicintooneentity.Thegood,thebad,andtheugly,coming
togethertomakeausefulwhole.

“Youlearned,yougrew,”Coyotesaid.“Ihadfaiththatyouwould,myStormwalker.”
“AndifIhadn’t,youwouldhavekilledme?”
“Yep.”Coyoteputhisstrongarmaroundme.“Butyoushowedyourtruecolors.Iloveyou,Janet.”
“Thanks,”Isaiddrily.“ButI’mstillnothavingsexwithyou.”
“Hey,agod’sgottatry.”
Alizardscurriedby,scatteringgravelasitscrambledforitsnextspotofcover.“Ineedtotellyou

something,”Isaidslowly.

“Aboutyoursister?”
Imadeanexasperatednoise.“Howlonghaveyouknownaboutthat?Willitdomeanygoodtoaskwhy

youdidn’tbothertotellmeabouther?”

“Relax.Ididn’tknowuntilshecametoyou.Iwaslurkingatthebottomofthewash,watchingyou.I

heardwhenyouheard.”

“You’retellingmeyoudidn’tknowsheexisted?Youknewallaboutme.”
“That’sbecauseyoublunderedaroundburningdownbuildingsassoonasyourstormmagicmanifested.

Yousureknowhowtoattractattention,Janet.AndthenyourBeneathmagicflaredupallsparklyonceyou
metyourmother.Stealthwasneveryourstrength.ThisGabrielle,now,she’slearnedsomehowtohide
whatsheisandhideitdamnwell.Shemusthavebeenraisedbysomeonepowerfulandverysmart.We’ll
havetokeepoureyeonourGabrielle.”

“Nokidding.”
“Don’tworry,sweetie.Youhavealotoffriendsreadytoprotectyou.Me,forone.Him,foranother.”
HimwastheKosharecartwheelingdownthewash.Hedidafinalcartwheelinfrontofus,misjudged,

andfellonhisbackside.HegazedupatmewithalooksocomicalIhadtolaugh.

Thiswasn’tBenKavena;itwastherealKoshare,who’dcometomeinthecave.Inoticedhe’dleftoff

theloincloth.WhatwasitaboutnakedfleshinCoyote-instigateddreams?

“Myfriend?”IaskedtheKoshare.“Theonewhoburiedmeinsideavolcano?”
TheKosharemimedgrievousweeping.Hefellonhisbackandkickedhisheelslikeakidinacrying

tantrum.

“Yes,afriend,”Coyotesaid.“Youpassedhistesttoo.”
“I’mgladIwassuchastarstudent.”
“Youshouldbe.”
TheKosharestoppedkicking,archedback,andleaptforwardtohisfeet.Hegrabbedmyhandsand

spunmearound,butonlyoncethistimebeforelettingmego.

Youarepowerful,hesaidinmyhead.Youhavethemagicofthestorms—goodmagicofthisearth—

andthemagicfromtheplaceoforigin.Youhaveprovedthatyouarestrongenoughtocontainboth.
Youhaveearnedthegreatrespectofmybrothersandsisters.

“Gladtohearit.”
Ifyouhaveneed,ever,youcallonme.
“Thankyou.”Iwasgratefulforthat,intruth.Kachinaswerepowerfulentities,andI’dmuch,much

rathertheyregardedmeasafriendthananenemy.

“We’regoodtogo,then?”Coyoteaskedme.“Howaboutsomecelebratorynookie?”
Ilaughed,finallyrelaxing.“Youneverstop,doyou?”
Coyotewinked.“Okay,then.HowaboutabeerattheCrossroadsBar?”
“Now,thatIcando.CanIbringMick?”

“Sure.YouknowI’malwaysupforathreesome.”
TheKosharemadeasnortingnoise.HestudiedCoyoteinmockdisgustandshookhishipssothathis

penisrockedbackandforth.

Coyote’sgrinvanished.“Oh,yeah?”
Hemorphedintohiscoyoteform,abluenimbussurroundinghislankybody,andleaptattheKoshare.
TheKosharesprangintotheairandstartedrunningfortheshallowcreek,Coyoterightbehindhim.

Halfwaythere,theKosharespunaroundandpointedatCoyote,andCoyote’slongtailburstintoflames.

Coyote’shigh-pitchedyowlsechoedupanddownthecanyon,andheranflatoutforthecreek.Ihearda

heavysplashandthehissofsteam.

TheKosharemimedsidesplittinglaughter,sprangintotheair,andvanished.IrantothebankasCoyote

climbedfromthewater,hislimbsstiff,tailsodden.Heshookhimselfout,glaringattheairwherethe
Kosharehadbeen,andsnarled.

Ifuckinghateclowns.

