No shit.


    I could have told him that; in so many ways, wolf packs are far behind their human counterparts. Even the humans have run little news clips on these things. Especially the rates of sexual assault on women, or wolf-on-wolf violence.


    "How do you know this?" Vanessa asks suspiciously. "You said communication has been disrupted."


    "Not all communication. Only those relying on human technology."


    "Then shouldn''t you know more about what''s happening in the world?" I frown at the inconsistency.


    "If I had people to communicate with, I would know. I don''t, so I am as lost as you are, witchling. Here. A map." Acarus tosses a rolled up paper to Marcus.


    For some reason, I expected something old and antique, with yellowed paper and jagged edges.


    This is more like a smooth poster banner, neatly rolled up. A modern map.


    Of course it is. Why would I think otherwise?


    Distracted by thoughts of Lisa, I tune them out as they discuss routes and nearby cities. Ever since I decided to become a proper Luna, I''ve avoided thinking about her, leaving me with an icky feeling that I''m a terrible friend.


    It''s like no matter what, every decision feels wrong.


    But every time I go down that road, I''m told I''m wallowing.


    There''s a huge part of me that still thinks I should have gone my own way and saved Lisa. Of course there is. Who wouldn''t want to tell the world to fuck off and save their best friend?


    But her safety came out of luck; not from the effort I put into it. Not even from the efforts of Lucas'' pack.


    It adds to that guilt rolling around in my soul.


    Thinking about Lisa and the time after her kidnapping has my mind wandering down the dark days of not knowing anything, until Sister Miriam—


    "Wait a second. Acarus, maybe you can answer this question."


    "Yes?" He pauses mid-sentence to look toward me. "What is it?"


    "Is your mother able to stop time?"


    He stares.


    One second.


    Two.


    Marcus and Vanessa look confused.


    Her words catch me off guard, and I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks. "What do you mean?"


    She gives me a knowing look. "The partial bond you have now is a handicap, Ava. If you were fully mated, your connection would be stronger. You''d be able to sense each other more clearly, communicate better. In times like these, that could make all the difference. And with how strong you both are?


    Who knows. That level of communication might be the edge we need in battle."


    We''ve been taking it slow—mostly because of me. I wanted to be accepted by his pack, to prove myself as Luna.


    But with everything that''s happened, Vanessa has a point.


    "You really think we should? Even in this situation?"


    Vanessa nods. "I do. It''s not just about the physical aspect, Ava. A completed mate bond strengthens both partners. You''d be able to draw on each other''s strength, share energy. And in a crisis like this, that could be crucial."


    A little shiver of excitement runs through me at her words.


    Maybe it''s a silly thing to be thinking about when the freaking apocalypse has descended on the world, but—being truly, completely mated to Lucas?


    My heart sings. My bond sings.


    I can feel it thumping away in my chest, excited at the possibility.


    "You''re right," I say, surprised by the certainty in my voice. "We should."


    Vanessa smiles, reaching back to squeeze my hand. "I''m happy for you, Ava. You and Lucas deserve that happiness, especially now. Even in war, you have to look for the things that bring you joy."


    I turn my gaze to the window, taking in the vast expanse of stars scattered across the night sky, to the nearly-full moon.


    Closing my eyes, I offer up a silent prayer to the Moon Goddess. I''ve never been particularly religious, but right now, I''ll take any help I can get.


    Please, I think, let everything be okay. At least for a little while. Lucas and Lisa need to be healthy and safe. And everyone else, too.


    The tug in my chest seems to pulse in response to my prayer. I focus on that feeling, imagining it as a glowing thread connecting Lucas to me across the miles.


    We''ve been apart for too long.


    So much has happened, so much has changed. The world seems to be falling apart around us, with supernatural creatures rebelling. And zombies. How the fuck do we add zombies into this mix? It''s insanity.


    And magic, of course. There''s always the—


    "Magic," I blurt out, slapping my cheeks as my brain finally remembers an important piece of information. "The book Mrs. Elkins gave me. Shit. Magister Orion told me to get it, to keep it safe."


    "Isn''t that at Blackwood? We can''t go there, Ava. It''s under Renard''s control."


    Vanessa turns in her seat as she talks, her tone urgent and pressured, as though worrying that''s exactly what I''m going to do.