Page 143 of Lost

“This is bad, Z,” said Stevie Rae.

“Maybe not.” I motioned for my group to follow me to one of the concession stands, where we huddled in a tight circle, pretending to try to decide between hot dogs and nachos. I spoke quietly and urgently. “At least they’re all together down there.”

“But how are we going to get weapons from them if they’re on the field and our Warriors are scattered around the stadium?” asked Anastasia.

“Our Warriors won’t be able to be armed,” said Dragon darkly.

“All that means is that we have to be fast,” I said. “We know the slaughter won’t happen until after the game. Aphrodite saw that much. I’m assuming Neferet will make some sort of ridiculous speech first.”

“That sounds right,” said Dragon.

“So, as she starts her speech, we prepare to call the elements.”

“Maybe we should start the call as soon as the game’s over,” Rephaim said.

“That will only work if no one can tell we’re casting a circle,” Dragon said, looking at me. “And you’re sure people will be able to tell?”

I nodded, still speaking low. “There should be a ribbon of light that connects us. People are definitely going to notice that—especially Neferet.”

“All right. Then we wait until she gives the command,” said Dragon.

“Anastasia, be ready to call air,” I said.

“I will be. Do not worry about me.”

“You’ll be next, Dragon,” I reminded him, trying not to sound as nervous as I felt.

“I know the order of the elements, Zoey,” he said, though not unkindly.

“We all do, Z. It’ll be fine,” said Stevie Rae.

“Okay. I’m going to take a seat down as close to the fifty-yard line as I can get. That’ll be where I call spirit. Blessed be, everyone.”

“I shall be in the east,” said Anastasia. She kissed Dragon. “Blessed be.” Then she hurried away.

“I go to the south. Blessed be,” said Dragon. I saw him begin to make a fist as he automatically was going to show me the proper respect as a High Priestess and bow, but he caught himself in time, and with a wry smile he actually winked at me before he also left, heading to the southern end of the stadium, leaving me alone with Stevie Rae and Rephaim.

“Z, is this gonna work?” my bestie asked.

“It has to, but if something awful happens, you and Rephaim get out. Don’t wait for me. Don’t wait for Kevin or Aphrodite or anyone. Just get out. And don’t go back to the ridge. Take the van. Go to Grandma’s farm. I’ll meet you there.”

“Got it,” Rephaim nodded soberly. “I’ll keep her safe.”

“At least we’re wearin’ the right shirts.” Stevie Rae pointed to the matching red OU sweatshirts my group had all opted for. “OU almost always wins.”

“Boomer Sooner!” I said. “And blessed be, you two.”

We had a brief group hug, and then they headed for the north end of the stadium. I drew a deep breath, trying to ready myself. I turned to head into the stadium when I heard a voice that stopped me dead. I looked frantically around. Stark was standing near the men’s bathroom, talking to—and another jolt of shock hit me—he was talking toDallas!In this world Dallas was a blue vampyre, but he looked exactly like he had last time I’d seen him… just before he died.

I ducked my head and hurried past them, like I had to get to the ladies’ room really,reallyfast. Then I paused just around a cement wall, where I pressed into its shadow, listening intently.

“Dallas, stop complaining and get your ass field level,” Stark said. “I need you and every officer who isn’t in the press box with Neferet down there. Keep those red soldiers together. Keep them under command. Make them stand at parade rest. Hell, make them stand on their fucking heads for all I care. Just keep them from eating the cheerleaders!”

“Hey, I hear ya. I’ll do my best, but that’s a lot of red soldiers. We’re way outnumbered.”

“Then kill one of them if you have to. Make them more scared of you than they are hungry. Shit, Lieutenant, they just fed!”

“Right?! Their hunger is annoying as hell.”