Before the fae king discovers that his spy is gone, Moloch must seize this moment. With the Guardian and the magic, Moloch will make his own kingdom. He’ll become master of the sluagh. The Seelie fae will be forced to grovel at his feet. They’ll be forced to look at his scar, at his empty eye socket, at his leathery wings, at his red eye. Moloch will have the joy he’s wanted for too, too long.

Wyvern beats his wings and Moloch turns to face the dragon. He places his hand on the scaly green snout, and the dragon snorts. Moloch whispers, “It’s time, at last. You will take me to Rookskill.”

CHAPTER 33

Isaac

1942

Leo shepherded Baines away as the other four children remained just inside the door, leaning on the walls and stairs.

Willow popped in overhead. “Heard a noise, we did. Sounded grim outside.”

Isaac rubbed his forehead as the painful hum subsided. For a moment, when he was in control, it had felt wonderful. But when he stumbled . . .

“You vanished,” Kat said, staring at him. “You completely vanished. What was that?”

Willow snorted. “We tried to tell you. Saw it when you arrived.”

Isaac shook his head. “I thought you said I am an . . . what did you call it? Amplifier.”

“I think you are. I think that’s one of your magical gifts. But only one because you seem to have other skills, too, like disappearing on the spot.” She folded her arms. “Not to mention you have a time-travel machine and you’ve seen monsters. You’re obviously quite magical. You’ve never known?”

Isaac shook his head, then looked away, thinking for a minute, and said, “Well, that’s not really true. I have always known I was—different from anyone else. And, when I think about it, I’ve had the feeling before of being—I do not know—not-seen. Like when I get really scared. When I wish to disappear.”

Willow said, “Ha! And there you go. Saw it when we met. Disappears like . . .” And Willow seemed to snap their fingers.

Colin, Amelie, and Kat watched Isaac in silence.

“But I have no idea how to control any of it. Like I have no idea how to control that amplifier stuff.” Isaac looked from one to the other. “I can scarcely control what happens in the time travel and that has all been set for me.” He paused. “But I want to learn. I need to.”

“We can help,” said Amelie. “We can help you manage your magic. You can do amazing things, Isaac.”

He smiled at Amelie. He could do amazing things. Well, he could also do terrible things, as the scratching on the door made clear.

Anyone powerful enough to do great good can also do great evil. Like Victor Frankenstein.

We may all be monsters under the skin.