To Call Your Name (Book 2 - The Palace Saga.)

By Catherine Green

Chloe gave up Seth to save the world...and his soul. But all her dreams are dreams of Seth. If she can't have him, at least she can save the world. All she has to do to become one of the People is to complete a Quest she doesn’t understand, to find a mythical object she can’t see, in a realm she can’t access.

Seth left town to escape the ghosts of his past and the love he can’t forget. He'll go anywhere and try anything. But all paths lead back to her. The one thing that will set him free is the only thing he can’t bring himself to do.

In the meantime, Chloe and Tal have only 400 Barbie dolls to help them keep the homeless shelter from closing.

With epic battle scenes and a healthy does of snark, To Call Your Name is the heart-stopping sequel to Life in the Palace.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Catherine Green
• Release date: Mar 5, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311987945

Catherine Green

Catherine Green, author of the captivating British paranormal suspense series, The Redcliffe Novels, has been immersed in the world of books from a young age. Her fondest memories involve spending Saturday mornings in her cosy local library, losing herself in the endless wonders found on the shelves. It was during those formative years that Catherine's fascination with the supernatural took root, and she discovered her innate talent for crafting stories featuring vampires, werewolves, witches, and other mystical creatures in contemporary settings. Recently, Catherine expanded her repertoire with the release of her contemporary English Gothic novel, Vampire of Blackpool. In this bewitching tale, she delves into the darker and sexier aspects of our beloved British seaside resorts, enticing readers into a world where vampires lurk in the shadows. Building on her success, Catherine is currently engrossed in creating a new series of novels that showcase vampire hunters operating in and around Manchester and the Northwest of England, revealing a thrilling and action-packed narrative. In addition to her prowess as a paranormal author, Catherine is known to her fans as SpookyMrsGreen. She maintains a popular pagan lifestyle blog, where she chronicles her enthralling adventures in motherhood and magic. Drawing from her personal experiences and spiritual insights, Catherine intends to pen a series of non-fiction books in the future, promising readers an engaging exploration of pagan practices and philosophy, when time allows her to dedicate herself to this new endeavour. With her unwavering passion for the supernatural, Catherine Green continues to captivate readers with her imaginative storytelling, combining elements of mystery, romance, and the occult. Her ability to infuse contemporary settings with mystical beings brings a fresh and unique perspective to the genre, leaving readers eagerly awaiting her next enchanting tale.

Book preview

Prologue

Last night I dreamt of Seth. It was a nightmare. I dreamed that I broke up with him in order to save him in the Palace.

But then he was right there next to me. I felt his arms around me, solid and warm. I drifted back off to sleep safe in the knowledge I was where I belonged.

In the morning I died again.

Chapter 1

Hey, Katniss.

Spike, do you have to mock? I groaned.

You’re in the middle of an epic quest to gain entry to a mystical higher realm and take part in the battle to save the world from the ultimate evil. Someone has to keep it real.

I sighed into the phone, No need to worry. I’m keeping it all too real.

No progress in the seventy-sixth Hunger Games then? Despite the sarcasm she sounded genuinely concerned. She should be; as my best friend of a decade, she is bound to support any insanity I embark upon; a position that I was currently putting to the test.

Well, I didn’t get out of bed and just trip over the holy Chalice, I’m searching for to complete the Quest and present to the Council. I did, however, spend my Sunday morning at Sima’s house learning battle formations.

That sounds cool? Spike ventured.

Sounds cool, but definitely wasn’t. Do you have any idea how many different types of bugs inhabit lettuce? And don’t even get me started on broccoli!

They really take this bug thing seriously, don’t they?

If one dodgy lettuce leaf could affect your standing in the Palace, then so would you.

Yeah, but the whole world is just some cosmic game of Pac-Man? Get enough points and you move up a level?

How about orient yourself toward the Source of Creation and make yourself a vessel for the right type of energy? I tried not to sound testy, but it had been a long morning with diagrams.

