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“And what will you be doing?” Why was it all on him?

Feryn bared his fangs. “Stopping the rest of the vampires from flinging themselves down the stairs.” He stepped through the doorway into the palace and was swallowed by shadows.

Vampires, always ones for drama. Like they were the only ones suffering from the loss of magic.

“You are my public face,Silas. Encourage my people to pray to a new god, so that Pan may deliver us a place in this world.”

Which is what he wanted. It is what they deserved. But even if he had magic, he didn’t know how to make it happen. It was too big and too vague. He couldn’t create something that affected the entire world, even if all the other gods had magic and helped him. He wasn’t sure that was possible as every person would hold a different idea about what that place should be.

“That is a very big ask of magic.”

“I am aware,” Feryn sighed. “Which is why I have given you my power.” Light flared and Feryn lifted the lamp. “We want the same thing. I could not have helped the dragon. Your success proves that you came to me for a reason. And that reason is to help our people.”

“Is everything okay?” Noah asked in English, stepping up into the palace.

“Yes. We are discussing plans for tomorrow.” And so far, none of them included a bath, a bath with Noah, or spending the day in bed with him. For the sake of magic, because he wasn’t interested in anything else. And not because he liked the way Noah kissed him in the kitchen.

He was thousands of years old and had been kissed more times than Noah had drawn breath. It meant nothing.

Feryn didn’t call him on the lie. He opened the wardrobe door and reached into the back, pulling out the coat. “When you step out of this room.” He pointed to a door the lead deeper into the palace. “Turn right. A room has been made up for you both.” Feryn cast his gaze over Noah and spoke in Tarikian. “I assume your witch is staying with you. I do look forward to tasting the magic in his blood.”

That was a conversation for another time in the distant future.

“I cannot make those promises for him.”

Feryn arched one eyebrow. “But you will gift him a selkie’s coat.”

“As I said, he collects magical items, or they are drawn to him. After all, your palace arrived here, which is where he was working at the time.”

“So you are merely following threads of magic.”

“I am a servant of magic.” Pan inclined his head. His entire reason for existing had been erased in the collapse. He was a conduit with nothing to conduct, and the emptiness was an ache that was only soothed by Noah’s touch. “Do you have a better plan?” An edge formed in his voice. “Do you know more about magic than me?”

“I do not. I know nothing of human witches, either. So I pray he is worthy of such a gift.”

So did Pan. But an instinct born of thousands of years of magic use told him it was the right thing to do. So even though he couldn’t sense magic or use it, he was not going to ignore that sensation. He had to believe in magic even if it was beyond his reach.

Feryn placed the coat on the end of his bed. “Rest well.”

“Is that possible?”

“I hope so. I do not want this waking nightmare to continue.” Feryn handed Pan the lamp and returned to the bar, pulling the door closed.

Pan had no idea how many vampires and other beings still lived in the palace. Given that there were children living here, someone must be watching them. And he had no idea where in the palace the children were, or how much was spread underground.

“Just because you two were speaking another language doesn’t mean I can’t tell that you were arguing.”

Pan took another spoonful of stew and ate it before answering. Noah was becoming more perceptive to the language. How long until he spoke Tarikian? Vampires and elves were adept at learning languages, more so than other kinds. He was not surprised that Feryn had learned after spending time with Linda. “He wants to remain hidden in the castle while I rule his city.”

“Human horror stories are filled with vampires who rise from the dead and bite and kill people. And given the way he looks, he kind of has a point.”

Great.

“He also asked if you intend on staying with me tonight. I assumed you do not need a room of your own.” Or was that something he should’ve asked Noah first?

Noah moved closer. “I do not.” He paused and stared at the coat, before reaching out and running his fingers over the sleek dark fur. “Is this the coat you were wearing when I met you?”

“It is. I do not think it was me you were drawn to, given that I have no magic. I think perhaps it was the coat calling to you. Do you feel anything?”