16
“They’re here,” Eric said, his voice wispy and terrified.
“Thaden.” My chest iced up, like the magic in the air had imbued the very name with danger.
“The Ladies of the Consortium.” Eric glared up at Devon. “You spoke to them. You told them about the phone.”
“I lost them on the subway!” Devon shook his head, backing up into the corner.
“And you thought the Ladies wouldn’t sniff you out?” Eric whispered as the mist around my feet stretched and thickened into billowing clouds.
“Guys, take my mom and Mrs. Mops and run!” I slid open the window that led to our ancient fire escape. I had never even been tempted to play on the rusted steps, but now they seemed safer than the mist that had crawled up to my knees.
“I’m not leaving you, Bryant.” Mom took my shoulder.
“Neither are we,” Eli
