"Tend to them, Hunter. Let them believe they saw performers acting out a show—"

"Some out there know better than that," Lydia said.

"And they will wisely keep their mouths shut," Xerxadrea said confidently. "We'll reconvene after the Ball," Xerxadrea said. "And those of my lucusi who are here will convene with us."

Hunter left. I held the door as Lydia guided Xerxadrea from the room.

Xerxadrea took center stage with all the slow pomp of an Eldrenne in full dress. The assembled crowd gave her the respectful silence she deserved, until she said, "I'd wager you didn't think an old crone could do her own stunts."

The laughter and applause she received in response fully restored the party mood of the room.

I watched from under the catwalk, undetected by the camera crews above me. I'd put the mask back on, simply because it made me feel safer and hidden. Johnny brought Beverley to me then hurried backstage. She clung to my arm and whispered, "Johnny called Demeter to let her know I'm okay."

"Good."

"I can't believe it! Did you see Aquula?"

I went down on one knee beside her, to hear her better. "I did."

"She's a real mermaid! Did you see her skin, all glittery? And her eyes? Wow! She was sooo much cooler than Ariel."

"Did she like your costume?"

Beverley nodded. "She said I was adorable."

I stood, rubbed her hair, and pulled her closer to me, relaxing some muscles I hadn't realized were still taut. But in my heart, I still worried. How could I be the Lustrata and avoid endangering her over and over? I had to figure out an answer to that.

"I'm delighted you enjoyed our show," Xerxadrea was saying as I focused on the stage again, "but I am even more delighted to introduce to you the new High Priestess of Venefica Coven… Hunter Hopewell."

Hunter crossed the stage, at ease under the bright lights. The applause seemed to embolden her, where it had embarrassed me. Yes, she was perfect for the job. She declared her gratefulness to all the appropriate people, dropping the names of those who donated to the party—who were surely satisfied to hear themselves called out—and singled out those who gave of their time. Then, she announced the band to riotous applause and cheers.

Only a few measures into the first song, the Eldrenne and a handful of other women were making their way toward us, going down the steps into the office where most of the music's volume would be blocked. I stayed under the catwalk, knowing Beverley wanted to listen to at least a few songs.

Momentarily Goliath, minus his master, joined us. The armor part of his knight costume had been removed, leaving only the undergear. Though I knew the specific names of the pieces he wore, I couldn't recall them just then. My brain was too preoccupied by the many trains of thought zooming about on multiple tracks inside my head and trying to figure out which of them to follow. Goliath lifted Beverley onto his shoulders so she could get a better view of the band.

I stood there, letting my mind wander a bit, as I watched the crowd for a sign that someone among them had understood that what they'd seen wasn't a show. All eyes were on the band.

All eyes, that is, except Menessos's. Moving directly toward me, I let him have my attention. Beverley was alive because of him. He had red marks on his face, thin burns from the fairy. The crown was gone. In a torn tunic, he should have seemed haggard; but he didn't. He looked battle-worn, but victory clothed him as clearly as the fabric. It made heat rush through me like a jolt of courage.

Then I remembered myself and pulled the shield around my aura like a curtain.

But Menessos wasn't one to let a little metaphysical shielding get in the way. Stopping with only inches between us, he raised one finger and traced my jaw from chin to earlobe. My shields held off the effects until he touched my neck. I felt too tired to fight anymore, and ripples of heat crossed my body. I couldn't stop the sigh from escaping my lips.

"You're more than I dared to hope for," he whispered.

"What does that mean?"

He took my hands and kissed the back of each. "It means enjoy the rest of your evening, Persephone. Goliath." At his name, the other vampire turned. "It is time to go."

Goliath set Beverley down, said something in her ear. She grinned and nodded in response. Then Goliath joined his master in leaving.

I watched them go, not sure if I was sad or relieved.

When I turned back, Beverley was yawning. It was late and technically a school night, though after all she'd been through, I wasn't sure I could make her go to school tomorrow.

Then she put her hand in mine and said, "I'm tired."

I led her down to the office. Surrounded by the light of a dozen candles placed around the room, the Elders sat on chairs arranged in a circle. Vilna-Daluca immediately announced, with a knowing smile, that she'd fetch a cot for Beverley. I pulled the mask off and tucked it into my Tarot pouch.

"This is part of my lucusi," Xerxadrea said. "You know Vilna-Daluca. This is Silvana, Jeanine, Celeste, and Ludovika." Each nodded at me as their names were said. I tried to repeat their names to myself so I'd not forget. Talk quickly turned back to commenting on the wonderful turnout, the lovely decorations, and the loud music. Through it all, Vilna-Daluca smoothed Beverley's hair over and over until the girl was sleeping.

I was about to nod off too, when Hunter and Lydia finally joined us. From the buzz of the outer office's windowed door, it was clear the band's second set was roaring. Introductions were made again for Hunter, as the newcomers took the open seats.

"The Ball proceeding well?" Celeste asked politely.

Pleased by the inquiry, Hunter gave her a brief rundown. When she finished, though, Xerxadrea impatiently pointed to me and said, "Tell them."

They all turned to me expectantly. My chest went tight. A cleansing breath—in, then out—helped as I willed myself to relax. I stood, because, well, it felt appropriate to say this on my feet. "I… am the Lustrata," I said.

For a moment there was silence. Only Lydia and Hunter looked surprised. I don't know what I expected, but something would have been better than the nothing I got. In the silence that followed, I resisted the compelling urge to start spewing reasons and citing occurrences from my life that seemed to validate the claim. Keeping my mouth shut wouldn't give them ammunition to tear me down.

At first they were all openly staring at me, then, moment by moment and one by one, they turned to Xerxadrea. She sat with her head angled so the brim of her hat hid her face. The raven upon her shoulder resettled its feathers but was silent.

"The Redeemer? The Bringer of Justice and Light?" Lydia asked, finding her voice.

I wondered if everyone was going to have a different moniker for me.

"Yes," Xerxadrea said.

"Are you certain?"

The Eldrenne tapped her staff and held her hand out toward me, murmuring. The orb atop the staff began to glow softly and I felt a glittery, shimmering cold upon my skin. I began to glow and those gathered gasped as the Goddess's mantle appeared on my shoulders. Each circle of the armor that had come to me under that blue moon gleamed in the soft orb-light.

When their shock ebbed, the light faded.

I asked. "So… did I screw everything up out there?"

Silence.

"You killed a fairy on these grounds," Ludovika said.

"An act of war," Celeste murmured.

"It was not my intention to start a war," I said firmly. "I was ending the threat they posed to Beverley." My eyes went to the girl sleeping on the cot.

"It was inevitable," Xerxadrea said.

"The fairies will retaliate," Jeanine said.