So Rose had acted alone. Good, in that we were only looking for her. Bad, in that she was more powerful than we’d known.

“Were you in Chicago when the demon made trouble the first time?”

“We were here but not aware. Our connection to the green land was stronger then, and we were not actively involved in the human world.”

“So you don’t know where I could find the demon now?”

Her brows lifted. “How would I know where to find a demon?”

Fairies and their nonresponses. “In that case, I will leave you,” I said, and inclined my head.

“Ah,” she said, sitting forward, avarice in her eyes. “But there is the cost of the intrusion. What will you give me?”

“I took a shot for you.”

“That addresses your intrusion, but not hers.”

Damn it. “What do you want?”

“You may take a drink.”

A long trestle table that nearly filled one side of the room was suddenly groaning with platters of meat, potatoes, bread, silver chalices, and golden wine. But fairy food and drink was not to be trusted in the best of times, much less when they’d been offended. They were tricksy folks.

“No, thank you.”

She watched me for a moment. “I will accept a secret,” she decided. “From you.”

I watched her carefully for a moment, debated which secrets were safe enough to share. Not that I had terribly many. The obvious one wasn’t fully mine to share; monster was its own consciousness, or so I believed, and the fairies’ knowledge that it existed could have repercussions I didn’t have time to consider now.

On the other hand, Claudia’s moods were erratic, and she was getting impatient. The longer I stayed here, the more dangerous this visit would become. So I made the invitation to monster.

Shall we?

When monster agreed, I glanced at Claudia again. “You agree the fae won’t harm, or cause to be harmed, anyone because of our intrusion, or any acts committed on your property tonight?”

Her smile was slow. “Your bargaining skills have improved, Bloodletter. Your mother was rarely so careful. And I agree.”

I gave monster the nod, let it stretch into me, sending warmth through my arms and legs and enjoying for once the buzz of fairy magic. My eyes turned red, the color of blood and rage, and curiosity rose in Claudia’s.

I felt the tendrils of her magic, heavy as iron, cold as a hilltop spring. But unlike the ghosts’ fog, hers was alive with growth and desire and dancing.

“Bloodletter,” Claudia said, and the word was almost tangible with power. “You are a surprise I did not expect.” She rose and walked toward me, magic swirling in the room, and peered at me like a carnival curiosity.

“Our debt is clear,” she said, and it felt as if the room’s magic lightened a bit. “But as you have done a turn for me in moons past, I will offer you one now.”

“At what cost?” Nothing was free.