Foster_NNP A._NN Ranney_NNP Nathan_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ Bylichka_NNP 
Dedicated_NNP to_TO Neil_NNP Gaiman_NNP ,_, Radiohead_NNP and_CC Black_NNP Sabbath_NNP 
Strange_JJ things_NNS have_VBP always_RB happened_VBN to_TO my_PRP$ family_NN ._. 
It_PRP came_VBD in_IN through_IN my_PRP$ mother_NN 's_POS blood_NN ;_: my_PRP$ Russian_JJ grandmother_NN would_MD always_RB tell_VB me_PRP stories_NNS ,_, bylichkas_NNS ,_, of_IN ancestors_NNS with_IN the_DT "_'' second_JJ sight_NN "_'' ,_, stupid_JJ mill_NN owners_NNS who_WP discovered_VBD bags_NNS of_IN gold_NN after_IN letting_VBG a_DT special_JJ fish_NN off_RP their_PRP$ hooks_VBZ ,_, and_CC dark_JJ strangers_NNS who_WP used_VBD to_TO appear_VB to_TO help_VB or_CC interfere_VB at_IN crucial_JJ times_NNS ._. 
When_WRB I_PRP asked_VBD her_PRP if_IN she_PRP 'd_MD ever_RB seen_VBN them_PRP –_NN before_IN I_PRP was_VBD old_JJ enough_RB to_TO stop_VB believing_VBG ,_, I_PRP mean_VBP –_NN she_PRP would_MD always_RB look_VB sad_JJ and_CC tell_VB me_PRP ,_, "_'' No_DT ,_, not_RB since_IN the_DT family_NN came_VBD to_TO America_NNP has_VBZ anything_NN happened_VBN to_TO us_PRP ._. 
But_CC if_IN you_PRP ever_RB should_MD see_VB a_DT faerie_NN ,_, tell_VB him_PRP that_IN you_PRP are_VBP of_IN the_DT blood_NN of_IN Ivan_NNP Bogatyrivitch_NNP and_CC he_PRP will_MD not_RB pass_VB you_PRP by_IN so_RB quickly_RB ._. "_'' 
As_IN I_PRP got_VBD older_JJR ,_, I_PRP shook_VBD the_DT tales_NNS off_RP with_IN a_DT nod_NN and_CC a_DT "_'' Yes_UH ,_, Nana_NNP ._. "_'' 

I_PRP got_VBD older_JJR and_CC went_VBD to_TO school_VB ,_, then_RB to_TO college_NN ,_, and_CC I_PRP replaced_VBD the_DT dreams_VBZ my_PRP$ Nana_NNP gave_VBD me_PRP with_IN the_DT music_NN DJs_NNP mixed_JJ for_IN crowds_NNS in_IN clubs_NNS ,_, webs_NNS of_IN pulse_NN that_WDT shook_VBD us_PRP until_IN we_PRP could_MD believe_VB anything_NN ._. 
My_PRP$ girlfriend_NN Rachel_NNP and_CC I_PRP would_MD go_VB to_TO the_DT clubs_NNS near_IN our_PRP$ school_NN ._. 
Sometimes_RB we_PRP 'd_MD get_VB word_NN that_IN people_NNS were_VBD gathering_VBG under_IN one_CD of_IN the_DT bridges_NNS ,_, and_CC we_PRP 'd_MD rush_VB down_IN to_TO hit_VB it_PRP before_IN the_DT cops_NNS broke_VBD it_PRP up_RP ._. 
Boston_NNP is_VBZ a_DT strange_JJ place_NN at_IN night_NN ._. 
You_PRP would_MD n't_RB believe_VB half_NN of_IN the_DT shit_NN I_PRP 've_VBP seen_VBN ,_, even_RB when_WRB I_PRP was_VBD straight_JJ ._. 

It_PRP was_VBD a_DT Friday_NNP night_NN ._. 
Rachel_NNP and_CC I_PRP went_VBD out_IN to_TO dinner_NN ,_, and_CC when_WRB we_PRP finished_VBD ,_, she_PRP saw_VBD that_IN there_EX was_VBD a_DT message_NN on_IN her_PRP$ cell_NN phone_NN ._. 
She_PRP checked_VBD it_PRP there_RB in_IN the_DT restaurant_NN ._. 
Her_PRP$ head_NN tilted_JJ into_IN the_DT phone_NN as_IN she_PRP listened_VBD ,_, her_PRP$ pleather_NN purse_NN on_IN her_PRP$ lap_NN ,_, shining_VBG jet_NN against_IN the_DT worn_JJ black_NN of_IN her_PRP$ snug_NN Dead_NNP Can_MD Dance_NNP T-_NNP shirt_NN ._. 
“_NN It_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ from_IN Mitch_NNP ,_, ”_NN she_PRP said_VBD ,_, folding_VBG up_RP the_DT phone_NN ._. 
“_NN He_PRP says_VBZ we_PRP should_MD meet_VB him_PRP tonight_NN ,_, there_EX ’_NN s_VBZ a_DT good_JJ one_CD going_VBG on_IN in_IN that_DT church_NN that_WDT closed_VBD down_IN last_JJ month_NN ._. ”_NN 

“_NN I_PRP don_VB ’_NN t_NN know_VB …_NN it_PRP was_VBD going_VBG to_TO be_VB just_RB us_PRP tonight_NN ._. 
I_PRP ’_NN m_NN not_RB sure_JJ I_PRP ’_NN m_NN up_RP for_IN a_DT night_NN out_RP ._. ”_NN 
I_PRP was_VBD feeling_VBG calm_NN and_CC private_JJ that_DT night_NN ._. 
It_PRP seemed_VBD like_IN tonight_NN ’_NN s_VBZ darkness_NNS was_VBD small_JJ and_CC personal_JJ ,_, cupped_JJ hands_NNS offering_VBG a_DT place_NN for_IN two_CD ,_, not_RB the_DT burning_NN ,_, open_JJ darkness_NNS of_IN a_DT rave_VB ._. 

“_NN Baby_NNP ,_, let_VB ’_NN s_VBZ go_VB ._. 
It_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ been_VBN over_IN a_DT week_NN ,_, and_CC I_PRP want_VBP to_TO dance_VB ._. 
Let_VB ’_NN s_VBZ go_VB together_RB ,_, you_PRP know_VBP you_PRP ’_NN ll_NN have_VBP fun_NN once_RB you_PRP get_VBP into_IN it_PRP ._. ”_NN 
She_PRP bit_NN the_DT inside_JJ of_IN her_PRP$ bottom_JJ lip_NN ,_, looking_VBG at_IN me_PRP like_VBP I_PRP was_VBD breaking_VBG her_PRP$ poor_JJ ,_, sweet_JJ heart_NN ._. 
I_PRP ’_NN m_NN a_DT sucker_NN for_IN that_DT ,_, and_CC she_PRP knows_VBZ it_PRP ._. 

“_NN Okay_UH ,_, Rachel_NNP ._. 
Let_VB ’_NN s_VBZ go_VB ,_, you_PRP ’_NN re_NN probably_RB right_JJ ._. ”_NN 

She_PRP grinned_JJ and_CC gave_VBD me_PRP a_DT kiss_NNS across_IN the_DT table_NN ,_, her_PRP$ lips_NNS soft_JJ and_CC firm_NN and_CC sticking_VBG just_RB enough_RB that_IN she_PRP gave_VBD the_DT feeling_NN you_PRP were_VBD really_RB kissing_VBG ,_, not_RB just_RB pressing_VBG your_PRP$ face_NN into_IN someone_NN else_RB ’_NN s_VBZ ._. 

“_NN Let_VB ’_NN s_VBZ not_RB get_VB fucked_JJ up_RB tonight_NN ,_, though_RB ,_, okay_JJ ,_, Rache_NNP ?_. 
We_PRP don_VB ’_NN t_NN –_NN ”_NN 

“_NN Sure_RB ,_, babe_NN ._. 
Come_VBN on_IN ,_, I_PRP don_VB ’_NN t_NN have_VBP to_TO get_VB fucked_JJ up_RP every_DT time_NN we_PRP go_VBP out_IN just_RB to_TO enjoy_VB myself_PRP ._. 
Let_VB ’_NN s_VBZ not_RB waste_VB any_DT more_JJR time_NN ._. ”_NN 
She_PRP stood_VBD up_RB and_CC I_PRP followed_VBD her_PRP out_IN to_TO the_DT street_NN ._. 
It_PRP was_VBD dark_JJ enough_RB that_IN I_PRP could_MD actually_RB see_VB a_DT few_JJ stars_NNS through_IN the_DT screen_NN of_IN city_NN light_JJ ._. 
Without_IN hearing_VBG the_DT car_NN horns_NNS ,_, I_PRP could_MD almost_RB taste_VB the_DT air_NN of_IN late_JJ March_NNP through_IN the_DT street_NN fumes_NNS ._. 
If_IN it_PRP was_VBD March_NNP ,_, that_WDT meant_VBD that_IN we_PRP ’_NN d_SYM been_VBN together_RB almost_RB a_DT year_NN and_CC a_DT half_NN ._. 
It_PRP was_VBD last_JJ February_NNP ,_, after_IN the_DT winter_NN break_NN ,_, that_IN we_PRP moved_VBD in_IN together_RB ._. 
Now_RB spring_NN was_VBD back_RB ,_, under_IN the_DT concrete_NN ,_, and_CC I_PRP could_MD smell_NN it_PRP even_RB here_RB ._. 

“_NN Isn_NNP ’_NN t_NN it_PRP an_DT amazing_JJ night_NN ,_, Rache_NNP ?_. 
Even_RB the_DT city_NN feels_VBZ alive_JJ when_WRB spring_NN comes_VBZ ._. ”_NN 

“_NN Taxi_NN !_. ”_NN 
She_PRP waved_VBD down_RP a_DT car_NN and_CC pulled_VBD me_PRP in_IN ._. 
In_IN a_DT few_JJ minutes_NNS ,_, we_PRP were_VBD getting_VBG out_RP a_DT block_NN down_RB from_IN the_DT abandoned_VBN church_NN ._. 
After_IN she_PRP paid_VBD the_DT driver_NN ,_, she_PRP grabbed_VBD my_PRP$ arm_NN ,_, laughing_VBG ,_, and_CC we_PRP ran_VBD down_RP the_DT street_NN ._. 
I_PRP heard_VBD the_DT pulse_NN already_RB ._. 
We_PRP slammed_VBD against_IN the_DT doorway_NN and_CC I_PRP was_VBD laughing_VBG too_RB ,_, the_DT pulse_NN close_NN enough_RB to_TO shake_VB the_DT doorframe_NN and_CC set_VBN up_IN vibrations_NNS in_IN my_PRP$ chest_NN ,_, Rachel_NNP in_IN my_PRP$ arms_NNS because_IN she_PRP ’_NN d_SYM used_VBN me_PRP to_TO soften_VB her_PRP$ landing_NN ._. 
We_PRP kissed_JJ and_CC slipped_VBD inside_IN ._. 

The_DT old_JJ vaulted_JJ church_NN was_VBD stripped_VBN down_RB :_: there_EX was_VBD no_DT cloth_NN on_IN the_DT altar_NN ,_, just_RB a_DT DJ_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ toolkit_NN and_CC his_PRP$ beer_NN ._. 
Through_IN the_DT dark_NN ,_, I_PRP could_MD see_VB three_CD bolts_NNS left_VBN in_IN the_DT wall_NN from_IN where_WRB they_PRP ’_NN d_SYM taken_VBN down_RP the_DT crucifix_NN ._. 
A_DT confessional_NN too_RB beaten-up_JJ to_TO have_VB been_VBN sold_VBN was_VBD shaking_VBG in_IN a_DT way_NN that_WDT suggested_JJ activity_NN inside_IN ,_, and_CC where_WRB the_DT pews_NNS had_VBD been_VBN taken_VBN out_IN ,_, a_DT couple_NN hundred_CD people_NNS were_VBD testifying_VBG to_TO the_DT DJ_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ moving_VBG sermon_NN ._. 

Rachel_NNP stepped_VBD forward_RB into_IN the_DT crowd_NN while_IN I_PRP took_VBD a_DT moment_NN to_TO drink_VB in_IN the_DT ceiling_NN ’_NN s_VBZ blue-lit_JJ ,_, shadowed_JJ vault_NN and_CC the_DT light-catching_JJ haze_NN from_IN who-knows-what_JJ rising_NN between_IN the_DT DJ_NNP and_CC the_DT crowd_NN ._. 
There_EX was_VBD a_DT terrific_JJ echo_NN ,_, each_DT beat_NN reverberating_VBG inside_IN of_IN the_DT next_JJ ,_, and_CC the_DT old_JJ stained-glass_NN windows_NNS rattled_VBN in_IN their_PRP$ frames_NNS ._. 
On_IN the_DT dance_NN floor_NN ,_, people_NNS moved_VBD with_IN their_PRP$ eyes_NNS closed_VBD and_CC their_PRP$ hands_NNS in_IN the_DT air_NN ._. 

I_PRP danced_JJ with_IN Rachel_NNP for_IN a_DT while_NN ,_, but_CC then_RB something_NN by_IN the_DT bar_NN seemed_VBD to_TO be_VB pulling_VBG her_PRP$ eyes_NNS ._. 
She_PRP told_VBD me_PRP that_IN she_PRP was_VBD heading_VBG for_IN a_DT drink_NN and_CC slipped_VBD out_IN of_IN the_DT crowd_NN ._. 

When_WRB she_PRP hadn_NN ’_NN t_NN come_VB back_RB halfway_RB through_IN the_DT next_JJ song_NN ,_, I_PRP glanced_VBD over_IN at_IN the_DT bar_NN ._. 
It_PRP was_VBD just_RB a_DT little_RB set-up_JJ where_WRB someone_NN had_VBD stacked_VBN a_DT few_JJ crates_NNS and_CC brought_VBN something_NN alcoholic_JJ to_TO share_VB ,_, mostly_RB beer_NN ._. 
Rachel_NNP was_VBD standing_VBG with_IN a_DT plastic_NN cup_NN ,_, looking_VBG like_IN she_PRP was_VBD having_VBG a_DT conversation_NN ,_, but_CC I_PRP couldn_NN ’_NN t_NN see_VB anyone_NN else_RB there_RB ._. 
The_DT next_JJ time_NN the_DT crowd_NN split_NN ,_, I_PRP saw_VBD him_PRP ._. 
He_PRP stood_VBD in_IN front_NN of_IN a_DT blue_JJ light_NN ,_, so_IN I_PRP couldn_NN ’_NN t_NN see_VB him_PRP clearly_RB ,_, but_CC what_WP I_PRP saw_VBD was_VBD memorable_JJ ._. 
He_PRP wore_VBD a_DT jacket_NN of_IN what_WP might_MD have_VB been_VBN blue_JJ velvet_NN ,_, and_CC his_PRP$ hair_NN gleamed_JJ black_NN against_IN his_PRP$ white_JJ skin_NN ._. 
The_DT blue_JJ haze_NN seemed_VBD to_TO stop_VB just_RB shy_JJ of_IN his_PRP$ pallor_NN ,_, setting_VBG off_IN his_PRP$ striking_JJ face_NN without_IN illuminating_JJ its_PRP$ details_NNS ,_, and_CC his_PRP$ wrists_NNS flashed_VBD white_JJ in_IN the_DT darkness_NNS ._. 
He_PRP didn_NN ’_NN t_NN move_NN ,_, just_RB stared_VBD and_CC held_VBD his_PRP$ drink_NN ._. 

The_DT next_JJ time_NN I_PRP saw_VBD them_PRP ,_, his_PRP$ mouth_NN was_VBD moving_VBG ._. 
She_PRP nodded_JJ and_CC he_PRP took_VBD her_PRP$ arm_NN ._. 
I_PRP watched_VBD them_PRP through_IN the_DT crush_NN of_IN dancers_NNS as_IN they_PRP squeezed_VBD along_IN the_DT wall_NN ,_, and_CC the_DT feeling_NN came_VBD to_TO me_PRP that_DT something_NN was_VBD very_RB wrong_JJ ._. 

Saturday_NNP morning_NN ,_, I_PRP woke_VBD up_RB and_CC saw_VBD that_IN she_PRP still_RB hadn_NN ’_NN t_NN come_VB home_NN ._. 
I_PRP called_VBD Mitch_NNP and_CC our_PRP$ other_JJ friends_NNS ,_, hoping_VBG that_IN she_PRP ’_NN d_SYM crashed_VBD at_IN one_CD of_IN their_PRP$ houses_NNS ,_, but_CC I_PRP had_VBD no_DT luck_NN ._. 
A_DT couple_NN of_IN them_PRP remembered_VBD seeing_VBG her_PRP$ leave_NN ,_, but_CC none_NN of_IN them_PRP had_VBD seen_VBN the_DT thin_JJ man_NN with_IN her_PRP ._. 
I_PRP didn_NN ’_NN t_NN know_VB how_WRB they_PRP could_MD miss_VB such_JJ exotic_JJ features_NNS ,_, even_RB in_IN that_DT distorting_VBG light_JJ ._. 

I_PRP caught_VBD a_DT taxi_NN back_RB to_TO the_DT church_NN ._. 
It_PRP was_VBD still_RB a_DT mess_NN ,_, but_CC everything_NN bigger_JJR than_IN a_DT soda_NN can_MD had_VBD disappeared_VBN ._. 
I_PRP walked_VBD across_IN what_WP had_VBD been_VBN the_DT dance_NN floor_NN ._. 
The_DT church_NN was_VBD completely_RB different_JJ now_RB :_: sunlight_NN fell_VBD through_IN the_DT stained_JJ glass_NN ,_, catching_VBG dust_NN that_IN still_RB hung_VBD in_IN the_DT air_NN and_CC sending_VBG a_DT dry_JJ ,_, healthy_JJ warmth_NN into_IN the_DT edges_NNS of_IN the_DT room_NN ,_, through_IN the_DT stone_NN and_CC the_DT powdery_NN concrete_JJ that_WDT had_VBD been_VBN covered_VBN last_JJ night_NN by_IN flesh_NN and_CC flashing_VBG lights_NNS ._. 
I_PRP realized_VBD that_IN Rachel_NNP had_VBD disappeared_VBN without_IN leaving_VBG a_DT clue_NN and_CC I_PRP had_VBD no_DT way_NN to_TO do_VB anything_NN but_CC wait_VB for_IN her_PRP to_TO show_VB up_RP –_NN which_WDT ,_, if_IN she_PRP were_VBD in_IN a_DT situation_NN where_WRB I_PRP should_MD be_VB doing_VBG something_NN ,_, would_MD probably_RB be_VB never_RB ._. 

Standing_VBG in_IN the_DT center_NN of_IN the_DT church_NN ,_, I_PRP took_VBD out_RP my_PRP$ cell_NN phone_NN and_CC called_VBD the_DT police_NN ._. 
“_NN I_PRP need_VBP to_TO file_VB a_DT missing_VBG persons_NNS report_VBP ._. …_NN Rachel_NNP Frieze_NNP ._. 
Last_JJ night_NN ,_, walking_VBG on_IN West_NNP 2nd_CD street_NN around_IN –_NN maybe_RB eleven_CD or_CC twelve_CD o_NN ’_NN clock_NN ._. 
What_WP ?_. 
…_NN But_CC ,_, sir_NN ,_, this_DT is_VBZ an_DT unusual_JJ situation_NN ._. 
She_PRP didn_NN ’_NN t_NN come_VB home_NN last_JJ night_NN ,_, none_NN of_IN her_PRP$ friends_NNS have_VBP seen_VBN her_PRP ._. 
…_NN Sir_NNP ,_, if_IN she_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ in_IN any_DT danger_NN ,_, it_PRP will_MD probably_RB be_VB too_RB late_JJ to_TO help_VB her_PRP by_IN that_DT time_NN ._. 
My_PRP$ girlfriend_NN has_VBZ disappeared_VBN ,_, I_PRP don_VB ’_NN t_NN even_RB know_VB where_WRB to_TO start_VB looking_VBG ,_, and_CC I_PRP need_VBP help_VB !_. 
…_NN Yes_UH ,_, sir_NN ._. 
I_PRP understand_VBP ._. ”_NN 
The_DT police_NN wouldn_NN ’_NN t_NN file_VBP a_DT report_NN for_IN someone_NN who_WP ’_NN d_SYM been_VBN missing_VBG overnight_JJ ._. 
I_PRP closed_VBD the_DT phone_NN ._. 

