As we travel through the Mandible District, I can’t help but wonder what horrors the shadow market is concealing. The thought sends gooseflesh racing over my arms.

I’ve only been to a shadow market once in my life, and it was one time too many. In Midwood, the market was housed on a merchant ship that docked somewhere different each night to escape the notice of the town council. But as this shadow market finally comes into view, I realize they have no such worries about the Grand Council. The market isn’t hidden; it’s on display like a jewel in a glass case.

A huge complex made of clear glass stretches as far as the eye can see. Even though it’s after dark, inside it’s as well lit as if it were broad daylight.

And the patrons are dressed in finery worthy of a ball. Silk cloaks with intricate patterns embroidered in threads of gold, gowns with rows of tiny bone-crafted buttons, oversized jewels that glitter on every throat and finger. It’s both a celebration of the Mandible District’s debauchery and a mockery of its poverty. It’s grotesque.

But I can’t let it show on my face. We have to convince the Breakers standing at the entrance to let us in. I stop and turn to the others.

“I should go in alone.” I incline my head toward the guards. “They’ll never let all six of us through.”

Talon scratches the back of his neck. “No. That’s a terrible idea.”

“I agree,” Niklas says. “We’d have no way to know if you’re in trouble.”

I turn toward Tessa and Jacey, but both of them have identical expressions of worry on their faces.

“I don’t know,” Tessa says. “It seems too dangerous.”

I sigh. “I’m the one Latham wants. I should be the one to take the risk.”

“I’ll go with you,” Bram says.

I turn toward him. “You don’t have to—”

“Of all of us, I’m the one best equipped to protect you if something goes wrong.”

“It makes sense,” Jacey says. “I’d feel better if Bram went too. I think we all would.”

“Fine. Let’s go.” But before I can move, something scurries across the top of my foot. I let out a yelp and jump back. A huge rat disappears into the gutter.

I press my hand to my chest. “Did anyone see that?”

Talon’s eyes dart from the ground to something in the distance. “That was no ordinary rat.”

“I know.” My heart is still beating at twice the normal speed. “It was huge.”

“Not just that,” Talon says. “It was Watcher-controlled.” He nods to a woman across the street, and jolt of recognition goes through me.

“I saw her a few minutes ago,” I tell him. “I thought she had a whistle, but it must have been a tiny bone flute.”