The Steam Union fled through the night with me among them. If it weren't for the amazing constitution the living metal gave me, I knew I'd be bruised black and blue from the ordeal. But the gold protected me, or my physical form at least, while my heart churned with fury.

I'd wrangled my anger back, welcoming the familiar comfort of it. This was a time my temper served me for once. The heat of it actually cleared my head, helped me focus and pay attention, though I was in no ...