Suddenly, my brain jolts back into focus, my eyes open wide. I grip Mom’s hand. “What happened after I sent the demons back to Hell? Where are the ghouls?”

Mom gently brushes hair from my face. “The demons have stayed in Hell. The ghouls have kept their word to patrol our borders.” She smiles. “You did it, Myla. Verus is preparing a summit in three weeks’ time. Angels, ghouls, quasis, and thrax will all meet to discuss the terms of the new government.”

“Where’s Xavier?”

“Safe, thanks to you.” She pats my hand. “Close your eyes, Myla-la. Everything’s fine.”

I roll onto my side and smile. “I did it.” Something glitters on my dresser. I heave myself up onto my elbows. “What’s that?”

Mom picks up the shiny whatever-it-is and hands it to me. “It’s a gift from Lincoln.” Two silver rods rest on my palms.

“These are Lincoln’s baculum.” My fingertips run over the intricately carved runes that cover the surface. “I can’t believe he gave me them.”

“He was with you day and night until the healers declared you were out of danger. Then he had to return to Antrum. He left the baculum and asked me to remind you of your promise to Nat. Do you know what that means?”

“Yes, I do.” I told Lincoln’s Master at Arms that I would practice with the sword for an hour a day. Now I can do it in style. Smiling, I slip the baculum under my pillow.

Mom rises to her feet. “You better get some sleep now, Myla.”

“Yeah, that’s a good idea.” My eyes waver and close. I fall into a deep sleep and dream of the Gray Sea. I stand on a long stretch of rolling charcoal dunes under low silver sky. The wind whips the sand and my nightgown. Verus stands nearby, her robes and wings gleaming bright-white against the drab landscape. I’m torn between wanting to run up and hug her or kick her in the kneecaps. Tough call.

“Hello, Myla.”

“Hi, Verus.”

The lead angel looks to the horizon. Her long black hair cascades over her shoulders in a perfect arc. “I do love the Gray Sea.” She turns to me, her almond-shaped eyes flaring blue.

“I noticed.” My bare toes dig into the warm sand. “I’m not sure what to say.”

“And why is that?”

“Part of me wants to thank you. Your dreamscapes helped my relationship with Mom and got me ready to become the Scala. But another part of me? I don’t know. It’s like I’m a pawn in some game of yours that I don’t understand.”

“You mean Lincoln.”

“Yes.”

“You two don’t look unhappy. I should think you’d find each other irresistible.”