“It’s not home,” Rory admitted. “I just slept here. Home was the antiques shop and now it’s—well, I got somewhere that feels like home, anyway,” he amended awkwardly. “I really only got four things I care about. The quilt, the hat, the compass and Ace’s postcards. Ace said I can keep anything I want at his pad while we’re gone, so I told my landlord I don’t need the room anymore.”

Arthur had pointedly made a space for Rory’s trunk in his own closet right next to all his own stuff. It’s not permanent, and it can’t be permanent, Rory reminded himself. Arthur’s got a reputation to worry about. But it made his heart feel soft and squishy anyway.

“The hat can of course come to London.” Jade moved her hand, and the quilt began folding itself. “As for the rest of it, we’ll help you pack while we tell you what Zhang’s mother was able to dig up on the fire paranormal.”

As they crammed Rory’s few possessions into his trunk, Zhang’s astral projection explained. “We think his name is Jean-Pierre Mercier, also known as Jack. Grew up in England with his mother, but his father was French.”

“Possibly a relative of our friend Philippe,” added Jade.

Rory pursed his lips. “So they both got fire magic?”

“Sometimes magic types can run in families,” said Zhang. “The man with the paranormal tattoo, Sebastian de Leon, has enervation magic and his cousin paints magical traps. Two powers that thwart magic in the same family.”

“Philippe was pyrokinetic,” said Jade. “He could control fire.”

“This other fella lit his own hand up,” Rory said, “but the votive candles in the church didn’t seem to react.”

Zhang’s projection and Jade exchanged a glance. “Pyrokinetic aura?” Zhang offered.

Jade nodded grimly. “Able to set his own aura alight. That’s not someone I want working with Zeppler.”

“But why would he?” said Rory. “If Zeppler’s the one who made Ellis kill Philippe, why would this Mercier fella get involved?”

Jade shrugged helplessly. “Very quick thinking on your part to use the ring, though.”

“He wasn’t expecting it.” Rory closed the trunk lid. “And he looked pretty mad when I pulled the wind outta my pocket. Especially when he was blown straight into the cops.”

“I don’t think Baron Zeppler knew about the ring.” Jade frowned. “But we have to assume he will now. And I’m afraid it’s only going to make him more interested in you.”

Rory shivered. He knew a lot more than he wished he did. The ring was a heavy reminder of that, in its box in his pocket, where it lived now. “I don’t want to meet him either.”

“We’re not only here to help you pack,” Jade said reassuringly.

“I’m checking the route to Arthur’s place,” said Zhang, his projection flickering out.