“We're going nowhere, " Joan said grimly. Traffic on the narrow street was at a complete standstill.A chill settled in Sophie's stomach: it was the appalling fear that her brother was going to die."Sidewalk," Nicholas said decisively. "Take it.""But the pedestrians—""Can get out of the way. Use your horn.”

“I am not talking about immortality now," Perenelle said, her Breton accent thickening. "We have lived for centuries, Nicholas, centuries. I am not afraid to die because I know that when we go, we will go together. It is living without you that would be unbearable.”

“Go down a few steps and take your positions,” Prometheus instructed. “Let no one onto the roof. Will and Palamedes, you take the north side. Saint-Germain, can you take the west? Joan, the east is yours. I’ll guard the south.”“How come you get the dangerous side?” Saint-Germain asked.The big Elder smiled. “They’re all dangerous sides.”

“The small group hugged one another quickly. Although nothing was said, they knew this could be the last time they ever saw one another again.Saint-Germain kissed Joan before they parted. “I love you,” he said softly.She nodded, slate-grey eyes shimmering behind tears.“When all this is over, I suggest we go on a second honeymoon,” he said. “I’d like that.” Joan smiled. “Hawaii is always nice at this time of year. And you do know I love it there.”Saint-Germain shook his head. “We’re not going anywhere that has a volcano.”“I love you,” she whispered, and turned away before they could see each other cry.”

“Her hands flew to her mouth. 'Are we even twins?'Josh rested his hand on her shoulder and brought his forehead to rest against hers, strands of their blond hair mingling. 'I will always be your brother, Sophie. I will always look after you.”

“The line between confidence and arrogance is very fine, Josh,” Flamel said quietly. “And the line between arrogance and stupidity even finer. Sophie,” he added, without looking at her.”

“The craft passed directly below Scathach and she released her grip and dropped onto the top of the vimana alongside Joan with enough force to send the larger craft plunging down. The French immortal laughed. "So nice of you-""Don't you dare crack any dropping-in jokes," Scathach warned before her friend could finish.The vimana dipped and spun, but the two women had firm grips on the transparent dome and held on while the pilot tilted the craft,attempting to shake them off."So long as he doesn't get too close to the lava," Scatty said, "we should be okay."At that moment the vimana dropped straight down, zooming dangerously close to the lava's sluggish bubbling surface."I think he heard you," Joan said, coughing as the air became almost unbreathable.”