Darsal stood like a pole, refusing to look up at Karas. They’d hog-tied Karas the same way they’d tied Billos, then hoisted her up so that she hung like a bag of salt, belly down.

The girl was being brave, braver than anyone her age Darsal had met. Whether or not she really was her niece by blood, she was now a sister by a stronger bond. But even the bravest girl couldn’t stop the tears that wet her pink cheeks.

Darsal had come expecting to give herself for Billos, only after convincing Karas to wait in the eatery with the books in the event she could set Billos free and would need a fast escape. But after agreeing, Karas had caught up to her at the edge of the temple and had offered a newly formed reason.

“Black wants the books,” Karas had explained.

“So then get back there and guard them! Get out of here!”

“He’ll take you in exchange for Billos, but you won’t give him the books. So he’ll kill you.”

“You don’t know that.”

“I do, Sister. You’re too principled to give him the books.”

“Either way, there’s nothing you can do. Now, get back!”

“I can’t go back knowing that you’ll die.”

She had heard Billos crying out. They were running out of time!

“Please, I can’t bear this!” Darsal had said. “Get back before I knock you out and drag you back.”

“Then Billos will die,” Karas had said. “My mind is set.”

Billos had cried out again.

“Then you’re a fool,” Darsal had said. She had turned her back and was striding toward the temple, furious. But Karas had followed.

Now she hung like a hog to be slaughtered if Darsal didn’t tell him where the books were. She had no choice. Say what she may, the young girl had grown on her.

“Okay!” Darsal snapped. “Let her down!”

“Where are the books?” Black asked.

“I’ll show you.”

The Dark One hesitated only a moment. He nodded at Claude.

“You sure? They killed Steve. We’re owed.”

Then the one named Black did something Darsal could never have predicted. His jaw snapped wide, twice as wide as she imagined possible, so that his chin slammed into his chest. Baring perfectly formed white teeth, he jerked his head forward and roared at Claude, who shrank back.

The man’s jaw clacked shut. He stepped forward and lowered Karas.

“Show me,” Black said.

Karas looked up at Darsal with round, apologetic eyes. Darsal marched forward, through the mob, around the corner. She scanned the village for a sign of Billos, but the weak-minded fool was nowhere to be seen.

According to Billos, Black needed them to find these books. Why, Darsal wasn’t sure, but it gave her one final opportunity, however slim, to escape.

Then again, if Black kept her separated from the books, all hope was lost.