Walking_VBG out_IN of_IN the_DT church_NN ,_, a_DT little_JJ gust_NN of_IN cold_JJ air_NN caught_VBD me_PRP by_IN surprise_NN ._. 
A_DT cold_JJ front_NN must_MD have_VB hit_VB while_IN I_PRP was_VBD inside_IN ._. 
Glancing_NNP down_RP the_DT street_NN ,_, I_PRP realized_VBD that_IN I_PRP didn_NN ’_NN t_NN have_VBP a_DT friend_NN to_TO drive_VB me_PRP home_NN this_DT time_NN ,_, and_CC it_PRP was_VBD a_DT long_JJ walk_NN back_RB to_TO the_DT streets_NNS where_WRB taxis_NNS ran_VBD ._. 
I_PRP pulled_VBD my_PRP$ T-_NNP shirt_NN ’_NN s_VBZ sleeves_NNS down_RP my_PRP$ arms_NNS as_RB far_RB as_IN they_PRP ’_NN d_SYM go_VB ,_, but_CC I_PRP wasn_NN ’_NN t_NN ready_JJ for_IN cold_NN ._. 

Walking_VBG didn_NN ’_NN t_NN build_VB up_RB much_JJ heat_NN ;_: it_PRP just_RB moved_VBD the_DT air_NN enough_RB to_TO chill_VB me_PRP more_JJR ._. 
After_IN I_PRP ’_NN d_SYM walked_VBD about_IN a_DT block_NN ,_, a_DT car_NN rolled_VBN up_RP behind_IN me_PRP ._. 
It_PRP slowed_VBD down_RB as_IN it_PRP neared_VBD me_PRP and_CC I_PRP started_VBD to_TO worry_VB ._. 
This_DT wasn_NN ’_NN t_NN the_DT best_JJS of_IN neighborhoods_NNS ._. 
I_PRP kept_VBD my_PRP$ eyes_NNS straight_JJ ahead_RB and_CC tried_VBD to_TO walk_VB more_RBR quickly_RB without_IN showing_VBG it_PRP ._. 

I_PRP heard_VBD an_DT automatic_JJ window_NN roll_NN down_RB ._. 
“_NN Hey_NNP ,_, ”_NN said_VBD a_DT male_JJ voice_NN ,_, “_NN do_VBP you_PRP need_VBP some_DT help_NN ?_. ”_NN 

I_PRP turned_VBD around_IN ._. 
The_DT man_NN looked_VBD over_IN forty_NN ,_, and_CC he_PRP was_VBD driving_VBG a_DT car_NN I_PRP ’_NN d_SYM be_VB afraid_JJ to_TO drive_VB on_IN this_DT street_NN ._. 
“_NN It_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ a_DT long_JJ way_NN to_TO anywhere_RB worth_JJ going_NN ,_, ”_NN 
he_PRP said_VBD ._. 
“_NN Would_MD you_PRP like_VBP some_DT help_NN ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN Ah_UH ,_, I_PRP think_VBP I_PRP ’_NN m_NN fine_NN ,_, thanks_NNS ,_, ”_NN I_PRP told_VBD him_PRP ,_, and_CC turned_VBD back_RB to_TO the_DT sidewalk_NN ._. 

“_NN Really_RB ,_, I_PRP ’_NN d_SYM like_IN to_TO help_VB ._. 
Please_VB ,_, hop_NN in_IN ._. 
You_PRP don_VB ’_NN t_NN look_NN dressed_VBN for_IN this_DT weather_NN ._. ”_NN 

I_PRP glanced_VBD back_RB over_IN my_PRP$ shoulder_NN ._. 
“_NN No_DT thanks_NNS ,_, sir_NN !_. 
I_PRP ’_NN m_NN just_RB fine_NN ._. 
Really_RB ,_, don_VB ’_NN t_NN worry_VBP about_IN me_PRP ._. ”_NN 

“_NN Nathan_NNP Spencer_NNP ,_, I_PRP offer_VBP you_PRP help_VBP ._. 
I_PRP advise_VBP that_IN you_PRP not_RB refuse_VBP me_PRP a_DT third_JJ time_NN ._. ”_NN 

I_PRP stopped_VBD and_CC looked_VBD back_RB at_IN him_PRP ,_, surprised_VBN ._. 
He_PRP met_VBD my_PRP$ eyes_NNS coolly_RB ._. 
“_NN How_WRB do_VBP you_PRP know_VBP my_PRP$ name_NN ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN I_PRP know_VBP your_PRP$ family_NN ._. 
Get_VB in_IN ._. 
We_PRP have_VBP a_DT lot_NN of_IN work_NN ahead_RB of_IN us_PRP ,_, and_CC it_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ best_JJS to_TO start_VB now_RB ._. ”_NN 

I_PRP walked_VBD around_IN the_DT car_NN and_CC got_VBD into_IN the_DT passenger_NN seat_NN ._. 
Before_IN I_PRP had_VBD my_PRP$ belt_NN on_IN ,_, we_PRP were_VBD rolling_VBG forward_RB ._. 
“_NN Okay_UH ,_, ”_NN I_PRP said_VBD ._. 
“_NN I_PRP ’_NN m_NN in_IN the_DT car_NN ._. 
Now_RB ,_, will_MD you_PRP tell_VB me_PRP how_WRB you_PRP know_VBP my_PRP$ family_NN ,_, and_CC how_WRB you_PRP happened_VBD to_TO be_VB driving_VBG by_IN just_RB now_RB ?_. 
In_IN fact_NN ,_, why_WRB didn_NN ’_NN t_NN you_PRP call_VBP me_PRP by_IN name_NN the_DT first_JJ time_NN ?_. 
And_CC how_WRB did_VBD you_PRP recognize_VBP me_PRP when_WRB –_NN ”_NN 

“_NN That_DT ’_NN s_VBZ enough_RB !_. 
I_PRP can_MD only_RB answer_VB one_CD question_NN at_IN a_DT time_NN ._. 
I_PRP know_VBP your_PRP$ family_NN because_IN an_DT ancestor_NN of_IN mine_NN made_VBD a_DT bargain_NN with_IN an_DT ancestor_NN of_IN yours_NNS ._. 
I_PRP am_VBP here_RB now_RB because_IN you_PRP called_VBD for_IN help_NN ,_, and_CC no-one_JJ else_RB would_MD answer_VB ._. ”_NN 
He_PRP turned_VBD onto_IN the_DT next_JJ street_NN and_CC shifted_VBN up_RP ._. 
“_NN I_PRP will_MD help_VB you_PRP find_VB your_PRP$ Rachel_NNP ._. 
I_PRP have_VBP to_TO warn_VB you_PRP ,_, though_RB ,_, you_PRP won_VBD ’_NN t_NN like_IN what_WP I_PRP have_VBP to_TO tell_VB you_PRP ._. ”_NN 

I_PRP shivered_JJ ._. 
Something_NN in_IN his_PRP$ tone_NN couldn_NN ’_NN t_NN be_VB disbelieved_JJ ._. 
“_NN Tell_VB me_PRP anyway_RB ._. 
If_IN she_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ in_IN trouble_NN ,_, I_PRP want_VBP to_TO find_VB her_PRP$ ,_, wherever_WRB she_PRP is_VBZ ._. ”_NN 

My_PRP$ driver_NN took_VBD a_DT deep_JJ breath_NN ._. 
As_IN he_PRP did_VBD ,_, his_PRP$ neck_NN stretched_VBN in_IN a_DT strange_JJ way_NN and_CC I_PRP noticed_VBD several_JJ thin_JJ lines_NNS ,_, like_IN wrinkles_NNS ,_, running_VBG across_IN the_DT sides_NNS of_IN his_PRP$ neck_NN ._. 
“_NN Nathan_NNP ,_, ”_NN he_PRP began_VBD in_IN the_DT way_NN that_IN people_NNS speak_VBP when_WRB they_PRP start_VBP a_DT long_JJ and_CC difficult_JJ explanation_NN ,_, 
“_NN Rachel_NNP met_VBD someone_NN last_JJ night_NN whom_WP it_PRP is_VBZ best_JJS never_RB to_TO meet_VB ._. 
This_DT person_NN ,_, like_IN me_PRP ,_, is_VBZ not_RB a_DT member_NN of_IN traditional_JJ society_NN ._. 
You_PRP see_VBP ,_, Nathan_NNP ,_, there_EX is_VBZ …_NN separate_JJ from_IN your_PRP$ society_NN …_NN oh_UH ,_, damn_RB it_PRP ._. 
I_PRP ’_NN ve_NN never_RB had_VBD to_TO give_VB this_DT conversation_NN before_RB ._. 
Come_VBN on_IN ,_, I_PRP have_VBP something_NN to_TO show_VB you_PRP ._. ”_NN 
With_IN that_DT ,_, he_PRP made_VBD a_DT sharp_JJ turn_NN onto_IN a_DT side_NN street_NN that_IN I_PRP hadn_NN ’_NN t_NN noticed_VBD before_RB ._. 
We_PRP drove_VBD between_IN slummy_NN housing_NN and_CC storefronts_NNS so_RB decayed_JJ that_IN I_PRP couldn_NN ’_NN t_NN tell_VB whether_IN they_PRP were_VBD abandoned_VBN ._. 
My_PRP$ driver_NN turned_VBD again_RB next_JJ to_TO an_DT old_JJ warehouse_NN that_IN I_PRP might_MD have_VB been_VBN in_IN once_RB when_WRB Mitch_NNP took_VBD us_PRP to_TO a_DT rave_VB in_IN sophomore_NN year_NN ._. 

In_IN front_NN of_IN a_DT few_JJ houses_NNS ,_, there_EX were_VBD cars_NNS parked_VBN ,_, but_CC there_EX were_VBD almost_RB none_NN on_IN the_DT streets_NNS ._. 
Their_PRP$ bumpers_NNS looked_VBD ready_JJ to_TO drop_VB off_RP ,_, and_CC their_PRP$ paint_NN was_VBD half_JJ smog_NN ._. 
I_PRP got_VBD a_DT strange_JJ feeling_NN that_IN we_PRP weren_NN ’_NN t_NN supposed_VBN to_TO be_VB driving_VBG here_RB ._. 
“_NN Hey_NNP ,_, ”_NN I_PRP said_VBD ,_, “_NN are_VBP you_PRP sure_JJ that_IN we_PRP should_MD be_VB going_VBG this_DT way_NN ?_. 
I_PRP mean_VBP –_NN ”_NN 

“_NN Just_RB ignore_VB that_RB ,_, ”_NN he_PRP told_VBD me_PRP ._. 
“_NN You_PRP ’_NN ll_NN be_VB used_VBN to_TO the_DT sensation_NN in_IN a_DT moment_NN ._. ”_NN 
That_DT just_RB unnerved_VBD me_PRP more_JJR ._. 
As_IN we_PRP kept_VBD driving_VBG ,_, the_DT anxiety_NN grew_VBD more_RBR pronounced_JJ ._. 
I_PRP noticed_VBD that_IN there_EX were_VBD some_DT people_NNS on_IN the_DT street_NN ,_, people_NNS the_DT same_JJ color_NN as_IN the_DT soiled_VBD buildings_NNS ._. 
Someone_NN standing_NN just_RB in_IN the_DT lip_NN of_IN an_DT alley_NN glared_JJ at_IN me_PRP with_IN gleaming_VBG eyes_NNS ._. 
“_NN Okay_UH ,_, this_DT is_VBZ the_DT spot_NN ,_, ”_NN said_VBD my_PRP$ driver_NN ,_, pulling_VBG over_IN ._. 
He_PRP parked_VBD and_CC got_VBN out_RP ._. 

“_NN Is_VBZ it_PRP really_RB safe_JJ to_TO leave_VB the_DT car_NN …_NN ”_NN 
he_PRP was_VBD already_RB walking_VBG toward_IN the_DT squat_JJ ,_, brick-windowed_JJ building_NN we_PRP were_VBD parked_VBN next_JJ to_TO ._. 
Glancing_NNP back_RB at_IN that_DT gleaming_VBG glare_NN ,_, I_PRP decided_VBD that_IN it_PRP might_MD be_VB safer_JJR to_TO follow_VB the_DT driver_NN than_IN to_TO wait_VB with_IN the_DT car_NN ._. 
I_PRP hopped_JJ out_IN ,_, ran_VBD after_IN him_PRP ,_, and_CC reached_VBD him_PRP just_RB as_IN he_PRP was_VBD knocking_VBG on_IN the_DT door_NN ._. 
Someone_NN opened_VBD it_PRP a_DT crack_NN ,_, then_RB ushered_VBD us_PRP in_IN ._. 

Inside_IN ,_, the_DT building_NN opened_VBD up_RB ._. 
The_DT ceiling_NN was_VBD high_JJ and_CC wooden_JJ ,_, and_CC I_PRP could_MD see_VB part_NN of_IN a_DT DJ_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ booth_NN down_RP the_DT hall_NN ._. 
It_PRP looked_VBD like_IN we_PRP were_VBD in_IN the_DT back_NN of_IN a_DT nightclub_NN ._. 
Then_RB I_PRP looked_VBD down_RB and_CC saw_VBD what_WP had_VBD let_VBN us_PRP in_IN ._. 
“_NN Nepthys_NNP ,_, my_PRP$ man_NN !_. 
What_WP up_RB ?_. ”_NN 
The_DT hunchbacked_JJ being_NN who_WP let_VBP us_PRP in_IN held_VBN out_RP a_DT scraggly_RB paw_NN for_IN him_PRP to_TO slap_VB ._. 
“_NN Nice_NNP ,_, my_PRP$ man_NN ,_, ”_NN he_PRP said_VBD as_IN they_PRP clasped_JJ hands_NNS ._. 
“_NN Who_WP ’_NN s_VBZ the_DT freak_NN ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN This_DT is_VBZ someone_NN from_IN Ivan_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ family_NN ._. 
Did_VBD I_PRP ever_RB tell_VBP you_PRP about_IN them_PRP ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN Yeah_UH ,_, one_CD time_NN ,_, man_NN ,_, but_CC you_PRP were_VBD pretty_RB fucked_JJ up_RP ._. 
What_WP ’_NN s_VBZ your_PRP$ problem_NN ,_, kid_NN ?_. ”_NN 

The_DT hunchbacked_JJ man_NN came_VBD up_IN to_TO my_PRP$ stomach_NN ._. 
His_PRP$ skin_NN was_VBD brown_JJ and_CC stretched_VBN ,_, like_IN some_DT diseased_JJ sapling_VBG ’_NN s_VBZ bark_NN ._. 
It_PRP pulled_VBD back_RB around_IN his_PRP$ fingertips_NNS ,_, which_WDT bore_VBD things_NNS that_WDT might_MD have_VB been_VBN nails_NNS or_CC claws_NNS ._. 
When_WRB he_PRP grinned_JJ ,_, I_PRP saw_VBD that_IN his_PRP$ teeth_NNS were_VBD sharp_JJ and_CC small_JJ ,_, like_IN a_DT hunting_NN cat_NN ’_NN s_VBZ ._. 
Under_IN matted_JJ hair_NN ,_, his_PRP$ eyes_NNS had_VBD slit_NN pupils_NNS ._. 

Nepthys_NNP quickly_RB answered_VBD for_IN me_PRP ._. 
“_NN Girlfriend_NNP troubles_NNS ._. 
She_PRP came_VBD down_RB here_RB with_IN someone_NN after_IN a_DT party_NN ,_, and_CC I_PRP don_VB ’_NN t_NN think_VBP it_PRP was_VBD one_CD of_IN your_PRP$ average_JJ pixies_NNS ._. ”_NN 

“_NN Bummer_NNP ._. 
So_RB ,_, what_WP ’_NN s_VBZ the_DT cat_NN look_NN like_IN ?_. ”_NN 

He_PRP turned_VBD to_TO me_PRP ._. 
Nepthys_NNP nodded_JJ :_: “_NN It_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ okay_JJ ,_, you_PRP can_MD trust_VB him_PRP ._. 
That_DT ’_NN s_VBZ why_WRB we_PRP came_VBD here_RB ._. ”_NN 

It_PRP was_VBD easier_JJR to_TO talk_VB than_IN to_TO question_VB ._. 
“_NN I_PRP …_NN I_PRP noticed_VBD him_PRP from_IN across_IN the_DT room_NN when_WRB I_PRP was_VBD looking_VBG around_IN for_IN Rachel_NNP ._. 
He_PRP was_VBD standing_VBG right_NN in_IN front_NN of_IN some_DT blue_JJ lights_NNS ,_, so_IN I_PRP couldn_NN ’_NN t_NN see_VB him_PRP very_RB well_RB ,_, but_CC I_PRP noticed_VBD the_DT way_NN that_IN the_DT light_JJ set_VBN off_RP his_PRP$ pale_JJ skin_NN ._. 
It_PRP almost_RB looked_VBD like_IN the_DT light_JJ bent_NN around_IN him_PRP without_IN actually_RB touching_VBG him_PRP directly_RB ._. 
He_PRP was_VBD slim_JJ ,_, almost_RB drawn_VBN ,_, but_CC he_PRP had_VBD a_DT kind_NN of_IN …_NN luster_NN to_TO him_PRP ,_, I_PRP guess_VBP ._. 
He_PRP wasn_NN ’_NN t_NN a_DT person_NN you_PRP ’_NN d_SYM describe_VB with_IN normal_JJ adjectives_NNS ,_, you_PRP know_VBP ?_. ”_NN 

They_PRP nodded_JJ ._. 
“_NN Oh_UH ,_, totally_RB ,_, ”_NN said_VBD the_DT hunchback_NN ._. 
“_NN I_PRP get_VBP that_IN all_PDT the_DT time_NN around_RP here_RB ._. ”_NN 

“_NN He_PRP was_VBD wearing_VBG a_DT sort_NN of_IN jacket_NN …_NN maybe_RB blue_JJ velvet_NN ,_, I_PRP couldn_NN ’_NN t_NN tell_VB in_IN the_DT dark_NN ,_, but_CC it_PRP had_VBD ruffles_NNS at_IN the_DT throat_NN ,_, things_NNS like_IN that_DT ._. 
He_PRP really_RB stood_VBD out_RP ._. 
That_DT ’_NN s_VBZ why_WRB I_PRP couldn_NN ’_NN t_NN understand_VB why_WRB no-one_JJ else_RB remembered_VBD him_PRP ._. 
He_PRP had_VBD some_DT rings_NNS ,_, too_RB ._. 
I_PRP remember_VBP that_IN he_PRP hardly_RB ever_RB moved_VBD ,_, just_RB stared_VBD at_IN Rachel_NNP ._. 
Even_RB when_WRB he_PRP talked_VBD ,_, he_PRP hardly_RB opened_VBD his_PRP$ mouth_NN ._. 
I_PRP don_VB ’_NN t_NN know_VB how_WRB he_PRP could_MD ’_NN ve_NN been_VBN heard_VBN over_IN the_DT music_NN ._. ”_NN 

The_DT two_CD glanced_VBD at_IN each_DT other_JJ ._. 
“_NN What_WP do_VBP you_PRP think_VBP ?_. ”_NN 
asked_VBD the_DT hunchback_NN ._. 