Better, but you still haven’t sold me on the OCD bug-checking parts.

Bugs have the lower sort of energy and pull you down: Helping an old lady cross the road pulls you up. Work hard enough and you become a vessel for Zen goodness.

Just make sure the old ladies actually want to cross the road. Spike chuckled. I was glad we’d finished the philosophical portion of our conversation for the day. With most Others I just avoid all discussion of my extracurricular activities, partly because they’d never believe me, and partly because it would make me sound lame. Unlike most of the rest of the world, Spike believes me and she likes to be kept in the loop, but I prefer to avoid the inevitable lameness.

At least Sima’s nice. Today she gave me lunch.

Not salad, I presume. I could hear Spike smirking at her own joke.

There was a certain absence in the lettuce department. Although not all is lost on that front; apparently you can buy special lettuce that’s grown hydroponically and guaranteed to be free from bugs.

God bless America. Where there’s a need, there’s a capitalist around somewhere to exploit it.

The sun was on my face. Instinctively I reached up to close the curtain. Then I rolled over instead; my bed wasn’t next to the window anymore.

Spike filled the silence before I did, Speaking of which, Fred’s moving back to Philly.

Really? Because it’s closer to Boston? Or because he has a burning desire to hang out with his mom?

Officially because he got into an Art program, and while tattooing is a fine profession he wants to extend his artistic range. I figure at least then he’s got something to fall back on.

Sometimes with Spike you have to find the information between the words. Unofficially because it puts you in the same time zone?

It is a mitigating factor.

When’s he moving?

Tomorrow.

I sat up in bed. Tomorrow? We speak multiple times every day, she couldn’t have told me before?

Right before I shot my mouth off, it occurred to me that she couldn’t. My best friend can’t tell me that her boyfriend is inching his way closer to her, when mine is lost forever.

I felt the waves rising, and I fought to keep my own personal sanity boat afloat. Some things were best left alone.

In a remarkably calm voice, I asked, Are you going down there tomorrow?

Nope, he needs some time to get his stuff together. I’ll go on the weekend.

Will there be pictures? I actually sounded cheerful.

None, I plan to post on Facebook.

*

Tigers are heavy. They look sleek and elegant padding through the jungle on the Discovery Channel, but as this one bore down on Jov all the beauty was lost on him except for the sheer weight of the thing. Instinctively, Jov tucked his limbs in and tried to roll so his back would give some protection from the unfurled claws. Hot breath sent him recoiling further into the packed earth beneath him. He was deafened by the thunderous roar and had steaming saliva dripping down his face.

Jov wracked his brain for something, anything to use as a weapon. There had to be something he hadn’t already thrown. He wasn’t dead yet, so there must be a chance. There had to be something to give him an edge.

He could find nothing.

Jov shut his eyes, took a deep breath and grasped at a straw. I come before You with nothing. I am empty like the dust from which I was made. In the merit of those who went before, save me now for I am your faithful servant.

The beast above him roared again. Jov hoped he could remember the deathbed valediction. As he moved his lips to begin the first line, a thud pushed the tiger sprawling on top of him. Its tail flickered and another thud sent it spurting into a cloud of antimatter.

Jov didn’t move. Cale stretched out and touched his shoulder.

Jov? Are you okay? It’s gone now. Cale glanced over to Dror.

Dror stepped forward, reached out with his giant arms, and picked up the ball that was Jov. He carried Jov out to the trees and into the bright Palace sunshine. Dror set Jov down on the soft grass. Jov stared out at the scenery: rolling hills under a brilliant blue sky. From their vantage point they could see for miles, although it seemed unlikely that Jov was admiring the view. He sat totally still, his eyes blank; even his breathing didn’t register as movement.

Cale looked around for help. They couldn’t leave unless Jov descended and staying where they were was inviting another attack.

What am I supposed to say? Cale wondered. Where are the girls when we need them? Jov needs to talk or something. He nearly died, I can’t just tell him it will all be okay.

