CONTENTS

TITLEPAGE

DEDICATION

CHAPTERONE

CHAPTERTWO

CHAPTERTHREE

CHAPTERFOUR

CHAPTERFIVE

CHAPTERSIX

CHAPTERSEVEN

CHAPTEREIGHT

CHAPTERNINE

CHAPTERTEN

CHAPTERELEVEN

CHAPTERTWELVE

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

CHAPTERSIXTEEN

ABOUTTHEAUTHORS

ALSOBYHOLLYBLACKANDCASSANDRACLARE

COPYRIGHT

FORTHEFIRSTtimeinCall’slife,thehousehehadgrownupinlookedsmall.

AlastairbroughtthecartoastopandtheypiledoutalongwithHavoc,whoranalongtheedgeofthegrass,barking.AlastairglancedatCalloncebeforelockingthecar—therewasnosuitcasetocarryout,noduffelbagsorluggagetoworryabout.CallhadcomehomefromMasterJoseph’swithnothing.

Notexactlynothing,saidAaron’svoiceinhishead.You’vegotme.Calltriednottosmile.Itwouldbeweirdifhisdadsawhimgrinningat

nothing,especiallysincelatelytherehadn’tbeenmuchtosmileabout—MasterJosephandhisforceshadbeendefeatedbytheMagisterium,buttherehadbeen

ahighdeathtoll.Call’sbestfriend,Aaron,hadbeenraisedfromthedeadonlytodieagain.

Asfarasanyoneknew.“Areyouallright?”AlastairsquintedatCall.“Youlookdyspeptic.”Callabandonedtheattemptnottosmile.“Justgladtobehome.”Alastairhuggedhimawkwardly.“Idon’tblameyou.”Thehouselookedsmallerinside,too.Callwentintohisbedroom,Havoc

pantingathisheels.ItwasstillweirdtoseeHavocwithregulargreenwolfeyesinsteadofthecoruscatingeyesoftheChaos-ridden.CallreacheddowntoscratchHavoc’searsandthewolfyawned,histailthumpingontheground.

Callwanderedaroundtheroom,pickingthingsupalmostaimlesslyandputtingthemdown.HisoldIronYearuniform.Smooth,pebbledrocksfromthecavernsoftheMagisterium.ApictureofhimandAaronandTamara,grinningeartoear.

Tamara.Hisstomachclenched.Hehadn’tspokentoTamarasinceshehadbeenkneelingoverhisbodyon

thebattlefieldoutsideMasterJoseph’sstronghold.Inthatmoment,ithadseemedpossiblethatshecaredabouthimthewayhewantedherto,butthesilencethatfollowedlethimknowwherehestood.Afterall,itwasonethingtonotwantsomeonetodie;itwasanotherthingentirelytowanttotalktothemoncetheywerealive.

Tamarahadn’twantedCalltoraiseAaronfromthedeadinthefirstplace,andoncehehad,shehadn’tthoughtthatAaronwashimself.Tobefair,Aaronhadn’tbeenactinglikehimself.Itturnedoutthatbringingasoulbackintoaslightlyrottedbodydidweirdthingstoit.Ironically,AaronwasmuchmorehimselfnowwhilerattlingaroundinCall’shead.ButTamaradidn’tknowAaronwasstillaround,andCallwassure,basedonherpreviousreactions,thatshewouldbehighlysuspiciousifshefoundout.ShealreadythoughtCallwasanevilsorcerer,oratleastevillyinclined.

WhichCalldidn’treallywanttothinkabout,becauseofallthepeopleintheworld,Tamarahadalwaysbelievedinhimthemost.

We’restillgoingtohavetotellher,youknow.Callstartled.DespiteAaronbeingtherewithhimintheMagisterium

infirmaryallthroughhishealingfromtheaftereffectsofusingtoomuchchaosmagicatthebattlewithAlex,anotherpersonhearingandrespondingtoyourthoughtsneverstoppedbeingunsettling.

TherewasaknockonthedoorandthenAlastairopenedit.“Youfeeluptosomedinner?Icouldmakesomegrilledpimentocheesesandwiches.Orwecouldgetapizza.”

“Sandwicheswouldbegreat,”Callsaid.Alastairmadethemcarefully,butteringupthepansothebreadgotnicely

toastedandopeningacanoftomatosoup.Call’sdadhadneverbeenmuchofacook,buteatingdinneratthetablewithhim—andsneakingcruststoHavocunderthetable—waswaybetterthanthemostdeliciousfeastMasterJosephcouldconjure.

“So,”Alastairstarted,oncehe’dsatdownandthey’dbothstartedeating.Thetomatosoupwassalty-sweet,justright,andthepimentocheeseperfectlyspicy.“Weneedtotalkaboutthefuture.”

Calllookedupfromhissoup,puzzled.“Future?”“You’reheadingintoyourGoldYearattheMagisterium.Everyoneagrees

thatyou’ve,um,learnedenoughmagicforyourSilverYeartobeconsideredcomplete.You’llbewalkingthroughthegateassoonasyougetbacktoschoolinthefall.”

“Ican’tgobacktotheMagisterium!”Callsaid.“Everyonehatesme.”Alastairpushedbackhisdarkhairabsently.“Probablynotsomuchanymore.

You’reaheroagain.”Call’sdadwasagreatdadinmanyways,buthisbedsidemannerstillneededalotofwork.“Anyway,youonlyhavetomakeitthroughonemoreyearofstudy.AndwithMasterJosephgone,itoughttobeprettyquiet.”

“TheCollegium—”“Youdon’thavetogototheCollegium,Call,”Alastairsaid.“AndIthinkit

wouldbebetterifyoudidn’t.NowthatAaron’sgone,you’retheonlyMakarleft.They’lltrytouseyou,andthey’llnevertrustyou.Youcan’thaveanormalmage’slife.”

Callthoughtprivatelyhewasn’tsureanymagehadanormallife.“Thenwhat’llIdoinstead?Gotoregularcollege?”

“Ineverwenttoanykindofcollege,”saidAlastair.“Wecouldtakesometimeoff,travelalittle.IcouldteachyouwhatIdo—wecouldsetupabusinesssomewhere,fatherandson.LikeCalifornia.”Hepokedhissoupwithhisspoon.“Imean,we’llhavetochangeournames.AvoidtheMagisteriumandtheAssembly.Butit’sworthit.”

Calldidn’tknowwhattosay.RightnowtheideaofneverdealingwiththeAssemblyanditsviewsonMakars,orthehatredpeopleheldtowardConstantineMadden,theEnemyofDeath,whosesoullivedinCall’sbody,soundedideal.But…

“Look,there’ssomethingI’vegottotellyou,”Callsaid.“Aaron’snotreallygone.”

Alastair’sbrowsfurrowedinconcern.Uh-oh,Aaronthought.Ihopehe’snotgoingtofreakout.“Whatdoyoumean?”Alastairsaidcarefully.“Imean,he’sstillinmyhead.Like,he’slivingoninme,”Callblurtedout.There’sreallynoneedforyoutotellhimthis,Aaronsaid.Whichwaspretty

richcomingfromhim,sincehe’djustgottenthroughsayingtheyhadtotellTamara.

Alastairnoddedslowly,andreliefmadeCall’sshouldersdip.Hisdadwastakingthiswell.Maybehe’dhavesomeideasforwhattodo.

“That’sagoodwayoflookingatit,”Alastairsaidfinally.“You’redealingwithallofthisreallywell.Griefishard,Iknow.Butthebestthingtodoistorememberthepersonyoulostand—”

“Youdon’tunderstand,”Callinterrupted.“Aarontalkstome.Ihearhim.”Alastaircontinuednodding.“Ifeltthatwaysometimesafterwelostyour

mother.ItwasalmostasthoughIcouldhearSarah’svoicescoldingme.EspeciallyonetimewhenIletyoucrawlaroundoutsideandyouatedirtwhileIwasn’tpayingattention.”

“Iatedirt?”Callasked.“Helpsyoubuildimmunities,”saidAlastair,slightlydefensive.“You’re

fine.”“Imightbe,”saidCall.“Butthat’snotthepoint.ThepointisthatAaronis

really,reallywithme.”

AlastairputagentlehandonCall’sshoulder.“Iknowheis,”hesaid.AndCalldidn’thavethehearttosayanythingafterthat.

ThenightbeforeleavinghomeforhisfinalyearattheMagisterium,Calllayawakeinbedasthemoonmadeawhitepathoverhisbedclothes.HehadpackedaduffelforhistriptotheMagisteriumthenextday,wherehe’dbeputtingonthedeepreduniformofaGoldYear.HerememberedlookingatAlexStrikeinhisGoldYearuniform,seemingsocoolandconfidentwithhisfriends.NowAlexwasdead.Callwasglad,too.AlexhadmurderedAaronanddeservedeverythinghe’dgotten.

Call.Aaron’svoicewasawhisper.Don’tthinkaboutthisstuff.Youjusthavetogetthroughtomorrow.

“Buteveryonewillhateme,”Callsaid.Heknewhisfatherdisagreed,buthewasprettysurehewasrightaboutthis.Hemighthavecomeoutontherightsideinthelastbattle,hemighthavesavedtheMagisterium,buthewasstillthebearerofConstantineMadden’scorruptedsoul.

HavocgaveawhineandnosedatCall’shand,thenbegantryingtocrawlunderthecovers.Ithadbeencutewhenhewasapupbutwasdownrightdangerousinafull-grownwolf,evenifhewasn’tChaos-ridden.

Havoc,quitit,Aaronthought,andHavocjerkedhisheadup,blinking.Hecanhearme!Aaronsoundeddelighted.

“You’reimaginingthings,”Callsaid.TherewasaknockonCall’sdoor.“Call?Areyouonthephone?”Alastair

asked.“No!”Callyelled.“Just—talkingtoHavoc.”“Okay.”Alastairsoundeddubiousbuthisfootstepsreceded.You’vegotTamara,andHavoc,andme,saidAaron.Aslongasweallstick

together,we’llbeallright.

SITTINGONTHEpassengersideofAlastair’ssilver1937Rolls-RoycePhantom,headedtowardtheMagisteriumonceagain,CallthoughtabouthistriptotheIronTrialfouryearsearlier.Herememberedthewayhisdadhadtoldhimthat,ifhejustflunkedthetests,thenhewouldn’thavetogotomagicschool—whichwasgood,becauseifhedidgo,hemightdiedowninthetunnels.

NowCallknewwhathisdadhadreallybeenworriedabout—thediscoverythatCallwastherepositoryforConstantine’ssoul.Andeverythinghisdadhadbeenafraidmighthappenhadcometopass,exceptforthedying-in-the-tunnelspart.

Itwasn’ttoolateforthateither.Doyoujustthinkabouttheworststuffpossible?Aaronasked.LikethisEvil

Overlordpointsystem.Wereallyneedtotalkaboutthat.“Don’tjudge,”Callsaid.Alastairlookedoverathimoddly.“Iamnotjudgingyou,Callum.Although

youhavebeenveryquietonthistrip.”CallreallyneededtostoprespondingtoAaronoutloud.AndAaronreallyneededtostoppokingaroundinhismemories.“I’mfine,”Calltoldhisdad.“Justalittleonedge.”“Onlyonemoreyear,”saidAlastair,turningontotheroadthatledtothe

cavernsoftheschool.“Andthenthemagescan’tclaimyou’redangerouslyuntrainedoranyofthathogwash.Onemoreyearandyou’llbefreefrommagesforever.”

Afewminuteslater,Callwasgettingoutofthecarandslingingaduffeloverhisshoulder.Havocjumpedoutafterhim,scentingthewind.Abuswaslettingoutotherstudents,youngonesfreshfromtheIronTrials.TheylookedreallysmalltoCallandhefoundhimselfworryingforthem.Afewpeeredoverathimnervously,pointingandwhisperingtooneanother.

HestoppedworryingandstartedhopingWarren,aweirdlizardthatlivedinthecaves,wouldleadthemintoacrevasse.

ThatwoulddefinitelyearnyousomeofthoseEvilOverlordPoints,Aaronsaid.

“Stoppokingaroundinmybrain,”Callmutteredunderhisbreath.Alastaircamearoundandgavehimapartinghugandapatontheshoulder.

Withastart,Callrealizedtheywerebasicallythesameheightnow.Hecouldhearwhispersallaroundthem,wasconsciousofeyesstaringat

himandhisfather.WhenAlastairsteppedback,hisjawwastight.“You’reagoodkid,”hesaid.“Theydon’tdeserveyou.”

Withasigh,Callwatchedhimdriveaway,thenmadehiswayintothecavesoftheMagisterium.Havocpaddedalongbehindhim.

Everythingfeltfamiliarandnotfamiliar.Thescentofstone,intensifyingashewendedhiswaydeeperintothemazeoftunnels,wasfamiliar.Thesoundofsmallscuttlinglizardsandtheglowofthemosswasfamiliar.Thewaytheother

studentsstaredathimandwhisperedbehindtheirhandswasfamiliar,too,butmuchlesspleasant.EvensomeoftheMastersweredoingit.CallcaughtMasterRockmaplegapingathimasheapproachedthedoortohisrooms,andmadeafacerightback.

Hetappedhiswristbandagainstthedooranditpoppedopen.Heduckedin,expectingtheroomtobeempty.

Itwasn’t.Tamarawassittingonthecouch,alreadyinherGoldYearuniform.

Whydidyouthinkshewouldn’tbehere?Aaronaskedhim.It’sherroom,too.

Foronce,Calldidn’tanswerAaronoutloud,butthatwasonlybecausetherewasaroaringinhisearsandallhecouldthinkaboutwasTamara.Abouthowprettyshelookedandhowshinyherhairwas,braidedinoneheavyplait,andhoweverythingaboutherseemedperfectlyordered,fromthesharpnessofherbrowstothespotlessnessofheruniform.

Thatwasweird,Aaronsaid.Yourwholemindjustwentupinsmokeorsomething.Call?EarthtoCall?

Hehadtosaysomething.Heknewhehadtosaysomething,especiallybecauseshewasstilllookingathim,likeshewaswaitingforhimtodoexactlythat.

Buthefeltshabbyandawkwardandcompletelyfoolish.Andhedidn’tknowhowhewasgoingtoexplainthathemaybehadn’tmadealltherightchoices,butthey’dworkedoutintheendandhewasn’tmadatherforrunningoffwithJasperandleavinghimatEvilOverlordCentralwithMasterJosephandAlexsosheprobablyshouldn’tbemadathimforraisingAaronfromthedead….

Nope,youcan’tsayanyofthat,Aaronsaidfirmly.“Why?”Callasked,andthenrealizedhe’ddoneitagain,he’dspokenout

loud.Heresistedslappinghishandoverhismouth,whichwouldonlymakethingsworse.

Tamarastoodupfromthecouch.“Why?That’sallyou’vegottosaytome?”“No!”Callsaid,butthenrealizedhehadn’tworkedoutwhatheshouldsay.Repeatafterme,saidAaron.“Tamara,Iknowyou’vegotreasonstobemad

andIknowI’vegottoregainyourtrust,butIhopewecanbefriendsagainone

day.”Calltookadeepbreath.“Iknowyou’vegotreasonstobemad,”hesaid,

feelingevenmorefoolish,ifthatwerepossible.“AndIknowI’vegottoregainyourtrust,butIhopewecanbefriendsagainoneday.”

Tamara’sexpressionsoftened.“Wecanbefriends,Call.”Callcouldn’tbelievewhathe’dsaidhadworked.Aaronalwaysknewwhat

tosay,andnow,withAaroninhishead,Callwouldknowwhattosay,too!Thatwasgreat.

“Okay,”hesaidnow,sincehewasn’treceivinganyotherinstructions.“Good.”

TamarabentdownandruffledthefuraroundHavoc’sthroat,makingthewolf’stonguelollwithhappiness.“Hereallyseemsfine,notbeingChaos-ridden.Hedoesn’tevenseemthatdifferent.”

Nowtellherthatyoucareaboutherandyou’vemadesomebadchoicesandyou’resorryaboutthem,Aarontoldhim.

Iamnotgoingtosaythat!Callthoughtback.IfItellherIcareabouther,she’lllaughatme.ButifIdon’tsayanythingelse,maybethiswillallblowover.

AllhegotfromAaroninreturnwassilence.Sulkysilence.“Icareaboutyou,”Callsaid,andTamarastoodboltupright.Bothsheand

Havoclookedathiminsurprise.“Imadebadchoices.Reallybadchoices.Like,theworstchoicesanyonehasevermade.”

Don’tgooverboard,buddy.Aaronsoundedalarmed.“IwantedAaronback,”Callsaid,andAaron,inhishead,wassilent.“You

andAaron—you’rethebestfriendsI’veeverhad.AndHavoc.Buthedoesn’tjudge.”

Havocbarked.Tamara’sliptwitchedalittle,asifshewastryingnottosmile.

“Idon’twanttopressureyou,”Callsaid.“Takeallthetimeyouneedtodecidehowyoufeel.IjustwantedyoutoknowIwassorry.”

Tamarawassilentforalongmoment.Thenshewalkedovertohimandkissedhimonthecheek.EnergyzingedthroughCall’sbodyandhefoughtofftheurgetoputhisarmsaroundher.

Yikes,Aaronsaidmildly.

Tamarapulledback.“Thatdoesn’tmeanItotallyforgiveyouorwe’rebacktowherewewere,”shesaid.“We’renotdating,Call.”

“Iknow,”Callsaid.Hehadn’texpectedanythingelse,butitstillfeltlikeadullthumptothechest.

“Butwearefriends,”shesaid.Hereyessparkledfiercely.“Look,everyoneherebelievessomethingdifferentaboutyounow.Theydon’tknowanythingabouthowyou—aboutAaronbeingraised.TheyknowMasterJosephkidnappedyou,andtheyknowyouhelpeddefeathimandAlex.”

“Good?”Callsaidcautiously.“Thatseems…good?”“ButtheyallknowyouhavethesouloftheEnemyofDeathnow.Everyone

knowsit,Call.Idon’tknowhowmuchthey’regoingtobeabletounderstandthatyou’renothim.”

“Icouldjuststayinthisroomallyear.”Callglancedaround.“IcangetfoodbyenchantingbolognathewayMasterRufusdidwhenwefirstarrived.”

Tamarashookherhead.“Noway.Firstofall,wedon’thaveanybologna.Second,we’regoingtogooutthereandfacethem.Youneedtobeabletohaveanormallifeasamage,Call.Youhavetoshoweveryonethatyou’rejustyou,thatyou’renotsomemonster.”

Imightneverhavealifeasamage,Callthought.Thismightbeit.Aaron,inhishead,remainedsilent.Callwasprettysureheshouldn’tsay

anythingtoTamaraabouthisfather’ssuggestiontoskiptheCollegiumandrunoutonthemageworldaltogether.Hewastooconfusedaboutithimself.

“Okay,”hesaid.“I’min.Whatdoyouwanttodofirst?GototheGallery?”“First,Ihavesomethingtogiveyou,”Tamarasaid,surprisinghim.Shewent

intoherroom,herbraidswinging,andcameoutcarrying—aknife.Call’sknife,madebyhismother,thehiltandscabbarddecoratedwithswirlingpatterns.

“Miri,”hebreathed,takingtheweaponback.“Tamara—thankyou.”Now,ifanyoneintheRefectorybothersyou,youcanchopofftheirhead,

Aaronthoughtcheerfully.Callstartedtochoke,butluckily,Tamarachalkedituptoemotionandpatted

himonthebackuntilhestopped.

WALKINGINTOTHERefectorygaveCallafeelingnotunlikedéjàvu.Hefeltasthoughhewasinafamiliarplace,butnothingquitelookedright.Andherealizeditwasbecauseherecognizedsofewoftheotherstudents.Alltheolderkidsheknewweregone.Hedidn’tknowanyoneintheirIronYear,barelyknewanyoneinCopperorBronzeYear,andeventheGoldandSilverYearstudentsheknewlookedalotdifferent.Afewhadwhatlookedlikethescragglybeginningsofbeards.

Callputhishandtohisownface.Heshouldhaveshavedthismorning.Tamarawouldprobablylikethat.

Focus,Aarontoldhim.IfAaronwerehere,inaseparatebody,hewouldremembertoshave.He

wouldsculpthisfacialhairwithnaturalconfidenceandskill,andeveryonewouldadmirehimforit.

We’llfindmeabodysoonenough,saidAaron.Wait.What?Callthought.Butbeforehecoulddwellonthatmore,Tamaragavehimashovetoward

thefood.WithhisstomachinknotsonthewaytotheMagisterium,hehadn’teatenverymuch,buthavingTamaraonhissidemadehimfeelsomuchbetterthathefoundhewasstarving.

Hegotsomegreenishlichen,someslicesoflargemushroom,andafewpurpleball-likedumplingsinabluesauce.

Getsometurnipcakes,Aaronsaid.They’regood.Callhadnevercaredforthepaleturnipcakes,whichlookedtoomuchlike

theyweremadefromeyelessfishforhistaste,butheploppedafewonhisplateanyway.Takingacupoftea,hefollowedTamaratoatable.Shefoundonewhereitwasgoingtobejustthem,setdownhertray,andlookedaround,asthoughdaringsomeonetoapproach.

Noonedid.Lotsofpeoplewerelookingattheirtableandwhispering,butnoonewascomingover.

“Hey,um,howisKimiya?”Callaskedfinally,justtosaysomething.Tamararolledhereyesbutsurprisinglyalsogrinned.“Groundedandkept

homefromtheCollegiumforawholeyearformakingoutwithEvilOverlordAlex.Alsoforjoininghisevilarmyofevil.”

“Wow,”saidCall.HelookeduptoseethreeIronYearkidsheadingtowardthetable.Three

boys—apalekidwithwhite-blondhair,adarker-skinnedkidwithlotsofcurls,andanotherkidcoveredinfreckles.

“Um,hi,”saidthepalekid.“I’mAxel.AreyoureallytheEnemyofDeath?”“He’snottheEnemy!”Tamarasaid.“Well,”saidCall,“Ihavehissoul,Iguess.ButI’mnothim.Youdon’thave

tobeafraidofme.”AllthreeIronYearshadtakenastepbackwhenhe’dbeguntalking,sohe

wasn’tsurehowconvincinghe’dbeen.Theywerelookingathimasthoughwaitingforhimtobarehisteeth,whenJaspercameupbehindthem.

“Scram,munchkins!”Jasperyelled,causingthemtoyelpandrunbacktotheirtable.

Jasperlaugheduproariously.Hehadanevenweirderhaircutthanbefore—somehowbothspikyandshaggyatthesametime—andwaswearingaleatherjacketoverhisuniform.

“That’snothelpful,”saidTamara.“Wemustreachouttothemwithunderstanding,notscarethemofflikethey’relittlekidsataHalloweenparty.”

Jaspermadeafaceather.“Goodtoseeyouall,too!”hesaid,andheadedofftowardCeliaandthefood.Callcouldn’thelpgazingafterCelia,whowaswearingaheadbandinplaceoftheoldsparklyhairclipsshe’dwornwhenshewasyounger.Once,she’dbeenhisreallygoodfriend.She’devenwantedtodatehim.Now,shewouldn’tlookathim.

“Hi!”CallturnedtoseeGwenda,trayinhand.Shesatdownoppositethemandstartedeatingcalmly.Calllookedatherinsurprise.Eithershewasenormouslyoutoftheloopofschoolgossiporshedidn’tcareaboutanything.

“What’sup?”sheasked.“I’mtheEnemyofDeath,”Callsaidtoher,incaseshehadn’theard.Sherolledhereyes.“Iknow.Everyoneknows.ToobadaboutAlex—he

wasprettyhot.”“Hewasn’thot,hewasevil,”saidTamara.“Evil,yeah.Everybodyknowsthat,too,”saidGwenda.Shewavedacross

theroom.“Kai!Rafe!Overhere!”KaiandRafewerestandingoverbyahugesouptureen.Theylookedateach

otherandshruggedbeforemovingtojointhetable.TheybothnoddedatCallbeforediggingintotheirfood.

“JasperandCeliaarebacktogetheragain,”Gwendasaid,gesturingwithherfork.CallfollowedhergazeandsawthatJasperandCeliahadindeedtakentheirtraystoatablebythemselvesandhadtheirlipsfusedtogetherliketwosnorklers.JasperhadhishandsinCelia’sblondhair.

“AfterthewholebattleatMasterJoseph’s,CeliadecidedJasperwasahero,”saidRafe.“Instalove.”

“Instabacktolove,”correctedGwenda.“Sinceshedumpedhimbeforethat.”Soontheywereallchattingaboutwhoatschoolhadbrokenuporgotten

together,whothenewMasterswere,andwhatmovieswereshowingintheGallery.AaronstayedquietinCall’smind,listening.Itfeltnormal—sonormalthatCallstartedtorelax.

JustthenCeliapulledawayfromJasperandcaughtCall’seye.Herlookwasicy.Jaspertriedtodrawherback,butshewasonherfeet,stalkingovertoCall’stable.

“You,”shesnapped,pointingathim.Thewholeroomfellsilent,asifthey’dbeenwaitingforthis.“You’retheEnemyofDeath,youliar.”

Tamaraboltedtoherfeet.“Celia,youdon’tunderstand—”“Idounderstand.Iunderstandeverything!Heliedtoallofus!Constantine

Maddenwassneakyandevil,andnowCallhassnuckbackintotheMagisteriumandAaronStewartisdeadbecauseofhim!”

It’snotbecauseofyou,Aaronthoughtquietly.Don’tlisten.ButCallcouldn’tavoidlistening.“Celia,”Jaspersaid,comingupbehindherandputtinghishandsonher

shoulders.“Celia,comeon.He’smoreliketheFrenemyofDeath.”Butsheshookhimoff.“Ihavefamilywhowouldstillbealivetodayifitwasn’tforyou,”Celia

said.“ConstantineMaddenkilledthem.Andthatmeansyoukilledthem,justlikeyoukilledAaron.”

“Ididn’tkillAaron,”Callmanagedtosay.Hiswholefacefelthotandhisheartwasspeeding.EveryoneinthewholeRefectorywaslookingatthem.

“Youmightaswellhave!”Celiasaid.“TheEnemyofDeath’sChaos-riddenandhisminionswerealllookingforyou.Theywerefixatedonyou.You’retheonlyreasonanyofthemwereattheMagisterium.”

Miserably,Callcouldn’tthinkofanythingtosaytothat.It’snotyourfault,Aaronsaid,butAaronwaswrong.“I’msorry,”Callfinallyreplied.“Idon’trememberbeinganyonebutCall,

butIwoulddoanythingtohaveAaronback.Iwoulddoanythingforhimtohavenotdiedinthefirstplace.”

Celialookedasthoughthewindhadgoneoutofhersails.Shelooked

aroundatthepeoplesittingatCall’stable,atTamara.Celia’seyesgotastrangeshine,likemaybeshewasblinkingbacktears.

“You’retryingtomakemelookbad,likeI’mthemeanone,”Celiasaid.“RememberhowyouspreadrumorsaboutAaron?”Tamaraasked.“You’re

notperfect,Celia.”Celia’sneckflushedapainfulred.“CallistheEnemyofDeath.He’sa

megalomaniacalmonster,butIguessbecausehedoesn’tgossip,it’sokay.”“Callisagoodperson,”Tamarasaid.“He’sahero.Becauseofhim,the

Enemy’sminionsaredisbanded.MasterJosephisdead.”Thatonewasme,Aaronsaid,whichalmostmadeCallsnortwithsurprised

laughter.Ifhehad,thewholeMagisteriummighthavedecidedCeliawasrightabouthim.

“It’satrick,”Celiasaid.“Iknowit’satrick,evenifyou’realltoostupidtoseeit.”Withthat,sheturnedonherheelandstompedoutoftheRefectory.

“We’re,uh,stillworkingstuffout,”Jaspersaid,hurryingafterher.Callstoodup,notwantingtobethereanymoreeither.Everyonewasstaring

athimandhejustwantedtogotoclassesandbealonewithTamaraandMasterRufus.Hecouldn’tkeeponpretendingeverythingwasnormal.

Anannouncementcameechoingthroughtheroom:“Allapprenticesshouldmaketheirwaytothemainentrancehall.Classeswillbecanceledforthefirsthalfofthedayforageneralassembly.”

Withasinkingfeeling,Callwassurethatthishadsomethingtodowithhim.

STANDINGINTHEgreatentryhall,Callrememberedbeingthereforthefirsttime,listeningtoMasterRufusspeak,hisheartbeatingashardthenasitwasbeatingnow.Herememberedmarvelingattheglitteringmicafloor,theflowstonewalls,theenormousstalagmitesandhangingstalactites,thebrightglowingblueriversnakingthroughtheroom,makingyouhavetobecarefulwhereyoustood,eventhoughtheplacewasenormous.

Backthenhe’dbeenworriedabouteyelessfishandgettinglostinthetunnels.Now,thoseworriesseemedtobelongtoadifferentperson.

Tamaratookhishandandsqueezedit,surprisinghim.Didthatmeanshestilllikedhim?Didthatmeantheymightgetback

togetherafterall?JasperhadgottenbacktogetherwithCeliaandhewasapill,

somaybeCallhadachance.Celiaisalsoapill,Aaronsaid,whichwasmeanforAaron.Sheshouldn’t

havesaidthatstufftoyou.“IthoughtyoulikedCelia,”Callsaid,andTamaralookedathiminsurprise.

He’dspokenquietly,butnotquietlyenough.“Ido,”shesaid.“Idid.Butwhenshesaysthosethingstoyou—Imean,

she’sinsultingallofus.Iknowshethinkswe’rebrainwashedminions.”Sheflushedwithanger.“Celiacangoeataneyelessfish.”

Moreandmorestudentswerecrowdingintotheentryhall.CallwasforcedtomoveslightlyclosertoTamara,whichwasfinewithhim.“Whathappenedtoreachingouttopeoplewithunderstanding?”

“Itookabreakfromit,”saidTamara.“Look,Celiamightcomearound,she’sjustvery—”

Asoundlikeamassivemetalgongbeingstruckrangthroughtheroom.Metalmagic—CallfeltMiri,strappedtohiship,vibrateintune.TherewastherushofairbeingdisplacedandsuddenlyMasterRufuswashoveringabovethemall,lookingdown.Besidehimweresomeothermages,familiarteachersandunfamiliarones.MasterNorthloomedtooneside,withMasterRockmapleandMasterMilagrosontheother.

Callhadn’tseenMasterRufussincethebattlefield.Ashudderwentuphisspineatthememory.Hehadbeensoclosetodying.Andevenclosertolosingeverythingthatmatteredtohim.

“Students,”MasterRufusboomed,hisvoiceamplifiedbyairmagic.“Wehavecalledyouherebecauseweknowthatrumorsandanxietyarerunningrampantamongyou.Thisisindeedatimeofgreatinstabilityinthemagicalworld.MasterJoseph,aminionoftheEnemyofDeath,triedtodestroythemageworldinthenameofConstantineMadden.Buthewasdefeated.”Thewordboomedoutdefiantly.“WehaveallknownpeoplewhowentovertothesideoftheEnemyoutofselfishnessandoutoffear.”

Therewasamurmur.CallrealizedquiteafewpeoplewerelookingatJasperandflashedsuddenlytoanalmost-buriedmemoryofanAssemblyguarddraggingJasper’sfatherawayfromthebattlefieldwithhishandsbound.

“ManyofthosemagesarenowinthePanopticonorbeingheldbythe

Assembly.Treatthosewhohavefamilymemberswhoarebeingrehabilitatedwithcompassion.Theirdisappointmentintheirlovedonesisalreadygreatenough.”

Jasperflusheddarkredandlookedatthefloor.“Wemustlearnfromthislessonthatwecannotallowfeartoruleus,”said

MasterRufus.“Gossip,suspicionofyourfellowapprentices—allthatcomesfromfear.Butfearhasnoplaceinamage’sheart.ItwasfearofdeaththatsetConstantineMaddenonhispath.Whenfearrulesus,weforgetwhowetrulyare.Weforgetthegoodwearecapableof.”

Thecrowdhadfallensilent.“Therearethoseamonguswhoyoumayfearbecauseyoudonotunderstand

them,”saidMasterRufus.“ButCallumHunt,ourMakar,helpedclosethislastchapteronthetragiclegacyoftheEnemyofDeath.Whenitmattered,heroseuponthesideoflawandorder,ofgoodnessandhumanity.Evilwillalwaysrise—andgoodwillalwaysdefeatit.”Rufuscrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“AroundofapplauseforCallumHunt.”

Theapplausewasfaint.TamaradroppedCall’shandsoshecouldclap,andslowlyothersjoinedin.Itwashardlyastandingovation,butitwassomething.ItdiedawayquicklyasMasterRufusandtheothermagesfloateddownfromtheirhighperchandstalkedmajesticallyfromtheroom,signalingthatthemeetingwasover.

“So…nowwhat?”askedCall,hangingbackastheotherstudentsfiledout.Hedidn’twantanymoreattentiondrawntohim.

Tamarashrugged.“We’vegottime.Iguesswecouldgobacktoourroom.”“Okay,”Callsaidwithmixedfeelings.HewantedtobealonewithTamara,

buthewasalsoworriedthatmaybehedidn’tknowwhattosaytoher.Afterall,theonlyreasonshewasn’tmadathimwasbecauseofwhatAaronhadtoldhimtosay—andifshelikedthestuffthatAaronsaid,maybeitwasreallyAaronshe’dalwaysliked.That’swhatJasperhadthought.That’swhatCallhadthought,too,ifhewashonestwithhimself.EveryonelikedAaronbetterthanCall.Whywouldshebeanydifferent?

Shetoldyoushelikesyou,Aaronsaid,andCallwinced.Hedidn’tmindAaronhearingmostofthestuffhethought,buthewishedhecouldhidethe

thoughtshehadaboutAaronhimself.Well,youcan’t,saidAaron.Withasigh,CallwalkedthroughthehallsoftheMagisterium,tryingto

concentrateonnotthinkingatall.MaybehecouldtakeHavocforanotherwalk.Havoclikedwalks.

AsCallwavedhiswristbandinfrontofthedooranditslidopen,hesawthatMasterRufuswaswaitingforthem.Hesatonthecouch,peeringatCallandTamarafrombeneathhisbushy,expressivebrows.

“WelcomebacktotheMagisterium,”hesaid.“Ihopeyou’repleasedtobehere.”

“It’sbetterthanthePanopticon,”saidCall.“Thatwasquiteaspeechyougave.”

“Yes,”saidMasterRufus.“Ithoughtso,too.Ihopeyou’rebothreadyforyournextlesson.YoumighthavelearnedenoughmagictowalkthroughtheGateofSilver,butyouhaven’tlearnedthesamemagicastheotherapprenticegroups.You’regoingtohavetohustletocatchup.”

Callrolledhiseyes.“Great.”MasterRufuswenton,ignoringthiscomment.“AsTamaraiswellaware,

thereareawardsgiventostudentsattheendoftheirGoldYear,awardsthatwillhelpyoutowardgettingaheadintheCollegiumandinthemageworldbeyond.Notimefordawdlingifyou’dliketowinsomething.”

“You’vegottobekiddingme,”saidCall.“NothingIdoinmyGoldYearisgoingtokeeppeoplefromthinkingofmeasthatguywhousedtobetheEnemyofDeath.”

“Perhaps,”saidMasterRufus.“ButwhataboutTamara?”Calllookedoveratherguiltily.“She’lldogreat,”hesaid,wantingittobe

true.ThinkingaboutTamaranotgettingalltheawardsandprizesshedeservedmadehimfeelawful.She’dbeenthebestatthetestsintheIronTrial.Shewasthebestateverything.Ifshedidn’twin,itwasbecauseofhim.NowonderheneededAarontotellhimwhattosaytoher.

“I’lltry,”saidTamara,andelbowedCall.“Webothwill.”Tellheryou’llworkashardasyoucan,Aaronsaid.“I’llputmybesteffortintoit,”Callsaid,andbothTamaraandMasterRufus

lookedathiminsurprise.“Gladtohearit,”MasterRufussaidfinally,risingtohisfeet.“Arethetwo

ofyoureadytogo?”Callwasstartled—hehadn’trealizedthelessonwasgoingtostartnow.

“Guessso,”hesaid.ItseemedtohimthatTamarawaslookingathimstrangely,butoncethey

reachedthecorridor,shefellintostepbesidehimandevenbumpedhisshoulderwithhers,somaybehe’dbeenimaginingit.MasterRufusstalkedaheadofthem,cuttingaswaththroughthecrowdsofstudentsheadingbackfromtheentryhall.

“Whatdoyouthinkit’sgoingtobe?”CallsaidunderhisbreathasMasterRufusledthemintoalesscrowdedcorridor,thendownasetofnaturalstonestepsthatdescendedintoacathedral-sizedcavern.Ablueundergroundpoolglimmeredinthecenter;CallhadforgottenhowweirdlybeautifultheMagisteriumcouldbe.“What’veImissed?”

“Everything,”Tamarasaid,butwithoutrancor.“Um,finercontroloffiremagic,stormcontrol,weathermagic,metallurgy…”

Call’sleghadstartedtoachefiercelybythetimetheyreachedthepebbledfloorofthecavern.He’dshattereditwhenhewasveryyoungandithadn’thealedright.Severalsurgerieslater,hewassureitneverwould.Otherstudentshadalreadyarrived;CallrecognizedGwenda,Celia,Rafe,Kai,andJasper,lookingsullen.MasterMilagroswasthere,too,andquicklyexplainedthatthey’dbesplittingintoteams.SheassignedCeliaandJaspertobeteamcaptains.

“Great,”CallmutteredtoTamara.“NowI’mnevergettingpicked.”CeliahadfirstchoiceandpickedRafe.ThenitwasJasper’sturn.Hestrode

upanddownthelineofwaitingstudentslikeadrillsergeantinawarmovieinspectinguniforms.Hewasevensquintingoneeyeshutandchewinganimaginarycigar,whichCallfeltwasoverkill.

“Atoughchoice,atoughchoice,”heannouncedfinally,comingtoastopwithhishandsbehindhisback.“Alotoffinecandidates.”

“Jasper,getonwithit,”saidMasterRufus.“It’soneexercise,notalifetimecommitment.”

Jaspersighed,asiftosaymisunderstoodagain.“CallumHunt,”hechose.Therewasalowbuzzofsurprise.EvenTamaramadeastartlednoise.Call

wastoopuzzledtomove,untilTamarapokedhimintheback.HewenttojoinJasper,alleyesonthemboth.

Celiawaspink-cheekedwithannoyance.Jasperlookedathersadly.“Shedoesn’tunderstandwhyIpickedyou,”hesaidasCalljoinedhim.

“NeitherdoI,”saidCall.“It’sonlyfair,”Jasperwenton.“Consideritpaybackformakingtheright

decisiononthebattlefield.Andforallthelivesyousaved.Nowwe’reeven.”Callraisedhiseyebrows.Beingpickedlastwasalwaysannoying,butthis

hardlyseemedlikeasufficientrewardforlifesaving.“Iknow,”saidJasper.“Ishouldn’thave.WhyamIsonoble?Ifightitbut

mybetterspiritalwayscomesoutahead.Youwouldn’tunderstand.”“Noonedoes,”saidCall.Aaronlaughed.ItwasJasper’sturnagain,andinrapidsuccessionhepickedGwenda,

Tamara,andKai,whileCeliagottwoGoldYearsnamedMalindaandCindy.“Well,thisisgoingtosuck,”Gwendasaidcheerfullyoncetheywereall

groupedtogether.“Jasper,whatwereyouthinking?”“Hewasbeingnoble,”saidCall.“It’sbecausehewantssomeoneonhisteamwho’sgoingtomakehimlook

better,”Tamarasaid.Jasperflashedheralookofvasthurt,buthedidn’tcontradicther.“Teams,”saidMasterMilagros,drawingalloftheirattentiontowardher.

Shewascarryingabasket.“I’dlikeforeachapprenticetotakeoneofthesemetalrodsandenchantittobeabletofindanothermetal.TheMagisteriumisrichwithmetaldeposits.Youdecidewhichmetalyouwanttodetect.Theteamthathasfoundthemostmetaldepositsinthenexthourwins.”

LookingoveratMasterRufus,itseemedclearthattheirteacherwaswaitingforthemtoraisetheirhandsandasksomething,like,say,howtoenchanttherods.

“Goodluck!”MasterMilagrossaid,andbothteamsrushedtowardhertogettheirsupplies.

MasterRufusshookhisheadandCallfeltasthoughmaybehe’dalreadyfailedsomeimportanttest.

ThemetalwascoolagainstCall’sskinandheavierthanheexpectedittobe.

“Okay,”hesaidtohisteam.“Now,uh,whatdowedo?”Gwendarolledhereyesandtuckedatwistbehindherear.“See,Jasper.”Call’sgratitudetowardGwendaforbeingwillingtositwithhimwasswiftly

evaporating.“Iwasinjailandthenkidnapped,”Callsnapped.“Notlyingaroundona

beachdrinkingrootbeerfloats.”“IhearditwasTamarawhokidnappedyou,”Kaisaid,turningcuriouseyes

inherdirection.“Forthegoodofourteam,”Tamarasaid.“Justhelpusout.”“Fine,”saidGwenda.“We’rebasicallymakingtheseintodowsingrodsfor

metalinsteadofwater.Reachintothemetalandthinkofthepropertiesyouwantittofind.Theserodshaveflecksofallothermetalsinsideofthem,soyoucanmakethemlookforgoldorcopperoraluminumorwhatever.”

“Ourbestshotistodivideupthemetals,”saidTamara,whichwasreallysmart.

Gwendanodded.“I’lltaketungsten,”shesaid.“Kai,youtakecopper.Tamara,youtakegold,and—”

“Iamtheteamcaptain,”Jasperremindedthem.“Iwilltakegold.Tamaracanhavesilver.Therestarefine.Callcanhavealuminum.”

Callwasn’tevensurewhataluminumwasexceptforthefoilthathisdadusedtowrapupleftoverswith.Still,therewasnothingforhimtodobutagree.“Fine,”hesaid,andstartedconcentratingonthemetalrodinhishand.Hetriedtothinkofitasawand.Afterall,whileingeneralbeingamagehadn’tbeenthewaythatTVshowsportrayeditbackintheregularworld,thosepeopleoftenwavedaroundwandsandsaidabracadabra.Hewasgoingtowavearoundthisoneanditwasgoingtoleadhimtowardthemostboringmetalofall.Maybehe’dbeabletowrapalichensandwichlater.

