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“He saved my life. And his heart was true... lift the spell.”

“You may stay here for the night,” Grandmaddox said, standing. “You’re a friend Lana, and I respect your oath. You have my word I will not kill him while he sleeps. But I will not restore your memory so I can watch more Infernari perish.”

Down a narrow,creaking hallway on the third floor, our two closet-sized rooms each sported a twin bed. I had to climb over it to open the French doors. We had a connected balcony overlooking Toulouse Street, where glowing bar signs had already begun to draw in patrons like moths.

Seeing Lana leaning out over the wrought iron railings, I went out to join her. Her body looked heavy. Infernari were no good at deception. I’d always believed that it was a weakness, but now, taking in Lana’s slumped shoulders, there was something disarming and innocent about it.

“It was a nice try,” I said by way of greeting. “But it didn’t work. I want my blood back.”

“You were no help,” she said, her tone biting. Without glancing at me, she lifted the cord from around her neck and held it out.

“What, you didn’t think I was charming?” I took the vial from her, wondering how to dispose of it. Safest thing would be to drink it and get it back in my body, make sure no demon could use it against me, but after that dinner, I wasn’t interested in tasting any more strange fluids.

I closed my fingers around the container and stuffed it in my pocket. I’d pour it out on the ground somewhere, but nowhere near this house and the hag that dwelled here.

“You refused her hospitality,” she said, “you spat out her wine, you wouldn’t touch her jambalaya, and you pulled your gun on her. Of course she’s not going to help us now. It’s your own damn fault.”

“Because she’s a liar,” I said. “If that woman is blind, then I’m Helen Keller.”

She groaned into her hands. “You were amonster.”

“No, the monster was in her fish tank. That thing waseight feetlong, in case you didn’t notice. The hell’s she doing with that thing?”

She looked at me funny. “You meanGenevieve?Her water snake?”

Drunken laughter drifted up from below.

“Jesus, I’m not even going to ask.” I patted my pocket before turning back to my room. “Get some sleep. We’re back on the road at dawn.”

But Lana didn’t budge.

She was watching the steady progression of people below us migrating to Bourbon Street with intense interest. “Is there a festival going on right now?” she said.

“No, it’s just New Orleans. This is typical.” I pointed down to the intersection lined with bars and clubs, which looked to be in full swing. “Every night, that whole street turns into one giant block party.”

She continued to stare wistfully, the flashing neon signs reflected in her violet eyes.

I could see where this was going, and I didn’t like it. “No, Lana,” I said firmly.

“No what? I haven’t even spoken yet.” She leaned out over the balcony railing to get a better glimpse of Bourbon Street, and the warm breeze swished her long hair.

Yep, just like I’d thought. Distracted by the pretty lights, like any twenty-three-year-old demon. “No to whatever you’re going to suggest. So don’t bother.”

Her eyes took on a mischievous twinkle. “Darn, I was going to say that we should stay here and be bored all night, but I guess if the answer’s no, then wehaveto go out.” She gave a fake sigh. “If you say so.”

“That’s cute,” I said. “You ready to act your age?”

She squinted toward the hubbub and slowly read off, “Bourbon Street... so that’s where everyone’s going?”

I followed her gaze to a distant street sign, which I couldn’t make out. Her keen eyesight put mine to shame. “Trust me, it’s really boring. You wouldn’t like it.”

“Well, I don’t like it up here with you, either,” she bit out.

Ouch.

“Are youfour?” I said. “Finished with your tantrum yet?”

“Gods, what is it with you and my age?” She stared imploringly at the sky. “You keep talking about how young I’m acting, like I’m breaking a law or something. How about you act how you want to act—like an old, clucking nursemaid—and I’ll act how I want to act. Then everyone’s happy.”