“Hey!” someone yelled behind us. “You can’t go in there!”

But their warning was too late. My hand was already on the door handle. Plus, it wasn’t like one little human could do anything to stop us.

I shoved the door open and stepped into the boardroom, basking in the outraged gasps, shocked expressions, and half-standing poses of the twelve people seated around the long, mahogany table. A thirteenth person, a youthful businessman, sat in the far corner of the room, a tablet on his lap, his fingers frozen over the attached keyboard. Bad luck, him being here. He picked a terrible day to play note-taker to this group of corporate slimeballs. I almost felt bad for the guy. Except for the part where he chose to work here.

Nik followed me in, and I heard him shut and lock the door.

“This is a closed meeting,” a woman said from the head of the table. I recognized her immediately—Constance Ward, CEO and Chairman of the Board. The ends of her blonde bob brushed the shoulders of her cream silk blouse as she pushed back her chair and stood. Her stare was hard, her expression stony. Apparently corporate Constance was nothing like the warm, caring mother I’d peeped on a couple days ago. “You need to leave.”

I took one more step into the room and pushed out my bottom lip. “But I heard there’d be donuts.” Out of the corner of my eye, I watched the spread of solidified At coat the walls, ceiling, and floor of the boardroom, looking so much like a rapidly spreading sheet of ice. In a few more seconds, it would coat the floor-to-ceiling windows on the far side of the room, blocking out the insanely gorgeous view, and we’d all be effectively sealed in.

Constance’s eyes strayed from me as the imprisoning shell of At caught her attention. “You’re Nejeret,” she said, her head moving as she watched the progression of the otherworldly material. Her gaze returned to me. “I know you.” A hint of fear gleamed in her eyes. “You’re her—the Ink Witch.”

“Gold star for you, Connie.” I flashed her a cheeky grin. “Cute kids, by the way,” I added with a wink.

Her eyes rounded, and she blanched. Ever so slowly, she sank back down into her seat, her hand migrating up to her chest. She opened her mouth, then licked her lips. “You—how—” She swallowed roughly, her eyes tearing up. “Please . . . don’t hurt them.”

I honestly hadn’t intended it as a threat. In a twilight zone kind of way, I sort of respected Constance, and I actually felt a little remorse for making her think I intended her family any harm. I mean, come on—I protect kids, I don’t kill them. My gut twisted as Abigail’s ghostly visage floated through my mind. Usually.

“We’re sealed in,” Nik said from behind me.

I took a deep breath. It was showtime. “Everyone sit down,” I said, reaching over my shoulder and drawing my sword. Mercy’s blade came free with a melodic ring.