“I’m going to try,” Alice said.

“It’s about damn time someone did,” the woman said. “They’re a pack of nasty cowards, if you ask me. If there’s anything I can do, just ask.”

“Oh!” Alice shook her head. “Thank you. I didn’t think—”

“Goes for me too,” said the old mushroom man, edging around the bone woman. “Never heard a Reader talk like you do.”

A half-dozen sprites yammered excited agreement, until the bone woman shushed them.

“I think most of the others will come around too,” she said. “If they don’t, I’ll tan their hides.”

“I don’t want anyone to help if it’s not of their own free will,” Alice said hastily.

“Right,” the woman said. “They’ll decide to do it of their own free will, or I’ll tan their hides.”

“And I’m going to talk to Pyros,” Flicker said, cutting in before Alice could pursue that argument. “Once he hears what happened, I think he’ll agree it’s safer for us to help you than do nothing.”

“Please don’t think too badly of him,” Actinia said anxiously. “He just has to do what’s best for our people.”

“I know,” Alice said. “And thank you.” She raised her voice. “Thank all of you!”

“Well,” Ashes said, from somewhere by her ankles. “It’s a start.”

CHAPTER THIRTY

THE CIRCLE IS NOW COMPLETE

THERE WAS ONE more thing she had to do.

Sitting at Mr. Wurms’ table, after sending all the others away, Alice put one hand on the cover of The Infinite Prison. Ending had fetched it from its hiding place, deep in the library. Alice closed her eyes and let her awareness brush the edge of the spell, just lightly.

She found herself in a dark place, with no floor or walls or ceiling. Geryon stood in front of her, and beside her, and behind her, mirrored and replicated over and over. All the Geryons looked surprised to see her, the same brief moment of shock copied a million-fold. Then their whiskered faces smoothed to the usual calm.

“Alice,” he said. “Have you come to get me out of here?”

“No,” Alice said, biting back the “sir.”

His eyes narrowed. “Then it was you. A clever trick, I have to admit. Where did you find it?”

“It’s not important. I want you to answer a question.”

“What?” Geryon frowned. “Don’t presume to dictate to me—”

“I’ll presume whatever I like,” Alice snapped. “You’re in no position to argue. Now answer the question. Did you kill my father?”

He crossed his arms, glaring daggers. Alice shrugged.

“Have it your way,” she said. “I’ll be back. Eventually.”

She paused a few heartbeats, and the old Reader cracked.

“Wait!” he said. “Wait. Please.”

“Well?” she said.