The in-dash clock said four a.m. when they hit the outskirts of a city. The traffic was thick, and the promised cyclists appeared in droves. Katelina was relieved when Verchiel finally parked the car and let them walk the six blocks back to the glittering hotel. He paid with his Guild issued credit card, and came back with a single room key.

"We're sharing?" she asked dubiously.

He leaned close and whispered, "In case you forgot we just rescued you from an ancient ...