The party had reached its loud, messy climax when Kain arrived. His face was stone. He shoved past swaying college kids, ignoring the reek of beer and sweat. Thankfully, no one recognized him—and the secretary was apparently gone.

He scanned the crowd. Silver hair. Red dress. Nothing.

Then he spotted Jeremy—upside down, chugging from a beer keg like a deranged bat. Kain waded into the chaos and grabbed Jeremy mid-keg-stand, flipping him upright like a toy.

The room stuttered for a second—music still blaring, but conversation paused.

Jeremy coughed and stared up at him, eyes bulging.

“Professor?! What are you doing here?!”

“Where. Is. Lucy.”

Kain’s voice was low, cold,...