Changes (The Dresden Files, #12)

by Jim Butcher

I put Susan on the altar and said, “She’ll be safe. I promise.” She nodded at me, her body jerking and twisting in convulsions, forcing moans of pain from her lips. She looked terrified, but she nodded. I put my left hand over her eyes. I pressed my mouth to hers, swiftly, gently, tasting the blood, and her tears, and mine. I saw her lips form the word, “Maggie . . .” And I . . . I used the knife. I saved a child. I won a war. God forgive me.

“Thank you, Grandfather.” He wrinkled up his nose. “Ouch. That doesn’t fit.” “Grampa,” I said. “Gramps.” He put his hand against his chest. I smiled a little. “Sir.”

“Not yet,” Murphy said. “Sanya’s manning the phone in the visitors’ center. We gave Thomas the number before he left.” “Be honest, Sergeant Murphy,” the Leanansidhe said quietly as she glided back over to me. “You gave the dog the number.” Murphy eyed her, then looked at me and said defensively, “Thomas seemed to have enough on his mind already.”

“Go. I will see to the child’s mother.” She lifted her hand to forestall my skeptical reply. “With all the honor and respect you would wish to bestow yourself, my godson. And I will take you to visit when you desire. You have my word.” A direct promise from one of the Sidhe is a rare thing. A kindness is even rarer. But maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised: Even in Winter, the cold isn’t always bitter, and not every day is cruel.

Three days ago, my life had been business as usual. Now that little bit of silver and stone was just about the only thing I had left. Not my office. Not my house. Not my car. Not my dog—or my cat. God, where had Mister gone after the fire? Not my integrity. Not my freedom. Not my friends—not after Mab finished with me. What was left? A little bit of silver and a tiny rock. And Maggie. I sat down and waited to see what happened.

“Do you want the Sword?” I asked. She let out a quiet groan. “You sound like Sanya. That was the first thing he said.” She twisted her face into a stern mask wearing a big grin and mimicked his accent. “‘This is excellent! I have been doing too much of the work!’”