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Diana didn’t answer “I know it has a hold on you, Caine I’ve seen it But that monster of yours isn’t loyal to you, either It will use you and throw you away It will be everything and you will be nothing”

“Most of what I have to say is speculative,” Astrid began

Sam, Astrid, Edilio—alht Orc when he was calling hiht Caine and Pack Leader They had learned to survive the Big One-Five

Now, the picture of so clear

“From what Edilio has said, what Lana’s letter said, e’ve learned of Drake’s story froether”

She glanced at Little Pete, who sat in a chair by the , looking out at the slowly sinking sun and nodding uess fro…maybe some type of freak, aelse entirely that we don’t understand at all…is in that mine shaft”

“This thing, this gaiaphage, has the ability to reach out, mind-to-mind, and influence people Maybe especially people it has had some contact with Like Lana,” said Sam

“Or like Orsay,” Edilio interrupted “Someone with that kind of mind, you know? Like, sensitive, or whatever”

Astrid nodded “Yes Some may be more vulnerable than others I am sure, now, that it is in contact wit

h Little Pete”

“They talk?” Edilio asked skeptically

Astrid rolled her head, stretching her neck forward, trying to shake off the tension that tightened her jaw Sam was struck by how beautiful she still was Despite everything But he saell how delicate she seeht, like everyone Cheekbones more prominent than before, eyes bruised by exhaustion and worry There was a welt just in front of her temple

“I don’t think they talk, not like you mean,” Astrid said “But they can feel each other Petey’s been trying to warn me…I didn’t understand”

“Short version,” Sam said in a low voice “What do you think?”

Astrid nodded “You’re right I’m sorry, I’orously and refocused “Okay, it’s soreat power to influence reater over people who’ve already encountered the creature Like Lana Drake