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My jaw dropped. I stared at my hands. I’d done it without even knowing. I’d copied Freyja’s spells.

Her face hardened once more. She raised her arm, her handful of divine magic crackling with power.

“Again.”

CHAPTER 19

Irubbed my forearms and elbows, my leather jacket squeaking as I struggled to keep myself warm. Nomicon Valley didn’t really get that chilly in the evening, but it was past midnight out in the industrial district, all cold cement and steel shutters. An extremely rude breeze blew through the gaps between the warehouses, as if channeled and funneled in exactly the right configuration to keep me refrigerated and very uncomfortable.

Morrow stood motionless beside me in his regulation suit and tie, looking as unbothered as ever. The only real difference I’d noticed was the bulge underneath his suit. No, not like that. Under his jacket. That bandolier was stuffed to capacity. It looked like he’d brought even more of his scrolls than usual, which did give me some comfort.

We’d parked a significant walk away from the warehouses, and where we stood itself was a significant walk away from the Happy Links warehouse. Provided Occultech’s intel was good, of course, but I’d never had any reason to doubt the boys in surveillance before.

This was the first time I’d found myself hoping they were wrong, though. Even with Freyja’s extremely exhausting first lesson — followed by a long, hot shower and a very long session with the fragmentablet — I still felt woefully unprepared.

I stared at the side of Morrow’s face, both admiring his stupid handsomeness and stewing jealously over the fact that he was keeping so cool and calm. How did he do it?

“So do you really think they’re coming?” I asked.

Morrow checked his wristwatch and tapped his foot. “Give them a little more time. They’ll be here.”

The signature ghostly blue of Occultech technology reflected in his eyes, the holographic lenses of his ocular pendant shimmering. Paralumen had caught us unawares with her dirty blinding tricks before, almost as bad as throwing sand in someone’s eyes. I couldn’t very well go on a mission wearing aviator sunglasses at night, but at least one of us would be resistant to her nasty magical flash bangs.

I shivered as the wind picked up, leaves and dust spinning in a miniature whirlwind. And then I heaved a sigh of relief at the very first sign of feathers on the breeze, as the flurry swirled and obscured the streetlight, casting shadows like a cloud of moths.

Whether or not Sakamoto helped us, we were going to need some backup. This was a mutual decision on my and Morrow’s part, something we might never have arrived at in the early days of our partnership. We were — all four of us — on the same side of this issue, after all. Sakamoto didn’t have to know.

Houston ambled out of the blizzard of feathers wearing his signature lopsided grin and one of his fringed suede jackets. Angelica paced forward in a stylish pair of silvery boots and, as always, a gorgeous outfit that resembled a mix of religious vestments and a modern take on medieval armor. This time it was a white leather trench coat worn over what appeared to be a sculpted leather breastplate.

Trust Angelica to actually gear up for battle. I knew she could conjure a sword, but I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that she was smuggling a combat knife and some guns under that coat. And I’d never seen anyone look so fetching in white leather. Well, except for that one time at that leather bar. And that one theme night at Club Debussy. You know what? Forget I said anything.

“Thank you for coming,” Morrow said.

I brushed a feather off my cheek, smiling as our friends from SeraphiCorp approached.

“You guys are the best. You can’t imagine how glad I am to see you.”

Houston grinned. Angelica made her best attempt at a friendly smile.

“And what about me?” said another voice, accompanied by the clicking of stiletto heels.

“Oh, no,” I growled. “You, not so much.”

The last of the feathers dissipated to reveal the extravagant Xtra Xtra. Nothing too elaborate this time, just one of her enormous brunette wigs that was so varnished and lacquered that it could probably stop bullets, plus a leopard-print catsuit and some thigh-high leather lace-up boots. She looked just about ready to infiltrate a particularly gaudy furniture store, or maybe work a shift at a jungle-themed restaurant.

I threw Houston an accusing glare. He just shrugged. “Hey, I couldn’t stop her if I tried. And trust me, I tried.”

“Hard,” Xtra Xtra purred. “Houston here can be very persuasive, but if you think I’m going to pass up an opportunity to chokeslam the lady who hypnotized me, think again.”

“That’s exactly why I don’t want you here,” I snapped. “I can’t stand the idea of her taking over your mind and throwing you at us again. I copied your spell in the portal passage, did you know that? I was going to cut you open with my bare hands to hurt you and snap you out of it.”

Xtra Xtra reached out to take my hands in hers, the softness in her expression somehow evident through all the makeup.

“And I would have thanked you for it. We won’t make the same mistake twice. We’re going to play keep-away this time. No more ambushes.”

Morrow tapped the side of his lens, which wavered slightly when his finger passed through. I frowned. Of course, we had to be extra vigilant. Everyone on high alert. Stay ready, etcetera.

“Listen,” Xtra Xtra said. “Not to be gross, but we’re all in this together. This is my city, too, and I want to fight for it. Let me help you.”