Rory’s mind abruptly went back to Manhattan, to the day months ago when he’d been unable to scry a lead statue with a burn mark in a shipment of art from Gwen. Had that been from Mercier? “He’s got fire in his aura. Is he related to your friend, Philippe?”

“Distant cousin,” said Ellis. “Except Philippe was a good man. Mercier’s a ruthless son of a bitch who went looking for the baron on purpose because he wanted some of Zeppler’s magic. And I’ve heard of Chance. He had his magic screwed up by a relic, same as Hyde, same as Gwen. Sebastian’s magic won’t work on him. We’re all in danger. You get that?”

Rory swallowed. “I didn’t think—”

“Thinking’s exactly the problem!” snapped Ellis. “You’ve made the list of a telepath’s most wanted. When are you going to get it into your head that nowhere is safe for you anymore? You can’t hide from thoughts.”

Zhang’s projection faded, then strengthened again. “They’re searching the streets. But every time they get close to this alley, they turn around.”

“That may not last forever. Mercier has seen my tattoo, he knows Isabel’s paintings exist. If Chance can’t find Rory, Mercier may start to suspect de Leon magic.” Sebastian was standing at the curtain, eyes on the gallery. “I’ll find them and hold them off so you can get to Paris and the siphon.”

Rory felt frozen in place. “But Ellis just said your magic doesn’t work on the teleporter.”

“It doesn’t,” Ellis said impatiently. “You’re not doing this, Seb—they’ll drag you back to the Puppeteer.”

“If I don’t and Mercier believes I’m hiding you, he’ll set the entire alley aflame to burn us out.” Sebastian’s eyes stayed on the gallery and he wasn’t budging. “I’m not risking innocent lives. I can distract them so you can all get out safe.”

“Not all of us.”

Rory turned at the hoarse whisper.

Arthur was standing by the pocket doors, looking very pale. “If they were following Rory,” he said, still hoarse, “they may have seen him at Wesley’s house.”

“Oh hell.” Rory turned pleading eyes on Sebastian. “You gotta go check on Lord Fine.”

“If I can distract them, I can also keep them away from your friend,” said Sebastian.

“Are you certain?” asked Arthur. “Or will they drag you to the Puppeteer, and then come back to clean up loose ends?”

Sebastian bit his lip, and that was answer enough. “But if you’re not in the gallery—and if you’re not with me—if I don’t try to stop them, Mercier and Chance can follow you to the dock.”

“And we can handle them,” Ellis said impatiently. “They won’t be counting on Gwen and me to be there too. That makes five paranormals.”