Callconcentrated,tryingtofindsomethingthatseemedlikethefoilhegrewupwithinsidewhathewasholding.Heconcentratedonsilvery,shinylightuntilhefeltaresonance.

You’redoingit,Aaronencouraged.Callfeltmovementinthemetalrodinhishand.Itrolledalittle,then

straightened,almosttugginghimforward.Heletitpullhim,likeHavoc

dragginghimonaleash.Hecouldhearthevoicesoftheothersraisedinexcitementanddismayastheyworkedtofindtheirownmetals.Meanwhile,Callwasbeingmarchedtowardthelake.Hewonderediftherodwasgoingtodraghimunderwater.Forallheknewtherewerealuminumdepositstenfeetdown.Heshudderedalittleandwasrelievedwhentherodseemedtobemaneuveringhimaroundalargeboulder.

Hefoundhimselfsqueezingalonganarrowspacebetweentheboulderandtherockwall.Justwhenhewasgettingridiculouslyclaustrophobic,itopenedoutalittle.Hewasinaspacealittlebiggerthanatelephonebooth,thehighcathedralceilingvisibleoverhead.Callglancedaround.Therodhadstoppedtwitching,buthedidn’tseeanythingthatlookedlikealuminum.

Watchout,Aaronsaidsuddenly,andCallsteppedasidejustassomethingwhiskedpasthisearandhitthefloor.Hestared.Itglimmeredlightly—aballofwhatwasclearlyaluminum.Heeyeditforalongmoment.“Didthatjust…”

“CallumHunt.”Itwasascratchy,half-hissingvoicethatCallknewwell.Hecranedhishead

backandsawthefirelizardclingingtotherockabovehishead.Warren’sjeweledscalesglimmeredinthelight,andhisred-goldeyesspunlikepinwheels.“Agiftforyou.”

Warrenhaddroppedthealuminum?Callbentdownandpickeditupbeforestraighteningandeyeingthelizardsuspiciously.

“Whyareyouhelpingmeout?”Callasked.Warrenchuckled.“Oldfriendssticktogether,yes,oldfriendsdo.”He

cockedhisheadtotheside.“Ididnotexpecttwoofyou.”Ithinkhecansenseme,Aaronthought,soundingalittlenervous.“Call!”Gwendasqueezedintothespacebesidehim.Callnearlyjumpedout

ofhisshoes.“Whathaveyou—”Shebrokeoffsuddenly,staringupatWarren,hereyeswidening.“Isthatafireelemental?”

“That’sWarren,”Callsaid.“He’sjustalizardIknow.”“Unkind,”Warrenhissed.“Wearefriends.”“Andhetalks,”Gwendamarveled.“How’dyoufindhim?”“Ithinkyoumeanhowdidhefindme,”saidCall.“Warrenshowsupwhen

hefeelslikeit.What’sup,Warren?Youneedafavororsomething?”

“Icometowarnyou,”Warrenreplied.“Therehasbeenmuchchatterintheelementalworld.Ihaveheardthewaterelementalsintheriverandtheairelementalsinthesky.Anewgreatonehascome.”

“Anewgreatwhat?”Gwendablinked.“ThemetalelementalsspeakofthecriesofAutomotones,”saidWarren.“ButAutomotonesisdead,orinchaosorwhatever,”saidCall.“Comeon,

Warren.You’renotmakinganysense.”Warrenmadeafrustratedhissingsound.“Theendiscloserthanyouthink.”Gwendaalmostdroppedhermetalrod.“Thatsoundscreepy!”“Nah,”saidCall.“Healwayssaysthat.”“Call!”ItwasTamara,soundingworried.“Call,whereareyou?”“Somanyfriends.”Warren’stongueshotoutandlickedhisowneye,which

wasahabithehadthatCallpersonallyfeltheshouldpracticeinprivate.Tamaraemergedfromthecrawlspace,blinkingatGwendaandthenat

Warren.“Hey.IthoughtIheardyoutalkingtosomeoneand…”Hervoicetrailedoff,probablybecausesherealizedhowunflatteringitwasthatCalltalkingtosomeoneonhisownwasunusualenoughtobeaconcern—althoughprobably,sadly,accurate.“What’sgoingon?”

“Nothingmuch,”CallsaidatthesametimeGwendasaid,“Yourcreepylizardfriendwasgivingusacreepylizardwarning.”

TamarafoldedherarmsandgaveCallasternlook.“HedidsaysomethingaboutAutomotonescryingoutorsomething,”he

admitted.“ButItoldhimhehadtobewrong,becauseAutomotonesisinchaos.Aaronsenthimtherewhenwewerelookingformydad.”

Isuredid.Aaronsoundedpleased.CallturnedtogesturetowardWarren,butthelittleelementalwasgone.Call

threwuphishandsinfrustration.“Oh,comeon!Warren?Getbackhere!”“Sothisishowithappenswithyouguys?”Gwendademanded.“Some

weirdlizardshowsupandallofasuddeneverythinggoessidewaysandyou’refightingamassiveelementalorsomeChaos-riddenarmyorwhatever?Well,letmetellyou,Iamnotinforanyofthat.”

“Noone’saskingforyourhelp,”Callsaidgrumpily,pickinguphisballofaluminum.

Thatiskindofhowithappens,though,Aaronsaid.Justthentherewasaringingnoise,likeadistantbell,followedbyMaster

Milagros’svoice,callingthemback.They’dbarelygottentodoanypokingaround.Callcouldn’tbelievetheexercisewasalreadyover.

“Dideitherofyoufindanything?”heasked.Tamarashookherhead.“Idon’tthinkthere’sanysilverinthesetunnels.”Gwendalookedalittlesmug.“Ifoundaveinoftungstenbackintheother

roomandmarkeditdown.IranintoyouwhenIstartedlookingforasecondone.”

TheysqueezedthroughthetunneltofindKaiandJasperexcitedlymarkingtheirfindsonamap.Callnoticedthathewastheonlyonewhohadanactualsampleofthemetal,though.Hehopedthatwasagoodthing,butwhenheshowedMasterRufus,helookedoverthealuminumballinapuzzledmanner.

BothMalindaandCindyhadfoundimpressiveamountsoftheirmetalsembeddedinthewalls.Celia’steamhadobviouslywon,althoughneitheroftheMastersmadeabigdealaboutit.

“Nowthatyou’vefoundsomuchmetalintheMagisterium,tomorrowwewillgotothelibraryanddiscoverthepropertiesofeach,”MasterMilagrosannounced.“Whatkindsofmagicdoeachofthemetalslendthemselvesto?Andhowwouldyoufashionaweaponfromwhatyou’vefoundtoday?Wewanttoseeyourdesignsandideas.”

Celia,clearlyexpectingaprizeinsteadofanotherassignment,gaveaheavysigh.

MasterMilagroscontinued.“There’ssomethingelsewearegoingtodotoday,somethingdoneveryseldom,butwhichisnotwithoutprecedent.MasterRufusandIhavebeendiscussingwhatwouldbemosthelpfultoyourlearningandit’sbeendecidedthatGwendaandJasperwillbecomeMasterRufus’sapprenticesandIwilltakeonsomeoftheorphanedapprenticesfromMasterswhowerelostintherecentbattle.Rightnow,everyoneisalittleoverloaded,andthisisawaytohelp.”

MoreJasper?Whydoestheuniversehateme?Callthought.Tamarafoldedherarmsoverherchest.Callwasn’tsurewhatitmeant,butat

leastshewasn’tjumpingupanddownforjoy.

Celia,however,appearedtobefuming.Shemustbeupsetenoughathavingherboyfriendmovedtoanotherapprenticegroup,nolessonewiththeEnemyofDeathinit.Thiswasn’tgoingtomakethingsbetterbetweenherandCall.

“Jasperhasn’tmadeitmuchofasecretthathewantedtobeMasterRufus’sapprenticefromthebeginning,”Gwendasaid.“Butwhyme?”

“Don’tyouremember?”MasterMilagrossaid.“Youaskedtobereassigned.”

Foramoment,Gwendalookedasthoughshewasgoingtochoke,andCallabruptlyrecalledhowshehadcometotheirroomsalongtimebacktocomplainaboutJasperandCeliamakingout.Howshe’daskediftheycouldpersuadeMasterRufustotakeheronasanapprentice.Apparently,theyweren’ttheonlyonesshe’ddiscusseditwith.

“ButthatwasBronzeYear!AndIdefinitelydidn’twanttomoveinwithJasper,”Gwendasaid,whichsoperfectlysummedupCall’sfeelingsthathecouldn’thelpthinkingitmightbefuntohaveherasaroommateafterall.

Butnomatterhowmuchhelikedthem,havingnewapprenticesinhisgroupwasgoingtobeweird.IthadalwaysbeenhimandTamaraandAaron—andevenifTamaradidn’tknowit,itstillwas.Besides,hehadimportantstufftoworkoutwithTamara.HowwashegoingtowinherbackwithJasperaroundallthetime?Howweretheygoingtofindtimetotalk?

Howareyougoingtofigureoutawaytotellheraboutme?Aaronasked,andtherewassomethinginthatthoughtthatmadeCallrememberhow,toAaron,thismightfeellikebeingreplaced.

“JasperandGwenda,you’regoingtomoveintoTamaraandCall’sroom,sopackupyourthingsandwewillreenchantyourwristbands,”saidMasterRufus.“Tonight,Iwillmeetwithyouprivatelytodetermineyourstrengthsandweaknesses.”

Jaspernodded,lookingshocked.He’dspenthisIronYeartryingtogetintoMasterRufus’sapprenticegroup.MasterRufuswasthemostfamousofthemageteachersandhadaneyeforpickingapprenticeswhowouldgoontodoimportantthings—forgoodorforill.He’dtaughtConstantineMadden,buthe’dalsotaughtprominentmembersoftheAssemblyandmagesattheCollegium.Now,Jasperwasfinallygettinghischance.Callwonderedifitwas

stillsomethinghewanted.“Okay,”Jaspersaidslowly,asthoughhewasstilltryingtoprocesswhatwas

happening.Gwendatowedhimawaytopack.CeliawentovertoMasterMilagros,probablytocomplain.CalldecidedhebettergobacktotheroomandmakesureHavocwasonhisbestbehaviorforthemove.

Tamarafellintostepwithhim.“So,”shesaid,“whatdoyouthinkofWarren’swarning?”Witheverythinggoingonthen,itwasthelastthingthatCallexpectedhertosay,butTamarawasapersonwhoseldomletherselfbedistractedfromwhatwasimportant.

“CouldAutomotoneshavereallyescapedthevoid?”Callasked,althoughhedidn’treallyexpectananswer.

No,saidAaron.Notpossible.“Idon’tknow,”Tamarasaid.“Butwecouldgotothelibrarytonightto

research.MaybetherewasanotherelementallikeAutomotones.”“Likehiscousin?”Callasked.“AndyouthinkthatmaybeWarren’sfriends

mistookthembecauseAutomotonesisthefamousone?”Tamaragavehimanannoyedlook.“Sure,”shesaid.“Automotonesisinall

theelementalcelebritymagazines.”Aaronchortled.Thatwasprettygood.Oh,shutup,Callthought,hominginonsomethingherealizedhadalmost

passedhimby.“We’regoingtothelibrarytonight?”Isthislikeadate?Astudydate?

Tamaranodded.“Ithinkwebettercheckthisout,justtobesure.Warren’sannoying,buthe’sbeenrightbefore.”Sheputherhandtoherchin.“We’regoingtoneedhelp,goingthroughallthosebooks.Jaspermightdoit.He’sournewroommatenow,afterall.”

So,notadate,then,Callrealized.Aaronsang“I’veGotaLovelyBunchofCoconuts”inhisheadallthewaythroughthecorridorsofthecave,justtocheerhimup.

THEMOVEDIDN’Ttaketoolong,Gwendadidlikedogs,andtobothTamaraandCall’ssurprise,JasperandGwendaagreedtoaccompanythemtothelibrarythatnightbeforetheywenttomeetwithMasterRufus.Gwendaseemedcurious,andJasper—well,Callwasn’tsurewhyJasperdidanything.JasperwatchedCeliastrideofftotheGallerywithhalftheotherGoldYearstudentswithaforlornlookonhisface,thensquaredhisshouldersandfollowedCallandTamaratothelibrary.

ThelibrarywasoneofCall’sfavoriteplacesintheMagisterium,notbecausehewasparticularlybookishbutbecausehe’dspentalotofgoodtimestherewithTamaraandAaron.Nowhe,Tamara,Gwenda,andJaspertroopedinundertheinscriptionthatreadKNOWLEDGEISFREEANDSUBJECTTONORULE,andsatdownatoneofthelongwoodentablesinthecenteroftheroom.

“Okay,”Tamarasaid,takingcharge.“Here’swhatwe’relookingfor.Stuff

aboutAutomotones—arethereotherelementalslikehim?Andchaos—hasanythingevercomebackfromchaos?Doweknowanythingaboutthechaosrealm?”

“Don’tyou?”Gwendasaid,eyeingCall.“Imean,you’rethechaosmage.”Heshookhishead.“No.Noidea.Icansendthingsthroughtochaos,butI

don’thaveanyideawhat’sontheotherside.”Theyallsplitupandtookdifferentsectionsofthelibrary;Callendedupin

thechaosmagicsection,wheretherewerealotofbooksheguiltilyrealizedheshouldprobablyhavereadalready—booksonthehistoryofchaosmages,themeaningofcounterweights,andthediscoveryofchaosmagic.HewasreachingforabookcalledSoulandVoid:PreliminaryTheorywhenAaronspoke.

Ineedabody,hesaid.Ican’tstayinyourheadforever.Callslumpedagainstthebookshelves.He’dknownthiswascoming,andit

wouldbearelieftobealoneinhisownhead,butitstillfeltalittlerejecting.Plus,hehadnoideahowtoaccomplishit.“It’snotthateasytojustgetabody,”hemurmured.

Maybesomeonedead?“Wecan’tuseacorpse—that’swhathappenedtoyoulasttime.Yougot

weirdintherebecausethebrainhadbeendead.Andthatwaspushingyoursoulbackintoyou.Imaginehowitwouldbewithsomerandomotherdeadbody.”Hepaused.“Andnotababy.That’swhathappenedwithme.You’dloseallyourmemories.You’dbeadifferentperson.Areallylittle,helplessperson.”

Idon’twanttobeababy.Aaronsoundedappalled.AndIdefinitelydon’twanttopushoutthesoulofababy.

“Wecouldgotothehospital,”Callsaid,realizinghowmorbidthewholeconversationwas.“Findsomeonewho’sabouttodie?”

Wouldn’tIjustjumpintotheirbodyandthendie?“Wecouldfixthemwithmagic?”Callsuggested,thoughheknewthiswas

unrealistic.Neitherofthemknewthatmuchabouthealingmagic.Thenweshouldprobablypatchthemupandletthemlive,Aaronsaidwith

theannoyingnobilitythattoldCallthatthisAaronwasokay.HewasalivenowandnotascaryundeadmonsterandtherewasabigpartofCallthatwantedtoquitwhiletheywereahead,evenifitmeantAaronlivedinhisskullforever.

“Ifyoukeepshootingdownallmysuggestions,you’regoingtobestuckhere,”Callremindedhim.

Frombehindanearbybookcase,heheardsomeonegiggling.Hepeeredaround,worryingthatsomeonehadheardhimtalkingtohimself.Instead,hesawTamarasittingonthetable,swingingherlegs,withJasperbesideher,apparentlysayingsomethingamusing.Callnarrowedhiseyes.

We’llthinkofsomething.Aaronsoundeddesperate.Wecouldkillsomeone,thoughtCall,eyesnarrowingfurtherashewatched

TamaragiggleagainandJasperpreen.Hewasdefinitelyflirting.WecouldkillJasper,forinstance.

We’renotgoingtokillJasper.Idon’twanttobeamurderer.YoukilledMasterJoseph,Callthought,andthenwassurprisedathimself.

Hewouldn’thavesaidthattoAaronoutloud.Hehadn’twantedtomentionanythingthathadhappenedduringthathorribletime.Buthecouldn’tseemtostopthinking.Youpracticallypulledoffhisheadlikeatomato—

Iwasn’tmyself,Aaronprotested.Calldidn’tsayanything.HeheardTamaragiggleagainbutdidn’thavethehearttolook—hedidn’thaveanyclaimonher.ShecouldgooutwithJasperifshewanted,evenifthethoughtmadeCallwanttosmashhisownheadagainstastalactite.

TherewasnopointbeingangryatAaroneither.NoneofthiswasAaron’sfault.ItwasMasterJoseph’sfault.AlexStrike’sfault.ConstantineMadden’sfault.AndCall’sownfault.

Iguessjumpingfromonebodytoanotherisalwaysgoingtobemurder,Aaronthoughtsomberly.You’realwayskillingsomeoneelse’ssoul.That’swhyit’sevil.That’swhyallthatEnemyofDeathstuffwaswrong.Itturnedouttocausealotofdeathinsteadofreversingit.

Iguessso.CallcarriedSoulandVoid:PreliminaryTheoryovertothetable,whereGwendahadalreadyjoinedTamaraandJasper.TheywerechatteringaboutAutomotones,TamaraandJaspertellingGwendaaboutthebattleatAlastair’soldcarlot,especiallyHavoc’sheroics.

Doyouremember?Callthought,butAaronhadgonesilentinhismind.Itwasn’tfair.HefeltbadabouthurtingAaron’sfeelings,butitwas

impossiblenottothinkstupid,awfulstuff.Horriblethingsfloatedtothesurface

ofhismindallthetimeandhecouldn’tstopthemfromcoming.Inthepast,he’dbarelyrestrainedhimselffromsayingtheworstofhisthoughtsoutloud;howwashesupposedtorestrainhimselffromthinkingthem?AndthenAarongottogoofftohideinthebackofhisheadandnotrevealanything.MaybeAaron’sthoughtswereevenworsethanCall’s,butCallwouldneverknow.

Fromthetableladenwithbooks,heheardGwendaspeak.“SoCalldraggedyoutothisenormouscargraveyardlookingforhisfatherandthenanelementalattackedyou,andCallstilldidn’ttellyouthathewastheEnemyofDeath?”

“Ithinkitwashardtosayoutloud,”Jaspersaid,surprisingCall.“Heprobablywasn’tevensurewe’dbelievehim.Iwouldn’thave.OfcourseIwouldhavepretendedtoatthetime,becauseIwaskidnappedandyoushouldnevertellyourkidnapperthathe’sacrazyperson.”

“Yougetkidnappedalot,”Gwendasaid,gloriouslyunsympathetic.“Ido,nowthatyoumentionit,”saidJasper.“WhyamIdefendingCall

again?He’sthereasonIamalwaysgettingkidnapped.”“Becauseyou’resupergoodfriends?”Gwendasaid,soundingconfused.

“You’rehissidekick.Well,oneofhissidekicks.”“That’strue,”saidTamara.“Havocisreallyhismainsidekick.”“No,no,no,no,no!”Jaspersaid,clearlyappalled.“Youcan’treallyhave

thoughtofmethatway.Iamhisrival!CallandIarealwaysgoingheadtohead,toetotoe,incontestsofwarandlove.AndIwinasoftenasIlose!Iamhisrival!”

“Ifyousayso,”Gwendasaid.Call,despiteeverythingelse,hadtosmile.Gwendacheckedherwatch.“WehavetogomeetwithMasterRufus,”she

said,soundingrelieved.“Whichisfine,becausethisiskindofboring.Ican’tbelievewe’reherebecausealizarddroppedahint.”

“Warren’sbeenrightbefore,”saidCall,notsureifhewasdefendingWarrenorhimself.“We’lltakethesebooksbacktotheroomsandkeepgoingthroughthemuntilwefindsomething.”

“Whateverfloatsyourboat,”saidGwenda.ShemadeaclickingnoiseatJasper,wholookedincredulous.“Comeon.Time’sa-wasting.”

“Peopleclickatdogs,”Jasperprotested,followingGwendafromtheroom.

“Youcan’tclickatme.”“Click,”Gwendasaidcheerfully.“Click,click.”Jasper’sprotestsweremuffledasheandGwendamovedoutofearshot.

Shakingherhead,TamaradividedupthebookburdenbetweenherselfandCall.“Maybewearebeingparanoid,”shesaidastheyleftthelibrary.“MaybeWarrenreallydidn’tmeananything.”

“Youcanhardlyblameusforbeingparanoidaftereverythingwe’vebeenthrough,”saidCall.HewaswishingAaronwouldcomeintohisheadagainandtellhimtherightthingtosaytoTamara,wholookedtiredandworried,butAaronremainedstubbornlyabsent.

Tamaraduckedherhead.“Iguessnot.”Whatwasshethinking?Callwantedtobanghisheadonawall,butthey’d

reachedtheirroomsandTamarawaslettingtheminwithherwristband.Theydumpedtheirbooksonthetable.CallwasabouttosuggesttheyheadtotheGalleryforasnackwhenTamarapickedupSoulandVoidandglancedattheback.

“‘Theoppositeofchaos,’”sheread,inalowvoice,“‘isthehumansoul.’”Sheswallowedhard.“Call,I—I’msorry.NotthatItoldyounottobringbackAaron—butthatIdidn’ttryhardertounderstandwhyyoufeltlikeyouneededto.Everyonewastellingyouthatyouwereresponsibleforhisdeath.Everyonewastreatingyoulikeitwasyourfault.Youmusthavefeltliketheonlywaytofixthingswastobringhimback.”

Callknewitwasprobablyabadideatobehonest.Buthedidn’tknowwhatelsetodo,orwhatelsetosay.“Ididn’twantAaronbacksoI’dfeelbetter,”hesaid.“Imean,yeah,Ifeltguilty.ButIwasscaredtodoit,too.I’malwaysscaredofwhatmighthappenifI’mnotalwayswatchingmyself,checkingtomakesureIdon’tgofullevil.ButAaronwasmyfriend,andhehadfaithinme,andIdidn’twanthimtobedead.Thatwasall.”

Tamara’seyesshone,asthoughshewasholdingbacktheedgeoftears.“AndIwentoffandleftyou,”shesaid.“YoumusthavethoughtIhadnofaithinyouatall.IknewIwaswrongtheminuteIgotbacktotheMagisterium.I’dbeenthinkingthatthemageswouldsaveusall,theAssemblywouldhelp,thattheyweregrown-upsandwewerekids,butthey’rejustflawedpeople.They

can’tfixeverything.”“Noonecanfixeverything,”saidCall.Tamaralookedsosad,hewanted

desperatelytohugher,butwouldshewantthat?“It’snotyourfaultyoutrustedthem—”

“Itrustyou,”shesaid.“You’remyfriend,Call,andI—”“Idon’twanttojustbeyourfriend,”hesaid.Shelookedathimwide-eyed,likeshecouldn’tbelievehesaidthat.Call

couldfeelhisheartpoundingthroughhiswholebody.Hewasn’tsurehebelievedhe’dsaiditeither.“I’msorry,”hesaid.“Butit’sthetruth.Ilikeyou,Tamara.Infact,I—”

Sheroseuponhertiptoesandkissedhim.ItfeltlikelightninghadzappedCall’swholebody.Thefirsttimethey’deverkissed,he’dbeentoostunnedtoreallyrespond,butthistimehewrappedhisarmsaroundherjustlikehe’dwantedtobefore.AndTamaraputherarmsaroundhim,andthatwasamazing,andshestrokedhischeekgentlywhilehekissedher,andthatwasevenmoreamazing.Shesmelledlikerosewater,andhewasprettysurethiswasthebestkissanyoneinhistoryhadeverhadandwoulddefinitelyhavegottenanOlympicteninkissingiftheOlympicsgradedthiskindofthing.

AUGH!IAMSTILLINHERE!cametheshoutinCall’shead,causingCalltopullawayfromTamara.ItwasAaron,apparentlyhorrifiedoutofhissulkbyallthekissing.

“Call?”Tamaraasked,confused.Shewaslookingathimwithakindofdreamyhalfsmileonherfacethatmadehimjustwanttokissheragain,butshe’dprobablybereallyangrywhenshefoundoutaboutAaron.

“Uh,”saidCall,castingaboutforsomething,somereasontostopthatwouldmeantheycouldstartupagainlater.“Ithinkwe’removingtoofast.Ithinkweneedto…”There,Call’sthoughtsdesertedhim.

STOP,Aaronsaid.“Stop,”Callechoed.Tamarablinkedathim,lookinghurt.“Okay,”shesaidinasmallvoice.“But

Ithoughtthiswaswhatyouwanted.”“Oh,Ido!”Callsaid,maybealittlebittooeagerly.“Ireally,reallydo.It’s

only…”

ThatIthinkweshould,um,takeabreaktomakesureyou’resure,Aaronsaid.

Callrepeatedthewords.Theysoundedgood.Thoughtful.Mature.Tamarawaslookingathimweirdlyagain,though.

Wewanttomakesurewearebuildingonafoundationoftrust,Aaronsaid.Callsaidthat,too,tryingtoinvestthewordswithconviction,tryingtobethe

personwhobelievedthem.Tamarafoldedherarmsacrossherchestandlookedathimwithnarrowedeyes.

“YousoundlikeAaron,”shetoldhim.“That’sagoodthing,right?”Callasked.“It’ssomething,”shesaid,whichdidnotsoundentirelylikeagreement.“I

guesswebothmisshiminourownway.”Sheputherhandonhischeek,warmagainsthisskin.“Goodnight,Call.”

Andwiththat,shewentofftoherroom,leavingCalltogotohisownandthrowhimselfontothelittlebed.Havocjumpedup,circlingaroundbeforesittingdirectlyonCall’sfeet,butCallcouldn’tevensummonuptheenergytocare.

ThingshadbeengoingsowellwithTamarathathe’dalmostforgottenthathehadanothersecret.She’dalreadyputupwithsomuch.Andwouldsheevenbelievehim?

Call,Aaronsaid.Wehavetotalkaboutsomething.Iknowwhatyou’regoingtosay,Calltoldhim,lookingupatthe

shimmeringmicaceilingabovehim,rememberinghowgreatithadbeenforthatonemomentwhentheyweretogetherandeverythingelsehadn’tmattered.ThatIshouldjusttrusther.AndIknowIshould.Ishouldtellher.ButIjustwantthingstobenormal.

That’snotit.Ifoundsomethinginyourhead.Something—weird.Somethinginhishead?Callclosedhiseyes.Ahugewearinesshadcome

overhim.WhateveritwasAaronknew,hedidn’twanttohearaboutit.Notnow,hesaid.Justnotnow.

CALLDREAMED,ANDinhisdream,hewasagrown-upmageinacityhedidn’trecognize.Heliftedhishandsandblacklightning—chaoslightning—sparkedbetweenthem.Hefeltasenseofsuretyandoverwhelmingpower.Itremindedhimofthefeelinghe’dhadwhenchaoswascoursingthroughhisbody,exceptnowheknewhowtochannelit.

ThismusthavebeenwhatitfeltliketobeConstantineMadden.Theblackfireshotfromhisfingers.ItwasasifhewereZeus;hecouldburn

thewholeworldanditwouldbeeasy.Withmovementsofhisfingers,heguidedthedestructivefire,strikingdownothermagesastheytriedtorun.Fireburstfromtheroofsofbuildings.Astoneclocktowerwasburning.Hehadno

counterweight,butitdidn’tmatter.Nothingmattered.Nothingmatteredbutpower.

Callsatup,gasping.Hishairwasplasteredtohisforeheadwithsweat.Ittookhimseverallongmomentstorememberwhohewasandwherehewas—inhisownbedintheMagisterium.

Hekickedthecoversaway,hopingtheshockofcoldairwouldwakehimupandpushhimfurtherfromthedream.Ithadbeenhorrible,inawonderfulsortofway…

Areyouallright?Aaronsoundedworried.Ithinkso,Callsaid.Imean,yeah.Itwasanightmare,isall.ItwasConstantine,Aaronsaid.Hismemories.Ithadtohavebeen.I’vehadweirddreamsbefore,Callsaid.Theydon’tnecessarilymean

anything.I’msorryaboutbefore,Aaronsaid.LetmetellyouwhatIfound,okay?Then

wecanmaybefigureouthowtohandle…kissing…whileI’mstillhere.Callsighed.“Probablybyjustnotdoingit,”hesaidglumly.Atleastinhis

bedroomhecouldtalkoutloudtoAaronwithoutanyonethinkinghe’dlosthismind.“Okay,shoot.”

There’ssomethinglockedupinyourhead,Aaronsaid.Idon’tknowhowtodescribeit,butbeinginhereislikebeinginabigspacewithwindows.IcanlookoutofthemandI’mlookingoutofyoureyes.Therearecurrents,emotions,thatmovepastme,andyourthoughtsarelikewordsinmymind.Butwhenweweren’ttalking,before,itwaslikeIbumpedupagainstalockeddoor.Inthemiddleoftheroom.There’ssomethingclosedawayinsideit.

“Likearepressedmemory?”Callsaid,puzzled.Ithinkit’sConstantine’smemories,saidAaron.Ithinksomeoneshutthem

awayinheresoyouwouldn’thaveaccesstothem.“Whywouldanyonedothat?”Idon’tknow.Aaronsoundedfrustrated.Maybewhenhejumpedintoyour

body,becauseyouwereababy,yourmindcouldn’thandleallofthememories,sotheygotshutaway.

Itmadeakindofsense.“OrmaybetheywouldhavemademerealizeIwasanadult,trappedinababy’sbody.Maybehethoughtthatwouldmakehimgoinsane?”

Idon’tknow,butIthinkweshouldopenthem.Callwasupandoutofthebed,shakinghishead,thoughheknewAaron

couldn’tseehim.“No.No!”Whynot?“ThewholetimeIwaswithMasterJoseph,everytimeIwasaround

AnastasiaTarquin,alltheywantedwasformetorememberbeingConstantineMadden,becausetheythoughtthosememorieswould,Idon’tknow,overwritemyown.WhatifthememoriesmakemestopbeingCall?”

Aaronwasquietforalongmoment.IguessIfiguredtheywouldjustbememoriesanditwouldbelikethewayIaminyourhead.I’mstillme,evenifIhearyourthoughts.

“ButConstantine’ssoulwasmysoul.Maybetheywillfeellikemymemories.Buteveniftheydon’t,whatifthey’rereally,reallybad?”Hewasafraid,herealized,ofmorethanjustthepossibilityofturningintoConstantine.HewasafraidoffacingalltheterriblethingsthatConstantinehadreallydone.WhatifCallrememberedeveryugly,awfulthing?Whatifhehadtorememberthedeathofhisownmother?

IguessIdidn’tthinkaboutanyofthat,Aaronsaid.Butifyoueverwanttolookatthememories,I’mhereinyourhead,too.IwilldoeverythingIcantomakesurethatyoustayyou,okay?

Callfeltlikeacoward.“Letmethinkaboutit.”Itwasearly,butheknewhewasn’tgoingtobeabletogetbacktosleep.

Instead,hegotup,gothistowelandhischangeofclothes,andheadedtothebathingroom,Havocpaddingalongbehindhim.HewashedupquicklywhileHavocpoppedsoapbubbleswithhistongue,sneezingandthengrowlingatthebubbles.

Afterthebath,CallheadedbackintohisroomandwasstartledbyJasper,shirtless,doingstretchesinthecommonarea.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Calldemanded.“Limberingupforthedayahead,”Jaspersaid,asthoughCallweretheweird

one.“Gettingintotherightmentalplaceformagic.”“Ah,”Callsaid.“Sure.”BythetimehegotbackfromwalkingHavoc,bothofthegirlswereup,

Gwendawithapurplesilkcapoverhertwists,Tamarayawningasshetookhertoothpasteintothebathingarea.TherealitythatJasperandGwendawerereallyCall’snewroommatesandinhisapprenticegroupwassinkinginandhestillwasn’tsurehowhefeltaboutit.Ontheplusside,atleasttheyhadn’twalkedinonhimandTamarakissing.

CallhadjustputdownsomekibbleforHavocwhenthedooropenedandMasterRufuscamein.“Today,apprentices,we’regoingtocontinuetolearnaboutmetal,frombothascientificandmagicalperspective.Call,youwillbejoiningusafteryoumeetwithamemberoftheAssembly.”

“Thatdoesn’tsoundgood,”Callsaid.“ThisisaninformalmeetingandMr.Rajavihasassuredmethatverylittle

timewillbetakenawayfromyourclasses.”MasterRufusdidn’tseemparticularlyconcerned,whichwasreassuring.AndCallknewMr.Rajavi.Maybeitwouldn’tbesobad.

“Mydad’shere?”Tamaraasked.“Hewantedmetogiveyouhisregards,”saidMasterRufus.“Hewassorry

hecouldn’tseeyou,buttherearerulesagainstapprenticesgettingvisitors.”UnlessthatapprenticewasaMakarwhomightalsobeanEvilOverlord.

Thenyougotalotofvisitors.“Call,Mr.Rajaviwillbewaitingforyouinmyoffice.Iwillaccompanythe

restofyoutotheRefectory.”Andwiththat,theywereoff,leavingCalltoeatsomecerealandgotoMasterRufus’sofficealone.

CalltookthepaththatledalongsideoneoftheMagisterium’smanyundergroundrivers.Itglowedeerieblueinthelightofthemoss.Ontheway,hepeeredaround,lookingforWarren.Heevencalledthelittlelizard’snameafewtimes,hisvoiceechoingthroughthecaverns.Hewassurehe’dseeWarrenduringtheshortboattrip,butbythetimehegottothefarbank,hedecidedWarrenwasavoidinghim.

WhenCallreachedRufus’sdoor,hetappedonitandheardMr.Rajavi’svoiceechofrominside:“Comein.”Theofficelookedmuchasitalwayshad.

Thesamepapersweretackedtothewalls,coveredinwhatCallnowrecognizedasalchemicalequations.Thebigcouchwasgone,replacedbymorebookshelves,andtheoldworkstationhadbeenreplacedbyonemadeofagleamingclearmaterial—quartz,Callguessed.Tamara’sfathersatbehindRufus’srolltopdesk.

Oh,God,Callthought.Tamara’sfather.Andhe’djustkissedTamara.WasthatwhyMr.Rajaviwashere?

Don’tbetotallyridiculous,saidAaron.Doyouthinkhe’spsychicorsomething?

KimiyawasgroundedformakingoutwithEvilOverlordAlex—Tamarahadsaidso.Mr.Rajavihadawell-establishedpolicyofnotlikinghischildrenmakingoutwithEvilOverlords.

Callslidintothechairoppositethedesk,eyeswide.Mr.Rajavigazedathimwithanunsmilingexpression.Heworeanexpensive-lookingblacksuitandathickgoldwatchononewrist.Hisbeardwasperfectlytrimmed.

IneedtosaysomethingaboutTamara,Callthought.Youreallydon’t,saidAaron,soundingalarmed.Ihavetoreassurehim,Callprotested.Reassurehimaboutwhat?YouDIDkissTamara.Justkeepyourmouthshut,

Call.“Myintentionsarehonorable!”Callblurted.Hewantedtosaymore,but

Aaronhadsetupaloudangrybuzzinginhishead,likeagiantbee.Mr.Rajaviblinked.“That’sgood,son.It’sgoodtohearthatdespitehaving

thesoulofConstantineMadden,youwanttoliveanhonorablelife.”Narrowescape,Aaronmuttered.Atleasthe’dstoppedthebeenoise.Call

shifteduncomfortablyinhischair.“I’llcuttothechase,”Tamara’sfathersaid.“Yourmother,Anastasia

Tarquin,hasbeenaskingforyou.”“She’snotmymother.”AwaveofangerpassedoverCall,erasinghis

previousembarrassment.“ShewasConstantineMadden’smother,andIamnothim.”

Mr.Rajavismiledthinly.“Ilikeyourconviction.AndIknowmydaughterthinkshighlyofyou.Thenagain,I’vestartedtobesuspiciousofthosemy

daughtersthinkhighlyof.”MaybeyoushouldtellhimyoukissedTamara,saidAaron.He’sajerk.Hewasalwayslikethis,Callsaid.Youjustneversawitbecausehewasn’t

likethattoyou.Callfeltinstantlybadforhavingthoughtthat,buthedidn’twanttoletthe

silencestretchouttoolongwhilehetriedtoexplainstufftoAaron.“IfyoumeanAlexStrike,I’mgladhe’sdead,too,”Callsaidbluntly.“ButIdon’twanttoseeAnastasia.”

“She’sinthePanopticon,”saidMr.Rajavi.“Hersentencingwasthisafternoon.She’sbeencondemnedtodeath.”

ThatshookCall.Hetriednottoshowit,buthishandstightenedonthearmsofhischair.Maybeheshouldagreetoseeher,buttryingtoimaginehimselfbackinthePanopticon,ontheothersideofthemagicalglass,wasawful.Besides,hedidn’thaveanythingtosaytoAnastasia.Hecouldn’thelpher.Andhedidn’twanttokeeppretendingtobeokaywithhercallinghimConstantine.

HethoughtaboutthememoriesAaronhadfoundlockedawayinhishead.Maybeifhelookedatthose,hewouldhavesomeofthefeelingsforherthatshehopedhewould.Butthatonlymadehimmoredeterminednottounlockthosememories.

“DoIhavetogo?”Callasked.“Ofcoursenot,”Mr.Rajavisaid.HeseemedrelievedatthethoughtthatCall

wasreallysayingno.Maybehedidn’twanttogotothePanopticoneither.“Ifyouchangeyourmind,tellMasterRufus.”

Callstoodup,assumingthemeetingwasover,onlytohaveMr.Rajavistaywherehewas.Afteranawkwardmoment,Callsatdownagain.“Istheresomethingelse?”

“Anoffer.You’regraduatingfromtheMagisteriumsoon.OnceyoufinishyourGoldYear,youwillbeamageinearnestandaverypowerfulone,aMakar.IwantyoutogototheCollegium.Iwillmakesureyougetacceptedintothebestprogramsthere.Iwillclearapathforyoutobeaveryimportantmage,perhapsanAssemblymemberyourselfoneday.Butwewantyoutostopusingchaosmagic,exceptwiththeexplicitpermissionoftheAssembly.WewantyoutobeourMakar.”

Callwasastonished.Itwasn’tlikehewasrunningaroundusingchaosmagicallthetime,forfun.ButthiswasthesameMr.Rajaviwho’dgottenAarontoperformtrickswithchaosmagicatoneofhisparties.Howhadthatbeenokay,butthiswasn’t?

MaybetheAssemblywouldgiveyoupermissiontodochaostricksatparties,too,Aaronsaidwithsurprisingcynicism.

“Howwouldyouknow?”Callasked.Mr.Rajavi’seyebrowswentup.Callsupposeditdidn’tsoundlikethe

questionofsomeonewhowasplanningonbeinghonest.“Well,”Mr.Rajavisaid.“Wewouldchooseanewcounterweightforyou.”Anewcounterweight?Callwassurprisedatthedepthsofhisrevulsionatthe

thought.Aaronwashisbestfriend.Thatwaswhyhe’dbeenwillingtobeAaron’scounterweightandwhyAaronhadbeenhis.

I’mstillyourbestfriend,Aaronsaid.IfyoustartthinkinglikeIamdead,it’sreallygoingtofreakmeout.

“WhatifIdon’tagree?”CallaskedMr.Rajavi.“Let’sjusthopethatyoudo,”hesaid,apromiseandathreatallinone.“I’vegottothinkaboutit,”Callreplied.Mr.RajavistoodandextendedhishandtoCall,whogotuptoshakeit.Call

realizedagainhowmuchtallerhe’dgrown.HewaslookingdownatMr.Rajavi’shead.

“Thinkwell,”Mr.Rajavisaid.“You’vegotabrightfutureaheadofyou.”OnCall’sstiff-leggedwalkbackthroughthetunnels,heconsidered

AnastasiaandtheAssembly’soffer.HethoughtaboutAlastair,too,andhispromisethatonceGoldYearwasovertheycouldtravelandestablishthemselvesinanewplacewithnewidentities.

Callcametowheretherestofhisapprenticegroupwastraining.Tamarawasshapinghermetalintoashiningcircle,liquidanddazzling.Jasperwaspokingsomegoldnuggets,whileGwendawasattemptingtocoaxamushypuddleofbronzeintoabracelet.MasterRufuswassittingonarock,lookingtobeabitindespair.

IfCallwentawaywithAlastair,hewouldneverseeanyofthemagain,butifheacceptedtheAssembly’soffer,hecouldseethemwheneverhewanted.They

couldallgototheCollegiumtogether.Hewouldn’tdoanymorechaosmagic;itwasn’tlikehewantedtodoitanyway.Mr.RajavimightnotevengroundTamarafordatinghim.

You’reforgettingaboutonething,Aaronsaid.What’sthat?Callasked.Me.

ATLUNCHINtheRefectory,GwendaandTamarachattedanimatedly.Jasperseemedsunkingloom,gazingfrequentlyoveratthenearbytablewhereCeliasat,surroundedbyherotherGoldandSilverYearfriends.Callrecognizedsomeofthem—aquietboywithbrownhairnamedCharlie,andagirlwithashortblackpixiecutwhosename,hethought,wasJessie.Butquiteafewweretotalstrangerstohim.Maybebecausehe’dspentsomuchtimeawayfromtheMagisterium,herealized—andmaybebecauseevenwhenhe’dbeentherehe’dbeentoowrappedupinhiscomfortablegroupofthreetonoticemuch.

SometimesJasperwouldwaveatCelia.Shewouldwavebackgraciously,

ignoringeveryoneelseatthetable.Tamarajustrolledhereyes—theywerealllaughingandjokingaround,exceptCall,whostayedquiet.HecouldsenseAaron’stension.Aaronhadalwayslovedthesekindsofbiggroups,flourishingonallthehumorandaffection.

It’slikebeingaghost,Aaronsaidnow.Icanseeeverything,butIcan’tdoanything.Orsayanything.

“Whatisgoingonwithyou,Jasper?”Gwendasaidfinally,afterhe’dexchangedanotherweirdwavewithCelia.“Areyouguystogetherornot?”

“It’scomplicated,”saidJasper.“CeliawantsmetorenounceCallandlodgeaprotestaboutbeingputintoMasterRufus’sapprenticegroup.”

“That’sridiculous,”saidKai.“HalftheschoolwouldkilltobeRufus’sstudent.”

“Well,hedoesseemtoLIKEKILLERS,”calledCelia,whohadclearlyoverheardandwasglaring.

