Nova is a lot more experienced in dealing with rage than he is with tears. Crying isn't something that's allowed all that often in his world. Brujas are expected to be tough and brujos from the hood are supposed to be even tougher. Nova hasn't had a lot of time to cry since juvie.

"Blood is life," he says simply. Their magics have that in common, he'd guess. People forget that beneath the spookiness and the fire and brimstone, the whole point of a sacrifice is that it's something that is dear. A beautiful blue parakeet, the panic of a subway rat, human blood. The Deos want life force, essence.

"I should probably ask if you're all right but if you're yelling at Ol' Scratch, you're probably decent."