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She brought the point of her blade down, drove it into the banshee’s heart, and twisted.

The creature dissolved into snow.

Across the market, the battle had turned as Argent’s Guardians joined the fray.

Flashes of magic and blades lit the air while gunfire clapped.

“You’re hurt,” she said.

“It’s not too bad.”

“Liar.”

She brushed a finger over the gash in his forehead, wiping away the wound. Cold magic washed through his body, like a dive into fresh snowmelt, mending the hole in his back.

“Thank you.”

She smiled.

A trio of elves ran toward them led by a young woman Adam didn’t know.

Like all of them, she looked like she’d stepped out of the 1940s, with a trim suit and a fedora.

Only Argent wore something more modern. He’d always thought she resembled a movie star, but lately she dressed less like she belonged in the black-and-white era and more as though she’d fit in an action movie.

Today she wore a designer suit of charcoal gray that when combined with the sword made her look like a CEO who took terminations literally.

“Report.”

“The creatures are eliminated, my queen,” the young elf said.

“They’re all dead?” Adam asked.

“Very.”

There was grim satisfaction in the lieutenant’s expression. Despite all their talk of veganism and respecting life, the elves had a bloodthirsty side. Adam suspected they enjoyed the rare chance to let loose and use the weapons they were so fond of carrying.

“Did you find the market security?” he asked.

The elves exchanged glances.

“The ogres. Big purple things? Smell a bit like old gym shoes?”

Another exchange.

“No.”

“We will help you look. Find them,” she commanded.

The elves fanned out.

Adam took a second to check on Wendy and Joey. Joey remained in place, drooling and oblivious, but Wendy’s breathing was far too steady for actual sleep.

“I know you’re awake.”

She cracked a teal-colored eye and replied.

“No, I’m not.”