Rowena emerged from the side entrance and approached me. She was the only woman I knew who could be equally radiant in a gown or a business pantsuit like she wore now.
“Sharrim, we are honored by your presence. You caught us at a busy time, unfortunately.”
“Oh?” “Oh” was nice and neutral.
“We’ve received some orders from headquarters.” Rowena stepped closer to me and whispered, her voice urgent. “You should leave, Kate. It’s not safe for you here.”
“He’s pulling them out of the city,” Christopher said.
Rowena glanced at him and clamped her hand over her mouth. Her eyes widened. She backed away toward the stairwell and almost walked into Ghastek as he descended the stairs. The remaining six Masters of the Dead followed Ghastek. The gang was all here. They looked like they had left a board meeting.
Ghastek saw us. His gaze fixed on Christopher.
“Nice touch, Kate. But this man is not Christopher Steed,” he said, making sure his voice carried. “This is Saiman. This woman isn’t sahanu, although she’s dressed like one. Clothes are easy to acquire.”
Ghastek two, Kate zero.
“Five miles, sixteen hundred and thirty-five yards,” Christopher said.
Ghastek winced.
“What is that?” Ryan Kelly asked.
“That’s his real range,” Christopher said. “This is how far he can send a vampire before risking losing the connection with its mind.”
“You’re wrong,” Filipa said. Apparently she was able to talk.
“No,” Christopher said. “That’s why I passed you over, Matthew.”
Ghastek took a step back. Christopher had used his real name.
“It wasn’t politics and it wasn’t your petty fight with Kowalski. It was because you lied and shortened your range by two hundred yards on your official evaluations. You didn’t want me to know the full extent of your power. I required complete transparency.”
Curran smiled next to me.
“Very well,” Ghastek said. “You have Steed. This changes nothing.”
Ha!
“Should Adora also demonstrate her skills?” I asked, my voice so sweet you could dip a pancake into it. “Would you like to pick a target?”
“No. Now that the theatrics are out of the way, what can we do for you?” Ghastek said.
Here we go. “My father intends to attack the Keep at the beginning of the next magic wave. I intend to defend Atlanta against this invasion. I’d like you to join me.”
“You expect us to fight?” Constance asked.
“Yes.”
“Against your father?” Ryan Kelly asked. Even his purple Mohawk seemed incredulous.
“Yes.”
Toakase shook her head.
Ghastek raised his hand. “No.”
“Think about it,” Curran said. “It will make sense to you.”
Ghastek’s eyes narrowed. He was running through possible scenarios in his head trying to figure out what he’d missed. Maybe we’d get lucky and he would talk himself into it. Reach deep inside and sacrifice. I wish I knew what the hell she was talking about, because it would sure help right about now.
Pillman checked his watch. “This is ridiculous. After this morning’s phone call, we’re under no obligation to humor her any longer. Just throw her and her has-been shapeshifter out.”
Erra tore into existence in front of Pillman and backhanded him. The Master of the Dead flew back and fell on his ass.
“Bow, worm!” My aunt’s magic raged. “Bow before my niece. You’re not fit to lick her boots.”
The Masters of the Dead froze, horrified. Rowena’s face turned completely white. Next to me Adora unsheathed her katana. Blood-red wings snapped out of Christopher’s back.
A sharp calculation was taking place in Ghastek’s eyes. Above us vampires sprinted as he pulled them to him. Julie was a full twenty feet from me. This was about to turn bloody.
Now. I had to do it now.
Show them that you love them above all others.
I did love this land. I loved the city and the people within it. That’s why I fought so hard to protect it. I couldn’t ask it to give its magic, but I could give up a little of my own. I reached deep inside me and took the magic the same way I had taken it from the land, except now it came from within my soul.
It hurt.
“There is no need to shout.” I stepped toward Pillman, and my aunt moved out of my way. The Master of the Dead stared at me. His pupils widened. I reached for him. My hand almost glowed, as if dusted with gold. “Are you hurt?”
He reached out, hesitant, and touched my hand. I grasped his fingers. “Rise.”
“You . . .” Pillman stood up, his face stunned.
“Behold In-Shinar,” Julie intoned. “Daughter of the Builder of Towers, niece of the City Eater, Guardian of Atlanta.”
Burning my own magic hurt so much. I couldn’t let them see the pain.
“Don’t be afraid,” I told Pillman. “I’m not my father. He doesn’t value you. I do. He is far, unreachable, and distant. But I am here.”
He swallowed, his fingers fastened on my hand. I motioned toward the others. Pillman took one hesitant step back. Then another. That seemed to be as far from me as he was willing to go.
“My father doesn’t recognize your talents.” I looked straight at Ghastek. “I do. I know what you’re capable of.”