I took it as a good sign that this card showed up first and that Dorman was the central figure. The Justice card itself represents balance, objectivity, and accountability. In general, it’s a positive card, especially since it was currently appearing in a time of relative chaos. To me, it suggested that following my current path, seeking salvation and justice for those under Dorman’s care, was the right thing—the necessary thing—to do. It meant that finding a solution to the problem Dorman had lain at my feet would ensure that universal balance, or ma’at to my people, was maintained.

I slid the Justice card to the side and flipped the next card from the deck.

The Hermit. Traditionally, this card represents healing, self-exploration, and a general need for self-reliance and alone time. While I thought all of that sounded kind of nice for me, I didn’t think it was talking about me—or, at least, not just me. The card depicted Nik, shirtless so his tattooed torso was displayed in all its glory. His side was to the viewer, his head bowed and his arm outstretched, like he was reaching for someone or something just out of frame. He stood on a polished floor of At, my sword held in his grasp, the tip nearly skimming the floor. The crystalline blade dripped with blood.

Mercy showing up twice was far from a coincidence, and I couldn’t help but wonder if she represented something more than her pure, deadly self. I couldn’t shake the sense that she represented me.

A little unnerved, I drew the next card and flipped it over.

Queen of Swords. Once again, Constance Ward, the Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Ouroboros Corporation, stared out at me from her throne. The only difference from how the card had looked when I’d drawn it back in the library was that Constance now had a sword sticking out of her chest. My sword. Did it mean I would kill her after all? The thought spurred images of her children in my mind, and my chest tightened. There had to be another way.

I moved my hand to the deck to draw another card, but the electric hum had faded. The magic was gone. The universe had shared all it would for now.

With a sigh, I relaxed back into the couch and stared out through the nearest window at the cityscape gleaming in the light of a gloriously dreary Seattle morning. Dorman as Justice, Nik as the Hermit, Constance once again appearing as the Queen of Swords, and Mercy showing up on all three cards—what did it all mean?

I started when the bedroom door opened. I’d been so caught up in thinking about the reading that I hadn’t heard Garth moving around in the bedroom.

“Morning,” he said, strolling into the living room in only his underwear. He stopped beside the couch and bent down to kiss the top of my head.

I reached out to snap the compact closed, but not before I caught Dom’s raised eyebrow. “Hey.” I tilted my head back, offering Garth my lips.