I woke up in time to get on the plane. I was fairly certain that was a requirement, though I had a feeling Blair could’ve gotten me on that plane, conscious or not.

But instead of having to somehow get my unconscious ass past the flight attendants we all bustled to the gate. Well, the others bustled and I was also there.

The employee at the counter arched a brow as he saw us, his eyes freezing on the others before absently flicking to me.

A fair reaction to our group.

We scanned our tickets and scampered onto the plane.

Blair froze as we reached our seats. It only took me a second to understand why.

One person would have to sit by themselves, and I was guessing Blair had planned on that being her. But with my recent… Excitement, she wanted to sit with me.

Bobby also reached that conclusion as he slipped into the seat Blair had planned on taking. He immediately put on headphones and ignored her stern look. She closed her eyes and then gave a grateful nod.

I took the window seat, and Blair slipped in next to me.

First class was cushy. I had never flown it before, coach was always so hard on my back, and William had been a crier when he was little, making every flight a test of patience.

When I get to Chicago l need to tell-

I stared at Blair as hard as I could, focusing on her face—the shape of her jaw, the color of her eyes. Darcy had not known Blair. She had never seen Blair. I wasn’t Darcy. I was Alder.

Cases like Darcy weren’t as… Awful as others for me to sift through. The woman’s death broke my heart, even more so now that I knew her, that I had felt her love for her family, and theirs for her.

But most of the memories I received from her were positive, if laced with a general anxiety and worry for those around her.

I’d guess that’s what kept her here in her addled state. That love and that fear chained her, forever waiting for a plane that would never come.

Blair gently took my hand. “Are you OK?”

I realized I’d never stopped staring at her as I thought.“yeah,… “I shrugged. “It’s not like Nile or some of the others. I don’t have to fight down those kinds of memories. But these do slip through easier. Especially right after.

Darcy had never been to the South, so hopefully, there wouldn't be familiar sights to trigger memories.

Blair opened her mouth, hesitated, then spoke. “Why… Why do you do it?“

I paused and then slowly shook my head. “If it’s OK with you, I’d rather not talk about it now. I’m tired, and I don’t want to open up about my emotions right now.“

Blair squeezed my hand, her calloused grip gentle and warm.

I stared down at it, waiting for a wash of revulsion that didn’t come. When I stopped to think about it, I hadn’t felt much of that from her recently. I don’t know if it was the length of exposure or something else, but her hand didn’t fill me with the memories of others, only her.

She smiled, and while strained, it was as warm as her grip. “Of course, we don’t have to talk. I shouldn’t have asked this soon anyway.“

I shook my head at her before turning back to the window. “No, you’re fine. I just need time, that’s all—time, and if I’m very lucky, a bit of sleep.”

~<>~<>~

The flight overall was pleasant. The seats were cushy enough that my battered body only gave me moderate complaints instead of furious ones, and I had enough legroom to stretch as I wished.

The landing was less fun.

My memories of planes weren’t wholesome ones by and large, and I found myself diving into Darcy’s memories to escape the sound of screams and crunching metal.

By the time we landed, I had tensed my whole body and didn’t realize how angry my side was until the seatbelt light flicked off, prompting me to relax.

The captain's cheery voice echoed through the speakers as I bit back a groan. “Arriving in currently sunny Kansas City –“

I shook my head and rubbed my eyes.

Blair stood up immediately, gathering our bags with workmanlike efficiency. Since we claimed the front of the plane, we were the first off, stepping into the airport far more quickly than I had expected.

I grunted as I pulled my suitcase, only for Laurel to snatch it from me as she passed. She made a flicking motion at me. “Knock that off; I’m gonna get a spray bottle or something. People with injuries don’t carry bags, especially not when I can smell the pain on you.”

I looked away. “Sorry, I’ll put on more deodorant next time.“ The others laughed as we followed Blair like a line of ducklings.

“What’s the agenda?“ I asked. I was certain Blair had written one and probably put it somewhere we could read, too. Not that I was going to do that when I could just ask her.

“We didn't check any bags. We go straight to a bus that’ll take us to the rental car facility. Then we’re on the road.“

The track to the bus was uneventful, though the increasingly crowded airport started to unnerve me. The only time I was used to crowds was during tourist season, and that was never in confined spaces aside from the shops, which I could always avoid.

Being around this many people this close together made me feel slightly nauseous. There was a general unease about the crowd being so close to me, but it was more than that.

