As I pulled into the garage at the retreat, I noticed the absence of Josh’s Jeep. I frowned at my phone. No calls. No messages. We hadn’t agreed on a timeline, but I wasn’t going to wait much longer before I tore apart the city looking for him.

There was a general agitation in the house as those affected by Mercury impatiently waited for it to rise.

I was on my way to the clinic to check on Kelly when Sebastian called me into his office. I sat in front of his desk and filled him in on our visit to Logan, then waited as he took in the information, weighing his thoughts.

Eventually, he leaned back into his chair and said, “Maya will have to wait until this matter with Gideon is resolved.”

“Finding the Tre’ase that created her is going to be expensive, perhaps impossible.”

“We might be able to use the link between them to track the Tre’ase.”

I nodded. Josh might be able to trace the link, or at least use it to narrow down the search. “Have you considered how you want to deal with Abigail?” I asked, changing the subject.

He brought his fingers together into a pyramid, gently tapping the tips together. “You’re certain that she is the one who turned the creature loose on her brother?”

I saw by the determined line of his jaw that he’d already made up his mind but wanted independent confirmation. “A number of candidates for the elven leadership have died under mysterious circumstances, but somehow Gideon miraculously survives the attempt. There are already rumors circulating among the elves that it was his virility that enabled him to survive.” Sebastian and I shared an appreciative smile at the blatant but effective propaganda. “He doesn’t have the ambition for such machinations, but she does. As a female, she is ineligible to lead the elves, but she’s not above using her brother as a proxy. Assassinating the other candidates eliminates the competition. Poisoning Gideon eliminates any suspicion against him. It also gives him the motivation for revenge, and it will galvanize his already considerable public support. If this isn’t Abigail’s plot, then there is another power seeking to put Gideon in charge, but we’ve no sense of that. My money’s on the sister.”

Sebastian tapped his fingers together a few times, then leaned forward, resting his forearms on his desk. “We’ll continue to protect them as long as doing so is to our advantage. If there are signs that he may lose the election, we’ll need to revisit our support.”

“I agree.”

His eyes held mine, searching for something. I saw there the same caution he used whenever there was a delicate matter between us. “I haven’t had a chance to offer you my condolences for your grandmother,” he said cautiously. “I’ll understand if you need to take some time.”

“That won’t be necessary,” I said stiffly. “We weren’t close.”

As he chose his next words carefully, I wondered why the cautious dance. His amber eyes were steady, empathetic, as they studied me. “The pack relies on your steadiness,” he stated, leaving the rest unsaid.

Between the dark elf magic and the unsettling appearances of Dennis, I’d been off, and it had been noticed. I shifted in my seat, frowned, debated how to answer. Revealing my newly discovered lineage would put Sebastian in a dangerous position. I couldn’t do that to him, but I’d never lied to him, either. I could tell him about Dennis and conveniently leave out the story of my newfound magic but was loathe to mislead him.

In any other pack, I would be the Alpha. I didn’t challenge Sebastian because I recognized the strength of his leadership, and he recognized my value as his second. It was an arrangement of mutual benefit and respect.

“There are some unexpected challenges,” I said carefully.

He frowned. I felt his searching gaze probing deeper through my facade. “Is there a threat to the pack?”

I took in a breath and let it out in a frustrated gasp. “Only if I describe it. This is something I need to handle alone, outside the pack.”

He nodded, folded his hands in his lap. After a moment, he informed me, “Our house on the North Side was broken into last night.”

I pushed to the edge of my seat. The security of our properties was my responsibility. Under normal circumstances, I rotated pack members randomly through the properties, checking security, taking out garbage, picking up mail, rotating lights to give an impression of use. I’d been too distracted since my encounter with Lucas Reed. “Who? How?”

“A pair of vampires that were wandering through Chicago, picking out vacant properties on their way to New York. Tim caught them in the middle of dinner.”

A growl rumbled from my chest.

Sebastian waved off my obvious assumption. “They’re not Demetrius’s. A pair of wanderers taking a joy ride from coast to coast. Tim checked them out.”

“They’re destroyed, I assume.” If not, I’d kill them myself.

Sebastian gave a slight sigh. “I gave them to Demetrius for punishment.”

