The candle wick flickers to blazing life. Marcus and Liam''s hands are heavy on my shoulders, grounding me as Adam and Vanessa complete the chain. Selene''s fur brushes my leg, a silent reminder of her presence.


    I focus on Sister Miriam, on my desperate need to understand... everything.


    My powers. The city. These phone calls. Steve. The Fae. The Moon Goddess.


    Lisa. And that damned Mad Prince.


    The flame flickers, casting eerie shadows across the faces of those gathered around me. I close my eyes, picturing Sister Miriam''s enigmatic smile, her ruby eyes glittering with secrets.


    Sister Miriam, I need you.


    I hold my breath, waiting for the rush of magic, the dizzying sensation of being transported across space and time.


    But nothing happens.


    I open my eyes, blinking in confusion. We''re still in my room, surrounded by the trappings of my everyday life. Kellan and Jericho exchange a glance, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.


    "When''s it supposed to happen?" Kellan asks, his brow furrowing.


    A sinking feeling takes hold of my gut. "I don''t know. It worked before."


    Staring at the candle, I whisper Sister Miriam''s name, each syllable a desperate plea. "Sister Miriam. Sister Miriam, please."


    The silence stretches, broken only by my harsh breathing. Selene presses closer to my leg.


    I''m about to try again when my phone rings, the sudden sound making us all jump. I fumble for it, my hands shaking as I see the unknown number on the screen.


    "Hello?" My voice cracks, betraying my nerves.


    "Are you an idiot?" a robotic voice demands. "Trying to access your power now could kill everyone around you!"


    Jericho and Kellan stare intently at the phone, and I put it on speaker.


    "Who is this?"


    The robotic voice sighs, the sound harsh and grating through the phone''s speaker. "You''re taking too long."


    I glance around at the others, searching their faces for any hint of understanding. Kellan and Jericho exchange a bewildered look, while Marcus and Liam simply shake their heads.


    "Who are you?" I demand, my grip tightening on the phone. "Tell me."


    "I''m trying to help you," the voice snaps, frustration evident despite the robotic distortion. There''s an edge to their words, something that doesn''t translate through whatever filter they''re using.


    I swallow hard, my heart hammering against my ribs. "I did, but I thought it didn''t work."


    "Because you didn''t come to my home?" She laughs, but it sounds oddly affectionate. "Oh, Ava. You have so much to learn."


    Kellan shifts, his shoulders tense. "Who are you?"


    Sister Miriam''s gaze flicks to him, her eyes glittering. "I am many things, wolf. But to you, I am an ally. For now."


    "For now?" Jericho growls, his hand twitching toward the gun at his hip.


    "Peace," I say, stepping forward to touch the back of his shoulder. "She''s here to help." They''re both on edge after that phone call, and so am I.


    Sister Miriam inclines her head. "Indeed. Though I must say, your choice of companions is... interesting."


    I take a deep breath, forcing myself to meet her gaze. "Sister Miriam, this is Kellan, Jericho, Marcus, Liam, Adam, and Vanessa. They''re friends. Pack."


    Something flickers in her eyes, gone too fast to name. "I see."


    "How did you get in here?" Kellan demands, his voice rough. "We have wards, guards..."


    Sister Miriam waves a hand, dismissive. "Your wards are child''s play, wolf. You should know this by now. As for your guards? They never had a chance to spot me."


    I shoulder my way forward, putting myself between her and the others. "You said you were here to help?"


    She takes another drag from her cigarette, the smoke wreathing her face. "In a manner of speaking. You''ve gotten yourself into quite the predicament, haven''t you, child?"


    The condescension in her tone has me bristling. "I didn''t exactly plan for any of this." But I realize how childish my response is as soon as the words come out of my mouth.


    Of course I didn''t plan for any of this. That doesn''t change the fact that it''s happening. It doesn''t absolve me of the responsibility. A hard lesson, learned from the loss of too many lives.


    "No, I don''t suppose you did." She sighs, the sound ancient and weary. "But here we are."


    "Can you help us find Lisa?" Kellan asks, his voice tight.


    Sister Miriam''s gaze slides to him, considering. "We already know where she is. I suspect you''re asking me to help you save her, but that''s not why I''m here."


    "Then why are you here?" I ask, my hands clenching into fists at my sides.


    She smiles, slow and dangerous. "To teach you, of course. You''ve finally awakened your power, Ava. But you have no idea how to control it."


    I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly dry. "I don''t..."


    "Don''t what? Want to learn?" She laughs, the sound harsh and grating. "You don''t have a choice, child. Your power will consume you if you don''t learn to master it."