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It was the first time Hector had ever gotten a good look at the Queen. Even on television, he’d only caught the odd glimpse of her. But perhaps now wasn’t the most accurate depiction, either. She didn’t look like she was having the best day, what with her blue-gray pantsuit in tatters and her makeup smeared with blood.

‘Introductions later,’ Garovel said preemptively. ‘We should leave.’

‘Your servant can’t defeat Desmond?’ said Mehlsanz.

‘I don’t know, but I doubt he can kill the reaper before Desmond brings down the building.’

Hector nodded. “Okay, we’ll meet you at the bike.”

‘No,’ said Garovel. ‘There could be other enemy servants. We stick together.’

“Who is he talking to?” said Lynnette.

Desmond broke himself free of the wall.

‘Go now!’ said Garovel.

The Queen ushered Lynnette out of the room, and Hector brought up the rear, seeing Desmond starting toward them.

‘What did you say his ability was?’ Hector asked as they ran.

‘Transfiguration. He can make his body parts explode. I’ll explain if we make it outta this alive.’

A swarm of guardsmen were waiting in the foyer.

‘Tell them to get back!’ said Mehlsanz.

“Do not engage!” Helen yelled as they pushed through. “I order you all to move away from here!”

Hector looked back again and saw Desmond’s entire severed arm flying toward them.

‘That’ll kill everyone here!’ Garovel yelled. ‘Hector!’

He understood and jumped. He caught it by the wrist and pulled it tight against his chest. The darkened flesh crackled, burning. Hector rushed to cover his torso with metal.

The explosion ripped his arms and legs off. His metal shredded like paper. He flew over the crowd of guardsmen and smashed into a chandelier. Glass shattered and rained down on marble tile as he hit the floor and rolled up against a limestone pillar.