“Lucky for you, you’ve got the time.” I nudge her, and she nudges me back, and for just a moment, things are like they used to be.

“So do you, Auggie.” She gives me a serious look. “I meant what I said before: You’ve got no idea what kind of greatness might be in your future. There’s still time to save the world, and maybe the reason you survived—maybe the reason you were the prophesied vessel to begin with—is because you’re meant to be part of the rescue mission. Mortality limited the Corrupter; but maybe mortality is what gives you your strength.”

I twist my mouth. “I seriously hope the world can do better than an art nerd with questionable taste in guys.”

“I’m pretty sure the world is lucky to have you.” We stop walking, and with a start, I realize that we’re in Ximena’s neighborhood. Viviane gives me an affectionate smile and says, “It was an honor getting to know you, August Pfeiffer. Take care of yourself, okay?”

Before I can say goodbye, she spreads her arms, bursts into smoke, and becomes a storm of bats hurtling up into the night sky. As they vanish over the trees, I yell, “Show-off!”

“Do you guys wanna get coffee or anything?” Adriana asks as we walk down the empty hallway after our unproductive study session. With finals approaching, the library stays open an extra half hour after classes end for the day, for those who need the space and quiet time. Since I don’t have a tutor anymore, it seemed like a useful thing to sign up for, and it’s nice to spend time with my friends. Even if we have to do it in total silence.

“That sounds fun.” Hope smiles brightly. “I’ve still got about an hour and a half left before my curfew starts and I get locked in like Bertha Mason.”

“It’s so unfair,” Adriana grouses. “I can’t believe you’re still being punished. You literally saved the world! Literally!”

“That was my argument, too!” Hope spreads her hands. “But my uncle is all fixated on how I lied about where I was going to be that night, drank vampire blood, did sorcery I wasn’t trained for, and almost got myself killed.”

With a frustrated grunt, Adriana rests her head on her girlfriend’s shoulder in sympathy—which only lasts for a few paces, because it’s hard to do that and walk at the same time. “Well, he can’t stay mad at you forever.”

“Actually, there’s a pretty good chance that he can,” Hope replies, looking at the floor. “He’s, uh … thinking about joining the coven. Permanently. On, like, an undead basis?”

“Wait, what?” I stop walking altogether and stare at her.

“Yeah. Believe me, there are no arguments that work against that one, either, because I’ve tried them all.”