"Besides the killer cookies, it was a lot of fun," I agreed with a grin, squirming a little in my seat again. I picked up my tea and took a long sip to cover that and to recover myself before I set it down once more.

"I've never really had a big New Year's Eve celebration like that," I told Magnus. "I've never done a lot of things until coming to Darrow, but I like the parties. I like yours the best, but being up on Kagura with all the lights and... well, all the champagne. That was nice, too."

I had nicked a few glasses and had gotten a little drunk, but I thought the champagne could be thanked for my bravery with Eddie that night.