Theyalldroppedtheirvoices.“Well,youobviouslycan’tdothat,”whisperedGwenda.

“No,ofcoursenot,”saidJasper.“Call’syourfriend,”saidRafe.“It’snotthat,”Jasperprotested.“It’saboutnotgivingin!AdeWinterdoesn’t

dowhathe’stold!AdeWinterisindependent!”CallthoughtabouthowJasper’sfatherwasn’tindependentatall.Hewas

lockedawayinthePanopticon,besmirchingthedeWintername.Jasperlikedtocomplain—alot—aboutlittlestuff,butneverabouthisdad’ssituation.Itmustweighonhim,though.

“Celiacan’tkeepbeingsoridiculous,”saidTamara.“It’sunbelievableshe’sgettinganysupport.”

“I’dsayabouthalftheschoolfeelslikeshedoes,”saidKaiinalowvoice.“Therearealotofpeoplewhodon’tlikeortrustCall,andsomeofthemthinkhe’sbasicallyjusttheEnemyofDeathinaGoldYearuniform.”

“Whataboutthepeoplewhoactuallylikeme?”saidCall,feelingsick.“They’reallatthistable,”saidGwenda.“That’snottrue!”Tamaraprotested.“Therearepeoplewholikeyou,Call.

AndHavoclikesyou.AndWarren.”

“Warrendoesn’tlikeanyone,”saidCall,pushinghisplateaway.HethoughtabouthisdreamoftheCollegium—wouldn’titjustbemoreofthis?

Kaisuddenlystoodup.HisbrowneyesmetCall’sandheshookhisheadsadly.“I’msorry,”hesaid,andcrossedtheroomtositdownatCelia’stable.

Theyallstaredafterhim,stunned.Rafebrokethesilence.“Charlie’shisboyfriend,andhe’scompletelyonCelia’sside,”hesaid.“Youhavetounderstand—it’sbeenreallyhardonKai.”

Jasperlookedgrim.“Battlelinesarebeingdrawn,”hesaid,andforonce,hewasn’tkiddingaround.CallalmostimaginedhecouldseeathinglowinglineseparatingtheirtablefromCelia’s.

Draggingaforkthroughhislichen,Callknewthathewasgoingtohavetodosomething.Hejustwishedheknewwhat.

Afterlunch,exerciseswereoutsideinthewoodsandincludedGoldYearsandIronYears.TheyweretoaccompanytheyoungerkidsastheyexploredtheareaaroundtheMagisteriumandtriedoutsomenewlylearnedmagic.

“Don’tletthemwanderoff,”MasterRufussaid.“Thiswillbegoodforallofyou,totakeresponsibilityforyoungermages,tohelpthemandalsotorealizehowfaryou’vecomeinyourownstudies.”

“Noneofthemaregoingtowanttopartnerwithme,”CallsaidtoTamara,thenwasalittleashamed.HisfriendsalreadyhadtodealwiththehostilitythatpeopletheycaredaboutfelttowardCall.Hedidn’thavetocomplainontopofit.

Tamarapattedhimreassuringlyontheshoulder.“Maybethere’satinyevilone.”Hegloweredatherandshesmiledcheerfullybackathim.“That’sthespirit.Yourevillittlefanwilllikethat.”

Helaugheddespitehimself.Meanwhile,Jasperwaspuffinghimselfupwiththethoughtthatsomeone

wasgoingtobeimpressedwithhim.“Ihavealotofwisdomtopasson,”hewassayingtoGwenda.“TheimportantthingisthatIfindanapprenticeworthyofme.”

“Ireallythinknoneofthemdeserveyou,”Gwendatoldhim,andhenoddedthoughtfully.

“You’resoright.”“Oh,”shesaid.“IknowIam.”OncetheywerethroughtheMissionGate,Callcouldn’thelpnoticingthat

thewoodswerestrangelyquiet.Nobirdcallscamefromthetrees.Hecouldn’tevenhearcrickets.

Helookedtowardtheothers.TamaraandMasterRufushadpaused,too.Thesilencewastrulyeerie.Woodswereneverreallyquiet—therewasalwaysbirdsong,orthesoundofdistantanimalsintheunderbrush.Buttherewasnothing.CallwasabouttosaysomethingtoMasterRufuswhentheMagisteriumgatesopenedagain,andmoreandmoreapprenticesfiledoutwiththeirMasters.Suddenlyitwashardertohearthesilenceofthewoodsoverthehumanchatter.

“We’vealreadypairedyouup,”MasterRockmaplesaid,loudlyenoughthattheapprenticesbegantoquietdown.“IwillcalloutthenameofaGoldYearandthentheIronYeartheyaretobepairedwith.”

Abreezeblewthroughthetrees,andinthemomentafterMasterRockmaplefinishedspeakingCallwasunnervedagaintohearthewhistleofwindthroughbranchesandnothingmore.Noanimalsounds.Buttherewasthesoundofsomethingelse.ItsoundedtoCalllikesomethingfamiliar.

“Rockmaple,”MasterRufussaid,“Ithinkweshouldgobackinsideandpostponethisexerciseforanother—”

ThenCallremembered.ItwasthesoundhehadheardwhenheandhisfatherhadgonetoNiagaraFallsonce.Anenormouslyloudrushingnoise,asiftheairweresplintering.

Abuzzroseamongtheapprentices,buttherewasnotimetodoanything.BeforeMasterRufuscouldevenfinishhissentence,highoverthetreesanelementalappeared.

CallheardTamaragasp.“Adragon.”Thedragonwasmassive,shinyblackandsinuous,withsmall,membranous

wingsandenormous,fang-linedjaws.Itseyeswereabrilliantred.Ahumanridersatonitsback—oneinalongcloakthatwaswhippedbythewind.

CallreachedforTamara;shegrabbedhishandandheldit.HecouldfeelAaroninsidehishead,flinchingindisbelief—andhorror.

Impossibly,theriderwasAlex.Changed,butstillrecognizable,eventhough

animbusofdarknesssurroundedhishead.Itwasasifsomeonehadcutthelightoutoftheskysurroundinghim.Hiseyeswereenormousblackholesthatshimmered,asthoughfullofstars.

Apprenticesscreamed.PeoplestartedrunningbacktowardtheMagisterium.NotallofthemrecognizedAlex,buttheydefinitelyrecognizedbadnewswhentheysawit.CallandTamarastoodtheirground,thoughMasterRufushadmovedtoblockthemfromAlex’sdirectview.

He’sdead.Aaronsoundedstunned.He’sgottobedead.Hewassuckedintochaos.

Thedragonopeneditsenormousjawsandoutcameblackfire.Itsearedacrossthetopsofthesurroundingtrees,settingthemaflame.Theyburnedwithoutlight,withoutheat.Callrememberedhisdream,theblackflamespreadingfromhishands.Thedragonwasbreathingpurechaosfire.

“Quickly,everyoneinside!”MasterRufusshouted.Hegesturedforthestudentstogetback.“Tamara!Call!Getoutofhere!”TheMasterswererunning,circlingthestudentsinordertoherdthembacktotheMagisteriumgates.IronYearswererunning,almosttrippingoveroneanotherintheireagernesstogetbacktowardthegates.

“Wait!”shoutedoneoftheMasters.“Stayclose—”Butitwastoolate.Thedragonswoopeddown,Alexclingingtoitsback,

andcaughttwoIronYears.OneofthemwasAxel,thelittlekidwho’dbeencuriousaboutCallwhenhe’dfirstarrivedattheMagisterium.Helookedterrified,buthewasn’tcrying.Helookedlikehewastryingtobitethechaosdragon’sclaws.NexttohimwasanIronYeargirlscreamingasshetriedtokickherwayfree.Butthedragonheldfast,swoopingupintotheskywiththeIronYearsgrippedtightlyinitsclaws.

Astridethedragon,grinningnow,Alexshouted,hisvoiceboomingacrosstheforest.“Stop!AllMastersoftheMagisterium,stopwhereyouare!IamAlexanderStrike,thefirsteverDevouredofchaos,andIwilldestroyyouallunlessyoufollowmycommands.”

ADevouredofchaos?CalllookedoveratMasterRufus,butMasterRufuswasintentonstaringatAlex.Helookedenraged.AlltheMastersdid,buttheyhadstoppedintheirtracks,knowingtheyhadnochoice.Abovethem,theycould

heartheIronYearsscreaming,theircriescarriedthinlyonthewind.CallturnedtoTamara.Shewastremblingwithfury.“Wehavetodosomething,”shesaid.Theblackflameslickedhigher,eating

upmoreofthewoods.Fire,Callthought.Hehadputoutfirebefore.Itnearlykilledyou,Aaronprotested.Now,withoutacounterweight—Alexwasstilltalking.“First,releaseAnastasiaTarquinfromcaptivityorI

willdropthesebratsintothefireandthenfinishofftherestofyou.Afteryouwatchthemburn.”

Amurmurranthroughthecrowd.AnastasiaTarquin?NoteveryoneknewshehadbeenAlex’sstepmother;evenCallwasastonishedAlexcaredenoughtobotherspringingherfromprison.

ItwasMasterRufuswhosteppedforwardtospeak.“Youmustgiveustime,”hecalled.“WehavetocontactthePanopticon.”

Alexwasgrinningsavagely.Callcouldonlyimaginethepleasurehewasgettingoutoforderingaroundhisoldteachers.“Getatornadophoneouthereinfiveminutes,orI’lltoastatot.”

MasterRockmapleturnedandplungedintotheMagisterium.“CallandTamara,”Alexsaid,turninghisstar-blackenedgazetothem.His

facelookedlikeparchmentbehindwhichbrilliantblacklightwasburning.“Whatagreatreunion!”Hethrewhisheadbackandlaughed.

“Youshouldhavestayedinthevoid,”Callshoutedasheconcentratedonpullingtheairawayfromthechaosfireeatingawayatthetrees.Butnomatterhowhepulled,theflamesdidn’tsomuchasflicker.Theyweren’tlikeregularfire,fedonair.Callwasn’tsurewhattheyfedon,butashismagicflowedtowardthem,hefeltneitherheatnorlight.Iftheoppositeofchaoswassoul,thenhefearedthefirefedonthesubstanceoftheworlditself.

Hecouldn’tputoutthefirethatway,buthewasaMakar.Heshouldbeabletocontrolit.Hesenthispowertowardthelickingflamesofchaos,concentratingonstoppingitsspread.Itseemedlikeitwasworking—thefirebegantoebb,burningitselfoutwithnothingmoretofeedon.

“Andyoushouldhaveneverbeenborn,”Alextoldhim,lookingdelightedtodoso.“YouareaparodyofallthattheEnemyofDeathwas,youflimsyimitation.”

“He’saDevoured,”TamarasaidquietlytoCall.“That’skindoflikebeinganelemental.Youcouldcontrolachaoselemental,right?”

Goodidea,Aaronthought.Callsmiledwithvengefulhope.IfhecouldcontrolAlex,hewouldbehard-

pressednottomakehimdosomethingstupidandhumiliating—after,ofcourse,settingdowntheIronYearkids.Hereachedoutagain,thistimenottowardthefireitselfbuttowardAlex—

—onlytohitwhatfeltlikeawallofstickynothing.HefelthispowerbeingpulledtowardAlexandyankeditbackwithwhatfeltlikephysicalforce.WhateverAlexhadbecome,hewastoopowerfulforCalltocontrol.

MasterRockmapleracedbackthroughtheMissionGatewithMasterNorthandMr.Rajavi—whohadapparentlynotmadeitoffthegroundsoftheMagisterium.MasterNorthcarriedatornadophone.

Tamaralookedoveratherfather.Hegaveheraquickglanceinreturnbutdidn’tspeaktoher,whichwasprobablytherightmove.BetterforAlexnottoberemindedoftheirrelationship.BetterforAlexnottothinkofanewwaytohurtoneofthem.

“Wecan’treallygiveintothis,”MasterNorthwassaying.Thenhespottedthekidshangingfromtheclawsofthedragon,bothofthemlookingincreasinglypanicked,increasinglysuretheyweregoingtobefedtochaos.

“Fornow,”Mr.Rajavisaid,activatingthetornadophone.OntheotherendwasaguardatthePanopticon.Callrecognizedtheuniform

withashudder.“WeneedyoutogetAnastasiaTarquinandprepareherforrelease.Butbring

herherefirst.Weneedtoseeherandthatsheisallrightassheissetfree,”Mr.Rajavisaid.

“AnastasiaTarquin?”demandedtheguard,stunned.“Onwhoseauthority?”“OnbehalfoftheAssembly,whichIspeakfor,”Mr.Rajavisaidastheguard

seemedtoslowlyrealizebothwhohewastalkingtoandtheconfusionofwhatwashappeninginthebackground.Hepaledandranoff.

Uponhisdragon,Alexsmiled,smug.Thedragonopeneditsclawsandthegirlslipped,herscreamcarryingtothem.Thedragoncaughtheragain,asthoughshewereaballanditwasplayingagame.Herscreamswentonandon.

“Stop!”criedMr.Rajavi.“We’regivingyouwhatyouwant!Onlyreturnthechildren—”

“Sure,I’llsendthemback—lightlyseared,”saidAlex,laughing.ItoccurredtoCallthatthiswaswhatAlexhadalwayswantedtobe.Thiswaswhathe’dalwaysthoughttheEnemyofDeathwassupposedtobelike:thismaniacal,howlinghorror.

“Thechildrenareinnocent,”saidMasterRufus.“Theyhavedonenothingtoyou.Takeme.”

“Drewwasinnocent,”snarledAlex.Callstrugglednottopointoutthatthiswasn’tintheleastbittrue.Hedidn’tthinkitwouldbehelpful.“Youmurderedhim,allofyou.Youaretheteachersoflies!”

“He’sgoingtofreakout,”Tamarawhispered,herfacepale.“Wehavetodosomething—”

“She’shere!”calledMasterNorth.Throughtheswirlingairofthetornadophone,theycouldseeAnastasiainthebaggyuniformofaPanopticonprisoner,beingledoutthefrontdoorofthejailbytwoburlyguards.Shewasblinkingbutclearlyunharmed.

Alexmadeagrowlingnoise.“Setherfree!”Theguardssteppedaside,andAnastasialookedaroundinstunned

amazement.Itwasclearshehadnoideawhatwasgoingon.Hervoicewasaudible,barely,throughthephone.“What’shappening?Who’sthere?”

“Letthechildrengo!”calledRufus.Alexsmiledunpleasantly.“Hmmm.ShouldIreally?”“You’dbetter!”Tamarayelled.“EveryoneknowswhatAnastasialookslike

andeveryoneknowsshe’satraitor.Ifyoudon’tgettoherfirst,anypassingmagemightgrabherandthrowherbackinprison,orworse!”

Alexbaredhisteeth.Thewholecrowdtensed—andthedragonrearedforwardandswooped,openingitsclaws.ThetwoIronYearstumbledfree,hurtlingtowardthegroundandthenslowingjustbeforetheyhit.Theybothsatup,toCall’srelief.Axelwasholdinghisarm,though,andCallsupposedthattheMastershadn’tbeenabletocushionhimenough.

MasterRockmaplerantowardthechildren.Alex’sdragonrearedback,lettingoutapuffofblackfire.“Youwillnotfollowme,”Alexsaid,andthrust

outhishand.Darknesspouredfromit.Callrememberedhisdreamagain.Awholecity

tornapartbychaos.Thedarknessbegantoformawhirlingvoid,likeablack,suckingfunnel.As

itspreadtowardtheMagisterium,itsuckedinleavesandstones.Itsearedthegroundasitpassed.

ItwasclosesttoMasterRockmaple,becausehehadruntograbthechildren.Heraisedhishands,andfireblazedbetweenthem.Withasternlook,hehurledfiretowardthechaos—

Andtheblackwavesurgedforwardandenvelopedhim.Withahowl,hewasdraggedintothevoid.

Hewasgone.Peoplewerescreamingagain,turningtorunbackintotheMagisterium,but

thepressofbodiescreatedablockageatthegates.Theyweretrappingthemselvesoutside.Itwasgoingtobeamassacre.

Callthrusthisownhandout,reachingdowninsidehimself.Thecounterweighttochaosisthesoul.Heknewthesoultap,howtofindtheenergyofhisownlife-force,andhereachedforitheedlessly,ignoringthealmostphysicalpainashedrewonit.

Useme!Aaroncalled.Usemyenergy,too!Callonlyshookhishead.Hishairwhippedonthewindfromthechaosvoid.

Tamarawasyankingonhisarm,tryingtogethimtobackaway.Hebenthisfingersslightly,thewayhehadinhisdream—

Thevoidbegantofragment,comingapartinpieceslikeblackglassshattering.

ButdarknesswasallaroundCallandhefelthimselffalling.

CALLWOKEWITHastart.Foramoment,hethoughtthathewaslostinchaos,untilheheardthefamiliarhumofvoicesandthedistinctmineralsmellofthecavesoftheMagisterium.Hesatup,startlingMasterAmaranth.

Hewasintheinfirmary.Callrelaxedandslumpedbackonthepillow.Themagecameovertohim,hercopperyhairpulledbackandhersnake

coiledaroundherheadlikesomeenormousheadband.Today,itwasabrightyellowgreenthatturnedtoblueandthenpurpleasCallwatched.Amomentlater,redstripesemergedonitsscales.

Youalmostdied,Aaronsaidinhishead.“Oh,”Callsaid.Herememberedsomethinglikethat.Somethingaboutthe

holerippedintochaosandtryingtocloseitandtryingtotapintohisownsoul.Itriedtoholdontoyou,butitfeltlikeyouwereslippingaway,Aaronwent

on.Hesoundedpanickedandangry.Callguessedthatmadesense.Ifhe’ddied,Aaronwouldhavedied,too.

ThatisNOTthepoint—Aaronbegan,butMasterAmaranthinterrupted.“Againstmyadvice,yourfriendisstillhere,”shesaid.CallthoughtforabizarremomentthatshemeantAaron,beforehewhirled

aroundtoseeTamarasittingonthecotbesidehim.Shesetdowntheanatomybookshe’dbeenreadingandhurriedovertohisbed.

“Sorry,”hesaid,althoughwhetherhewassayingittoherortoAaron,hewasn’tsure.“IguessIamnotsogoodatdefeatingmyenemies,huh?”

“Don’tbeanidiot,”saidTamarafondly.“Youdon’thaveanythingtobesorryfor.”

Youdon’tunderstand,Aaronsaid.Iwasn’tgoingtodie.Ifyoursoulwasusedup,Iwouldhavebeenaloneinhere.

CallguessedthatwasonewaythatAaroncouldgetabody.That’snotfunny,saidAaron.Tamarasatdowninthechairnexttohiscot.Shewassmiling,andhewas

incrediblyrelievedtoseeher,too.Thingshadn’tbeenlookinggoodwhenhelostconsciousness.“You’reallright?”hesaid.“Everyone’sokay?”

“Mostly,”Tamarasaid.“YoutoreAlex’schaostornadoapart,andthenyoupassedoutandIdidn’texactlynoticewhatelsewasgoingon.”Sheblushed.“ButbasicallyAlexescapedinalltheyelling.”Shebitherlip.“WelostMasterRockmaple,too.”

“I’msorry,”Callsaidagain.Heknewheshouldhaveactedearlier.“Itoldyouit’snotyourfault,”Tamarasaid,withareturnofherusual

bossiness.“Idon’tknowwhatwe’regoingtodoaboutAlex,though,”sheadded.“Afteryoupassedout,Imanagedtotalktomydad.HesaidthatAlexwasright,thatthere’sneverbeenaDevouredofchaos.TherearesofewMakarsalreadyandsofewmagesbecomeoneoftheDevoured,andMakarsneverhavebefore.Wedon’tknowhowtostophim.Wedon’tevenknowmuchabouttheDevoured.Inthemageworld,wedon’tliketoadmititcanhappen.”

CallthoughtofTamara’ssister,Ravan,andofMasterRufus’sownteacher,

MasterMarcus.BothofthemhadbecomeDevouredand,indeed,theywerespooky.Nolongerquitehuman,notquiteelemental.Callneverknewwhosesideeitherofthemwereon,andnooneseemedtoknowhowmuchoftheirformerselvesremained.

Although,forwhatitwasworth,Alexseemedexactlylikethesameevil,obnoxiousselfhe’dbeenbeforehewasaDevouredofchaos.Justwithalotmorepower.

“Thisisamess,”Callsaid.“Ihavenoideahowtostophim.”Tamarasighed.“Meneither.”Youcan’ttellherthat,Aaronsaid.Saysomethingencouraging.“ButI’msurewe’llthinkofsomething?”Calltriedweakly.Tamarafrowned.Saythatifweworktogether,we’llfindawaytodefeatAlex.Wealwaysdo.Callrepeatedthewords,tryingtosoundlikehereallyfeltthatway.Theway

Aaronwouldhavesaidthem.Tamaraheldupahand.“No.Absolutelynot.Whyareyoutalkingthatway?

TheCallIknowwouldneversaythat.TheCallIknowwouldbetalkingaboutpackingbagsandrunningofftoaremotelocationwherewecoulddisguiseourselvesandhide.Thenlaterhemightreluctantlydosomethingheroic.”Shegazedathimwithdeepsuspicion.“Somethingisgoingon.”

Callwincedandthoughtofhisdad,whonottoolongagohadactuallysuggestedtheyrunawaytoaremotelocation.Tamaraknewhimalarminglywell.Hecouldn’tputofftellingheranylonger.

“Uh,”hesaid.“Aaronisinmyhead.”“Call,don’tlietome,”Tamarasaid.“Thisisn’tthetime.”“I’mnotlying,andI’mnotkidding,”Callsaidinaharshwhisper.“When

Aarondied—onthebattlefield—hissoulpassedintome.AndnotthatsortofweirdhalfAaron,butrealAaron.Aaron’ssoulisaliveandit’sinmyhead.”

Tamaralookedathimwithhermouthopen.Shewasclearlytryingtodecideifheneededamassivedoseofmedicine.

Tellheryoucanproveit,Aaronsaid.“Icanproveit,”Callsaid.“Givemeachance.”Afteralonghesitation,shenodded.

Letmetalk,Aaronsaid.Justforaminute.Calldidn’texactlyknowwhathemeant,buthenodded.Tamarawasstaring

athim—definitelynoticinghewasnoddingfornoreason—butCallwaspastcaring.Heneededsomeonetobelievehimthatthiswastrue.Goahead.

“Tamara,”hesaid.Hehadn’tmeanttosayit,thewordhadjustcomeoutofhismouth.Hesatstill—itwaslikelisteningtoAaron.Whatwashegoingtosaynext?“RememberthatfirstnightaftertheIronTrial?”Aaronsaid.

Tamaranodded,wide-eyed.“Callwenttobedearly.Weweresittinginthelivingroomandyousaid,

‘Don’tworrythathe’sinourapprenticegroup.Hewon’tlasttheweek.’”Shestaredathimforalongmoment.“YoucouldhavetoldCall.”ItwasagoodsignthatshewasactinglikeshewastalkingtoAaron.Good,

butweird.CallhadgivenAaronpermissiontocontrolhisbody,buthestilldidn’tlikeit.

“Okay,”AaronmadeCall’smouthsay.“Howaboutthis?WhenIstayedatyourhousethatsummer,yourdadkeptwalkingaroundinthatwhiterobewithallthegoldtrimonitandonedayyouputitonandpretendedtobehim,buthecaughtyouandhecaughtmelaughing.Remember?Iwassoscaredhewasgoingtothrowmeout,buthejustwalkedawayandweallpretendeditneverhappened.”

“Aaron!”Tamaracried,andthrewherarmsaroundCall.Shewassobbing.“Itisyou.Iknownobodyelseknewthat.”

“Ican’tbelievethis,”Callmuttered.HewasenjoyingholdingTamara,buttherewasnothingaboutwhatAaronsaidthathe’dliked.“Youbothwantedtogetridofme!Yousuck!”

Tamarapulledbackalittle,hereyesshiningwithtears.“Wegotoverit,”shesaid.

Callwasn’tfeelingentirelyoverithimselfyet,buthewasgladshebelievedhim.Whenshelookedathimagain,therewassomethingnewinherface,somethingshe’dneverseenbefore.“Call,”shesaid.“Iwaswrong.Youdidsomethingamazing.Idon’tknowhowyoudidit,butyoubroughtAaronbackfromthedead.”

“Andthat’sgood,”Callsaid,notsureofhowtonavigatesuchaweighted

conversation.“Right?”Well,obviouslyIthinkso,saidAaron.“Ikeepthinkingofsomethingyousaidwhenyoufirstcametothe

Magisterium,whenyouwerejustlearningaboutthemageworld.Youdidn’tunderstandwhytheEnemyofDeathwassuchascaryname.Doyourememberwhatyousaid?WhowantstobetheFriendofDeath?”

Calldidnotremembersayingthat.Heshookhishead.“I’vethoughtaboutitalot,”Tamaratoldhim.“Abouthowthere’snothing

wrongwithwantingnomoredeath.Weallwantthat.Thatwasn’tConstantine’sproblem,andbringingAaronbackissogoodit’sincredible.It’samazing.Call,youdidsomethingnoonehaseverdonebefore.”

“Well,twoproblems,”Callsaid,althoughhewasreluctanttogiveupanyofhergoodopinion.“One,AaronmoreorlessgotpulledintomyheadbytryingtokeepmefrombeingdestroyedbychaosandI’mnotsurewecouldeverdoanythinglikeitagain.And,uh,two,wehavetogetAaronabody.”

Hereyeswidenedalittle.“Oh,yeah.”Beforetheycouldgetdowntothenitty-grittyoftheethicsofbodystealing,

MasterAmaranthreturned.BesideherwasanAssemblymemberCallrecognizedbutdidn’tknowbyname.MasterAmaranth’ssnakehadturnedanaggressiveorangeanditsheadwashoveringintheairoveroneshoulder,likeitwantedtostrikeatthenewvisitor.

“Callum,”saidMasterAmaranth.“Againstmyadvice,keymembersoftheAssemblyhavecometotheMagisteriumandareeagertohaveameetingwithyouandsomeofyourfriends.Youwouldthinktheywouldbealittlemorepatient,butitturnsouttheyareverybadatwaiting.”

TheAssemblymemberbesideherworeanincreasinglypinchedandunhappyexpressionbutdidn’trisetothebait.“We’resorry,”hesaid.“Butthisisamatterofurgency.AlexStrikehassentushisdemandsandtheyinvolvebothofyou.”

TheAssemblywasmeetinginthelargestoneroomaroundtheroundtablewhereCallhadsatinfrontofthembefore—mostnotably,whenhe’dbroughtthem

ConstantineMadden’sheadinabag.Thathadbeenabighit,orsoCalllikedtothink.

WhenheandTamaracamein,hewassurprisedtofindJasperalreadythere,talkinginhushedtoneswithoneofthemembers.CallgotcloseenoughtohearthattheirconversationwasaboutJasper’sdad,currentlyimprisonedinthePanopticon.IfAnastasiahadbeensentencedtodeath,whatwasJasper’sdad’spunishment?Hecouldn’tbeinreallybadtrouble,Calltriedtoreassurehimself.SurelyJasperwouldhavetoldthem.Butlookingoutattheunsmilingfacesofthemages,achillwentthroughhim.

“Enough,enough.”AsharpvoicecutthroughthechatterasCallandTamaratooktheirseats.MasterRufusseatedhimselfoppositethem,hisarmsfolded.AfewotherteachersfromtheMagisteriumwerewithhim.“Enough.Everyonecometoorder,”calledAssemblymanGraves—ancientandgrumpy,hewasoneoftheseniorvoicesintheAssembly.“Wehavebusinesstodiscuss.”

Everyonesettleddown.CalltriedtocatchJasper’seye,butJasperwasstaringathisownfoldedhands.

“Wehavesufferedagreatlosstoday,”saidMasterNorth.“MasterRockmaple,afteralonglifededicatedtoselflessservicetohisfellowmages,isdead.”

“Notjustdead,”saidMasterMilagros,red-eyed.“Hewassuckedintochaos.Whoknowswherehissoulmaybewandering.”

“Hewassavingtwostudents,”saidMasterRufus.“Hewillberememberedasahero.AsshouldCall,”headded,shootingalookatAssemblymanGraves.“IfitwerenotforourMakar,AlexanderStrikemighthavesucceededinmurderingevenmoreinnocents.”

“AnditisAlexanderStrikewhothismeetinghasbeencalledtodiscuss,”saidGraves.Heliftedapieceofpaperfromthestonetableinfrontofhimasifitwereadistastefulobject.“Ihaveherehislistofdemands,whichreachedusafterhewasreportedlyseenatthePanopticon,‘rescuing’AnastasiaTarquinfromaverydeservedpunishment.”

“Hesentaletter?”Tamarawhispered.“Whodoesthat?”“Whatkindofdemands?”snappedMasterNorth.Therestofthegroupwas

abuzz.

“Wehavenoreasontogiveintoanydemandsofhis!”saidMasterTaisuke.“Heisnolongerholdinghostages.Weshouldnotcooperate.”

“Inasense,heholdsusallhostage,”saidRufus.“NooneknowswhataDevouredofchaoscando.”

“Hecanburntheforest,”saidTamara.“HecancreateblackholesofchaosthatonlyCallcandismantle.AndCallpracticallykilledhimselfdoingit.”

AssemblymanGraveslookeddownhislongnoseather.“TamaraRajavi,”hesaid.“I’dimagineyou’dwanttohearthislistofdemands,sinceitspecificallymentionsyou.Orwouldyouratherchatter?”

CallgrabbedTamara’shandunderthetablebeforeshecouldclimboveritandtakeaswingatGraves,whoclearedhisthroat,perchedapairofglassesonhisnose,andstartedtoread.

TothemagesoftheMagisterium,

BynowyouknowthatI,AlexanderStrike,havebecomeaDevouredofchaos.Iamchaos,andchaosisme.IcanunleashthedestructivepowerofchaosontheearthanytimethatIwant.Icanburndowncitiesandevaporateoceans.Icandestroytheworld.

Youhaveonlyonechance,andthatistodowhateverIsay.IwouldconsideratrucewiththeMagisteriumifthemagesareputimmediatelyatmydisposaltoconstructastrongholdforme.Ihaveenclosedadrawing.Itwillbemassive,madeofmarbleandgranite.IwantitbuiltneartheMagisteriumsoeveryapprenticehastolookatitwheneverthey’reoutsideofthecaverns,andIwantittohaveabigmovieroomandalsoabalcony.ItmustdwarfanystrongholdConstantineMaddeneverhad.

Assoonasthestrongholdisconstructed,Iwilloccupyit.ThenyouwillbringmemorethingsIwant.DelivertomeCallumHunt,TamaraRajavi,andJasperdeWinter,andhavethemboundsotheycan’tdomagic.Infact,havethemgagged,especiallyCall.Lastly,IwantKimiyaRajavideliveredtome,thoughshewillcomewillingly.

AlexanderStrike.

“That’sridiculous!”saidMasterTaisukethemomentGraveshadfinished,standinguptoslamhishanddownonthetable.“Itcan’treallysaythat.Itsoundslikethepetulantletterofachild!Thesearen’treasonablerequests.Hewantsustobuildhimamansionandgivehim—what?Hisenemiestopunish?Agirl?Hewishestoplayatbeingsomekindofvillainfromafable?”

“HebelievesmydaughterKimiyawasinlovewithhim,”Mr.Rajavisaid.“Sheisafoolishgirl,butveryashamedofbeingledastray.Beingwithhimagainisthelastthingshewouldwish.”

Gravesgavehimaskepticallookbutdidn’tcomment.“IsawAlex,”Mr.Rajaviwenton.“Hedidn’tseematallliketheboyI

remembered.Heworeanenormouscapeandseemedtodelightinfrighteningus.Allhisdemandsmightseemabsurd,buthedoesreallyhavepowerandthechildishnessofhisdesires.That,tomymind,makesthemallthemorefrightening.Agrownmindisreasonable,butachild’smindiscapricious.”

“ADevouredofchaos,”AssemblymanGravessaidafteramoment.“Wehavenoexperiencewithsuchathing,dowe?”

Asilencefollowed.“No,”hesaid,afterlettingitgoseveralmoments.“Callum,asaMakar,what

doyouknowofthis?”Callclearedhisthroatandstartedtopanic.Thiswasthekindofsituationhe

neverdidwellin.Healwayssaidthewrongthing.Youdon’tknowanythingeither,Aarontoldhim.Justtellthemthat.“There’sthislizardIknow,”Callsaid.HecouldhearAaron’sgroaninhishead,butCallwentdoggedlyon.“And

hewarnedmeaboutsomethingelse—somethingthathadbeensentintochaos.SoIguesstheonlythingIknowisthatmaybeAlexbroughtchaoselementalsbackwithhim?Likemaybethatdragon.”

Gravesdidn’tseemimpressed.“CouldyoubecomeaDevouredofchaos?”“What?”Callblurtedout.Gravesadjustedhisspectacles.“Ifyouusedyourabilitytomanipulatechaos

withoutacounterweight,youmightwellbedrawninandyourselfmadeintooneoftheDevoured.Youwouldbeacreatureofchaos,notquitehuman.ButyoumightbeabletotakedownAlex.Itwouldbeaveryheroicact.”

Calljuststaredathim.Hecouldn’tbelieveGraveswasreallysuggestingsuchathing,butthenherecalledthewayAaronhadknowntheyweretreatinghimwellbecausetheyweregoingtoeventuallyaskhimtodieforthem.NowCallwastheonlyMakarintown.UnfortunatelyfortheAssembly,Callhadneverbeenparticularlygoodatgratitude.

YouthoughtIwasasucker,isthatit?Aaronasked.“No!”Callsaid,thenrealizedhe’dansweredGravesmoredirectlythanhe’d

intended.“Call’scorrect.He’snotdoingthat.Itwouldbesuicide,”saidMasterRufus,

interruptinganypossibleobjections.“Call,Jasper,Tamara—Iwantyoutounderstandwhat’shappeninghere,becausetellingyouthatAlexwantsyoudeliveredtohimisarisk.Arisknoteveryoneherethoughtweshouldtake.”HegloweredatGraves,whogloweredback.“NowthatyouknowofAlex’srequests,nowthatyouknowofthedangerheposestoyoudirectly,youmightbejustifiedinwantingnothingtodowithit.Alexbelieveswe’dnevertellyouhe’saskedforyouasprisoners,outoffearyou’drunaway,butItrustyou.Ibelieveyouwon’trunbecauseofthedeathanddestructionitwouldbringoninnocentpeople.

“WehavenoplanstoturnyouovertoAlex,butImovethatwestartbuildinghisstronghold,becausethatwillmakehimbelievewe’recooperatingandbuyussometime.Youneedtousethattime.Call,youareouronlyMakar.Reachinsideyourself.Findyourpower.FigureouthowtodefeatAlex.”

EveryonestaredatCall.Sayyou’lldoyourbest,Aarontoldhim.“IfI’mgoingtodothisonmyown,”saidCall,inahardvoice,“ifIhaveto

figureouthowtodefeatAlex,eventhoughI’mstillastudent,thenIwantsomethingfromyou.WhateverIdo,whatevermyfriendsdecideweneedtodotodestroyaDevouredofchaos,Idon’twantyoutostandinourway.Iwantyoutohelpme.EnoughtreatingmelikeI’manenemy—theEnemy.Understood?”

Therewasasilence.MasterRufus’sfacewasunreadable;Callwonderedifhe’dgonetoofar.

GravestookhisspectaclesoffhisnoseandsquinteddownthetableatCall.“Weunderstand,Mr.Hunt,”hesaid.“Weunderstandyouverywell.”

“Good,”Callsaid,andstoodup.Tohisrelief,TamaraandJasperstoodup,too,clearlyreadytogowherehewent.“ThenI’lldomybest.”

CALLMADEITallthewaybacktotheirroomsbeforehisburstoffearlessnessdesertedhim.TheyfoundGwendawaitingnervouslyintheroomforthem,andtherewassomethingaboutthelookonheranxiousfacethatknockedthelastofCall’sstrength.Hecollapsedontothecouch,faceinhishands.

“Ican’tdothis,”hesaid.“Ican’t.”Tamaraclimbedontothecouchnexttohimandreachedforhishand.Call

noticedJaspernoticingthegesture,butdidn’tcare.WhatdiditmatterwhatJasper,oranyone,suspectedabouthisrelationshipwithTamaraatthispoint?

“We’llhelpyou,”Tamarasaid.Hewasgladshehadn’tsaideverything

wouldbeokay.ButTamarawastoosmarttosaythat.Sheknewthosekindofpromisesdidn’tmeananything;shemadethekindshecouldkeep.“Youwon’tbealone.”Shelookedup.“Right,Jasper?”

Henodded.“Yeah.Ofcourse.”AndI’llbehere,saidAaron.Rememberwhenitwasmeonthiscouch?

RemembermethrowingmyshoebecauseIknewbeingtheMakarmeantI’dhavetodiefortheMagisterium?

Yeah,Callreplied.“AndI’llhelp,too,”Gwendasaid,thenpaused.“Wait,whatdidIjust

promisetohelpwith?”Jaspertoldherquicklyaboutthemeeting,andthemessagefromAlex.“YoumeanyouhavetofigureouthowtodefeataDevouredofchaos?”

Gwendasaidincredulously.“Actually,wait,wehavetofigureouthowtodefeataDevouredofchaos,sinceIjustpromisedtohelp?Ican’tbelieveit.Ialwayswonderedhowyougotsuckedintothesethings,TamaraandJasper,andnowIknow.”

“Nokidding,”saidJasper.“Howdowewindupsayingthesethings?Whowantstobeinvolvedinthiskindofstuff?”

“Youdon’thavetobeifyoudon’twantto,”saidCall.“Don’tberidiculous,”saidJasper.“OfcourseIdo.Imean,Idon’twantto,

butyougetthepoint.What’sourfirstmove?”“DoyouthinkAlexhasallies?”saidGwenda,sittingdownonthetable.

“BesidesAnastasiaTarquin,Iguess.”“NotlikeMasterJosephdid,”saidCall.“Alexisn’ttheEnemyofDeath.He

doesn’tcareaboutendingdeathandgrief.Heonlycaresaboutpower.SoalotofthepeoplewhofollowedConstantineandhisgroupprobablywon’tfollowAlex.”

“Whatwasupwiththedragon?”Gwendaasked.“Itmusthavebeenachaoselemental,butitwashuge.WasthatAutomotones?DoyouthinkthatwaswhatWarrenwaswarningusabout?”

“Automotonesisadifferenthugeelemental,butsinceAlexcameback,whoknowswhatelsecamewithhim,”saidTamara.“Wehavetoassumethatevenifhedoesn’thavefollowers,hecanstillcontrolenoughmonstersthatadirect

attackwouldbechancy.”“NooneknowshowtostopaDevouredofchaos,”Callsaid.“Imean,I

don’tevenknowmuchabouttheDevoured.Magesdon’tseemtoliketotalkaboutthem.”

Tamarasighed.“Yeah,whenRavanbecameoneoftheDevoured,myfamilypretendedshewasdead.Theythoughtitwasbetterthatway.ButwhenIneededherhelp,shewasthereforme.Shestillconsideredherselftobemysister.”

“Isshe…human?”Gwendaasked,lookinguncomfortable.Tamarashookherhead.“Shedoesn’thavetobehumantomatter.”ThelasttimeCallhadseenRavancloseupshe’dbeenusheringhimand

JasperoutofthePanopticon,apillarofterrifyingfire.Thelasttimehe’dseenherfromadistance,she’dbeenhelpingTamaraandJasperescapeMasterJoseph.She’dbeenaplumeofflame.

Don’tforgetthebattlefield,Aaronsaid.Shewasthere,too.“Alexseemslikeexactlythesamejerkhewasbefore,”saidCall.“But

Ravan—wait,canyoustillgetaholdofher?”“Whatdoyoumean?”Tamaraasked.“WecouldaskRavanaboutbeingDevoured,”Callsaid.“Aboutstrengths

andweaknesses.MaybeshecouldhelpusfigureouthowtodefeatAlex.”“Themagesarestilllookingforher,”saidJasper.“Theydon’tliketolet

Devouredjustwalkaroundloose.Iftheycaughther,they’dbringherbacktotheMagisteriumandlockherupagain.”

“We’renotgoingtogethercaught,”saidCall.HelookedatTamarainwhathehopedwasaninnocentlyhopefulmanner.

Shesighed.“Yeah,Icancontacther,butJasper’sright.Shewouldbetakingachancesendingbackamessage.Shemightnottry.”

“Everything’salongshotrightnow,”Callsaid.“InthemeantimeweshouldtrytofindWarrenagain,”Gwendasaid.“Ibet

heknowsmorethanhe’slettingon.”“Healwaysknowsmorethanhe’slettingon,”Calladmitted.“Well,”saidJasper.“It’stimewegotitoutofhim.Weneedtointerrogate

thatlizard.Getabrightlightandtiehimtoachairandtellhimhewillbesleepingwiththefishesifhedoesn’ttelluseverythingheknows.”

Tamara’seyebrowswentup.“He’salwayssleepingwiththefishes,”shesaid.“Atleastheiswhenhe’snoteatingthem.”

“Wecouldlurehimoutwithaplateoffood,”saidGwenda.“Whatdoyouthinkhe’dliketoeat?”

Theydebatedthatforawhileandwoundupusingmagic,atriptotheRefectory,anet,andarummagethroughtheirownjunkdrawerstocomeupwithaplatetheyweresurehadsomethingtoappealtoWarren.Onitwerecavecrickets,eyelessfish,gems,coals,andlichenthattastedlikecottoncandy.

Thefourofthem,Havoctrailingbehind,walkedthroughthepartsofthecavecalling“Warren!”andfinallysettheplatedowntowait.

Nothinghappened.Jasperstartedtowhistle.Gwendastartedagameoftic-tac-toewithTamara.

“Thetimeiscloser…!”Callsaidloudly,hopingthelittlelizardwouldbeunabletoresistfinishinghisfavoritesentence.

“What?”Gwendasaid,andthenyelpedasWarrenscuttledoutoftheshadows.Hemadeabeelinefortheplateanddevouredacricket.

“Delicious,”Warrensaid.“Manythanksforfoodkindlyprovided.”“Warren,”Callsaid.“Weneedyourhelp.”“Warrenguessedthat,”Warrensaid,discardingthelichen.Hesnappedupa

fewmorecrickets.“YouhaveseentheDevouredofchaos,yes?YouknowwhyWarrenwarnedyou.”

