“I have friends in the mountains. I think we’ll be safe there—or, at least, safer.”

Ryuichi didn’t like Koichi-sensei’s tone. At all.

It was as creepy as the shadows that now seemed to watch him, as if they had a mission. Which made him wonder . . .

“Can they speak?”

“They?”

Ryuichi gestured toward the images around them on the walls. “The shadows.”

Koichi turned a gimlet stare toward the darkness that held the outlines of everything surrounding and challenging them. “You want the truth, or the answer you want me to tell you?”

Well, that wasn’t helpful. “You like to frighten people, don’t you?”

“I asked if you wanted the truth.”

Ryuichi studied the images once more. “So, the shadows can talk. They can tell on anyone, can’t they?”

Koichi sighed. “Well . . . not just anyone can talk to them. It does take someone with special skills, if that makes you feel better.”

“Not really.” In fact, it still left a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. One that made him want to vomit. It meant that someone could learn all his secrets. Use them all against him.

Which left him wondering something. “Could the shadows be our traitor?”

Koichi let out a long, slow breath as he appeared to consider that. “Not likely.”

“You’re sure?”

“Maybe.” Koichi turned to stare at them for a moment. “No. I’m sure. You should be one of those who can talk to them. Someday. If they don’t kill you.”

He still wondered if they could spy and relay secrets to others. “Can shadows ever go free?”

Koichi frowned. “Why do you ask?”

“Curiosity.”

“Well . . . legends say so. Supposedly that’s what causes a Kage-Onna. And I’ve heard of others who’ve lost their shadows. But normally the shadow takes over its master. They tend to be aggressive that way.”

Ryuichi’s gaze went to Koichi’s shadow. “What happens to a person who loses their shadow? What becomes of them?”

Koichi shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess they go on with their lives. That would make sense, considering the Kage-Onna.” He clapped him on the back. “But if I were you, that’s the last thing I’d be worrying about. Your fears should be more along the lines of something eating you and your shadow both.”

Ryuichi snorted sarcastically. “Great. Thanks for the reminder and the inspirational speech, Sensei. Want to gouge out my eyes next? Just for fun?”

“That’s all right. I should save something for your enemies when they capture you.” He clapped him on the back again. Even harder.

Ryuichi bristled and stepped away from his teacher. For once, he wanted his surly kitsune back. Granted, it made no sense, but he actually felt a little safer with Masaru around.