I frowned, but it was a reasonable choice. He didn’t tolerate interlopers, and it saved us the task of cleaning up the mess. If any vamps came looking for their pals, they’d be Demetrius’s problem as well. Still, the situation left a sour sense in my gut. What seemed an inconsequential incident could quickly blossom into a much bigger situation. I’d thought my problems were contained, isolated from the pack, but I was wrong.

Feeling the tension in the office as Sebastian waited for an explanation, I glanced at my palm.

“If there is a risk to the pack . . .” he said, allowing his voice to trail off.

I swallowed before answering. “Knowledge is risk. If I tell what I know, the risk is extreme.”

“Between us, then.”

“I can’t put you in that position.”

“I take responsibility for my own choices.”

“Sebastian—”

“I have a responsibility to every member of this pack, including you. It is a responsibility that goes beyond issues of my personal safety.”

I took a deep breath, then filled him in about my grandmother, Lucas Reed, my newfound magical talents, and my hunt for the Aufero. He listened soberly, keeping questions to himself.

“If you feel it would be best for the pack,” I finished, “I will leave.” Aside from my brother, the pack was my life. Imagining a life without it was difficult. I’d likely leave Chicago, though I’d stay close to my brother, unless he chose to join me.

“Can you contain the magic?” he asked.

So far. Since I’d nearly killed Sky, I’d managed to keep the dark elf magic in check. “It is under control, but it remains unfamiliar. My understanding of it is limited. The risk of an unexpected encounter is significant, but will reduce over time.”

“Have you considered keeping the magic?”

I assumed he was testing me. “I do not share my brother’s ambition for power. There is no upside to this magic.”

He nodded, thinking. “The Aufero is the best option. The pack needs plausible deniability, but if there’s something I can do to assist, tell me.”

I nodded, then left his office, grateful and guilty for having shared my burden.

In the clinic, I found Gideon and Kelly looking uncomfortable as Gavin paced the room. His panther was steadily rising closer to the surface in anticipation of Mercury’s rise, when he and his were-animal would be more intertwined than any other time. Unlike the others, he resisted the need to change. Whether he was keeping Kelly company or protecting her from the elf, I wasn’t sure, but I could see by the tension in her body, the wary look in her eyes as they tracked his movement from one end of the clinic to the other in a repetitive cycle, that he was unnerving her.

Seeing me in the doorway, she gave me a pleading look.

“Gavin,” I said, gesturing for him to follow me out of the room. He scowled at me, then at Gideon, before joining me in the hall. As I walked toward the living area, he was obliged to follow. “Gideon knows that he and his sister will be held responsible for anything that happens to Kelly. He’s not going to harm her.”

Gavin’s eyes darkened with anger. “I’ll be the judge of that.”

“She’s on edge,” I said, softening my tone. “Your agitation is affecting her.” A sullen acceptance came over him. He nodded. “You should change.”

“When it’s time.”

I was going to insist when he glanced out the window. His shoulders tensed. A dark look came over him and he strode out the front door.

Before I could follow him, Sebastian appeared, getting my attention to discuss his concerns regarding Dr. Baker. He, too, was defying his natural instinct in deference to Kelly. Where Gavin’s agitation had long surpassed his usefulness to her, Dr. Baker’s attention was critical. How long would that last? At what point would we have to force the doctor to change?

We were discussing the issue when Gavin returned to the house with Sky close behind him. His agitation was worse than before he’d left. Gold sparks flashed in his eyes, indicating his panther was just below the surface. Lost in some thought, he ignored us. Turning toward the clinic, he ran a trembling hand through his hair as he walked by.

“Gavin,” I said, infusing my voice with command.

He stopped. In his glare I saw just how close he was to losing control.

“Mercury is rising,” Sebastian cautioned. “You need to change. Shouldn’t you be outside preparing with the others?”

“What do I need to prepare for?” Gavin snapped. “It peaks. I change. Then I run around in panther form for a couple hours, and then I’m back. Preparation isn’t needed. I’m not going to leave her here alone while it roams through this house unchecked.”

“We will make sure she is okay,” Sebastian said.

He rolled his eyes. “Of course, because you all did such a great job before.”

“She’ll be fine,” I promised. “He’s more of a nuisance than a threat.”

His eyes narrowed as he leaned toward me. “She can’t move her legs. He’s not just a nuisance; he’s a problem. It is because of him she is like this.”

