Their hands were zip-tied behind their backs and they were guided into the back of a van. Three goblins guarded them, while another drove. The rest followed in a car along with Reed. The reptilian eyes ignored her, but never left Aran, staring with a mix of caution and animosity. No one spoke. They drove for a few minutes. When the van stopped and the door was opened, Parker saw they were at Aran's apartment, where she'd woken that morning. Reed appeared. "You, come," he said, pointing to Aran. Parker was left alone as Aran was dragged out of the vehicle and inside. It made her nervous, to be left alone with the creatures. Her arm ached where she'd been bitten the night before. She should have left the city tonight. She wouldn't escape twice. But they ignored her. And it wasn't long before Aran was returned. Parker guessed he'd handed over the object Reed wanted—the clock she'd repaired. Why did Reed want this?
