“Maybe,” Zizi said. “These Hybrids want to survive, like any other living organism. If the spell works the way they want it to, they don’t have to wait for the Blight to randomly infect humans. They can make it happen themselves. And if there’re more of them, they can overpower the Exorcists. Take over the city. Feed on anyone they want.”
Yiran pinched the bridge of his nose. “We have to tell the Guild—we have to tell them everything.”
“We can’t tell them everything,” Zizi said.
“Then what do you propose?” Yiran shouted. “That we do nothingabout the Hybrids? Should we wait until they have a chance to kidnap you again?”
“They can’t force me to do anything,” Zizi insisted stubbornly.
“You don’t know that,” said Rui.
“Whatever it is, we shouldn’t tell the Guild about the blue fire. We don’t know what they might do to you.”
Even though he was seriously injured, Zizi was only worried about her. The guilt Rui felt for risking his life gnawed at her and she broke his gaze.
Yiran glared at the both of them. “At the very least, we should get back to the Academy and tell the Guild about the spell and what it can do.”
“If we do that, your grandfather will know howyougot your magic,” Rui said quietly. “Are you ready for that?”
“I don’t know.” Yiran punched the tarmac. “But we should tell them about the Hybrids.”
“The Guild says Hybrids don’t exist, remember?” Zizi mocked.
“That’s because they didn’t know—” Yiran began.
Rui cut him off. “How can you still believe that?”
The sound of approaching car engines was growing loud. They’d been too busy arguing to notice three black SUVs drawing closer to them.
Zizi squinted. “Well, look who’s here.”
“Exorcists,” Rui said, recognizing the hood ornament on the cars. “How did they find us?”
“They must’ve tracked Mochi’s phone.”
Yiran scrambled up. “At least we’re getting help.”
The SUVs stopped. The doors opened and an Exorcist stepped out from each car while the drivers remained seated. The two men and lone woman were dressed in the signature black trench coats of the Guild. One of the men wore his hair in a ponytail while the woman had a bleached-blond buzz cut and heavy eyeliner. She and the other man had the Captain’s lapel pin on their coats.
Rui didn’t recognize them.
“I’m so glad you guys found us,” Yiran said. “We were just—whoa!”The blond Exorcist grabbed his arms, twisting them behind him, securing his wrists together with a zip tie. “What’s going on? Why do I feel like I’m being arrested? Not that I’ve ever had the pleasure of that experience.”
The Exorcist looked unamused.
“I don’t think my grandfather would appreciate me being manhandled this way.” He continued, “Could you maybe lay off the zip tie? It’s cutting into my wrists.”
The Exorcist didn’t reply, and she didn’t loosen his restraints.
If this was how they were going to treat Song Wei’s grandson, it was best not to protest.
Rui pointed to Zizi. “He’s injured and needs a healer.” She offered both her wrists to the ponytailed Exorcist.
After securing her, he walked over to Zizi and lifted his T-shirt. Zizi looked on unhappily as the Exorcist examined his wounds.
“This one has magic too.” The Exorcist added, “He’s human.”
Rui exchanged a look with Yiran. She wondered who orwhatthey’d expected to find here.