“_NN I_PRP ’_NN ve_NN looked_VBD into_IN it_PRP a_DT little_JJ ,_, and_CC I_PRP do_VBP think_VBP we_PRP might_MD be_VB dealing_VBG with_IN one_CD of_IN them_PRP ._. 
Have_VBP you_PRP seen_VBN anyone_NN like_IN that_DT in_IN your_PRP$ club_NN ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN Not_RB that_IN I_PRP can_MD remember_VB ,_, man_NN ._. 
I_PRP can_MD send_VB you_PRP to_TO a_DT guy_NN who_WP knows_VBZ all_DT about_IN them_PRP ,_, though_RB ._. 
If_IN this_DT cat_NN ’_NN s_VBZ for_IN real_JJ ,_, I_PRP bet_VBD my_PRP$ friend_NN can_MD tell_VB you_PRP everything_NN you_PRP need_VBP to_TO know_VB ._. ”_NN 

“_NN You_PRP ’_NN re_NN a_DT wonder_NN ,_, Dvorov_NNP ._. 
We_PRP should_MD head_VB straight_JJ over_IN ._. 
It_PRP won_VBD ’_NN t_NN be_VB long_RB before_IN nightfall_NN ._. ”_NN 

“_NN Oh_UH yeah_UH ,_, man_NN ._. 
Here_RB ,_, let_VB me_PRP write_VB down_RB how_WRB to_TO find_VB him_PRP ._. ”_NN 
The_DT hunchback_NN pulled_VBD out_RP a_DT scrap_NN of_IN paper_NN and_CC scribbled_VBD something_NN on_IN it_PRP with_IN his_PRP$ fingernail_NN ,_, then_RB handed_VBN it_PRP to_TO Nepthys_NNP ._. 
“_NN Here_RB you_PRP go_VBP ,_, man_NN ._. 
Good_JJ luck_NN !_. ”_NN 

“_NN Thanks_NNS ,_, Dvorov_NNP ._. 
I_PRP owe_VBP you_PRP one_CD ._. 
Let_VB ’_NN s_VBZ go_VB ._. ”_NN 
That_DT last_JJ one_CD was_VBD to_TO me_PRP ._. 
I_PRP waved_VBD goodbye_UH to_TO the_DT hunchback_NN as_IN we_PRP left_VBD ._. 
He_PRP gave_VBD me_PRP a_DT half-hearted_JJ wave_NN that_WDT made_VBD me_PRP wonder_VBP what_WP exactly_RB we_PRP were_VBD chasing_VBG ,_, and_CC whether_IN I_PRP should_MD be_VB wearing_VBG body_NN armor_NN ._. 

Back_RB on_IN the_DT street_NN ,_, I_PRP began_VBD to_TO see_VB things_NNS that_IN I_PRP had_VBD never_RB looked_VBN for_IN until_IN then_RB ._. 
Still_RB in_IN my_PRP$ initial_JJ shock_NN ,_, I_PRP suddenly_RB noticed_VBD qualities_NNS of_IN the_DT people_NNS that_IN my_PRP$ mind_NN hadn_NN ’_NN t_NN registered_VBN when_WRB we_PRP parked_VBD ._. 
I_PRP saw_VBD people_NNS with_IN skin_NN stretched_VBN so_RB tightly_RB across_IN their_PRP$ cheekbones_NNS that_IN the_DT corners_NNS had_VBD broken_VBN through_IN –_NN people_NNS whose_WP$ cheekbones_NNS had_VBD horns_NNS growing_VBG from_IN them_PRP ,_, and_CC people_NNS whose_WP$ skin_NN was_VBD gathered_VBN back_RB like_IN a_DT ponytail_NN ._. 
The_DT yellow_NN of_IN this_DT sky_NN wasn_NN ’_NN t_NN just_RB smog_NN :_: it_PRP had_VBD a_DT leeching_VBG ,_, heavy_JJ dimness_NNS ._. 
I_PRP saw_VBD men_NNS three_CD feet_NNS tall_JJ with_IN dusty_JJ black_JJ skin_NN and_CC eyes_NNS that_WDT shed_VBP yellow_JJ light_NN ._. 
A_DT corpulent_NN ,_, batrachian_NN woman_NN walked_VBD along_IN with_IN something_NN on_IN a_DT leash_NN that_WDT looked_VBD like_IN a_DT massive_JJ water_NN beetle_NN ._. 
Leaning_NNP from_IN the_DT rough-hewn_JJ window_NN of_IN one_CD building_NN on_IN our_PRP$ right_NN was_VBD something_NN with_IN long_JJ ,_, green_JJ hair_NN draped_JJ across_IN the_DT seven_CD gangly_RB arms_NNS hanging_VBG from_IN its_PRP$ windowsill_NN ._. 
Thirty-five_CD thin_JJ fingers_NNS waved_VBD lazily_RB like_IN seaweed_JJ ._. 
I_PRP noticed_VBD when_WRB my_PRP$ back_RB hit_VBD the_DT wall_NN that_IN I_PRP was_VBD walking_VBG backwards_JJ ._. 

“_NN We_PRP ,_, and_CC thousands_NNS like_IN us_PRP ,_, have_VBP been_VBN living_VBG separately_RB as_RB long_RB as_IN there_EX has_VBZ been_VBN a_DT human_JJ society_NN ,_, ”_NN said_VBD my_PRP$ driver_NN ._. 
I_PRP noticed_VBD that_IN the_DT wrinkles_NNS on_IN his_PRP$ neck_NN expanded_VBN as_IN he_PRP breathed_VBD and_CC realized_VBD that_IN they_PRP were_VBD gills_NNS ._. 
“_NN We_PRP interact_NN with_IN humans_NNS ,_, take_VB advantage_NN of_IN them_PRP ,_, grant_VB them_PRP boons_NNS ,_, sometimes_RB even_RB become_VB their_PRP$ friends_NNS ,_, but_CC the_DT majority_NN of_IN both_DT societies_NNS have_VBP little_JJ or_CC no_DT interaction_NN ._. 
At_IN this_DT point_NN ,_, we_PRP have_VBP removed_VBN ourselves_PRP so_RB fully_RB from_IN quotidian_NN human_JJ existence_NN that_IN we_PRP are_VBP understood_VBN to_TO be_VB fictional_JJ ._. 

“_NN The_DT only_JJ place_NN with_IN any_DT significant_JJ interaction_NN between_IN our_PRP$ worlds_NNS is_VBZ on_IN the_DT fringes_NNS of_IN yours_NNS ._. 
Love-ins_NNP ,_, raves_VBZ ,_, gatherings_NNS where_WRB society_NN is_VBZ put_JJ on_IN hold_NN and_CC humans_NNS open_JJ themselves_PRP to_TO emotion_NN :_: that_DT is_VBZ where_WRB entities_NNS from_IN this_DT world_NN tend_VBP to_TO go_VB when_WRB they_PRP cross_VBP over_IN ,_, and_CC that_DT is_VBZ where_WRB Rachel_NNP met_VBD someone_NN from_IN this_DT world_NN ._. 
Those_DT of_IN us_PRP who_WP live_VBP permanently_RB in_IN this_DT world_NN tend_VBP to_TO set_VB up_RP in_IN places_NNS like_IN this_DT ,_, where_WRB the_DT human_JJ population_NN is_VBZ so_RB overwhelming_JJ that_IN they_PRP won_VBD ’_NN t_NN be_VB noticed_VBN in_IN the_DT right_JJ corner_NN ,_, with_IN the_DT right_NN protective_JJ spells_NNS ._. ”_NN 

He_PRP took_VBD out_RP the_DT hunchback_NN ’_NN s_VBZ directions_NNS and_CC glanced_VBD at_IN an_DT alley_NN behind_IN us_PRP ._. 
“_NN Okay_UH ,_, Nathan_NNP ._. 
We_PRP should_MD get_VB started_VBD right_RB away_RB ._. 
There_EX ’_NN s_VBZ no_DT time_NN to_TO waste_VB ._. ”_NN 

He_PRP saw_VBD that_IN I_PRP wasn_NN ’_NN t_NN moving_NN ._. 
Setting_VBG an_DT arm_NN on_IN my_PRP$ shoulder_NN ,_, he_PRP said_VBD ,_, “_NN Nathan_NNP ,_, what_WP you_PRP see_VBP here_RB might_MD be_VB frightening_JJ ,_, but_CC those_DT things_NNS you_PRP saw_VBD are_VBP people_NNS just_RB like_IN you_PRP ._. 
They_PRP ’_NN ll_NN be_VB as_IN surprised_VBN to_TO see_VB a_DT human_NN as_IN you_PRP are_VBP to_TO see_VB men_NNS with_IN seven_CD arms_NNS ._. ”_NN 

“_NN Thanks_NNS ._. 
It_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ very_RB reassuring_JJ that_IN I_PRP ’_NN ll_NN not_RB only_RB be_VB an_DT outsider_NN but_CC a_DT curiosity_NN ._. ”_NN 

“_NN Nathan_NNP ,_, you_PRP told_VBD me_PRP five_CD minutes_NNS ago_RB that_IN you_PRP would_MD do_VB anything_NN to_TO help_VB Rachel_NNP ._. 
Well_RB ,_, she_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ here_RB and_CC she_PRP needs_VBZ your_PRP$ help_NN ._. 
Now_RB ,_, the_DT more_JJR we_PRP can_MD do_VB before_IN nightfall_NN ,_, the_DT better_JJR ._. ”_NN 

“_NN But_CC why_WRB are_VBP you_PRP even_RB helping_VBG me_PRP ?_. 
Until_IN thirty_CD seconds_NNS ago_RB ,_, I_PRP didn_NN ’_NN t_NN believe_VBP in_IN magic_JJ or_CC any_DT of_IN that_DT kind_NN of_IN …_NN weirdness_NNS ._. ”_NN 

“_NN Nathan_NNP ,_, I_PRP told_VBD you_PRP :_: my_PRP$ family_NN owes_VBZ yours_NNS a_DT debt_NN ._. 
In_IN this_DT world_NN ,_, one_CD ’_NN s_VBZ word_NN is_VBZ a_DT promise_NN ._. 
Now_RB ,_, can_MD we_PRP get_VB going_VBG ?_. ”_NN 

I_PRP caught_VBD my_PRP$ breath_NN and_CC forced_VBD myself_PRP to_TO look_VB him_PRP in_IN the_DT eye_NN ._. 
“_NN Only_RB if_IN you_PRP stop_VBP beginning_VBG every_DT sentence_NN with_IN my_PRP$ name_NN ._. ”_NN 

“_NN You_PRP ’_NN ve_NN got_VBD a_DT deal_NN ._. 
Let_VB ’_NN s_VBZ go_VB ._. ”_NN 

As_IN we_PRP headed_VBD down_RP the_DT sidewalk_NN ,_, I_PRP said_VBD ,_, “_NN What_WP is_VBZ your_PRP$ name_NN ,_, anyway_RB ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN That_DT ’_NN s_VBZ a_DT question_NN you_PRP learn_VBP not_RB to_TO ask_VB here_RB ._. 
What_WP you_PRP may_MD call_VB me_PRP is_VBZ Nepthys_NNP ._. ”_NN 

Holding_NNP Dvorov_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ directions_NNS ,_, Nepthys_NNP took_VBD us_PRP around_IN the_DT corner_NN of_IN the_DT building_NN into_IN a_DT skinny_NN alleyway_NN ._. 
I_PRP started_VBD wondering_VBG again_RB how_WRB reliable_JJ my_PRP$ guide_NN ’_NN s_VBZ credentials_NNS were_VBD ._. 
Walking_VBG through_IN an_DT alley_NN with_IN rubbish_JJ piles_NNS that_WDT occasionally_RB skittered_JJ from_IN one_CD wall_NN to_TO the_DT other_JJ ,_, he_PRP did_VBD not_RB inspire_VB confidence_NN ._. 

“_NN Just_RB at_IN this_DT corner_NN ,_, ”_NN he_PRP said_VBD ,_, interrupting_VBG my_PRP$ immanent_NN panic_NN attack_NN ,_, “_NN we_PRP ’_NN re_NN going_VBG to_TO stop_VB and_CC turn_VB three_CD times_NNS widdersh_NN –_NN er_UH ,_, counterclockwise_NN ,_, then_RB face_NN east_JJ ._. 
East_NNP is_VBZ that_DT way_NN ._. ”_NN 
He_PRP pointed_VBD at_IN the_DT wall_NN to_TO our_PRP$ right_JJ ._. 
“_NN Don_NNP ’_NN t_NN let_VBP the_DT sun_NN fool_NN you_PRP ._. 
Then_RB I_PRP ’_NN m_NN going_VBG to_TO shed_VB a_DT little_JJ blood_NN ,_, but_CC don_VB ’_NN t_NN worry_VBP ,_, none_NN of_IN yours_NNS ._. ”_NN 
I_PRP blinked_VBD at_IN him_PRP ,_, but_CC he_PRP just_RB kept_VBD walking_VBG until_IN we_PRP reached_VBD the_DT corner_NN ._. 
“_NN Okay_UH ,_, you_PRP might_MD feel_VB silly_JJ ,_, but_CC just_RB turn_VB three_CD times_NNS to_TO your_PRP$ left_JJ ._. 
Try_VB to_TO keep_VB in_IN time_NN with_IN me_PRP ._. ”_NN 
We_PRP spun_VBD around_IN three_CD times_NNS ,_, and_CC then_RB something_NN flashed_VBD across_IN Nepthys_NNP ’_NN hand_NN and_CC he_PRP shook_VBD a_DT spray_NN of_IN blood_NN onto_IN the_DT dust_NN ._. 
The_DT blood_NN flashed_VBD into_IN flames_NNS as_RB soon_RB as_IN it_PRP hit_VBD the_DT ground_NN ,_, and_CC I_PRP jumped_VBD back_RB ._. 
When_WRB it_PRP had_VBD all_DT burnt_JJ ,_, a_DT thin_JJ outline_NN of_IN a_DT doorframe_NN appeared_VBD on_IN the_DT wall_NN across_IN from_IN our_PRP$ corner_NN ._. 
Nepthys_NNP walked_VBD towards_IN it_PRP and_CC pressed_VBD his_PRP$ bloody_JJ palm_NN against_IN it_PRP ,_, opening_VBG the_DT door_NN ._. 
“_NN Are_VBP you_PRP coming_VBG ?_. ”_NN 

We_PRP slipped_VBD through_IN the_DT door_NN and_CC came_VBD out_IN ,_, not_RB inside_IN the_DT building_NN ,_, but_CC on_IN a_DT busy_JJ street_NN in_IN a_DT completely_RB different_JJ part_NN of_IN town_NN ._. 
The_DT sky_NN ,_, cupping_VBG over_IN squat_JJ buildings_NNS ,_, was_VBD less_RBR yellow_JJ here_RB ,_, and_CC stands_NNS were_VBD set_VBN up_RP everywhere_RB the_DT way_NN I_PRP ’_NN d_SYM picture_NN a_DT market_NN in_IN the_DT Middle_NNP East_NNP ._. 
Nepthys_NNP took_VBD us_PRP immediately_RB to_TO the_DT right_NN ,_, where_WRB he_PRP led_VBD us_PRP to_TO a_DT cart_NN filled_VBN with_IN herbs_NNS ._. 
Spiced_NNP air_NN hanging_VBG around_IN the_DT cart_NN carried_VBD tarragon_NN ,_, rosemary_JJ ,_, and_CC scents_NNS I_PRP couldn_NN ’_NN t_NN place_NN ._. 
The_DT thing_NN tending_VBG the_DT cart_NN reminded_VBD me_PRP of_IN the_DT caterpillar_NN from_IN Alice_NNP in_IN Wonderland_NNP :_: it_PRP had_VBD the_DT same_JJ opium-dream_JJ wise_JJ man_NN quality_NN I_PRP ’_NN d_SYM always_RB given_VBN the_DT caterpillar_NN ._. 
Its_PRP$ arms_NNS were_VBD thin_JJ and_CC long_RB enough_RB to_TO reach_VB any_DT herbs_NNS from_IN its_PRP$ cushion_NN in_IN the_DT center_NN of_IN the_DT cart_NN ,_, and_CC with_IN its_PRP$ long_JJ ,_, many-shouldered_JJ pole_NN of_IN a_DT torso_NN ,_, it_PRP rose_VBD over_IN our_PRP$ heads_NNS even_RB while_IN seated_VBN ._. 
Its_PRP$ face_NN was_VBD small_JJ and_CC wrinkled_JJ ,_, with_IN penny-sized_JJ smoked_VBD glasses_NNS balanced_VBN on_IN its_PRP$ thin_JJ nose_NN ._. 
“_NN Would_MD the_DT gentlemen_NNS care_VBP to_TO purchase_VB some_DT fine_NN herbs_NNS ?_. ”_NN 
it_PRP asked_VBD ._. 
“_NN There_EX are_VBP no_DT finer_NN to_TO spice_NN a_DT meal_NN ,_, nor_CC purer_NN to_TO mix_VB a_DT potion_NN ._. 
Please_VB ,_, let_VB yourselves_PRP breathe_VB the_DT fine_NN scent_NN of_IN these_DT herbs_NNS ._. ”_NN 

“_NN We_PRP ’_NN re_NN not_RB here_RB to_TO browse_VB ,_, ”_NN Nepthys_NNP told_VBD him_PRP ._. 
“_NN We_PRP ’_NN d_SYM like_IN to_TO see_VB a_DT man_NN about_IN some_DT garlic_JJ ._. ”_NN 

The_DT thing_NN frowned_JJ ._. 
“_NN We_PRP have_VBP many_JJ fine_NN cloves_NNS of_IN garlic_JJ here_RB on_IN the_DT cart_NN ,_, gentle_JJ sir_NN ._. 
If_IN –_NN ”_NN 

“_NN You_PRP know_VBP what_WP I_PRP mean_VBP ._. 
Please_VB ,_, if_IN we_PRP could_MD see_VB him_PRP ,_, we_PRP would_MD be_VB much_RB obliged_VBN ._. 
I_PRP imagine_VBP that_IN people_NNS do_VBP not_RB come_VB here_RB for_IN unimportant_JJ reasons_NNS ._. ”_NN 

It_PRP hissed_VBD thoughtfully_RB ._. 
“_NN True_JJ ,_, true_JJ ._. 
Step_NN behind_IN the_DT cart_NN and_CC enter_VB through_IN the_DT door_NN there_RB ,_, using_VBG your_PRP$ left_JJ hand_NN to_TO open_VB the_DT door_NN and_CC your_PRP$ right_JJ –_NN ”_NN 
he_PRP looked_VBD at_IN me_PRP “_NN –_NN to_TO close_VB it_PRP ._. ”_NN 

“_NN Thank_VB you_PRP ._. ”_NN 
Nepthys_NNP bowed_VBD slightly_RB and_CC we_PRP walked_VBD behind_IN the_DT cart_NN ._. 

The_DT latch_VBP opened_VBN under_IN Nepthys_NNP ’_NN left_VBD hand_NN with_IN a_DT clack_NN !_. 
The_DT door_NN took_VBD us_PRP to_TO the_DT bottom_NN of_IN a_DT flight_NN of_IN wooden_JJ stairs_NNS ._. 
At_IN the_DT top_NN was_VBD one_CD door_NN ._. 
We_PRP entered_VBD ._. 