Cale looked over at Dror, who, while physically resembling a Mac truck, usually exhibited about the same conversational skills. It’ll have to be me. Cale sighed.

Dror sat down just to the left of Jov and assumed the same pose. Cale sat nervously to the right, positioning himself so Jov could see his face.

Jov? Cale began tentatively.

Before Cale could get any further, Dror nodded. It happened to me too, he said without moving. A few months ago, I nearly got knocked out.

There was a pause. Cale looked from Jov to Dror. Neither turned their heads.

I thought it was a regular patrol and suddenly I was cornered by four giant grey wolves. My sword turned to jelly in my hand and I couldn’t find anything else to use. I flashed back through my whole life and I couldn’t think of a single good deed; no time I overcame; nothing. I looked into their yellow eyes and I knew I was about to die.

Jov’s eyes flickered over to Dror.

They were snarling and snapping at me, and I remembered that when all else fails He Who Knows will bring us home. My mouth was so dry I could hardly get the words out, but I said the Poor Man’s Benediction, just like you did, and Dava turned up with Gal and saved the day.

Dror turned to face Jov. Afterwards, all I could think about was what had I done to wind up as the meat in an Interloper/Adversary sandwich?

Jov looked down.

It really threw me. You might have noticed that I was less that on mission for the closing of the previous sinkhole.

Cale simultaneously nodded and shrugged to indicate that, while it had been noticed, there were no hard feelings.

What was the problem? Jov asked quietly.

There was a cute Other who lent me her notes for Physiology. She used really nice smelling shampoo. Cale and Jov politely looked away. It was too much for me to help stop an Other and her People boyfriend. Dror explained.

I’m sorry, Jov said.

Dror shook his head, There could be worse tests in the world. Anyway, look what I got when it was done. With a flourish, he drew a sword from the scabbard on his back. The blade glowed with white fire.

Wow! Jov leapt up to admire the formidable weapon, his suffering momentarily forgotten.

Dror shrugged and sheathed his hard won prize. Just so you know it happens to all of us. The test is made to be passed. Dror stood, ready to go home, Try Guide Leib. He really helped me.

Jov nodded, Can we go home now? I could murder a quarter-pounder.

With extra fries Cale smiled. This he could manage to do for his friend.

*

Jen was waiting when I got to the cafeteria. I could see her light-brown pixy cut from across the room. It made me think about cutting my own long hair.

Jen doesn’t have to spend her whole time rearranging post-hat hair. One run through with her hands and she’s done. But then she has the delicate bone structure to make it look cute and not butch.

She was eating a fresh salad with feta cheese. Don’t stare at the lettuce. Everyone makes their own journey. I picked at my pasta salad that, thankfully, was free of any of the food groups Sima had covered in her lesson the day before.

Do you think eating according to the rules of the Way cramps your individuality? Jen asked as I swallowed my first bite.

I looked from the loaded fork of potentially bug-containing lettuce in her hand to my own plate.

No? I said cautiously.

I’m thinking of taking it up She said, cheerfully chomping her lunch.

You are?

I thought I might try to add a bit more Service into my life. Nothing hardcore. I’d just explore my heritage a little more.

Really? I willed my eyes not to look down at her plate.

She did it for me, and laughed. Yeah, so I thought I’d better have one last hurrah.

I laughed too, relieved to acknowledge the elephant in the room.

How’s it going for you? Jen asked.

Fine.

I’m overwhelmed by your enthusiasm. Jen laughed.

My eyes flickered around the room, To tell you the truth, it’s kind of boring.

Jen burst out laughing.

I was still too uncomfortable with my confession to smile. I thought it would be a bit more exciting; fighting the forces of evil and all. But until I’m in I don’t get to do any actual fighting. I spend a lot of time learning battle tactics.

Jen narrowed her eyes, Battle tactics don’t equal rip-roaring excitement?

I think they’re more invigorating when you get to actually put them into practice.