My senses were dulled with my aura sealed, but I could still feel the emotions of so many people packed together like this. Most weren’t even that bad. Most were urgent or focused on a task; some were angry, tired, or even scared.

It wasn’t a mass of negativity, but it was a lot of emotion.

I slipped my hand through a strap on Blair‘s backpack and let her guide me. The woman moved through the crowd like a shark, everyone passing around her without seeming to notice.

We made it to the bus and piled inside.

I took a minute to center myself, and by the time we had arrived at the rental car facility, I felt mostly human again.

Blair and Laurel went to speak with an employee while Bobby examined a pile of gossip mags in the corner like they were fine art.

I turned to Simon and raised both hands. “Rock paper scissors?“

He shrugged and raised his own hands. “Why not?“

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Five minutes later, Blair and Laurel returned to find Simon scowling as I clowned on him for the fifth round. I had won all of them.

“I don’t think I like rock paper scissors anymore,“ he said.

I gave Simon a magnanimous shrug. “Not everyone has my magic touch nor the quick mind and sharp wit required to win.“

He snorted as he hopped up. “I’m sure.“

I rose with decidedly less enthusiasm. First class was quite nice to be fair, but it still involved sitting in a chair for hours. My muscles cramped, my side ached, and I fought to hold in a wince. Everyone noticed but didn’t comment.

I think I disturbed the werewolves a little. Bobby didn’t seem as surprised as the others, but the fact that my injuries lingered so long was something they still seemed to struggle to wrap their heads around.

After a quick look around, we found the car, a large black SUV, and piled inside. I was ushered toward shotgun while Bobby literally dove into the backseat, clearing the middle headrest like an action hero. He sprawled out in the back and let out a deep sigh.

Blair took the wheel while Simon and Laurel climbed in the middle.

“We might have to stay two nights before we get to Vintray; it depends on how good the roads are, “ Blair said as the car rumbled to life. It was one of those fancy models where you just had to press a button while the key fob was near. It made me feel old.

“I have a few motels marked out along the way, but I’m hoping we can get to the furthest one today.”

I smiled. Of course, Blair had mapped out the motels.

We pulled out of the parking lot, and Bobby called from the back, cupping his hands around his mouth like a megaphone. “Are we there yet?“

Blair sighed.

~<>~<>~

We left the city behind, roaring along the highway like hell was on our heels.

Blair took low-speed limit signs like a personal affront, slowing only when absolutely necessary and grumbling every time she did. Honestly, I was amazed we weren’t pulled over in the first 20 minutes.

A few blessedly uneventful hours passed. I enjoyed watching the scenery and the occasional banter or tangent from the group. If it wasn’t for the fact that we were now in a war, that Blair was slowly losing control of herself, and that if I screwed this up, I might not be able to help her… of it wasn’t for all that it would feel like a vacation.

I let out a slow breath as tension drained from my shoulders.

Maybe don’t list all your problems out, Alder. They might meet and gang up on you.

The track of uneventfulness continued. We stopped at a drive-through in a small town, getting an absurdly large order that made the employee's eyes go wide.

It wasn’t until we stopped for gas that I saw my first ghost.

The gas station was a local spot, which I had the feeling was family-owned, going by the name of Tress’s Truly Terrific Petroleum.

It had faded blue paint and a flat black roof that felt like it had been there for ages. The door let out a gentle chime as we entered, and I was struck with a breeze from a set of fans on the counter. It wasn’t too hot out, only about 70 degrees, but the fans were still on full blast.

There were a few aisles of snacks and whatnot, some roadside essentials, and a wall of chilled drinks. The counter was empty, but I only noticed that in passing. My eyes focused on the lean man propped against it, idly perusing a small tower of sunglasses. He had lean, narrow features and a pointy chin.

He idly fiddled with his sunglasses with one hand as his other ticked down the display in front of him, seeming to count something. He wore dark blue jeans and a red shirt with a faded band name on the front. His dark hair fell just above his ears, and even through the sunglasses, I could tell when his gaze settled on me. “Oi, stranger, you can see me, can’t you?“

I nodded as I strolled over. “I can.“ The others froze at my words, their eyes darting to the sunglass display. I waved them off. “He’s friendly.“

The ghost arched a brow. “How do you know that? I could be a real killer.“ He put both fists up in a mock boxing stance, widening his long legs like a cartoon character.

I laughed. “You get a feel for it eventually.”