“Yeah,weknow,”saidCall.“Thoughinthefuturewe’dappreciatemoreconcretewarnings,youknow?”

saidJasper,totallyfailingtograbWarrenandinterrogatehim.“Lessofthisbeatingaroundthebush.Justsaywhatyoumean.”

Thelizardregardedhimdarklyandatethelastcricket.“ComewithWarren.Ihavesomethingtoshowyou.”

“Doeshealwaysrefertohimselfinthethirdperson?”GwendawhisperedastheyfollowedWarrenoutintothecorridor.

“Notalways,”saidCall.“It’sinconsistent.”Gwendamutteredsomethingaboutnotbeingabletobelievetheyweredoing

this.Itwaslate,andthecorridorsweredimmedwithlowlight.Nostudentswerearoundastheyhurriedafterthebrightlizard,whoturnedcornerssoswiftlythat

theyweresoonalllost.Callcouldsensehiscompanionsgrowinguneasyasthegroundslanteddownanddown,andthewallsbecamemoresplotchedwithdamp.Hefeltasifhecouldsensethepresenceoftheweightofthewholemountainabovehim,pressingdown.

Theycameatlasttoapassagethatwasmorelikeacrackintherocks.Itwashorriblynarrow.Warrenscuttledintoit,clearlyexpectingtherestofthemtofollow.Havoc,unabletofit,hoveredworriedlybytheentrance.

CallglancedtowardTamara,whoswallowedhardandslidintothespaceafterthelizard.Theyhadtoshufflesidewaystopushthemselvesalong,thestonepressingagainsttheirbacksandstomachs.CallcouldhearJaspercomplainingthatheshouldhaveeatenlesslichenatdinner.Please,please,don’tletmediestuckhere,Callprayed,andI’lldoeverythingIcantodefeatAlex.

HeheardTamaragiveagaspofrelief,andamomentlaterhepoppedoutofthenarrowspacelikeacorkoutofabottle.

Allaroundthemwerewallsmadeofhardenedvolcanicrock,blackandcraggy.Theheatwasintense.BothJasperandGwendagaspedastheyemergedintoit.Firewasaudibleinthedistance,cracklinglikethunder.

“Wherearewe?”Jasperlookedaround.Awidecorridorledbetweentwolongrowsofcages,whosebarsweremadeofglimmeringgoldcarvedwithfiresymbols.Callhadbeenherebefore,thoughhe’dcomethroughAnastasiaTarquin’soffices.

“ThisiswheretheykeeptheDevoured,”saidTamaraquietly.“Thosewhohavebeenconsumedbyelements.Thisareaisforfire.”

“Warren?”saidCall.“Warren,whatareyoudoing?Howdidwegetinhere?”

“Thereisasecretwayintoeveryplace,”saidWarren.“Andsomeoneherewantstoseeyou.”

Hebegantoscamperdownthecorridor.Afteramoment,thefourstudentsfollowed.ItwassohotthatCallfeltasifeverybreathweresearinghislungs.Tamaraandtheotherslookedmiserable,too.HewasgladHavochadn’tcome—afurcoatwasthelastthinganyoneneededdownhere.

Mostofthecageswerefilledwithwhatlookedlikeroaringbonfires;somewereblueorgreen,mostredandgold.Inonecage,lavadrippedfromtheceiling

likefieryrain.Awheeloffirespunintheair.Tamarapausedinfrontofanemptycage.Theinsidewasblackenedstone.

Herliptrembled.“Ravan,”shesaid,touchingthebars.“Yoursisterisfree.”Thevoicecrackledlikefireitself—Callknew

immediatelywhoitwas.Thestudentsturnedtofacethecageoppositethem.Marcus,Devouredoffire,satonaburningthroneinsidehiscage.Hewasall

blacksmoke,exceptfortwoburningeyesmadeoffire.HehadbeenMasterRufus’sownteacher,untilhehadletfirecontrolhim.

WarrenransqueakingintoMarcus’scageandscampereduponesmokyleg.HeperchedonMarcus’skneeastheDevouredscratchedhisscalyback.Warrenhalfclosedhiseyesandpurred.Callhadseenalotofweirdthings,buthehadtoadmitthiswasoneoftheweirdest.

“Wow,”Gwendawhispered.Privately,Callagreed.Hewentuptothebarsofthecage,ascloseashe

couldwithoutgettingburned.“Marcus,weneedyourhelp,”hesaid.“You’vehelpedusbefore.”

“Andtowhatbenefittomyself?”Marcusinquired.“Iamstillhere,insidethiscage.”

“You’vedonegoodintheworld,”Tamarasaidfirmly.“YouhelpedusdefeatMasterJoseph.”

“Andnowhisapprenticerises,morepowerfulthaneverhewas,”saidMarcus.“Perhapsthereisnovictory,Rufus’schildren.”

“HeactuallyonlybecamemyMasterfairlyrecently,”saidJasper.“Imean,fortherecord.”

“Marcus,”Callsaidfirmly.“WhatdoyouknowaboutAlexStrike?TheDevouredofchaos?”

“Iheardrumorssuchacreaturehadrisen,”saidMarcus.“Atfirst,Ididnotbelieve.TobeDevouredofchaosistobeovercomebythevoid.Thatwhichisnot.Theemptinessattheheartofthewhirlwind.”

“Well,believeit,”saidTamara.“IsAutomotonesback?”“Manyhavereturned,”saidMarcus.“TheDevouredOnewasconsignedto

chaos.Buthewasabletotearopenadoorintoourworldandreturn.Hebroughtwithhimthosehethoughtmighthelphimhere—Azhdaha,theGreatDragon.

Automotones.ThemostsavageoftheChaos-riddenevertobehurledintothevoid.Allhavereturnedathisside.”

“WhataboutStanley?”saidJasper.“WhotheheckisStanley?”saidGwenda.EvenMarcuslookedpuzzled.Callsighed.“HewasaChaos-riddenwhowasloyaltoConstantine.Me.

Whatever.Idon’tthinkStanleywashisrealnameeither;it’sjustwhatIcalledhim.”

“Stanley?”saidGwenda.“Forgethim,”saidTamara.“Marcus,weneedtoknowhowtokilla

Devouredofchaos.”“Yes,youdo,”Marcussaid.Callwasfrustratedandsweaty.“Whydidyouwanttoseeus?Warrensaid

yougothimtobringushere.”Atthesoundofhisname,thelizardscuttleduptoMarcus’sshoulderand

begankneadingitthewayacatwould,flickinghistongueoutatthehotair.Callguessedtheywerecloserthanhe’dthought.

“ItwasyouwhosoughtWarren,”Marcusremindedthem.“IhadhimleadyoutomebecauseofRufus.HadInotbecomeDevoured,MasterRufusmighthavebeenlessdistracted,lesswillingtoallowMasterJosephtogetclosetoConstantine.WeallbearashareoftheresponsibilityfortheEnemyofDeath,andIwouldliketodischargeminebyaidingthedefeatofthisnewthreat.”

“Great,”Callsaid.“Thenhelpme.Helpus!”Marcuslookedathimwithburningeyes.“Everythingyouneedisalready

withyou.”Doeshemeanme?Aaronasked.“That’snothelping!”Callsaid.“Justsaywhatyoumeanforonce.Nomore

riddles!”“Goodluck,mages,”Marcussaid,thenburstintoacolumnofflame.When

itdieddown,noonewastherebutWarren,thegemsonhisbackgleamingbrighterthanever.

“Iwilltakeyouhomenow,”thelittlelizardsaid,racingaheadbeforewaitingforaresponse,leavingthemtoscrambleafterhim.

“ThatwasMasterMarcus,”Gwendasaidasshefollowed.“Ican’tbelieve

youknowhim.Ican’tbelievewejusttalkedtohim.He’salegend.Andterrifying.Aterrifyinglegend.”

“Yeah,”saidJasper,lookingalittlepale.“We’rereallycoollikethat.”Call’slegwashurtingashescrambledthroughthetunnelsandhefeltthe

oppositeofcool.InfrontoftheAssemblyhe’dactedlikehewascapableoffindingawaytostopAlex.ButastheyheadedtowardthelessstuffypartsoftheMagisterium,hestartedtodespair.

We’regoingtobefine,Aaronsaid,buthedidn’tsoundentirelysurehimself.Warrenpaused,alightingonarockaboveawendingstreamthatflowed

throughthecaves.TheywerebackinthefamiliarpartoftheMagisterium.“Thetimeisnow,”saidWarren.“Wait,”saidGwenda.“Ithoughtitwascloserthanwethink.”“Thetimeisnow,”Warrenrepeated,thenscuttledawayintotheshadows.GwendaturnedtoCall.“Doeshealwayssaythat?Pleasetellmethisis

normal.”“Uh,”Callsaid.“No.”“ForgetWarrenbeingcryptic,”Tamarasaid,dustingoffheruniformand

tuckingastraystrandofhairbehindoneear.“Maybewe’reoverthinkingthis.Maybewhatweneedisaweapon.”

Jasperlookedbackather.“Whatkindofweapon?”Shegavethemallafiercelook.“That’swhatwe’regoingtofindout.”

Afewhourslater,theyhadcoveredthetable,thecouch,andalargechunkofthefloorintheircommonroomwithbooksthey’dborrowedfromthelibrary.Eachofthemhadastackandwereskimmingthrough,lookingforweaponsthatmightbeusefulagainstAlex.

Itturnedoutthatmageshadmadealotofthingsovertheyears,thoughveryfewofthemmeasureduptosomethingliketheAlkahest,whichcouldkillchaosuserswiththeirownmagicandwhichAlexhadmodifiedtostealAaron’sMakarabilitiesandwhichhadbeen,thankfully,destroyed.Mostwereusefulbutkindofdullthingslikeknivesthatreturnedtothehandofthepersonwhothrewthem.Afewwerejustweird.

“Ifoundahatchetthatcutstheheadsoffthreepigeonswitheverysinglethrow,”Jaspersaid,lookingupfromhisbookwithafrown.“Whowouldwanttomakesomethinglikethat?”

“Someonewhoreallyhatespigeons,”Gwendasaidwithayawn.Justthentherewasaknockingonthedoor.Callwentoverandwavedit

opentofindabunchofFirstYearsincludingAxelandthegirlwho’dbeencarriedintotheairbythedragon.

“Wejustwantedtothankyou,”saidAxel.“Becauseyou’reawesome.”“I’mLisa,”thegirlsaid,thrustingadrawingatCall.“Wejustwantedyouto

knowthatwewillneverbelieveanythingbadanyoneeversaysaboutyou.You’recoolandyousavedusandIdrewapictureofit.”

Calltookthepictureandgoggledatit.Hecouldn’tdenythatitwasactuallyverywelldrawn.Thefacereallylookedlikehim,butthebodywasmuchmorebuiltandalsofeaturedhisshirtrippedopenoversix-packabs.“Uh,”Callsaid,embarrassed.

Tamaragrabbeditoutofhishands.“Thisisamazing,”shesaidwithenthusiasmthatCallwassurecamefrommockery.“You’rereallytalented.We’regoingtohangthisonthewall.”

“Wearemostcertainlynot,”saidJasper,whowouldhavelovedthedrawinghaditbeenofhim.

Thankthem,Aaronsaid.Tellherit’sagreatpicture.WithCeliatellingpeoplethatCallwasevil,hesupposedhecouldn’tafford

badpublicrelations.MaybetheseIronYearkidscouldhelphimgetbackinthegoodgracesoftherestofthestudents.

“Thankyou,”hetoldLisa.“It’sgreat.”“Itdefinitelyis,”Tamaraagreed.“Wejustwantedyoutoknow,”saidAxel,“whateveryouwant,we’rethere

foryou.We’llhelp.Really,anything.”“Youguysaresosweet,”saidTamara.AwickedgringrewonCall’sface.Nowherewasagiftheknewwhattodo

with.“Great!”hesaid.“Asyoucansee,we’rereallybusy,sohowaboutyougototheRefectoryandgetussomeofthoselichencakesthattastelikepizza.AndthenIneedsomemorebooksfromthelibrary—”

“Call!”Tamarasaid,interruptinghim.Hegaveheraninnocentlook.“Maybejustthelichencakesfornow,”hesaid

totheIronYears.TheynoddedandheadedofftodoCall’sbidding.“They’renotyourpersonalservants,”Tamarasaid.“Ithinkyouwillfindthattheyare,”saidCall,thenadmitted,“IguessIget

anEvilOverlordPointforthat.”“What?”Tamaraasked.“I’lltellyoulater,”hesaid,realizingthatmaybehedidn’twanthertoknow

abouttheEvilOverlordlist.Andhedefinitelydidn’twantJasperandGwenda,whowerelookingathimoddly,tostarttallyinguppointsforhim.

Ifthere’snoweaponinthesebooks,we’regoingtohavetogetserious,Aaronsaid.Iknowyoudon’twanttolookatthememories,buttheymightbeourbesthopeofdefeatingAlex.

Itwon’thelpanyoneifIgofullE-o-D,Callthoughtback.Hemissedthedayswhenhebelievedthatcheatingonatestortakingthelastsliceofpizzawasenoughtomakehimintoabadguy.Thememoriesweredangerousanddangerouslytempting.Whatifhecouldsavetheworldbutitmeantlosinghimself?

ButifhebecameConstantine,wouldheevenwanttodefeatAlex?Callwentbacktothebooks,butwitheverypageheflipped,hefelthis

optionsshrinking.

Bythetimetheygotthroughallthebooks,thelichencakeswereadistantmemory.Theywerefrustratedandhungry.Finally,Gwendastoodupandstretchedherarmsoverherhead.

“Okay,”shesaid.“Weneedabreak.”“DoyouthinkAlexistakingabreak?”Jasperdemanded.“Evilnevertakesa

break.”“Well,Gwenda’sright.Weneedone,”saidTamara.“Let’sgodowntothe

Galleryandgoforaswim.Weneedtoletourmindsrestandseeifwegetanynewideas.”

“Sugarmighthelp,”Callagreed.“Sugarandcaffeine.”“Fine,”saidJasper,realizingtheywereallagainsthim.“Butwearestillnot

hangingthatpictureofCallonthewall.”“That’sright,”Tamaraagreed.“We’rehangingitonthefridge.”Andshedid.

TheGallerywassurprisinglyfullofstudents.Callwouldhavethoughtthatafterthetraumaticeventsofthepastday,especiallythedeathofMasterRockmaple,itwouldhavebeenadarkandsubduedplace.Butitwasstuffedfullofpeople,raucouslyyellingandhavingagoodtime.

Tamarashrugged.“Denial,”shesaidasheglancedaround,takinginthekidsjumpinginandoutofthehotandcoldpoolsintherocks.They’dputinabunchofsquishygoldvelvetsofas,andatonofstudentsweresprawledonthem,sippingdrinksinbrightcolors:blue,green,orange,andpink.“Peopleneedtobedistracted.It’snormal.”

GwendaandJasperwerealreadyoveratthelongstonesnackbar,fillingplateswithcandyandcrunchydriedlichenflavoredlikenachocheese.CallgrabbedafrozensugaryteaandTamaraaglassofsomethingwithraspberriesandhugelychees.

Theyallheadedovertothesquishycouches,whenCallsuddenlystoppedshort.CeliawassittingtherewithCharlieandKai,wearingafloweredyellowshirtandlaughing.Shelookedprettyandlighthearted—atleastuntilsheturnedtoseehim,andherfacewentstill.

“Maybeweshouldgosomewhereelse,”mutteredCall.“Well,wouldyoulookwho’sgotthenervetoshowhimselfinhere,”

someonesaid.Itwasn’tCelia.Itwasaboyinadenimshirtandswimshorts,withredhairandlongskinnylegs.Callthoughtherecognizedhim,buthewasn’tsure.

That’sColtonMcCarmack,saidAaron’svoiceinhishead.HewasfriendswithJenniferMatsui,beforeshedied.

Callfeltacoldlumpinhisstomach.HehadbroughtJenMatsuibacktolifeasaChaos-ridden.Ithadn’tbeenhischoicetodoit,butithadstillbeenhorrible.

“Look,wedon’twantanytrouble,”Callsaid,holdingupahand.“We’llgositsomewhereelse.”

“Aslongasyou’reintheMagisterium,you’retrouble,”saidagirlsittingnexttoColton.Shehadshortblackhairwithbrightdyedbluebangs.

YenLy,saidAaron.Colton’sgirlfriend.DidyouknowEVERYONEintheMagisterium?Callthoughtwith

exasperation.Justtryingtohelp.Aaronsoundedannoyed.“YouwereclosetoAlex,”saidColton,leaningforward.“Weren’tyou?”“What’sthisabout,Colton?”Tamarademanded,herhandsonherhips.

“Alexfakedbeingourfriend.HekilledAaron,whowasCall’scounterweight.Surelyyou’renotgoingtosuggestwe’rebigfansofhis.”

“LeaveCallalone.”ItwasKai,lookingalittleembarrassed.Heclearedhisthroat.“Weallsawhimsavethosekidsthisafternoon.AnddestroyAlexStrike’schaosmagic.He’sobviouslyonourside.”

“Tooobviously,”saidColton.“Alexhadalreadygottenwhathewanted.IfigureitwasallstagedtomakeitlooklikeCallwasfightingofftheDevoured,whenreallyhe’sinleaguewithhim.”

“‘Inleaguewithhim’?”echoedJasper.“Whotalkslikethat?”“Andyou.”ColtonturnedonJasper.“Didn’tyourfatherjoinMasterJoseph?

Youtalkasthoughwehaveanyreasontobelieveyou’reloyaltothemages,butsomehowwhenCallwasbrokenoutofprison,youandTamarawerethere.Tamara,whosesisterKimiyaisAlex’sgirlfriend.Everyoneknowsyou’rebothascorruptasheis.”

Atthementionofhisfather,Jasperseemedtoshrink.RagesprangupinCall.“Backoff,”hesaidsharply.“Nooneisinleague

withAlex.Jasperdoesn’tevenlikemethatmuch,andwe’reabouttoriskourlivesagaintosaveyou,sounlessyou’dliketotakemyplacefightingtheDevoured,maybeyoushouldleaveusalone.”

“Celia’srightaboutyou,”Coltonsays.“You’renottobetrusted,andanyonewhocanstandbeingaroundyoucan’tbetrustedeither.”Withthat,hewalkedoff,hisgirlfriendandfriendsfollowing.

Callandtheotherswalkedbacktotheirroomswithheavyhearts.Gwenda,

whohadn’tspokentoColtonandhadn’tbeenaccusedofbeingevileither,wasprobablyweighingthepotentialbenefitsanddrawbacksofbeingtheirfriend.Callwasprettysurethemathwasn’tonhisside.

WHENHEOPENEDthedoorwithawaveofhiswristband,Callsawthatthewallofstonewasonfire.Foramomenthejustblinkedatit,untilhesawthatthefirewasspellingwords.

MEETINTHEPLACEATTHEHOUROFYOURAGE.

Thelettersturnedtoashandthenvanished,leavingnothingbehind.“Moreweirdstuff,”saidGwendaglumly.“It’samessagefromRavan,”saidTamara.“Shecommunicateswithfire.It’s

herlanguage.Andherhandwriting.”“Okay,”saidJasper.“Buthowarewesupposedtoknowwhatshemeans?”

“‘Theplace’isprobablytheplaceImetherlastyear,”Tamarasaid.“OnthegroundsoftheMagisterium.”

“Outside?”askedGwenda.Tamaranodded.“But‘thehourofyourage’?Doesshemeanmybirthday?”“Orthetimeyouwereborn?”Jasperputin.“Howwouldyouknowthat?

Unlessyoucallyourmomorsomething.”Sixteen-hundredhours,Aaronsaid.Militarytime.CallopenedhismouthtosaythatAaronhadfigureditoutwhenhe

rememberedthatwouldbeamistake.“Fourintheafternoon,”hesaidinstead.“Becauseshe’ssixteen.”

“Thatonlygivesustwentyminutes!”saidGwenda,andtheychargedbackout.

CallbroughtHavoc.HavocmightnotbeChaos-riddenanymore,butyouneverknewwhenyoumightneedaloyalwolf.

TheyracedthroughthecorridorsoftheMagisterium,headingfortheMissionGate.AstheylefttheMagisterium,Callcouldn’thelpthinkingofAlex’sarrivalwiththedragon,especiallybecauseinthedistance,hisstupidtowerwasbeingbuilt.Magesflewthroughtheair,liftingblocksofstonewiththeirmagic,eachrestingontopofanotherastheedificegrew.Itmightberidiculous,butitwasbeingmadeandCallwasrunningoutoftime.

“Hereweare,”Tamarasaidastheyarrivedinagrove.Sheclimbeduponarockandsatdown.

Foramoment,theywaited,drinkinginthesmellofpineneedles.SomewhereinthedistanceawolfhowledandHavocprickeduphisears.

Then,allatonce,likeasparkflyingupfromkindling,Ravanwasthere.ShelookedasmuchlikeagirlasCallhadeverseenher.Shewassurrounded

byanimbusofflames,andherlefthandwasallfire,likeaburningAlkahest.Hereyeswerefulloffire,too,andherhairshotsparks.Butshewasstillgirl-shaped,and,unnervingly,CallcouldseeherresemblancetoTamara.Itmadehimuncomfortableforreasonshecouldn’tarticulatetohimself.

BecausethethoughtofsomethinglikethathappeningtoTamarafreaksyouout,saidAaron.Becauseyoulikeher.You’reinlikewithher.

DoyouMIND?Callthought.It’snoneofyourbusiness.

ItisaslongasI’mstuckinhere.Besides,I’mhopingyoucrazykidsmakeitwork.

“Ravan.”Tamarahadstoodup,appearingtounderstandshewastheunofficialspokespersonforthegroup.“Thanksforcoming.”

“You’remysister,”Ravansaid,sparksflyingfromhermouthasshespoke.“Youwantedmetocome,soIcame.Whatisit?”

Tamarareacheduptofiddlewithhernecklace.“WeneedtoknowhowtokillaDevoured.”

Ravanstartedtolaugh,whichsoundedlikefireworksgoingoff.Jasperscuttledbackafewfeet,clearlynervousthatsparksweregoingtolandonhisclothes.“WhywouldItellyouthat?”

“BecauseotherwiseAlexStrikewillkillme,andKimiya,too,”saidTamara.Ravanstoppedlaughing.Shehovered,burning,asTamaraexplainedwhat

wasgoingon:thebuildingofthetower,Alex’srequests,Call’sinabilitytohurthimwithchaos.

“Wedon’twanttohurtanyotherDevoured,”Tamarafinished.“ButweneedtogetridofAlex,Ravan.Hecouldkillalotofpeopleotherwise.”

“Isee,”Ravansaid.“Icantellyounow,IhaveneverheardofaDevouredofchaosbefore.ADevourediskilledthewayelementalsarekilled—theyaredestroyedbytheiropposingelement.IcouldbekilledbyaDevouredofwater,orbyanenormousamountofwatermagic,myfireputoutforever.”Shesoundedasifshewerefullofdread.“Butchaos…”

“Theoppositeofchaosisthesoul,”saidCall.“There’snosuchthingasaDevouredofthesoul.”

“Therecannotbe,”saidRavan.“ApersoncannotbeDevouredbytheirownsoul.Itwouldbelikebeingmurderedbylife.”

“Well,whatarewesupposedtodo,then?”saidGwenda.“Wecan’tsendsoulsathim.”

“Idon’tknow,”saidRavan.“IwouldhelpyouifIcould.”Tamaralookedbitterlydisappointed.“Ifyouhearanyotherelementalsor

DevouredspeakingaboutawaytogetridofAlex,please,pleasetellme.”“Iwill,littlesister.Staysafe.Ifyouneedme,Iwillcomeagain.”Andwith

that,Ravanburstupintoatornadoofflame,whirlingintheairandthen

dispersingintosparksasthoughshe’dneverbeenthere.Thefourofthemwhoremainedsatinsilence,theirhopedashed.Call’smind

raced—surelytherehadtobesomeotheroption,someotheridea,someoneelsetheycouldask.Havocbarkedwhenoneofthesparksdriftedtooclosetohisfur.Callthoughtevenhesoundeddepressed.

Inthedistance,ahowlechoedthroughthewoods.“What’sthat?”Jaspersaid,sittingupstraight.“It’sprobablyoneoftheChaos-riddenwolves…”Gwendasaid,lettingthe

sentencetrailoff.FromthebeginningoftheirtimeattheMagisterium,thewoodshadbeenfullofChaos-riddencreatures.TheOrderofDisorderhadevenmovedtostudythem.ThentheAssemblyhadroundedthemup,andeventhoughCallhadrescuedthemfromthatfate,theyweren’tinthewoodsanymore.

“Maybetheycameback,”saidTamara,hoppingdownfromtherockandwalkingtotheedgeofthewoods.

Anotherhowlcame,thisonemuchcloser.Then,fromtheoppositedirection,oneofthewolvesslunkintoview.Itwasadarkshape,likeithadbeencutoutfrompaper,withnothingnessoccupyingwhereitshouldhavebeen.ThefuronHavoc’sbacklifted.Theseweren’tChaos-riddenwolves,atleastnotanymore.ThesehadcomebackfromthevoidwithAlexandnowtheywerechaoselementals,farmorepowerfulandfarmoreterrifying.

FireignitedatthecenterofTamara’spalm,aballofitthatgrewasshestood.Havocbaredhisteethandrantowardthebeasts.

“No!”Callshouted,racingafterhiswolfandthenstumbling.HefellpainfullyontohiskneesasGwendaleapedtostandbesideTamara,raisingherhands.LittlejaggedpiecesofironandnickelbegantoriptheirwayoutoftheearthasGwendasummonedmetal,thenflewtowardthechaoscreaturesthatwerecomingoutofthewoodsfromeverydirection.

Afewhowledandfellback,themetaltearingholesintheirsmokelikebodies.Callcouldseethroughtheirwoundsintothewoodsbeyond.

“Standback-to-back,”Jaspershouted.Callpushedhimselftohisfeet,readytosendtheseelementalsbackinto

chaos.Butthey’dcrepttooclosetoTamaraforhimtobesurethatopeningaportalwouldn’tpullherthroughthewayithadMasterRockmaple.

HavochadmadeittoTamaraandwasstandingbetweenherandthechaoscreatures,growling.

We’vegottodosomething,saidAaron,whichwasnotparticularlyencouraging.

Callsentoutaboltofchaosenergy,targetedtowardoneofthewolvesclosinginonthem.Itdisappeared,dispersedbynothingintonothing.

TwoofthewolvesrushedtowardGwendafromoppositedirectionsatonceandshepulledupmetaltosendatoneofthem.Itstruckthecreatureinthethroat,sendingitflyingback.Jasperthrewhimselfinfrontoftheotherwolf,creatinganenormoussnapofwind,onethatbrokethebranchesoftreesbehindthewolfandsentitflyingagainstarock.

Tamarasentfireatthewolvesnearher,butmoregatheredaround.Callstartedtopanic,shootingboltsofchaostowardthewolves.Gwendawasstillflingingmetal,andthereweredeepholesinthegroundallaroundher,butshewasstartingtolookdesperate.She’drunoutofmetaleventually,Callknew.BothTamaraandJasperweretight-facedwithexhaustion.

Thereweretoomanyofthem,tooclosetoTamara,Gwenda,andHavoc.Therewasnowayhecouldsendthemalltothevoidintime.OnelungedforTamara’sthroat,teethsnappingagainstherskin.

Thememories,hethoughtinapanic.IfhehadConstantine’smemories,hewouldknowwhattodo.ConstantinewastheEnemyofDeath.Hecouldhavehandledthissituation.

Calltookadeepbreath.Aaron—Areyousure?Aaronwantedtoknow.“Unlockthem,”Callsaid.“Doit.”Allright.ItfeltasifsomethinginsideCall’sheadwastearing.Hedroppedtohis

knees,clutchingathistemples.Havocrantohim,puttinghispawonCall’sarm;Callduckedhishead,awarethatfireandmetalwereflyingallaroundhim.Hislegsentstabbingpainsthroughhim,matchedbythepressureandpaininhishead.

Aaron,hesaid.Aaron,whateveryou’redoing,Idon’tthinkIcan—Theblockinhismindcrashedopenlikeagate,floodinghisbrainwith

images.HewasawareofHavocmakingaterriblenoise,asortofwailingbarkasheleapedawayfromCall,cowering.

PowersurgedupinsideCall,brutalandterrifying.Hewaspropelledtohisfeet,evenasthewoodsaroundhimseemedtoshiftandwaver—othermemoriesoverlappedthesewoods,ofancientforestsdeepwithtrees,darkpathswindingthroughthem,linedwithferociouselementalmonsters.

Andthroughallofthat,Callcouldseesomethinghehadneverseenbefore.Chaos,livingchaos,likeblacklinesrunningthroughtheworld.Theskyandearthweredarkwithit.Thiswaswhychaoshadsuchpower,hethought—becauseitwasapartofeverything,ofeveryrockandtreeandcloud;itwasinandaroundallthings.Itwasthespinningheartoftheworld.

Hereachedoutwithhishandsasifhewerereachingtopickupsomethingsimplelikeacuporastone.Hecaughtthetwistingcoilsofchaosthatwoundallaroundhimandpulledthemtogether,weavingamassivespinningblackflamebetweenhishands.

Hecouldheartheothersscreaminghisname.Itdidn’tmatter.Heknewexactlywhathewasdoing.Somewhereinhismind,Aaronwasshouting.Callflunghisarmsout,andtheblackflameexplodedfromhisfingers,strikingtheelementalwolves,tearingthemtoshadowypieces.

JasperhadflunghimselfinfrontofGwendaandTamara.Theyallwatched,stunned,asthewolvesblastedawaytoash,andblackfireracedupanddownCall’sarms,cracklinglikelightning.

“Call!”Tamarascreamed.“Call!”ButCallcouldn’thearher.Hecouldonlyseeandhearblackfire,only

rememberburning.Infact,memorieswerepouringintohishead,inanuncontrollabletide.Ashetumbleddownintodarkness,hecouldhearhimselfscreaming.

HEWASINanicecave.Thecoldofitmadehisbreathcrystallizeintheair.Hecouldfeeliteventhroughhisheavycoat,eventhroughhismagic.Therewasaterriblepaininhischestandallaroundhimwerethedeadanddying.

Ifhedidn’tactquickly,hewasgoingtobeoneofthem.Hehadcomeheretostrikeattheoldandinfirm,theweak,becauseheknew

fromlongexperiencethatfearwasmorepalpablethanmight.Itgavehimnopleasuretoattacktheelderly,children,sickpeople.Yetthepersonwhocarestheleastisalwaysthewinnerandhewantedtowin.Hewaswillingtodowhateverittook,nomatterhowterrible,andhewaswillingtodoithimself,nottrustittosomeunderling.

He’dneverexpectedsuchaweakandinfirmcollectionofpeopletomountsucharesponse.TheChaos-riddenhe’dbroughtwithhimweredestroyed,fallenintheirseconddeath,andhe’dbeenhurt.Badlyhurt.

Hisbodywasfailing,itsheartslowing,itslungsdrowningintheirownblood.Hecastaboutforanewvessel.SarahHunt,who’dsentthemagicalknivesintohischest?He’dmanagedtoturnafewofthebladesbacktostrikeherandnowsheleanedagainstthewall,mortallywounded,watchinghimwithwary,dullingeyes.No,shewouldn’tbealivemuchlonger.Heglancedatafewofthegrandparents,theirbodiesprotectingchildren.Dead,allofthemdead.

Athin,threadycrywentup,andhesawthattherewasababy,stillalive,heldinthearmsofaman—DeclanNovak,Sarah’sbrother.Declanhadslumpeddownagainstthewallnearhissister.Themagemadeswiftcalculations.HehadnoideawhetherhisMakarpowerwouldgowithhimintothischild.He’dalwaystakencaretopossessthebodyofaMakarbefore—ifthepowerdidn’tgowithhim,thenhemightwellfindhisendatlast.

Hetookalongandpainfulstepclosertothebaby,ignoringSarah’scriesforhimtokeepaway.Thechildwaswailing,whichwasagoodsign.Itwasstillstrong,asurvivor,withashockofblackhairandangrywavingfists.

Ababy.Asaninfant,hewouldn’tbeabletodomagicorleavethecave.Hewouldbedefenseless.Hewouldhavetotakethechancethatsomeonecame.Worse,hewasafraidthattheunformedmindwouldbeoverwhelmedbythefullscopeofhismemories.Andyet,Constantine’sbodywasfadingfast.Itwouldneverlastlongenoughforhimtofindanothercandidate.

Hismemorieswouldhavetobewalledupinsidethisvulnerablenewmind,hedecidedswiftly.Itwasatidysolutioninitsway—onlywhenhewasamagestrongandwiseenoughtofindthosememorieslockedupinsidehisheadwouldhebeabletofreethem.Hewouldreceiveallthewisdomhe’doncepossessedonlywhenhewasreadyforit.Afterall,withouthismemories,howwouldheeverreturntoglory?

Andhe,Maugris,theScytheofSouls,theDevourerofMen,theEnemyofDeath,wasintendedforglory.Gloryforeverandever,foralltime.

Takingadeepbreath,hislastinthisbrokenbody,hissoulpusheditswayoutofwhatwasleftofConstantineMaddenandintothescreaminginfantthat

hadbeenCallumHunt.Thisisnottheendofme,hevowed.

Callwokewithascreamandthenwentonscreaming.Someonehadtiedhimdowntoabedandtherewerescorchmarksonthewall,scorchmarksCalldidn’trecallmaking.Hedidn’trecallthewallseither,ortheroom.

“Call?”ItwasJasper’svoice,andforamoment,Callquieted.Heknewwherehewas,afterall.Oratleasthethoughtthathedidbeforetheroomtiltedandeverythingslidaway.

Thenitseemedtohimthathewasinathousandplacesatonce,thattherewereahostofpeoplepassingbeforehim,tryingtotalktohim.Athousandvoicesshouting.MagesinAssemblyrobes,menandwomenwithburnedandblackenedskin,shakingtheirfists.

“IdefeatedyouinPrague!”Callshoutedbackatoneofthem.“ItwasI,andIshalldefeatyouagain!”

“Thisisreallynotgood,”saidJasper’svoice.Callfoundhimselfbackinhisbody.Hiswristsweretiedtothepostsofalargebedwhosehangingsboremarksofpunctures,waterdamage,andsmoke.Hisshouldersached.

“It’sme,”Callsaid.Hisvoicesoundedhoarse,andhisthroatached.“Where’sAaron?”

I’mhere,saidAaron’svoiceinhishead.Call,you’vegottogetholdofyourself.Pushthememoriesback,wallthemupagain.Youwereright—

Jasperlookedworried.WhyhewasnexttoCall’sbed,Calldidn’tknow.“Aaron’sdead,”hesaid.“Call?Doyouknowwhereyouare?”Herantothedoor.“Tamara!He’stalking!”

Agirlracedintotheroom,herhairflying.Brownskin,darkhair,beautiful.Callknewherbuttheknowledgewasrushingawayfromhim.Hegrippedtheropesconnectedtohiswrists,tryingtohangon.“What’shappeningnow?”hesaid.“Whathappenedthen?”

Thegirl—Tamara,Tamara—cameclosetohisbed,hereyesfulloftears.“Call,what’sthelastthingyouremember?”

“Theicecave,”Callsaid,andsawbothofthemstareathiminhorrorjust

beforehetumbledofftheedgeofeverything.

Hewasinamassivestoneroom.ConstantineMaddenwaspacingbackandforthinfrontofahugedaismadeofgranite,hiscustomarymaskpulleddownoverhisscarredface.Ontopofthedaiswasatomb,andonthetomblayabody—onethatMaugrisrecognizedeasily.HeknewbothMaddensiblingswellenough.ItwasConstantine’sbrother,Jericho.

JerichowasmotionlessindeathbutConstantinewasfullofmovement.Heracedfromoneendoftheroomtotheother,thesilvermaskthathidhalfhisfacegleaming.Overandoverhespoketohisbrother,tellinghimthathe’dbringhimback,thatheshouldneverhavedied,thattheMagisteriumwouldpay.Deathitselfwouldbedestroyed.

Maugriswatchedwithinterest.Heunderstoodhatingdeath.Hehadspentgenerationsandcenturiesavoidingithimself.Lookingdownattheelegantbutwrinkledfingersofhisownhand—awoman’shandthistime—heknewhecouldeasilyhaveadecadeorthreemoreinthisbody.AndyetConstantine,inhispresentstate,mightnotlastsolong.Hewouldburnup—allambitionandimpulseandnostrategy.

MasterJosephhaddonegoodwork,separatinghimfromtheMagisterium,fromthepeoplewhocaredabouthim.Maugrisallowedhimselfamomentofpleasureandprideinhiscultivationofthatmage.Amanbrokenenoughtobemanipulated,brokenenoughtobreakthatchild,hadbeenanexcellentchoiceforanapprentice.AndyethehadneversuspectedhisMasterofanythingbutinflaminghisownambitions.HehadcertainlyneversuspectedherofbeingaMakar.Themouthofthewoman’sbodyheworecurledupintoasmile.

Thelasttimeheroseinpower,thelasttimehehadmadeabidfortakingabiteoutofthemageworld,waslongenoughbackthattheywouldneverconnecthimwiththosewhohadcomebefore.Thatwasthevalueoflyinglowforseveralgenerations:Itgavetheworldtimetoforget.ButthisnewMakarhadtriedsomeinterestingexperiments.Hehadfailedtobringbackthedead,buthe’dgivenMaugrisanideaforanarmy.Anunstoppablearmy.

ItwastimetobecomeConstantineMadden.

Thishasallbeenandwillbeagain.

Callopenedhiseyesagain,backinthestoneroomwiththebed.Thescorchmarkswerenolongeronthewall,buthewasn’tsureifhe’dimaginedthemorifthey’djustbeenwashedaway.Heheardhowling—Havoc?Chaoswolves?

“Call?”cameasoftvoice.Heturnedhishead.“Doyourememberwhoyouarenow?”

Celiawasthere,herwispyblondhairpushedbackwithaheadband,herfacesopalethatwhatstoodoutwastherednessofhereyes.Callfrownedather,tryingtoplaceherinhismemories.Shedidn’tlikehim.

Hadheburneddownhertowerandscorchedallherlands?Murderedherfamily?Spitinhersoup?Thereweresomanycrimesrushingthroughhishead.

“Call?”shesaidagain.Herealizedhehadn’tanswered.“You…”hecroaked,raisingafingertopointaccusinglyather.She’ddone

something,too,herememberedthat.“I’msosorry,”shesaid.“IknowyoumustbewonderingwhyI’mherewhen

I’vebeensoawful—andIwasawful.Iwasafraid.IhadfamilyhereattheMagisteriumwhenyourfather—andyou,Imeannotreallyyou,buthim.”Shestoppedspeaking,clearlyhavinggottenherselftangledupinherwords.“WhenConstantinewasattheschool,noonethoughthewouldbecometheEnemyofDeath.TheyknewhewasallpuffedupaboutbeingtheMakarandbelievedhecoulddothingsnooneelsecould,butitdidn’tseemthatbad.Untilitdid.AlotofmyfamilydiedintheMageWar,andwhenIwasgrowingup,theywarnedmeoverandoveragainabouthowbraveIwouldhavetobetostanduptoConstantine,butthatifsomeonehad,noneofthiswouldhavehappened.”

Murderedherfamily,Callthought.ThatwaswhatIdidtoher.Call,cameavoiceinhishead,avoicethatstartledhim.Call,youhaveto

focus.Pushbackthememories.“Iknowthat’sanexcuse,”Celiasaid.“Butit’salsoanexplanation,andI

wantedyoutohaveone.Iwaswrong,andI’msorry.”“Whynow?”hewantedtoknow.Whyhadshedecidedtoforgivehimwhen

she’dbeenrightallalong?Hewasn’ttrustworthy.Hewasn’tevensurehewasCall.

“YounearlydiedsavingJasper,”shesaid.“Constantinewouldn’thave.Maybehe’dhavedonesomeoftheotherstufftolookgood,butIcouldn’tthinkofanyreasontodowhatyoudidotherthanbeingJasperandTamaraandGwenda’sfriend.AndthenIstartedtothinkaboutthewalksweusedtotakewithHavocandhowhorribleitwouldbeforeveryonetothinksomethingbadaboutmeforsomethingIcouldn’tcontrol.AndthenIthoughtthatitwasn’tfairyouhadtoalmostdieformetothinkbetterofyou.AndthenIheardyouweren’tokayandIwonderedifthingswouldhavebeendifferentifwehadn’t—ifIhadn’t—”

“Itwasn’tthat,”hestarted,butthentheroomtiltedagainandhegotalungfulofsmoke.Hewasstandingonthedeckofashipandinthedistancehesawanentirearmadaonfire.Hewatchedmagesleapingintothesea,butwhentheygottothewater,tentaclesreachedupforthemoutofthedepths.Heneededtowarnher.Thegirl.Thegirlwhowassorry.

“Thereareelementals,”hetoldherurgently.“Underthewaves.Waiting.Theywilldrownyouifyouletthem.”

“Oh,Call,”heheardhersay,voicesoftandbrokenupbysobs.

Hewaslyingonanarrowwoodenbed.Heknewhewasdying.Hisbreathswerecominginraggedgaspsandhisbodyfeltasifitwerefulloffire.

Thiswasnotwhathehadplannedforhislife.HehadbeenabrilliantstudentofthebestMagisteriumintheempire.Histeacher,MasterJanusz,hadbeenthewisestandmostpowerfulMaster,whohadchosenhimfirstattheIronTrial.HewasaMakarwhocouldshapechaos.Hehadbeenassuredofalonglifeofpowerandriches.

Andthenthecoughinghadbegun.HehaddismisseditatfirstastheproductofexhaustionandlongnightsworkinginthelaboratoryhesharedwithhisMaster.Then,onenight,thecoughinghadbenthimdoubleandhehadseenthefirstredsprayofbloodacrossthefloor.

