Swapping Socials

The newly repurposed Peabody building still had its sign under wraps, but there were lights and the subtle hum of activity within. The warding was so fresh, Levity could almost taste the reaver responsible, his scent was so thick on the night air.

"Office of Ingress, hmm?" said Divinity.

"Given the green light, these offices will be popping up in every county."

Levity had offered to come alone, but Divinity wouldn't hear of it. They couldn't deny a connection they'd never hidden. On paper, they were sisters, and the implications were obvious. If Levity stepped out, then Divinity would stand with her.

"Do you think it's a coincidence? Our living mere blocks from one of the flagship branches?"

Levity slowly shook her head. "Maybe we're not an afterthought after all?"

"If they knew we were here, I'll swear off chocolate. Temporarily."

"I think your sweet tooth is safe. But the Maker moves in mysterious ways."

"Never discount the miraculous," agreed Divinity. "Or dingoes."

They shared a smile, got their sashay on, and entered a clean, bright lobby that immediately fell silent. She scanned the room, noting the crests of several clans. A reaver in battler colors started their way, hesitated, then tentatively raised her hand in a hunter's sign. Levity answered in kind, rocking back into a receptive posture.

Jaws dropped.

Murmurs began.

Divinity sourly remarked, "Outed to the tabloids by moonrise. If not sooner."

"You adore paparazzi."

"You are paparazzi. My affection is natural."

Canarian Evernhold hurried forward. "You came. We're all set up in one of the conference rooms."

Divinity gestured toward the gawkers. "Is this peer pressure? We can't turn you down because we've already effectively exposed ourselves?"

"No! No, not at all. Uncle—that is Spokesperson Twineshaft—thinks of everything." Canarian waved forward a young Amaranthine who had to be dragon clan, given his coloring. "This is Sinder, our communications specialist. He'll be your primary point of contact with our offices."

Sinder asked, "May I see your phones?"

Levity's case was bright yellow. With a smiley face.

Divinity's was rhinestone encrusted.

"Oh sweet summer winds, finally ." Sinder heaved a shuddering sigh. "You are officially my favorite Betweeners. Ever. We'll be swapping contact information later. First, lemme work the crowd. Dole out a few memory lapses. Cover your asses."

And he stalked off.

"You have a brainwashing dragon on staff?" asked Divinity.

"He isn't here to sway opinions. He'll simply ensure your privacy." Canarian's gaze followed Sinder, who was systematically making the rounds. "He's usually more friendly, but … well, most Amaranthine don't understand how to use the new technology available to us. His patience is wearing thin. We're calling on Glimsleek backup for him so he can get back into the field."

They followed Canarian to an upstairs conference room that fairly crackled with sigilcraft, and Hisoka Twineshaft stepped forward, hands on offer. "Thank you for agreeing to meet with us. I wasn't sure how best to proceed, so … I brought both of my good friends."

Harmonious Starmark beamed at them. "So which is it? Wolf or dog?"

Adoona-soh Elderbough elbowed him. "Don't be obtuse. Your nose works as well as mine."

"Was that a compliment?" The Spokesperson for the dog clans pivoted slightly. "I was asking more for their sake than mine."

A pair of humans stood off to one side, and the bearded one jumped forward, radiating confidence and eagerness.

"Good morning! An admittedly wee hours sort of morning, but twenty-four seven has been our order of business for months now. The name's Josheb Dare. And this is my brother Caleb. We're journalists, too!"