The last plant slid into the bag without resistance, and I leaned back, taking in the room with a satisfied smile. Every bench was clear, every table free of plants, and every cupboard, shelf, and cubbyhole emptied.

Time stood off to the side, his lips curling in the faintest hint of a smile as he surveyed our work. “We made good time,” he said.

I nodded, stretching my arms. “Considering how much some of those plants fought me, I’m surprised we did.”

Outside, the light had shifted to a dusky pink.

If there’d been one more table to clear off, we wouldn’t have made it.

Time chuckled, shaking his head. “I am unused to being concerned about having time for things.” He stretched, a series of pops sounding down his spine. “Mortal forms and their restrictions are… exhausting.”

I snorted. “You’ll get used to it. Just be glad no one’s asking you to run a mile first thing in the morning.”

High school gym class could go straight to hell.

He raised a curious eyebrow. “Why would someone ask you to do that?”

I sighed, shaking my head. “Because the schooling system on earth is fucked. And the healthcare. And…honestly, everything. Everything is fucked. Every country has their downsides and it all sucks.”

The memory of the hoops I’d jumped through to keep my practice running—affordable yet effective—twisted in my chest. Worth it, yes, but exhausting.

Time regarded me thoughtfully before humming. “I can see why you leapt at the chance for a new life. Still, even if you’d hesitated, my wife would have convinced you quickly. Karma is... persuasive.”

Thinking of the fiery woman, I couldn’t help but agree. “Yeah, Karma’s pretty amazing.” Adoption drama aside. Glancing out the window, I hesitated. “How long do you think it’ll be before she wakes up?”

His expression shifted, a weight settling over him. “There is no way to predict such things. But for her sake, I hope it is not until after your business in Dawnmoor.” His face hardened like stone. “She will not want to set foot in that town any more than I do.”

A pang of guilt twisted through me, and I made a decision. “Don’t worry. Even if she wakes up, I won’t call for her until we’re out of the city.”

Bringing a grieving mother to the place where she’d lost her child? Not a chance. If I needed help, I’d figure it out on my own. I always did.

Time’s gaze bore into me, heavy and unreadable. After a long pause, he nodded. “That would be appreciated. My wife has endured enough. She should not have to suffer more.”

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Curiosity itched at the back of my mind, but I swallowed it. This entire topic was sensitive and I wasn’t going to go stomping around like a bull in a china shop. Besides, it was none of my business.

I slung the satchel over my shoulder and nodded toward the door. “Let’s get moving. The faster we get on the road, the sooner we can wrap this mess up.”

And the less likely Karma would be awake for it.

I didn’t voice that part, but the determined gleam in Time’s eyes suggested he understood. “Yes, let us go. The others should be waiting at the gate. First, lead me to the armory.”

I nodded and scooped up Volpe from where he napped on a bench. He stirred with a soft, annoyed grumble, cracking an eye open to glare.

“Yeah, yeah. Sorry to interrupt your nap,” I muttered. “Didn’t think you’d want to stay here.”

He huffed and burrowed into my arm.

I shook my head with a small smile and followed Time out of the office, shutting the door quietly behind us.

The guards who’d previously lined the hallways were gone, replaced by men in armor like Henry’s. Not wanting to look suspicious, I gave a small wave to the nearest one.

The guard nodded in acknowledgment. “Sir Henry told us to keep an eye out for you. He and the others are waiting at the gate whenever you’re ready.”

I smiled. “Thanks! We’ll head there soon.” After a stop at the armory.

The guard returned to his post, and Time and I continued down the halls. No one stopped us, though a few guards offered nods of recognition as we passed.

At the armory, I led the way inside, heading straight for the staff. Time followed, his eyes locking onto it the moment we approached.

“Good,” he murmured, picking it up. “It’s still here. Life will be relieved to have this returned.”

Curiosity bubbled up again. “If it wasn’t meant for mortal hands, why was it made at all? I doubt Life needs a staff to kick ass and take names, especially against undead.”

Time snorted. “Your phrasing is... unique, as always. But to answer your question, this staff was a gift from Nature and her husband, Inspiration. Life rarely chooses Chosens, but she has been waiting to offer this to the one she selects.”

That made sense.

I held out the satchel, but Time shook his head. “I will keep it with me until we return it. Nature herself may deliver it once we reach Latica.”

“Couldn’t we just call her? Like I did with you?”

He grimaced, “We need to find time to discuss propriety and social customs, before you inadvertently do something you regret.” He sighed. “For now, just know that while we can hear mortals when they call out to us, it is usually faint. Easily ignored. I only heard you because of your desperation. That said, this method of communication is considered rude, if there is no life ending emergency at play.”

He flicked a hand around us. “When I arrived you were missing an arm, about to be mind controlled, and the entire resistance army was gone. That was well worthy of summoning me in such a way.” He tapped the staff. “Returning this is not.”

I nodded. “Got it. I’ve got a lot to learn, don’t I?”

“You have no idea,” he muttered, leading the way toward the door. “But we’ll have time for lessons once we leave.”

I followed, my head already spinning from everything I’d learned so far. If the rest was anything like this, it was going to be a long road ahead.

Hopefully, it wouldn’t feel like college all over again. All that cramming had been hell.