Just because Mav had sprung someone’s trap in training, that didn’t necessarily mean they’d done the same. At least, that was what Maren told herself. For all she knew, they could be heading in the wrong direction. It paid to be cautious – Serene could ambush them – but in times like these, more practical minds always prevailed over hot-headed ones. 

Then, with a violent creaking of metal, a door twenty feet ahead rocketed toward them. 

Maren and Mav dove to either side. By the time Maren was back on her feet, flames danced along Mav’s body, making shadows bend and weave along the wall. Among those shadows where the door had been stepped out four figures: three wore black robes, while one looked remarkably like a regular teen in nothing but jeans and a hoodie. 

“Is that...?” Maren began. 

One of the robed men, who had stunning stark white hair, flicked his wrist. Mav shoved Maren into the wall, then he hit the floor. The door sailed back, whooshing through the air over Mav’s head. The four stepped to the side and the door slammed into the opening, the metallic hinges fixing themselves. 

“Hell yeah!” Mav said, hopping up, his flames blazing brighter. “A Time Lord!” 

“Temporal Ethereal Leader,” Maren said, squinting against the heat as her stomach clenched. How were they supposed to go up against someone that powerful? “And why are you so excited? Your best friend’s an Ethereal Leader.” 

“He’s a Space Lord,” Mav said. “I’ve never fought a Time Lord before!” 

“This need not grow violent,” the other man said, his voice smooth as a river pebble. He was almost invisible in the shadow, wearing his black cloak and his silky hair blending into the darkness. “We do not mean to harm you.” 

“You blasted a door at us,” Mav said. 

“Yeah,” Maren said, tearing her eyes from their beautiful faces. “Not exactly a kind greeting.” 

“Then allow me to make amends,” the smooth-voiced man said, placing a hand over his heart and bowing slightly. “Apologies for the door. It won’t happen again.” 

“Unless you force our hand,” the white-haired man said, his voice deep and a little gruff. “Though tell me, why should we stay them? You attacked our comrades.” 

“We got a job.” Maren looked at the odd one out. “You JJ Schmidt?” 

The young man froze, then slowly nodded. “How’d you know my name?” 

“Paul,” Maren said. “He gave us a job to find you. He’s worried.” 

JJ’s face reddened, almost glowing in the shadows. “Then go back! I told him to leave me alone. So why won’t he?” 

“Because he doesn’t want you–” Mav began. 

Maren stepped on Mav’s foot. He looked at her and she gave a little shake. Last thing they needed was Mav outing JJ’s plan to actual members of Serene. Especially while he was currently nearby three Wielders who could kill him before Mav or Maren could even move. 

Mav’s eyes widened, hopefully in understanding. 

“He doesn’t want you to keep going down this path,” Mav said. “He’s a good friend.” 

“Well I’m not,” JJ shouted. 

You’ll get yourself killed this way. Maren flexed her knuckles. Why can’t you see how outnumbered you are? 

“He’s made his decision,” the dark-haired one said. “Either respect it, or...” 

“Prepare yourself,” the white-haired one said. 

Mav glanced at Maren, who nodded. Mav stepped forward, face determined, as Maren’s skin dried and tendrils of water wrangled about her. 

“So be it,” both men said at once.