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“Do the math. You’ve had Miyoung’s bead in your weak human body for almost a hundred days.” Junu spoke slowly as one would when explaining algebra to a three-year-old. “If Miyoung doesn’t absorb it again and start feeding at the next full moon, she’s going to be in real trouble.”

“She hasn’t been feeding?” Jihoon asked. “If she goes a hundred days without feeding, she’ll die.”

“Ding-dong-daeng! Tell the boy what he’s won!” Junu announced like a variety show emcee, but his showman’s smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Why didn’t she tell me this?”

“I don’t know. Maybe she was trying to protect you from the responsibility of choosing your life over hers.”

“She has no right to make that choice for me.”

Junu chuckled. “You know what? I might not dislike you so much after all.”

“What will happen if Yena suddenly appears again?” Jihoon asked.

“Then I’d find a suit of armor because she’s very likely to come right over and yank that pretty bead out of your chest.”

Jihoon’s hand rubbed against his sternum, which suddenly felt sore. “Why are you doing this? Helping us?”

“Because I’m getting paid.”

Jihoon rolled his eyes.

“If I can give you some unsolicited advice,” Junu said.

“What’s this been all this time?” Jihoon asked sourly.

Junu continued like Jihoon hadn’t interrupted. “I’d run if I were you. What’s the point of sticking around when two gumiho are after you and your only family’s a log.”

Jihoon’s fists came up, wanting to connect with Junu’s perfect jaw.

The dokkaebi danced back, lifting his hands for protection, but he gave a saucy grin that proved he wasn’t that worried about Jihoon’s anger.

“Anyway, you can’t say I didn’t warn you.” Junu slipped out the front door, leaving Jihoon alone with his futile anger.

59

MIYOUNG WALKED THROUGHthe apartment. Her body so cold she couldn’t stop shivering.

She heard water flowing somewhere. Nausea churned through her.

At the end of the hallway, her mother laid in a heap. Miyoung ran to her. Yena’s face was twisted in frozen pain, but Miyoung could see she was still breathing.

“Mother?” Miyoung shook Yena’s shoulder. No response.

Drops of water fell on her mother’s face. Miyoung wiped them away, but they were quickly replaced.

Miyoung realized the water came from her. She was soaked, head to toe, her hair dripping water onto the floor in an off-beat tempo.

And behind her, the rush of water intensified, like a waterfall booming against rock.

Miyoung turned toward the sound.

A bright slash of light emanated from the crack under the bathroom door.

She stood, drawn forward.

With every step, her body trembled until her very bones vibrated with trepidation.