Jen stopped with her next sentence on her lips as she saw Tal heading over to our table. Look, maybe Tal needs our help saving the world from Oblivion. A little vicarious excitement will do you good.

Tal came to a stop between the two of us. It could have been weird. No, it was weird but I pretended it wasn’t. About two weeks after Seth and I broke up, Tal just started talking to me as if nothing had happened, as if breaking up with my soul mate was a small favor she’d asked of me. Now that I’d done it, she obviously thought it was business as usual. I was maxing out my emotional energy to just keep breathing on a daily basis, so I went along with Tal.

How’s the Adversary? Still trying to destroy the world? Jen asked cheerfully.

Tal was very confused, Of course; always.

Any dire emergencies? Need our help save the day? Jen asked flashing all of her teeth as she smiled.

Tal looked from Jen to me and back again. Not dire yet, just worrying.

I reached out and patted Tal on the hand. Don’t worry she’s only joking.

Now Tal looked even more confused, You mean you don’t want to help? I was hoping you’d be available.

Jen and I looked at each other.

You really need our help, with a ‘not yet an emergency but could develop into one’ attack by the Adversary? I asked.

Yes, Tal said, clearly thinking that Jen and I were remarkably slow on the uptake.

What should we do?

Right now, we’re going to have a planning meeting this afternoon in the Ghetto Chapel, at about three, then we’ll give out assignments.

Jen winked at me as Tal left. Should I go change into my cape?

I think they only use them for ceremonial purposes. I wasn’t in the mood to get into a further snark-a-thon.

*

I met Jen in the foyer of the science building.

Let’s go, I think she said in muffles tones, the scarf around her neck wound nearly to the tips of her ears. The pompom on top of her hat matched the stripe on her gloves. When she first modeled her down coat and accompanying getup for me, I had laughed. In a moment of prophesy, Jen told me I’d be worse.

I pulled the fur-lined hood on my long, black down coat over the grey hat Grandma Mary knitted for me. She’d made the scarf and mittens too, probably out of alpaca wool.

We were trudging carefully along the packed snow toward Sherbrooke, when Sven came up behind us. I didn’t need to turn to know it was him: his laughter gave him away.

Even with three layers over her mouth, Jen made herself understood as she suggested he enjoy the pleasure of his own company elsewhere.

That’s not very ladylike. Sven chuckled.

Jen was irritated enough to expose actual skin, I never said I was a lady.

Sven opened his mouth to respond. He was wearing a short ski jacket with his spiky, fair hair open to the elements.

Jen put a striped glove in his face, Don’t give me any of that ‘I come from Edmonton, we sun bathe in this weather, and right now I’m on my way back to res to change into shorts crap, okay? It’s freaking cold. And I plan to make it through this semester with all ten fingers and toes.

Sven looks sideways at me, Isn’t that twenty? Is there something she isn’t telling us?

She’s inbred, I shrugged.

Sven nodded as if that explained a lot, and started walking with us. Where are you guys going?

Ghetto Chapel to help save the world, Jen said conversationally.

I’ve got a few hours to kill, mind if I tag along?

I think it’s usually the more the merrier in the world-saving department, Jen smiled.

That’s quite a perky smile after some fairly heated cussing earlier. Does she like him?

Sherbrooke was well gritted and easy to walk on, being the main road that gets significantly more sun than the path out of the science building,. Our pace had picked up to a speed that the average human being would recognize as walking.

Are you in a rush? I want to drop my bag off at res.

Jen glanced at me. She must like him. I flexed my eyebrows to indicate I didn’t mind; a shrug might have been lost under the layers.

I think the impending doom can wait a few more minutes. Jen said.

Sven turned to cut through the student ghetto to get to his res.

I stopped dead in my tracks.

Jen looked him and then at me. She glanced down the side street. To her credit, she didn’t even sigh, You know, Tal gets that kindergarten teacher ‘I’m-really-ticked-off–with-you–but-keeping-my–voice-pleasant’ face if we’re too late. Do you mind just meeting us there?