TurnthepageforaspecialpreviewofthenextbookbyAllysonJames

Shadowwalker

ComingsoonfromBerkleySensation!

One

Nothingquitemakesyournightlikefallingtwohundredfeetintoasinkhole.

Mymotorcyclespunasthesolidpavementofthehighwayopenedupunderme,andthenIwasfalling

down,down,down,intothebowelsoftheearth.Anavalancheofrocks,dirt,trees,andthespeeding
sheriff’sSUVfollowedmeintotheabyss.

MybikeandIseparated,anditsmashedagainstthesideoftheholeandbrokeintomanypieces.Itried

tostopmyfall,tograbontotherootsthatprotrudedfromthebreakingwall,butIfellsofast,myhands
couldcloseonnothing.TheSUVgrounditswaydownwiththeboulders,metalgroaning,glassflyingto
mixwiththeshowerofdirtandgravel.

I’dbeenwearingpaddedleatheragainsttheJanuarycold,whichprotectedmesomewhat,butallmy

paddingwouldn’thelpmeifNashJones’sSUVfellontopofme.Itriedtoreachintomyselfanddrawon
mymagic,butI’mforemostaStormwalker,whichmeansIcanchannelthepowerofastorm,butIneeda
stormtobepresenttoworkthemagic.Thenight,thoughrawwithcold,wasstubbornlyclear.

IalsohadBeneathmagicinmefromtheworldbelowthisone,butIhadtobeinasteadyframeofmind

totemperitwithmyStormwalkermagic,orI’dsimplyblowupthesinkholeandmeandNashwithit.

FallingacouplehundredfeetdownasheerdropwithanSUVdidnothingtoputmeintoacalmframe

ofmind.Icouldonlyflailandclaw,gaspingforbreathasdirtleakedundermyhelmetandthreatenedto
suffocateme.

Idon’tknowwhyIdidn’tdie.Maybethegodsandtheuniversehadotherplansforme.Itumbledover

andover,andatlastcametorestonanupthrustboulder,whilemud,roots,grass,andgravelpouredon
aroundme.Aboneinmyarmsnapped,thepainsharpandnumbing.

Thesinkholeprovedtobeawideone,andtheSUVlandedaboutfivefeetfromme,wedgedonitsside

betweentwocolossalboulders.Isprawledlikeabugontopofthemud-coatedboulder,amazedthatmy
heartstillbeat.

Thelandslideceasedbutsentupachokingcloudofdustthatcutoffallairandlight.TheSUVwent

silentexceptforthecreaksandhissesofengineparts.

Ipulledoffmyhelmetwithmygoodhand—whichsoundseasy.WhatIreallydidwasfruitlesslyclaw

atit,cryingwithfear,untilitatlastunstuckfrommyhead.

IthankedeverygodandgoddesswhomightcarethatI’dbotheredwiththehelmetatall.SometimesI

rodebare-headed,whichwasperfectlylegalinthisstate,butI’dbeentravelingbackfromChinle,andI
didn’tliketorideontheinterstatewithoutmyhelmet,especiallyatnight.IfIhadn’tbotheredwithit,my
brainswouldnowbewetsmearsontherocksaroundme.

Itwaspitch-blackdownhere,themoonlightblottedoutbythedust.Coughing,IcrawledtotheSUV,

hissingthroughmyteethwhenItouchedthehotmetaloftheengine.Thevehiclewaswedgedintight,the
passengerdoorfacingupward.Iclimbedontothedoor,myhurtarmclenchedagainstmyside,mylegs
clumsy.Thewindowglasshadbrokenaway,leavingagapinthedarkness.

“Jones,”Icroaked.Itdidn’tevensoundlikeaword,justagutturalsound.
Nothingmoved.Everythinginsidewasdark,thesheriff’sradioandcomputerinterfacedead.TheSUV

wasnothingbutasilenthunkofmetal,plastic,andfiberglass.IgropedforNash,halffallingintothe
slantedcab.

SheriffNashJoneshadbeenchasingmeoutonthatlonelyhighway,becausewhenI’dtakentheturnoff

toFlatMesa,I’ddrivenrightthroughhisspeedtrap.Ihadn’tbeenpayingattention,thinkingaboutthenice

dayI’dspentatCanyondeChellysnappingphotosafteranequallynicevisittomyfatherinManyFarms.
I’dflownpasttheclumpofcedarsonthedesertedroad,andNashhadburstoutfrombehindthem,lights
flaring,topursuemelikeahungrylion.

Damnyou,Jones,don’tyouhaveanythingbettertodowithyournightsthantoparkbehindatree

witharadargun?Youseriouslyneedtogetlaid.