The_DT room_NN held_VBD a_DT bed_NN ,_, a_DT bookcase_NN ,_, and_CC a_DT desk_NN with_IN one_CD chair_NN ._. 
Its_PRP$ only_RB light_NN came_VBD from_IN a_DT dying_VBG candle_NN on_IN the_DT desk_NN whose_WP$ spark_VB etched_JJ shadows_NNS in_IN the_DT roughly_RB planked_JJ walls_NNS ._. 
On_IN the_DT bed_NN was_VBD a_DT small_JJ ,_, ratty_NN man_NN ._. 
I_PRP smelled_VBD matted_JJ hair_NN and_CC cedar_NN chips_NNS ._. 
He_PRP opened_VBD one_CD eye_NN when_WRB we_PRP came_VBD in_IN but_CC did_VBD not_RB move_VB ._. 

“_NN We_PRP ’_NN re_NN here_RB for_IN information_NN about_IN a_DT vampire_NN ,_, ”_NN said_VBD Nepthys_NNP ._. 

“_NN Oh_UH ,_, shit_NN !_. ”_NN 
I_PRP said_VBD ._. 

“_NN Sorry_JJ ,_, kid_NN ._. 
–_NN Would_MD you_PRP do_VB us_PRP the_DT kindness_NN of_IN helping_VBG us_PRP to_TO identify_VB an_DT individual_NN ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN Wait_NN ,_, Nepthys_NNP –_NN you_PRP said_VBD nothing_NN about_IN vampires_NNS ._. 
Frankly_RB ,_, I_PRP don_VB ’_NN t_NN know_VB if_IN we_PRP can_MD even_RB doing_VBG anything_NN against_IN a_DT vampire_NN ._. 
There_EX ’_NN s_VBZ an_DT entire_JJ industry_NN in_IN my_PRP$ world_NN based_VBN around_IN how_WRB unkillable_JJ they_PRP are_VBP ._. 
Are_VBP …_NN look_NN ,_, are_VBP they_PRP as_RB bad_JJ as_IN people_NNS in_IN my_PRP$ world_NN think_VBP they_PRP are_VBP ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN I_PRP don_VB ’_NN t_NN know_VB ._. 
They_PRP ’_NN re_NN almost_RB as_IN rare_JJ here_RB ,_, and_CC I_PRP ’_NN ve_NN never_RB heard_VBD a_DT reliable_JJ story_NN of_IN someone_NN successfully_RB fighting_VBG a_DT vampire_NN ._. ”_NN 

“_NN Only_RB unsuccessfully_RB ,_, right_NN ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN No_DT ,_, those_DT people_NNS don_VB ’_NN t_NN usually_RB leave_VB stories_NNS ._. ”_NN 

“_NN Oh_UH ,_, thanks_NNS ,_, Nepthys_NNP ,_, for_IN your_PRP$ confidence-inspiring_JJ tales_NNS of_IN experience_NN ._. 
So_IN they_PRP ’_NN re_NN probably_RB worse_JJR than_IN we_PRP think_VBP ,_, okay_JJ ,_, that_DT ’_NN s_VBZ great_JJ ._. 
Now_RB can_MD you_PRP tell_VB me_PRP what_WP your_PRP$ master_NN plan_NN of_IN attack_NN will_MD be_VB before_IN we_PRP go_VBP spinning_JJ counterclockwise_NN into_IN an_DT Anne_NNP Rice_NNP novel_NN ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN My_PRP$ plan_NN is_VBZ that_IN you_PRP shut_VBD up_RB while_IN we_PRP ’_NN re_NN trying_VBG to_TO conduct_VB business_NN with_IN someone_NN who_WP might_MD be_VB able_JJ to_TO tell_VB us_PRP what_WP we_PRP ’_NN re_NN actually_RB going_VBG up_RP against_IN ._. 
Okay_UH ?_. 
Don_NNP ’_NN t_NN forget_VB ,_, she_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ your_PRP$ girlfriend_NN ._. 
Now_RB calm_VB down_RB while_IN I_PRP talk_VBP to_TO this_DT gentleman_NN ._. 
I_PRP can_MD hear_VB your_PRP$ heartbeat_NN from_IN over_IN here_RB ._. ”_NN 

I_PRP shut_VBD up_RB and_CC tried_VBD to_TO breathe_VB ._. 
Nepthys_NNP turned_VBD back_RB to_TO the_DT little_JJ man_NN on_IN the_DT bed_NN ,_, who_WP had_VBD not_RB moved_VBN ._. 
“_NN Please_VB ,_, accept_VB our_PRP$ apologies_NNS ._. 
As_IN you_PRP can_MD see_VB ,_, our_PRP$ situation_NN is_VBZ of_IN personal_JJ importance_NN to_TO the_DT young_JJ man_NN ._. 
Now_RB :_: may_MD we_PRP ask_VB you_PRP a_DT few_JJ questions_NNS about_IN an_DT individual_JJ we_PRP believe_VBP to_TO be_VB a_DT vampire_NN ?_. 
It_PRP would_MD be_VB a_DT great_JJ help_NN to_TO us_PRP ._. ”_NN 

The_DT little_JJ man_NN drew_VBD a_DT few_JJ loud_JJ breaths_NNS that_WDT died_VBD in_IN the_DT wooden_JJ room_NN ’_NN s_VBZ tight_JJ air_NN ._. 
Finally_RB ,_, in_IN a_DT pinched_VBN rasp_NN ,_, he_PRP said_VBD ,_, “_NN My_PRP$ information_NN is_VBZ purely_RB for_IN the_DT purposes_NNS of_IN a_DT collector_NN ._. 
I_PRP do_VBP not_RB want_VB to_TO provide_VB help_VB to_TO someone_NN who_WP would_MD do_VB harm_VB ._. ”_NN 

“_NN Sir_NNP ,_, we_PRP simply_RB want_VBP to_TO discover_VB whether_IN this_DT individual_NN is_VBZ ,_, in_IN fact_NN ,_, a_DT vampire_NN ._. 
If_IN there_EX is_VBZ any_DT boon_NN that_IN you_PRP would_MD have_VB us_PRP do_VB in_IN return_NN ,_, we_PRP would_MD be_VB glad_JJ to_TO do_VB it_PRP ._. ”_NN 

He_PRP continued_VBD to_TO lie_VB in_IN place_NN ,_, still_RB breathing_VBG heavily_RB ._. 
I_PRP tried_VBD to_TO keep_VB myself_PRP calm_VB ._. 
Then_RB ,_, with_IN a_DT sigh_NN ,_, he_PRP said_VBD ,_, “_NN I_PRP have_VBP need_NN of_IN a_DT certain_JJ stone_NN that_IN I_PRP once_RB possessed_VBD ._. 
It_PRP would_MD allow_VB me_PRP to_TO leave_VB this_DT bed_NN ,_, despite_IN my_PRP$ current_JJ illness_NN ._. 
My_PRP$ problem_NN is_VBZ that_IN it_PRP was_VBD not_RB made_VBN in_IN this_DT realm_NN ,_, but_CC by_IN a_DT human_NN ,_, and_CC only_RB a_DT human_NN may_MD handle_VB it_PRP ._. 
The_DT herb_NN vendor_NN will_MD tell_VB you_PRP where_WRB you_PRP can_MD find_VB it_PRP ._. 
If_IN you_PRP would_MD fetch_VB me_PRP this_DT stone_NN ,_, I_PRP would_MD tell_VB you_PRP what_WP I_PRP can_MD ._. ”_NN 

“_NN Of_IN course_NN we_PRP will_MD fetch_VB you_PRP the_DT stone_NN ,_, ”_NN Nepthys_NNP assured_VBD him_PRP ._. 
“_NN You_PRP have_VBP our_PRP$ thanks_NNS ._. ”_NN 

Outside_IN ,_, the_DT thing_NN at_IN the_DT herb_NN cart_NN nodded_JJ when_WRB we_PRP mentioned_VBD the_DT stone_NN ._. 
He_PRP told_VBD Nepthys_NNP the_DT name_NN of_IN a_DT woman_NN who_WP lived_VBD on_IN a_DT certain_JJ street_NN ,_, and_CC we_PRP set_VBD off_RP ._. 

When_WRB we_PRP reached_VBD the_DT street_NN ,_, I_PRP expected_VBD some_DT sort_NN of_IN temple_NN ,_, or_CC a_DT row_NN of_IN antiquaries_NNS ,_, or_CC at_IN least_JJS a_DT sleazy_JJ ,_, black-market_NN relics_NNS merchant_NN ._. 
Instead_RB ,_, it_PRP looked_VBD like_IN we_PRP were_VBD in_IN the_DT red-light_JJ district_NN :_: women_NNS who_WP probably_RB wanted_VBD more_JJR than_IN our_PRP$ money_NN eyed_VBD us_PRP from_IN the_DT alleys_NNS ._. 
Nepthys_NNP didn_NN ’_NN t_NN need_VBP to_TO warn_VB me_PRP not_RB to_TO speak_VB to_TO them_PRP ._. 
He_PRP took_VBD us_PRP to_TO the_DT door_NN of_IN a_DT building_NN like_IN a_DT short_JJ pagoda_NN that_WDT had_VBD a_DT sign_NN hanging_VBG over_IN it_PRP showing_VBG a_DT face_NN with_IN hands_NNS uplifted_JJ ,_, like_IN a_DT saint_NN under_IN G_NNP d_SYM ’_NN s_VBZ light_JJ ,_, and_CC handcuffed_VBN ._. 

Inside_IN ,_, the_DT entrance_NN room_NN was_VBD hung_VBN with_IN bright_JJ silks_NNS and_CC scattered_VBN with_IN velvet_NN cushions_NNS ._. 
Sails_NNP of_IN obscene_JJ orange_NN and_CC a_DT green_NN that_IN insulted_JJ springtime_NN hung_VBD draped_JJ across_IN reds_NNS that_WDT might_MD have_VB been_VBN sensual_JJ elsewhere_RB but_CC here_RB were_VBD only_RB offensive_JJ ._. 
A_DT large_JJ woman_NN ,_, similarly_RB decorated_VBN ,_, quickly_RB drifted_VBD up_RP to_TO us_PRP ._. 

“_NN Good_JJ evening_NN ,_, gentlemen_NNS ,_, ”_NN she_PRP said_VBD ._. 
“_NN May_NNP I_PRP invite_VB you_PRP to_TO have_VB a_DT cup_NN of_IN tea_NN ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN No_DT ,_, thank_VB you_PRP ,_, ”_NN said_VBD Nepthys_NNP ,_, “_NN we_PRP regret_VBP that_IN we_PRP cannot_NN take_NN up_RP your_PRP$ kind_NN offer_NN ._. 
Are_VBP you_PRP the_DT proprietor_NN of_IN this_DT shop_NN ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN Yes_UH ,_, ”_NN answered_VBD the_DT woman_NN ._. 
“_NN I_PRP am_VBP Madame_NNP Entera_NNP ,_, at_IN your_PRP$ service_NN ._. 
How_WRB can_MD I_PRP help_VB you_PRP gentlemen_NNS ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN We_PRP are_VBP here_RB to_TO see_VB about_IN a_DT certain_JJ stone_NN ._. ”_NN 

She_PRP raised_VBD an_DT eyebrow_NN ._. 
“_NN Are_VBP you_PRP ?_. 
Well_RB ,_, we_PRP don_VB ’_NN t_NN get_VB many_JJ customers_NNS asking_VBG about_IN that_DT item_NN ._. 
Please_VB ,_, walk_VBP this_DT way_NN ._. ”_NN 

She_PRP led_VBD us_PRP past_JJ the_DT silks_NNS and_CC through_IN an_DT arch_VBP decorated_VBN with_IN pictures_NNS of_IN wooden_JJ ships_NNS and_CC what_WP looked_VBD like_IN African_JJ tribesmen_NN ._. 
The_DT next_JJ room_NN had_VBD mosaics_NNS of_IN what_WP could_MD have_VB been_VBN Rome_NNP ,_, with_IN men_NNS in_IN simple_JJ tunics_NNS working_VBG in_IN a_DT vineyard_NN on_IN one_CD wall_NN and_CC men_NNS in_IN odd_JJ ,_, floppy_JJ hats_NNS on_IN the_DT other_JJ ._. 
After_IN this_DT ,_, we_PRP went_VBD up_RP a_DT flight_NN of_IN stairs_NNS and_CC past_JJ a_DT row_NN of_IN doors_NNS barred_VBN on_IN the_DT outside_JJ ._. 

“_NN Excuse_NNP me_PRP ,_, ”_NN I_PRP said_VBD ,_, ignoring_VBG Nepthys_NNP ’_NN warning_NN look_NN ,_, “_NN but_CC may_MD I_PRP ask_VB what_WP is_VBZ kept_VBN in_IN these_DT rooms_NNS ?_. ”_NN 

The_DT woman_NN laughed_VBD ._. 
“_NN Why_WRB ,_, the_DT merchandise_NN ,_, of_IN course_NN ,_, ”_NN she_PRP said_VBD ._. 

Nepthys_NNP leaned_VBD close_RB to_TO my_PRP$ ear_NN ._. 
“_NN This_DT is_VBZ a_DT slave_NN shop_NN ,_, ”_NN he_PRP explained_VBD quietly_RB ._. 

The_DT woman_NN paused_VBD before_IN another_DT door_NN ,_, this_DT one_CD not_RB barred_VBN but_CC locked_VBN ._. 
As_IN she_PRP brought_VBD out_RP the_DT key_NN ,_, she_PRP said_VBD ,_, “_NN We_PRP deal_VBP mostly_RB in_IN fairly_RB mundane_JJ trades_NNS ,_, but_CC there_EX are_VBP a_DT few_JJ customers_NNS with_IN more_RBR unusual_JJ needs_VBZ and_CC people_NNS willing_JJ to_TO sell_VB unusual_JJ items_NNS ._. 
We_PRP ’_NN ve_NN had_VBD genies_NNS ,_, indentured_JJ sorcerers_NNS ,_, even_RB golems_NNS and_CC the_DT occasional_JJ elf_NN ._. 
This_DT is_VBZ one_CD of_IN the_DT stranger_NN items_NNS ,_, though_RB ._. 
It_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ been_VBN in_IN our_PRP$ collection_NN for_IN several_JJ years_NNS because_IN only_RB a_DT human_JJ can_MD activate_VBP it_PRP ._. 
If_IN we_PRP only_RB had_VBD a_DT human_NN on_IN our_PRP$ staff_NN ,_, we_PRP could_MD have_VB done_VBN so_IN ages_NNS ago_RB and_CC sold_VBD it_PRP off_RP ,_, but_CC we_PRP have_VBP no_DT such_JJ luck_NN ._. ”_NN 
She_PRP opened_VBD the_DT door_NN and_CC took_VBD us_PRP past_JJ several_JJ doors_NNS marked_VBD with_IN odd_JJ geometrical_JJ designs_NNS to_TO another_DT locked_VBN room_NN ._. 
“_NN Here_RB it_PRP is_VBZ ,_, ”_NN she_PRP said_VBD ._. 

With_IN a_DT flourish_VB ,_, she_PRP opened_VBD the_DT door_NN to_TO reveal_VB a_DT room_NN with_IN walls_NNS inlaid_NN with_IN lapis_NNS and_CC gold_NN wire_NN ,_, intricate_JJ patterns_NNS like_IN a_DT Czar_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ jewelry_NN box_NN crawling_VBG down_RP the_DT walls_NNS ._. 
In_IN its_PRP$ center_NN ,_, under_IN a_DT spearing_VBG ,_, white_JJ light_NN ,_, was_VBD a_DT golden_JJ table_NN draped_JJ with_IN a_DT blue_JJ velvet_NN cloth_NN ,_, on_IN which_WDT lay_VBP a_DT gray_JJ ,_, plum-sized_JJ rock_NN ._. 

“_NN A_DT marvel_VB ,_, isn_NN ’_NN t_NN it_PRP ?_. ”_NN 
she_PRP said_VBD ._. 
“_NN That_DT such_JJ a_DT rock_NN could_MD hold_VB so_RB much_JJ magic_JJ –_NN it_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ a_DT wonder_NN ._. ”_NN 

“_NN That_DT it_PRP is_VBZ ,_, ”_NN Nepthys_NNP assured_VBD her_PRP ._. 
“_NN What_WP would_MD convince_VB you_PRP to_TO part_VB with_IN it_PRP ?_. ”_NN 

She_PRP considered_VBD this_DT ,_, looking_VBG him_PRP over_IN ._. 
“_NN You_PRP wouldn_NN ’_NN t_NN give_VB me_PRP the_DT human_NN ,_, would_MD you_PRP ?_. 
No_DT ,_, 
”_NN she_PRP said_VBD ,_, seeing_VBG his_PRP$ expression_NN ,_, “_NN that_WDT would_MD make_VB the_DT stone_NN rather_RB useless_JJ ._. ”_NN 
Nevertheless_RB ,_, she_PRP gave_VBD me_PRP what_WP I_PRP can_MD only_RB describe_VB as_IN an_DT “_NN appraising_VBG glance_NN ”_NN ._. 
I_PRP have_VBP never_RB felt_VBN so_RB appraised_VBN in_IN all_DT my_PRP$ life_NN ._. 
“_NN He_PRP looks_VBZ healthy_JJ ,_, ”_NN she_PRP said_VBD ,_, “_NN how_WRB about_IN a_DT pint_NN of_IN his_PRP$ blood_NN ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN A_DT pint_NN ?_. 
Madame_NNP ,_, I_PRP have_VBP his_PRP$ health_NN to_TO consider_VB ._. ”_NN 

“_NN Half_PDT a_DT pint_NN ,_, then_RB –_NN and_CC his_PRP$ hair_NN ._. ”_NN 

Nepthys_NNP turned_VBD to_TO me_PRP ._. 
“_NN Well_RB ,_, kid_NN ,_, what_WP do_VBP you_PRP think_VBP ?_. 
Remember_VB ,_, this_DT is_VBZ your_PRP$ quest_NN ._. 
I_PRP ’_NN m_NN not_RB giving_VBG my_PRP$ blood_NN ._. ”_NN 

“_NN As_IN if_IN I_PRP wanted_VBD it_PRP ,_, ”_NN interrupted_VBN the_DT woman_NN ._. 

“_NN I_PRP think_VBP it_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ a_DT fair_JJ deal_NN ,_, considering_VBG the_DT return_NN ,_, ”_NN he_PRP told_VBD me_PRP ,_, “_NN but_CC it_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ up_IN to_TO you_PRP ._. ”_NN 

I_PRP thought_VBD about_IN it_PRP ,_, then_RB nodded_JJ ._. 

“_NN Marvelous_NNP !_. ”_NN cried_JJ the_DT woman_NN ._. 
“_NN One_CD half-pint_JJ of_IN human_JJ blood_NN ,_, willingly_RB given_VBN ,_, and_CC his_PRP$ fine_NN head_NN of_IN hair_NN for_IN the_DT stone_NN ._. ”_NN 

She_PRP took_VBD us_PRP downstairs_NN to_TO a_DT small_JJ room_NN behind_IN a_DT red_JJ silk_NN draping_VBG ._. 
There_EX was_VBD a_DT wooden_JJ chair_NN ,_, where_WRB she_PRP sat_VBD me_PRP down_RB and_CC asked_VBD me_PRP to_TO wait_VB ._. 
Soon_RB ,_, she_PRP came_VBD back_RB with_IN a_DT lidded_JJ ceramic_JJ bowl_NN ,_, which_WDT she_PRP put_VBP on_IN the_DT table_NN beside_IN me_PRP ._. 
“_NN Roll_NNP up_RP your_PRP$ sleeves_NNS ,_, ”_NN she_PRP told_VBD me_PRP ._. 
She_PRP opened_VBD the_DT bowl_NN and_CC carefully_RB ,_, gingerly_RB brought_VBN out_RP a_DT fat_NN ,_, dripping_VBG leech_NN ._. 
It_PRP must_MD have_VB been_VBN larger_JJR than_IN my_PRP$ finger_NN ._. 
She_PRP laid_VBD it_PRP gently_RB inside_IN the_DT hollow_JJ of_IN my_PRP$ left_JJ arm_NN ._. 
The_DT cold_JJ thing_NN stretched_VBN and_CC cast_NN around_IN with_IN its_PRP$ sucker-mouth_JJ until_IN it_PRP found_VBD the_DT soft_JJ spot_NN inside_IN my_PRP$ elbow_NN ,_, where_WRB it_PRP softly_RB sucked_JJ on_IN and_CC began_VBD to_TO work_VB its_PRP$ way_NN under_IN my_PRP$ skin_NN ._. 
I_PRP thought_VBD that_IN I_PRP could_MD feel_VB a_DT slight_JJ itching_VBG ._. 

