Page 91 of Transfiguration

“I can probably trace the golem,” Con said. “After some rest.” His gaze went to Page. “Its original creator should be able to track it too.”

“I’m not sure Page knows how,” Seiran said. “We all need more fucking training.”

Sam gripped Con’s hand. “I don’t think anyone is going after that demon without a fucking army.”

Seiran held Kaine, who returned to his mortal child visage and sobbed, confessing a dozen things. “I’m so sorry, daddy.” He had been tricked into giving his True name and bound by it. He thought if he lied and kept everyone safe, it would be okay if he died. Now he was heartbroken by Bryar taking a punishment that should have been his.

“It’s okay, baby. We’ll get him back,” Seiran said, holding Kaine tight. The house was in ruins. Seiran wove earth into the walls to keep it standing. There were a lot of dead outside that were going to have to be explained. But there was no sound of approaching sirens or any sign that the authorities were headed their way.

“My people are gathering the bodies so we can ID them,” Mike said. “How long until the dark lifts?”

“I can keep it another hour before people get suspicious,” Gabe said.

“Dark?” Sam asked.

“A perk of being bound to the Pillar of Earth,” Gabe said. “I can create a wall of dark, like night, to cover an area. Never had one this big before. Usually, it’s little more than a shadow over myself, but being plugged into a Pillar seems to help.” Gabe said. “What are we going to do with the bodies? Assuming these are Kresnik, if we report them to the authorities or even the Fellowship, the information may disappear.”

“I’ll take care of the bodies,” Seiran said. “Just give me the ID information. I’ll have to dig into the Fellowship. We don’t know how deeply embedded they are.”

“That doesn’t sound like a very law-abiding thing to do,” Sam said.

“Fuck you,” Seiran replied. “People just tried to kill us, rip power from the four Pillars, and enslave my son. I think I’m done being Mr. Nice Guy.”

“Hallelujah,” Luca said. “Kick some asses. We’ll help in a day or so when it doesn’t feel like my body is filled with electricity on the fritz.”

“That’s normal for me,” Con said.

“Fuck,” Sam muttered. “I feel it too. Thought it was temporary.”

“Bond gifts are great,” Gabe said, sounding amused. His injuries vanished, and the vines dropped away. Sam could feel his own wounds knitting together too, faster than he was used to.

“Kelly and I will go get the kids,” Jamie said. “Anyone need medical attention before I go?”

“We’re good,” Con said. Sam glanced his way and saw him healing fast, too.

“I’ll be better when I can get fucked,” Luca said.

Seiran groaned. “You’re all so gross.”

Jamie didn’t snark but laughed as he grabbed Kelly’s hand. “If they’re busy with each other, they leave the rest of us alone.”

“Right, as if I’d ever sex you up, muscle man,” Sam snarked.

“If the snark is back, they are fine,” Gabe agreed.

Kelly’s gaze fell on Kaine. “It will be okay, peanut. We’ll figure out how to help Bryar.”

Seiran held Kaine tight, and the child lay in his arms like he didn’t have the energy to move at all.

Bella crossed the distance to Sam, Luca, and Con’s side, with Molly on her shoulder more like a parrot than a spider, but back in the normal size. Bella’s gaze met Con’s with worry. He reached up to snag Bella and wrap her in a hug.

“You okay?”

She sank into his arms, but nodded. Sam reached out to put a hand on her back, and Luca did the same. Con was barely keeping his eyes open. The energy cycling through them was intense, but it was leveling. Sam studied Con’s metaphysical grip on it and replicated it. Both he and Luca would have to learn some magic shit now, wouldn’t they? No more pretending.

“I’m fine. Molly protected me,” Bella said.

“That’s some crazy power,” Luca agreed. “Did you see that shield? Does this mean I have to take lessons from a spider?”