“Together all seven can undo any rules written into the books.” He faced Billos again, light from the windows glinting in his eyes. “Their power is limitless. Which is why we need to secure them before the Dark One gets his paws on them. And we need you to help us, Billos-baby. Not Johnny-come-lately, not Saliva, not even Dorksal, although she’s a close second. We were interested in you.”

The words made Billos dizzy for a moment. These names were nearly beyond him, but he knew Black was referring to Johnis, Silvie, and Darsal.

“Why me?”

“Who’s standing here now? Johnny-come-lately? Saliva? Only you had the guts to do what needed to be done to get to where the books are. Johnis played his part, don’t get me wrong. But this has always been your trip, baby.”

“And who’s to say that you’re not the Dark One?” Billos asked, though he was starting to think that Black had made some good points.

The man stared at him hard, surprised. “No, no, no, boy. Don’t mistake my little test with Darsal for more than that. Like I’ve said—to the point of making me wonder if you’re thicker in the head than I was led to believe—I had to know how loyal you were.”

Made sense. Right?

“Then who is the Dark One?”

“The black, nasty bat, naturally. You’re going to have to choose his way. Or my way. Take your pick.”

“So this is all about you finding the books,” Billos said.

“Before he does. Like I said, his way or my way. You either accept the fact that you were actually meant to come here and find me for the sake of the books, which is my way. Or you believe that you betrayed the others by making off with the books and entering them; that would be the nasty way of Teeleh.”

“And if I choose your way?” Billos said.

“Then you bring me the four books from your reality, which will allow us to find the last three books that are lost on Earth.”

“We only had three books.”

“Well, you better get those three back and then find the fourth, baby. ’Cause we need all four to find the three hidden on Earth. Where I hail from.”

“And why do you need me? Go get them yourself.”

“You don’t know? Only those from your reality can see the books here, unless all seven are together. The three you’ve lost can only be found by someone from your side. By you. You see, it all comes back to you. I can clap my hands and . . .”

He clapped his hands, and a book of history materialized in his right hand.

“. . . presto, I have a book. Cool, huh?”

Billos blinked. “The book’s cold?”