“What?” I demand. “What do you give them?” The Humdrum shrugs. “Nothing. I give them some of my nothing.” Baz lifts his face to me, all pupil and fang. He takes a step forward. “Get away, Simon. I’m hungry.” “I give them some of my nothing,” the Humdrum says again, “and then they’re drawn to the biggest of all somethings—you. And then you give me more nothing. It’s a great game.” Baz keeps coming for me. I stand my ground. “Get away, Simon! I’m hungry!” “What are you hungry for, Baz?” “For you!” he shouts. “For magic, for blood, for magic—for everything. For you. For magic.” He’s shaking his
...more
