The crooning in my head cut out, replaced by a feeling of having disappointed someone that was so profound, tears streamed down my cheeks.

"I'm sorry," I whispered.

"Ash?" Arkady said.

I stared blankly at him. There was something important I had to tell him.

Hans collapsed, the poison spiraling in black circles along his skin.

"Stone," I gasped, wiping my eyes.

Arkady looked between me and Hans, swore, and grabbed my briefcase. He lifted ...