“Your time for crossing is over. Now you must help Harlin find the Forgotten and lead them to their destinies. And, of course, extinguish the Shadows where you can.”

“Have you seen my daughter?”“Daughter?” I’m the worst liar ever. I stare at Sarah’s tall, imposing father and try to smile. “She’s getting us a table?”He narrows his gray eyes, and then tightens his mouth. “Is that a question or a statement?”“Statement?” I’m so blowing this.He exhales and nods. “Well, then. I guess I’ll see you in the banquet room.”Harlin grins as Sarah’s father walks away. “You are so subtle, Charlotte. Are you a ninja?”“Shut up.”“I’m sure he didn’t find that at all suspicious.”“Harlin!”He laughs and kisses the top of my head. “I’ll stop,” he says. “But where is Sarah? You might want to find her before we sit down for chicken with that man. What will you say if he asks you to pass the mashed potatoes? Mashed potatoes?” Harlin finishes, imitating my voice.”

“That was a nice save,” Harlin says, sounding amused. “So detailed. Like a nurse.”“Shut up, Harlin,” I say, trying not to smile. “I didn’t hear you offer anything better.”“You sure you didn’t want to tell him we were playing doctor? That might have sounded more believable.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Elise,” he says, a slow, sexy smile pulling at his lips. “I’m Harlin.”

“Harlin needs you,” she whispers. “He loves you too much.”I smile a little. “I know. But I like that about him.”

“There is still so much I want to know, want to ask. But before I can say anything else, the world stops. There’s silence around me.I wait a beat, and when I finally sit up, I find Harlin waiting for me—ready to start again.”

“For a brief second I remember everything about who and what I used to be. But most of all, I remember Harlin. And I wonder how he’ll find me if I’m someone else.”