CASE ROSE ON shaking legs, the vision of the scarab swarm fading from her mind but not her memory.
“Bugs?” Rani squeaked, looking behind them.
“Isobel,” Case said, “get your Sisters through the portal. Now.”
“No,” Isobel said. “I will not abandon you. I will stay and fight these monsters.”
“There are too many. We have to run. You’ve found your sisters. Now get them home. Only you can do that.”
Biting her lip, Isobel looked to her blinded companions, then nodded. She pulled Case into a short, strong embrace. “You are my Sister now, too,” she whispered. “Goodbye. I fear we will never meet again.” Turning, she spoke quickly to her Sisters, then led them to the portal. One by one, the Sisters began to step through, Isobel guiding them.
“What about Fader?” Will said. “If he’s awake—”
“Ye
