Thomas seemed all right, but Jess could tell it was a fragile kind of strength, floating on a river of adrenaline and hope. That tide would turn, and then the weight of the darkness would press on him, as it did on Wolfe. Jess knew he’d need to keep good watch on his friend when the shadows came for him.

Rome seemed utterly normal as evening fell, and the sky faded from blue to a greenish teal. Stars emerged in shy peeks, then gaudy sprays. Their little party passed brightly lit restaurants, and Jess’s stomach growled from the scent of roasting meats and fish.

Having Frauke with them made a difference. People made way for them, some with respectful bows, since Glain, Jess, and Santi were all clearly armed High Garda, and the others, except Morgan, wore Scholar’s robes. Morgan walked next to Wolfe, like a favored student or a fond daughter.

And the lion, Frauke, paced behind them, a silent and watchful guardian that warned off even Burner sympathizers from any confrontation. Strange, how good it felt to have that power at his back, at his command. Jess didn’t entirely like it. Too easy to become dependent on it.

But it did make their walk to the Forum efficient.

Standing in the shadow of Mercury’s feet, in virtually the same spot where Burners had died only two days before, Wolfe and Santi assessed the situation of the basilica. As they’d predicted, it did seem quiet. People proceeded in and out of the public area of the Serapeum, and most of the pride of automata patrolled farther down. There was a lion crouched beside the open Serapeum door, scanning those who entered.

“Can you turn it off?” Santi asked Jess, and he nodded.

“I can if it’s distracted.”

“That’s my job,” Santi said.

“Nic—,” Wolfe protested, but Santi cut him off.

“No. I’m the better option. They’ll all have me first on the list; after all, I’m the one who betrayed my own company.” Even as he said it, Jess saw the pain that flashed through him, quickly banished to some dark corner inside. Captain Santi loved the High Garda; he loved the men and women under his command, and the responsibility he held for the lives of Scholars.

“Jess, your job is to turn it off. Let me handle the distraction.”

Jess nodded. Thomas said quietly, “Frauke can help.” That meant Frauke could go in single combat against the other lion, but Jess was well aware that if that happened, things would get much worse, much faster. The rest of the pride would come, and Frauke wouldn’t last long against numbers.

Neither would they.

“Stay together until we get close. I’ll draw the lion off,” Santi said. “Jess, you know what to do then. The rest of you, just head straight inside. Don’t wait for us.”

Jess nodded and turned to Thomas. “Keep Frauke with you. Of all of us, you may be the one they want most.”

Thomas knew that. His face was thin and pale under his new-cut hair and beard, and underneath his surface calm, he looked like he was fighting an urge to curl into a ball. He put a hand on Frauke’s mane, and she purred that metallic, singing purr, and it seemed to help. “I know,” he said. I won’t go back, Jess. I can’t do that.”