It took a lot of convincing to leave Oliver behind. Time I really didn't have. So much I almost caved as Trill waited for me, impatience on her face and a feeling of utter frustration in her power.

You need backup. He loomed over me like always, only this was the first time he'd ever tried to bully me.

Max laughed. Out loud. So not like him. He'd been meandering between total silence and lighthearted boyishness lately. I worried, ...