MasterJanuszhadbroughtthebestearthmagestohealhim,buttheycoulddonothing.Hispowerhadwanedwithhishealth,andhehadbecomeaprisonerinhisgarret,eatingonlywhenhislandladyorMasterJanuszbroughthimfood,

waitinginafuryfortheinevitable.Atleastuntilthedayherealized.Hehadalwaysknownit.Theoppositeofchaosisthesoul.Buthehadnever

really,trulythoughtaboutwhatitmeant.Sincethedayhehadthoughtofit,hehadlaininhisbed,consideringthepossibilities,dwellingonmethod,onopportunity…

Thedoortohisgarretopened.ItwasMasterJanusz.Stillamaninhisprime,hebustledovertothedyingmage’sbedside.Themaninthebedhatedhisformermaster.Howdarehehavehealthandafuturewhenhehadalreadyhadsomanyyears?

HeseethedasMasterJanuszfussedwithhispillowsandusedfiremagictolightthecandlebyhisbed.Theroomwasalreadygrowingdark.Helistenedastheoldermagewitteredonabouthowhewouldbewellsoonenough,assoonastheweatherwaswarmer.

“Nonsense,”hesaid,whenhecouldstanditnolonger.“Iamgoingtodie.YouknowitaswellasIdo.”

MasterJanuszpaused,lookingstricken.“PoorMaugris,”hesaid.“Itisashame.YoucouldhavebeenagreatMakar.Oneofthegreatesttheworldhasknown.Itisashameandapityforyoutodiesoyoung.”

RagecameuponMaugris.Hedidnotwantpity.“IwouldhavebeenthegreatestMakarhistoryhaseverknown!”heroared.“Theworldwouldhavetrembledbeforeme!”

ItwasthenthatMasterJanuszmadehismistake.Hecametowardthemaninthebed,handsoutstretched.“Youmustcalmyourself,myboy—”

Thedyingmagereachedoutwithallhisstrength,notofhisbodybutofhismind.Theideathathadburnedinsidehimflaredintolife.Hewasamanipulatorofchaos.Whycouldn’thealsomanipulatethesoul?

HereachedwithinMasterJanuszwithhandsmadeofsmokeandnothingness,andsawtheotherman’seyesbulge.Withallhisstrength,hetorehisownsoulfreefromitsmooringsandpushed—pusheditintoMasterJanusz,hearingthemage’stinnyscreamashissoulwasforcedoutintonothingness….

Afewmomentslaterthedoorburstopen.Thelandlady,hearingthecommotion,hadracedupstairs.Shesawbeforeherasceneshehadexpected:her

dyingyoungtenanthadexpired,white-facedandstillinhisbed.MasterJanuszstoodinthecenteroftheroom,adazedexpressiononhisface.

“Theboy,”shesaid.“Hedied?”TheMasterdidaverystrangething.Hegrinnedfromeartoear.“Yes,”he

said.“Heisdead.ButIwillliveforever.”

“Aaron.”ItwasTamara’svoice.“Aaron,Iknowyou’reinthere.”Callopenedhiseyes.Theyfeltlikeheavyweights.Celiahadgone,ifshe

hadreallybeenthereinthefirstplace.Tamarawassittingnexttohisbed.Shewasholdingoneofhishands.

ButitwaskindofstrangethatshewascallinghimAaron.Hewasprettysurethathewasn’tAaron.Excepthewasn’tentirelysurehewasn’t.Memoriesswirledinsidehishead—aChaos-riddenwolfpuppy,aburningtower,amonstermadeofmetal,aroomfullofmages,andhewasoneofthem.Onebyonehekilledthemall,sotheycouldnevergoagainsthim.Hewatchedthemfallandlaughed….

“IwastheScytheofSouls,”hecroaked.“IwastheHoodedKestrel,LudmillaofPrague,theScourgeofLuxembourg,theCommanderoftheVoid.Iwastheonewhoburneddownthetowersoftheworld,whopartedthesea,anddeathwilldiebeforeIdo!”

Tamaramadeachokednoise.“Aaron,”shesaid.“Iknowyou’reinthere.IknowConstantineisdoingthissomehow.He’sdrivingCalloutofhismind.”

It’snotConstantine.ThewordsswirledupinsideCall’smind.Hedidn’tquiteknowwhattheymeant,buttheycarriedanenormousurgencywiththem.Hefoundwordsspillingfromhismouthsuddenly:

“It’snotConstantine,”hegasped.“There’sanothermage.Oneevenmoreevilandwaymoreancient.Hismemorieswereblockedup,butweunblockedthemandthey’rebasicallyblowingupCall’sbrain.”

Tamara’seyeswidened.“Aaron,”shebreathed.Herbodyjerkedforward.“Aaron,youhavetosaveCall.Youhavetoclosethosememoriesoff!Wallthemup!AndCall—youhavetohelphim.Youhavetolethimdoit.”

Foramoment,itseemedasthoughhe’dfallenbackintothemorassof

memories,thattimeslippedandwentsidewaysagain,butthentherecameanotherfeeling,likeacoolclothagainsthisbrow.Itwasthefeelingwhensomeonecameintoyourmessofaroomandputeverythingawaywhenyouweregone,butintherightplaces,intheplacesyou’dmeanttoputthings.

“Aaron?”Callsaid.Hewasabletoseparatehimselffromthetorrentagain.I’mhere,cameAaron’svoice.Doyouknowwhoyouare?“Yes,”Callsaid.Fromtheendofthebed,Tamarawaswatchinghimwarily,

clearlyreservingjudgmentastowhetherCalltalkingtohimselfoutloudwasagoodsignorabadone.

Andwhoexactlyisthat?Aaronasked,soundingasthoughhewascoaxingacat.

“CallumHunt.”HeturnedtowardTamara.“I’mokaynow.IknowI’mCallumHunt.Iremember—well,Irememberalot.”

Sheletoutherbreathallatonceandsaggedagainstthefootboardofhisbed.“HowlongwasI…likethat?”Hisstomachgrowled.Ithadseemedboth

instantaneousandendless,thecascadeofmemories.Hecouldfeelthemstill,attheedgesofhismind,whispering.

“Fivedays,”Tamarasaid,andCallgapedather.“Days?”herepeated.“Letmebringyousomefood,”shetoldhim,androse.Hecaughtherwrist

onthewaytothedoor.“Ihavetotellyousomethings,”hesaidquickly.Shesmiledasoftsmilethatwasatoddswithherusualfierceness.“Later,”

shetoldhim,andhewastooexhaustedandwrung-outtoprotest.Hewatchedherwalkoutthedoor,thenslowlyandpainfullypulledhimselfintoasittingposition.Hiswholebodyached,hislegtheworstofall.

Inhismemories,inthoseotherbodies,hisleghadn’thurt.Buthedidn’tmissthefeeling.Ithadbeenhorrible,beingthatevil,deathlessmage.Andbeingcaughtinthosememorieshadfeltlikedrowning,gaspingforconsciousnessthewayhemighthavegaspedforair.Hedidn’tknowhowAaronhadcontrolledthem.

Areyouokay?heaskedAaron.Andthen,becausetheywerealone,andhewantedtoknow:Areyouafraid?

Yes,Aaronsaid.Foralongmoment,therewasonlysilenceinCall’shead.Andyes.

Tamaracamebackcarryingplatesoflichenandfizzysweetdrinks.GwendaandJasperfollowedher,carryingevenmorefood—sandwiches,pizza—andsettingitupwhereCallcouldgettoiteasilywithoutgettingoutofbed.Soonhisblanketwascoveredwithplattersoffood.

TamarawentbacktothedoorasGwendaandJaspersatdownnearCall.“Okay,we’resupposedtotellMasterRufusthatyou’reawake,butwewantedtotalktoyoubeforewedid,”shesaidinalowvoice.Thenshesnappedherfingers.“Andsomeoneelsewantstoseeyou,too.”

Havoctrottedin.HeseemedalittlesubduedandlookednervouslyatCall.Forawolf,hehadagreatside-eye.

“Hey,boy,”Callsaidinahoarsevoice,rememberinghowHavochadflinchedawayfromhimintheforest.“Hey,Havoc.”

HavoctrottedupandsniffedCall’shand.Apparentlysatisfied,helaydownonthefloorandstuckhispawsintheair.

“MasterRufusthinksyouweresickfromusingtoomuchchaosmagic,”saidJasper,buthesoundeddubious.Thatwasprobablybecausehe’dheardCallravingabouthismemoriesandburningdowncities.

“That’snotwhathappened,”Callsaid.Noonelookedthatsurprised.Gwendatookasandwichandnibbledtheedge.“Look,IhavetotellyousomethingandIpromiseit’sthelastsecretIwilleverhave.Likeifitevenseemslikeanothersecretiscomingmyway,Iwilldodgeandweavetoavoidit.”

Liar,somepartofhimsaid.Somepartofhimthatwasn’tAaron,butthathecouldn’thidefromAaron.Afterall,GwendaandJasperstilldidn’tknowthereweretwosoulsinsideofhim.ButatleasthehadtoldTamara.Atleasthewouldn’thaveanysecretsfromher.

“Okaaaaay,”saidGwendaslowly.“SodidyourememberbeingConstantine?”

“Kindof,”saidCall.“ButIrememberbeingsomeoneelse,too.”“Likepastlives?”Jasperasked.“Exactlylikepastlivesifinsteadofreincarnation,youimaginemeasa

magewholearnedhowtopushthesoulsoutoflivingpeopleandputhisown

soulinsideinstead.”“Likebody-hopping?”Gwendasaid,wrinklinguphernose.“Exactly,”saidCall.“Nowimagineheonlybody-hopsfromMakarto

Makarbecausehedoesn’twanttolosehischaospowers.Imaginehim—me—shovingthesouloutofMakarsthroughhistoryandthenbecomingdifferentEvilOverlords.”

“Howmany?”askedTamara.Gwendagotupandstartedtowardthedoor.Callsighed.Hesupposedhe

shouldhaveexpectedthat.“Whereareyougoing?”askedJasper,andCallwantedtotellhimtoshutup,

nottomakeGwendasaywhateverawfulthingshewasthinking,becauseCalldidn’tneedtohearit.ButCalldidn’ttellJaspertoshutupbecausehedidn’twantJaspertoleave,too.Heespeciallydidn’twantTamaratofollowthemout.

ButGwendacamebackamomentlaterwithabigbookcalledMakarsThroughHistory.“Okay,”shesaid,eyessparkling.“WereyoutheMonsterofMorvonia?”

“Idon’tthinkso,actually,”Callsaid.“Doesn’tringabell.”“Iguessit’sgoodyouweren’teveryevilmagethroughouthistory,”said

Tamara.“TheHoodedKestrel?”Gwendaasked.“Iwasthatone,”heanswered.“Unfortunately.”Hereyebrowswentup.TamarabenttoseethepageGwendawasreading

from.“Yikes,”shesaid.“Itsaysherethatheusedtousehischaostochurnuphisvictims’insides.Gross.Likeamagicaleggbeater.”

“Doyoumind?”saidJasper.“I’meatinglichen.”“WhataboutLudmillaofPrague?”saidGwenda.Callnodded.“Iwasdefinitelyher.”“ShesentaplagueofbeetlesagainstthemenofPraguewhenoneofthem

divorcedafriendofhers.”Gwendachuckled.“NoapprovingoftheEvilOverlords,”saidJasper.HeturnedtoCall.

“Look,”hesaid,“we’vebeenthroughalottogether.SomuchsothatIcansaythatIdon’treallycarewhichevilmagicianyouwereinyourpastlife.”

“Lives,”Callcorrectedgloomily.

“Waterunderthebridge,”saidJasper.“ButyouwereConstantineMadden,”saidGwenda.“Right?”“Iwas,butit’scomplicated.Itlooksliketheoriginalevilmage,Maugris,

trackedConstantinedownafterhe’dbecometheEnemyofDeath.Hejumpedintohisbody,andnooneevernoticedthedifference,probablybecauseConstantinewasalreadyprettyevil.Itdoesexplain,though,whyheneverreallytriedtoraiseJerichofromthedeadafterthat,justmovedhimtoamausoleum—Maugrisdidn’tcare.”

Tamarashuddered.“Ican’timaginehavingsomeoneelse’smemoriesthrustatmeallatoncelikethat.Nowonderyouweresodisoriented.”

Tellmeaboutit,saidAaron.Callnodded.Heverydeliberatelydidn’tsaythatifhissoulhadstartedoutin

someonenamedMaugris,thenthosememoriesdidn’tbelongtosomeoneelse.Theybelongedtohim,evenifhewishedtheydidn’t.“Therewasonething,though,”hesaid.“I—ImeanMaugris—wasaroundforareallylongtime.Andhesawsomestuff.LikeanotherDevouredofchaos.”

Foramoment,theywereallquiet,lookingathim.“Seriously?”Gwendasaid.“You’renotjustmessingaround?Maugrissawa

Devouredofchaos?”Callnodded.“DoyouknowhowtostopAlex?”Tamaraasked,lookingasthoughshewas

holdingherbreath.“Ihaveaway,”hesaid.“Maugrismanagedtopurifythechaosoutofthe

Devouredhefought.Accordingtotherulesofalchemy,ittookfourDevouredsoffourdifferentelementstodoit.ButifwecanpullthechaosoutofAlex’sbody,thenwecanfighthimnormally.”

IwishIcouldfighthim,Aaronsaid.IwishIcouldpunchhimrightintheface.

“Sohe’dlive?”Tamaraasked.Callcouldn’ttellifshewasdisappointedornot.

Callnodded.“Maybeifhe’dbeenDevouredlonger,thentherewouldn’tbeasmuchofhimleft,butIthinkhewillbestrongenoughtobedangerous.Remember,he’sstillaMakar.”

“Sohecoulddoit,too,”saidJasper.“Hecouldpushoutsomeone’ssoul.Hecouldjumpintoanotherbodywhenhewasdying,justlikeMaugris.”

Callstarted.“Buthedoesn’tknowhecoulddothat.”“Comeon,Call.ThinklikeanEvilOverlord,”saidJasper.“Heknowswhat

ConstantineMaddendid.HeknowshowhesurvivedtheColdMassacre.”Tamaranodded.“Jasperisright.We’regoingtohavetobeverycareful.”InCall’shead,thebeginningofanideabloomed.“Atleastwehaveaplan,”saidGwenda,pickingupafizzydrinkandtaking

abiggulp.“Ithoughtwewerenevergoingtocomeupwithone.Thisisprettyexciting,actually.”

Jaspershookhishead,asthoughmourningthereasonableGwendaofdayspast.

Callthoughtthatafterallthebeingunconsciousandravingthathewouldn’tbeabletosleep,butitturnedoutthataftereatingandtalking,hewasexhausted.Whateverthevisionshadbeen,theyweren’trestful.Luckilythatnighthedidn’trememberhisdreams.

Atthebell,herose,stretched,scratchedHavoc,andwentoutintothecommonroom.MasterRufuswasthere,waitingforhim.

“Callum,”hesaid.“Iamrelievedtoseeyouupandmoving.Wewereallafraidforyou,analtogethertoocommonoccurrencethesedays.SinceAaron’sdeath,you’vebeentakingfartoomanyrisks.Howmanytimeshaveyouoverextendedyourmagic?Howmanytimeshaveyoudonemagicthatwouldbedangerousevenifyouhadacounterweight,whichyoudon’t.”

Calllookeddownatthefloor.“Chooseanothercounterweightanddoitsoon.No,thatpersonwon’tbe

Aaron,buttheywillkeepyoualive.”Callstilldidn’tspeak.MasterRufusgavealongsigh.“Ican’ttellyoutobemorecareful,notwhen

theAssemblyissendingyouupagainstAlex.Butifthisisaboutguilt—”“It’snot,”Callsaidquickly.MasterRufusputhishandonCall’sshoulder.“Aaron’sdeathwasnever

yourfault.”Callnoddeduncomfortably.He’sright,saidAaron.“Noneofthisisyourfault,Call.Thatwouldbelikeblamingyourselffor

beingborn.”MasterRufuswaitedamoment,asthoughexpectingCalltoreply,buthedidn’t.

“I’vebeenthinking,”MasterRufuswenton.“Aboutmyownsituation.Abouthowonehastosometimesfaceuncomfortablethings.”

“Areyougoingtotellyourhusband?”Callsaid.“Aboutbeingamage?”Theoldermangavearuefulsmile.“Ifwegetthroughthis,yes.”Therewasaknockonthedoor.MasterRufuswenttoanswerit,swinging

thedoorwide.OntheothersidewasAlastair.Helookedhaggardanddrawn,asifhehadn’tsleptinafewdays.Hishair

wasrumpled.“Call!”heexclaimed,pushingpasthisoldteacher.HereachedCallandseizedhiminahug.

“Yourfatherhasbeenveryworriedaboutyou,”saidMasterRufus,whenAlastairstoppedthumpingCallontheshoulderbladesandstoodbacktolookathim.“He’sbeenstayingintheMagisteriumsinceyoufirstfellill.”

“IthoughtIheardyourvoice,”Callsaid,rememberinghisdad’swordstangledupamongthefloodofothermemoriesandvisitors.

Alastairclearedhisthroat.“Rufus,couldCallandIhavesometimealone?”“Certainly.”Politeasalways,Rufusshowedhimselfout.AlastairandCallsatdownonthesofawhileHavoctrottedoverto

investigate.AfternosingatAlastair’spantleg,hecurledupandfellasleeponhisshoe.

“Allright,Call,”Alastairsaid.“Iknowthiswasn’tthefluorsomethinglikethat.Whathappenedtoyou?Youwereshoutingaboutburningdowncitiesandmarchingaheadofarmies.IsthissomethingtodowiththeEnemy?”

Becarefulwhatyoutellhim,AaronwarnedasCallopenedhismouth.Ifhethinksyou’reindanger,he’lldragthewholeMagisteriumintoit.

Hewasright,Callknew.Sohetoldhisfatheraneditedversionofevents:thatConstantine’smemorieshadbeenwalledupinhishead,thathehadletthemloosewhenhe’dthoughtheneededtosavehisfriends,thatthey’doverwhelmed

himuntilhe’dgottencontrolandshutthembackdownagain.Alastairwasalreadyhalfoutofhisseat.“Idon’tlikethesoundofthis.We

shouldgetMasterRufus—surelythere’ssomethingthemagesherecandotomakesurethosememorieseitherstayputorareremovedforever.”

No,Aaronwarned.Iftheystartfiddlingaroundinhere,there’snotellingwhatmighthappen.

“Wait,”Callsaid.“Whatdidtheytellyou?DidtheytellyouaboutAlexStrike?”

“TheboywhocamebackasaDevouredofchaos?Yes,but…”“Didtheytellyoutheyexpectmetofigureouthowtodefeathim?”Alastairsankbackontothecouch.“You?Butyou’rejustakid.”“I’mtheonlyMakartheyhave,”saidCall.“Andnooneknowshowto

defeataDevouredofchaos.”Alastairlookedathiminhorror.“Mycarisparkedoutside,”hesaidinalow

voice.“Wecouldrun,Call.Youdon’thavetostayhere.Wecouldloseourselveseasilyoutinthenormalworld.”

“Butthen,”saidCall,“Ithinkalotofpeoplewoulddie.”“Butyouwouldlive,”saidAlastair,intensityinhisgaze.ItmadeCallfeel

goodtoknowthatAlastairputCall’slifeaboveeverythingelseintheworld,buttheonlythingthatwouldmakeCalldifferentfromConstantineorfromMaugriswasifhedidn’t.

AgainherememberedtheCinquain,thelinehe’dadded:Callwantstolive.Againandagainhe’dthoughtaboutit,ashamed.Nowthatlineseemedtocuttotheheartoftheterribledesirethathadledhimtobecomeamonster.

Okay,severaldifferentmonsters.Call,Aaronsaid.Everyonewantstolive.Andeveryonedeservedtolive.EvenifthatmeantCallputhisownlifeat

risk.“Ireallyhavetotry,”hetoldhisfather.“AndIevenhaveaplan.Itjust—I

needsomeDevouredstohelpme.IknowaDevouredoffire,butIneedthreeothers,fortheotherthreeelements.”

“Andwhathappenstothem?”askedAlastair.Callshookhishead.“Theyun-Devourhim.Regurgitatehim.Gethimpuked

upfromchaos.Andthentheywindupbeinginthesamedangertherestofuswillbein,fightingareallyangryregurgitatedMakar.”

Alastairblinkedafewtimes.Finally,heshookhisheadandspoke.“Yeah,Iknowaguy.”

“Youdo?”“UpinNiagara.Hewasinthewar.ThatwaswhenhegotDevoured.He

mightlistenifweputthecasetohim.”“Canyoudrive?”Callasked.“What?”Alastairsaid.“Rightnow?”“Rightnow.”Callstoodupandstartedtowakehisfriendsbybangingloudly

ontheirdoors.

ANHOURLATERthePhantomwasflyinguptheinterstatewithHavoc’sheadhangingoutthewindow,pinktongueflappinginthebreeze.CallwasinthefrontseatwithHavocwhileTamara,Gwenda,andJaspersatintheback.

They’dstoppedforfastfoodalreadyandtornthroughaboxofchicken.Coldsodaswerebalancedontheirlaps.

“Evenbetterthanlichen,”Jasperhadsaidblissfully,gnawingonadrumstick.

Theradiowastunedtosomejazzstation.Calltippedbackhisheadandstartedthinkingaboutthefuture.OnceAlexwasdefeated,hewouldaskTamaraoutonadate,arealdate.Shelikedsushi,sothey’dgosomewhereforabigfish

dinner.Thenmaybethey’dgoforamovieorawalk,geticecream.Hestartedtoidlypictureitwhenherealizedhewasn’taloneinhishead.Quickly,hetriedtothinkofsomethingelse.

He’dliketogetHavocanewleash.Yeah,thatwasgood.Andmeanewbody,Aaronremindedhim.IfyoueverwanttokissTamara

againwithoutmebeingthere,too.Callsighed.“You’reallgoodkids,helpingCallumout,”Alastairsaid,whichmadeCall

feelhumiliatedandalsoaboutsevenyearsold.Tamaragrinned.“Someone’sgottotrytoconvincehimtostayoutof

trouble.”“Someoneshould,”saidJasper.“Toobadthatsomeoneisn’tyou.”Gwendaknockedhimontheshoulder.“Whyareyouthewayyouare?”“Peopleloveme,”Jaspersaid.“Sohow’sCelia?”Gwendawantedtoknow.Jasperscowled.“Stillmadat

youforbeingfriendswithCall?”“We’llworkitout,”saidJasper.“Ihearshedidn’tlikethatyourfatherwasinprisonforhelpingtheEnemy

either,”saidGwenda,andshruggedwheneveryonestaredather.“What?Ihearthings.”

“Wewillworkthingsout,”Jaspersaid,tight-lipped.“Idon’tthinkIlikethisCelia,”saidAlastair.“ShecametovisitmewhileIwassick,actually,”saidCall.“And

apologized.”“Shedid?”Tamarawasround-eyed.Jasperseemedrelieved.“Itoldyou.”Gwendachuckled.“SheapologizedtoCall,”shesaid.“Maybeshecandate

him.”“But—”Tamarasaid.Jasperlookedatherwithinnocenteyes.“Butwhat?”“Nothing.”Tamaracrossedherarmsandstaredoutthewindow.Itwas

gettingdark,andtherewasalmostnooneelseontheroad.TheGPSshowedthattheywereinPennsylvania,neartheAlleghenyNationalForest.Tallspikytrees

linedtheroad.Alastaircutasideways,amusedglanceatCallbutsaidnothing,andthe

conversationturnedtootherthings.Callstayedquiet,thinkingthroughwhatlayaheadofthem.

Afteranotherhalfanhour,Alastairpulledofftheroadintoamotelthathadadinerattachedtoit.Neonpromisedcherrypieandcheesesteak.CallandtheothersfollowedAlastairinsideashecheckedthemallintoseparateroomsandtoldthemtomeetoutsideinforty-fiveminutesfordinner.

Callwasjustpullingonanewshirtanddoinghisbesttostickdownhisunrulyhairwithwaterwhentherewasaknockonthedoor.

ItwasJasper,wearingaT-shirtthatreadANGRYUNICORNSNEEDLOVE,TOO.Callblinkedathim.“What?”

Jasperstrolledinandsatdownonthebed.Callsighed.Inhismemory,Jasperhadneverwaitedtobeinvitedanywhere.

“IsthisaboutCelia?”Callsaid.“No,”Jaspersaid,afterapause.“It’saboutmydad.”“Yourdad?”Hisdad’sstillinthePanopticonwithalltheotherswhojoinedMaster

Joseph,saidAaronhelpfully.Iknow!Callsaid.Ijustdon’tknowwhyhewantstotalktomeaboutit.Maybehethinksyouhaveasympatheticface.Jasperwenton.“OneoftheAssemblymemberstoldmethatthey’re

consideringputtingallthemageswhosidedwithMasterJosephtodeath.”Callgaped.“I—”Jasperwavedhishandimpatiently.“Youdon’thavetocare.It’sjustthat

we’regoingonthisbigmissiontohelpouttheMagisterium.Andifwesucceed,you’llbeahero.”Hecrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“Ifthathappens,IwantyoutointercedewiththeAssembly.They’lldowhateveryouwant.Tellthemtoletmydadgo.”

Foramoment,Callfeltthatoddsensationoftheworldtiltingsidewaysagain,butitwasn’tbecauseanevilmage’smemoriesweregettingtangledupwithhisown.Itwasbecausethiswasn’tsupposedtobehisrole.

Hewasn’tahero.Jasperwasn’tsupposedtoaskhimforfavorsoractlikehe

wasimportant.ThatwasAaron.ItwassupposedtobeAaron.Hey,camethevoiceinhishead.I’mgoodwithitnotbeingme.Iwasgood

withitnotbeingmebackthen,buttherewasnooneelse.Andnowthere’snooneelsebutyou.

Callnodded.“Ifwedothismission,you’llbeahero,too.Youcouldaskthemyourself.”

Jasper’slookwasdubious.“Justsayyou’lldoit.You’retheMakar.”“Ican’ttellthemtoreleaseyourdad,butIcaninsistthattheydon’tgivehim

thedeathpenaltynomatterhowhistrialgoes,”saidCall.“AndIcaninsisthehasatrial,afairone.”

Foramoment,Jasperwassilent.Thenhegavealongsigh.“Promise?”“Ipromise.Doyouwanttospit-shakeonit?”Jaspermadeaface.“No,Itrustyou.Besides,that’sdisgusting.”Callgrinned,gladJasperwasactingnormalaroundhim.Together,they

walkedtowardthedinerattachedtothemotel.AlastairwasalreadytherewithGwendaandTamara,sittinginabooth.They’devengottentheirdrinks:Alastairwasdrinkingcoffeeandthegirlshadmilkshakes.

Theoverheadlightingwasflickeringandyellow.Thelinoleumwaswornandcracked.Butbehindthecase,therewerepristine,glisteningpiesandtophat–highcakestoppedwithcherriesandcoconutflakes.Call’smouthstartedtowater.

JaspersatdownonGwendaandTamara’sside,leavingCalltositwithAlastair.Tamaragrinnedathimasheslidinacrossfromher.

Thewaitresscamebackandtooktheirorder.Jaspergotanorangesodaandanenormousburgerwithbacon.Tamaragotatunafishsandwich.Gwendagotagyro.Alastairgotsteakandeggs.Callorderedahamsteak,asinglepancakewithchocolatechips,andfrenchfries.Thenheorderedtwomorehamburgerstogo,rare,forHavoc.

“Gotsomenews,”saidAlastair.“IcheckedinwithMasterRufusonthetornadophone.Alex’stowerisclosetobeingfinished.Theythinktheycanstallhim,butonlyforthreemoredays.MasterRufussaidthatweneededtocompleteourmissionbythen.”

“Threemoredays?”Callsqueaked.“HowarewegoingtofindthreeDevouredsthatfast?”

“Let’sjustfocusonthetaskinfrontofus,”saidAlastair.“ConvinceLucasandmaybehecansendusinthedirectionofsomeotherDevoureds.”

“Butwhatifhecan’t?”Callasked,whichwasadmittedlynotthemostheroicthingtosay.

“Youreallythinkthisplanwillwork?”Alastairasked.Callnodded.“Thenwe’llfindaway,”hisdadreassuredhim.Theirfoodcame,buteventhoughitlookeddelicious,Callcouldn’ttasteit.Thatnighthetossedandturnedonthebed,sleepingonlyinfitsandstarts.

Havoclickedhisface,lettinghimknowthatthewolfwastherewithhim.Ithelped,buthewokeupoverandoveranyway,comingfullawakeasdawnwascrestingoutsidethewindow.

ItwastimetogotoNiagaraFalls.

Afewhourslater,nursinganenormouscupofcoffee,CallpiledintoAlastair’sRolls-Royce.Therewaslesschattertodayinthecarandmorenervoustension.Everyoneseemedstressed,andwhentheystoppedforlunchatMcDonald’s,evenJaspercouldonlyeatfivehamburgersandabagoffries.

Afterafewhours,everyoneinthecarhadnoddedoffexceptHavoc,Call,andAlastair.“I’msorry,”Alastairsaid,peeringintotherearviewmirrortomakesuretheotherswereasleep.“Ishouldn’thavesuggestedrunningaway,backattheMagisterium.”

Callwasstartled.“You’retheonewhowasright,”hesaid.“Waybackwhen.InevershouldhavegonetotheMagisteriumatall.”

Alastairshookhishead.“No,MasterJosephwouldhavefounduseventually.Iwasstickingmyheadinthesand.Iwaswrong.Youwouldn’thaveknownhowtoprotectyourselffromhim.Youmighthavedied,alongwithallthepeopleyou’vesaved.”

Callfellsilent.Hethoughtofhimselfasfightingtheevilinsidehimsooften,heneverstoppedtoconsideranygoodhemighthavedone.

Theroadwentonandon.EventuallyCalldozedoff.Hewasawokenatagasstationbythesmellsofcoffeeandmicrowavedcinnamonbuns.Hedranksomeofthecoffee,stretched,wenttotherestroom,anddecidedagainstwashinghisfacewiththeslightlybrownishwatercomingfromthetap.

Backinthecar,hedrankmorecoffeeandatethreeglazedcinnamonbuns.BythetimetheyarrivedattheparkingareaofNiagaraFallsStatePark,hewasreadytobuzzoffhisseatlikeahummingbirdfromthesugar.

Theyfoundaplacetoputthecarandproceededonfoot,ignoringtheaquariumandtheotherfunstuff,toheadstraightforthevisitors’center.There,theygottheexplanationthattheycouldgototheobservationtowerandfromthere,iftheywanted,theycouldtakeanelevatordowntothebottomofNiagaraFallsandgoonaboatride.Therewasevenaplacecalled“thecrow’snest”wheretheywereprettysuretogetmistrightintheface.

Callhadwonderediftheelevatorwouldbemadeofglass,butitwasordinarymetal.Whentheyreachedthebottom,thedoorsopenedonatorrentofnoise.Theyhurriedoutontothedeck.Theycouldseetouristswalkingbackandforthonredwoodendecks,cladinbrightyellowponchos.Thedeckswereconnectedbywoodenwalkwaysleadingupanddown.

ThefallspoureddownsoclosethatCallwasawestruck,eventhoughtheyweren’ttheretosightsee.Asthewaterhittherocksatthebottom,itexplodedintowhitemist,thenranintorrentsovertheboulderspastthefallsandrushedawayatincrediblespeed.

“Comeon,”saidAlastairinalowvoice.“Followme.”Heledthemdownseveralwalkwaysastheyduckedamongtouristsin

ponchos.Theywereallgettingwetinthedownpour,andCall’slegwasstartingtohurt.Alastairmovedpurposefullytotheedgeofadeckandbeckonedthemclose,thenclimbednimblyover.HehelpedCallovernext—itwasashortdrop—andtheothers,evenHavoc,landedquicklybesidethem.

Theywereonanarrowpaththatledbythewater.SomethingaboutthepathtoldCallitwasamagepath,somethinginvisibletonormaleyes.Maybethefactthatnooneelsewasonit.Maybethefactthattheonlyfootprintsinthedirtweren’tfootprintsatall,butstampsthatlookedasiftheywereintheshapeofthesymbolfortheelementofwater.

Thesunhadcomeout,anditdriedthemastheymadetheirwayalongthepath,thenoiseoftheriverdrowningoutanyconversationthatwasn’tshouting.Alastairstoppedataplacewherethepathjuttedoutintothewaterinasmallpromontory.Hecuppedhishandsaroundhismouth.“Lucas!”heshouted.“Lucas,canyouhearme?”

Tamarasuddenlygasped.“Look!”sheyelled.“There!Akidisdrowning!”Shepointed.Aboyinayellowponchohadslippedsomehow,evenwithallthe

precautionsandtherailing.He’dfallenintothetorrentfrothingovertherocksandwasbeingcarriedalong,spunaroundlikealeaf.Foramomenthedisappearedunderwaterandbobbedtothesurface.Callcouldn’ttellifhewasconsciousornot,couldn’ttellhowhardhe’dhittherocks.

“Wehavetodosomething,”Tamarasaid,rushingtothewater’sedge.“Trytopickhimup.JasperandIwillconcentrateoncalmingthewater.

Gwenda,youmakesurenoneofthepeoplenotice,”saidCall.Jaspernodded.Gwendascrunchedupherfaceinconcentration.She

intensifiedthefogofthespray,creatingamistthathidthem.Thensheintensifiedtwooftherainbowssothattheywerebeautifulenoughtodistractonlookers.Itmightnotbeenoughtokeephisfamilyfromnoticingwhatwashappening,butitmightmeannooneelsewaslooking.

Callhadneverbeenparticularlygoodwithwatermagic,buthereachedoutwithitnow,tryingtocontroltheflowoftherapidstoclearapathforTamara.HesawJasperwasconcentratingonslowingthemovementofwaterclosetotheboy,whowasslowlyrisingintheairandfloatingtowardthem.

Theboyopenedhiseyesandlookedatthem,butwhenhedid,Callsawthathiseyeswerefullofwater.Tamara’smagicbroughthimcloser,butthenearerhegot,thelesshelookedlikeaboy.Hisskinrippledandbecametranslucent,asthoughhewasn’tmadeoffleshatall.Thenhecollapsedintoapuddle,leavingnochildatall,justayellowjacket.

“What?”Jasperdemanded.Ageysershotoutofthewater—andoutofthatcameamanlikeshape.

“You’vepassedmytest,”hesaidinagurglingvoice.“Nowwhatdoyouwant?”“Yourecognizeme,don’tyou,Lucas?”askedAlastair.

“AlastairHunt.”Themanwastranslucent,butthewaterformedaclearpictureofhisfeatures,eventhesketchyoutlinesofcurlyhair.“It’sbeenalongtime.”

“Thisismysonandhisfriends.Weneedafavor,”Alastairsaid.“Afavor?”“Weneedyourhelp.There’saDevouredofchaosandhewantstotake

ConstantineMadden’splace,fightingthemageworld.”“Hewantstohurtalotofpeople,”saidJasper.“Maybewipeouthumanity.”“AndwhatcanIdoaboutthat?”askedLucas.“IfyouweretostandwiththreeotherDevoureds,you’dbeabletostrip

awayhischaos,”saidCall.“Hewillreturntobeingjustamageandwecouldfighthim.Dadtoldmeyoufoughtinthewar.AlexisthelastofConstantine’sminionswithanypower.Oncehe’sdefeated,thewarcanfinallybeover.”

“ThatwaswhenIwashuman,”saidtheDevoured.“ButIamhumannolonger.”

“Youcouldliveanywhere,”saidTamara.“Butyouchoosehere.”“IlikeNiagara.Ilikethepowerofthewaterfall,therushofthewater.”“Andthepeople,”saidTamara.“Youcouldbeoutatsea,farfromanyone.

Youcouldbeinoneofthegreatrivers.Youcouldevenpickaremotewaterfall.Butno,youpickaplacewheretherewillalwaysbehumansnearby.Andyoutestedusbyshowingusahumanchildindanger.Ithinkthat,whateveryouare,youstillcareaboutpeople.”

“PerhapsIdo.”Lucasspunslowlyinthewater.GwendaandJasperwatchedinwonder.“IfindthatIdonotliketheideaofhumanitybeingwipedout.Iwillhelpyou.”

Call’sshoulderssaggedinrelief.“Great,”hesaid.“DoyouknowanyotherDevoureds?Like,ofotherelements?”

Lucasfrowned.“Thisdoesnotsoundlikeawellthought-outplan.”“WealreadyhaveRavan,Devouredoffire,onourside,”saidTamara

quickly.“WejustneedaDevouredofearthandaDevouredofair.”Lucasmadeathoughtfulnoiselikesplashingwater.“MaybeGreta,”hesaid.

“LastIheard,shehadtakenupresidenceinasinkholenearTampa.”“GretaKuzminski?”saidAlastair.“ShebecameaDevouredofearth?Was

thatbecauseshelikesdirtorhatespeople?”“Mostlyshehatespeople,”saidLucas.“ShewasbetrayedbytheAssembly.

TheywerewillingtosayanythingtogetherontheirsideinthewaragainstConstantine,butafterthetruce,theybetrayedallthepromisesthey’dmade.I’lltellyouexactlywheretofindher,butyoumayhavedifficultyconvincingherthewayyouconvincedme.”

“Great,”mutteredGwenda.“Iknewthiswastooeasy.”“Youdon’tknowanotherDevouredofearth,doyou?”saidJasper.

“Someonefriendlier?”“Idonot,”saidLucas.Truetohisword,hegavethemdetaileddirections,

whichCalltriedtomemorize.“Goodlucktoyou.Whenyouhavecollectedeverythingyouneed,touchwaterandspeakmyname.Iwillbesummonedtoyou.”

Withthat,hemeltedawayintothewater,turningtofoamandmist.

BythetimetheyallmadeitbacktoAlastair’scar,Tamarawaswringingoutherbraids,andCallfeltasifhissoakedclothesweighedahundredpounds.Afterglancingaroundtomakesurenoonewaslooking,Tamarasummonedupenoughfiremagictocreateaminiaturebonfiretheycouldallwarmthemselveswith.(ExceptforHavoc,whojustbouncedaroundshakingthewateroffhisfur.)

“Sowho’sGreta?”CallaskedAlastair.“Oldgirlfriendorsomething?”“Justacrabbyclassmate.Iguessthingsdon’tchange.”Alastair,holdinghis

handsouttothebonfire,lookedabsent.“It’stoobadshe’sallthewayinTampa.It’salongdriveforyoutomake.”

“Don’tyoumeanit’salongdriveforus?”saidCall,surprised.Alastairshookhishead.“IthinkI’vegotaleadonaDevouredofair,but

thereisn’ttimeforustotraveltogetherifwe’regoingtomakeitbacktotheMagisteriumintime.YoujustmakesuretoconvinceGretaandI’llmeetyouthere.”

“Youwantmetotakethecar?”Callasked.Alastair’sPhantomwashismostbelovedpossession;hetookcareofiteveryweekend,polishingandtinkering.Callcouldn’tbelieveAlastairwouldtrusthimwithit.

“Justtreatherkindly,”saidAlastair,takingouthiswalletandpeelingoffabunchoftwenties,thenreachingintohispockettopulloutthekeys.“You’reagooddriverandagoodkid.You’regoingtobefine.”

Calllookedatthekeysandmoneyinhishands.Hethoughtaboutsuggestingtheyfly,butheknewtheirownmagicwouldonlytakethemsofar.Andtheydidn’thavetimetofindanelementalthatcouldtakethem.“Whatareyougoingtodo?”

“I’vegotafriendwhocangivemearide.Don’tworry.I’llbeattheMagisteriumwithaDevouredofairbythetimeyougetthere.”AlastairclappedahandonCall’sback,then,changinghismind,pulledhimintoafierce,briefhug.“Thisisalmostover.”

Lettinghimgo,Alastairwavedtotheotherkids.Whistling,hewalkedthroughtheparkinglot,headingtowardtheroad.

“YouthinkhecanreallyconvinceaDevouredofair?”Gwendaasked.“Webetterhopeso,”Callsaid,slidingintothedriver’ssideoftheRolls-

Royce.Heputhishandsonthewheel.Thelasttimehe’dbeensittinginthisseatwaswhenhewasalittlekid,pretendingtodrive,makingvroom-vroomnoises.

Tamaratookshotgun,leavingGwendatositwithHavocandJasper.Heturnedthekeyandpressedhisfoottothegas,startingthecar.RememberwhenIhadtodrivebecauseyoudidn’tknowhow,Aaronsaid.I’mstillnotsureIknowhow,Callthoughtback.TamarafiddledwiththeradiowhileCallcarefullysteeredoutoftheparking

lotandtowardtheroad.“Youhaveyourlicense,right?”Gwendaaskedhim.“Provisionally,”hesaid.“Whatdoesthatmean?”shewantedtoknow,lookingworried.“It’saprovisionallicense,”hesaid.“Ihaven’thadalotofpractice,what

withbeingimprisonedandthenkidnappedandthennearlydyingandthenlivinginacave.”

ThatdidnotseemtocalmGwenda,butJasperdidn’tseemworried.HepettedHavocandlookedoutthewindow.

“Ilikeroadtrips,”hesaid,watchingthelandscaperollby.“Androad-tripgames.Weshouldplayoneofthose.”

Gwendapunchedhimintheshoulder.“Ow!”heyelled.“Punchbuggy.”Shesmiled.“What?Ithoughtyoulikedroad-tripgames.”Hereachedoverandtickledherunderherarms,sendingherintofitsof

laughterasshesquirmedaway.Havocbarkedandtriedtorelocatehimself.“Gwendaissogreat,”CalltoldTamara,lookingatthemintherearview

mirror.“FinallysomeonewhodislikesJasperevenmorethanIdo.”Tamararolledhereyes,likehewasnotonlywrongbutalsomaybeanidiot.

SinceCallhadnoideawhathe’dsaidthatwassostupidanddidn’twanttoadmitit,hekepthiseyesontheroad.

Maybeshewasjealous.Maybeshedidn’twanttohearhimcomplimentanothergirl.ButTamaradidn’tlookparticularlyuncomfortable.Shewasleanedagainstthewindow,hairinatidyFrenchbraid,watchingthecarsgoby,asmallsmileonherface.

Afewhourslater,though,noonewassmiling.Theywereboredandrestlessandhungry.Theroutetookthembackthewaythey’dcome,throughPennsylvaniaagain,thenthroughWestVirginia,Virginia,NorthandSouthCarolina,andfinallythroughGeorgiatoFloridaitself.Itwouldtakenearlyafullday—eighteenhours—togetthere.Callfiguredtheycouldbreakitupintotwolongdaysofdrivingwithanotherhotelinbetween.

