AS THE WINTERY CHILL flew through Tallahassee, Novus started ringing a hollow-sounding bell. Rushing through the side entrance of the church, Wren found her way to the front pew and sat next to a tan man of Korean descent, Ha-Ru “Ray” Kim. While staring at the closed casket in front of them, Wren took hold of Ray’s hand to calm her nerves, and he gave her a light squeeze. “I was worried you’d be late,” Ray whispered. “Never,” Wren said. “Where’s Esme?” Ray shrugged. “I bet

AS IF IT HAD become a religious practice, prejudiced people attacked Tallahassee routinely after the tragedy befell Sparrow Manor. The Council noticed this from their home in the city of Birdsong, which was located on Birdsong Island, an island shielded by a barrier dome in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle. To conquer the raids on the human city they had grown to like, the Council gifted Tallahassee a guildhall for the Mage’s Guild—a society of healers, who threaded breaks

FATHER BERNIE WALKED UP to Ray at the podium to see if he was ready to begin the eulogy. He pried his eyes from the book and nodded at the priest. “I am going to recite Simon’s favorite song, ‘A Bode to My Eternal Love.’ Don’t worry—I’m not going to sing it.” Ray began the service with a light-hearted joke. “Wherever Simon is now, I hope he is listening.” Wren tried to smile at Ray. She knew the song he was referring to. Everyone did—it was the most cherished song within th