He was focused on the center of the room. “Sometimes control takes a while,” he said. “After a few times joining, they should have the same mental-control of the Four, but the first times can be a little dicey.”

Control of the Four. That was exactly what we wanted … said no one ever. I wanted the Four to cease to exist, and I wanted to be the one to wipe them off the face of the Earth. But … when everything was all said and done, I had to keep reminding myself that if the dragon king rose, the supernatural community would need them for the fight. I wondered what role my quads would hold if the king rose?

Everyone fell silent as Quale addressed the Compasses. “You are free now to join your power. I believe you have been instructed on the manner in which to do this?”

Four heads, just one single nod. I was surprised. After twenty years of friendship there weren’t many secrets left in our pack, but I had no idea when they’d been instructed on joining their power. They had had a few private classes in the history of supernaturals, and in Family Ties class … it had to have been during these lessons.

They’d told me at the time those classes had been about the unique abilities of multiples – a class I probably should have attended also, but back then my twin status had been a hugely guarded secret.

Wanting to see everything that was about to happen I shuffled forward, Jonathon stayed by my side. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he was acting all bodyguard-like, which meant he didn’t have that much faith in the protective ring surrounding the boys. I couldn’t really blame him. It was always better to be safe than sorry with the Compasses. They often did … the unexpected.

For the first time, since entering the dome, unease flittered across the quad’s faces. But they also looked intrigued. I could tell they wanted to know what their calling was, but were concerned about the damage they might wrought. A concern we all wore.

I felt the surge of power then, even through the shielded cage. The boys were starting their joining.