Leon followed me, and when I settled down in the first row, he chose the seat right behind me and a

little to the left. Christophe leaned on the railing in front of me. “Whatever happens, Dru, don’t

worry. I don’t think anyone can harm you with the entire Order in attendance.”

I didn’t say anything. Who knew how many of them had some grudge against me, for whatever reason? Anna hated me, and seeing Christophe wasn’t guaranteed to put her in a good mood either.

I had other things to worry about, too.

If Graves was here we could have a whole conversation in a split second just by giving each other

one of those Significant Looks. It’s not just anyone you can do that with.

But there was that scrap of material in my pocket. As soon as I was alone, I could clear my head out

and see if it could lead me anywhere. It wouldn’t be the first time I’d found someone using the

touch.

It would, however, be the first time I’d found someone without Dad.

“I mean it,” Christophe persisted. “You’re safe. I promise.”

More djamphir trickled in. I could feel their eyes on me. New girl again, for the three thousandth

time. Christophe watched my face, searching it like he expected to find gold there.

“Don’t worry about me,” I finally said. “Really. I’m more worried about you.” And even more worried about where Graves is.

“Are you?” A fey smile lit his face, and I caught my breath. It was a shock to see him look so happy.

“Well, then.”

Leon leaned forward, I felt the movement even though he didn’t touch me. “Here comes Benjamin.

Don’t look surprised.”

Benjamin stamped across the stone, his face a thundercloud. He pushed past Christophe, through

the little gate, and dropped into the pew on my other side. “Goddamn it.” It was a jail-yard whisper;

his lips barely moved. “Nobody knows anything. What the hell is going on?”

“Have you found Graves?” I didn’t care if everyone heard me. “Please tell me you found him.”

I knew he hadn’t even before he shook his head, dark eyes moving over the crowd. “His personal

effects are still in your chamber, Milady. Torn apart and spattered with nosferatu ichor, but still

there. Wherever he went, he didn’t take his clothes with him. Shanks was the last person to see him.

Can’t find hide or hair of him anywhere. Thomas and George are still looking, but you won’t be

lacking protection. I’ve got two other crews on standby, and I’ll vouch for them personally.”

My face tightened up on its bones. If they had what the hell in the dictionary, my expression right

then would be the perfect picture. “I know he left his clothes. There was a place, outside the gym