“_NN They_PRP take_VBP about_IN a_DT quarter-pint_JJ each_DT ,_, ”_NN said_VBD Madame_NNP Entera_NNP ,_, drawing_VBG out_RP another_DT skinny_NN leech_NN ._. 
“_NN They_PRP ’_NN re_NN quick_JJ ,_, too_RB ._. 
We_PRP ’_NN ll_NN be_VB done_VBN with_IN them_PRP before_IN your_PRP$ hair_NN is_VBZ finished_VBN ._. ”_NN 
Then_RB she_PRP clapped_JJ her_PRP$ hands_NNS and_CC brought_VBN in_IN the_DT barber_NN ._. 

Half_PDT an_DT hour_NN later_RB ,_, I_PRP left_VBD the_DT room_NN pale_JJ and_CC bald_JJ ,_, running_VBG my_PRP$ fingers_NNS over_IN my_PRP$ scalp_NN ._. 
At_IN least_JJS the_DT barber_NN hadn_NN ’_NN t_NN nicked_VBN me_PRP ._. 
Madame_NNP Entera_NNP took_VBD me_PRP back_RB up_IN to_TO the_DT stone_NN ’_NN s_VBZ room_NN ,_, where_WRB Nepthys_NNP was_VBD waiting_VBG by_IN the_DT door_NN ._. 
“_NN Be_VB careful_JJ you_PRP don_VB ’_NN t_NN let_VB him_PRP touch_VBP it_PRP until_IN you_PRP ’_NN re_NN ready_JJ to_TO use_VB it_PRP ,_, ”_NN the_DT woman_NN admonished_JJ Nepthys_NNP as_IN she_PRP slipped_VBD the_DT stone_NN into_IN a_DT grey_JJ cloth_NN pouch_NN and_CC handed_VBD it_PRP to_TO him_PRP ._. 
“_NN Thank_VB you_PRP for_IN doing_VBG business_NN at_IN our_PRP$ house_NN ,_, and_CC I_PRP hope_VBP to_TO see_VB you_PRP again_RB !_. ”_NN 

I_PRP left_VBD not_RB a_DT little_RB unnerved_VBD ,_, and_CC still_RB woozy_NN from_IN the_DT leeches_NNS ._. 
“_NN Come_VBN on_IN ,_, ”_NN said_VBD Nepthys_NNP ,_, “_NN you_PRP could_MD use_VB a_DT drink_NN ._. ”_NN 

We_PRP hit_VBD a_DT bar_NN on_IN the_DT next_JJ street_NN over_IN ._. 
“_NN Vodka_NNP ,_, straight_JJ up_RB ,_, ”_NN Nepthys_NNP told_VBD the_DT bartender_NN as_IN we_PRP sat_VBD down_RB at_IN the_DT counter_NN ,_, “_NN and_CC a_DT Bloody_NNP Mary_NNP for_IN my_PRP$ friend_NN ._. 
Make_VB it_PRP extra_JJ bloody_JJ ._. ”_NN 
When_WRB our_PRP$ drinks_NNS came_VBD ,_, he_PRP poured_VBD a_DT dollop_NN of_IN something_NN from_IN an_DT inner_JJ pocket_NN into_IN my_PRP$ Bloody_NNP Mary_NNP ._. 
“_NN That_DT should_MD help_VB ,_, ”_NN he_PRP said_VBD ._. 
“_NN You_PRP could_MD run_VB on_IN empty_JJ with_IN a_DT little_JJ of_IN that_DT stuff_NN ._. 
It_PRP won_VBD ’_NN t_NN refill_NN your_PRP$ blood_NN supply_NN ,_, but_CC while_IN that_DT ’_NN s_VBZ in_IN your_PRP$ system_NN ,_, you_PRP won_VBD ’_NN t_NN even_RB need_VBP blood_NN ._. ”_NN 
He_PRP grinned_JJ at_IN me_PRP ._. 
“_NN Drink_NN up_RB ,_, kid_NN ._. ”_NN 

I_PRP took_VBD about_IN half_NN of_IN the_DT Bloody_NNP Mary_NNP in_IN one_CD gulp_NN and_CC then_RB ate_VBD the_DT celery_NN ._. 
Nepthys_NNP slapped_VBD me_PRP on_IN the_DT back_NN ._. 
“_NN Okay_UH ,_, ”_NN I_PRP said_VBD ,_, “_NN now_RB that_IN we_PRP ’_NN re_NN sitting_VBG down_RB ,_, can_MD you_PRP explain_VB a_DT little_JJ more_JJR of_IN what_WP ’_NN s_VBZ going_VBG on_IN here_RB ?_. 
I_PRP mean_VBP ,_, what_WP is_VBZ this_DT place_NN ,_, really_RB ?_. ”_NN 

He_PRP thought_VBD about_IN that_DT ._. 
“_NN I_PRP think_VBP that_IN our_PRP$ world_NN is_VBZ a_DT reflection_NN of_IN yours_NNS ,_, or_CC yours_NNS is_VBZ a_DT more_RBR boring_JJ reflection_NN of_IN ours_PRP ._. 
This_DT place_NN is_VBZ just_RB a_DT little_JJ of_IN both_DT ._. 
In_IN America_NNP ,_, things_NNS are_VBP still_RB weird_JJ after_IN the_DT European_JJ conquest_NN ._. 
The_DT natives_NNS are_VBP still_RB here_RB ,_, but_CC so_RB is_VBZ everyone_NN else_RB ._. 
The_DT Europeans_NNPS mostly_RB manifest_JJ as_IN something_NN like_IN the_DT underground_JJ society_NN of_IN your_PRP$ cities_NNS ._. 
We_PRP aren_NN ’_NN t_NN quite_RB what_WP you_PRP ’_NN d_SYM expect_VBP from_IN reading_VBG the_DT Grimms_NNP ._. ”_NN 

“_NN What_WP do_VBP you_PRP mean_VBP ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN Okay_UH ,_, take_VB elves_NNS ._. ”_NN 
He_PRP caught_VBD the_DT bartender_NN ’_NN s_VBZ eye_NN for_IN another_DT shot_NN ._. 
“_NN You_PRP figure_VBP they_PRP ’_NN re_NN some_DT Lincoln-green_NNP pretty_RB boys_NNS who_WP run_VBP around_IN in_IN the_DT forest_NN with_IN bows_NNS and_CC live_VB forever_RB in_IN halls_NNS of_IN glory_NN ,_, right_NN ?_. 
Not_RB in_IN America_NNP ._. 
Here_RB ,_, they_PRP ’_NN re_NN the_DT snotty_JJ rich_JJ who_WP show_VBP up_RB in_IN clubs_NNS because_IN they_PRP like_VBP the_DT ‘_NN gritty_JJ ambience_NN ’_NN –_NN you_PRP have_VBP them_PRP in_IN your_PRP$ world_NN ,_, too_RB ,_, right_NN ?_. 
Except_IN it_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ worse_RBR here_RB because_IN they_PRP have_VBP centuries_NNS to_TO grow_VB disaffected_JJ and_CC flirt_NN with_IN exciting_JJ and_CC dangerous_JJ elements_NNS of_IN society_NN ’_NN s_VBZ lowest_JJS rungs_NNS ._. 
Some_DT of_IN them_PRP actually_RB commit_VBP to_TO this_DT society_NN ,_, though_RB ._. 
There_EX ’_NN s_VBZ an_DT amazing_JJ DJ_NNP who_WP ’_NN s_VBZ an_DT elf_NN ._. 
He_PRP has_VBZ a_DT real_JJ ear_NN for_IN it_PRP ._. 
When_WRB they_PRP do_VBP decide_VB to_TO do_VB something_NN for_IN real_JJ ,_, they_PRP ’_NN re_NN always_RB the_DT best_JJS at_IN it_PRP ._. ”_NN 
He_PRP downed_VBD the_DT second_JJ shot_NN ._. 
“_NN I_PRP am_VBP glad_JJ to_TO be_VB out_IN of_IN the_DT favor-trading_JJ scene_NN for_IN half_PDT a_DT minute_NN ._. 
It_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ exhausting_JJ to_TO talk_VB to_TO those_DT people_NNS ._. 
One_CD wrong_JJ word_NN and_CC you_PRP find_VBP yourself_PRP cursed_VBD with_IN infinite_NN earwax_NN or_CC something_NN ._. 
So_RB what_WP else_RB do_VBP you_PRP want_VBP to_TO know_VB ,_, Nathan_NNP ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN I_PRP don_VB ’_NN t_NN know_VB …_NN hey_UH ,_, what_WP about_IN the_DT nature_NN spirits_NNS ,_, things_NNS like_IN that_DT ?_. 
I_PRP mean_VBP ,_, where_WRB do_VBP the_DT dryads_NNS fit_VBP in_IN a_DT place_NN like_IN this_DT ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN If_IN the_DT tree_NN isn_NN ’_NN t_NN around_IN ,_, the_DT dryad_NN isn_NN ’_NN t_NN around_IN ._. 
It_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ as_RB simple_JJ as_IN that_DT ._. ”_NN 

That_DT made_VBN me_PRP a_DT little_RB sad_JJ ._. 
They_PRP were_VBD always_RB my_PRP$ favorite_JJ part_NN of_IN the_DT Greek_JJ myths_NNS I_PRP read_VBP in_IN elementary_JJ school_NN ._. 
“_NN Well_RB ,_, what_WP about_IN you_PRP ?_. 
How_WRB did_VBD you_PRP get_VBP to_TO America_NNP ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN My_PRP$ parents_NNS came_VBD over_IN from_IN Russia_NNP ,_, just_RB like_IN your_PRP$ family_NN ._. 
My_PRP$ real_JJ name_NN is_VBZ a_DT little_JJ more_RBR ethnically_RB appropriate_JJ ,_, but_CC we_PRP don_VB ’_NN t_NN toss_VB those_DT around_IN in_IN this_DT place_NN ._. 
They_PRP were_VBD spirits_NNS of_IN a_DT certain_JJ branch_NN of_IN the_DT Volga_NNP and_CC the_DT village_NN based_VBN around_IN a_DT mill_NN on_IN that_DT tributary_JJ ._. 
When_WRB the_DT Russian_JJ government_NN dammed_JJ the_DT river_NN ,_, my_PRP$ parents_NNS decided_VBD that_IN instead_RB of_IN dying_VBG with_IN the_DT river_NN ,_, they_PRP would_MD stick_VB with_IN the_DT people_NNS of_IN the_DT village_NN they_PRP ’_NN d_SYM protected_VBN ._. 
I_PRP was_VBD born_VBN here_RB ,_, and_CC I_PRP was_VBD lucky_JJ enough_RB not_RB to_TO get_VB attached_VBN to_TO any_DT particular_JJ river_NN ._. 
Sure_RB ,_, I_PRP miss_VBP having_VBG a_DT place_NN to_TO settle_VB down_RB ,_, but_CC it_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ better_JJR than_IN waiting_VBG to_TO get_VB dammed_JJ ._. ”_NN 
He_PRP took_VBD another_DT shot_NN of_IN vodka_NN ._. 

“_NN Shouldn_NNP ’_NN t_NN you_PRP be_VB going_VBG light_JJ on_IN the_DT vodka_NN ?_. 
I_PRP mean_VBP ,_, we_PRP might_MD have_VB a_DT lot_NN of_IN work_NN ahead_RB of_IN us_PRP ._. ”_NN 

“_NN Are_VBP you_PRP kidding_VBG ?_. 
I_PRP can_MD drink_VB like_IN a_DT fish_NN ,_, kid_NN ._. 
We_PRP should_MD get_VB going_VBG ,_, though_RB ._. 
Still_RB woozy_NN ?_. ”_NN 
I_PRP nodded_JJ ._. 
“_NN A_DT little_JJ walking_NN should_MD get_VB the_DT stuff_NN into_IN your_PRP$ system_NN ._. 
Come_VBN on_IN ,_, let_VB ’_NN s_VBZ go_VB ._. ”_NN 

As_IN we_PRP left_VBD the_DT bar_NN ,_, I_PRP asked_VBD to_TO see_VB the_DT rock_NN ._. 
“_NN Why_WRB ?_. ”_NN 
Nepthys_NNP asked_VBD ._. 

“_NN I_PRP ’_NN m_NN just_RB curious_JJ ._. 
I_PRP want_VBP to_TO see_VB what_WP a_DT magic_JJ stone_NN looks_VBZ like_IN ._. 
Don_NNP ’_NN t_NN worry_VBP ,_, I_PRP ’_NN ll_NN be_VB careful_JJ not_RB to_TO touch_VB it_PRP ._. ”_NN 

He_PRP thought_VBD about_IN it_PRP ,_, then_RB handed_VBN me_PRP the_DT pouch_NN ._. 
I_PRP undid_VBD the_DT strings_NNS and_CC let_VB the_DT pouch_NN sit_VB on_IN my_PRP$ palm_NN so_IN that_IN I_PRP could_MD see_VB the_DT stone_NN inside_IN ._. 
It_PRP looked_VBD like_IN a_DT normal_JJ river_NN stone_NN ,_, a_DT gray_JJ oval_NN with_IN a_DT white_JJ stripe_NN through_IN it_PRP ._. 
As_RB long_RB as_IN I_PRP looked_VBD at_IN it_PRP ,_, it_PRP didn_NN ’_NN t_NN reveal_VBP any_DT magic_JJ sparkle_NN or_CC glow_NN ._. 

Suddenly_RB ,_, what_WP looked_VBD like_IN a_DT little_JJ kid_NN darted_JJ out_IN of_IN an_DT alley_NN and_CC almost_RB ran_VBD into_IN me_PRP ._. 
I_PRP almost_RB tripped_VBN over_IN him_PRP ,_, and_CC the_DT stone_NN went_VBD flying_VBG out_IN of_IN the_DT pouch_NN ._. 
Nepthys_NNP tried_VBD to_TO grab_VB it_PRP ,_, but_CC ,_, by_IN reflex_JJ ,_, I_PRP caught_VBD it_PRP first_JJ ._. 

Immediately_RB ,_, I_PRP felt_VBD it_PRP grow_VBP warm_JJ and_CC knew_VBD that_IN I_PRP had_VBD done_VBN something_NN very_RB stupid_JJ ._. 
“_NN Nathan_NNP ,_, ”_NN said_VBD Nepthys_NNP ,_, “_NN I_PRP think_VBP that_IN you_PRP just_RB did_VBD something_NN very_RB stupid_JJ ._. ”_NN 

“_NN I_PRP agree_VBP ,_, ”_NN I_PRP told_VBD him_PRP ._. 
The_DT stone_NN was_VBD as_RB warm_JJ as_IN human_JJ flesh_NN now_RB ,_, and_CC there_EX was_VBD a_DT sort_NN of_IN glow_NN that_WDT might_MD have_VB been_VBN light_JJ or_CC just_RB the_DT stone_NN ’_NN s_VBZ soft_JJ heat_NN ,_, I_PRP don_VB ’_NN t_NN know_VB ._. 
Then_RB there_EX was_VBD light_JJ ,_, a_DT kind_NN of_IN rosy_JJ glow_NN ,_, and_CC I_PRP felt_VBD the_DT stone_NN slip_NN out_IN of_IN my_PRP$ hand_NN to_TO float_VB in_IN the_DT air_NN ._. 
The_DT air_NN around_IN me_PRP seemed_VBD to_TO still_RB sound_VB ,_, and_CC light_NN came_VBD in_IN around_IN the_DT corners_NNS of_IN my_PRP$ eyes_NNS ._. 
“_NN Do_VBP you_PRP know_VBP what_WP this_DT thing_NN does_VBZ ?_. ”_NN 
I_PRP shouted_VBD ,_, hardly_RB able_JJ to_TO hear_VB myself_PRP ._. 

Nepthys_NNP was_VBD saying_VBG something_NN that_WDT looked_VBD like_IN ,_, “_NN I_PRP have_VBP no_DT idea_NN !_. ”_NN 
but_CC I_PRP couldn_NN ’_NN t_NN hear_VB him_PRP ._. 
The_DT light_NN in_IN the_DT corners_NNS of_IN my_PRP$ eyes_NNS rushed_VBD in_IN ,_, converging_VBG on_IN the_DT rosy_JJ glow_NN around_IN the_DT stone_NN ,_, and_CC for_IN a_DT moment_NN I_PRP was_VBD blind_JJ ._. 
Then_RB I_PRP opened_VBD my_PRP$ eyes_NNS again_RB and_CC saw_VBD a_DT girl_NN lying_VBG in_IN the_DT street_NN ._. 
There_EX was_VBD no_DT sign_NN of_IN the_DT stone_NN ._. 

“_NN I_PRP think_VBP I_PRP understand_VBP why_WRB we_PRP got_VBD that_DT stone_NN from_IN a_DT slave_NN shop_NN ,_, ”_NN said_VBD Nepthys_NNP ._. 
The_DT girl_NN was_VBD as_IN soft_JJ and_CC rosy_JJ as_IN the_DT stone_NN ’_NN s_VBZ glow_NN ,_, and_CC she_PRP was_VBD dressed_VBN in_IN a_DT white_JJ shift_NN tied_VBN at_IN the_DT waist_NN with_IN a_DT belt_NN like_IN a_DT Celtic_NNP knot_NN ._. 
Her_PRP$ arms_NNS and_CC legs_NNS were_VBD wrapped_VBN in_IN white_JJ linen_NN up_IN to_TO her_PRP$ wrists_NNS and_CC ankles_NNS ,_, and_CC soft_JJ ,_, white_JJ leather_NN boots_NNS held_VBD her_PRP$ feet_NNS ._. 

When_WRB she_PRP didn_NN ’_NN t_NN move_NN ,_, I_PRP knelt_NN down_RB and_CC put_VBD a_DT hand_NN to_TO her_PRP$ brow_NN ._. 
As_RB soon_RB as_IN I_PRP touched_VBD her_PRP$ ,_, her_PRP$ eyes_NNS opened_VBD into_IN mine_NN and_CC she_PRP grabbed_VBD my_PRP$ wrist_NN ._. 
I_PRP couldn_NN ’_NN t_NN move_NN ._. 

“_NN Name_NN me_PRP ,_, ”_NN she_PRP said_VBD ._. 

