I closed the case. The ground below us was soupy, but lights glowed through the thick mist. It seemed heavy enough that it had congealed close to the ground. The actual pillar of smoke was entirely gone, spilled loose into the city. And there, battered and looking like it had been the victim of an air raid, was the Last Dragon hotel and casino, the top floors blasted and scorched, dark without power, but most importantly, it was here. Hopefully our friends had returned with it.

“Put me on top of the Taj parking garage. You see it? Straight ahead. Next to the white one with the big dome in the middle.” The Hind turned and we were heading for the top. Most of the cars were gone, so there was plenty of room to land. I checked behind us, but couldn’t pick the dragon out of the dark. I couldn’t feel the buffeting effect of its mighty wings, so that was a good sign. Maybe I’d be able to get inside before I got stepped on. Unhooking my safety cord, I got ready to hop out.

Julie grabbed my arm. “You can’t—”

“I have to.” I took her hand. She was worried about me, but I was mostly worried that I was wrong, and it wasn’t after me at all. If the Nachtmar was after a different potential host…“Promise me you’ll keep moving.”

She pulled me in and gave me quick kiss on the lips. There wasn’t any time to enjoy it. “Be careful.”

And then our tires struck the top of the parking garage and it was time to go. “I will. I love you.” No time for hesitation, I took Abomination in hand and leapt out the door. Pain shot up my legs, but I managed to not spill over. Extending one hand, I waved at the Hind as it rolled away, blasting me with rotor wash. Julie waved back, hiding the fact that she was terrified, but for me. She was never scared for herself.

It wasn’t until they lifted off that I realized that she hadn’t promised to flee like I’d asked. “Oh, please don’t go stubborn on me this time. Run, Julie, run.” The chopper turned away and I lost sight of her. I jumped when Ed tapped me on the shoulder. He was so damn quick that I hadn’t even seen him go out the opposite door. “What are you doing here?”

Edward shrugged like I’m a sword master, what was I supposed to do in the sky?