“They have cells there,” the ghoul agreed. “It’s a place they keep food. And betrayers.”
“Is it guarded?” I asked.
“I’ll deal with the guards,” Variance said.
“If he’s dealing with the guards,” I asked. “What are you doing?”
The ghoul smiled and this time it looked exactly like child’s glee. “I’m the distraction.”
The restof the plan was argued over and filled out in short whispers and gestures. Vampires had good hearing. While we were still several yards out from the house, we very much did not want to be overheard.
The ghoul had supernatural speed. He would draw the guards’ attention and pull them away from the cell where Rhianna was being held, allowing Variance to slip in and find his daughter.
“What happens if you’re bit by a vampire?” Abbi asked the ghoul.
Hatcher clucked his tongue. “Not much. I’m already a monster.”
So, that was one thing we had going for us.
“Who goes with Variance to retrieve Rhianna?” I asked.
“No one,” Variance said. “I’ll be faster on my own.”
“Agreed,” Lula said. “We’re running out our time and magic, Brogan.”
“I’ll get the token,” Abbi offered. “I know where it is.”
It took everything in me not to argue that one of us would go with her.
But from the look on Lu’s face, if one of us was going with her, it would be me. That wasn’t going to happen. I was not going to leave Lula to face Dominick alone.
“But I won’t be there to protect you,” Abbi argued, as we all checked weapons.
Variance and Hatcher ran toward the outbuildings, their speed taking them into the darkness and out of sight in an instant.
“We have all the magic Ricky gave us.” I dropped to my knees and tied the end of the spool of magic thread around Abbi’s wrist. “The thread will help us not lose you.”
“And me not lose you,” she said.
“Exactly.” I dropped the spool into my pocket. If I squinted, I could see the thread between us, but I felt no physical connection, no tension of real thread. It was magic, and the magic would connect us.
“I have the bracelet to cloak us,” Lula said, “and Brogan has the knife that will stop the vampire dead. And I have the vials for his blood.”
“And the bombs,” I said, adjusting the ring on my finger and hoping the speed it would give me would be enough to keep up with Lula.
“And that,” Lu agreed.
“Take this.” Abbi held up a slick black feather.
Raven’s feather.
“No, you need that,” I said.
“Take it.” She thrust it into my hand and took a step back. “We’re all going to meet back at the road with Franny, right?”
I shoved the feather in my pocket. “Yes. Be careful, Pumpkin. If we aren’t at the car by dawn, don’t wait for us.”
She scowled. “I’ll go to the car, but I’m not leaving without you. We’re family, remember?”