I said nothing.

Sven looked at me and back at Jen. Jen looked as apologetic as she could with only two inches of exposed face.

No problem. Save me a sword. I hate it when you arrive late and all the good ones are gone. He headed off down the street.

I hope he likes her, too.

We started walking again. Without looking at me Jen said, You still haven’t seen him?

No.

Are you just never going to walk down Alymer again? I guess you don’t have to. Is that why you’re not coming out with us in the evenings? We obviously wouldn’t go to the Iguana. She sounded really concerned.

I was glad my hood prevented me from making any sort of eye contact. I don’t really know what I’m doing. I just … I can’t see him. The words caught in my throat.

I really get that, Jen was beyond emphatic. Heck, I don’t want to see him either just out of solidarity for you. Last week he was in Fats and I made Tess leave. I thought I saw her wince as she reconsidered the last sentence.

How’d he look? I asked before I could stop myself.

Good looking, Jen ventured with great caution. She stopped walking and turned so I could actually see her face. What am I supposed to say? If I say he looked good, you’ll feel bad that he’s over it and you still feel like crap. If I say bad, you’ll be all guilt-ridden and angsty. And if I try and fudge it, you’ll spend the next week wondering what the answer was.

I shut my eyes, You’re right. No good comes from knowing.

We gingerly made our way over the ice up the steps to the Ghetto Chapel. As I held the door for her, Jen sighed, He’s not over it.

Thank you, I whispered.

*

Josh opened the door for Bret. In a lightweight thermal jacket with his dirty-blond hair sticking out from under a navy beanie, Bret looked like he’d just come from snowboarding, which baring one stop on the way, he had.

Morning Bret said with a nod.

I think technically by about four, you have to call it the afternoon. Josh smiled.

Is your brother up? Bernie asked following Bret in through the open door as soon as she’d deposited her snow-covered boots by the front door.

If he came home last night, he’s still fast asleep. Did you try calling him? Josh made his way back to the unreasonably elegant living room and the Wii game he’d paused to answer the door.

Then he would have been warned, Bret called from the hall.

Warned?

This is an intervention, said Bret pulling behind him two large suitcases. It’s time for him to get his ass in gear.

Josh raised his eyebrows.

At least he has to get out of this city. The bar, the band and the twins are doing him no good. Bret shuddered as he said twins.

I heard they’re actually second cousins, Charlie said looking slightly sheepish as he came into the living room behind Bernie.

And it was only the once, Ethan added from the other sofa.

Josh held up two fingers.

Twice, Ethan corrected.

Are you sure you’re not just getting them confused with the Swedish figure skating team? Josh asked.

Bret’s stare silenced them. See what I mean. The guy has got to get out of here.

Does my Mom know about this? Josh asked.

Bret smiled, She paid for the ticket.

*

Gal looked up as Chloe and Jen walked in. You invited them? He asked Tal quietly.

Tal didn’t even turn to look at them, Why not? We know that we’re going to need extra manpower.

It feels a bit funny working with her, Cale admitted.

Why? She didn’t know what she was doing. When she really understood what was happening, she stopped. Dava whispered tucking a loose strand of hair back into her ponytail.

She’s still an Other Cale grumbled.

She’s making the Quest. Guide Berg is overseeing her and Sima is teaching her. Dava countered.

Is that supposed to be public knowledge? Tal looked at Dava.

Why would it be a secret? Noy asked.

Dava looked over at Chloe, When someone makes the Quest and passes through the moat, they’re born again. It’s not nice to go reminding them about who they were before.

She didn’t finish yet, Cale was clearly not in the running for the presidency of the Chloe Diaz fan club.

It’s still not nice to remind her. Dava managed to be both firm and quiet.

How long does it take? Cale asked.

As long as it takes. Everyone’s different. Gal said, Maybe we should be helping her. When she gets in, she’ll be powerful. Anyone who comes in from the outside earns great firepower as they break through. I, for one, wouldn’t mind the extra ammo.

