Part Three - Chapter Seventeen: Choices, Chapter Eighteen: Close to Ice Summary

Chapter Seventeen: Meghan has a nightmare, in which Ash has been implanted with wires along his spine and shoulders. He mouths the words, "Kill me" (p. 244). Meghan wakes to find herself back in Leanansidhe's mansion, with her shoulder and arm wrapped in gauze. Puck, Grimalkin, and Ironhorse are safe as well, but Ironhorse is injured from Ash's sword. Meghan tells Leanansidhe that Virus has Ash and the scepter. Puck explains that Ash is different now, dangerous because he doesn't care if he lives or dies. Meghan says they must go back for the scepter and save Ash, but Puck and Ironhorse explain that Ash is dying from the implanted bug and he must be killed. Meghan does not want to hear their words...