Moments later, Elliott managed to get rid of the mist monster whose last cry was much more mournful. The thought, “Eight more and Carter,” filled her mind, and she knew it was not her own.

Once she was on her feet, Elliott nodded at her, and they jogged ahead. In front of them, Margie was in full hand-to-hand combat with what could only be described as a ninja. He had a lone, long braid anchored in the center of his head, and Cadence assumed this was where the star that had almost ...