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The shapeshifter is nized you as the Lady of the Cerddorion," Mab continued "He believed that the Lady would thwart his plans And so she did"

"Not in battle," I said thoughtfully, "butup Ceridwen manifested, and it was end-of-story for Pryce"

"Precisely But it wasn’t Ceridwen alone, child It was you The Destroyer killed Pryce, at least in part, to prevent Pryce fro you"

Which er to find out what they were

Did Difethwr’s plans include the Old Ones? Tina was stillDaniel had confirmed that Tina wasn’t one of the Morfran-possessed zombies at Fenway Park Neither had she been found in the raid on the abandoned factory I’d gone back there one, and I could wander the place at will I explored every square inch I found the basement cells Bonita had described I even found the cell Tina had occupied My heart sank when um–pink lipstick on the concrete wall: Vicky help me!!! The words blurred, and I had to blink fast to clearto Daniel, Tina was one of several zo He believed the Old Ones still held the with Juliet to try to find out where (Judging froly bad , Daniel had successfully resisted her charms) In the meantime, Tina’s plea for help haunted my dreams

I would find her I would And I’d punish the Old Ones for her suffering

That brought forth a flare from the spark that now burned constantly in the back of my mind Ceridwen loved that kind of talk After centuries on the sidelines, she was ready for action

It was a struggle to keep her in her place For Ceridwen, having a physical body again was better than a kid’s first trip to Disney World Whatever I was doing--having a cup of coffee, taking a shoalking through the streets of Deadtown--Ceridwen pushed herself forward and tried to take over She loved TV alh, hen Kane returned from his retreat As he pulled ainst mine, the double perspective returned and suddenly it wasn’t just

I’d pushed hi to share hioddess who lives inside my head

It was Kane who helped reat one, I’ll admit, but it works At least for now "Ceridwen caments of the bloodstone are embedded in your skin What happens if you cover them up?"

Excellent question Before Ceridwen could stop me, I ran into the kitchen and shoved loves Ah Blessed relief The double perspective disappeared, and when the bedrooht I’d tried other gloves--leather gloves, knitted gloves, up-to-the-elbow opera gloves--but only that flao-pink rubber one did the trick I wore it now Hell, I wore it all the tiht be the Lady of the Cerddorion, thein control of it Even if I won Fashion Don’t of the Year

Kane placed his hand onof his skin on litter, no delove Of all the claims on me, this one--from the man I loved and who loved me in return--was the one I accepted This was the one I wanted

"AUNT VICKY!" SIX-YEAR-OLD ZACK RAN TO ME AS WE GOT out of the car He stopped and stared "How colove?"

"So I can help yourhis hair I fully expected to be called a silly billy, but Zack was already tugging at Kane, wanting to show him the backyard trampoline I smiled It made me happy that Gwen’s kids liked Kane

Maria sidled up to Mab, looking shy She hid both hands behind her back

"Moht hand clutched a bouquet of flowers froarden

"Why, thank you, Maria How lovely Shall we put thelanced at Gwen, eyebrows raised After a moment’s hesitation, Gwen nodded Maria led Mab into the house

That left Gwen and loved hand, then decided not to ask Instead, she gave me a peck on the cheek

"Where’s Moet the steaks started"

"Steaks?" I’d expected Gwen’s husband to whip up has

"Dad’s favorite, so Moraduated froe," Gwen continued, "keeping out of sight But other than Mrs Baumann, who’s still worried about her Chihuahua, I think the neighbors have gotten used to having hireat with Justin They’re inseparable And you should hear Justin talking now That child has picked upfalcon" I couldn’t tell how much sadness permeated her smile Maybe only a hint--for the dreams of a normal, middle-class life that had been swept away by the tsunaether alked toward the patio "So what’s up with this glove?" she asked "Not a look I’d have chosen for you--"

"Mo pale and clutching her stoood"

"What is it, sweetheart?" Gwen held out her arms, and Maria threw herself into them Gwen scowled "She’s awfully hot"

"I think it’s time," Mab said

Time? Oh, no