It’s always a great comfort to me to know I’ve got a former pawn of the Adversary fighting alongside me.

Dava shot Cale a look, She overcame the Adversary without any training and without the benefit of Connection.

Yeah, and without an Interloper breathing down her back.

Are we here to close a sinkhole or to bicker? Gal asked.

I think we’re waiting for Jov, Tal whispered.

*

The Ghetto Chapel looked especially warm and inviting with sunshine tinted walls, multicolored throw rugs and low slung red couches.

I guess it’s an official meeting, Jen said quietly, motioning over to where Tal and her friends where sitting in a circle of fold up chairs.

Remind me who’s who, she asked, as we began the laborious process of removing our outer layers. I hate confessing that I don’t remember someone’s name.

I looked at her for a second.

Jen forgets someone’s name? Jen knows the name of everyone in our graduating class and she doesn’t remember which of Tal’s nerd posse is which?

As Jen’s friend, it’s not my place to question momentary insanity. Dark hair, tall, would be cute, but it’s hard to think of any of this crew as cute, is Gal, Tal’s brother.

Jen peered over, Tal is dark hair pulled back, green eyes, always wears a denim skirt.

Who we just spoke to an hour ago, yes. Next to her, the redhead is Cale. He’s one half of the Cale/Jov comedy duo, although I don’t see Jov here yet. On the other side, curly hair pulled back with tasseled scarf is Noy.

The one doing the hippy thing?

Yeah, next to Tal. The one looking like an advert for Muscle Builders Anonymous is Dror.

Is he doing that ‘if I wear my hair short enough no one will notice I’m balding in my twenties’ thing?

I cracked a smile, Exactly. That leaves Dava; mousy – brown ponytail;, big brown eyes, between Dror and Gal. And that is the whole of ‘Team Tal’ except for Jov.

I turned around to see a blond head making its way up the stairs, Speak of the devil. Hey Jov, how’s it going?

"Thief of Time."

Excellent I smiled.

Jen looked at me, What kind of response was that? Are you two wired to your own personal frequency?

I looked at Jov laughing as he pulled off his boots, "Jov is working his way through the holy grail that is the complete works of Terry Pratchet. He’s up to Thief of Time, which is one of the finest of the set."

Jen was not impressed. I was amused.

Can we start now? Gal called over.

Anything to avoid the sci-fi geeks, Jen muttered.

I don’t think you can really class Terry as sci-fi, Jov mused as we pulled our chairs into a circle.

Thanks for coming guys, Gal smiled at me and Jen. We’ve been working on something for a few months. There’s a sinkhole that needs to be closed. He paused. I nodded.

Jen’s face was totally blank. When no great understanding dawned, Gal tried again.

A sinkhole means that there is something that is happening in the physical world that is lessening the connection between this world and the Palace. Things are happening all the time that damage the connection, and usually we can repair them within the Palace..

Those are the battles you fight? Jen asked.

Gal nodded, Most of the time we never find out what caused the problem. We defeat the immediate threat, and that’s all there is to it.

Jen pursed her lips.

Could you give a concrete example?

What’s wrong with her? She’s not usually so slow on the uptake.

Gal smiled Sure, some guy gets drunk and beats his wife. We fight in the Palace, defeat the attack, maintain the connection, and his son, who was watching all that go down as a kid, grows up, goes to therapy and becomes a high school teacher who watches out for kids from dysfunctional homes.

And if you didn’t defeat it?

Then the world is a less good place. Isn’t it obvious?

Then the boy drops out of school and joins a gang.

Jen still hadn’t finished, But there are lots of kids who end up like that. Does that mean the People failed them?

Gal chuckled, No, it could be they were supposed to be in the gang to learn about belonging, then use that to join the Army.

Jen looked around the room as she planned her next question. Every gang member should join the Marines?

I saw Jov stifling a snigger. At least it’s not just me.

