Page 2

Ina scandalized tone,Nïxsaid, “Thiscould changeeverything.Evenmonsters and mayhem have a purpose.Shouldn’tyou consult the coach before taking players off the bench?”

Doradasaid, “Thescales were balanced, and soon they won’t be.It’stoo unpredictable.EvenIcan’t compel so many.”

Marishook her head. “Thescales weren’t balanced as long as theMøriørhave us in their sights.”

Thethree fell silent at that.TheMøriørwas an alliance made up of primordials, each of them the oldest and most powerful being of a particular species.

Marisighed. “ThoughNïxwon’t cop to it, we all know they’re favored to win thisAccession.”

“MaytheLorcebe with you!”Nïxexclaimed.Whenshe rubbed her nose againstBertil’s, the bat gazed up at her with dreamy adoration.

Doradaglowered at theValkyrie. “Ifimmortals consider a madwoman like you their leader—theircoach—then maybe theMøriørshould win.”Shewaved to indicateLoa. “Thepriestess must think so, else she wouldn’t be selling them information.”

Loa’samber eyes glittered. “I’dwatch your rottin’ tongue, sorceress.”

“It’sno longer rotting!”

“Hey!”Maricried. “Canwe have justonediscussion without arguing and imminent bloodshed?”

DoradaandLoa:“NO!”

“Thejournal,”Nïxwhispered, cutting through the tension.Hergaze had gone vacant. “TheEnemyofOldis going to want it.ShouldIgive it to him?Willanything matter after this?”Lightningflashed above. “Thespheres are smudged once more.Willthey crack under the pressure?”

Theothers grew uneasy, evenDorada.

Maricleared her throat. “Uh, you okay there,Nïx?”

“Weare not.”Sheabruptly stood, tellingMari, “Thedie is cast.It’stoo late to change anything.Dependingon what is unleashed tonight, theLorewill convulse.Ihope you know what you’re doing, because for once,Idon’t.”

Mariswallowed. “Thatsounds less than ducky.Ithought you’d still be acting as, like, the guardrails for me.”

Doradasmirked. “Lookslike you’re about to careen off the cliff and take all of us with you.”

Nïxdidn’t deny it. “That’sthe thing about shaping fate, young witch.”Shestomped her bare foot into the puddle; lightning flashed again, and water splattered up to her face. “Sometimesitresists.”Thebat didn’t laugh when droplets ran down her cheeks like tears.

ONE

TRICK-OR-TREATSUPPLIES

4 battle-magic pouches

1 portal pouch

1 thermos of pumpkin-spice tea

1 apple muffin

Sturdyboots

Unparalleledcourage

Raven’sMurkCastle,WildsofCanada

“You,”PoppyDyermuttered as a demon approached her, framed in the glow of lightning bolts.

RökKours, her nemesis.Themercenary she mused about far too often.

Whatwas he doing at this castle?Andhow could she get rid of him before the moon rose?