Itouchedawarmbody,NashJonesinanunmovinghuddleagainstthefardoor.Ituggedoffmyglove

andfoundhisface,hisneck,butIcouldn’tfeelapulse.Iputmyfingersunderhisnoseandexhaledin
reliefwhenIfeltatinybreathtouchmyskin.Hewasalive.

Nowwhat?
Noradio,nocellphone,becauseI’dleftminebehindatmyhotelandNash’s,onceIdugitfromhis

belt,didn’twork.Thepieceofmagicmirror,whichhadbeengroundintothemirroronmymotorcycle,
musthavebeensmashedalongwitheverybitofmybike.ThemirrorwaswhyIhadn’tbeencarryingmy
cellphone—magicmirrorsweremorereliable.

Thefullmagicmirror,whichhungoverthebarinmyhotel,wouldknowthatitsslicehadfallenintothe

sinkhole—if,thatwas,thedamnedthingwasawake.Itlikedtonodoffattheworstoftimes.Ihopedit
wasscreamingatthetopofitsobnoxiousvoicethatsomethingwaswrong,alertingMick,mydragon
shifterboyfriend,andCassandra,myWiccanhotelmanager.Onlythemagicalcouldhearthemirror,andI
wantedthemtohearitnow.

Withoutbeingabletoseepastthedensecloudofdust,Ihadnowayofknowinghowfardownwe

were.Orwhetherwe’dcontinuetofalliftherocksshifted.Hadwehitbottom,orhadtherubblebuilta
shelfthatwouldstabilizeawhilebeforeagainbreakingapart?

I’dreadsomewherethatsinkholeswereformedwhengroundwaterfinishedeatingawayattheroofof

giganticcavernsfarbelowthesurface.Oncethelayerisgone,theuptoathousandorsofeetofrock
aboveitcollapsesstraightdown,draggingeverythingonthesurfacewithitandleavingasheer-facedsink
foreveryonetoponder.Theuplanddesertsareriddledwiththethings.They’reveryinterestingwhenyou
readabouttheminabook,butnotsomuchwhenoneformsrightbeneathyourfeet.

WasthisSUVriggedtosendoutadistresssignalifitcrashed?Nash’sdeputieswouldnoticethat

they’dlostradiocontactwithhim—wouldn’tthey?Ihadnoideawherepolicetechnologystoodthese
days,orwhetherHopiCountyhadenoughmoneytokeepupwiththerestoftheworld.AllIknewwas
thateverycommunicationdeviceintheSUVwasdeadandsilent.Nashhimselfstillwasn’tmoving.

“Comeon,Mick,”Iwhispered.“Cassandra.Someone.”
Thetruckshiftedandmyheartraced,myadrenalineoffthescale.IfeltmyrawBeneathmagicwanting

tostrikeoutinresponse,togetmethehelloutofthere.Ittensedlikeacoiledrattlesnakeandwasjustas
deadly.

Iclosedmyeyestotrytostillmymind,butmyheartwaspoundingsoharditmademesick.The

Beneathmagicresponded,brightandwhiteandstrongenoughtodestroytheworld.Ididn’twantto
destroytheworld:Ijustwantedtogetoutofthisdamnedhole.

Lightflickeredthroughmyclosedlids,andIpoppedmyeyesopen,hopeflaring.Wasitthemoonlight

filteringthroughdust,ortheflashlightsofrescueworkers?

Neither.Theglowdidn’tcomefromthesurface,butfromtherocksaroundme.AsIwatched,thinlines

oflightbeganmovingacrosstheboulders.Thelineslookedlikepetroglyphs,picturesleftfromthe
ancientpeopleofthisland,buttheseglowedwithphosphorescent-likelight.

Thelinesthickened,multiplied,stillglowingfaintly,andthen,undermywatchinggaze,theysprouted

skeletalhands.Iwentutterlystill.Bonyfingersstartedflowingacrossrocks,makingnosound,groping,
searching.

IgrippedtheseatofNash’struckandswallowedbile.I’dneverseenanythinglikethembefore.Were

theythegodsofBeneath,tryingtogetoutthroughavortexdownhere?Orwasthissomenewhorror?

ItouchedmyBeneathmagicagain,myonlyweapon.Usingitwithoutbeingabletotwineitwithmy

stormmagicmighteitherripaholeinrealityormakemybrainimplode.Iwasn’tsurewhich.ButIknew
withever-increasingcertaintythatIdidn’twantthoseskeletalfingerstouchingme.

Thehandsmultipliedastheypouredacrossthesurfaceoftheboulders,slidingthroughthemlikefish

throughwater.Thesicklylightincreaseduntilitlitupthewholeinsideofthecab,illuminatingtheblood
thatwasblackonNash’sheadandface.Hisskinwaspasty,hislipsbloodless.He’ddieifIdidn’tget
himoutofhere.