"No, everyone has their own destiny and their own set of choices. If you are the son of a crack dealer, then you becoming a crack dealer probably won’t have any effect on the connection between the worlds. But if you become a social worker, you’d increase the connection.

Not every choice people make effects the Palace, only the pivotal ones. We fight to make sure the balance pivots in the right direction. All of the small battles act to constantly orient the world toward good.

Jen nodded, like it passed her personal approval.

Seeing we were both with him, Gal went on, A sinkhole means something is happening that is causing a larger shift. Sometimes we can close them in the Palace alone, but often we have to work in the physical world, too.

Like convincing the girl to break up with her boyfriend? Thank God no one’s said it, but how many of us are thinking it?

Tal looks guilty. She should.

You want us to help you with the physical part?

Gal’s eyes said, No, I want you get your butt into the Palace and do the real work, but his mouth said, Yes, if you’re able. Anything you can do will be a big help.

Jen seemed to be thinking about it.

What is there to think about? This is why we came over here to help them with the latest life-or-death crisis.

I put my hand up, Could we get to the part where you tell us what needs doing?

Jov’s facial expression said Amen, sister.

Gal didn’t lose his cool. Of course. We think we’ve identified the general area. The Adversary appears to be attacking the homeless shelter on St. Catherine.

Before he’d even stopped speaking, Jen asked, How do you know that? The Palace looks different from the real world so how can you see where the attack is?

Okay, that was actually a reasonable question.

Gal shifted in his chair. I leaned forward to hear the answer.

Jov spoke before Gal had a chance, We do a lot of Service down there. Recently, though, almost every time with get within a block of the place, there’s an attack. If we make it into the building to do the Service, our Interlopers go wild.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Tal blush.

I wonder what happened to her?

For a second I imagined all sorts of lewdness with sexy homeless guys. Then I realized it was more likely that she’d gone spur-of–the-moment shopping.

That’s why we need your help, Noy explained. We’re so busy holding the Adversary at bay in the Palace that we can’t work out what’s happening in the physical world.

Why should we be able to do what you can’t? I asked.

"Well, you don’t have an Interloper to contend with," Cale answered. I’m not sure if I imagined the sneer that accompanied it.

It’s not your assignment, Dava said quickly, either of you, so you won’t be attacked in the Palace for working on it. You can help us work out what’s going on so that we can deal with it.

Like undercover agents? I asked especially for Jov.

He didn’t disappoint, Like Echo

If there’s this much Adversary activity to keep us away, then the answer should be fairly obvious. You could go over there, dig around a little and see what you can find out. Gal’s choice of words made it sound optional, but his tone hinted otherwise.

I glanced over at Jen, she shrugged. I shrugged back.

Sure we’ll see what we can do. Should we report back sometime?

We’ll have another meeting in a week. Gal told us. It was not a question.

Everyone started to move. The meeting was apparently over. Jen turned around in her chair and waved at Sven who’d just arrived.

Want to come on a secret undercover mission? She called out.

You couldn’t have asked me that before I took my boots off?

I don’t think we actually have to leave right now, Jen said as we walked over to the couches.

Good, because I heard this place has free hot chocolate. Sven sunk into the other of end of the couch from Jen.

We do, shall I get you some? Noy asked brightly, as she passed by.

Sven expressed his facial appreciation, Waitress service! The life of an undercover agent could suit me.

I started pulling on my coat. Are you leaving? Jen asked.

I looked from Jen to Sven and back again. Jen is a good friend of mine, which means I get a certain right to hang out with her frequently. Since I am her good friend, I know when not to exercise that right. That lab report won’t write itself.

I was halfway down the stairs when I heard someone hurrying down after me.

Are you walking back across campus? Jov asked.

I have to if I want to get home. Are you headed my way? Jov is pretty easy company.

I’m taking the metro. Jov joined me on the sidewalk.

I squinted, I thought you guys usually got a ride.

Not today.

We started walking. I never had a brother, but I imagine this is what it would feel like. We discussed Terry for a few blocks