Reichert nodded.

"A device used in the Inquisition to encourage confessions of heresy. Was there an engraving?"

Ed looked surprised.

"Yes."

"The word ‘Abiuro'?"

"Yeah. How did you --"

“It means ‘I recant.' It was etched in the side of the device, and was the only thing its wearers were allowed to speak. Someone is trying to send a message."

("This isn't random," Edgar agreed.

"This is someone's they-done-me- wrong song. Now we have to find out who is supposed to recant what."

"And why," Reichert finished.

"Everyone, find your way home and remember to be safe. He has released this victim, which may mean his hunt for the next one is beginning."

"And it is likely the next one will not make it out alive," Edgar added. They needed to be scared into being careful.

“If anyone wants to take a semester off, this might be a good time to think about it."

He knew most would not run. Shifters had fewer and fewer places in this world to call their own, and they would not abandon one. He looked over and saw Heda sitting a bit apart from Madison, and neither of them looked happy. He had to find out what that was about.

"You can all go," Reichert said.

Heda stood up, torn between turning to Madison and just storming out.

In the end, she stormed out, leaving Madison crying behind her sunglasses. Billy sighed and helped Madison to her feet while Ed took off after his sister.

“What's wrong?" he said when he caught up with her. She was standing by a tree fumbling with her cell phone.

She didn't respond, but just scrolled down to a number and then stopped. Ed looked over her shoulder.

“Why are you calling the parents?"

Heda bit her bottom lip, then, "I screwed up, Ed. I completely lost my cool and got into a half-form brawl with Alvin Hannity."

Ed raised his eyebrows.

"I met him. Not that the asshole doesn't have a good ass-whooping coming his way, but —-"

"He'd heard about me throwing up," she muttered.

"I felt Like such a pussy and then for him to bring it up . . . and he insulted Mom.