He hummed, his hand moving to drum on the countertop. “I suppose you do, don’t you?.“

“Do you have anything you need help with? Some lingering regret you need fulfilled.“

He grinned, showing off a set of pearly white but slightly crooked teeth. “I’m good, my young spirit mage. I don’t need a last request fulfilled at the moment. I’m enjoying my unlife still. But there is something you can do for me.”

I leaned against the counter beside him, tilting my head back to meet his sunglass-shrouded gaze. “Oh, do tell.”

He rolled his wrist at the display next to him. “I was forced to use quite a bit of magic earlier in some nasty business. It’s left me rather wiped. Tress, the owner of the store, and I go way back. I like to prank her, let her know I’m hanging around when I don’t have the energy or inclination to reveal myself.“

I hummed. “What kind of prank? I’m not doing anything harmful.“

He shook his head and lifted his hands to ward off the accusation. “No, no, nothing harmful. We’re friends. Note the sunglass case. I just want you to turn a couple of them upside down. It’ll only take a few seconds to fix. Just enough of an inconvenience to make her roll her eyes and chuckle.“

I nodded. “Yeah, I can do that.“

Simon rounded the corner, his arms full of energy drinks, and paused. “Why are you rearranging the glasses display?“

“The voice told me too.“ I said as I slid a pair back into place upside down. I did it to five or six more before nodding. The ghost chuckled. “Perfect, and is there anything I can do for you, my young friend?“

“Well, your name, for one.“

“Bill, and you are?“

I stuck out my hand. “Alder.“

He shook, his grip light and surprisingly gentle.

“How long have you been around here, Bill?“

He laughed, throwing his hands up in an exaggerated stretch. “Now, I might not look it, but Old Bill here has wandered through these hills for many a moon.“

“Who says many a moon?“

“Hush, I do, and it sounds cool. My point is I’m old, and yes, I’ve been around here a while. What do you wanna know?“

I drummed my fingers on the counter, mirroring his beat.

“We’re traveling to Vintray. To meet with Bartholomew Cain. Do you know him?“

Bill‘s eyebrows shot up and he took off his sunglasses, revealing a pair of sharp brown eyes. “Shit, kid, you’re going to mess with Bartholomew?“

I shook my head. “Not messing with him. Meeting with him. We’re invited.“

He relaxed slightly, some of the surprise bleeding from his face.

“I see. In that case, well, you should be fine. He’s got a decent reputation. I consider him one of the better spirit lords in terms of how he treats us. Quite the showman,“ he chuckled, and I had a feeling that was an understatement. “Have you met him?”

Bill nodded. “Twice. Once, when I was a wee little ghost who could barely haunt a TV or scare a tourist, then a few years back, we had some trouble around here. He cleared it out.“

That sounded like Bartholomew was helpful, although Bill wasn’t finished.

“If you give Bartholomew a reason to treat you kindly, chances are he will. You betray him? Well, there’s a reason people call them lords. They have a monopoly on violence in these parts.“

Hearing the words ‘monopoly on violence’ from a ghost who was still leaning against a counter and had just asked me to rearrange sunglasses was a little jarring, but I appreciated the advice all the same.

“Be straight with him, he’ll probably be straight with us, don’t piss him off, don’t betray him.“

Bill nodded. “And, of course, keep your guard up. He’s an old mage. Old mages are wily.”

“Thank you, Bill, I appreciate the help.“

“Likewise.“

Laurel sidled up next to me and stared vaguely in Bill’s direction. “If you’re asking your ghostly friend questions, see if he’s got any tips for us about the trip to [Vintray].“

Bill whistled as he stared at Laurel. “A reasonable question from your very beautiful friend.“ His eyes flipped from Laurel to Simon before scanning about for Blair and Bobby. “Werekin?“

I nodded.

“There’s a few Packs around here that don’t take kindly to people crossing their turf, but if you’re with them, I assume they’re aware. There are some vampire types eight or nine hours away. I think they’re nobles or somesuch.”

After a second to ponder, he shrugged. “Keep your eyes up. I only know the surrounding towns particularly well past that, and it’s only the rumors I hear.“

I grunted. “Thanks. I really appreciate it. “

He shot me a finger gun before giving me a wide grin with his pearly crooked teeth. “Also, tell your friend she’s smokin.“

I rolled my eyes at him and then turned to Laurel. “He gave us some useful information and told me to tell you you’re smokin'.”

She laughed and then dramatically flipped her hair over one shoulder. “Don’t I know it.”

I chuckled, and Bill joined me. Then I turned and headed off down the aisle. I needed to find something sugary and bad for me that came in a size too big.