Sebastian leaned on the doorframe, expression inscrutable. “If Lieutenant Kenzie is looking for a target, I’m also right here,” he said, with his soft accent.

“Oh, how lovely, it’s you.”

Arthur pointed at Sebastian as he turned to Gwen. “Why is he here?”

“He saved Gwen’s life once,” said Ellis.

“And now the three of us are on Baron Zeppler’s wanted list, just like Rory,” Gwen said. “Sebastian’s cousin Isabel has gone to Barcelona. I’m sure he’d rather be in Spain with her, but he’s stayed here to keep Zeppler’s attention away from Isabel, and to protect us.”

“And who’s protecting us from him?” Arthur said flatly.

Gwen gave him a sardonic look. “You realize that around Sebastian is the safest place Rory can be? Sebastian has some of Isabel’s art tied to his magic through his tattoo. You already know how tricky it is to find him.”

“I’m sure Rory’s very safe,” said Arthur, with exaggerated politeness. “Right up until the kidnapping starts again. You all seem to be under the impression that I’m going to forget that happened, but I’m afraid I am very much going to remember.” He pointed to the three of them. “Goes for all of you.”

“Who’s kidnapping anyone right now?” said Gwen.

“You expect us to buy this protection story?” Rory snapped. “When it’s real convenient he’s here with his weird magic that can stop Jade and Zhang’s magic?”

Sebastian held up his hands in mock surrender. “All paranormals hate my magic.”

Arthur smiled thinly. “I’m not particularly fond of it either.”

Jade cut in. “Do you think Zeppler’s looking for you?” she said to Gwen.

“Let’s talk about Zeppler,” said Gwen, which wasn’t a yes or a no.

Arthur gestured at Sebastian. “We have one of his henchmen right here, in the flat, and why am I the only one who seems to see what a terrible idea that is? Are the rest of you lot drunk?”

Sebastian shot Gwen an uncertain glance.

“You might as well tell them,” she said to him. “They want the same thing you do.”

“And what is it we want?” Jade said coolly.

“The siphon,” said Ellis.

The room quieted. Rory’s skin broke out in prickles, and he sat on the end of the chaise.

Sebastian ran a hand through his hair, looking troubled. “All seven relics owe their existence to an enchanted siphon. It’s the only way I know of to make a relic, or hide one.”

“Is it what it sounds like?” Jade leaned forward intently. “It siphons magic from one source—say, a paranormal—and into another?”

“Yes.” Sebastian glanced at Arthur. “Do you remember when we were on the ship, Lieutenant Kenzie?”

“I’m not likely to ever forget it,” Arthur said dryly.