Zeppler lifted one hand and beckoned with his fingers. Three of the men with guns came forward, their weapons on Arthur. Zeppler stepped up, even closer, and then Arthur felt it: new magic creeping up his spine, to the base of his scalp. Not Rory’s dazzling lightning bolts, but magic like cold mercury, coating his skull and seeping inside.

“Now,” said Zeppler. “Let’s really get to know one another.”

Rory had his eyes closed, his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. The car vibrated under him, tires rumbling along the pavement.

The ring’s magic felt bright on his finger, letting him find the lighthouse of Arthur’s aura. They were getting closer to Arthur. Did that mean he’d stopped driving?

Was that good or bad?

Gwen had been mostly silent, watching out the window. But suddenly, she spoke. “Are you all right?”

Rory looked up and over at Gwen in disbelief.

“I’m sorry, that’s a ridiculous question,” she said ruefully. “It’s just—well. Maybe I shouldn’t say it.”

Rory wasn’t having that. No more secrets. “Say what?” he demanded. “Just tell me.”

“It’s your magic,” Gwen said gently. “It’s an absolute disaster right now, sparking all over you.”

Rory frowned. “It is?”

Gwen nodded. “To be honest, I’m a little afraid of the breeze.”

“We’re in a car, it’s just coming in the windows,” Rory snapped, but his stomach twisted with fear. He looked at the ring on his finger.

“Your ring reacts to your emotions sometimes, does it not?”

Rory bit his lip. It didn’t feel like he was losing control of the ring.

But then, it usually happened without much warning.

“Do you want me to take a look?” Gwen offered. “See if I can see how the magic connects to you? We’ve nothing else to distract us until we reach Arthur.”

“I’m good, thanks,” Rory said flatly.

“Very well. It’s your choice, although admittedly, I would rather you didn’t blow our car off the road.” Gwen hesitated, her eyes going back to his ring. “How strong a gale can you call?”

Rory froze. He looked at his finger for a long moment more. He’d accidentally called a gale powerful enough to break the ice on the Hudson River once. The way he was feeling right now, what kind of destruction could he cause?

After a long moment, he sighed. “Yeah, maybe you should take a look.” He pulled off the ring and passed it to her.

She took it, and then closed it in her fist. “Got it.”

“What—” Rory started.

But the driver slammed on the brakes. The tires screeched as Rory went tumbling forward, smacking into the back of the front seat hard enough to hurt.