So when I asked what they could see, I was flooded with information. There was a beat-up truck and a handful of other vehicles pulled up around the barn. They couldn’t see very well into the barn itself—the thin glass was old and dirty, the windows closed. After a good look at one of the windows, I was able to explain to them how to open it. The pigeons were thrilled to discover this new trick and to try their hand at a little breaking and entering.

Glad someone was having a good time. I felt like any second now my heart was going to crawl out of my chest.

I passed on everything the pigeons had told me to our group.

“Vanessa, can you get an accurate head count from the ferrets?” Mama Ami asked, her expression solemn. “We don’t want Lou to keep contacting Declan. Eva will be paying attention to him, but so far she hasn’t scanned the barn for other creatures.” Mama Ami shook her head, disgusted. “Careless, if you ask me.”

Van’s eyes took on a distant cast as she did as she’d been asked. “About twenty shapeshifters in human form, plus Angus. The ferrets don’t have very nice things to say about him. I’m trying to convince them to not bite his delicate bits.” Van wrinkled her nose. “Kodo also says there’s some kind of nasty spell attached to the fire pit, but it’s not one he’s seen before.”

“Avoid the fire pit,” Will said. “Got it.”

Vanessa leaned forward in her seat, like she was trying to peer at something far away. “Eva’s lighting the fire pit. They’re starting some kind of ritual.” She tilted her head, like she was listening to a far-off voice. “Angus’s pack is clearing a spot for him to fight Declan.” She paused. “There’s a human, too—a woman. Kodo says she’s banged up, but seems okay otherwise. She’s clinging to a wolf.”

“Sid and Zoey.” I’d gotten that much from Declan.

“Will they be on our side?” Trick asked. “Or has Eva done something to Declan’s sister?”

“I’ll peek.” Mama Ami closed her eyes, her hands folded neatly in her lap. Her magic brushed past me, uninterested, subtle like the faintest puff of air against my skin and then gone.

“Right,” Bay said. “While my mom does her thing, it’s time for me to get to work.” He pulled a Sharpie out of his pocket. “It won’t be as good as an actual tattoo, but it will help.” He started drawing on Trick’s face, his movements quick, his lines sharp.

“If you draw a dick, I’m going to be pissed,” Trick said, trying to not move his lips.

Bay snorted. “Please. This is serious. We’re being serious. But if you don’t stop moving, I’ll draw a dick on you later.”

“I recognize that sigil,” Will said helpfully. “It will help you focus and boost your power. So stop wiggling so he can get it right.”

I carefully checked my end of the bond, relieved that it was still strong. I suspected Eva would wait until severing it would hurt Declan most—probably mid-dominance fight. She seemed like the type to fight dirty.