“What were you thinking, Micah, sending a street rusher up against a wizard?” Han said, idly tossing his knife and catching it. “That was a mismatch. She’s talented, I’ll admit—there aren’t many Temple students who can cut your heart out through your clothes. But she’s never been a steady hand as a draw-latch.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Micah said at the same time that Fiona said, “Who?”

“Cat Tyburn doesn’t crew for you anymore,” Han said. “Sorry.”

“Who is Cat Tyburn?” Fiona asked, looking from Han to Micah with narrowed eyes.

Micah eyed him, his curiosity clearly battling with his desire to keep denying what Han already knew. “What happened? Where is she?” he said finally.

“Where do you think?” Han flipped his knife, caught it.

“You killed her?” Micah’s expression was all horrified fascination.

Han shrugged. “I don’t want to talk about Cat.”

“Well, I do,” Fiona snapped, glaring at her brother. “What have you been up to?”

“Later,” Micah said. “Let’s talk about what happened in Aediion. Who is Crow? Or was he just a bit of conjury you put on for our benefit?”

Han tried the edge of his blade against his thumb. “To tell you the truth, I have no idea who Crow is, or what his game is. I was as surprised as you when he showed up.”

“But you know him,” Fiona pressed. “That was obvious.”

“I’ve met him,” Han said, putting his knife away. “Can’t say I know him. Let’s just say that your visit to Aediion was a case of getting in over your head. Magically, I mean.” He closed his hand on the Demon King’s amulet. “Now. We need to get something settled. I’ve had enough of always watching my back, waiting for somebody to pick my pocket or jinx me or slide a blade between my ribs.” He waggled the amulet. “You want this, come and get it.”

Micah shook his head. “We’re not stupid. You’ll attack us. Or we’ll get expelled for attacking you.”

“I promise. Cross my heart. I won’t attack you. If you can take it, you can have it.” Han smiled, all toothy and slantwise. “Either one. Come on. Who’s first?”

“Toss it over here,” Fiona said.

“Now that would be stupid, wouldn’t it?” Han said. “You with three amulets between the two of you, me without any.” He held the amulet up by its chain. “Nah. You come take it from me.”

Micah shook his head again. “No. I don’t trust you.”

Han sighed. “Guess you’re way too smart for me. See, this thing is choosy about who uses it. Touch it, and you’re nothing more than a smudge of ash and a lingering stench on the breeze.”

“You’re forgetting that I’ve used it before,” Micah said.