“It was an unexpected event,” Sebastian said, his tone betraying thin patience.

“And that makes it okay with you?”

“No, it’s not okay, but you not changing and being an irrational ass isn’t going to help, either. You want to protect her, so do we—”

“If you really wanted to protect her and this pack, we wouldn’t have gotten involved, damn it! So what if Gideon had died? He’s not the ruler and probably never will be. What did saving him do for us?”

I tensed, exchanging a meaningful glance with Sebastian. Gavin was a caustic personality by default, but the influence of Mercury couldn’t be underestimated. Patience was required, but there were limits. Engaging in his argumentative nature would only encourage him.

“I don’t think I am going to change this time,” Gavin decided.

Denying the call of Mercury was akin to denying his true nature.

Sebastian tried to reason with him. “Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. She’s scared and you seem to comfort her. She needs you at your best. You’re a jackass when you don’t change. Go change so that you can be there for her, because she needs you better than you are now.”

“I’ll be fine,” he snapped.

Sebastian took one step toward Gavin, glaring down at him. “You will change,” he commanded, “and you will do it now. There will not be any more discussion about it. Do you understand me?”

He held Sebastian’s gaze for a moment, challenging him until he saw the amber fire in the Alpha’s eyes. Gavin was going to change, or he was going to leave the grounds, but he wasn’t going to be allowed near Kelly. Faced with a brick wall of determination, he slowly lowered his gaze in reluctant submission. After a moment’s hesitation, he turned and walked out of the house, presumably to change.

Sky’s gaze flicked between Sebastian and me. When neither of us entertained her unspoken questions, she rolled her eyes and slipped between us on her way to the clinic.

I drew my phone from my pocket and examined it.

“Any word from Josh?” Sebastian asked.

“No.” It was nearly eight.

I was going to ask Sebastian a question when Gavin’s panther padded into the house, his clothes gripped in his teeth. He uttered a casual growl as he padded between us, following Sky.

Later in the day, I was on my way to the gym when I noticed Sky and Winter leave together. For a moment, I considered following them, then thought better of it. Whatever mischief Sky was up to, she couldn’t get in much trouble with Winter along. The were-snake was already chafing under the burden of guilt for Kelly’s condition; she’d stop at nothing to protect Sky, even from herself.

I spent the next few hours in the gym, watching my phone and plotting what I would do to Gideon in order to leverage his assistance in finding Josh and his sister. I doubted she would leave her brother in our grasp while double-crossing us, but it didn’t hurt to plan.

It was close to nine when Sky called down to me from the stairs. She’d returned, and so had Josh and Abigail. I changed quickly and found them in the clinic with Sebastian. The tension in the room was oppressive. They failed, I realized, noting my brother’s dark look. I glanced to Kelly and found her supine on the table, propped on her elbows, her expression crestfallen. Abigail faced Sebastian’s angry glower with an assumed casualness, but the way she fidgeted with her braid betrayed her anxiety. She stood protectively between him and Gideon, who appeared disappointed.

Whatever the cause of their failure, the creature that poisoned Kelly was an elven creation. Only the elves possessed the cure, somewhere. Until the cure was obtained and Kelly walked again, one of the twins would remain in our possession at all times. Their devotion to each other was our only leverage.

Sebastian frowned down at her, his tone weighted with judgment as he said, “So you have nothing?”

Before she could answer, Winter walked into the room, her obvious relief at seeing Abigail quickly fading to concern as she read the tension in the room. Sky slipped in beside her, trying to remain unnoticed.

“Mason didn’t take my request for assistance to help you at all well,” Abigail said, trying to sound exasperated. “And he must have put the word out because no one would give us any information.”

Josh ran a hand through his tousled hair. “Most people claimed they didn’t have any idea what it is. I have a hard time believing that so many people were killed by this thing and no one knows anything.”

“Even if Mason could help, he will not,” Abigail explained delicately, imploring Sebastian to understand. “Now that there is an alliance with the witches, he has a renewed sense of power. He feels invincible and no longer fears you as an enemy.”

Sebastian’s rising anger filled the room. “Invincible? It will only be a matter of time before he no longer has any control; he has foolishly rendered Marcia too much of it. Your people will not be any better off. Instead, they will become victims of her thirst for even more power. She will destroy you from within.”

