Book Six: Chapter 69

“Mmm. Nice and firm.” There was a purr to her voice. “And you’re sure they can’t see us? We could do...anything?”

“No, this is wrong, I...” Christmas Present seemed confused. The room darkened momentarily as the world rumbled around them, but Mike could sense his magic inside the spirit, dancing about as if to be let free.

“That’s right,” he told her. “We could do anything, right in front of them, and they wouldn’t know it.” He was pushing his luck now, and a ball of ice was forming in his gut. The darkness inside the spirit was lashing out, causing Christmas Present’s left eyelid to flutter.

The scene around them melted, and they were now standing in Ratu’s sanctuary at the center of the Labyrinth. The naga was sitting on a chaise lounge with a cup of tea in one hand as she addressed Opal, who sat in a large plastic tub.

Opal’s features were glossy, like melted wax. At the center of her body, a glass vial hovered roughly where her heart would be. She was usi