EventuallyhepulledintotheparkinglotofaTacoBell.TheRollsgavealittleshudderwhenitturnedoffthatmadeCallnervous.Hehopedhewouldn’thavetorepairthenotoriouslyfinickycaronhisown.

“Mybuttisnumb,”saidTamara,climbingout.“Let’sgrabfoodtotakeawayandgofindsomewheretosleep.”

Theywereallstarving,andwoundupstaggeringbacktothecarladendownwithsodasandbagsoftacos.Jaspertriedtousehisphonetofindthemahotel,andtherewasalotofyellingandCalldrivingthewrongdirectionandthenhavingtomakeU-turns.EventuallytheymadeittoaRedRoofInnandJasperusedhisdad’screditcardtobookthemthreerooms,whichwasallthatwasavailable.

“TamaraandGwendacanshare,”heannounced,“andCallandIwilleachhaveourownroom.”

Therewasachorusofdiscontent,butJasperpointedoutthathehadpaidfortherooms,sohegothisown,andifoneofthegirlswantedtosleepintheroomwithCall,itwastheirbusiness.Intheend,theywoundupeatingcoldtacosandnachosinthecourtyardofthemotelasthesunsetinthedistance.

ThatnightCalllayinbedforalongtimetryingtosleep.Everythingfeltlikeaweightonhisshoulders.Itwashardtostayfocusedwhenheknewthathewasthereasontheywereallthere,andhewasthereasontheyhadtofightAlex,andhewasthereasonprettymucheverythingbadintheworldhadeverhappened.

Whichwasonlysortofanexaggeration.That’snottrue,saidAaron.Therewasaknockonthedoor.Calldraggedhimselfoutofbed,wondering

ifJasperwasheretoaskforanotherfavor.Butitwasn’tJasper.ItwasTamara.“CanIcomein?”shesaidnervously.Shewasinpajamasandfuzzyslippers.

Thepeachcolorofthepajamasmadeherskinshine.“I,uh,”saidCall.Oh,justsayyes,saidAaronirritably.“Sure,”saidCall,standingasidetoletTamarapass.Hewasgladhe’dworn

hislessrattysweatpantsandacleanT-shirt.Andthathe’dshoweredaboutfivetimes,becausehestillfeltgrossafterbeingsoakedatNiagara.

Tamaracameinandsatdownontheedgeofthebed.Sofarontheedgeactuallythatshelookedlikeshewasabouttotoppleoff.“Call,”shesaid,fiddlingwithhernecklace.“Look,Iwantedtotalktoyouabout—”

“Willyoubemygirlfriend?”Callblurted.Oh,no,notnow,Aarongroaned.“Shutup,”Callsaid.Tamararaisedhereyebrows.“Iknowyou’retalkingtoAaron,”shesaid.

“Maybeweshouldwaittohavethisconversationuntilwe’realone.”Oh,goon,Aaronsaid.Idon’thaveanythingelsetodo.“Aaronsayshedoesn’thaveanythingelsetodoanyway,”saidCall.“I’mnotsurethisisromantic,”saidTamara.“Butthat’sthething,”saidCall.“Youknowme.Youhavesincethe

beginning,andyoualwaysseethebestinme.EventhoughI’vebeenseventeendifferentevilmages.”

Eighteen,saidAaron.Butwho’scounting?“Youknowthetruthaboutme,”saidCall.“Allthetruth.Everythingnoone

elsebutAaronknows.Andyou’vestillalways—well,maybenotrightatfirst—believedinme.Youmakemewanttodogoodthings,Tamara.Youmakemewanttosavepeoplejusttomakeyouhappy.”

“Butnotbecauseyouactuallywanttosavethem?”sheasked.Callhadthefeelingmaybehisspeechhadgonealittleawry.“Kindof.

Sometimes?”heanswered.“OthertimesIwishsomeoneelsewoulddoit.”“Fair,”shesaid,andsmiled.“Proceed.”“Well,Iwanttogooutwithyou.IknowI’vebroughtalotofweirdstuff

intoyourlifeandamcurrentlypossessedbyourbestfriend,nottomentionthewholeEnemyofDeaththing,soIgetwhyyoumightbefedupwithme.Butincaseyou’renot,incaseyouwerewonderinghowIfelt,Iwantyoutobemygirlfriend.”

Tamara’ssmilefalteredalittle.“Call,Ireallylikeyou.”Uh-oh,saidAaron,whichdidnotimproveCall’sspirits.“It’sokay,”Callinterruptedher,becauseifhealreadyknewtheanswer,he

didn’tneedtohearhersayit.“Youdon’thavetosayanythingnow.Justthinkaboutit.YoucantellmeafterwedealwithAlex.”

Shewasquietforalong,heart-wrenchingmomentandthenletoutherbreathinarush.“Areyousureyouwanttowait?”

Callnoddedhisheadandgaveamockyawn.“Weshouldprobablygetsomesleep,”hesaid.

Tamaraleanedforwardandkissedhimonthecheek,makinghimfeeloverheatedandconfusedallatonce.Whenshewentout,heexperiencedapangofregret.Maybeheshouldcallherbackandhearwhateverterriblethingshewasgoingtosay.

Buthedidn’t.Hedidn’tsleepmucheither.

FLORIDAWASHOTandsticky.TheRollsdidn’thaveair-conditioning,sotheykeptthewindowsdownandfannedthemselvesalot.TheydrovepastTallahasseetoastretchofswampneartheSopchoppyRiver,whereLucashadsaidGretamadeherhome.

CallturnedontotheroadthattheGPSonJasper’sphonetoldhimtoturnon,buthediditwithgreattrepidation.Itwasunpavedandbumpyandentirelyunsuitedtoanancient,elegantcar.

Theroadranalongtheriver,whichwascoffeecoloredandsmooth.Allaroundwerecypresstrees,hangingwithmoss.Therootsstretchedoutintothewaterlikefingers.Asnake—Callthoughtitmightbeacopperhead—swam

casuallyalongthroughaclusteroflilypads,pastsomethingCallthoughtmightbethenoseofagator.

Theroadwasquicklyturningtomudandthepathwasbecomingalotlessclear.

“You’resurethisistheway?”Callasked.“Maybe?”saidJasper.“TheGPSseemstobeaskingustoturnagain,but

thereisn’taturn.”TheRollsslowed,partlybecauseCallhadpressedonthebrakesandpartly

becausethemudwasgettingdeeper.Callhadtheuncomfortablesensationthatthecarwassinkingalittleinthemuck.

“Weshouldgetout,”Tamarasaid.“Now.”“Thiscarcan’tgetstuckhere,”saidCall.“DadwillkillmeifIdon’tbring

backhiscar.”“Doweevenknowwhereweare?”askedGwenda.“Myphoneknows,”saidJasper.“Butmaybewebettergoonfootfrom

here.”TheyallpiledoutoftheRolls,feetsliding.Astheysteppedawayfromthe

car,itseemedtobesuckeddownalittlemore.“Isthatquicksand?”askedTamara.“Augh!”saidCall,holdinghishead.“Ithoughtquicksandwasjustin

movies.Badmovies.Ididn’tthinkitwasreal.”“Wecangetitoutwithmagic,”Gwendaremindedhim.Thetireshadalmost

entirelydisappeared.“Everyone,concentrate.”Gwenda,Jasper,andCallalldrewonairmagicwhileTamaradrewonearth.

Callfocusedonwindpushingupthecar,onitforminganalmostsolidsheetgettingbetweenmudandmetal.Withagross,suckingsound,thecarbouncedupoutoftheswamp,waspushedafewfeetontotheremainsofthedirtroad,andthenunceremoniouslydroppedastheywithdrewtheirmagic.

TheclangandgrindofmetalastheRollshitthegroundmadeCallwince.Woulditstillrun?Howmanydentshadtheyjustmadealongthebase?

Therewasnotimetoworryaboutthatnow.“Thisway,”saidJasper,holdinguphisphone.Theyfollowedhimalongthe

trailbesidetheSopchoppyRiver,listeningtothebuzzofinsects,gruntingfrogs,

andtheconstanttrillofbirdsabovethem.Thewetheatwasheavyontheirbacks,andmosquitoesblewinclouds,

makingtheirhigh-pitchedkeeningnoise.CallhadtheuncharitablethoughtthatmaybeLucashadsentthemonafool’serrand.MaybetherewasnoGreta.

Jasperstopped.Heshookhisphone.“What’sthematter?”askedTamara.Heshookitagain.“Nosignal.”“You’vegottobekiddingme,”Gwendatoldhim.“Nowwhat?Arewe

close?Doyouhaveanyideawherewe’remeanttobegoing?”“Overthere,”Jaspersaid,wavingvaguelyacrossthewater,towardacopse

oftrees.“Greta!”yelledCall,causingafewbirdstotakeofffromnearbybranches.

Atleastoneofthemwas,alarmingly,abuzzard.“We’resorrytobotheryou,butLucassaidyoucouldmaybehelpus!”

Therewasnoanswer.Callfeltdefeated,asthoughhe’dletthemalldown.Althoughreally,ithadbeenJasperwiththephonewho’dmessedthingsup.Callopenedhismouthtopointthatout.

Don’t,saidAaron.There’snotimetoblameoneanother.Besides,Ibethealreadyfeelsbad.

CallfrownedandlookedoveratJasper,whowasstillwavingaroundhisphone.Helookedfine.ButCallsupposedAaronwasright.

“Wecouldswimacrosstheriver,”Jaspersuggested.“Noway,”saidGwenda.“Thatwaterisfullofalligators.Iguaranteeit.”“Wecouldflyacross,”Callsaid.“Seeifwecanseeanything.”Justthen,therewasaripplinginthesurfaceoftheriver.Theyallstopped

andstared.Theywerestandingatabend.Thewateritselfwasamuddygray-brown.

Tallcypresstreeslinedthebanks.“Maybeit’sanalligator,”saidGwendanervously.“Sometimestheyclimbup

onthebankandeatpeople.”“Whydoyouknowsomuchaboutalligators?”Jasperdemanded.“BecauseIhatethem!”shesaid.“They’relikedinosaurswithmassiveteeth

and—whatisthat?”

Theripplesinthewaterhadbecomeawhirlpool,swirlingaroundthecypressesgrowingoutoftheriver.Suddenlytherewasaloudsucking,crashingnoise,likeavolcanoeruptinginward.Thetreesbegantosinkintothewater.

“It’sasinkhole,”saidTamara.“I’veseenvideosofthem.Backup!”Theyallbackedaway,watchinginamazementasthetreesandtheearthat

theedgeoftheriverbankweredraggeddownintotheopeningsinkholewithaloud,sickeningnoise.Thetreescrunchedandshattered,branchessnappingoffastheyweredraggedbelowthesurfaceofthewater.Thesurfaceofthewaterroiled,andoutofitemergedsomethinghuge.

Itwasagiantmadeentirelyofdirtandmud.Call’smouthfellopenasthecreatureroseabovethem,sheddingfloppingfishandhugeworms.Astenchrolledacrosstheswamplikerottinggarbageasthegiantopenedtwomassivemud-browneyes.

“She’stryingtoscareusoff,”Tamarahissedastheothersreeledback,gagging.“Lucassaidshehatespeople.”

“It’sworking,”Jaspersaid,wipingathiswateringeyes.“I’mscared.”“Goaway,mages,”Gretasaid.Hervoicerolledandboomed.Moremudfell

offandploppedintotheswamp.Callclearedhisthroat.“It’snicetomeetyou,”hecalled.“The,ah,mudand

wormsareverycool,very,ah,powerful-looking.”Gretareachedoutandsnappedatreeinhalf.“That’sgonnabeyourspine,”mutteredJasper.Flatterywon’twork,Aaronsaid.ButIbetshe’snotthrilledwiththe

Assembly.“Look,”Callsaid,“we’resorrytobotheryou.Butwedon’thaveachoice.

Weneedyourhelp.”Gretablinked.Mudcascadedintothewater.“WhywouldIwanttohelp

you?”“WeknowtheMagisteriumabandonedyouduringthewar,”saidCall.“Left

youtobecomeDevouredandthencastyouout.”Gretanodded.“There’saDevouredofchaosoutthere,”saidCall.“HisnameisAlex.The

Magisteriumisbuildinghimahugegoldentower,andinafewdayswe’reall

goingtobedeliveredtohimsohecankillus.”“That’snottrue,”Tamarahissed,thenpaused.“Actually,Iguessit’s

technicallytrue.”“WhyshouldIcare?”saidGreta,butshespokemorethoughtfullynow.

“Whathavemageseverdoneforme?”“TwootherDevouredarehelpingus,”saidGwenda.“Ravanoffireand

Lucasofwater.”“TheAssemblywouldhavetoacknowledgewhatyoudid,”addedCall.

“Theywouldbeashamedofthewaytheytreatedyou.”Gretamadealowrumblingnoise.Callrealizedtheterriblestenchhadgone,

andGretawaslookingslightlydifferent—shewasnolongersheddingwormsandfish.Instead,flowersweregrowingupanddowntheridgesofherrockybody,alongwithbrightlycoloredmushrooms.

“TheAssemblymustadmititsshame,”saidGreta.“WearetheDevoured,notelementals.Wearemages.Weshouldnotbekeptimprisonednortreatedasmonsters.”

“ThiswouldbeawaytoshowthattheDevouredaren’tmonsters.Thattheycanalsosavepeople,”saidCall.“AndifAlexisn’tstopped,there’snotellingwhathemightdestroy.Hecouldwreckthewholeworld—andthatwouldaffectyou,too,andotherDevoured.”

Gretarumbledthoughtfully.“DoestheDevouredofchaoslikefrogs?”Theywereallsilent.Woulditbebetterorworseifhedid?Ithinkyoushouldgowithno,saidAaron.Alexdoesn’treallylikeanything.“Heprobablywantsthemdestroyed,”saidCall.“Thenheoughttobestopped,”saidGreta.“Ilikefrogs.They’remy

friends.”“Tellushowtosummonyou,”saidCall.“Ipromisewe’llonlydoitwhenall

theDevouredareunitedandit’stimetofightAlex.”SomethingwormeditswayupfromthegroundbetweenCall’sfeet.A

shimmeringgeode-likehunkofquartz.“Smashthatonarock,”saidGreta,“andIwillcometowhereyouare.”She

swattedlazilyatsomethinginthewater—analligator,itsgreen,spike-toothedheadstickingbrieflyoutofthewater.“Iwillexpecttoseetheshameofall

mages.”Asshesankbackbelowthewater,Jasperexpelledabreath.“Ihopethiswas

agoodidea.”“Wedidn’tdie,”saidGwenda.“Thathastocountforsomething.”TheymadeitbacktotheRollswithoutbeingattackedbyalligatorsorfrogs

oranenormouspitopeningupbeneaththem.Thecarhadnotbeensuckeddownintoanothersinkhole.Evenbetter,whenCallturnedtheignition,thecarcametoashudderingstart.Itdidn’tsoundthesameasithadwhenAlastairhadlethimborrowit,butitmovedwellenoughtoallowthemtodriveoutthedirtpath.

Oncetheygotonthehighway,awhineinthecar—insomethingthatCallthoughtmightbethefan—becamemorepronounced.Hedroveon,sendingalittlecoolingmagictowardtheengineincasehewasright.

Theydrovenorth,muddy,bug-bitten,andexhausted.TheystoppedformorefastfoodontheborderofVirginiaandmadeittothecavesoftheMagisteriumthatnight.

Thegoldentowerloomedhighinthesky.Inthemoonlight,itlookedfinishedalready.

Theyhadonemoreday.OnemoredaybeforehewasgoingtofaceAlexagain.

CallparkedAlastair’scarinacornerofaclearingnearthefrontgates.HeandHavocandtheotherapprenticeswentinside,tootiredtoeventalk.Hewasplanningontakingabath,butoncetheygottotheirrooms,Callfellasleeprightonhisbed,withmudstillcrustedonhisjeans.

INTHEMORNING,Callwashedupand,butterfliesinhisstomach,wenttotheRefectorytoeatbreakfast.Tamara,Jasper,andGwendawentwithhim.

“IthoughtyourdadwasgoingtomeetyoubackattheMagisterium,”Jaspersaid.

“I’msurehewill,”Calltoldhim,tryingtoputfaithinit.MaybeAlastairwasherealready.They’dgotteninlate;maybehewasstayinginanotherpartoftheschool.Maybetheyjusthadn’tseenhim.

Callpiledhisplatewithmushroomsandlichenbutafterhesatdown,hewasn’tsurehecouldeatanyofit.HewasworriedaboutconfrontingAlex,worriedaboutgivingwhathepromisedtoGreta,worriedabouteverything.

ThatwaswhenColtonMcCarmackstrodeuptotheirtable,redhairbrightasanewpenny.Twoofhisfriendsfollowed,buttheystoppedbeforetheyweretooclose.“Weweretakingbetsonwhetheryouallranoff.”

“Ihopeyoudidn’tlosetoomuchmoney,”Callsaid.“Wait—actually,Ihopeyoudid.”HeshouldhavebeenupsetaboutColtoncomingtobotherhim,butwhenCallwasnervous,hegottesty,andithelpedtohavesomeonetoventthattestinesson.

“WewerealltalkingandwerememberhowAlexusedtobe.Cool.Aniceguy.Hewouldhaveneverdoneanythinglikethis.”Coltonsneered.

TamaragavehimalooksoscathingthatCallwassurprisedColton’shairdidn’tcatchonfirewithoutanymagicbeinginvolved.

“Whydon’tyougotalktoyouroldpalAlexthen?”saidCall,standing.“Ifyou’resuchgoodfriends,maybehecanmakeyouhisnumberoneminion.”

Jasperlaughed.Coltonlookedmoreincensed.“Ifheisthewayyousay,Iknowyouhad

somethingtodowithit.Youdidsomethingtohim.Youcorruptedhim.You’retheevilone.”

“Oh,stopit,”Celiasaid,walkingovertothemandputtingherarmonColton’s.“Callisdoingabravethingtomorrow.”

Coltongaveheralook.“Notyou,too,”hesaid,andstompedoff.“Goodluck,”saidCeliatoCallsoftly,andthenfollowedColton,witha

singleweirdlookinJasper’sdirection.“Whatwasthatabout?”Tamaraasked.Jaspershrugged,lookingembarrassed.“Shecametoseemethismorning.

Maybewe’renotgoingtoworkitout.”CallwastoodistractedtomakesenseofJasper’slovelife.Hewasthinking

ofAlex,ofthewayhe’dthoughtofhimasfriendlyandfunnyandnice.He’dthoughtAlexwasagoodperson,likeAaron.Butallofthathadbeensurface,acting.Inhissoul,Alexhadbeenterriblethewholetime.

Weallthoughthewasnice,Aaronsaid.That’swhathewantedustothink.Ofcourse,Callhadanevilsoul,too.AndmaybeColtonwasrightabout

Call’svillainousways,becausehesuddenlyknewhowhewasgoingtowin.Anditwasn’taplanthatanyonecoulddescribeasgood.

“Tamara,”hesaid,“canItalktoyouforasecond?”Justthen,MasterRufuswalkeduptotheirtable.“I’mrelievedyou’reall

back.IgotamessagefromCall’sfatherthathe’sdelayed.He’llbeheretomorrow.Buttoday,theAssemblywantstoseeyou.Allofyou.Theywanttogooverthefinalplan.Ifyou’redonewithbreakfast,comewithme.”

Tamara,Gwenda,andJasperstood.AstheyfollowedMasterRufusoutoftheRefectory,CallputhishandonTamara’sarm.

Areyousureaboutthis?Aaronasked.“Ineedtotellyousomething,”Callsaidtoher.“Becausewe’renotgoingto

haveanysecrets.”OnthewaytotheAssembly,hewhisperedtoher,explainingthewholething

he’dthoughtout.Shedidn’tcontradicthim,evenwhenhethoughtshewould.Shedidn’ttellhimitwaswrong.

Allsheaskedwas,“Doyouthinkitwillwork?”“Ihopeso,”Callsaid,andtheywalkedintofacetheAssembly.

TheAssemblyalwayslookedserious.Nowtheylookedliketheywereatafuneral.Calllookedupanddownthelongwoodentable,recognizingfaces—theMastersoftheMagisterium,peoplefromimportantfamiliesliketheRajavis,andGravespresidingoveritall.

“Mr.Hunt,”saidGraves,gesturingforCallandTamaratocomeandstandbeforethetable.Itwasonaraiseddais,sotheAssemblylookeddownonthem,someimpassively,somewithpity.“Weunderstandyou’vebeenorchestratingaplan.”

“That’sright,”Calltoldhim,tryingtoprojectalltheauthoritythathe’dneverthoughtofhimselfashaving.“We’regoingtopullAlexbackfromchaos.”

“Youthinkyoucanmakehimun-Devoured?”saidMasterMilagros.“That’sneverbeendone.”

“Actually,ithas,”saidCall.“ItrequiresfourDevoured,representingeachoftheotherelements.”

“AndyouwantustoprovideyouDevouredfromourcells?”saidGraves.“That’simpossible.”

“Youdon’tneedto,”Tamaracutinangrily.“We’vealreadyassembledourownteam.”

“Thoughyoudidpromiseyou’dcooperatewithusandhelpus,”Calladded.“Wepromisednottostandinyourway,”saidGraves.“Andwehavenot.”“Thenyou’dbetternotnow,”saidCall.“Becausethiswholeplandepends

onmeandTamaraandJasperdoingwhatyouwant.Andinexchange,wewantsomething.”

“Whatisit?”saidMasterNorth.“WewanttoletAlexStrikelive,”saidCall.Amurmurranthroughtheroom.Callheardtraitorandneverand,asalways,

enemy.Angerswelledinsidehim,andhelethimselffeelit.Itwasbetterthanbeingafraid.

I’mnotwhoyouthinkIam,hethoughtattheAssembly.I’mworse.Tamaraspokeoverthehubbub.“We’velearnedthatmaybeAlexisn’tin

controlofhimself.Maybeheisinthralltosomeoneelse.Maybeheneverchosetodoanyofthosethings.”

JasperwhippedhisheadtowardCall.Gwendafrowned.SodidMasterRufus.Allofthemclearlywantedtointerrupt,buttheydidn’t.

“Whocouldhepossiblyhavebeeninthrallto?”Graveswantedtoknow.“Weallsawhimonthebattlefield.WeallsawhimleadanarmyoftheChaos-ridden.AndhadhebeeninthralltoMasterJoseph,thespellwouldhaveendedwhenJosephdied.”

Calltookadeepbreath.“Hisstepmother,AnastasiaTarquin.”Theyallgoggled,lookingaroundatoneanother.AnastasiaTarquinhadbeen

oneofthem,anAssemblymember.Itwasonlyafterthelastbattlethatthey’ddiscoveredherbetrayalandrealizedwhoshetrulywas—themotherofConstantineMadden,workingbehindthescenestohelpMasterJosephgetholdofCall,inthehopesCallwouldrememberhispast.

“Allwewantisforyoutoagreethatifhe’sdefeatedanditturnsoutthathewasn’tactingonhisown,hewon’tbethrowninthePanopticon,”saidCall.“Iknowwhatit’sliketobemisjudged.Iknowwhatit’slikeforpeopletothinkyou’reevilwhencircumstancespushedyouinthatdirectionandyoudidn’thaveanygoodchoices.”

“AndyoureallybelievethatofAlex?”MasterRufus’sexpressiveeyebrowswereraised.

“Iknowwhatit’sliketofeellikeyoucan’tgoback,thatyouhavenohopeofasecondchance.”Calltriedtolookhismostsympatheticandheroic,buthewasafraidthatwhatheactuallylookedlikewassomeonebuggingouthiseyes.Ontheotherhand,hecouldn’tlookmorebug-eyedthanJasperdid.

“IfyoubelieveyoucandefeatAlexandleavehimalive,”saidGraves,“thenyoubelievehecanbetakenprisoner?”

“Thatisridiculous,”saidMr.Rajavi,staringindisbelief.“Hewillstillbeanout-of-controlMakar—”

“No,hewon’t,”saidCallquickly.“StrippinghimofallchaoswillstriphisMakarpowers,too.He’llbeanordinarymage.”

Gravesshookhisheadslowly.“Thisismadness.”“Thinkofwhatheknows,”saidTamarasuddenly.“AllMasterJoseph’s

magic,Anastasia’ssecrets.Ifhediedandweneverlearnedanyofthosethings…”

Graves’seyessparked.“Youunderstand,”hesaid,“thatifheseemsrebelliousorresistant,wewillhavetokillhim.”

“Ofcourse,”Callsaid.“Wegetit.Wejustthinkthere’sagoodpersoninthere,trappedunderAnastasia’scommands.”

“Oncehe’sbeensubdued,wewillhavetohavehimcomebeforetheAssemblyandgiveanaccountingofallofhismisdeedsandAnastasia’sroleinthem.Thenwewilldecidewhattobelieve,”saidGraves.

“Iunderstand,”saidCall.“Thankyou.Butthere’sonemorething.IwantyoutochangeyourpolicyontheDevoured.”

“Youcan’tbeserious!”MasterNorthsaid.“Iam,”saidCall.“Ifthey’regoingtohelpusdefeatAlexhere,thenthey’re

goingtowanttobetreatedfairly.Notlikecriminalsandmonsters.”“Mostofthemlivequietlyamongtheelements,”Jasperaddedsuddenly.

“Noone’ssayingyoushouldn’tarrestaDevouredwhodoessomethingwrong,butit’swrongtoassumethatthey’reevilwithoutgivingthemachance.”

“Thisisaboutyoursister,”saidGraves,staringnarrowlyatTamara.“Isn’tit?”

“Ravanisagoodexample,”shesaidstubbornly.“She’sneverdoneanythingwrong.”

Jaspercoughedacoughthatsoundedlikejailbreak.CallandTamaraignoredhim.

“ShehelpeddefeatMasterJoseph,”saidTamara.“Andforthat,she’sbeinghunted.”

“She’sdangerous,”saidGraves.“Manythingsaredangerous,”Mrs.Rajavisaid,voicedry.Herhusband

lookedatherasthoughtherewassomethinghewishedtocommunicate,butshewaslookingstraightahead.“AlthoughtheAssemblymayconcludethatmydecisionisbiased,IwouldliketosaythatknowingRavanhasrevealedtomethatthoughtheDevouredarenotastheywere,theyarenotelementalseither.Weshouldtreatthembetterandwemightfindbetteralliesinthem.”

Gravesclearedhisthroat.“Thisismostirregular.”Callwaited,unwillingtobackdown.“Wewilldiscussandinformyouofourdecision,”Gravesfinallysaid,

unhappily.“Andnowwewanttowishthethreeofyougoodlucktomorrow.WestandreadytoassistyouonceAlexis…subdued.Wewillbethere,shieldsinplace,tomakesurethatAlexcannotcallonanymorecreaturesofchaos.Wewillbewitnesstoyourbravery.”

Butwe’renotgoingtobecomingtohelpyou.“Uh,thanks,”saidCall.“Great.Andwhenwe’redone,we’regoingtocomebackanddiscussourreward.”

“Reward?”Gravessputtered.“Whatreward?”“We’llletyouknow,”Callpromised,grinninginJasper’sdirection.Ifthey

managedtherestofthis,gettingJasper’sdadoutofprisonwasgoingtobeacakewalk.

Then,together,theylefttheAssembly.Astheydid,CallheardMasterRufusgettinggrilledandfeltalittlebitbad.Butitwashardtofeeltooguiltywhenhewasstillsonervousabouthisplancomingtogether.

“Whatwasallthatbackthere?”Gwendaasked.“Whatdoyoumean?”Callaskedinnocently.“YoureallythinkAlexisbeingcontrolledbysomeoneelse?”Sheputahand

onherhipandgavehimthesortoflookyougivesomeonewhenyoubelieveyoucantellifthey’relyingbysomephysicaltic.Callhopedthatwasn’ttrue.

“Maybe,”hesaid.“Fine,”shesaid.“Don’ttellme.I’mgoingbacktotheroom.Jasper,come

on.”Shestompedoff.Surprisingly,Jasperfollowedwithoutcomment.Tamarasighed,lookingguilty.Youknowwe’renotdone,right?AaronsaidinCall’shead.Whatdoyoumean?Callasked.Well,you’renotgoingtolikeit,butthere’sonemorepersonyou’regoingto

havetogetonboard.Who?Callasked,althoughhehadabadfeelinghealreadyknew.AnastasiaTarquin.Youhavetoconvincehertobackupyourstory.She’snotgoingtodothat.CallexplainedtoTamaraaboutAnastasiaTarquinandhowAaronthought

theyshouldcontacther.“ButIdon’tevenknowhowtodothat.”“Weshouldcallher,”saidTamara.“Onthetornadophone.”“Thatcan’twork!”Callsaid.“Alexisprobablyoffdoingevilwithher.I

don’tthinkshe’sjusthangingaround,waitingforphonecalls.”“Well,ifitdoesn’t,thenwe’lltrysomethingelse,”Tamarasaid,changing

directionandheadingtowardRufus’soffice.Idon’twanttodothis,hethought.Ineverknowwhattosaytoher.Look,saidAaron,Iwasinfostercareforawhile.Iknowhowtotalkto

peoplewhowantyoutocallthemMom.Callcouldn’tdisputethat.HefollowedTamaratoRufus’soffice,apaththat

tookthemalongtheundergroundriver.Herememberedthefirsttimehe,Tamara,andAaronhadevertraveledonthisrivertogether.They’dbeeninaboatwithRufus,andhadwatchedinwonderasRufushadsummonedwaterelementalstopropeltheboatalong.CallrememberedthesoundofTamaraandAaron’slaughterbouncingoffthecavewalls.

Mistywater-coloredmemoriesofthewaywewere,saidAaron.Callsnorted.They’dreachedMasterRufus’soffice,andTamaraheldthe

dooropensohecouldfollowherin.ThetornadophonewasonRufus’sdesk,andforthefirsttimeCallnoticedaphotographproppedupnexttoitofRufus

standingwithhisarmaroundamanwearinggold-rimmedglasses.Helookedlikeaniceguy,thesortwhomightownabookstoreoramovietheater.Callwonderedhowhewasgoingtofeelwhenhefoundouthewasmarriedtoasecretmagicalninja.

Tamaraputherhandontheglasscontainingthewhirlingtornadoofthephone.“AnastasiaTarquin,”shesaid.

Thesmokeinsidetheglassspunandcoalesced.Callsawtheoutlinesofwhatlookedlikeamodernloft—abigspacewithlotsofwoodandchromeandbigwindowslookingoutontowhatheguessedwasNewYorkCity.Anastasia,standingatabigmetalsink,lookedupinsurpriseasthesmokefocusedonherface.

“Whoisit?”shehissed,glancingaround.“It’sme.CallumHunt.”Anastasia’sexpressionchanged.Shehesitated,thensaid,“Itisn’tsafeto

talk.Hecouldbebackanysecond.”“ShemeansAlex,”Tamaramuttered.Tellheryoumissedher,saidAaron.“Imissedyou,”Callsaid.Shewasn’tgoingtobelieveit,hethought.He’d

refusedtovisitherinprison.Butherexpressionsoftened.“MeetmeattheabandonedvillageoftheOrder,”shesaid.“Wecantalk

there.”Inthedistancecamethesoundofadooropening.Shewavedherhandfranticallyatthem.“Go!I’llseeyouinanhour!”

Tamaratookherhandofftheglassandtheimageinsidespunawaytosmoke,butnotbeforeCallcaughtaglimpseofAlexwalkingintotheloft.Heseemedtoradiatedarkness,eventhroughthemechanismofthephone.

“Ifeelgross,”Callsaid,staringatthesmoke.“Notasgrossaswe’regoingtofeelafterwetalkwithher,”saidTamara

matter-of-factly.“Thevillageisprettyfaraway—weshouldgetgoing.”“Idon’tthinkyoushouldcome,”Callsaid,knowingshewasn’tgoingtolike

that.“OfcourseI’mcoming,”shesaid.“Don’tberidiculous.”“Thiscouldbeatrap,”Callsaid.“Idon’tthinkitis.Ibelieveshemeant

whatshesaid,butAnastasiacoulddecidethatsheneedstokeepmesafeby

kidnappingmeagain.That’salwaysapossibility.”“ThenI’llbetheretohelpyougetaway,”Tamarasaid.“ButifAnastasiadoescome,she’sgoingtobemorelikelytobeconvinced

ifI’mbymyself.”Callsighed.Hedidn’twanttogoaloneanymorethanTamarawantedhimto,butheknewheshould.

Atleastyou’llhaveme,Aaronsaid.“Fine,”Tamarasaid.“Iwon’tgoallthewaywithyou,butIamgoingto

standatthetopoftheridgeandmakesurenothinghappens.IfAnastasiadoeskidnapyouorbetrayyou,atleastIcanletpeopleknow.Atleastwecancomeafteryou.”

Callsighed.“Okay.”Hestillfeltrotten.TheysnuckoutthroughtheMissionGate.Whentheypassedotherstudents

onthewayout,Callnoticedtherewassomewhispering,butitdidn’tseembad.Theyweren’tfrowninganddidn’tlookscared.TheylookedlikeCalloncehad,watchingolderstudentsheadoutonanimportantmission.

Theywalkedtogetherthroughthewoods,TamaratakingCall’shandwhenoneofthemhadtocrossoverarockyportionorjumpoveralog.Callthoughtofthenightshe’dcometohishotelroom,abouttheconversationthey’dalmosthad.Maybeheshouldsaysomething?Butmaybethiswasn’tthebesttimetobringupTheirRelationship,sincetherewaseverypossibilityAnastasiawasgoingtotrytopophisheadoffwithwindmagicthemomenthesawher.

Hewasstilltryingtothinkofwhattosaywhentheycametotheridge.Tamaraleanedoverandkissedhischeek.“Forluck,”shesaidtohis

surprisedexpression.“GoodlucktoAaron,too.You’lldogreat.”Whichwasalittleweird,butstillmadehimhappytohear.“Ifyouheara

terrified,reedyscream,thatwillbeme,”Callsaid,thenheadeddownthehill.AnastasiawasalreadystandinginwhatwasleftoftheOrderofDisorder’s

village,anairelementalfloatingbehindher.Thehouseslookedevenmoredilapidatedandthelandevenmoreovergrownthanithadthelasttimetheywerehere,whenthey’dfoughtAlexandAaronhaddied.Itwasunnervingtobeinthesameplaceagain,withtheplayersinsuchsimilarpositions.

You’retellingme,saidAaron.Therewasajitterinessinhisvoicethat

worriedCall.TheywereintheplaceAaronhaddied,afterall.HetriedtopushthethoughtawaysoAaronwouldn’thavetoshareit.

AnastasiasmiledwhenCallcameintoviewandhesmiledbackather.Hetriedtofeelsympathy.Afterall,shelovedConstantine,despiteeverythinghe’ddone.ShelovedhimenoughtobringhimtotheMagisteriumandtoworkbehindthescenestomakesurehewassafe,evenafterhe’dbecomeamonsterandanotherpersonentirely.

ShelovedConstantinesortofthewayAlastairhadlovedCall,exceptthatCalldidn’tthinkthatAlastairwouldhaveputupwithquitesomuchofalltheEnemyofDeathstuff.Butmaybehewaswrong.MaybeAlastairwouldhavelovedhimevenifhewasanEvilOverlord.

Callwasn’tsurewhathewantedtobelieve.ButitdidmakehimfeelalittlebitbadforAnastasia.

Tellherweunlockedsomememories,Aaronsaid.Justdon’ttellherwhichones.Tellheryou’resorryyoudidn’trememberherbefore.

“Ihavesomethingtotellyou,Anastasia,”hesaid.Shelookedathimwithamixtureofhesitationandhope.“Ireallydidn’trememberyou,andI’msorry,”hesaid.“ButIrealizedafter

AlexcameherethatConstantinehadlockedawayhismemoriesinsidemyhead.Hewasworriedababywouldn’tbeabletowithstandanadult’smemories.HearrangeditsoIwouldn’trememberuntilIwasready.”

“Andyouwereready?”Anastasiademanded.“Iguess,”Callsaid.“Wewereattackedbywolves,andthememoriesjust

openedup.IcouldseemyselfpacingbackandforthinfrontofJericho’stomb.”Tellheryoucouldseeher.Aaron’stonewasfirm.“Icouldseeyou,Mom,”Callsaid.“Iknowhowmuchyoulovedmeand

howmuchyoucaredaboutwhathappenedtome.”Anastasia’sfacebegantocrumble.Hercarefullyappliedmakeupranasher

tearsstreameddownhercheeks.Tellherit’snotherfault.“Nothingthathappenedtomewasyourfault,”Callsaid.“Oh,Con,”shegasped,andthrewherselfathim,seizinghimupinatight

embrace.Calldughisheelsintothesoftdirttokeepfrombeingyankedoffhis

feet.HewasastallasAnastasia,butshehadthestrengthofhysteria.“Ineedyourhelpnow,though,”Callsaid.Notsoimpatient.Kindly.“Please,”Calladded.“It’saboutAlex.”Shedrewbackfromhim,troubled.“Iknowhe’sveryangry,”shesaid.“He

blamesyouandheshouldn’t.Hedoesn’tunderstandthatyoudidn’tremember.I’msurewhenyouexplainittohim—”

ExplainittoAlex?Callchokedbackalaugh.“Iwon’tbeabletodothat,”hesaid.“TheMagisteriumhassetitupsothat

AlexandIaregoingtohavetofight.Theywantmetokillhim.”“Savages!”Anastasia’sfacedarkened.“Toforcebrothertofightbrother.”Shecan’tseriouslythinkofusasbrothers.Youcan’tcontradicther,saidAaron.Makeherunderstandthedanger.You

andAlexcouldbothdie.“YouknowhowstrongIam,”Callsaid,tryingtolookathertheway

Constantinewouldhave.“IfAlexandIfight,we’llkilleachother.”Shelookedfearful.“HeisaDevouredofchaos.”“Idon’tthinkeitherofuswillsurvive.That’swhyIneedyourhelp.”“Wecouldrunaway,”shesaid.“Allthreeofus.Livetogether,meandmy

twosons.”Shelookedathimmistily.“NotaslongasAlexisaDevouredofchaos,”saidCall.“Thinkofitasa

diseasewehavetocure.Aslongasthechaosiseatinghimup,he’llhateme,andthenonedayhe’llstarttohateyou.”

“TheDevouredcannotbecured,”Anastasiaprotested.“Theycan.”CalltriedtoprojectconfidenceandassurednessasAaronspoke

tohimsilently.“I’vesetitallup.TheMagisteriuminsistswemeetincombat,andIknowhowtodrawthechaosoutofhim.Oncethathappens,we’llbeallright—aslongasyoutellthemAlexonlyeverdidthebadthingshedidbecauseyouaskedhimto.”

“BecauseIaskedhimto?”Shedrewback.“Howwillthathelp?”“It’swhattheythinkanyway,”saidCall.Don’ttellhertheythinkitbecauseyoutoldthemso.Callignoredthat.“Theyneedtobelieveitwasn’thim.Otherwisethey’ll

trackhimtotheendsoftheearthandexecutehim.Butyoucantaketheblameandescape.”

Tellheritisn’treallyblame.Tellhershe’llbeahero.Somanypeoplewillthinkshedidtherightthing.

Calltookadeepbreath.“Alotofpeopledon’tagreewiththemageworld’sdecisionsaboutthings,”hesaid.“ThewaytheykillMakarinEurope.ThewaytheytreattheDevoured.ThewaytheyblamedConstantinewhenallhe—allI—wastryingtodowastoenddeathandsuffering.”

Anastasianodded,hereyesfixedonhis.Callfeltasifhewasgivingthemostimportantspeechofhislife.

“I’msurethatwhenyoustandupandspeak,manywillsympathize,”saidCall.“Andyoucanfleeonyourairelemental.Youcanmakesureit’sstandingby.”

Tellheraboutthefuture,Aaronsaid.“TheMagisteriumwillpardonAlex,”Callsaid.“Andthenwe’llcometo

you,andwe’llleavethemageworldbehind.Wecanspendourlivestraveling.”HethoughtofthesimilarwordsAlastairhadspokentohimwhenhe’dbeggedhimtoleavetheMagisterium.“Wecanbetogether.”

Anastasia’scoolgrayeyesglowed.“Verywell,”shesaidslowly.“You’dbetterfillmeinonexactlyhowthisplanisgoingtogo.”

CALLFELTGUILTYashewalkedupthehill.WhenhesawTamaraatthetop,hisexpressionwasbleak.

“Diditnotwork?”sheaskedhim.“Itworked,”hesaid.“IwasjustthinkinghowmaybeIunderstandwhy

peopleareafraidofchaosmages.Maybetheyshouldbeafraid.”TamaraputhishandonCall’sshoulder.“It’snotfairthatbecauseyou’rea

Makar,youhavetodealwithallthis.Itwasn’tfairwhenitwasAaron,andit’snotfairwhenit’syou.We’restillkids.MaybenotkidslikewewerewhenwecametotheMagisterium,buttooyoungtoberesponsibleforthelivesofsomanyotherpeople.Ithinkyou’redoinggreat.”

“Ifyouthinkso,thenIguessitmustbetrue,”Callsaid.

Thisismyfault,Aaronsaid.No,it’snot,Callthoughtback.Thistimeit’snotanyofourfaults.TamaratookhishandandhelditallthewaybacktotheMissionGate.When

theycamethrough,JasperandGwendawerewaitingforthem,lookinggrave.“Whathappened?”Calldemandedloudly,cuttingthroughtheothervoices.

Gwendalookedabruptlyapologeticandacoldsliveroffearranthroughhim.“Youbettercome,”saidJasper.“Now.”HestartedmovingthroughthetunnelsfastenoughthatCallhadtoaskhim

toslowdowntwicejusttokeepup.Whentheyarrivedbackattheircommonroom,MasterRufuswasthere,lookingverygrave.

BesidehimwasaDevouredofair.Heappearedintheformofagrayishmistthatmovedoutfromtheshapeofhisbodytoevaporateintheair.Hisfeaturesbecamemoreandlessdistinctasthecloudlikeshapeofhisbodyshifted.

Callcouldseehisglasses,theshapeofhisface,eventhetranslucentoutlineofgray-and-brownhair.Callknewhim.Hedidn’twantto,buthedid.

TheDevouredwasAlastair,hisfather.Foramoment,Call’sbadlegalmostgaveout.Helurchedsidewaysand

caughthimselfonatable.AllCall’sthoughtshadfled.Hedidn’twanttobelievewhathewaslookingat.Hedidn’twanttoseewhatwasinfrontofhim.Hedidn’twanttocomprehendit.

