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“There is something else, someone else, you haven’t considered.”

“What? Who?”

“How he fell into the Between. Who put him there? Why?”

“It was an elf. She took him, used him, and cast him away.”

“Hmm, and don’t you think she should pay for that, or even better, don’t you think you should stop her before she can?”

“Find her before she finds him.”

“Exactly, and maybe when you do, you can put that sword to use again.”

“You’re saying I should kill her before she can break Ian. A preemptive strike.”

Death smiled.

“If I know one thing, Adam Lee, it’s how to play the long game. The question is, can you play it too?”

Epilogue

A knock sounded at the apartment door.

Vic tensed, eyes darting to the bedroom.

“Elf?” he asked.

“Probably.”

Adam crept to the door and checked the peephole.

“I do not have all night,” Eran said. “I was told to honor your customs, but I⁠—”

Adam disabled the alarm and opened the door.

“If you’re selling magazines, we don’t want any.”

“I was also told you might speak nonsense.”

“Yup. What do you need, Eran?”

“I am to bring you to court. The king requires your presence.”

“Why?”

“He did not say, but I believe he is ready to render judgment.”

Adam squirmed and she looked pleased to see it.

“Do you want me to come?” Vic asked.

“No. I need to do this alone.”

He stepped into the hall, closed the door behind him, and gestured for her to proceed.

Her transitions were way rougher than what he was used to.

They landed outside the tower gates and it took Adam a moment to find his footing.