I stepped out into a warm night at the entrance to a busy street. The humid air hit me immediately, moisture standing out on my skin. Jeans were too heavy, my t-shirt the only saving grace. I heard Sassafras hiss, glanced over to watch his fur puff up as Charlotte gently slid him from around her neck and cradled him against her side with one arm, shedding her leather jacket from the other.

"Where are we?" I turned to Demetrius, hoping he'd maintained his sanity long enough to ...