Mentally,IclosedmyfistaroundaballofBeneathmagicanddrewittothesurface.Oh,ithurt.Ithurt

likeholyhell,asthoughsomeonehadthrustalitfireworkintomychest.IheldontothemagicashardasI
could,knowingthatifIlostcontrolofit,itmightkillme,Nash,andeverylivingcreaturewithinamile.
ButatleastIcouldtrytosendupasignal,likeamagicalflare.

Iopenedmyimaginaryfingers,releasingabitoflight.Theskeletalhandsstopped,fingersmoving

slightly,eachhandpulsinginexacttimewiththeother.Likeaheartbeat,Irealized.Myheartbeat.

Inpanic,Iletoutmoreofmymagic,andthemomentIdidthat,thehandsorientedsharplyonme.
Thescreamthatcameoutofmymouthwasmoreofacroak.IclosedmymindovertheBeneathmagic,

franticallyshuttingitdown.Assoonasmymagicretreatedbelowthesurface,thehandsstopped,stilling,
waiting.

Shit,shit,shit.IftheBeneathmagicexcitedthem,andIhadnostorm,thenIwasseriouslyscrewed.All

Icoulddowassitherewiththedyingsheriffandwatchthehandsfillthesinkholetotherightandleft,
aboveusandbelow.Theystartedmovingagain,enclosingtheSUVinabubbleoflight,andIwasso
scaredIwantedtopuke.

Afaceappearedinthemiddleoftheunnaturalglow,ananimalface,long-nosedandpointed-eared.It

lookedmorelikeaglyphofananimalratherthanarealone,butIgraspedthehope.

“Coyote?Damnit,helpus!”
Theanimalfaded,butthebonyfingersdidn’t.TheyweretouchingtheSUVnow,slidingthroughthe

metalandfiberglass,andthewholetruckbegantogroan.

IgrabbedNashandliftedhimthebestIcould,cradlinghimagainstmychest.Ifearedtomovehim,but

Ifearedthosehandsevenmore.Nashhimselfwasawalkingmagicvoid—whichmeantthathisbody
somehownegatedallmagicthrownhisway,eventhemostpowerfulstuff.Whetherhecouldnegatethese
evilhands,Ididn’tknow,butIhadtotakewhatIcouldget.Theywereallaroundusnow,crawling
acrossthehoodtowardthebrokenwindows.

Icouldn’tjustsithereanddonothing.ThehandshadhomedinonmyBeneathmagic,butmaybe,ifI

werefastenough,Icouldtakethemoutbeforetheycouldtouchme.

Ireachedintomyselffortheballofwhitemagicagain.Coyotehadtoldmehedidn’twantmetousemy

BeneathmagicunlessItempereditwithstormmagic,butCoyotewasn’there,washe?Anditwasn’tmy
faulttherewasnoragingstormoverhead.Iwasstuckinasinkholewithweirdpetroglyphscomingforme,
andIwantedtogohome.

IhadtoletgoofNash—Iknewfromexperiencethathecouldnegatemymagic,eventhestrongestofit.

Ilaidhimgentlyagainstthefardoorandbracedmyselfonthedashtopushupthroughthebroken
passengerwindow.

IscreamedasIthrewthesnakeofBeneathmagicatthehandsonthetruck.Screamsechoedthroughthe

sinkhole—myscreams—absorbedbythehandsandthrownbackatme.ThehoodoftheSUVmelted,
hosesbreakingandfluiderupting.Andthehandskeptcoming.

Idrewbackforanotherstrikewhenredlightandsuddenheatbursthighaboveme.Hotorangelight

poureddowntheholelikeathousandbonfiresstrungtogether,burningthedustintolittleyellowsparks.

Theskeletalhandsfroze,andasIheldmybreath,clenchingtheBeneathmagic,theyretreated.Inthe

distance,Iheardthebellowofagiganticbeastandthenfeltadowndraftasahugedragonflappedhis

wings.

Istartedtolaugh,tearsstreamingdownmyface.“Mick,”Itriedtoshout,butallIcouldmanagewasa

cloggedwhisper.

“Mick,”Iwhisperedagain.“Downhere.”

Document Outline

Title Page
Copyright Page
Acknowledgements
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Eleven
Twelve
Thirteen
Fourteen
Fifteen
Sixteen
Seventeen
Eighteen
Nineteen
Twenty
Twenty-one
Twenty-two
Twenty-three
Twenty-four
Twenty-five
Twenty-six
Tweenty-seven
Twenty-eight
Teaser chapter

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