“I know,” she admitted, allowing a weighted amount of exasperation, “but he was chosen to lead and most follow him blindly. I share your feelings and have voiced it so many times, that now, I have lost favor with him and most of my people.” She lowered her gaze, making a display of shame for Sebastian’s benefit.

Is she playing for his sympathy? Is this part of her plan, to use the pack in her efforts to gain power? Unlikely, I thought. To gain leverage, she would’ve had to anticipate the creature infecting one of our own. She was intelligent, ambitious, and clever to some degree, but her machinations appeared to be two-dimensional, playing only a step in advance. To intentionally infect Kelly and use her situation to manipulate the pack into enhancing her position with the elves required multiple levels of cunning. Few played the game that well, and she would have to walk a fine line indeed to navigate her people’s inherent distrust of were-animals if word of such an alliance became known.

No, I decided. She would see any association with us as a risk to Gideon’s chances of becoming the elven leader. She’d used us as cover for her brother’s recovery. That was to be the extent of our involvement. Kelly’s infection was unplanned, but that didn’t mean Abigail wasn’t fishing for an advantage, a way to manipulate the current circumstances in her favor.

Sebastian scrutinized her carefully. His anger felt like a pressure in the room, pushing against everyone. Amber flashed in his eyes as he drew a phone from his pocket.

“There will be no reasoning with him,” I cautioned. Without the possibility of agreement, appealing to Mason only enhanced his position, while weakening ours.

Sebastian asked Abigail, “Who else will have any information on elven creatures?”

“Maybe the witches.” She shrugged. “I doubt they would enter any alliance with anyone blindly. They will know enough about us, maybe more.”

Josh stopped chewing his nails to glance at Kelly. She was doing her best to appear hopeful, but his failure to return with a cure had left her dejected. His features softened into resigned empathy as he declared, “Marcia will not help without an offering.”

I understood exactly what he intended. She had only allowed his alliance with the pack out of spite, assuming that he would struggle and eventually crawl back to her. That he’d developed into one of the most powerful witches in the country represented a challenge to her authority. She’d take any advantage to pry him from the pack and reclaim dominion over him.

Glancing at Kelly, I understood why Josh would consider such a sacrifice. She was one of us. As she cared for us, it was our job to ensure her safety, yet one of us had brought a danger to her that she should’ve never faced. That was Winter’s mistake, but Kelly was our responsibility. The pack took care of its own.

“No,” I stated, drawing my phone from my pocket. Josh thought Marcia was our last option, but he was mistaken. “Give me a minute.” I walked into Sebastian’s office and closed the door. On my phone, my finger hovered over Claudia’s number. If I asked, she would help. I wasn’t sure what form that help would take, but she was a woman of many unexpected connections, respected by all of the factions. If there was someone who could help Kelly, Claudia would know, but I couldn’t help the sinking feeling that I was betraying her by asking. Whether she used her abilities or her connections, there was always a cost to her. Out of respect and appreciation, I’d always been reluctant to draw her into my world.

I grimaced at the phone, trying hard to think of some other avenue to explore first, but there was none. It wasn’t just about Kelly, either. After seeing Josh’s expression in the clinic, I knew that if I couldn’t find another way, he’d go to Marcia on his own and make whatever bargain she required in order to enlist her help—another expression of his recklessness, but it was also selfless. I couldn’t allow him to make that sacrifice. Claudia wouldn’t allow it, either.

She answered after several rings. I knew by the singing of birds in the background that she was in her garden. “Ethan, how are you?” While she pitched her voice to sound casual, I knew by the slight strain in her tone that she was worried, seeking confirmation, but that was a different conversation. “Ethan?” she repeated, her concern more apparent as I struggled to find my voice.

I forced air through my throat as I answered, “I need your help.”

There was only a slight hesitation, just enough for both of us to weigh the significance of those few words.

“Tell me everything,” she said. After I finished, she informed me, “Wait there. Give me two hours.”

Precisely two hours later, she arrived at the house with a man I’d never seen before. He was tall and slender, dressed professionally in dark slacks with a matching jacket, a gray vest, and a black tie. He wore expensive sunglasses that hid his eyes. A tightly trimmed goatee emphasized thin, mirthless lips framed by permanent frown lines. Two large men—bodyguards—followed him into the house. In contrast to his grim professionalism, Claudia appeared relaxed and casual in dark slacks, a white short-sleeved button-down shirt, and a multicolored scarf draped over her shoulders.

