Ezra was starting to feel a definite, impending sort of dread about this whole thing. The well-hidden analytical side of his mind was already whirring with possibilities, most of them centering on the Coterie and all the unpleasant things that were behind that door.

"Hey, Zeke," he said, trying for upbeat. "Want to take a minute somewhere where you're the rightful star of the show?"

Zeke didn't answer.