I_PRP opened_VBD my_PRP$ mouth_NN to_TO ask_VB for_IN an_DT explanation_NN ,_, but_CC Nepthys_NNP stopped_VBD me_PRP ._. 
“_NN Don_NNP ’_NN t_NN name_NN her_PRP$ ‘_NN What_WP did_VBD you_PRP say_VB ?_. ’_NN ,_, okay_JJ ?_. 
The_DT next_JJ thing_NN that_WDT comes_VBZ out_IN of_IN your_PRP$ mouth_NN is_VBZ probably_RB what_WP she_PRP ’_NN ll_NN respond_NN to_TO until_IN we_PRP figure_VBP out_IN how_WRB to_TO put_VB her_PRP$ back_RB ._. ”_NN 

I_PRP was_VBD at_IN a_DT loss_NN ._. 
I_PRP ’_NN d_SYM never_RB named_VBN anyone_NN before_RB ._. 
I_PRP thought_VBD back_RB to_TO one_CD time_NN when_WRB I_PRP ’_NN d_SYM been_VBN thinking_VBG about_IN raising_VBG a_DT family_NN and_CC remembered_VBD that_IN I_PRP ’_NN d_SYM always_RB liked_VBD the_DT name_NN –_NN 

“_NN Amy_NNP ._. ”_NN 

Nepthys_NNP looked_VBD at_IN me_PRP incredulously_RB ._. 
“_NN You_PRP awaken_NN a_DT magical_JJ being_NN of_IN unknown_JJ power_NN from_IN an_DT enchanted_JJ stone_NN ,_, having_VBG purchased_VBN her_PRP with_IN your_PRP$ own_JJ blood_NN from_IN a_DT slave_NN dealer_NN ,_, and_CC you_PRP name_VBP her_PRP$ ‘_NN Amy_NNP ’_NN ?_. ”_NN 
Amy_NNP smiled_VBD at_IN me_PRP and_CC let_VB go_NN of_IN my_PRP$ arm_NN ,_, but_CC not_RB before_IN she_PRP brought_VBD my_PRP$ fingers_NNS to_TO her_PRP$ lips_NNS and_CC gave_VBD them_PRP one_CD soft_JJ kiss_NNS ._. 

I_PRP stood_VBD up_RB and_CC Amy_NNP stood_VBD with_IN me_PRP ._. 
“_NN So_RB …_NN back_RB to_TO our_PRP$ garlicky_NN friend_NN ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN I_PRP suppose_VBP so_RB ,_, ”_NN said_VBD Nepthys_NNP ,_, “_NN and_CC you_PRP ’_NN d_SYM better_JJR pray_NN to_TO whatever_WDT god_NN you_PRP think_VBP will_MD listen_VB that_IN he_PRP won_VBD ’_NN t_NN care_NN we_PRP woke_VBD her_PRP$ up_RB ._. ”_NN 

We_PRP walked_VBD back_RB to_TO the_DT herb_NN stand_NN ._. 
The_DT vendor_NN stared_VBD a_DT little_JJ at_IN Amy_NNP ,_, his_PRP$ arms_NNS pausing_VBG in_IN midair_NN as_IN he_PRP lit_VBD the_DT stand_NN ’_NN s_VBZ little_JJ lamp_NN ,_, but_CC we_PRP walked_VBD right_NN around_IN him_PRP and_CC up_RP the_DT wooden_JJ stairs_NNS ._. 

When_WRB Nepthys_NNP opened_VBD the_DT little_JJ man_NN ’_NN s_VBZ door_NN ,_, he_PRP rolled_VBD over_RB and_CC grinned_JJ to_TO see_VB us_PRP ,_, but_CC when_WRB Amy_NNP walked_VBD in_IN ,_, he_PRP blanched_JJ ._. 
“_NN What_WP !_. ”_NN 
he_PRP screamed_VBD ._. 
“_NN You_PRP idiots_NNS !_. 
You_PRP woke_VBD it_PRP up_RP ?_. 
Get_VB out_IN of_IN my_PRP$ sight_NN this_DT instant_NN !_. ”_NN 

“_NN But_CC …_NN but_CC sir_NN ,_, ”_NN I_PRP said_VBD ,_, “_NN are_VBP you_PRP sure_JJ she_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ no_DT help_NN to_TO you_PRP ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN Not_RB if_IN you_PRP named_VBD it_PRP already_RB ,_, you_PRP ninny_NN ,_, and_CC I_PRP ’_NN m_NN sure_JJ that_IN you_PRP have_VBP !_. 
Fools_NNP !_. 
Get_VB out_IN of_IN my_PRP$ sight_NN now_RB –_NN unless_IN you_PRP know_VBP how_WRB to_TO put_VB it_PRP back_RB ?_. 
…_NN I_PRP thought_VBD as_IN much_RB ._. 
Now_RB leave_VB ,_, before_IN I_PRP call_VBP the_DT rats_NNS on_IN you_PRP ._. ”_NN 

We_PRP left_VBD ._. 
Nepthys_NNP shook_VBD his_PRP$ hands_NNS at_IN me_PRP like_VBP he_PRP wanted_VBD to_TO wrap_VB them_PRP around_IN my_PRP$ neck_NN ._. 
“_NN You_PRP idiot_NN ,_, ”_NN he_PRP hissed_VBD ,_, “_NN do_VBP you_PRP know_VBP how_WRB much_JJ you_PRP ’_NN ve_NN set_VBD us_PRP back_RB ?_. 
I_PRP should_MD say_VB ,_, set_VBN yourself_PRP back_RB ,_, since_IN it_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ your_PRP$ girlfriend_NN we_PRP ’_NN re_NN looking_VBG for_IN ._. ”_NN 
I_PRP thought_VBD about_IN Rachel_NNP ;_: in_IN the_DT excitement_NN ,_, I_PRP had_VBD forgotten_VBN why_WRB we_PRP were_VBD chasing_VBG down_RP vampire_NN experts_NNS ._. 
“_NN You_PRP ’_NN re_NN just_RB lucky_JJ that_IN Dvorov_NNP isn_NN ’_NN t_NN my_PRP$ only_RB contact_NN ._. 
Come_VBN on_IN ,_, we_PRP ’_NN re_NN heading_VBG out_RP ._. ”_NN 
He_PRP held_VBD the_DT door_NN for_IN me_PRP and_CC Amy_NNP when_WRB we_PRP reached_VBD the_DT bottom_NN of_IN the_DT stairs_NNS ._. 
Walking_VBG outside_IN ,_, I_PRP was_VBD shocked_VBN to_TO see_VB that_IN it_PRP was_VBD already_RB dark_JJ ._. 
“_NN Night_NNP comes_VBZ quickly_RB here_RB ,_, ”_NN said_VBD Nepthys_NNP quietly_RB as_IN he_PRP came_VBD out_IN behind_IN me_PRP ._. 
“_NN Didn_NNP ’_NN t_NN I_PRP warn_VBP you_PRP ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN Okay_UH ,_, ”_NN he_PRP said_VBD as_IN we_PRP hit_VBD the_DT street_NN ,_, “_NN we_PRP ’_NN re_NN going_VBG to_TO see_VB another_DT friend_NN of_IN mine_NN ._. 
First_LS ,_, though_RB ,_, we_PRP are_VBP getting_VBG you_PRP a_DT hat_NN ._. 
You_PRP look_VBP ridiculous_JJ with_IN a_DT shaved_VBN head_NN ._. ”_NN 
At_IN a_DT nearby_JJ stand_NN ,_, he_PRP grabbed_VBD the_DT first_JJ hat_NN that_WDT would_MD cover_VB my_PRP$ head_NN and_CC might_MD pass_VB back_RB in_IN real_JJ Boston_NNP ._. 
It_PRP was_VBD a_DT black_JJ baseball_NN cap_NN that_WDT read_VBP “_NN Dead_NNP Can_MD Dance_NN ”_NN in_IN gold_NN across_IN the_DT front_NN ._. 
Amy_NNP liked_VBD it_PRP ,_, I_PRP think_VBP ._. 
She_PRP still_RB hadn_NN ’_NN t_NN spoken_VBN since_IN I_PRP named_VBD her_PRP$ ,_, so_IN I_PRP wasn_NN ’_NN t_NN sure_JJ ._. 

He_PRP took_VBD us_PRP to_TO a_DT squat_JJ ,_, long_JJ building_NN whose_WP$ roof_NN bulged_JJ up_RB like_IN the_DT ribs_NNS of_IN a_DT gutted_JJ animal_NN ._. 
The_DT black_JJ door_NN opened_VBD as_IN we_PRP came_VBD up_IN to_TO it_PRP ,_, and_CC a_DT pale_JJ man_NN opened_VBD the_DT door_NN ._. 
He_PRP was_VBD naked_JJ ,_, but_CC there_EX was_VBD nothing_NN to_TO hide_VB :_: his_PRP$ body_NN was_VBD hairless_JJ and_CC completely_RB smooth_JJ ._. 
I_PRP only_RB say_VBP “_NN he_PRP ”_NN because_IN he_PRP didn_NN ’_NN t_NN have_VBP a_DT hint_NN of_IN femininity_NN ._. 
His_PRP$ eyes_NNS were_VBD white_JJ ._. 
From_IN behind_IN him_PRP ,_, I_PRP could_MD hear_VB something_NN that_WDT sounded_VBD like_IN a_DT remix_NN of_IN the_DT Cure_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ “_NN A_DT Forest_NNP ”_NN ._. 

“_NN I_PRP ’_NN m_NN here_RB to_TO see_VB Isis_NNP ._. 
Tell_VB her_PRP that_IN Nepthys_NNP is_VBZ here_RB to_TO see_VB her_PRP ._. ”_NN 

The_DT man_NN closed_VBD his_PRP$ eyes_NNS ._. 
A_DT moment_NN later_RB ,_, he_PRP opened_VBD them_PRP again_RB and_CC stepped_VBD aside_RB to_TO let_VB us_PRP in_IN ._. 
Nepthys_NNP walked_VBD straight_JJ past_JJ him_PRP and_CC I_PRP tried_VBD to_TO keep_VB up_RP ,_, taking_VBG Amy_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ small_JJ hand_NN so_IN that_IN she_PRP wouldn_NN ’_NN t_NN lag_NN behind_IN ._. 
I_PRP shivered_JJ as_IN I_PRP walked_VBD past_JJ the_DT pale_JJ man_NN ’_NN s_VBZ blank_JJ eyes_NNS ,_, wondering_VBG what_WP they_PRP were_VBD staring_VBG at_IN ._. 
Amy_NNP gave_VBD my_PRP$ hand_NN a_DT squeeze_NN ._. 

Nepthys_NNP lead_VB us_PRP down_RP a_DT hallway_NN that_WDT matched_VBD the_DT building_NN ’_NN s_VBZ façade_NN ,_, a_DT vaulted_JJ ,_, ribbed_JJ intestine_NN of_IN a_DT hallway_NN ,_, whose_WP$ black_JJ walls_NNS looked_VBD unsettlingly_RB organic_JJ ._. 
I_PRP thought_VBD that_IN I_PRP saw_VBD one_CD rib_NN shift_NN in_IN its_PRP$ setting_VBG ,_, like_IN a_DT cat_NN trying_VBG to_TO scratch_VB its_PRP$ back_RB against_IN a_DT wall_NN ,_, but_CC when_WRB I_PRP turned_VBD ,_, it_PRP was_VBD still_RB ._. 

Then_RB there_EX was_VBD a_DT door_NN ,_, which_WDT opened_VBD as_IN we_PRP approached_VBD ._. 
Inside_IN ,_, the_DT space_NN opened_VBD into_IN a_DT wide_JJ ,_, square_JJ chamber_NN mirrored_VBD and_CC so_RB dark_JJ that_IN it_PRP could_MD have_VB been_VBN any_DT size_NN ._. 
In_IN the_DT center_NN was_VBD a_DT dais_NNS covered_VBN with_IN white_JJ furs_NNS and_CC a_DT young_JJ woman_NN ,_, surrounded_VBN by_IN more_RBR pale_JJ men_NNS ._. 
These_DT were_VBD incontestably_RB male_JJ ._. 

“_NN Nepthys_NNP !_. ”_NN 
said_VBD the_DT woman_NN ,_, slithering_VBG up_RP across_IN the_DT furs_NNS to_TO sit_VB up_RP ._. 
As_IN she_PRP rose_VBD ,_, her_PRP$ robes_NNS fell_VBD open_JJ and_CC I_PRP realized_VBD that_IN ,_, except_IN for_IN what_WP looked_VBD like_IN a_DT red_JJ silk_NN kimono_NN ,_, she_PRP was_VBD naked_JJ –_NN naked_JJ and_CC stunning_JJ ._. 
I_PRP had_VBD an_DT urge_NN to_TO cover_VB Amy_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ eyes_NNS ._. 
“_NN It_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ been_VBN years_NNS since_IN I_PRP ’_NN ve_NN seen_VBN you_PRP ._. 
Please_VB ,_, come_VB and_CC sit_VB beside_IN me_PRP ,_, and_CC introduce_VB your_PRP$ friends_NNS ._. ”_NN 

“_NN This_DT man_NN is_VBZ here_RB in_IN search_NN of_IN his_PRP$ lover_NN ,_, who_WP was_VBD stolen_VBN from_IN him_PRP in_IN the_DT human_JJ world_NN ,_, ”_NN said_VBD Nepthys_NNP ,_, ushering_VBG us_PRP toward_IN the_DT woman_NN in_IN silk_NN ._. 
“_NN The_DT girl_NN is_VBZ …_NN surprising_JJ ,_, ”_NN he_PRP concluded_VBD ._. 

“_NN And_CC I_PRP am_VBP Isis_NNP ,_, ”_NN said_VBD the_DT woman_NN ,_, offering_VBG her_PRP$ hand_NN to_TO me_PRP ._. 
I_PRP took_VBD it_PRP and_CC ,_, dropping_VBG to_TO one_CD knee_NN ,_, gave_VBD her_PRP$ fingers_NNS a_DT small_JJ kiss_NNS ._. 
It_PRP seemed_VBD appropriate_JJ ._. 
“_NN It_PRP is_VBZ an_DT honor_NN to_TO meet_VB you_PRP ,_, Lady_NNP Isis_NNP ,_, ”_NN I_PRP said_VBD ._. 

She_PRP laughed_VBD ,_, liquid_JJ ,_, alluring_JJ ,_, alarming_JJ ._. 
“_NN Oh_UH ,_, precious_JJ !_. 
He_PRP has_VBZ lovely_JJ manners_NNS ,_, Nepthys_NNP ,_, despite_IN his_PRP$ poor_JJ taste_NN in_IN hats_NNS ._. 
You_PRP may_MD leave_VB out_RP the_DT ‘_NN Lady_NNP ,_, ’_NN boy_NN ._. 
I_PRP don_VB ’_NN t_NN wish_VBP to_TO be_VB reminded_VBN of_IN how_WRB old_JJ I_PRP actually_RB am_VBP ._. ”_NN 
A_DT wave_NN to_TO the_DT pale_JJ men_NNS brought_VBD a_DT bottle_NN of_IN red_JJ wine_NN and_CC a_DT platter_JJ of_IN grapes_NNS ._. 
“_NN Now_RB ,_, how_WRB can_MD I_PRP help_VB the_DT elegantly_RB mannered_JJ friend_NN of_IN my_PRP$ Nepthys_NNP and_CC his_PRP$ surprising_JJ young_JJ charge_NN ?_. 
I_PRP hope_VBP I_PRP can_MD start_VB by_IN offering_VBG some_DT wine_NN ._. ”_NN 

Nepthys_NNP poured_VBD out_IN wine_NN for_IN three_CD of_IN us_PRP ._. 
“_NN May_NNP I_PRP have_VBP a_DT little_JJ more_JJR of_IN what_WP you_PRP gave_VBD me_PRP before_RB ,_, Nepthys_NNP ?_. ”_NN 
I_PRP asked_VBD ._. 
“_NN I_PRP still_RB feel_VBP a_DT little_JJ woozy_NN ._. ”_NN 
He_PRP poured_VBD a_DT dollop_NN of_IN the_DT clear_JJ liquid_NN into_IN one_CD cup_NN and_CC passed_VBD it_PRP to_TO me_PRP ._. 
The_DT wine_NN ’_NN s_VBZ rich_JJ scent_NN had_VBD a_DT touch_NN of_IN something_NN chemical_NN that_IN I_PRP recognized_VBD from_IN the_DT bar_NN ,_, but_CC it_PRP filled_VBD my_PRP$ mouth_NN and_CC sank_VBD into_IN my_PRP$ veins_NNS with_IN reassuring_JJ warmth_NN ._. 

Isis_NNP ’_NN nostrils_NNS twitched_JJ slightly_RB ._. 
“_NN You_PRP ’_NN ve_NN lost_VBD blood_NN ,_, boy_NN ?_. 
This_DT story_NN might_MD be_VB interesting_JJ ._. 
Does_VBZ it_PRP have_VBP anything_NN to_TO do_VB with_IN why_WRB your_PRP$ head_NN is_VBZ shaved_VBN ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN It_PRP was_VBD part_NN of_IN the_DT price_NN for_IN this_DT girl_NN ,_, who_WP was_VBD a_DT rock_NN at_IN the_DT time_NN ,_, ”_NN explained_VBD Nepthys_NNP ._. 

“_NN I_PRP have_VBP a_DT feeling_NN that_IN she_PRP was_VBD worth_JJ the_DT trade_NN ,_, ”_NN I_PRP added_VBD ._. 
Amy_NNP ,_, still_RB holding_VBG my_PRP$ hand_NN ,_, smiled_VBD ._. 

“_NN She_PRP may_MD be_VB at_IN that_DT ,_, ”_NN said_VBD Isis_NNP ,_, gazing_VBG at_IN her_PRP ._. 
“_NN That_DT sweet_JJ ,_, small_JJ nose_NN ,_, and_CC her_PRP$ soft_JJ lips_NNS –_NN she_PRP ’_NN d_SYM kiss_NNS well_RB ,_, I_PRP should_MD think_VB ,_, if_IN gently_RB ._. 
She_PRP has_VBZ good_JJ blood_NN under_IN her_PRP$ cheeks_NNS ._. 
Good_JJ ,_, round_NN breasts_NNS ,_, too_RB ,_, even_RB though_IN they_PRP ’_NN re_NN small_JJ ,_, they_PRP suit_NN her_PRP ._. ”_NN 
Amy_NNP didn_NN ’_NN t_NN blush_NN ,_, and_CC I_PRP hoped_VBD that_IN she_PRP didn_NN ’_NN t_NN understand_VB what_WP Isis_NNP was_VBD saying_VBG ._. 

“_NN She_PRP would_MD have_VB been_VBN worth_JJ it_PRP ,_, ”_NN Nepthys_NNP interrupted_VBN ,_, “_NN if_IN this_DT fool_NN hadn_NN ’_NN t_NN accidentally_RB woken_VBN her_PRP$ up_RB before_IN we_PRP could_MD give_VB her_PRP to_TO our_PRP$ contact_NN ._. 
He_PRP was_VBD going_VBG to_TO give_VB us_PRP valuable_JJ information_NN for_IN her_PRP ._. ”_NN 

“_NN Now_RB I_PRP understand_VBP why_WRB you_PRP ’_NN re_NN here_RB ,_, ”_NN said_VBD Isis_NNP ._. 
“_NN So_RB what_WP do_VBP you_PRP need_VBP to_TO know_VB ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN You_PRP know_VBP I_PRP wouldn_NN ’_NN t_NN come_VB to_TO you_PRP if_IN I_PRP could_MD get_VB this_DT information_NN another_DT way_NN ,_, ”_NN said_VBD Nepthys_NNP apologetically_RB ._. 

“_NN Mmm_NNP ,_, ”_NN she_PRP replied_VBD ._. 
I_PRP couldn_NN ’_NN t_NN tell_VB what_WP the_DT thoughtful_JJ look_NN on_IN her_PRP$ face_NN meant_VBN ._. 

