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I told her, “You look beautiful, Circe.”

“I know!” She smoothed her long hair. “Is my godson down for the night?”

“Yes, but I’ll bring him out for everyone to meet, after we go over the battle plans.” Aric had set out a map of the property for our alliance, but visualizing was just a formality. We all knew our stations and our jobs.

Lark descended the steps then, sporting a fitted burgundy suit, combat boots, and the conductor’s hat she’d worn the first time I’d met her. A live mink slept curled around her neck.

I gave her a wide smile, choosing to think she was going fancy with the fur wrap.

I expected her to roll her eyes at me, but she grinned back. “Don’t hate me ’cause I’m hotter than you.”

“Can’t promise anything, Lark.”

She snorted a laugh, and we all headed into the dining room.

As Jack had advised on the night my mother died, I’d broken out the best silver and dishes, pulling out all the stops. Sweet-smelling garland adorned the walls and a fire crackled from the great hearth. The chandelier above sparkled softly.

Atop the table was an elegant centerpiece of white and yellow roses and peacock feathers that Lark had saved. Bunches of shining grapes, pomegranates, and halved figs beckoned.

The table sat a couple of dozen, so we’d put out place cards for our guests. We’d also set places for the Arcana who’d fallen or were missing.

Selena. Tess. Finn. Even for Calanthe. Matthew as well.

The castle had never looked more stunning to me. This was the home I shared with Aric and our friends, the only home Tee had ever known.

We gathered by the wine service, and I insisted on a photo. Careful of Aric’s skin, we got a shot of us in front of the beautiful table. Tonight he actually smiled for the camera!

“Time for wine.” Circe clapped her hands. “I saw some of the labels earlier and could hardly wait.”

“We can begin with this one.” Aric selected the one-of-three bottle. “Though we should let it breathe.”

Circe quipped, “Only people with long lives get to do that.”

We all shared a gallows laugh.

Aric opened that rare vintage, pouring for us. “And there’s much more where this came from.” He seemed to have surrendered to this night; his whole bearing said, In for a penny . . .

“A bottle this fine deserves a toast, one from each of us.” Circe inhaled the aroma from her glass, then raised it. “I’ll begin. I propose a toast to alliances that stick. The twentieth time’s the charm!”

I arched my brows at that. “Hear hear.”

Voice thick, Lark said, “A salute to those we’ve lost.”

I added, “And to those we’ve found.”

Aric raised his glass and parted his lips to speak. “To—”

—QUAKE BEFORE ME!—

—WHERE SHE STOPS, NOBODY KNOWS.—

36

The Hunter

Had no idea how to knot a tie, me.

I’d borrowed one from among all the clothes stowed here by the Swords. The last time I’d worn a tie had been in court when my lawyer had imparted some “wisdom” to his teenage client.

I can spot a future lifer. When you’re old, staring at the bars, you’ll remember this talk. . . .

Sometimes I wished I could go back and tell him, “Not getting old, me. And you? You’ll be dead in the Flash.”

Would I survive the next battle? Seemed like there’d always been another one, my entire life nothing but. And now that the Arcana calls were live, it was only a matter of time before the King of Hell and Lady Luck struck.

When the guys had heard the calls sounding again, Joules had laughed. “Here comes the end. Hold on to your arses, laddies!”

Gabriel had murmured, “Now for the exhale.”

Sol had laughed too. “Well, I’d rather we check out early and be missed than overstay our welcome—at parties and in life.”

Kentarch’s lips had curved, his expression saying, Coming for you, Issa.

After that, Joules and Sol had called a ceasefire, putting aside their resentment. Who had time for it?

I gave my tie one last attempt. I was so nervous to see Evie and to meet the baby in person that my hands fumbled. I’d struggled over the months to tamp down what I felt, but my heart kept clamoring.

I headed out to the living area, found the guys all ready and waiting on me.

Joules—styled and sheared by Sol—wore a decent-looking suit and a smart haircut. Gabriel’s suit had slits in the back to fit around the base of his wings. He made a visible effort to keep them pinned down.

While Sol wore a bright scarf and a white blazer, Kentarch had on a camo sweater and pants, forever on mission.

Our wrapped gifts for Tee sat on the table, all stuff sourced from the hangar.

I held up my tie. “Anybody help me with this?”

Gabe raised his brows. “I’ve never tied a modern one before.”