Josh looked around, suddenly realizing that the moment Prometheus had appeared by the side of the car, the mud figures had slipped away, disappearing back into the trees and tall grasses on either side of the narrow country road. He could see them between the leaves, blank faces toward the red-haired Elder like flowers turned toward the sun.

Prometheus ducked his head to look into the back of the car. “So let’s see what other surprises are in here,” he said. “Is it a nice surprise…”

Perenelle helped Nicholas out of the car.

“… or a not-so-nice surprise?” he finished. Then, straightening to his full height, he took the Sorceress’s hand in his and bowed low over it. “I wish I could say that it is always a pleasure to see you, Mistress Flamel, but you and bad news travel hand in hand.”

“I suppose that must make me the bad news.” Nicholas stretched out his hand, but Prometheus ignored it, gently embracing the Alchemyst, actually lifting his feet off the ground.

“You are always bad news,” the Elder said lightly, smiling to take the sting from his words. His green eyes were troubled as he looked over the immortal. “And today is no different, I see. You have aged, Alchemyst.” He turned to look at the woman. “You are still as beautiful as ever.”

“You always were a charming rogue, Prometheus, and no, you should never tell a woman she is looking old.” Perenelle smiled.

“We are in trouble,” Nicholas admitted. “I will explain all later. But first, there are two people I would like you to meet.” Nicholas turned, and Josh suddenly realized that the Alchemyst was looking at him. Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the passenger door… and instantly felt a pressure in the air as if some unseen force was pushing him back.

He caught the impression of a faint red halo around the Elder, but the moment he stepped out of the car, he saw the glow intensify until it looked as if the Elder was wrapped in red mist rippling just above his skin. Behind Prometheus, Josh could see Aoife’s gray aura rising like steam off her body. He took a step forward and his own aura bloomed around him. His head itched and he ran his fingers through his hair: crackling orange-scented sparks snapping under his flesh.

“Another Gold,” Prometheus said sadly. Then his eyes hardened as he looked at the Flamels. “I thought we agreed after the last time-”

“Not just another Gold,” Nicholas interrupted, “the Gold.” He pointed at Josh. “Look at him closely, Prometheus. Look at this aura. He is the gold twin of legend. He is Awakened, and has learned Water magic from Gilgamesh. Now he needs to know Fire.”

“And you expect me to train him?”

“Please. We don’t have much time.”

“Absolutely not,” Prometheus snapped. “I told you after the last one that I would never train a humani again.”