As he stood in the entryway, the man ran nervous fingers over what little brown hair he had left.

Claudia gave me a slight smile before directing her attention to Sebastian. “He is one of the Creed’s assistants. I think he will be helpful.”

“Claudia, thank you. I owe you.”

She waved off the gesture. “No debts. It was my pleasure.” She directed a maternal smile toward Josh as she slipped off one glove, and then the other, then took Sebastian’s hand into hers. It was a surprising gesture, a rare use of her gifts that left me puzzled as to her intentions. Was this a price paid, or was there some other purpose involved in her gesture? Sebastian tensed, but accepted her gift without resistance.

The room remained respectfully quiet for several minutes until she smiled at him. Relief washed over Sebastian’s face. He bent to kiss her lightly on each cheek, then whispered something so softly that I couldn’t make it out, even with my enhanced hearing.

As she released his hand, he said, “It is good seeing you again.”

“And you, too.” On her way out the door, she hesitated, turned back to Sebastian with a curious look. She gave him a faint smile, then turned and walked out of the house, leaving the assistant and his bodyguards behind.

Once the door closed, the assistant claimed our attention by clearing his throat. With slow deliberation, he pushed his glasses higher onto his nose, then drew his satchel close to his chest. “You are in need of my assistance,” he said, his tone curt and professional to the point of arrogance. “What can I help you with?” His brows raised slightly when he noticed Abigail. He frowned, then turned back to Sebastian.

“Yes,” he said. “Follow me.”

As I followed our guest to the clinic, I wondered what the connection was to my godmother that brought this reluctant servant of the Creed to our aid, and just what aid he could provide.

We found Dr. Baker hunched over a microscope on his desk, a stack of seemingly obscure medical books in disarray next to the microscope. At our entrance, a glint of hope lightened his tired mood. He rose to greet the assistant with a shake of his hand, which was politely accepted. Gideon nodded from his chair in the corner—the farthest corner from Kelly’s bed, where Gavin stood close. At the sight of our guest, a bitter recognition flashed in his eyes.

He sidled closer to Kelly as he greeted the assistant with a twisted sneer. “Bernard.”

She glanced between the two, skeptical.

The assistant smirked back. “Gavin. It is good to see you here. The new city must be a welcome change.”

A nasty retort was on Gavin’s lips until a look from Kelly stopped him. He remained silent, but the resentment in his glare spoke volumes. I wondered what it was that had previously brought these two men together.

Disrupting the tension between them, Sebastian described just how Kelly had become afflicted, and by what. Bernard listened with apparent indifference.

Once Sebastian had finished, Dr. Baker added with an uncomfortable gaze toward Kelly, “The paralysis is progressing. It appears to have a different effect on her than it did on Gideon.” He gestured to the elf. “It left him comatose, but once the creature was removed, he regained consciousness after about an hour.”

Bernard turned to Gideon. “It was on you first?”

The elf nodded.

Bernard’s expression became puzzled. He turned back to Kelly. “Madame, did things happen as they report?”

“Yes.”

He walked to the table near Dr. Baker’s desk and examined the jar with the creature trapped inside.

“It’s a sleeper,” Gavin stated.

“Yes, a Tod Schlaf,” Bernard said admiringly. He glanced over his shoulder to Gavin. “But the boorish translation would be sleeper.” Ignoring Gavin’s indignation, Bernard straightened, drawing his hands together at his waist. His thumbs worked over and around each other while he considered the details of Kelly’s situation.

The room was still, silent, as we waited for him to provide answers.

When he finally spoke, his tone was perfunctory. He addressed Kelly without bothering to meet her gaze. “Madame, you are not cursed, are you?”

She looked to Sebastian, confused.

“No,” he answered for her, “she isn’t a were-animal.”

“But you consort with the cursed,” Bernard said, his gaze roving over each of us from above the rims of his glasses. “Would it be too much to ask why?”

“I work here,” she explained, as if the answer were obvious.

“Are you indentured?”

“No.”

“If you work here, I doubt your skills are substandard,” he remarked, pushing his glasses back up onto his nose. “Could you not find employment among the civilized?”

