Francel held Alta’s body close. The faerie was breathing, but each breath came as a rattle. His skin had gone cold. So very cold, and yet the edges of his wings continued to smolder, like dying charcoal. Wimer Aslix kept a hand on his arm, sending him bursts of energy. Ciel Karhillaz had his arm around Francel’s shoulders, and when Francel couldn’t look at Alta anymore, he shut his eyes and leaned against the young zombie.

“Come on, Francel,” Wimer Aslix said. “We’re here.”

Francel very carefully carried Alta across the courtyard. A few reporters asked some question.

Ciel Karhillaz said, “He’s just sleeping. We’ve been working hard for our debut.”

And then they were inside and at the elevator.

Ueda and Athena, Hiel and his human, Tegoshi and another faerie, who was introduced as Nimro, were in the hallway waiting for them.

“I am so glad you guys are here,” Francel said.

Ueda nodded. “Now that I see him, I’m glad you called me. He needs light, fast.”

“Fuck,” Nimro said.

Ueda shot him a