“Dad,”hesaid.Thewordcameoutbroken.Tamaragasped.Hemustreallyloveyou,saidAaron,whichseemedallwrongtoCallatthe

sametimethatitwastrue.“Dad,”hesaidagain,andtheshapeflowedtowardhim,envelopedhimin

fogandwhirlingwind.Therewasnothingcomfortinginthattouch.Itwastooinhuman,toocold.

“Call,”Alastair’svoicesaid.“I’msorry.ButthisistheonlywayIcouldhelpyou.”

“Wecouldhavefoundsomeoneelse,”Callpleaded.“Therewasn’ttime,”Alastairtoldhim.“Butyouhatemagic!”Callshouted,angrynow.Itwasn’tfair.Itwasn’tfair

thatAlastairhadtosacrificehimself.Noneofthiswasfair,noneofithadever

beenfair,butAlastairshouldn’thavehadtogiveupeverything.“Howareyougoingtogotogaragesalesnow?Howareyougoingtotinkerwithcars?Howareyougoingtoevendrivecars?Whatisgoingtohappentoallyourantiques?”Hechoked.“Whataboutourlifetogether?Whataboutourlife?”

“Ineededtohelpyou,Call,”saidAlastair.“There’snolifeformeifanythinghappenstoyou.You’remyson.”

“Andyou’rehisfather!”Tamarasaid.“Youshouldn’thavedonethis!Callneedsyou.”

“Thiswasn’twhatIwantedeither,”Alastairsaid.“Iwillmissgoingtomovies,workingoncarstogether,walkingHavoc,beingfatherandson.Beingpartofhislifeashegetsolderandmarries,bouncingagrandchildonmyknee.”

Tamaralookedstricken.“MaybethisisthepriceIhavetopayfornothavingtoldCallthetruthabout

magicforallthoseyears,”saidAlastair.“ForeverytimeIdidn’ttrusthim.Wehavetotrustthepeoplewelove.”

“Nowit’sevenmoreimportantthattheAssemblychangeitsrulesontheDevoured,”saidJaspersomberly.“SoAlastaircanbewithCallsometimes,andTamara,soyoucanseeRavan.”

“Ravan.”Shegavealittlegasp.“Wehavetosummonherandtheothers.Aren’twesupposedtobeatAlex’stoweratdawn?”

“Alastair.”MasterRufusspokeinarumblingvoice.“Itisanoblethingyouhavedone.Nobleandpainful.EveniftheMagisteriumdoesnot,IwilldoallIcantohelpyouafterthis.”

“Thankyou,oldteacher,”saidAlastair.“IwillbewaitingforyoualloutsidetheMissionGateatdawn.”

Hedissolvedintotheairandvanished.Callslumpeddownatthetable.Hedidn’tcareaboutAlexrightthen.Hedidn’tcareaboutanythingbuthisfather.Hecouldn’tthinkaboutanythingbutAlastairandhowAlastairwasbothfineandtotallynotatallneveragaingoingtobefine.Hefeltnumballover.Numbandstrange.

“Tamara,Gwenda,Jasper,”saidRufus.“Goandgetyourselfreadyfortomorrow.Newuniformshavebeenlaidoutforyou.Theyhavespellsthatrepeldarkmagicwovenintothefabric.”

Ididn’tknowyoucoulddothat,Aaronmarveled.“Callum,stayhereamoment,”saidRufus.“Iwantawordwithyou.”Theothersleft,Tamarareluctantly;Callcouldtellshewantedtostaywith

him.He’dhavetogetready,too.Theyweresupposedtoleavefirstthinginthemorning.Buthefeltasifhecouldn’tdraghimselftohisfeet.SomehowwhatAlastairhaddonehadbeenthelaststraw.

“Call,”saidMasterRufus,“Ineedyoutoknowsomething.”Calllookedup.“Ihavehadmanystudentsovertheyears,”MasterRufuscontinued.“Some

ofthebestwhohaveevercomeoutoftheMagisterium.Andsomeoftheworst.”Callstareddully.HewaitedforMasterRufustotellhimwhata

disappointmenthewas.“IknowIhavenotalwaysbeentherewhenyouneededme.Ifeltyouabove

allothersneededtofindyourownway.Itwasoftenpainfulnottoreachoutahand.ButevenwhenyouweregiventhechoicetorunratherthanfaceaDevouredofchaos,youdidnottakeit.”MasterRufusinclinedhishead.“Ithinkofallmystudents,Ihavebeentheproudestofyou.”

Hmph,saidAaron.“Iwillbethereforyoutomorrow,”Rufuswenton.“Whateverhappens,I

willbebyyoursideandTamara’s.Icouldaskfornogreaterhonor.”Callclearedhisthroat.“Thanks,Rufus.”Rufusnoddedanddepartedthewayhealwaysdid,withoutceremony.Call

headedtohisroom,bone-weary.Havoc,whohadbeenclosedinthere,leapedalloverhiminexcitement.Callfellontothebedandtriedtosleep.

Hedidn’tthinkhewould,but,exhaustedandoverwhelmed,hedid.

WhenCallwoke,hefeltbetterabouttheworld.Hestillfeltscaredabouthisdad,buthewasstartingtoseethatbeingaDevouredofairmightnotbetheworstthing.Atleasthisdadwasn’tgoingtogetoldanddielikeotherpeople’sfathers.AlastairwouldoutliveCall.AndmaybeAlastaircouldn’tmakehimdinnerandtakecareofhimexactlythewayhehadbefore,butAlastairwasn’tthegreatestcookanywayandCallwasprobablyheadedtotheCollegium.Ifhedidn’tdie.

Thatpositiveattitudedidn’tlastverylong,Aaronsaid.“Youknowme,”Callsaid.“It’snoteasytoberoommates,especiallyinthe

samehead,butI’mgladyou’vebeenwithme.Iamgladitwasyouinmyhead.Whateverhappens,you’rethebestbestfriendever.”

Notalotofpeoplewouldhavebeenokaywithmebeinginhere,saidAaron.Andalmostnoonewouldhaveriskedwhatyoudidtobringmebacktolife.Youalwaysactlikeyoushouldbegratefultomeforbeingyourfriend,justbecauseI’mniceandpoliteandcanmakepeoplelikeme.ButIamtheonewhoshouldbegrateful,Call.AndIam.

Callgrinned.Hefeltalittlebitembarrassed,butoverallsurprisinglycalmasheputonthestufftheMagisteriumhadgiventhemtowear.Hetieduphisboots,slidMirithroughhisbelt,andwalkedoutintothecommonroom,onlytoseeGwendaandJaspermakingoutonthecouch,whichwasabitlikewalkingintoafieldofdaisiesonanicespringmorningonlytoberunoverbyatruck.

Gack!saidAaron.“Myeyes!”Callyelled,slappingahandoverthem.TamarawalkedoutofherroomjustintimetoseeJasperandGwendaspring

apart.“What’sgoingon?”sheasked,frowning.“Iheardshouting.”Jasper’sneckwasalittleflushed.“Wewere,uh,justresolvingsomeissues

betweenus.”Gwendawaslookingshylyattheground.Asmallsmilecurvedhermouth.

“Ididnotseethatcoming,”Callsaid,abitdazed.“Areyoukidding?”Tamaraelbowedhimintheside.“It’sbeencomingfor

forever!Whatdidyouthinkallthatflirtinginthecarwasabout?!”“Flirting?”Jaspersaid.Nowhewasannoyed.ButGwendaandTamarasharedasmile.“Comeon,”Tamarasaid.“We’regoingtoeatbreakfastandthenwe’regoing

tobattletheEvilOverlord.TherealEvilOverlord.”Theyatequickly.GwendaandJasperheldhandsthewholetimeandCall

keptwonderingifheshouldhavepulledTamaraintoakissorheldherhandordonesomething.Itwasn’tfairthatJasperseemedridiculousalot,butthenturnedouttoknowmorethanCallaboutrelationshipsandgirlsandsometimes

evenmagic.Tamaralikesyou,Aaronsaid.Remember—today,we’reoptimists.“You’realwaysanoptimist,”Callmutteredunderhisbreath.Atthatmoment,therewasaknockonthedoorandnomoretimefor

discussion.MasterRufuswastherewithMasterMilagrosandAssemblymanGraves.Theyhadbroughtmagicalropewiththem.

“We’renotgoingtotieyourarmstightly,”saidGraves.“Butwemustgivetheappearanceofgoingalongwithhiscommands.”

“Tamara,”saidMasterMilagros,“yoursisterishereandshewantstotalktoyou.”

“Ravan?”askedTamara.“Shehasnotyetbeensummoned.It’sKimiyawhowantstotalkwithyou.

She’swaitingforyououtsidethegates.”CallsuddenlyrememberedthatAlexhadwantedKimiyahandedoverto

themaswell,thathethoughtshewasstillhisgirlfriend.Healsorememberedthelasttimethey’dseenKimiya.She’dbeenthrowing

herarmsaroundAlexwhilehegloatedandTamaralookedasifshe’dbeenkickedinthestomach,soCallwasn’tinclinedtolikehermuch.

Tamaraswallowedhard.“Okay.Iwanttoseeher.”TheyheadeddownthecorridorafterMasterRufus.Call’soptimisticmood

wasturningquicklyintotensionastheypassedknotsofstaring,silentstudents.Hewasprettysuremostofthemdidn’tknowwhatwasgoingon,buttheyknewenoughtounderstandthatbadthingswerehappening.Afterall,manyofthemhadseenAlexattack,andthey’dallseenthegoldentowerrisingonthehorizonlikeaknifepointingatthesky.

Callkeptlookingatthingsastheypassed.Thedoortohisoldrooms,theoneshe’dsharedwithTamaraandAaron.ThewaytotheRefectory.Thetwistingpathtothelibrary.Theglowingpatternsofstonesinthewalls.ThestairsthatledtotheGallery.Hecouldn’tstopwonderingifitwasthelasttimehe’deverseeanyofthemagain.

Suddenlytherewasaloudbark.Havochadburstthroughthedooroftheirroomsandwaschargingupthehallway.HealmostcareenedintoCall,jumpinguptoputhispawsonCall’schestandwhiningfrantically.

“What’sgoingon?”CallpattedHavoc’shead.“What’swrong,boy?”Nothing,Aaronsaid.Hewantstogowithyou.“Hejustwantstocome,”saidTamara.“Weshouldn’tleavehimbehind.”“Buthe’snotaChaos-riddenwolfanymore,”saidCall.“It’snotfairtobring

him.”“Isn’titbetter,”saidRufus,“thathewishestogowithyououtofloveand

loyalty,andnotbecauseheisboundtoyoubychaos?Heisyourwolf,andIthinkhehasearnedhisplaceatyourside.”

SotheyheadedoutoftheMissionGateasagroupofsix:MasterRufus,Tamara,Gwenda,Jasper,andCall,withHavocbringinguptherear.

CallsawKimiyaimmediately.ShewasstandingwithMr.andMrs.Rajavi,whowerehuddledtogetherinatightfamilygroup.AllofthemwerestaringwarilyatAlastair,whohoveredtranslucentlynear—butnottoonear—anumberofAssemblymembers.

GivenwhathadhappenedtoRavan,Callfeltlikehecouldn’tblametheRajavisforlookingatAlastairlikethat.Devouredofanykindmusthorrifythem.Butheblamedthemanyway.

Tamaraimmediatelydetachedfromtheirgroupandrantowardherfamily,whileCallandtheothersheadedtowardAlastairandthemages.HavocandCallgreetedAlastair,whobrushedanairyhandoverCall’shair,stirringthestrandswithoutquitetouchinghim.HavocnosedaroundAlastairandbarkedworriedlyashepassedthroughAlastair’slegs.

AroundthemafewothermembersoftheAssemblymilled,consultingwithsomeothermagesCalldidn’tknowwhowereexplainingaboutthetower.Theyhadapparentlyreallybuiltthewholething,withaTVroomandalotofbedrooms,butthey’dusedthesameenchantedmaterialsthattheyusedonthePanopticon.ItwouldbealotharderforAlextosummonchaoscreaturesoncehewasinside—andtheyplannedonsealingupthewayinandoutonceCallandhispeoplewereinside.

Itwouldalsoallowthemagestoseethroughthematerials,towatchwhathappenedandcometoCall’saidifitwasatallpossible.

“AlthoughthatopensupthedangerofAlexStrikebeingabletosummonmoreelementalsofchaos,”Gravessaid.

Tellhimyouwon’tneedhelp,Aaronsaid.Peopleliketohearthatkindofthing.

Butwhatifwedoneedhelp?Callwantedtoknow.Justsayit,saidAaron.He’snomoreorlesslikelytohelpnomatterwhat

youtellhim.Buthe’llthinkyou’rebraveandhe’lllikeyoubetter.SometimesAaroncouldbealittlescary.No,alotscary.“IcanhandleAlex,”Callsaid.Gravesdidlookrelieved.Beforehe’dhavetopromiseanythingelse,Callheadedtowardwhere

Tamarawasgreetingherfamily.“I’vebeentellingeveryonehowsorryIam,”Kimiyasaid.“Ididn’trealize

howangryAlexwas.Ithoughtitwouldbekindoffuntomakeourownorganization,tohaveourownthing.AlexsaidthattheAssemblyhadliedtoeveryone,thatConstantinehadbeendeadforalongtimeandtheyjustwantedeveryonetobeafraid.AndwhenIrealizeditwastrue—Constantinehadbeengone—Ibelievedalltheotherstuffhesaid,too.Ineverthoughthe’dhurtAaron.IfI’dknownthat…everythingwouldhavebeendifferent.”

Tamaralookedathersisterwithsuspicion.“Hewantedtohurtpeople.Hedidhurtpeople.”

“ItookachanceonsomeoneIcaredabout,”KimiyasaidwithapointedlookatCall.Whichwastotallyunfair.Well,itwasalittleunfair.“AndIwaswrong.ButnowI’mheretohelptakehimdown.”

Tamaralookedathersisterwithoutwarmthortrust.SometimesCallforgothowunflinchinglystubbornshecouldbe.

“You’renotgoingtoberestrained,”shetoldhersister.“You’regoingtohavetobetheonewhoactsfirst.Oncewe’reinside,you’regoingtohavetomakesuretheDevouredshavewhattheyneedtomanifest.IncludingRavan.”

TherewasasoftexplosionatthesoundofRavan’sname.Ravanappeared,afeatheryplumeofsmokeandflame.

“Ravan,”Tamarasaid,andsighedinrelief.“You’rehere.”TheDevouredoffireburnedherwaycloser.Youcouldseetheshapeof

Ravannow,herlonghairandyoungface,shapedoutofflames.Shespoke.“Mylittlefamily,madeofwaxandtinder.Doyoufearme?”

Mrs.Rajavishookherhead.“Ican’tlook.”Sheturnedaway,herface

tearstained.“Mother,doyounotseeme?”Ravansaid,flickering.“Willyousayyoudo

notknowme?”“Ravan,”Mrs.Rajavisaid,animmensesadnessinhervoice,“weknewyou

before,butwearenotsureweknowyounow.”“PerhapsIamunknowable.”Ravanflickeredonce.“ButIwillburnforyour

sakeallthesame.”“Mydaughters.”Mrs.Rajavibegantosob.“Oh,Ravan.Oh,Tamaraand

Kimiya,amIgoingtoloseyouall?Howcouldthishappen?Whyourfamily?”TamaraandKimiyacameforwardtocomforttheirmother.Callhadalways

hadmixedfeelingsabouttheRajavis.Theyhadbeencoldtohim,thoughkindtoAaron,andtheystruckhimassternandcruel.ButtherealizationthattheywerefacinglosingalltheirchildrentodaymadeCallbackawaytogivethemspace.

HewasimmediatelybuttonholedbyMasterRufus.“Call,”hesaid.“It’stimetosummonthelasttwoDevoured.”

CallfollowedMasterRufustothecenterofaloosecircleofmages.JasperandGwendaweretherealready.ThemageswatchedinsilenceasJaspersummonedasmallpoolofwater,whichbubbleduparoundhisfeet.Hekneltdownandtouchedit.

“Lucas,”hesaid,andjumpedbackwardinsurpriseasthepoolshotupwardinacolumn,formingintotheshapeofLucas,Devouredofwater.Themagesgaspedandseveralofthembackedaway.

ItwasCall’sturn.HetookGreta’sgeodeoutofhispocket,bentdown,andbroughtitdownwithasmuchforceashecouldmusteragainstthesideofarock.

Itsmashedapartintoglitteringfragments.Theyallstaredatthefragmentsexpectantly.Nothinghappened.

“Isitworking?”JasperhissedintoCall’sear.“Yoo-hoo,”saidaboredvoice,andtheyallturnedtoseeGreta,arumbling

pileofrocks,hoveringaroundtheedgeofthecircle.“I’mhere.”SheandLucaswavedateachother.Alastairwalkedovertothemslowly,

andRavandriftedalong,trailingsparks.ThemagesallmovedawaytogivetheDevouredspace,orperhapstogivethemselvesspacefromtheDevoured.

Hearingshouting,CallturnedtofindGwendainthemiddleofafierce

argumentwithMasterRufus.“ButIshouldgo,”shesaid.“I’mpartoftheapprenticegroup!IhelpedcollecttheDevoured!”

MasterRufusshookhishead.“Absolutelynot,Gwenda.Call,Jasper,andTamaraaregoingbecauseAlexdemandedtheygo.Iwillnotsacrificethesafetyofanotherstudentfornogoodreason!”

“Itisagoodreason,”Gwendasaid.“Icanhelpprotectthem!”ShewhirledaroundandsawCall.“Call,tellhimIshouldgowithyou.”

Callhesitated.“Gwenda,you’vebeenareallygoodfriend,andyou’vesavedourbuttsabunchoftimessinceGoldYearstarted.I’msorryifIeverunderestimatedyou.Butthere’snowayAlexwouldletyoucomewithus.Theminutehesawsomeonehedidn’taskfor,he’dunleashchaos.”

Gwenda’seyesglitteredangrily,butCallcouldtellsheknewhewasn’tlying.

“Idon’twanttobeleftbehind,”shesaid.CalllookedatMasterRufus.“Can’tshecomeinwiththeteachersandthe

Assembly?”heasked.“Itwouldonlybefair.”MasterRufussighed.“I’llseewhatIcando.”“Everyone,listen!”ItwasAssemblymanGraves’svoice,amplifiedand

echoing.“CallumHunt.TamaraRajavi.JasperdeWinter.Pleasecometostandbeforeme.”

Tamaramovedreluctantlyawayfromherfamily.JasperpeeledhimselfawayfromLucas,andafewsecondslatertheywereallstandinginfrontofAssemblymanGraves,alongwithHavoc,who’dsnuckinnexttoCall.

“ThatChaos-riddenwolf—”Gravesbeganangrily.“He’snotChaos-ridden,”saidCall.“He’saregularwolf.”GravesstaredatHavoc,whoblinkednormal,wide,greenishwolfeyesat

him.“Icouldhavesworn—”Tamaragiggled,andimmediatelystifledthesound.Gravesglared.“Bind

theirhands,”hesaid.MasterMilagrosandMasterNorthcameupbehindthem.Callandtheothers

puttheirhandsbehindtheirbacks,andtheteachersbegantowindstripsofflexibleenchantedmetalaroundtheirwrists.Callknewitwasnecessary,butangerwasstillboilinginsidehim.

“Thesewillcomeoffwhenyoutugagainstthemthreetimesinrapidsuccession,”Gravestoldthem.“Buttheywillalsobedestroyed,sopleasedon’ttestthatinadvance.”

Tamaralookedoverathimguiltily,clearlyhavingbeenjustabouttodothat.Alastairwhirledintotheair,becomingonlywind,whooshingaroundCall’s

head.“I’llbewithyou,”hepromised.Amomentlater,ametalwhistledroppedintoCall’sboundhands.Heclosedhisfingerstightlyoverit.WhenhelookedatJasper,abottleofwaterwastuckedintohispocket.Tamarahadanacorn,andKimiya,apackofmatchesthatlookedscorchedononeend,asthoughRavanhadn’twantedtostopburning.

“Prepareyourself,”saidGraves.“Wewillbeflyingtothetower.”Allaround,themagesroseupintotheair.Callcouldfeelhimselfbeing

liftedup,couldfeelthewindwhooshingbeneathhim,butwithAlastairsoclose,eventhoughhismagicwasbound,hecouldn’tbeafraid.Herememberedhowmuchhehadwishedforweightlessness,hadwantedtoflysothathecouldavoidallthedifficultiesofhavingalegthathurtalot.

Butthathadbeenakid’swish.Hisproblemsnowcouldn’tbesolvedbyalittlemagic.

Maybetheycanbesolvedbyalotofmagic,Aaronsaidinhishead.Theyflewoverfieldsandgrayhighwayssnakingbyunderfoot,theforest

andtheMagisteriumretreatingbehindthem.CallglancedovertoseeHavocbeingwhirledthroughtheair,hispawsflailing,andTamaranearby,herdarkhairflyinglikeabanner.Shelookedoverathimandgaveanencouragingsmile.

Inthedistance,thegoldentowerrose,evercloser.ForbeingbuiltsoquicklyandfornorealpurposebuttostallAlex,theshimmeringtowerwasbothbeautifulandformidable.Callwonderedwhatpurposeitmightserveaftertoday.

Assuming,ofcourse,thatpurposewasn’tashistomb.Theylandedonastretchofgrassinfrontofthesingledoortothetower.As

soonastheirfeettouchedtheground,adarkcloudpassedoverthesky,signalingAlex’sarrivalwithaboltoflightningthatstruckabarestretchoffoliage,blackeningitandmakingeveryonejump.

“Thatridiculouschild,”Gravesgroundout.Fromthesky,Alexandhisretinueheavedintoview.

Alexwasstillonthebackofhisdragon-shapedchaoselementalbutnowhisoutfithadgottenevenmoreelaborate.Heworeblack—ofcourse—andhugeblackbootswithmassivesilverbucklesintheshapeoflightningbolts.Aroundhisshoulderswasacape.

Isthatanactualcape?Aarondemanded.Yep,Callthought.Itdefinitelywas—itwasevenflutteringinthebreeze.

Alex’shairwasspikedupwithgel.Flyingbesidehimweretwomorechaoselementals,bothinhorselikeshapesthatlookedfarlessfixed.Theysometimesseemedtohavewings;othertimesinsteadoflegs,theyseemedtohavethelong,searchingtentaclesofoctopi.CallguessedonewasforAnastasia.Theother,hefeared,wasforKimiya.

AsAlexlanded,hiscapewhippedthroughtheairandCallspottedthedullmetalcrownonhishead,itsspikesliketeeth.Foramoment,eventhoughCallknewitwasallcalculated,thatAlexonlycaredabouttheillusion,theillusionworked.Callactuallyfeltathintendriloffearandshuddered.

“Assemblypeopleofthemageworldandotherluminaries,Iamgladthatyou’vedecidedtocavetomydemandsandacknowledgemysuperiority,”saidAlex.“Thistoweryou’vebuiltmeisprettynice.Iplantoreignfromitquietlyandnotdisturbyoutoomuch.Idon’twanttodoanygrossEnemyofDeathstuff,likereanimatingpeopleoranimals.That’snotmything.MythingislettingeveryoneknowhowawesomeandscaryIam.”

“Youmeaneveryoneinthemageworld?”askedGraves.Eventhoughthiswasforshow,helookedfurious.“Youstillintendtokeepthegreatsecretsofmagic,don’tyou?”

Alexchortled,andthecrowdofcreaturesaroundhimhootedandcackled.Itwasmuchmorefrighteningthananythinghe’dsaid.Hemightbearidiculouschild,asGraveshadsaid,buthehadaccesstoenormouspowerandcreaturesthatcouldwieldit.

“Thewhat?”hesneered.“Thesilenceofthemageworld!”Gravesthundered.“Wedonottellthose

withoutmagicoftheexistenceofmagic.Itendangersthemandendangersus.Itwasdifficultenoughtobuildthisstupidtowerwithoutalertingthemtothemagicthatwashappening—”

“Mytowerisn’tstupid,”saidAlex,andmadeacasualgestureinGraves’sdirection.BlackfireshotfromhisfingersandswalloweduptheAssemblyman.Inseconds,nothingwasleftbutacharredcircleinthegrass.

Kimiyascreamed,thenbitthenoisebackwithanobviouseffortasAlexfrownedather.Themageswerecryingoutaswell,voicesechoingaroundtheclearing.JasperwaslookingoveratGwenda,hisfacecreasedwithconcern.Tamarajustshookherhead,lookinggrim.

MasterRufussteppedforward,intotheblackenedcircle.“AlexStrike,”hesaid.

Alexlaughed.“MasterRufus,”hesaid.“Josephusedtotalkaboutyouallthetime.Thegreatmagewho’dtaughtConstantineMadden.Butbeingyourassistantdidn’trevealanygreatness.Constantinewassomethinginspiteofyou,notbecauseofyou.”HeflickedhiseyesinCall’sdirection,hismouthstretchingintoagrin.“Afterall,lookhowbadlyyou’vedonewithCallum.”

“YoumaydotomeasyoudidtoGraves,”saidRufus,andCalltensed.Hedidn’tthinkhecouldstanditifAlexwipedhisteacheroffthefaceoftheworld.He’dhavetobreakfreeofhismanaclesandthatwouldruineverything.“Butthenyouwillgetnothingyouwant.Itwillbewarwiththemagecommunity—andasyou’vesaid,youdon’twantthat.Youwanttobeleftalone.”

“True,”saidAlex,examininghisnails.“Itwouldbeeasierforyouaswelliftheordinaryworlddidn’tknowabout

mages,”saidRufus.“Thinkofwhatyoucoulddo.Youcoulduseyourmagictotrickthemandmakemillions.”

Alexlaughed.“Maybeyouarebrilliant,Rufus.Allright.I’llkeepthemagictomyself.”Heturnedhisglimmering,star-filledeyesonKimiya.“Comealong,darling.Don’tyoustillloveme?”

Kimiyasmiledbrilliantly.CallfeltuneasyassheranacrossthegrasstowardAlexandhuggedhisarm.Eithershewasgivingabravuraperformanceorshewasgoingtobetraythemall.

Alexleaneddowntokissher.Tamaramadearevoltednoise.Thankfullyitwasashortkiss,andAlexbrokeawaygrinning,hisarmslungoverKimiya’sshoulders.

“Havethehostagesstepforward,”Alexsaid.“Havethemwalktowardthe

towerentrance.”CalllookedoveratTamara.Hergazefoundhis.Atleasttheywereinthis

together.Aaron,too.Thethreeofthemagainsttheworld.Who’dknownthatwhenRufushadpickedthem,theywouldbecomethemostimportantpeopleinCall’slife?HelookedoveratJasper,athisdeterminedface.Callhadneverthoughttheywouldbefriendsatall,butsomehowwheneverhislifehadneededsaving,Jasperhadbeenthereholdingoutahand—usuallywithasarcasticquip,butstillthere.

Hetookastepforward,andtheothersdidthesame.Theymovedacrossthegrassontothegroundwhereitturnedintogravel.Itwasstillchurnedupfromthefeetofthemageswho’dworkedonbuildingthetower.Havocrantohisside,keepinghisfurredbodyprotectivelytightagainstCall’sleg.

Callturnedtolookbackoverhisshoulder.ThemagesoftheAssemblyseemedveryfaraway.HecouldjustseeGwenda,andRufus—

Withaflickofhiswrist,Alexsentablazeofchaosfiretowardthemall.CallbitbackayellasherealizedAlexwasn’tattacking.Hewasthrowingupablockade.Thefireroseinanendlesswallthatcurvedaroundthem,cuttingoffJasper,Call,Tamara,Kimiya,Havoc,andAlexfromthemages,butallowingthemaccesstothetower.

Alexsneered.“Let’sgoseeournewhome.Callum,youcanleadtheway.”WithalastlookatthefireseparatinghimfromMasterRufus,Callshuffled

towardthedoorofthetower,aheavywoodenthing.Hecouldn’topenit,sohejuststoodthereuntiloneofthechaoselementalswalkedover.Itsnakedoutatentacletowardthedoor,butwhereittouched,therewasjustaholewheretheknobhadbeen.

“Automotones!”Alexshouted.“Youdoit.”Themassivemetalelementalloomedupoutofthesmokethatsurrounded

themandadvancedonthedoor.Callstared—they’dallfoughtAutomotonesonceandnearlybeenkilled.

Automotoneslurcheduptothefrontdoors,hiseyes,whichweregears,whirringandspinning.Hishandshotout,andavibrating,buzzingbladeappearedattheendofit.Hesawedatthedooruntilalargechunkofitfellopen,crashingontotheground.

Alexisgoingtohavetogetthatdoorfixed,Callthought.Definitelynotalong-term-planningkindofguy.

Automotonessteppedbackandtheyallheadedinsidewithvaryingdegreesofreluctance.Thefirstfloorwasalargeroundroom,entirelyemptyexceptforarugandaspiralstaircasewindingupward.

Callwentup,andtheothersfollowed.Thesecondfloorwasallonehugeroomwithmassivewindowsthrough

whichCallcouldseethetopsoftrees.Thereweremultiplecouchesandasmallkitchen,alongwithalargescreenliketheoneintheGallery,whereAlexusedtoprojectmovies.SinceCallwasn’tsurewhereAlexwantedhimtogo,hestoppedthere,walkingtowardthefarcorner.Tamarafollowedhim,thenJasper.

“Now,”Callsaidtothem.Hepulledthreetimesonhiscuffsandhishandswerefree.Thenhebroughtthewhistletohismouthandblew.Nosoundcameout,onlyawildwindthatracedaroundtheroomtocoalesceasAlastairandthentodisappearagain.Besidehim,Lucasmanifested—andthenGreta.ButbothofthemweregonebythetimeAlexwalkedintotheroom.Callhadhishandsbehindhisback,eventhoughtheywerenolongerbound.TamaraandJasperdidthesame.

Alexsmiledinasmugway,walkingaroundtoadmirehisnewdigs,billowingcloakswishingaroundbehindhim.HewasholdingoneofKimiya’shands.Callthoughtthesmileonherfaceseemedforced.

Hehopeditwasforced.“Prettynicehere,isn’tit?”Alexsaid,wavinganarmaroundtoindicatethe

wholespace—themarblefloor,thebigcoucheswiththeircushions,theenormousTV.“Mom!I’mhome!”

Anastasia,Aaronthought.Ofcourseshe’ssomewhereinhere.“Alex?”TheyallstoodstillasAnastasiacamewaftingdownthestaircase

fromabove.Sheworeawhitedressandasortofgossamerwhiteovercloak.Hericyhairwasboundupinatightknot.

ShelookedatCallforalong,steadymoment.Hecouldn’treadherexpression.Hefeltchilledinside—whatifshe’dseenwhathadhappenedtoGravesoutthewindow?Whatifshewasreconsideringeverything?

Calmdown,Aaronsaid.Youdon’tknowthat.

Buthesoundedscared,too.AnastasiacrossedtheroomtostandnearAlex,whobeamed.Helookedover

atCall,wearingasneerthatseemedexaggeratedinapracticed-in-the-mirrorkindofway.

“YoureallythoughttheMagisteriumvaluedyourlivesenoughtosaveyou,didn’tyou,CallHunt?”Helaughed.“Buttheyhandedthethreeofyourightover.They’recowards,justlikeallthemages.IreadallthosebooksinMasterJoseph’shouse,andwhatIthoughtwhenIreadthemwashowweakwe’dbecome.Magesusedtobesomething.Theyusedtousetheirpowerforsomethingotherthankeepingpeoplesafefromelementals.Soonyou’regoingtobedead,Callum.AndtheneveryonewillhavetoacknowledgethatI’mthegreatestmageofanygeneration,theonewhodefeatedtheEnemyofDeath.”

“Youdidn’tdefeatme,”Callsaid.“TheMagisteriumtiedmeup,notyou.”“Noonecaresabouttechnicaldetails!”Alexyelled.“Noonecaresaboutthe

realstory.DoyouthinkpeoplecaredaboutthefactthatConstantinelovedhisbrotherorthathismotherlovedhim?No,becausethat’sboring.Andtheywon’tcarehoweasytheMagisteriummadeittokillyoueither.TheywilljustcarethatIdidit.”

“ButnotTamara,right?”Kimiyasaid.“She’smysister.”Alexhesitated.“She’sloyaltomyenemy,Kimiya.”“Perhapswekillthetwoboysandlockthegirlinthedungeon,”said

Anastasiasoothingly.“Thisplacehasadungeon?”saidJasper.“Ofcourseithasadungeon,”snappedAlex.“Anddon’tspeakunlessI

speaktoyou,deWinter.Youshouldhavebeenloyaltome.YourfatherwasloyaltoMasterJoseph.”

“Myfatherwaswrong,”Jaspersaidquietly.Callstared.Hedidn’tthinkhe’deverheardJaspersaythatbefore.

“Itoldyounottospeak!”Alexyelled.“Oryou’regoingtodowhat?”saidJasper.“Killme?”“Enough,”saidCall.“Maybenobodyhastodie.Maybewecouldmake

somesortofdeal.”“Nodeals,Hunt,”Alexsaid.“Thistimeyoudon’thaveanythingIwant.I

don’tcareaboutbringingpeoplebackfromthedead.Icareaboutpower.AndIcareaboutrevenge.”Hegrinned.“Iwantyoutolineupinfrontofme,”hesaid,andtheblackstarsinhiseyeswereglowinglikepinpricks.“FirstTamara.ThenJasper.Thenyou,Call.I’mgoingtokillyouinthatorder,andyou’regoingtowatchyourfriendsdie,Makar.”

“Yousaidyouwouldn’thurtTamara!”Kimiyashrieked.“Ichangedmymind,”saidAlex,raisinghishand.Itwasshimmeringwith

darklight,ahaloofblacknessaroundhisfingers.Kimiyadartedawayfromhim,reachingforthematchbookwithshaking

hands.Alexwhirledtowardher,smokewreathinghishands.Callturnedtolookat

TamaraandJasper,bothofthempale,buttheyshooktheirheadsathimasiftosay,Notquiteyet.

“Justwhatareyoudoing?”AlexdemandedofKimiya.“Iwasjust…”Kimiyasaid,butthenherwordsseemedtorunout.She

backedawayfromAlex’sapproach,clearlyterrified.Thematchbookdroppedoutofherhands.

“You’rereallygoingtobetrayme?”Alexdemanded.“Me?Whowasgoingtosaveyoufromyourboringoldlife?”

“Thisisn’twhatyousaiditwouldbelike,”Kimiyasaid.“Younevertoldmeyouweregoingtohurtpeople.”

“Soyouconspiredagainstme?Withtheselosers?”Alexshookhishead.Heliftedhishand,andaboltofchaosgrewfromhispalm;Tamaraflewathim,abandoningthepretenseofhavingboundhands.Heswunghisarmwiththestrengthofchaos,flingingheraside,andCall’shandsflewapart,too,ragefillinghim—howdareAlextouchTamara?Howdarehethreatenhisfriends?

HewasstillsummoningchaosinsidehimselfwhenAlexletflyaboltofblackfire.ItshotstraightatKimiya.

ChaosexplodedfromCall’shandatthesamemoment.Thetwoforksofdarklightningmetintheair.Neitherdissolved,though.Theyslammedintoeachotherandricochetedintothewallofthetower,blowingthestonetopowder.

“Whoa,”saidJasper.Callagreed.Thechaoshadsmashedthroughrock,metal,andglass,andnowtherewasatruck-sizeholeinthewallofthetower.On

theothersideofthehole,Callcouldseethefieldinfrontofthetower.Thewallofchaosfirewasdyingdown,thoughitlookedlikethemagesstillcouldn’tcrossit.Alotofthemweregapingupatthetower,though,afewpointingandgasping.

ThenAutomotones’smassivemetalfacefilledthespace.Kimiyascreamed.Tamarareachedforhersisterandyankedherdownontotheground.Theacornskitteredfromherhand.Jasperknockedthebottleofwateroutofhispocketandithitthefloor,leakingwatereverywhere.Callpulledthewhistlefromhispocket,grippingittightlyinhishand.

Anastasialeaneddownandseizedthematchbook.AlexturnedtowardCall,hissmirkplasteredbackon.“Oh,soyouthought

youweregoingtofightme!That’swhyyoucameherewillingly.TheMagisteriumandtheAssemblyaregoingtopayforsettingmeup,butyou’regoingtopayfirst.”

“AmI?”saidCall.“Iamchaos!”Alexshouted.“Ihavebecomethevoid!”“Oh,shutup,”saidCall.“Noone’sinterested.”Alexgapedathim.Callcouldn’thelpit.He’dstartedtogrin.Because

behindAlex,Alastairwasswirlingintobeing,aircoalescingtoformhistoweringshape.HavocbarkedasLucasroseoutofthepuddleonthefloor,shimmeringandsilver.AndfromTamara’ssmashedacorn,Gretaemerged,ariverofdirtandearthreachingupward.

“Whatisthis?”Alexwhirledaround,raisinghishandagain.Hestaredindisbelief.“They’reDevoured.Butwhyaretheyhere?Whyareyouhere?”

“Anastasia,”Callcalled.“Strikeamatch!”Herpaleeyesturnedtohim,herexpressionstrange.Mom.Youweresupposedtosay“Mom,”Aaronremindedhim,butitwas

toolate.Callhadn’tandnowsheknewhe’dbeenlyingtoher.Everythingwasgoingwrong.AnastasiatookasteptowardCall,hereyesflashing.Agrayblurflew

betweenthem—itwasHavoc,whoclampedhisjawsdownonAnastasia’swrist.Shescreamedanddroppedthematches.AlexsentanotherboltofchaosflyingatHavoc,butthewolfleapedoutofthewayandtheblackfiresmashed

intothewallofthetower.Morestonecrumbled.“You’remakingmeruinmytower!”AlexshoutedatCall.“Youalwaysruin

everything!”Callcouldn’tdenyit.MorethanbeingaMakar,thatwasprettymuchhis

superpower.Kimiyahadthematchesagain.Inshakinghands,shepulledoneoutand

struckit.ItcaughtalightandthenRavanwasthere,flaringtolife.Shelookedathersistersandawickedsmilegrewonherface.“Getready,”Callsaid,underhisbreath.Ready,saidAaron.“Whatareyoudoing?”AlexshoutedastheDevouredrushedtowardhim.Itwasliketheworldwascollapsinginonitself.Everyelementcolliding

withchaos—theforceofair,theburningheatoffire,therelentlessnessofwater,thepowerfulweightofearth.TheyfellonAlexwiththedestructivepowerofathousandtornadoesrippingacrossfields,athousandvolcanoeseruptingwithaforcethatblackenedthesky,athousandearthquakesbucklingandtearingcitiesapart,andathousandfloodscarryingawaywholetownsinafrothofchurning,tearingwater.Theywerehuman,butnothuman;CallshieldedhisfacewithhishandastheysavagelytorethechaosthatsurroundedAlex,astheywererippingoffbitswiththeirhands,oilypatchesofnothingnessthatdissolvedentirelyintheair.

AlexhowledagreatshriekofagonythatsentaboltoffearthroughCall.Whatiftheykilledhim?Whatiftheydestroyedhisbody?

Thatwasn’ttheplan.Automotonesrearedbackhisheadandbellowed,thensnappedhisjaws

towardJasper.JasperspunonhisheelandflungfireatAutomotones,blastafterblastofflamethatsentthemetalmonsterreelingbackward,hisplatesandgearsglowingredwithheat.

GoodtoseeJasperfinallygotthehangoffire,saidAaron.Automotonesstaggeredtowardthemagain.Theblackfireofchaoshaddied

downoutside,andthemageswererushingatthetower,slammingatthecloseddoorsbelow.Thetowershook.

Alexwasstillscreaming.Hetippedhisheadbackwithahowlanddarkness

eruptedfromhiseyes—twolongtrailsofblacknessthatshotupintotheair.Kimiyawasscreamingherheadoff.Tamarawasonherfeet,makingashieldofairtoprotecther.

Alexturnedhisheadtotheside.HewassurroundedbytheDevouredonallsides.Blacktearsleakedfromhiseyes.Heheldoutahand.“Mother,”hecroaked.“Mother.”

Anastasiastaggeredbackfromhim,herfaceamaskofhorror.Alex’sfaceworked,andonelastboltofchaosshotfromhishand.Itwasweak—Callcouldfeelitsweakness—butstrongenough.IthitAnastasiainthechest,liftingheroffherfeetanddroppinghertotheground,ablackholesearedacrossthefrontofherchest.

Alexwentlimp.Now,saidAaron.Callcalledoneverythinghe’deverlearnedaboutthesoultapandsenthis

concentrationspinningtowardAlex.HecouldseeAlex’ssoul,theglowandlightofit,nolongerblackenedwithchaos.Hefeltit,almostasthoughhehelditinhishands,pulsingandsparking,wrappedaroundwithcordsofhate,ambition,andpain.Callcouldseethekidwhohadlikedbeingpopular,wholikedbeingMasterRufus’sassistant,butwhoneverfeltlikeitwasenough.Hesawthekidwhohadcraftedelaborateillusionsoutofmovies,weavinginhisfriendsandhimself,alwayshimself—asthewinner,thevictor,thepersonwhogoteverythingintheend.CallsawthepartofAlexthathadfeltbereftwhenhisfatherdied,abandonedtoawomanwithherownagenda,herownobsession.Hesawhisambitiongrowandbloomandtwist.SawhishatredofCall,hisresentment,hisdesiretobethewinner.Callsawallofthat,sawAlex’ssoul,wholeandhumanandflawed.

Withallhisstrength,Callbracedhimself—andtriedtopushitoutofAlex’sbody.

Hefeltaterribleechointhedeed.Thebodyhelivedinwasstolen,andnowhewasstealinganother.Butevenweak,AlexwasaMakarandhefoughtback.Hepushed,too,strainingagainstCall’sconsciousness,forcingCall’sphysicalbodytohisknees.

Youwillneverdefeatme,Alex’svoicedeclared,echoinginCall’shead.For

amoment,Callfeltuprooted,adrift.Whatifbecausehewasn’tbornintohisbody,itwashardertostayin?Whatifhecouldn’tholdon,evenasAaronlefthimbehind?Panicstartedtobloominhischest.TheweightofAlexpushingbackshovedhimflatagainsttheground,hiselbowsbraced,shouldersstraining.

