We passed by a graveyard with ancient tombstones covered in vines. The three-story white house at the end of the driveway reminded me of those plantations you see in history class, which only gave me the creeps.

“Here we go,” I said as we climbed the steps. My legs felt heavy.

Zeran pushed open the door, and it let out a low groan. Candles hung from sconces against the walls. We followed the narrow entranceway to a sitting room with red velvet chairs, brass accent tables, and vases with elaborate bouquets painted on them. It was old-school, emphasis on old. Heavy suits of armor stood in every corner. That wasn’t weird at all—nope, not weird.

Classical music poured from a nearby room. The door was already ajar, and shadows flickered against a bookshelf. “Last chance to change your mind,” Zeran whispered.

“No way,” I said. “We’re in this together.”

“Well, then, perhaps you should come on in,” croaked an ancient voice from inside the room. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting y’all.”

Zeran eased out a breath, and I tightened my grip on the staff.

Here goes nothing. We stepped into the room. Black Mamba sat in a high-back chair, wearing a puffy blue dress that spread out around her feet. It was something that Eleni might have loved, but it was a few hundred years out of fashion. Black Mamba’s long hair was in a single braid, and her skin was almost the same color as her hazel eyes. I had expected her to be more imposing, but she was barely taller than me and didn’t look that much older. Being an immortal bloodsucker had done wonders for her skin.

We were in a library with bookshelves that stretched up to the ceiling. Heavy, dark curtains hung at the tall windows, and a musty breeze filled the air. “Welcome, Zeran, brother of Billu,” Black Mamba said with a Southern drawl, then she turned her attention to me. “Welcome, Maya, guardian of the veil. I’ve been expecting you.”

Zeran stormed across the room toward Black Mamba. “Where’s my brother?”

“I’m here” came another voice.

Billu was a mini version of Zeran with the same dark curly hair, deep-blue skin, and black wings. Zeran’s shoulders sagged with relief to see his brother. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Billu answered coldly.

“This is a time for celebration!” Black Mamba clapped her hands. “Brothers reunited and new alliances. With the Lord of Shadows’ help, my people will no longer bow down to the celestials and their rules.”

“You’re making a mistake,” I said, desperate. “The celestials have worked hard to find balance between the magical and nonmagical worlds. The Lord of Shadows wants chaos.” As soon as the words left my mouth, I realized that it was a waste of breath. The adze seeded chaos, too. With the Lord of Shadows in control, they would get exactly what they wanted.