“Cat,” Heath’s voice called out into the darkness, reminding me I wasn’t alone here. There was a backyard full of people. Some I knew, most I didn’t. So many innocent people. Whatever this was keeping the stranger out no longer seemed enough. A caster that could vanish… that was the epitome of evil. He could have no soul, at least according to what I knew of those who had that power.

Turning, I ran toward Heath’s voice. I didn’t want Heath or Margo near here or the stranger. I didn’t know who he was or what his intentions were. What I did know was that the ability to move through space with magic was rare. And it always belonged to those who were to be feared the most.

Heath’s presence made me feel safe. Normal. He was what I clung to and wished for daily. Margo and Heath were my connection to a world I knew wasn’t mine; yet, I craved to belong to.

“Hey! There you are. We’ve… or rather, I’ve been looking for you everywhere. Margo is dancing with Duely and is already past tipsy,” Heath rambled on until I reached him. I started to speak when I realized Mary was there beside him. Her gaze was fixed on the darkness behind me. I wasn’t sure what she could see or feel, but I knew she was with him for a reason. She was protecting him. Her eyes seemed hollow as she kept her gaze on the place I had fled from. I shivered slightly at her expression. It was as if she felt it. The danger.

I glanced back over my shoulder to make sure the darkness was empty. It was the way I’d left it. Taking Heath’s arm, I forcefully nudged him back toward the party. “Sorry, I needed a moment of peace. I’m good now,” I said, not sure that sounded believable.

I didn’t make eye contact with Heath, hoping he wouldn’t ask any more questions. I could lie, but I hated to lie more than I already had to. When I saw Margo bent over at the waist laughing and Duely looking genuinely pleased with himself, I let out a relieved sigh. They were accounted for and safely in the confines of the party. Keeping them from leaving the safety ring around the property was my goal. They didn’t need to go anywhere without me. Without knowing who the man was and why he was being kept out, they were in danger. I had to assume everyone was in danger. If I could get Duely alone then I could question him to see if he knew anything, but right now, he was entertaining Margo, and I preferred she be with him than to decide to leave.