Ican’tdothis,hethought.Ican’t.Maybeoneofuscouldn’t,butbothofuswill,cameAaron’svoice,sureand

strong.HejoinedhisthoughtstoCall’sandtogethertheysurgedbackatAlex,thrustinghimloosefromthebrightlinesthatmooredhissoultohisbody,pushinghimout.Pushinghimoutintonothing.

ThecordsthatboundAlex’ssoultohisbodyfrayedandsnappedandhewasgone,withoutevenascreamoracry.Calldidn’tknowwheresoulswent—heguessedthatnoonedid—buthewassureitwassomeplacefarbeyondthevoid.

Aaron,Callthought.Aaron,youhavetogo.ItwasasifhecouldfeelAaron’ssoultakingashaking,hesitantbreath.Call

reachedforAarononelasttime—forhiscounterweight,forthesoulthatwasthemostfamiliarintheworldtohim.ItwasasifhishandswerebrushingoverAaron’ssoul,holdingitforamoment,andlettingitfree.

Alex’sbodyjerkedonce,andhetookagaspingbreath.Aaron,Callthought.Diditwork?Buttherewasnoresponse.TherewasonlyanechoingsilenceinCall’sears.

Hewasalone.Hehadn’trealizedhowunusedtobeingtrulyaloneinhisownheadhewas.

SoundsmashedinasCallrealizedthebattlehadbeenragingon.Thechaosdragonhadeatenawayanothersectionofthetower.Dozensofmageshadflownuptothetower’ssecondlevel,helpedbyAlastairandthepowerofair,andwerejoiningJasperandTamarainbattlingAutomotones.Greta,Lucas,andRavanhadalsojoinedin—Gretawashurlingrocksatthechaoselementals,Lucaswasdirectingstreamsofsuperheatedwateratthem,andRavanwasshootingboltsoffire.

Insidethetower,KimiyahadAnastasiacradledinherlapandseemedtobetryingtokeepherfromdying.

Callstaggeredtohisfeet.“A-Alex?”Alexopenedhiseyes.Kimiyagasped:Theyhadreturnedtobeingblue,no

longerblackandstar-silvered.Coughingviolentlyandlookingdazed,Alexpushedhimselfupontohisknees.

Thegesturesseemedfamiliar.Hewasn’tmovinglikeAlexdid.HewasmovinglikeAaron.Hehadhisgestures.Call’sheartleapedintohisthroat.Washeimaginingit,orhadtheirplanactuallyworked?

MasterRufuscameracingupthestairsandburstintotheroom;afterhimcameMasterNorthandMasterMilagros.Theystaredatthesceneinfrontofthem—Anastasiadying,theDevouredstillhoveringintheroom,thehugechunkstornfromthewalls.

AndAlex,inthemiddleofitall.“Alex!”Callcried.“Alex,stopthechaoscreatures.Showthemyou’reon

oursidenow.”“Stop,”Alexshouted,inavoicethatwasbothlikehisusualvoiceand

different.“Stop,chaoscreatures!Icommandyoutostop.”Thedragonabruptlypauseditsmovements.Automotonesroared.From

outsidethetowerthereweremoreechoingsoundsasthechaoscreaturesheardhim.

“Gobacktochaos!”Alexcried.“Returntotheplaceyoucamefrom!”MoreMasterswerecrowdingupbehindNorth,Rufus,andMilagros.They

allstaredatAlex,whostoodwithhishandsflungout,orderingthechaoscreaturestodisperse.

“They’regoing,”saidMilagrosinamazement.“Look!”Throughthesmashedholeinthewall,Callcouldseethechaoscreatures

turnandretreat,Automotonesleadingtheway.Astheywent,theyseemedtoshimmerandvanish,eachonedisappearing,leavingonlysmudgesofdarknesshanginglikesmokeagainstthesky.

ThemagesoftheMagisteriumwerecheering.Ravan,Lucas,Greta,andAlastairhaddisappeared,probablyworriedthattheywouldn’tbeparticularlywelcomenowthattheimmediatedangerwasover.

“Call.Comehere.”ItwasKimiya,gesturinghimoverurgently.Tamarawaskneelingdownbesideher,summoningearthmagictohealAnastasia.

Calldidn’tmovetostopher.NothingwasgoingtohelpAnastasianow.Shesmiledathim,andtherewasbloodonherteeth.“Con,”shewhispered.

Tamarabitherlip,colorflaringinhercheeks.She’dalwayshateditwhenAnastasiacalledCallumbyConstantineMadden’sname.

“Con,”Anastasiasaidagain.“Iknowwhatyoudid.Iknow.”Hereachedoutandtookherhand,becausehehadnevermeantforhertobe

hurt.He’dnevermeantforanyonetobehurt.“I’msorry,”hetoldher.“Really,reallysorry.”“Sometimes,you’renothinglikemysonwas,nothingatall,”shesaid,then

raisedhervoice.“MagesoftheMagisterium,Ihaveafinalconfession!”Alexhadsunkbackdownontohisheels.“ItwasIwhocontrolledAlex,”saidAnastasia,andthewholeroomof

magesstoodbreathlessandsilent,listening.“ItwasIwhocontrolledeverything—notMasterJoseph,notConstantineMadden,me.Theywereallmypawns.Youwereallmypawns.”

“How?”demandedMasterNorth.“Howdidyoudoit?”“Ilearnedfromthebest,”shesaid.“MysonConstantine,theEnemyof

Death.HekeptJerichoinhisthrallforyears,forcinghimtobehiscounterweightandgiveuppiecesofhissoul.WhenAlexfirstbecamemystepson,Ibegantocontrolhim.Atfirstitwassmallthings.LaterImadehimtotallyobedienttoMasterJoseph.Hehadnochoicebuttoobeyhiscommands.”Shecoughed,andbloodsprayedacrossherwhiteclothes.“Dowhatyoulikewithhim.Idon’tcare.Ineverlovedhim.”

“Thenwhyareyoutellingusthis?”MasterRufusdemanded.“Iwantthecredit,”Anastasiacroaked.“ItwasIwhomadehimaDevoured,

Iwhocausedthistowertobebuilt.TheMagisteriumtookmysonfrommebutintheenditservedmeandmydesires.”ShelookedatCall.Heforcedhimselftosmileather,andsomethinginherfacerelaxed.“Youcanhurtmenomore,”shesaidinawhisper,andhereyesfellclosed,herheadlollingtotheside.

Tamaracriedout.GwendahadrunacrosstheroomtoJasper,andhewasholdingher,lookinggrim.

Alexwaslookingather,hisfaceashen.“WhathaveIdone?”heasked,whichseemedlikeaperfectlyappropriatequestionandonealsowrenchedfromaplacedeepinsideofhim.Alexturnedhisgazeonthemages,onMasterRufus.“Youshouldarrestme.Someoneshouldarrestme.”

“Wait!”Callsaid.“YouheardAnastasia.Sheforcedhimtodoallthosethings.SheforcedhimtobecomeaDevouredofchaos.Youagreedtoforgivehim.”

“Weagreedtointerviewhim,”MasterNorthsaid.“Gravesagreedtoit,anyway.Andthankstohim,Gravesisdead.”

Alexhunghishead.Aaron,Callthought.Aaron,lookatme.Buthedidn’t.AndCalldidn’tknowwhethertothinkofhimasAlexor

Aaron,didn’tknowifAaron’ssoulwasintactinsideAlex’sbody,orifAaronwasinagony,crushedbyguiltorhorrororamilliondifferentotherthings.Ormaybehissoulhadbeenshredded—maybehewasnoonenow,neitherAlexnorAaron.

AndthenCallnoticedHavoc.HavochadcrepttoAlex’ssideandwasnosinggentlyathishand,thewayhe’doncedonetoAaron.Andabsently,Alex—Aaron,ithadtobeAaron—reacheddownandstrokedthewolf’shead.

CallsawMasterRufusstaringatthewolf,hiseyesnarrowed.Beforehecouldsayanything,Mr.andMrs.Rajaviflewupthestairs,racingintotheroomtoembraceTamaraandKimiya.“Youdidit,mydarlings,”saidMrs.Rajavi,kissingthemboth.“You’reheroes.I’msoproudofyou.”

Privately,CallthoughtTamaradeservedallthecreditandKimiyanone,buthekeptittohimself.

Alastairappearedinawhirlofair,startlingeveryone.“Theothersaregone,”hesaid.“Itseemsthisisfinallyover.”

“AssoonastheyletAlexgo,”Callinsisted,andhisfathergavehimaveryconfusedlook.

Aaron—becauseCallwassureAlexwasAaron,absolutelysure,exceptthathereallywishedthatAaronwouldsaysomethingtoconfirmit—didn’tspeakatall.

“Enough,”saidMasterRufus.“Let’sleavethistower.Itcanharmnoonetorestrain…Alex.WewillkeephishandsbounduntilhehasstoodtrialbeforetheAssembly.”

“WewilltakeAnastasia’sbodytotheCollegiumtoprepareitforburial,”saidMasterCameron,oneofthemagesCallrecognizedfromhisbriefvisittotheCollegiumduringhisBronzeYear.

Rufusnodded.ItwascleareveryonewasnowlookingtohimastheyoncehadtoGraves.“Oncewe’resurenooneelseisbadlyhurt,wecanproceedtodecidingwhatwe’regoingtodowithAlex.”

“Howcomeyou’reactingasthoughyou’reincharge?”MasterNorth,whodidn’tseemtohavegottenthememo,demanded.

“I’vebeenaskedtojointheAssemblyandI’veagreed.Foralongtime,Iwantedtostaydistantfromthemageworld.It’snoteasytobebestknownforteachingoneofourgreatenemies.ButthistimeI’vesaidyes.”MasterRufuslookedgrave.“Nowcanwegetthesestudentstosafety?They’veriskedenoughforus.”

CalltriedtosaysomethingtoAaron,butMasterNorthwasalreadylevitatinghimintheair.TamarareachedoutherhandtoAaronaswell,buthewentbywithoutreacting.Call’sandTamara’seyesmet,thesamequestioninbothofthem.

WasAaroninthere—andifhewas,washeokay?

THETRIPBACKtotheMagisteriumwasablur.Callfoundhimselfhurriedintotheinfirmary,thenwrappedinblanketsbyMasterAmaranth.TamaraandJasperwereenfoldedintheirownblanketsbesidehim.ThenewscamethatAnastasiahadbeenpronounceddead,whichCallhadalreadyknown.Still,thewordsfeltstark.

Gwendacameinandhuggedthemall.ShebroughtRafeandKaiwithherandtheyhuggedJasperalotandhigh-fivedTamaraandCall.Theyreportedthattheschoolwascelebratingandeveryonewasactinglikethey’dneverbeensuspiciousofCallatall.SinceKaiandRafewerealsoactinglikethey

themselveshadneverbeensuspiciousofCall,hecouldbelieveit.Alastaircameintosaythathe,Greta,Lucas,andRavanweregettingoutof

theMagisteriumbeforetheywounduplockedupwithAlex.He’dhadMasterRufus’spromisethatsomekindofbettersystemfordealingwiththeDevouredwasgoingtobeworkedoutattheupcomingmeeting,butuntilthentheyweregoingtomakethemselvesscarce.

“I’llseeyouonceyou’vegraduated,”AlastairpromisedCall.“Don’tworryaboutme,either.Ineedtogetbackhomeandmakesurethehouseandallmythingsaredealtwithproperly.”

Theypausedawkwardlyforamoment.AlastairreacheddowntotouchCall’scheek.Itfeltlikeabrushofair.“I’msosorry,”Callblurted.“Becauseofme,thishappened.Becauseofme,you’reaDevouredofair,andyou’llneverfixupcarsagainorgotothemovies—”

“I’llgotothemovies,”Alastairsaidgently.“I’lldriftaroundintheback.Iwon’thavetopaytogetin!”

“YouknowwhatImean,”saidCall.“Listen,Call.AllmylifeIwishedI’dbeenabletodomore.Moretodefeat

theEnemyofDeath.MoretoavengeSarah.AndI’verealizednow,thatfeelingisgone,likeI’vefinallybeenabletoputittobed.I’vefinallybeenabletodoenough.”

“BydestroyingAlex?”Callsaid.“Byraisingyou,”saidAlastair.“You’reagoodperson,Call,andafighter.

Andaheckofamage.”Hiseyesshone.“Ican’ttellyouhowworthitit’sallbeen.”

Callfelthisheartlift.HealmostaskedAlastairwhentheyweregoingtoheadhometogether,butMasterAmaranthwasgivingthemasharplookfortalking.Alastairwinkedanddisappeared.

Callsighed.“MasterAmaranth?IwaswonderingifIcouldgorestinmyroom.I’mnotinpain,butIamreallytired.”

MasterAmaranthregardedhimsuspiciously.Heguessedthatshehadalotofkidseithertryingtogetinoroutofheroffice.Hersnake,coiledlikeastoleoverhershoulders,flashedbetweenskyblueandyellow.“Ifyoureallyfeelyoushould,Callum.Ifyoufeelatalldizzyorfaint,comebackimmediately.”

“CanIgowithhim?”Tamarasaid,standingupandshruggingoffherblanket.

MasterAmaranththrewupherhands.“Isupposeso.Afterall,whoamItodelaytheheroesoftheMagisteriumwithalittlethinglikemakingsurethey’rewell?”

Jasperhadlookedreadytoasktogo,too,untilGwendahadcomeintotheinfirmaryandhuggedallofthem.Then,allofasudden,he’dseemedtodevelopapaininhislegthatrequiredGwendatositbyhisbedandtellhimhowbravehe’dbeen.

Callescapedintothehall,Tamarabehindhim.“We’regoingtoseeAaron,right?”sheasked.Henodded.“Ifwecangetdownthere.Wedon’thavethekeyanymore.”“Warrenledusthereonce,”Tamarasaid,andproceededtocalltothelittle

lizard.“Waaaaarrrrrren,whereareyou?Thetimeisactuallyover.Wedidit.It’sover.Butweneedyourhelponelasttime.”

Atonguesnappeddownfromtheceiling,smackingTamarainthenoseandcausinghertorubitvigorously.“Gross!”sheyelled.“That’sdisgusting,Warren.”

Theelementallizardmadeawheezinghissthatmighthavebeenlaughter.Thenhecrawleddownfromtheceilingandwitheachmovement,hegotbigger.Thegemsonhisbackshonewithafierylightashegrewandgrewandgrew.Bythetimehewasdone,hewaslargerthanHavoc,withamouthfullofgemstoneteeth.

“Uh,”saidCall.“Whoa.Ididn’tknowyoucoulddothat.HowcomeIdidn’tknowyoucoulddothat?”

“Inyourpastisyourfuture,”Warrensaid.“Andinyourfuture,yourpast.”Callsighed,realizingtherewasnochancethatWarren,nomatterhissize,

wasgoingtogivehimanhonestanswer.“CanyoutakeusthesecretwaytowhereAar—ImeanAlexisbeingheld?”

“Anothersecret?Yes,Warrenwillkeepanothersecret.Warrenwilltakeyoutotheplace.ButyouwilloweWarrenandsomedayWarrenwillaskforsomething,too.”

“Ithoughtsavingtheworldwaswhatwedidinreturn,”saidTamaratartly.

Ignoringher,Warrensetoff.Itwasactuallyeasiertofollowthelargerversionofhim.Hestillwasabletoclimbalongtheceiling,whichmadeCallalittlenervous.Hewasafraidhewasgoingtogetdroppeddownon.

Theymadeitthroughthesecretentranceintotheelementalprisons,throughthechamberoffireandthenintothechamberofair,wherestrangewhooshingelementalswereenclosedincagesofclearcrystalthatremindedCallofhistimeinthePanopticon.

TheyspottedAaroneasily.Hewassittingonthefloorofasmallcell.MasterRufuswaspacinginfrontofit.“We’regoingtotheAssembly

meetinginafewminutes,”hesaid.“Butfirst,Iwantyoutotellmewhat’sgoingon.”

Aaronlookedatthewall.ItwasshockinghowmuchhelookedlikeAaronnowtoCall,andnotAlex.Asiftheshapeofhisfacehadsubtlychanged.Callknewhe’dneveranswerMasterRufus,notwhentheanswercouldgetCallandTamaraintrouble.

“Whatdoyoumean,what’sgoingon?”Callsaid.“YouheardwhatAnastasiasaid.Alexwasinherthrallbefore.Nowhe’sfree.”

Rufus’sexpressiveeyebrowsrose.“Andjustwhatareyoudoinghere?Aplaceyou’reabsolutelynotsupposedtobe.Iamsurethere’snomysterytothateither.”

“Uh,”Callsaid.WhenAaronwasn’tinhishead,itwasalothardertocomeupwiththekindofanswersthatteachersliked.

Rufusshookhishead.“Idon’tbelieveitanyway,”hesaidflatly.“Controllingsomeoneispowerfulmagic,thekindthatrequiresconstantsupervision.YetAnastasiaTarquinrarelyvisitedtheMagisterium.”

“ShewashereduringourBronzeYear,”saidTamara.“ThatwaswhenAlexstartedtogoevil.”

“Evenifhewerebeingcontrolled,”saidRufus,“evenifherdeathfreedhim,hewouldstillbeAlexStrike.ButHavocapproachedhimandtreatedhimasifhewereoneofyou.Someoneheknewandloved.”

Inthecage,Aaronshookhisheadveryslightly.CallwishedhecouldstillreadAaron’smindandknewwhathewastryingtocommunicate.

“WhenyousaidyouwantedtogiveAlexasecondchance,Iwonderedwhat

youknew,”saidRufus.“IknewyouwouldneverforgiveAlexforkillingAaron.Butyouwereinsistentthathelive.Andhereheis,seeminglyunharmed.AndseeminglynolongerAlex.”

Tamaraswallowed.“Whatdoyoumean?”shewhispered.“IthinkyouknowwhatImean,”saidRufus.“ButIwantyoutosayit.Let

memakeonethingclear:TheAssemblymeetingthatwilldeterminewhathappenstoAlexisabouttostart.Ifyoutellmenothing,IwillopposehisfreedomineverywayIcan.Ifyoutellmethetruthnow,Imayhelpyou.”

“Thosearen’tgreatterms,”saidCall.MasterRufuscrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“They’retheonlyterms

you’regoingtoget.”“Fine,”Callsaid,castingallcautiontothewinds.“That’snotAlex.That’s

Aaron.”Aaronlookedattheground.MasterRufusdidn’tseemsurprised.“Aaron

didn’tdieonthebattlefield.”“Hissoulwentintome,”saidCall.“Icarriedhiminmyhead.Butweknew

heneededabody.AndAlexkilledAaron!Hemurderedhim,fornoreason!ItwasonlyfairheshouldbetheonetogiveAaronbackabodyandalife.”

“Andyouknewaboutthis,Tamara?”saidRufus.TamaraslippedherhandintoCall’s.Eveninthetensionofthemoment,Call

noticedthewarmthofherfingers;hertouchgavehimconfidence,andhestoodalittlestraighter.“Iknewaboutallofit,”shesaid.“IagreedtoprotectCallandAaron.IfAaronhadn’ttakenoverAlex’sbody,AlexwouldhavekeptonfightinguntilCallwasdead—andhewouldhavehurtalotmorepeoplethanthat.YousawwhathedidtoGraves.Nowagoodpersonisalivebecauseofwhatwedid.”

“Dolingoutlifeanddeathasifyouweresmallgods,”MasterRufussaid.“WhatdidIteachyou?Whatisitaboutmymethodsthatencouragesmystudentstosuchheightsofarrogance?”ThelastpartcameoutalotlouderthanRufususuallyspoketothem,evenwhentheyweredisappointinghim.

Callwastakenaback,butitwasAaronwhospoke.“Itwasn’tyourfault.OrIguessifitisyourfault,thenit’sbecauseyoukeeppickingMakars.”

Rufusgavehimalonglook.“Goon,Mr.Stewart.”

Aaronsighed.“Chaosmagicisn’tlikeotherkinds.IbettherearelotsofkidsattheMagisteriumwho’veusedtheirmagicforallkindsofweirdstuff.Fakingpreciousgemsandsellingthem,enchantingmagicalthingstomakenon-magicpeoplehopononefootorwhatever,showingpeoplemovieswithfakedendings.That’swhattestingthelimitsofregularmagicgetsyou.Testingthelimitsofchaosmagicgetsyou…this.”

“Yousoundlikeyourself,Aaron,”Rufussaid.“IfIwasn’tsoangry,I’dbeamazed.”

“Wedon’twantmoretrouble,”Callsaid.“Ididn’twantanyofthistrouble.Ididn’tevenwanttocometomageschool,ifyouremember.”

Rufuslookedlikehewasabouttoobject,butCallcuthimoff.“Iwasn’trightaboutthat—butwhatI’mtryingtosayisthatwe’renotgoingtoplaywithlifeanddeathanymore,oranythinglikethat.We’regoingtotheCollegiumandwe’regoingtokeepourheadsdown.”

“Verywell,”saidMasterRufus.“Iwillthinkaboutwhatyou’vesaidandIwillmakemydecisionattheAssemblymeeting.”HewavedahandandthesheerwallkeepingAaronlockedawaycamedown.“Evenifyoucan’ttellthewholetruth,”headvisedAaron,“speakfromtheheart.”

TamarawentoverandhuggedAarontightly.“I’msogladyou’reback,”shesaid,andCallfeltatremoroffamiliarjealousy.Hepusheditaway,justgladtohavehisfriendbackintheworld.

AaronwalkedovertoCallandhuggedhimjustastightlyasheandTamarahadembraced.“Thankyou,”Aaronsaid,hisvoicesoft.“Foreverything.Formylife.You’remycounterweight,mybalance.Youalwayswillbe.”

“Comealong,”saidMasterRufus,guidingAarontowalkinfrontofhim.WithawaveofRufus’swrists,Aaronwaswearingrestraints.“Beforewe’relatefortheAssemblymeeting.”

CallandTamarafollowedMasterRufusoutofthehallsofelementalsandthroughafewechoingchambers,untiltheycametothesamelargeroomtheAssemblyhadusedbefore.TherewasthesametableandthistimeAaronwasplacedinthecenter,sothathestoodthere,witheveryonestaringathim.Callrememberedwhatthathadfeltlike.

“AlexStrike,”Mrs.Rajavibegan,andCallcouldheartheangerinhervoice.

“Youhavemurderedoneofourmembersinfrontofus.Youareresponsibleformanymoredeathsandmuchdisruption.YetyouclaimyouwereundertheinfluenceofAnastasiaTarquin.Doyouhaveanyproofofthat?”

“Sheconfessedit,”saidAaron.“EverythingIdidwasunderherinfluence.”“Doyourememberbeingcontrolled?”demandedMasterNorth.Hewas

sittingintheplaceGraveshadoncesat.“Doyourememberwhatyoudid?”Aaronshookhishead.“Idon’thaveanymemoryofbeingaDevouredof

chaos,”hesaid—which,Callfigured,wasthetruth.“OrofbetrayingtheMagisterium.I’mloyaltotheMagisterium,andIhateMasterJoseph.”Hespokewithavenomthatwouldhavebeenhardtofake.

“Youunderstanditisn’teasytobelieveyou,”saidMasterMilagros,buthervoicewasgentler.“WeallsawyouburnthewoodsaroundtheMagisterium.WesawyoutorturechildrenandmurderMasterRockmaple.”

“ThatwasAnastasia,”Aaronsaid.Helookedmorenervousnow,probablybecauseheactuallywaslying,whichalwaysmadehimuncomfortable.Ithadn’tbeenAnastasia,ithadbeenAlex.

They’rebothdead,now,Callthoughtathimashardashecould.Foronce,hemissedthetimehe’dbeenabletospeaktoAaronsilently.You’renothurtingthem.Itdoesn’tmatterwhatanyonethinksaboutthem,itjustmattersifyou’reokay.

“Whydidshedoallofthat?”saidMasterRufus.Hisexpressionwasimpossibletoread.“Whyuseyoutotrytobringdowntheschool,theAssembly?”

“Sheblamedandhatedallmagesforthedeathofhersons,”saidAaron.“IthoughtatfirstIwouldbelikeanewsontoher,butIwasjustsomethingforhertouse.She’dlearnedalittlefromConstantine’sbooks.Shewasabletoholdasmallpieceofmysoul,tocontrolit,liketheOrderofDisordercontrolstheanimalsinthewoods.WheneveryonefoundoutaboutAaron,that’swhensheacted.ShetookcontrolofmeandmadememurderhimandtakehisMakarpowers.Idon’trememberanythingafterthat.”

TamarabumpedCall’sshoulderwithherown.“Thatwasprettygood,”shewhispered.Prettygoodlying,shemeant.

Murmurswentaroundtheroom.“Shedidconfess,”Callheardsomeonesay,

and“Butwhatifhe’snottellingthetruth?Whatiftheywereinonittogether?”saidsomeoneelse.

“Ithinkitistimetoputthistoavote,”saidMasterNorth.“AllinfavorofacceptingAlexStrike’sstoryastrueandallowinghimbackattheMagisterium,raiseyourhands.”

CallknewheandTamaraweren’tallowedtovote.Tamarawasstaringatherparentswithmuteappeal:afteralongmoment,bothraisedtheirhands.ItseemedtoCallthatalotofpeoplehadraisedtheirhands—but,hesawtohishorror,MasterRufus’shandwasdown.AaronstaredathisMaster,palewithshock.

“Allright,”saidMasterNorth,makinganote.“Now,everyoneinfavorofsendingAlexStriketothePanopticon,raisetheirhands.”

Justasmanyhandswentup,nowMasterMilagros’samongthem.ButMasterRufusstillkepthishandsflatonthetable.

“Rufus?”saidNorth,pausingwithpeninhand.“Iabstain,”Rufussaidinavoiceasdryasgravel.MasterNorthshrugged.“Thenit’satie,”hesaid.“Rufus,you’regoingto

havetovote.Weneedatiebreaker.”“Hehasto,”Tamarawhispered.“Hehastovotefor—forhim.”ShelookedatAaron.Callwasbarelyabletokeephisseat.Hisfingernails

werediggingintohispalmssohardithurt.MasterRufusrosetohisfeet.“Thereisonethingthatcandeterminethe

truthhere,”hesaid.“Ratherthanavotecastonintuitionalone,IwouldliketoseeAlexanderStrikeandCallumHuntpassthroughtheFifthGate.”

Theroomexploded.MasterRufusremainedexpressionlessthroughitall,likearockinachurningstream.

“Callismyapprentice,”saidRufus.“Alexwasmyassistant.Icantellyoutheyarebothready.TheFifthGate,theGateofGold,isaboutdoinggoodworksintheworld,aboutgenuinelyintendingtodogood.Ifthegateopensforthemandallowsthemthrough,thentheyhavelearnedthatlesson.NotethatConstantineneverwalkedthroughthatgate;helefttheschoolbeforehecouldbeaskedtodoso.IfAlexcanwalkthroughtheGateofGold,thenIbelieveweshouldacceptthatwhateverhe’sbeenforcedtodobycircumstance,hehasa

pureheart.”Themagesquieteddown,listeningtoRufusspeak.Whenhewasdone,there

wasalongsilence.“Verywell,”saidMasterNorthfinally.“Iwouldverymuchliketoseethese

twotestedbythegate.Inalchemy,goldisconsideredtobethepurestofmetals.TheGateofGoldwilltestthepurityofyourhearts.Fail,children,andbelockedawayforever.Therewillbenomorechances.Gobacktoyourrooms,donyouruniforms,andprepareyourselves.”

“Ifthey’rewalkingthroughthegate,”Tamarasaid,“Iamwalkingwiththem.”

“Andifyoufail,youwillsharetheirfate?”askedMasterNorth.MasterRufusdidnotlookpleased.

“No,”saidMrs.Rajavi,standing.“Ofcourseshewon’t.NoonedoubtsthatTamarahasbeenactingonthebehalfoftheMagisteriumandthemageworld.Herfateisnotinquestion.”

Mr.Rajavistoodwithhiswife.“Leaveourdaughteroutofthis.”“IbrokeCalloutofprison.IbelieveinAlex,”Tamaratoldthemages.

“Enoughtosharetheirfate.Iamwalkingthroughthegatewiththem.Andifthegaterejectsme,thenIdon’tdeserveanythingdifferentfromwhattheyget.”

“Tamara—”Callstarted.Hebelievedshe’dmakeitthroughthegate,buthedidn’tlikeeventhespecterofherandthePanopticonanywhereclosetogether.

“Verywell,”saidMasterNorth,cuttingCalloff.“Youthreegoandprepare.IwillseeyouintheHallofGraduates.”

Call’swholebodywastremblingwithhalf-releasedtensionashemadehiswaybacktotheirroomsintheMagisterium.Tamaraheldhishand.Aaronwasheavingshakybreaths,likehewasfightingdownapanicattack.

“Ithinkwedidit,”Callsaidfinally,astheywalkedintotheirrooms.“Allwehavetodoiswalkthroughthefinalgate.We’llhavecompletedtheMagisteriumandavoidedprison.”

Aaronnoddedslowly,lettingoutalongsighandsittingdownonthesofa.“Let’sjusthopethisGateofGoldletsusthrough.Andthankyou,bothofyou,forbringingmebacktolife.That’salittleawkwardtosay,butitwasalotmoreawkwardtopulloff.”

Tamarahithimontheshoulder.“Welcomeback,”shesaid,andhefoldedherintoahug.BothofthemsmiledandCallwasgrinning,too.

“Howdoesitfeel?”Callasked.“Tobeallthewayback.”AaronturnedtohimandeventhoughitwasAlex’sface,itwaseasytosee

Aaron’sspiritshiningthrough.“Youmeannotrattlingaroundinyournoggin?Itfeelsalittleweird,likethisbodyisasuitthatdoesn’tquitefityet.Butit’sniceandquiet.Livinginyourheadwaslikelivinginsomekindofmaelstromofself-recrimination,stubbornness,andridiculousideas.”HeturnedtoTamara.“Seriously.Youshouldseetheoneshedoesn’tsayoutloud.HewastoyingwithonewayofbeatingAlexthatinvolvedchewinggum,paperclips,and—”

“Okay,”Callsaid,interruptingashesteeredAarontowardJasper’sroom,wherehehopedtherewouldbeanextrauniform.“Webettergogetready.Can’tkeepthemageswaiting!”

HeandTamarabothheadedtotheirownroomstochange.HavocwasasleeponCall’sbed,pawsintheair.Callfeltapang—whowouldtakecareofHavocifhedidn’tmakeitthroughthefinalgate?Herubbedhishandoverhiswolf’shead,tryingnottothinkaboutanythingelse,andwenttohiswardrobe.

AcleandeepredGoldYearuniformhungthere.Call’spreviousclotheshadbeendestroyed,coveredinmudandblood.Atsomepointtheiractualgraduationshadstartedtobecomeveryblurred.Thiswasn’tthefirstgatethey’dwalkedthroughatadifferenttimefromtherestoftheirclassmates.Itwould,however,bethelast.

HechangedandwenttogetMiri,lyingonhisnighttable.Hestrappedhertohisbelt.Hewasready.

Exceptnotquite.TherewasaknockonthedoorandTamaraslippedintohisroom.SheworeherGoldYearuniform,too,hercheeksflushed,herhaircoiledupinabraidatthebackofherhead.Callthoughtshelookedbeautiful,andwasrelievedthatforoncetherewasnooneinhisheadtomakefunofhim.HecouldjustlookatTamaraandthinkabouthowmuchhelikedher,andevenifsomedayshedidn’tlikehimback,evenifthatsomedaywasnow,aslongasshewasalwayshisfriend,itwouldbeokay.

“IcamebecausetherewassomethingIwantedtotellyou,”shesaid.“SomethingIcouldn’ttellyoubefore.”

Callwasinstantlyalarmed.“What?”“This,”shesaid,steppingintohisarmsandkissinghim.ForasecondCallwasworriedhemightbetooshockedtomove,butthat

turnedoutnottobeaconcern.HeflunghisarmsaroundTamaraandkissedherback,anditfeltlikeflying.Shewrappedherarmsaroundhisneckandheheldherevencloser,andthekisswasincrediblysoftandsweetandatthesametimelikehavingstarsandcometsexplodeinhisbrain.

Shedrewbackjustalittle,andthereweretearsinhereyes.“There,”shesaid.“Icouldn’tdothatwhileAaronwasinyourhead.”

“Youmeanit?”hesaid.“Like,youmeanthat—thatyoulikeme?BecauseIloveyou,Tamara,andIwanttobeyourboyfriend.”

Somuchforitbeingokayifshewasjusthisfriend,Callthought.Hemusthavebeentemporarilyinsane.Hestaredatheranxiouslyashereyesnarrowed—ohGod,shewasgoingtosayno.Shewasgoingtosayshe’donlykissedhimforclosure,orbecauseshefeltsorryforhim,orbecausesheassumedhewasgoingtodieshortly.

“Iloveyou,too,”shesaid.“AndIreallyhatetheideaofanyoneelsebeingyourgirlfriend,soIguessithadbetterbeme.”

Thistime,Callwastheonewhokissedher,andshewentuponhertoestokisshimback.TheywerestillkissingwhenHavocstartedbarking,andwhentheydrewapart,giggling,HavocwasscratchingatCall’sbedroomdoor.

“Ugh,thatmeanssomeone’shere,”Tamarasaid,drawingawayfromCallreluctantly.“Iguesswe’dbettergoseeifit’sMasterRufus.”

Theywentoutintothelivingroom,holdinghands.Butitwasn’tMasterRufus—itwasGwendaandJasper.Jasperlookedattheirlinkedhandsandraisedhiseyebrows.“Coulditbelove’syoungdream?”heinquired.

“Shutup,Jasper.”Gwendahithimlightlyontheshoulder.“Yeah,”Callechoednonsensically.Hecouldmakefunofthemforkissing,

too,butatthatmoment,hedidn’tfeellikemakingfunofanyone.Hewasbothtoohappyandtooscared,astrangecombination.

“We’resupposedtotakeyoutothelastgate,”Jaspersaid.“Therestofthemagesarewaiting.It’ssonotfairthatyougettograduateearlyandIdon’t.That’sdefinitelygoingtomaketheCollegiummorelikelytogiveyouagood

spot.”Hesighed.“But—atleastmydad’sgoingtobeokay.”Callnodded.Hecouldn’tbringhimselftofeelbadthatJasper’sdadwas

goingtostayinprisonforhelpingMasterJoseph,buthewasgladforJasper’ssakethatnothingelsewouldhappentohim.“TheCollegiumismorelikelytobarusfromit,”hesaid,tryingtopepJasperup.“Incasewehappentoaccidentallyburnittotheground.”

“Yeah,”saidTamara.“Andthechoiceswere‘graduateearly’or‘gotoprison,donotpassgo,donotcollectamilliondollars.’”

Rightthen,AaronsteppedoutofJasper’sroom.Everyonefroze.Hewaswearingauniformthatactuallyfithim,soCallguesseditwasn’toneofJasper’s.

Aaron’ssmilewashopefulandfullofnervousness.“Iwasn’t…myself.Before.ButIamnow.Ihopeyoucanforgiveme.”

“You’reactuallyonTeamGoodnow?”Jasperasked.Aaronnodded.Jaspergavehimalong,steadylook.“Huh.”“Comeon,”saidGwenda.“Let’sfindoutifhe’sontheup-and-up.”Together,theytroopedthroughthecavernsoftheMagisterium,passinga

roomwithlongstalagmitesandsteamingmudheatingtheair.TheyduckedthroughanotherdoorwayandintotheHallofGraduates.AnarchwayCallhadneverseenbeforewasshimmeringwithgoldenlight.ThecarvedwordsPrimaMateriaglowedonthewallaboveasthoughilluminatedfromwithintheirgrooves.

Asmallercrowdhadgatheredtowitnessthis.MasterRufusandMasterMilagros,MasterNorthandtheRajavis.GwendaandJaspermurmuredlastwordsofluckandgoodwishestoCallandTamarabeforecrossingtheroomtostandwiththeteachersandAssemblymembers.

MasterRufuswaswearingatightsmile,whichrelaxedastheycamein.“Tamara,Alex,Call.YouarereadytopassthroughthefinalgateoftheMagisterium,theGateofBalance.Previously,yourstudiesallowedyoutowalkthroughcontrol,affinity,creation,andtransformation.Longago,youpassedthroughtheFirstGate,theGateofControl,andbecameamageinyourownright.Now,onceyoupassthroughtheGateofBalance,youwillbenotonlyamagebutalsoamemberingoodstandingofthemageworld.Passingthrough

thegatedemandsthatyouareabletoputasideyourowndesiresandemotionsforthegoodofothers.Ifyoucanseethegate,thenyou’rereadytobetested.TamaraRajavi,youfirst.”

Shesteppedforward,shouldersback,andwalkeduptothegate.Asshehadwiththeveryfirstgateshesteppedthrough,sheputupherhandtotouchit.Thenshedisappearedfromview.

“Nowyou,AlexStrike.”“Okay,”Aaronsaid,lookingnervous.Hewipedhishandsagainsthispants.

Steppinguptothegate,hetookadeepbreath,thenwalkedthrough,disappearingaswell.

Callcouldn’tseeeitherofthem.Hecouldn’tseeifthey’dmadeittotheotherside.AllhecouldseewasMasterRufus’simplacableexpressionandtheeyesoftheothermages,waitingforhimtobejudged.

“CallumHunt,”saidMasterRufus.“Yourturn.”Callswallowedandmovedtowardthegate.“Wait!”avoicecalled.“Stop!”Callwhirledaround.Tohissurprise,therewasAlastair.Helookedmuchas

healwayshad,exceptalittleblurryaroundtheedges,andhewasnolongerwearinghisglasses.HeglancedoveratMasterRufus,andCallrealizedhisteachermusthavesummonedhisdadtotheceremony.

“Weneedtodothisnow,”calledMasterNorth.Alastairdisappeared,andreappearedagainonlyafootfromCall.Call

steppedtowardhisfather,andtheyhuggedquickly.Alastairwasactuallystartingtofeelsubstantial—Callcouldalmostfeelthetextureofhisjacket.“IwentthroughtheGateofBalance,once,”Alastairmurmured.“Youcan,too.You’remyson.”

“Iknow.”AgreatcalmhadcomeoverCall.Heletgoofhisdad.SomewheresomeonewasmutteringabouthavingDevouredsintheHallofGraduates,butnobodywasactuallymovingtodoanythingaboutit.

AlothadchangedattheMagisterium,Callthought,takinghisfinalsteptowardtheGateofBalance.Therewascheeringbehindhim:Alastair,Gwenda,Jasper,eventheRajavis.

Hewasn’tgoingthroughalone.Hehadsupportathisback,andhistwobest

friendsontheotherside.Hetookadeepbreathandsteppedthrough.Itwastheeyeofatornado.Imagesfromhislifeflashedallaroundhim—a

caveofice,hisoldskateboard,thekitchenatAlastair’s,theRefectoryfullofstudents,MasterRufuslecturing,AaronandTamaralaughing,HavocasapuppyzippedintoCall’scoat.Loveforallthosethingsroseupinhim,expandedinhischest.

Hesawthegoldentowerfall,Alexonhisdragon,DrewdanglingAaronoverthechaosmonster,Anastasiadying,MasterJosephwatchinghim.Buthedidn’tfeelanger.Hehadbestedthosethings,thosepeople.Hehadwon.Thebetterpartofhimhadwon,andtherewerenomemoriescirclinghimthatweren’thisown.TherewerenomemoriesofConstantineMadden’s,nomemoriesthatbelongedtoMaugris.Onlymemoriesthatbelongedtohim.

Heknewnowwhohereallywas.HewasCallumHunt.Thetornadowhirledaway,andthecalmthatcameafteritwasalmost

deafening.HewasstandingontheothersideofthegatewithAaronandTamara;bothofthemweregrinningathim.They’dbothmadeit.Forthemoment,thecrowdcouldn’tseethem—thoughCallcouldseethemagesinthedistance,gazinganxiouslytowardthegate.Inamomentthewallofillusionwouldfall,butforthismomenttheyweretogether,unseen.

“Wedidit,”saidTamara.ShegrabbedAaron’shandinoneofhers,andCall’sintheother.“Wemadeit,together.”

CallandAaronlinkedtheirhands,too.“Andwe’vegottopromisenottobeliketheotherchaosusers,”Aaronsaid

toCall,grippinghishandtightly.“NotlikeMaugris.Whenwe’reoldandit’stimeforustodie,we’regoingtogo.We’renevergoingtodoanythinglikethiseveragain.”

Callnodded.“Nohoppingbodies.”“Nohoppingbodies,”Tamarasaid.“Youwatcheachother.AndI’llwatch

bothofyou.Andifoneofyoubreaksthepact,it’suptotheotheroneofyoutostopit—alongwithme.Understood?”

Aaronsmiledandtherewassomethinginhisgaze,somethingoddinthose

eyesthathadn’talwaysbelongedtohim.“Ipromise,”hesaid.“Idefinitelypromise.SolongasIlive,Iwillnever,everstealanotherbodyagain.”

CalllookedsteadilyintoAaron’seyes.“Ipromise,too,”hesaid.“Fromnowon,weplaybytherules.”HesmiledatAaron,pushingdownhisflickerofdoubt.Hewasagoodpersonnow.Theywerebothgoodpeoplenow.

Theyjusthadtostaythatway.

HollyBlackandCassandraClarefirstmetovertenyearsagoatHolly’sfirst-everbooksigning.Theyhavesincebecomegoodfriends,bondingover(amongotherthings)theirsharedloveoffantasy—fromthesweepingvistasofTheLordoftheRingstothegrittytalesofBatmaninGothamCitytotheclassicsword-and-sorceryepicstoStarWars.WithMagisterium,theydecidedtoteamuptowritetheirownstoryaboutheroesandvillains,goodandevil,andbeingchosenforgreatness,whetheryoulikeitornot.

Hollyisthebestsellingauthorandco-creatorofTheSpiderwickChroniclesseriesandwonaNewberyHonorforhernovelDollBones.CassieistheauthorofbestsellingYAseries,includingTheMortalInstruments,TheInfernalDevices,andTheDarkArtifices.TheybothliveinWesternMassachusetts,abouttenminutesawayfromeachother.ThisisthefifthbookinMagisterium,followingTheIronTrial,TheCopperGauntlet,TheBronzeKey,andTheSilverMask.

Textcopyright©2018byHollyBlackandCassandraClareLLCIllustrationscopyright©2018byScottFischer

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