i pulled my purse off my shoulder and dug into it , shaking my head and saying , `` i do n't know . '' just to the north was a river of fire . but i did n't think it was just about the magic ; i think she was lonely . brain cells generally do n't respond well to alcohol this early . `` how in god 's name did they get their hands on my rose ? '' he stood and checked himself in the mirror . 