There was a long, tense silence, followed by an ear-shattering shriek. A girl, a couple of years older and a few inches shorter than me, flew through the door, launching herself into Jasper’s arms. He staggered, managing to catch her before they went flying. “Easy, Nina!” he laughed, hugging her in return.

“Oh my God, Jasper, is it really you?” She stepped back and stared at him. She had Jasper’s high cheekbones and dark hair, although hers was braided and coiled around her head, and the same arched, almost elven ears. She was dressed for kitchen work in a clean white apron, jeans, and a T-shirt. The rest of us watched awkwardly as tears flooded her cheeks. “The news said Sanctuary blew up. It said no survivors, you jackass! We had a funeral for you!”

“Nina, I’m sorry. I’ll explain everything, I promise.”

She withdrew, wrinkling her nose in disgust. “You stink.”

“Tell me about it.”

“Jasper, Mom and Dad are going to freak out. Not to mention Lita and Gabriel and . . . oh my God, Kiikaa. He cried for days.”

Jasper winced. “None of this is as helpful as you might think.”

“I’m not trying to help you! I’m trying to tell you how . . .” Her voice trailed off as she noticed the rest of us. “Jasper,” she said, a dangerous note entering her voice, “who are these people?”

“It’s a long story, but they’re friends of mine. Can we find them a room, some clothes, some food?”

“Absolutely not. You’re coming straight to Mom and Dad. You don’t think they deserve to know you’re alive?”

“I said them, not me. I’ll do the family reunion thing.” He sounded annoyed, but a pleased glimmer in his eyes belied his exterior.

Nina shook her head furiously, her beaded earrings jangling. “All right,” she said. “But it’s better if the kitchen staff don’t see them. I’m guessing none of you are supposed to be here.”

“You’ve got that right.”

“Meet me at the family entrance. I’ll be there as soon as I figure out which suites aren’t being used tonight.” She gave him another fierce hug, punched him in the arm for good measure, and slammed the door behind her.

“Um,” said Jasper. “That was my big sister.”

“We guessed,” replied Cage dryly.

“Apparently, I have some explaining to do, and I suppose some of you do too. If you want to call your families from the room, you can. Get Rune to scramble the number. Just in case anyone is, you know, suspicious.” I glanced around curiously. I didn’t know anyone’s family situation but Rune’s and Cage’s, but no one’s face gave anything away.

Jasper led us down another narrow passageway, stopping outside a plain door. “This leads to my family’s rooms, but it connects to the hotel, too. Come on in.”