“_NN I_PRP think_VBP that_IN the_DT person_NN who_WP stole_VBD the_DT girl_NN we_PRP ’_NN re_NN looking_VBG for_IN might_MD be_VB a_DT vampire_NN ._. 
Isis_NNP …_NN you_PRP know_VBP some_DT way_NN to_TO locate_VB the_DT undead_NN ,_, don_VB ’_NN t_NN you_PRP ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN I_PRP do_VBP ._. 
Describe_NNP this_DT one_CD to_TO me_PRP ._. 
If_IN I_PRP know_VBP him_PRP ,_, I_PRP can_MD find_VB him_PRP ._. 
If_IN not_RB ,_, you_PRP ’_NN ll_NN have_VBP to_TO bring_VB me_PRP something_NN to_TO work_VB with_IN ._. ”_NN 

Nepthys_NNP looked_VBD at_IN me_PRP ._. 
I_PRP thought_VBD back_RB to_TO seeing_VBG the_DT man_NN in_IN the_DT hollow_JJ church_NN and_CC described_VBD his_PRP$ skin_NN ,_, his_PRP$ dark_JJ hair_NN ,_, the_DT way_NN that_IN light_NN seemed_VBD to_TO flow_VB around_IN him_PRP ,_, as_RB best_JJS as_IN I_PRP could_MD ._. 
Isis_NNP set_VBD her_PRP$ elbows_NNS in_IN the_DT fur_NN and_CC rested_VBD her_PRP$ head_NN on_IN her_PRP$ hands_NNS while_IN I_PRP spoke_VBD and_CC tried_VBD not_RB to_TO stare_VBP at_IN her_PRP$ full_JJ ,_, hanging_VBG breasts_NNS ._. 
When_WRB I_PRP had_VBD told_VBN her_PRP$ all_DT that_IN I_PRP could_MD remember_VB ,_, she_PRP blinked_VBD her_PRP$ black_JJ lashes_NNS and_CC said_VBD ,_, “_NN I_PRP remember_VBP him_PRP ._. ”_NN 

“_NN You_PRP do_VBP ?_. ”_NN 
Nepthys_NNP could_MD hardly_RB believe_VB her_PRP ._. 
“_NN That_DT ’_NN s_VBZ amazing_JJ !_. ”_NN 

“_NN It_PRP is_VBZ ._. 
I_PRP would_MD have_VB sworn_VBN to_TO you_PRP that_IN he_PRP was_VBD dead_JJ ._. 
He_PRP should_MD be_VB ._. 
I_PRP hope_VBP that_IN you_PRP can_MD do_VB a_DT better_JJR job_NN than_IN the_DT last_JJ lot_NN ._. ”_NN 
She_PRP sat_VBD up_RB ,_, running_VBG her_PRP$ hands_NNS along_IN her_PRP$ pale_JJ ,_, round_NN thighs_NNS ._. 
“_NN All_DT right_NN ,_, then_RB ._. 
Let_VB me_PRP see_VB if_IN I_PRP can_MD find_VB him_PRP ._. ”_NN 

Isis_NNP closed_VBD her_PRP$ eyes_NNS and_CC lifted_VBD her_PRP$ hands_NNS ._. 
A_DT dark_JJ glow_NN coalesced_JJ around_IN her_PRP$ palms_NNS ._. 
Amy_NNP leaned_VBD forward_RB ,_, looking_VBG amazed_VBN ._. 
The_DT glow_NN reflected_VBD on_IN her_PRP$ pink_JJ face_NN ,_, casting_VBG a_DT sickly_RB pallor_NN over_IN her_PRP$ heartbeat-strong_JJ cheeks_NNS ._. 
Tiny_JJ drops_NNS of_IN blood_NN began_VBD to_TO seep_NN out_IN of_IN Isis_NNP ’_NN palms_NNS as_IN her_PRP$ brow_NN creased_JJ ._. 
Her_PRP$ candy_NN lips_NNS twisted_VBN into_IN a_DT frown_NN ._. 
The_DT dark_JJ glow_NN grew_VBD stronger_JJR and_CC larger_JJR ,_, filling_VBG the_DT air_NN for_IN about_IN a_DT foot_NN around_IN her_PRP$ hands_NNS ._. 
In_IN her_PRP$ palms_NNS ,_, the_DT droplets_NNS of_IN blood_NN swelled_VBD into_IN small_JJ pools_NNS ._. 

The_DT dark_JJ glow_NN began_VBD to_TO flicker_NN ,_, and_CC Isis_NNP ’_NN frown_NN of_IN concentration_NN became_VBD one_CD of_IN worry_VBP ._. 
The_DT pools_NNS in_IN her_PRP$ hands_NNS grew_VBD deeper_JJR ._. 
She_PRP didn_NN ’_NN t_NN shed_VBP a_DT bead_NN of_IN sweat_NN ,_, and_CC I_PRP didn_NN ’_NN t_NN even_RB see_VB her_PRP$ draw_NN a_DT breath_NN ,_, but_CC the_DT glow_NN around_IN her_PRP$ hands_NNS shuddered_JJ like_IN a_DT stubborn_JJ candleflame_NN ._. 
Then_RB her_PRP$ fingers_NNS tensed_JJ and_CC her_PRP$ arms_NNS began_VBD to_TO shake_VB ._. 
The_DT blood_NN in_IN her_PRP$ palms_NNS ,_, still_RB filling_VBG up_RP ,_, began_VBD to_TO ripple_NN ._. 
Shivers_NNP swept_VBD through_IN her_PRP$ body_NN ,_, and_CC Nepthys_NNP reached_VBD out_IN to_TO touch_VB her_PRP$ but_CC I_PRP stopped_VBD him_PRP ._. 
He_PRP glanced_VBD at_IN me_PRP with_IN honest_JJ concern_NN ,_, probably_RB the_DT first_JJ honest_JJ moment_NN he_PRP ’_NN d_SYM shown_VBN me_PRP :_: ‘_NN Is_VBZ she_PRP all_DT right_NN ?_. ’_NN 
I_PRP didn_NN ’_NN t_NN know_VB ._. 

Her_PRP$ hands_NNS twitched_JJ and_CC a_DT drop_NN of_IN blood_NN shook_VBD out_IN ,_, splashing_VBG on_IN the_DT crease_NN of_IN her_PRP$ thigh_NN and_CC hanging_VBG to_TO one_CD strand_NN of_IN the_DT black_JJ hair_NN between_IN her_PRP$ legs_NNS ._. 
She_PRP gasped_VBD and_CC the_DT dark_JJ glow_NN went_VBD out_IN ,_, taking_VBG the_DT blood_NN with_IN it_PRP in_IN a_DT flash_NN of_IN heat_NN and_CC red_JJ steam_NN ._. 
Isis_NNP collapsed_VBD on_IN the_DT fur_NN ,_, strings_NNS cut_NN ._. 

Now_RB Nepthys_NNP lunged_VBD forward_RB ,_, took_VBD her_PRP by_IN the_DT arms_NNS ._. 
“_NN Isis_NNP ,_, what_WP happened_VBD ?_. 
Are_VBP you_PRP hurt_VBD ?_. ”_NN 

She_PRP shook_VBD her_PRP$ head_NN ,_, rubbing_VBG her_PRP$ face_NN into_IN the_DT white_JJ fur_NN and_CC murmuring_VBG something_NN ._. 
“_NN What_WP did_VBD you_PRP say_VB ?_. ”_NN 
asked_VBD Nepthys_NNP ._. 

She_PRP rolled_VBD onto_IN her_PRP$ back_RB ,_, her_PRP$ arms_NNS crossed_VBN tightly_RB over_IN her_PRP$ chest_NN ._. 
For_IN the_DT first_JJ time_NN ,_, she_PRP looked_VBD vulnerable_JJ ._. 
When_WRB she_PRP finally_RB spoke_VBD ,_, I_PRP had_VBD to_TO lean_VB close_RB to_TO hear_VB her_PRP ._. 
“_NN I_PRP found_VBD your_PRP$ vampire_NN ,_, ”_NN she_PRP said_VBD ,_, “_NN but_CC he_PRP might_MD know_VB that_DT someone_NN ’_NN s_VBZ looking_VBG for_IN him_PRP ._. 
He_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ taken_VBN great_JJ pains_NNS to_TO keep_VB himself_PRP hidden_VBN ._. 
You_PRP should_MD look_VB for_IN him_PRP at_IN Dvorov_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ as_RB quickly_RB as_IN you_PRP can_MD ._. ”_NN 
She_PRP turned_VBD to_TO me_PRP with_IN tired_JJ sympathy_NN ._. 
“_NN I_PRP didn_NN ’_NN t_NN see_VBP a_DT girl_NN with_IN him_PRP ._. 
Hurry_NNP ,_, though_RB ,_, and_CC you_PRP might_MD find_VB him_PRP before_IN he_PRP leaves_VBZ ._. ”_NN 
A_DT twitch_VB of_IN her_PRP$ fingers_NNS summoned_VBD her_PRP$ pale_JJ servants_NNS ._. 
“_NN One_CD of_IN these_DT will_MD lead_VB you_PRP out_RP ._. ”_NN 

I_PRP stood_VBD ,_, and_CC one_CD of_IN her_PRP$ servants_NNS took_VBD me_PRP and_CC Amy_NNP to_TO the_DT door_NN ._. 
I_PRP looked_VBD back_RB to_TO see_VB Nepthys_NNP whispering_VBG something_NN to_TO her_PRP ._. 
He_PRP stood_VBD to_TO go_VB ,_, but_CC she_PRP caught_VBD his_PRP$ sleeve_NN and_CC pulled_VBD him_PRP back_RB for_IN a_DT moment_NN ._. 
I_PRP turned_VBD back_RB to_TO the_DT door_NN ._. 
“_NN Come_VBN on_IN ,_, Amy_NNP ,_, ”_NN I_PRP said_VBD ,_, “_NN he_PRP ’_NN ll_NN be_VB along_IN soon_RB ._. ”_NN 

Nepthys_NNP caught_VBD up_RP with_IN us_PRP after_IN a_DT minute_NN and_CC walked_VBD silently_RB to_TO the_DT end_NN of_IN the_DT hall_NN ._. 
When_WRB we_PRP got_VBD there_RB ,_, another_DT pale_JJ servant_NN was_VBD waiting_VBG for_IN us_PRP with_IN a_DT box_NN of_IN dark_JJ stained_JJ wood_NN ._. 
He_PRP offered_VBD it_PRP to_TO Nepthys_NNP ,_, who_WP opened_VBD the_DT box_NN :_: on_IN velvet_NN lining_NN ,_, a_DT wooden_JJ hammer_NN and_CC two_CD stakes_NNS ._. 

“_NN Mountain_NNP ash_NN ,_, ”_NN said_VBD Nepthys_NNP ._. 
“_NN That_DT was_VBD very_RB kind_NN of_IN her_PRP ._. ”_NN 
Closing_NN the_DT box_NN ,_, he_PRP paused_VBD beside_IN the_DT open_JJ door_NN and_CC looked_VBD back_RB at_IN me_PRP ._. 
“_NN I_PRP really_RB hope_VBP we_PRP find_VBP your_PRP$ Rachel_NNP ,_, ”_NN he_PRP said_VBD ._. 
It_PRP looked_VBD like_IN he_PRP was_VBD going_VBG to_TO continue_VB ,_, but_CC then_RB he_PRP walked_VBD out_RP the_DT door_NN ._. 

“_NN I_PRP know_VBP a_DT quick_JJ way_NN to_TO Dvorov_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ ,_, ”_NN said_VBD Nepthys_NNP ._. 
“_NN I_PRP bet_VBD he_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ kicking_VBG himself_PRP now_RB for_IN not_RB having_VBG a_DT way_NN to_TO contact_VB me_PRP ._. ”_NN 
In_IN a_DT few_JJ minutes_NNS ,_, we_PRP were_VBD back_RB to_TO the_DT first_JJ door_NN we_PRP ’_NN d_SYM knocked_VBD on_IN in_IN this_DT town_NN and_CC Dvorov_NNP himself_PRP was_VBD greeting_VBG us_PRP ._. 
The_DT pulse_NN from_IN inside_IN made_VBD the_DT building_NN sound_NN like_IN a_DT giant_JJ heart_NN ._. 

“_NN Yo_NNP ,_, my_PRP$ man_NN Nep_NNP !_. 
You_PRP got_VBD the_DT sucker_NN already_RB ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN No_DT ,_, but_CC we_PRP got_VBD a_DT tip_NN that_IN he_PRP might_MD be_VB in_IN your_PRP$ club_NN ._. 
Have_VBP you_PRP seen_VBN him_PRP ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN Here_RB ,_, man_NN ?_. 
You_PRP ’_NN re_NN crazy_JJ ._. 
I_PRP haven_NN ’_NN t_NN had_VBD a_DT vampire_NN here_RB since_IN you_PRP and_CC –_NN ”_NN Nepthys_NNP shot_NN a_DT wicked_JJ look_NN at_IN him_PRP ._. 
“_NN Anyway_RB ,_, long_JJ time_NN ,_, man_NN ._. ”_NN 

“_NN That_DT ’_NN s_VBZ odd_JJ ._. 
Do_VBP you_PRP mind_NN if_IN we_PRP check_VBP it_PRP out_IN anyway_RB ?_. 
I_PRP have_VBP a_DT real_JJ feeling_NN that_IN he_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ in_IN here_RB somewhere_RB ._. ”_NN 

Dvorov_NNP glanced_VBD over_IN his_PRP$ shoulder_NN ,_, a_DT little_RB nervous_JJ ._. 
“_NN I_PRP guess_VBP ,_, man_NN ,_, but_CC be_VB quick_JJ ._. 
I_PRP don_VB ’_NN t_NN want_VBP my_PRP$ customers_NNS thinkin_NN ’_NN that_DT anything_NN ’_NN s_VBZ wrong_JJ ,_, you_PRP know_VBP ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN Of_IN course_NN ._. 
We_PRP ’_NN ll_NN be_VB in_IN and_CC out_IN in_IN a_DT minute_NN ._. ”_NN 
Nepthys_NNP stepped_VBD in_IN and_CC Dvorov_NNP walked_VBD us_PRP towards_IN the_DT dance_NN floor_NN ._. 

“_NN So_RB did_VBD you_PRP get_VBP anything_NN out_IN of_IN the_DT guy_NN I_PRP sent_VBD you_PRP to_TO ?_. ”_NN 
Dvorov_NNP asked_VBD us_PRP ._. 

“_NN No_DT ,_, he_PRP said_VBD that_IN his_PRP$ research_NN was_VBD purely_RB academic_JJ ,_, not_RB for_IN hunters_NNS ._. ”_NN 

“_NN Bummer_NNP ._. 
I_PRP guess_VBP I_PRP probably_RB should_MD ’_NN ve_NN known_VBN ,_, though_RB ._. 
I_PRP mean_VBP ,_, he_PRP is_VBZ kinda_NN tight_JJ about_IN that_DT stuff_NN ._. ”_NN 
He_PRP didn_NN ’_NN t_NN look_NN very_RB surprised_VBN ._. 
“_NN Anyway_RB ,_, this_DT is_VBZ the_DT dance_NN floor_NN ,_, man_NN ._. 
Good_JJ luck_NN ._. ”_NN 

Something_NN with_IN too_RB many_JJ arms_NNS was_VBD manning_VBG the_DT turntables_NNS above_IN the_DT crowd_NN ,_, which_WDT looked_VBD more_RBR impenetrable_JJ tonight_NN than_IN ever_RB before_RB ._. 
Then_RB I_PRP saw_VBD the_DT bar_NN on_IN the_DT other_JJ side_NN of_IN the_DT crowd_NN and_CC knew_VBD where_WRB to_TO start_VB looking_VBG ._. 

I_PRP tried_VBD to_TO slip_VB along_IN the_DT edge_NN of_IN the_DT crowd_NN ._. 
Things_NNS with_IN scales_NNS and_CC claws_NNS kept_VBD flailing_VBG against_IN me_PRP ,_, pressing_VBG me_PRP into_IN the_DT wall_NN ,_, but_CC I_PRP took_VBD a_DT breath_NN and_CC kept_VBD moving_VBG ._. 
My_PRP$ nose_NN filled_VBN with_IN a_DT reek_NN of_IN thick_JJ sweat_NN ._. 
The_DT music_NN began_VBD to_TO build_VB ,_, and_CC a_DT strobe_NN came_VBD on_IN ._. 
Somewhere_RB toward_IN the_DT center_NN of_IN the_DT dance_NN floor_NN ,_, I_PRP heard_VBD a_DT howl_NN that_WDT sent_VBD bitter_JJ winds_NNS under_IN my_PRP$ clothing_NN –_NN for_IN a_DT second_NN ,_, I_PRP was_VBD back_RB with_IN my_PRP$ family_NN in_IN Russia_NNP ,_, hiding_VBG from_IN the_DT cold_NN ._. 
Then_RB I_PRP felt_VBD a_DT tug_NN on_IN the_DT back_NN of_IN my_PRP$ shirt_NN and_CC noticed_VBD that_IN Amy_NNP was_VBD following_VBG me_PRP ._. 
I_PRP gathered_VBD her_PRP under_IN my_PRP$ arm_NN ._. 
Dvorov_NNP was_VBD somewhere_RB behind_IN me_PRP ,_, too_RB ,_, negotiating_VBG delicately_RB through_IN his_PRP$ patrons_NNS ._. 

Just_RB in_IN front_NN of_IN me_PRP ,_, a_DT massive_JJ thing_NN slammed_VBD into_IN the_DT wall_NN ,_, sending_VBG up_RP a_DT cloud_NN of_IN granite_NN dust_NN ._. 
It_PRP slumped_VBD to_TO the_DT floor_NN and_CC I_PRP realized_VBD that_IN it_PRP was_VBD a_DT werewolf_NN ._. 
Its_PRP$ haunches_NNS twitched_JJ in_IN time_NN to_TO the_DT music_NN ._. 
As_IN it_PRP started_VBD to_TO rise_VB ,_, a_DT man_NN with_IN thick_JJ ,_, scaled_VBN skin_NN stretched_VBN across_IN rippling_VBG muscles_NNS leapt_VBD on_IN him_PRP ._. 
I_PRP thought_VBD that_IN my_PRP$ odds_NNS were_VBD better_RBR on_IN the_DT dance_NN floor_NN ._. 

Holding_NNP Amy_NNP in_IN my_PRP$ arms_NNS as_IN we_PRP ducked_JJ between_IN the_DT crush_NN of_IN dancers_NNS ,_, I_PRP started_VBD to_TO wonder_VB if_IN the_DT chances_NNS of_IN finding_VBG this_DT vampire_NN were_VBD even_RB good_JJ enough_RB to_TO merit_VB this_DT ._. 
I_PRP wasn_NN ’_NN t_NN sure_JJ that_IN I_PRP could_MD survive_VB the_DT crush_NN of_IN the_DT crowd_NN ._. 
A_DT cold_JJ thing_NN with_IN countless_JJ ,_, writhing_VBG tentacles_NNS fell_VBD against_IN me_PRP ,_, thrashing_NN as_IN if_IN in_IN the_DT throes_NNS of_IN a_DT drug_NN overdose_NN ,_, tripping_VBG me_PRP and_CC clutching_VBG at_IN my_PRP$ limbs_NNS ._. 
A_DT woman_NN who_WP could_MD have_VB been_VBN an_DT elf_NN twitched_JJ and_CC jerked_VBN beside_IN me_PRP ,_, fingers_NNS trembling_VBG at_IN the_DT torn_VBN edges_NNS of_IN her_PRP$ clothing_NN ._. 
Then_RB a_DT looming_VBG shape_NN to_TO my_PRP$ right_NN fell_VBD away_RB ,_, and_CC I_PRP saw_VBD him_PRP in_IN a_DT flash_NN of_IN the_DT strobe_NN ,_, his_PRP$ black_JJ eyes_NNS staring_VBG deadly_JJ into_IN the_DT crowd_NN ._. 
The_DT creature_NN blocking_VBG my_PRP$ vision_NN moved_VBD back_RB ,_, but_CC I_PRP had_VBD seen_VBN all_DT that_IN I_PRP needed_VBD to_TO see_VB ._. 

