CHAPTER 1

Elsa Mars, the ring leader.

Ethel Darling, the bearded lady—obviously not her.

Jimmy Darling, the young man with three fingers.

The pinheads.

Eve—I already have a giant, so probably not.

Ma Petite.

Paul.

Desiree Dupree.

Wendell Torredo.

Maggie—that con artist?—well, she is one of them now.

It had been so much easier with the last few, so Edward wondered why he couldn't decide—even It wasn't sure about who to pick. He decided to be merciful and take Ethel—she was close to death anyway, it was practically mercy—and was surprised when It said she wasn't the one.

"IF NOT ANY, THEN WHO?" He yelled at it, but for the first time, It stayed quiet.

Edward calmed himself down. The forest at the outskirts of Jupiter, Florida, was very relaxing in the cool afternoon, and reminded him of the forests where he and Beatrice used to hunt and—no, he stopped himself from reminiscing. She's gone. This is my life now.

Why must he always reminisce every time they were summoned?

He knew the answer to that: it was the only time he felt human.

Or at least, as human he could possibly be.

Up…there…it whispered. Edward looked up and saw the hills where the wealthy residents of Jupiter resided. "I'm Edward Mordrake, not Death, you imbecile." He rolled his eyes. "I'm not claiming a resident, I'm claiming one of Fraulein Elsa's."

But It would not be ignored. Look…closer…feel it…

Edward pursed his lips, focusing on the hills. And then he felt it.

It was like a magnet, but even stronger. It was moving along the hills, swerving until it stopped just at the mansion on the highest hill. Of all his years and wisdom, he could not explain what it was that was pulling him to that mansion.

Well, pick a Freak and be on with it. It said hoarsely, menacingly. We must return by the end of Halloween's Week.

"I know," Edward said dryly. "But I must know what is there…what is pulling towards me to the hills."

And? The moment you pick someone, you must return.

"Shut up!" Edward yelled. "I know that! But I haven't picked anyone yet, have I?"

It did not reply, but Edward could feel It was either grinning widely that it pulled at the scalp they both shared, or was merely baring its teeth for some reason. He didn't care—he was doomed to live with the demon behind his face for eternity, and after a few centuries, the annoyance was almost replaced with hatred and dislike.

Edward started for the hills, bringing along his cane and the demon he had no choice to bring.

The Mott Mansion, It spoke as they walked, the green mist appearing and the grass dying at their feet. You'll want to look for the Mott Mansion when we get there.

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