They drove in silence for a long time before Aoife said, “So, after four hundred years, why are you telling me this now?”

“I am just curious,” Niten said. His dark brown eyes drifted to the rearview mirror, and he tilted it so that he could look at Sophie. “You don’t know this girl. You only met her yesterday, and I got the impression that you either did not like her or were afraid of her.”

“I am afraid of no one,” Aoife said automatically.

Niten bowed. “You are fearless in battle,” Niten agreed diplomatically. “So why are we now driving her toward a confrontation with a dangerous and powerful adversary?”

Aoife stared straight ahead, and when she finally answered, her voice sounded lost and distant. “She is looking for her twin,” she whispered.

“And is that the only reason?” he probed gently.

“She asked for my help, Niten,” Aoife said quietly. “Do you know who the last person was to ask me for help?”

Niten shook his head, though he suspected he knew the answer.

“My twin, Scathach,” she murmured. “And I refused.” She turned to look at Sophie again. “I don’t want to make that mistake twice.”

“Aoife, this girl is not your twin.”

“But she asked for my help, old friend. It’s been a long time since anyone asked me for anything. I have a…” She paused, hunting for the right word. “I have a duty.”

“Ah, duty. That I understand.” The Japanese immortal turned right onto Shoreline Highway, heading for San Francisco. “It is duty and responsibility that separates humankind from the beasts… and the Elders,” he added. “No offense.”

“None taken.”

They continued in silence for many miles, and then, much later, Aoife said, “So, tell me about this car collection of yours. I mean, are we talking real cars or just models?”

CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN

“He looks so young,” Virginia Dare said, staring into Josh’s unblinking red eyes.

“He’s fifteen and a half,” Dee said absently. “You could help me here,” he added. He was standing in the middle of his living room, attempting to push the heavy sofas out of the way to clear a space in the center of the floor.

“I don’t push furniture,” Virginia said, still staring at Josh. “These red eyes are creepy. I’ve only seen them a couple of times before.”

“The boy was Awakened by Mars Ultor…”

Virginia Dare’s head snapped up. “The Avenger is still alive?” she gasped.

Dee’s smile was cruel. “Sort of. As you know, there is always a connection between an Elder and the humani he or she Awakens. Sometimes-though not always-the same Elder will offer the humani immortality.”

Virginia nodded. “That’s what happened to me. My Elder Awakened me when I was a child and then, fifteen years later, made me immortal.”