“Anora,” he says. “I don’t trust Jeremy. Don’t go outside tonight.”

I start to laugh, but there’s something in the way he’s looking at me and the way he feels that makes me nod.

“Okay.”

Shy reaches across the console, laces his fingers through my hair, and kisses me. Everything about it feels perfect and familiar, and I wish I could stay like this forever. That it could just be me and Shy and none of the other things that seem to be conspiring against us. He pulls away and looks at me as if I’m everything he ever wanted, but then his expression goes cold and he offers me a tight “Be careful.”

* * *

It’s dark when I decide to leave for the graveyard.

I clutch Thane’s necklace in my palm, studying the pendant. It’s a flat circle with the letters L and T carved into the silver. It must be some sort of friendship necklace. It feels wrong to have it in my possession—just as personal as my poppa’s coin. I should have refused to take it, but I know why Thane gave it to me. Finding out what happened to Lily and her soul is more important. Besides, I’m partly responsible for this. I have to fix it if I can.

I take a deep breath, shove the necklace in my pocket, and climb out of my bedroom window. When my feet hit the ground, I come face-to-face with the hellhounds. They sit in a V, and I know they’re prepared to follow me, but if I’m going to keep any Valryn from realizing I’m gone, they’re going to have to stay put.

“Stay,” I say.

They whimper in unison, which makes me feel strangely guilty, but they lie down, resting their heads on their paws.

After a moment, I extend my hand, and the one closest to me inches forward until his wet nose touches my fingers. I scratch his muzzle and whisper, “I’ll be back. I promise.”

I grab my bike and walk it to the road. I cast one last glance over my shoulder. The hounds watch me, but they haven’t moved from their spots.

I head toward the graveyard. I can tell when I’m close because I can feel the energy of the dead growing stronger. I navigate the souls faster this time and approach the mausoleum. The door is still ajar, the lock broken from Thane’s handiwork. I start up the stairs when someone grabs me from behind.

I react, slamming my head into their face. Whoever has a hold of me lets go.

“Fuck! I think she broke my nose.”

I spin and run. The thread is trying to burrow out of my palm, reacting to my fear. No, I think. You’ve caused so much trouble already.

“Get her!” another voice calls.