We flew for a few minutes in relative silence. Jester got regular updates from the three agents that Madam Josefa had ordered to accompany us every minute or so. One flew ahead, while the other two were behind us, eliminating as many Anomalies as they could to clear our way. I gave them a heads-up whenever I sensed Anomalies that were too close or moved too fast for my peace of mind. They found that really impressive, and one of them—a guy they called Kaye, a talkative, friendly type—jokingly said that if he could trade Gifts with me (he can apparently make his hair glow in the dark), it would be his ticket to Anom

“Is it me,” one of the Agents asked, landing neatly on the back of his wyvern after executing a somersault move with a sword that beheaded three Anomalies at once, “or are the Anomalies getting more and more aggressive?”“It’s my fault,” I said apologetically. “They really want to eat me.”The tower was within sight—a tall pilar of stone with a black glass top that reflected the fiery

“Put both palms on the indicated spaces, dear,” Grandpa Alamo instructed. The spell-circle changed form again for the third time, becoming wider and more complex. It also adjusted itself so that I could remain standing with my back straight and put my palms down in a more relaxed posture. I supposed Grandpa Alamo was trying to make me as comfortable as possible. I took a deep breath. “I’m ready.” I hope.“A

I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Not that I could see anything, since the lights were off, and my windows are tinted. It was soundproofed, too, so even though it was two in the morning and in a city like Hong Kong no one ever sleeps (they used to only say that about New York, but all human cities are like that nowadays), I was spared the noises outside. In such a dark and quiet environment, I should be asleep.But how could I sleep after what happened with Jester?

“What in the worlds are you talking about?” I asked, absolutely stupefied.Jester smirked, as if I were delivering the punchline of a joke that he’s heard before. “I don’t have the patience for these kind of games, Miss Vega. Just tell me the truth.”“I am telling you the truth,” I said, slowly enunciating the words. Maybe that would help. “I don’t understand you.”Disappointment and frustration showed on his face as Jester scowled. “I really didn’t want to do this.” He leaned closer, and I froze as I realized something. Just a slight movement from me and I could touch him. He was so close that I’m sure if he drops his head down just a little bit more—and I tilt my face up at just the right angle, our lips would—“When I said that you shouldn’t get involved with me, I meant it you know,” Jester said as he placed his hands on my shoulders