Aisling murmured something about erasing the ward on the front door, scooting past us to do so. I looked behind me. Maata and Tipene wore matching expressions . . . neither gave me much hope they’d listen to reason. ‘‘Weren’t you . . . weren’t you just back there?’’ I asked Gabriel.

‘‘Dragons can move quickly when they so desire. Drake, Aisling, my thanks for a very enjoyable evening. I will be in contact with you regarding the phylactery. And now, my dear . . . ,’’ Gabriel said, gesturing toward the open door.

I tried to exchange a glance with Cyrene, but she was looking at the floor, apparently avoiding my eye. ‘‘You don’t know where we’re staying,’’ I said. ‘‘We could be greatly out of your way.’’

‘‘You are my mate,’’ Gabriel said, a sudden flare of emotion in his eyes making a hot flush start at my belly and move upward. ‘‘Nothing you can demand of me will be too great.’’

‘‘Excellent. I demand you leave us alone. I’ll call you in a few days, when we’re back in London,’’ I said, pushing Cyrene out the door as I slipped past him.

‘‘Alas, I wish it was that easy, but I am bound by sept tradition to see to your welfare,’’ he said, following us out to the driveway. Tipene went off to where a black BMW sat. I eyed Cyrene for a moment, unsure if I should trust Gabriel with her. I hadn’t seen anything in him that led me to believe he would harm her, but dragons were strange beings—they looked human, but clearly didn’t operate in the same manner. Still, he didn’t strike me as the type of man who’d take out his wrath on an innocent person.

I tried to catch Cyrene’s eye, but she continued to avoid looking at me. That hurt, but now was not the time to smooth her obviously ruffled feathers. I allowed Gabriel and Maata to escort us toward the car, but the second we were far enough away from the lights of the house, I shadowed, spinning around in the opposite direction, merging myself with the blissfully dark shadows.

Gabriel shouted my name, but I paid him no heed as I dashed alongside a high hedge, keeping myself immersed in the densest parts of the shadows. He might be able to see me at a close distance, but I was willing to bet he couldn’t when more than a few yards separated us.

I ran down the street, through yards, around gardens, moving in a direction opposite the mage’s house until I could no longer hear signs of pursuit. I doubled back, slowly picking my way, cautious of every looming shape, but no one leaped out to grab me.