“But Ace already has magic in his aura,” Jade said, in understanding.
“Stronger magic,” said Zhang. “Rory’s magic drove the other magic out of your aura.”
You can sleep, I got you.
Goose bumps broke out over Arthur’s skin. “But he didn’t remember anything.”
“He wouldn’t need to,” said Jade. “His magic protects you subconsciously.”
“His magic is that strong?”
“He seeshistory,” said Zhang. “If magic is music, most of us are controlling one instrument. Subordinate paranormals like Rory and Gwen are trying to conduct orchestras. Most paranormals couldn’t have made a link like you share in the first place, and Rory has a relic now. If there’s a battle of magics, put your money on him.”
Arthur absently touched his chest, over his heart. Rory’s magic literally guarded his aura. That was one hell of a romantic gesture.
“I wish I could find that Miss Shelley woman,” Zhang said, sounding frustrated. “I want to figure out if she’s responsible for these dreams and how, if her necklace you described is the lodestone and if that has anything to do with it. I don’t like being in the dark.”
Jade frowned.
Zhang gently touched her shoulder. “What are you thinking?”
She glanced back at Zhang. “It’s a bit unsettling that you can’t find a paranormal now, isn’t it, when we didn’t find Baron Zeppler’s paranormals on board that ship?”
Arthur looked at Jade sharply. “You think Miss Shelley could possibly be working with Zeppler? But her accent was American.”
“Right good thing no one can fake one of those,” Jade said dryly, mimicking a London accent without missing a beat.
Arthur gave her a dirty look. “You sound exactly like Gwen.”
“I wish Gwen was here,” Zhang said unexpectedly. “Maybe she could see why I can’t find Shelley or what happened at Coney Island.” He sighed longingly. “What a treasure trove of knowledge she must be. I’ve never met anyone else who can see magic. I’d die for a chance to sit down with her.”
Arthur shared a side-eye with Jade. “Do you want to be the one who points out he almost did or should I?”
“She was your friend,” Zhang insisted. “You said she used to be lovely and Rory said the amulet relic got her aura-sight under control. She might be her old self again.”
“Having a relic didn’t do Ellis any favors,” said Arthur.
“But you don’t know what else Baron Zeppler put him through,” said Zhang. “We’re all on the same side against Zeppler.”
“The enemy of my enemy is my friend?Wasmy friend?” Arthur said dryly. “Either way, surely she and Ellis snuck back to England by now?”
“If they did, they went without any of us noticing.” Zhang pursed his lips. “We thought Baron Zeppler had sent three of his operatives to America. Maybe they thought that too.”
“In which case, they might not have tried to leave,” Jade agreed. “She might be looking for them to get information.”
“And you think we should what, ask to join their party?” said Arthur. “That they’ll invite us to catch up over tea, where we all have a laugh and pretend they didn’t throw me in chains and torture me for information?”
Jade rubbed the back of her neck. “I mean, you and I made up.”
Arthur huffed. “Youapologized.”
Zhang glanced between them. “I’m suddenly very aware that I don’t know how the two of you met.”
“War, strange bedfellows,” said Arthur.
“You know how it is,” Jade added.
“I’m sure,” Zhang said skeptically. “All I’m just saying is let’s not write Gwen and Ellis off.”
