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Federico observed the island through a pair of binoculars. Even without them, I could see that there were no reconnaissance ships, no choppers. No obvious guard at all.

It felt too easy. Scion had only held this island for a few weeks, and had no idea that anyone but Sala and Rinaldi knew about the annexation; it made sense that it might remain undefended. Still, I had to keep my guard up, and not allow my previous successes to cloud my judgement. Every single victory had been won by the skin of my teeth; each had taken its own toll. There were only so many times a mortal could slip in and out of the underworld.

I would do it one last time, for him. One last reckless heist to remember – the most audacious theft of my career – before I finally retired the Pale Dreamer and became Black Moth.

At dusk, Federico deemed it safe to leave. As he and his friends readied theErcole, I changed into a wetsuit and matching boots. If all went well, none of us would be diving,but we might have to swim to get to the island, if the boat took any damage.

Only Nick knew about my fear of water. I intended to keep it that way. Taking deep breaths, I fastened my diving vest and secured my equipment: combat knife, gun, waterproof torch, mask and oxygen tank.

‘Call if you need help,’ Maria said to us. ‘And don’t forget to pick me up on your way back.’

‘Never,’ Verca said.

Our team of twelve climbed into the boat. It churned away, leaving Maria watching from the shore.

12

TRIAL BY WATER

As theErcoleapproached Capri, night covered the Bay of Naples, speckling the sky with stars. There seemed to be no lights on the island. Once we were within a mile, Federico stopped the boat at my behest, so we floated in absolute darkness, save the single dim lamp on the deck. The Italian government hadn’t banned fishing around Capri. That oversight would serve as our cover.

After a few minutes, no warning shots or announcements had come. Nick glanced at me.

‘Do you sense anything?’

I closed my eyes, letting the æther take over. At once, goosebumps stippled my forearms.

‘Nothing human,’ I said. ‘And no other Rephs, as far as I can tell. But the æther doesn’t feel right.’

‘Should we keep going?’

Federico saw my nod and got the boat moving.

TheErcoledrew closer and closer to Capri. By the time it skirted the towering southern cliffs of the island, the wind had turned cold, and our teeth were chattering.

‘Naples was so warm,’ Nick murmured. His breath came out in white puffs. ‘What is this?’

‘Cold spots.’ Terebell watched the island. ‘More than one.’

Verca was shivering in her coat. ‘Cold spots?’

‘This explains why there’s no security. Why the other teams vanished,’ I said softly. ‘Capri is a death trap.’ I checked my supplies. ‘I’m going alone.’

Nick stared at me, his face white in the lamplight. ‘No,’ he said, realising I was serious. ‘Absolutely not. We came to help you, Paige. We knew the risks when we signed up.’

‘You knew there might be amaurotic defences, but if there are cold spots, there might also be Buzzers,’ I told him. ‘I’ll risk my own life for Arcturus, but not yours, Nick. I’ve learned my lessons on that front.’ I turned to Verca. ‘Buzzers are creatures from the Netherworld. They come here through cold spots, and they feed on human flesh and spirits. Tell Federico and the others I’ll be searching the island by myself.’

‘Paige—’

‘We Ranthen are coming,’ Terebell said. ‘All of us.’

‘No,’ I said. ‘The Buzzers could turn you.’

Nick frowned, and I bit my tongue. None of the others knew the Buzzers were former Rephs.

‘Arcturus was our ally long before he was yours,’ Terebell said, her gaze steely. ‘I have no plans to send one human to his rescue while I do nothing. In any case, if he is weak or injured – which seems likely – how do you intend to carry him alone, Underqueen?’

She had me there.