The Veilbound were all here. And they weren't whispering of rebellion or freedom this time-they were preparing for something else.

Something that involved the Hollow Six.

Mia tried to speak, but a soft voice beside her whispered, "Do not draw its attention."

She turned and saw a frail witch smiling faintly at her-her skin marked with old runes, her eyes clouded.

"The veilfire listens," the witch murmured. "And if it sees your fear, it feeds."

The ...