I tensed, suppressing an irritated growl.

“I chose to work here,” she snapped, “because I like them and I like my job.”

Bernard’s lips spread into a thin semblance of a sympathetic smile. “You seem wise, but your choice in associates has shown a true lapse in judgment. I hope once this is over that is remedied and you find that your love of this job isn’t worth what you will endure by sheer association”—his eyes flicked toward Sebastian—“with certain people.” He sniffed obnoxiously, then continued before she could respond. “And your connection to Claudia, may I ask the particulars?”

“Does it matter?” she asked, barely hiding her dislike behind a joyless smile.

“Yes. I am curious why a woman of such power and means, who chooses a position of abject neutrality, is so interested in your survival. Why have you been given such favor?”

If not for my godmother, and for Kelly’s need, I would’ve cuffed his head and schooled him on proper courtesy. Whatever sway or obligation she held over Bernard, he wasn’t here willingly. I wondered if his provocative, insulting manner was an attempt to draw a reaction that would justify his leaving us without fulfilling his obligation.

I glanced at Sky, noting her particular interest in the reference to my godmother. That was going to lead to questions, eventually.

Realizing he wouldn’t get more than a harsh stare from Kelly, Bernard turned to Abigail. “Do you know how to get to Elysian?”

She blushed as she shook her head.

“You’ve never been considered worthy of an invitation?” he asked, surprised.

Shamed, she glanced down at her hands.

Bernard sighed as he drew a piece of paper from his vest pocket and handed it to her. “These are the directions to Elysian, along with the required supplications. There, if granted admission to the dark forest, you should find what you need to help her. I can’t offer any more than this, but it should help you. Whether or not you will be allowed entrance will be up to you. It would be in the interest of both parties that you choose the one among you all that would be considered least offensive to ask for admission.”

“I will go with her,” Gavin insisted.

Bernard chuckled. “If you wish to receive cooperation, I advise you not to flaunt the more unflattering aspects of their history to them. He would not be a good choice.”

Gavin’s Brooklyn accent was apparent as he snapped in anger, “Why didn’t they just get rid of me instead of sentencing me to the bowels of the world and holding a grudge that will outlive my existence?”

I rolled my eyes at his histrionics.

Bernard blinked rapidly as he smiled. “You hate it here? Perhaps the intended justice has been served.”

“Screw. You.” On Gavin’s way out of the room, he made a point to bump Bernard’s shoulder.

“So eloquent and refined. I see why Jessica was so enthralled by him,” Bernard explained to Sebastian. “Worth the shame her betrayal and infidelity caused Conner.”

“Yes,” Dr. Baker growled, “Gavin should have been penalized for the loose morals of the New York council head’s wife. Gavin is truly responsible for him not choosing a more suitable and monogamous spouse. And it definitely is Gavin’s fault that elves are so simple that the actions of their spouses reflect upon their ability to remain on the council. No, it’s not their flawed system that should be held accountable, it is definitely Gavin’s libido that is responsible for the crumbling government of the New York elves. Are you going to offer assistance or continue to pass judgment, Bernie?”

The smug grin faded from the assistant’s visage. “Bernard,” he corrected haughtily.

“Okay.” Dr. Baker sneered. “Bernard.”

With a sniff, he raised a hand to Sebastian. “Your phone, sir.” Receiving it, he placed his satchel on the table and withdrew a binder. After flipping through a few pages of photographs, he took a picture with the phone, then handed it back to Sebastian. “Find this and you will find the cure. It often camouflages itself among the trees, but will find shelter behind what it perceives as the vilest predator. This is how it survives because its defenses are weak in comparison.”

He removed a pen and notepad from his satchel and scribbled a note for Abigail. “I wish you success in this endeavor.” He packed up his satchel and turned to Kelly. “It was a pleasure meeting you. I hope you maintain your favor with Claudia; it will serve you well in the future.”

She summoned a gracious smile. “Thank you for your help.”

The rest of us couldn’t do better than scowl at him as he left.

Dr. Baker arranged a bed in the clinic for Abigail, while I put Marko in charge of the elven pair’s security. They were not allowed to leave the room at the same time, a guarantee against flight as I knew neither of them would abandon the other. The clinic must’ve felt like a prison to them, because it was.