He spun once in the air and thrust out his right foot, knowing Black could not anticipate such a precise, powerful move. Truth be told, he could hardly anticipate it. The air was different here.

His foot swished through the air where Black . . .

Through thin air. He’d shifted? So quickly!

Billos landed on his feet and ducked in anticipation of the blow he knew would come.

Silence filled the room. Only his heart disturbed the stillness. He whipped around to his left. No one.

To the right. No one.

No Darsal. No Black. He was alone.

Billos stood straight, breathing steadily through his nostrils, knife still ready.

“Hello?” His voice echoed softly. “Hello, hello . . .”

He’d imagined it all? He was dreaming, like Thomas of Hunter had once supposedly dreamed, unable to distinguish reality from dreams?

“Hello?” he called again.

“Hello, Billosssssss.”

Billos whirled. The man in black stood between two bookcases, legs spread slightly, arms crossed, head tilted down, grinning.

“Surprised?”

Billos kept his blade out, tip trembling despite his attempt to still it.

“You did well, son. Very well, I might say.” The man lowered his arms and walked out into the room, scanning the ceiling. “I had to know where your heart was, you understand. If you had made any other choice, I would have left you alone to make your way in this messed-up place. Live or die, I don’t—”

“Stop!”

The man faced him. Surprised.

“How did you do that?” Billos asked. “Where did she go?”

“Nowhere. She was never here. Are your ears plugged? I set that up to test your loyalty. You showed me that you won’t turn your back on those you love.”

“Which does not include you. What is this place? How did you make her appear and disappear?”

The corner of Black’s mouth nudged his right cheek. “I wasn’t lying about the power in this world, baby. But I need you to trust me the way I trusted you.”

“Trusted me? You threatened—”

“Stop!” Black thundered. Then softer, “Stop being so dense. If I’m going to partner with you, I need to know I can trust you. Can I? Because if I can’t, so help me, I’ll leave you to face your own demons.”

Billos felt his muscles relax some. “So none of that happened?”

“In your mind, with your body—is there a difference? It happened. I gave you a choice, and you chose her over yourself. I refuse to work with anyone who isn’t completely loyal.”

“I don’t give my loyalty easily,” Billos said. “What makes you think I care about you?”

“The fact that I’m your only way out. The fact that I can give you what you deserve. The fact, Billy-boy, that you’re here for a purpose. The fact that I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.”

So then Black was good?