A_DT bleeding_NN ,_, eyeless_JJ thing_NN shuddered_JJ and_CC beat_VB its_PRP$ arms_NNS against_IN me_PRP ,_, but_CC I_PRP ducked_JJ around_IN it_PRP and_CC toward_IN the_DT bar_NN ._. 
I_PRP slipped_VBD past_JJ the_DT waving_VBG monstrosity_NN that_WDT had_VBD blocked_VBN my_PRP$ view_NN before_RB ,_, a_DT mountain_NN of_IN wet_JJ ,_, veined_JJ flesh_NN ,_, and_CC had_VBD almost_RB passed_VBN through_IN the_DT crowd_NN when_WRB a_DT clawed_JJ hand_NN grabbed_VBD my_PRP$ arm_NN ._. 

It_PRP was_VBD Dvorov_NNP ._. 
He_PRP pulled_VBD my_PRP$ ear_NN down_IN to_TO his_PRP$ mouth_NN ._. 
“_NN You_PRP seen_VBN enough_RB ,_, man_NN ?_. ”_NN 
he_PRP shouted_VBD ._. 

“_NN Yes_UH ,_, ”_NN I_PRP called_VBN back_RB ,_, “_NN I_PRP saw_VBD him_PRP !_. 
He_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ sitting_VBG right_NN there_RB at_IN the_DT bar_NN !_. ”_NN 

Dvorov_NNP tried_VBD to_TO peek_NN through_IN the_DT crowd_NN ,_, but_CC it_PRP had_VBD shifted_VBN again_RB and_CC we_PRP couldn_NN ’_NN t_NN see_VBP a_DT thing_NN ._. 
“_NN I_PRP don_VB ’_NN t_NN think_VBP he_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ there_RB ,_, ”_NN Dvorov_NNP shouted_VBD to_TO me_PRP ._. 
“_NN It_PRP must_MD have_VB been_VBN wishful_JJ thinking_NN ._. ”_NN 

“_NN No_DT ,_, I_PRP saw_VBD him_PRP !_. 
I_PRP have_VBP to_TO hurry_VB ,_, too_RB !_. 
Who_WP knows_VBZ how_WRB long_JJ he_PRP ’_NN ll_NN stick_NN around_RP ?_. ”_NN 

“_NN Listen_VB ,_, man_NN ,_, he_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ not_RB there_RB !_. 
I_PRP ’_NN m_NN telling_VBG you_PRP ,_, it_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ not_RB even_RB worth_JJ checking_VBG the_DT bar_NN !_. ”_NN 
I_PRP turned_VBD to_TO keep_VB going_VBG ,_, but_CC he_PRP caught_VBD my_PRP$ arm_NN again_RB ._. 
“_NN Don_NNP ’_NN t_NN do_VBP this_DT ,_, kid_NN !_. 
It_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ a_DT dumb_JJ idea_NN ._. 
Even_RB if_IN you_PRP did_VBD find_VB this_DT vampire_NN cat_NN ,_, he_PRP ’_NN d_SYM tear_VB you_PRP apart_RB !_. 
If_IN he_PRP got_VBD your_PRP$ girl_NN ,_, she_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ probably_RB dead_JJ !_. ”_NN 
I_PRP shook_VBD him_PRP off_RP and_CC squeezed_VBN between_IN two_CD dancing_NN nymphs_NNS ,_, getting_VBG almost_RB to_TO the_DT edge_NN of_IN the_DT dance_NN floor_NN ._. 

Suddenly_RB ,_, Amy_NNP screamed_VBD ._. 
I_PRP whirled_JJ around_IN and_CC threw_VBD up_RP my_PRP$ arm_NN just_RB in_IN time_NN to_TO knock_VB Dvorov_NNP away_RB ._. 
His_PRP$ eyes_NNS were_VBD glowing_JJ red_NN ,_, and_CC he_PRP had_VBD bared_JJ a_DT set_NN of_IN fangs_NNS that_WDT could_MD probably_RB take_VB my_PRP$ hand_NN off_RP ._. 
The_DT dancers_NNS near_IN us_PRP tried_VBD to_TO clear_VB some_DT space_NN ._. 
He_PRP shot_VBD back_RB up_RB ,_, hardly_RB touching_VBG the_DT ground_NN ,_, and_CC I_PRP kicked_VBD him_PRP back_RB ._. 
He_PRP jumped_VBD at_IN my_PRP$ arm_NN while_IN I_PRP was_VBD still_RB off-balance_JJ ,_, and_CC I_PRP felt_VBD the_DT surge_NN of_IN adrenaline_NN that_WDT comes_VBZ right_NN when_WRB your_PRP$ body_NN realizes_VBZ that_IN it_PRP ’_NN s_VBZ too_RB late_JJ to_TO save_VB itself_PRP ._. 

A_DT heavy_JJ thing_NN hit_VBD my_PRP$ arm_NN with_IN a_DT thump_NN and_CC knocked_VBD me_PRP back_RB against_IN someone_NN with_IN rough_JJ paws_NNS who_WP held_VBD me_PRP up_RP ._. 
On_IN the_DT floor_NN was_VBD Dvorov_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ head_NN ,_, separated_VBN from_IN his_PRP$ body_NN by_IN several_JJ feet_NNS and_CC a_DT growing_VBG puddle_NN of_IN dark_JJ blood_NN ._. 
Nepthys_NNP stood_VBD over_IN him_PRP with_IN a_DT blue_JJ sword_NN in_IN his_PRP$ hand_NN ._. 
It_PRP flashed_VBD in_IN the_DT strobe_NN where_WRB it_PRP wasn_NN ’_NN t_NN streaked_VBD with_IN Dvorov_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ blood_NN ._. 

“_NN He_PRP wasn_NN ’_NN t_NN the_DT only_RB one_CD with_IN a_DT secret_JJ or_CC two_CD ,_, ”_NN he_PRP said_VBD by_IN way_NN of_IN explanation_NN ._. 
“_NN You_PRP spotted_VBD our_PRP$ boy_NN ,_, didn_NN ’_NN t_NN you_PRP ?_. 
I_PRP bet_VBD his_PRP$ hide-out_JJ is_VBZ nearby_JJ ,_, too_RB ._. 
Let_VB ’_NN s_VBZ hurry_NN ._. ”_NN 
He_PRP wiped_VBD off_IN the_DT sword_NN and_CC sheathed_JJ it_PRP in_IN a_DT scabbard_NN now_RB belted_JJ to_TO his_PRP$ hip_NN ._. 
The_DT crowd_NN parted_VBD for_IN us_PRP ._. 

The_DT vampire_NN glanced_VBD up_RB when_WRB he_PRP saw_VBD the_DT crowd_NN split_NN and_CC his_PRP$ eyes_NNS flashed_VBD when_WRB he_PRP noticed_VBD us_PRP ._. 
In_IN a_DT blink_NN of_IN the_DT strobe_NN light_JJ ,_, he_PRP was_VBD on_IN his_PRP$ feet_NNS and_CC dashing_VBG from_IN the_DT room_NN ._. 
“_NN Come_VBN on_IN !_. ”_NN 
shouted_VBD Nepthys_NNP ._. 

We_PRP chased_VBD after_IN him_PRP ,_, Amy_NNP keeping_VBG up_RP valiantly_RB behind_IN us_PRP ._. 
He_PRP bashed_JJ up_RP a_DT set_NN of_IN stairs_NNS set_VBN into_IN the_DT side_NN of_IN the_DT wall_NN ,_, and_CC we_PRP chased_VBD up_RB after_IN him_PRP ,_, heading_VBG up_RP a_DT huge_JJ staircase_NN that_WDT seemed_VBD to_TO go_VB up_RP for_IN more_JJR stories_NNS than_IN the_DT building_NN could_MD have_VB held_VBN ._. 
Luckily_NNP ,_, the_DT vampire_NN turned_VBD off_RP after_IN three_CD stories_NNS ._. 
He_PRP ran_VBD down_RP a_DT hallway_NN and_CC slipped_VBD behind_IN one_CD of_IN the_DT doors_NNS ,_, but_CC Nepthys_NNP was_VBD close_VB behind_IN him_PRP and_CC left_VBD it_PRP open_JJ for_IN me_PRP ._. 
I_PRP called_VBD out_IN to_TO Amy_NNP to_TO shut_VB the_DT door_NN in_IN case_NN the_DT vampire_NN had_VBD any_DT friends_NNS who_WP might_MD be_VB trying_VBG to_TO follow_VB us_PRP ._. 
Inside_IN was_VBD a_DT dark_JJ room_NN that_WDT looked_VBD like_IN a_DT storage_NN space_NN for_IN DJ_NNP equipment_NN ._. 
Nepthys_NNP urged_VBD me_PRP on_IN from_IN the_DT back_NN of_IN the_DT room_NN ,_, then_RB made_VBD a_DT turn_NN out_RP of_IN sight_NN ._. 

When_WRB I_PRP came_VBD to_TO the_DT door_NN at_IN the_DT end_NN of_IN the_DT room_NN ,_, it_PRP looked_VBD like_IN it_PRP had_VBD been_VBN torn_VBN off_RP its_PRP$ hinges_NNS ._. 
I_PRP didn_NN ’_NN t_NN imagine_VB that_IN Nepthys_NNP had_VBD done_VBN it_PRP ,_, and_CC it_PRP wasn_NN ’_NN t_NN without_IN alarm_NN that_IN I_PRP ran_VBD after_IN him_PRP ._. 

A_DT black_JJ hallway_NN opened_VBD into_IN a_DT space_NN like_IN a_DT cathedral_NN ._. 
The_DT vault_NN rose_VBD into_IN obscurity_NN above_IN me_PRP ,_, and_CC a_DT massive_JJ rose_VBD window_NN stood_VBD ahead_RB of_IN me_PRP ._. 
The_DT panes_NNS looked_VBD dyed_VBN black_JJ ,_, and_CC only_RB a_DT few_JJ cold_JJ beams_VBZ slipped_VBN through_IN the_DT filter_NN ._. 
Footsteps_NNP echoed_VBD through_IN the_DT stone_NN chamber_NN ,_, and_CC the_DT sound_NN reflected_VBD back_RB to_TO me_PRP from_IN everywhere_RB ._. 
I_PRP couldn_NN ’_NN t_NN tell_VB how_WRB many_JJ people_NNS were_VBD running_VBG ,_, much_RB less_JJR where_WRB they_PRP were_VBD ._. 
On_IN the_DT steps_NNS in_IN front_NN of_IN the_DT altar_NN ,_, I_PRP saw_VBD pale_JJ forms_NNS and_CC realized_VBD that_IN they_PRP were_VBD Rachel_NNP and_CC two_CD other_JJ women_NNS ._. 
Then_RB I_PRP heard_VBD Nepthys_NNP shout_NN ,_, “_NN Nathan_NNP !_. 
Behind_IN you_PRP !_. ”_NN 
I_PRP whirled_JJ and_CC dropped_VBD in_IN time_NN to_TO see_VB the_DT vampire_NN shoot_NN over_IN my_PRP$ head_NN ,_, leaping_VBG like_IN a_DT panther_NN ._. 
He_PRP smashed_VBD into_IN the_DT pews_NNS behind_IN me_PRP and_CC I_PRP heard_VBD him_PRP leap_VBP across_IN the_DT rest_NN of_IN the_DT row_NN ._. 
There_EX was_VBD Nepthys_NNP ,_, on_IN the_DT other_JJ side_NN of_IN the_DT pews_NNS ,_, holding_VBG the_DT wooden_JJ box_NN in_IN his_PRP$ hand_NN ._. 
He_PRP tossed_VBD it_PRP to_TO me_PRP ,_, and_CC I_PRP just_RB barely_RB had_VBD it_PRP open_JJ before_IN I_PRP saw_VBD the_DT vampire_NN again_RB ,_, turning_VBG to_TO face_VB me_PRP ._. 

I_PRP pulled_VBD out_RP the_DT hammer_NN and_CC one_CD of_IN the_DT stakes_NNS ._. 
He_PRP leapt_VBD over_IN the_DT pews_NNS ,_, soaring_VBG like_IN a_DT grasshopper_NN ,_, and_CC drew_VBD a_DT gleaming_VBG knife_NN in_IN midair_NN ._. 
I_PRP dodged_VBD ,_, but_CC he_PRP tossed_VBD it_PRP ,_, and_CC I_PRP held_VBD the_DT box_NN in_IN front_NN of_IN my_PRP$ face_NN ._. 
The_DT blade_NN lodged_VBN in_IN the_DT wood_NN ,_, its_PRP$ silver_NN point_NN penetrating_VBG the_DT velvet_NN and_CC nearly_RB reaching_VBG my_PRP$ skin_NN ._. 
My_PRP$ arms_NNS shook_VBD from_IN the_DT force_NN of_IN his_PRP$ throw_VB ._. 
Then_RB he_PRP landed_VBD heavy_JJ beside_IN me_PRP and_CC I_PRP scrambled_VBD to_TO stand_VB ._. 
His_PRP$ first_JJ move_NN pulled_VBD out_RP the_DT dagger_NN ,_, almost_RB wrenching_JJ my_PRP$ arms_NNS from_IN their_PRP$ sockets_NNS as_IN I_PRP held_VBD on_IN to_TO the_DT box_NN ,_, and_CC the_DT second_RB shattered_VBD the_DT box_NN with_IN a_DT crushing_VBG punch_NN that_WDT sent_VBD me_PRP reeling_VBG backwards_JJ ._. 
I_PRP dropped_VBD the_DT splinters_NNS and_CC the_DT broken_VBN second_JJ stake_NN and_CC raised_VBD my_PRP$ hammer_NN ,_, ready_JJ to_TO drive_VB the_DT ash_NN spike_NN into_IN his_PRP$ heart_NN ._. 
Behind_IN him_PRP ,_, I_PRP saw_VBD Nepthys_NNP running_VBG between_IN the_DT pews_NNS ._. 
I_PRP braced_VBD my_PRP$ legs_NNS against_IN the_DT stone_NN floor_NN and_CC he_PRP was_VBD on_IN me_PRP ._. 
I_PRP raised_VBD the_DT stake_NN ;_: he_PRP drew_VBD back_RP the_DT dagger_NN for_IN a_DT slash_NN that_WDT could_MD doubtless_RB open_VB my_PRP$ neck_NN from_IN throat_NN to_TO spine_NN ._. 
The_DT stake_NN went_VBD down_RB ,_, there_EX was_VBD a_DT blur_VB ,_, and_CC then_RB my_PRP$ hands_NNS were_VBD empty_JJ and_CC I_PRP felt_VBD pain_NN under_IN my_PRP$ jaw_NN ._. 

Two_CD points_NNS of_IN fire_NN opened_VBD in_IN my_PRP$ throat_NN for_IN an_DT instant_NN ,_, then_RB all_DT went_VBD numb_JJ ._. 
Taste_NN ,_, hearing_NN and_CC touch_NN became_VBD a_DT single_JJ blur_VB ,_, and_CC I_PRP do_VBP not_RB know_VB if_IN my_PRP$ eyes_NNS were_VBD open_JJ ._. 
My_PRP$ mind_NN began_VBD to_TO dissipate_VB ,_, but_CC then_RB I_PRP felt_VBD the_DT pain_NN withdraw_VB and_CC a_DT lifeless_JJ voice_NN said_VBD ,_, “_NN This_DT one_CD ’_NN s_VBZ blood_NN isn_NN ’_NN t_NN worth_JJ drinking_NN ._. ”_NN 
Hands_NNP closed_VBD on_IN my_PRP$ neck_NN and_CC I_PRP felt_VBD my_PRP$ spine_NN crack_NN ._. 

I_PRP must_MD have_VB fallen_VBN to_TO the_DT floor_NN then_RB ._. 
I_PRP could_MD perceive_VBP Nepthys_NNP ’_NN sword_NN flashing_VBG over_IN me_PRP ,_, and_CC I_PRP heard_VBD steel_NN crack_NN ,_, then_RB bone_NN ._. 
I_PRP thought_VBD I_PRP heard_VBD Rachel_NNP ’_NN s_VBZ voice_NN blearily_RB calling_VBG for_IN me_PRP ._. 
Then_RB one_CD set_NN of_IN footsteps_NNS began_VBD walking_VBG toward_IN the_DT altar_NN ._. 

I_PRP was_VBD content_NN to_TO let_VB myself_PRP drift_VB away_RB ,_, and_CC I_PRP had_VBD almost_RB forgotten_VBN the_DT body_NN lying_VBG with_IN broken_VBN neck_NN on_IN the_DT cathedral_NN ’_NN s_VBZ hard_JJ tiles_NNS when_WRB I_PRP felt_VBD a_DT warm_JJ touch_NN on_IN its_PRP$ cheek_NN ._. 
A_DT girl_NN ’_NN s_VBZ voice_NN ,_, soft_JJ and_CC almost_RB recognizable_JJ ,_, spoke_VBD ,_, “_NN Nathan_NNP ._. ”_NN 
I_PRP felt_VBD my_PRP$ head_NN turn_NN and_CC something_NN in_IN my_PRP$ neck_NN reconnected_JJ ._. 
Then_RB my_PRP$ eyes_NNS opened_VBD and_CC Amy_NNP handed_VBD me_PRP the_DT hammer_NN and_CC stake_VB ._. 

I_PRP stood_VBD and_CC turned_VBD toward_IN the_DT altar_NN ._. 
The_DT vampire_NN was_VBD walking_VBG just_RB steps_VBZ ahead_RB of_IN me_PRP ._. 
I_PRP stepped_VBD up_RB behind_IN him_PRP and_CC raised_VBD my_PRP$ hands_NNS ,_, which_WDT almost_RB seemed_VBD to_TO be_VB glowing_JJ ._. 
Then_RB the_DT stake_NN came_VBD down_RB into_IN his_PRP$ back_RB and_CC one_CD ,_, two_CD ,_, three_CD strikes_NNS with_IN the_DT hammer_NN drove_VBD it_PRP in_IN ._. 
The_DT vampire_NN fell_VBD forward_RB and_CC blood_NN began_VBD to_TO flow_VB from_IN his_PRP$ mouth_NN ._. 

Behind_IN me_PRP ,_, Amy_NNP was_VBD kneeling_VBG beside_IN Nepthys_NNP ,_, whose_WP$ arm_NN and_CC rib_NN cage_NN were_VBD knitting_VBG back_RB together_RB like_IN a_DT wooden_JJ toy_NN that_WDT falls_VBZ apart_RB when_WRB its_PRP$ string_NN is_VBZ released_VBN but_CC draws_VBZ itself_PRP together_RB at_IN a_DT slight_JJ tug_NN ._. 
I_PRP pulled_VBD the_DT vial_NN of_IN liquid_JJ that_IN he_PRP ’_NN d_SYM been_VBN giving_VBG me_PRP from_IN his_PRP$ pocket_NN and_CC ran_VBD to_TO the_DT altar_NN ._. 

Rachel_NNP ,_, her_PRP$ clothes_NNS torn_VBN and_CC her_PRP$ face_NN drawn_VBN ,_, looked_VBD like_IN she_PRP might_MD cry_VB when_WRB she_PRP saw_VBD me_PRP ._. 
I_PRP pulled_VBD her_PRP into_IN my_PRP$ arms_NNS and_CC she_PRP tried_VBD to_TO put_VB hers_PRP around_IN me_PRP ._. 
“_NN My_PRP$ fuckin_NN ’_NN hero_NN ,_, ”_NN she_PRP whispered_VBN ._. 


