Date: 2022-06-08 04:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Paranormal
Description: The Feudal Court might be gone, but Kasey's problems have only just begun. After the events at Madison Square Garden, she has been summoned by the Arcane Council. Interfering with the Vampire's ritual might have saved the city, but if she is found guilty of practicing the Forbidden, she will share their fate. While Kasey seeks to clear her name, others are taking advantage of the chaos left in the vampire's wake. Gangsters and criminals seek to re-establish their empires while politicians vie for the newly vacated Mayor's office. New York City's law enforcement has been stretched to breaking p
Rights: Copyright &#x00A9;2022 byPrescient Publishing

Death Warmed Up

S.C. Stokes

Prescient Publishing

Copyright

Copyright © 2022 by S.C. Stokes

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author.

Contents

1. Chapter 1
2. Chapter 2
3. Chapter 3
4. Chapter 4
5. Chapter 5
6. Chapter 6
7. Chapter 7
8. Chapter 8
9. Chapter 9
10. Chapter 10
11. Chapter 11
12. Chapter 12
13. Chapter 13
14. Chapter 14
15. Chapter 15
16. Chapter 16
17. Chapter 17
18. Chapter 18
19. Chapter 19
20. Chapter 20
A Word From The Author
Also By S.C. Stokes
Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Being summoned by the Arcane Council wasn’t Kasey’s idea of a good time.

Since the events at Madison Square Garden, Kasey had done her best to shut out the world. Now it was back and pressing upon her with a vengeance, vying for her attention when all she wanted was a break. A few quiet days to herself; that was all she’d asked for.

Unfortunately, it seemed the answer was a no.

Kasey wrung her fingers as she sat on a lonely bench seat in a hall deep within the Arcane Council‘s underground metropolis. From these ancient catacombs, the Council governed the affairs of magical beings throughout the country.

Tapping her foot against the tiles, she couldn‘t help but think about the first time agents Johnson and Clarke had dragged her before the Council for using her magic in front of a normal.

Of course, things had been different then. The World of Magic had been hidden, and she’d had the luxury and anonymity of being an unlicensed witch in one of the largest cities in the world. Killing Akihiro in broad daylight had put an end to all of that. Now, for better or worse, everyone knew both who she was, and the world of which she was a part.

Given she had been working for the Council the past few months, this morning‘s summons was all the more unusual. Ever since Sanders had given her a task force, she had a standing invite to Council meetings. As much as she hated the bureaucracy, she’d made a habit of attending. At least, most weeks. But this morning’s meeting was neither scheduled, nor had she been provided with any kind of brief.

As the number of anomalies mounted, so too did Kasey‘s concerns. Abandoning the bench, she began to pace the hall. Things had been different since Madison Square Garden.

Carys’ warning had proved prophetic. The carnage she had wrought among the Feudal Court had changed how others looked at her. They might not know how she had done it, but they had seen it with their own eyes.

It showed in the nervous glances and the whispers as she passed them in the halls. Kasey thought it entirely likely that the meeting had something to do with the Feudal Court and the events surrounding their demise.

She let out a sigh, unsure just how much help she could be. She was still trying to process exactly what had happened. Carys had played a part in the Court‘s demise, and Kasey wasn’t particularly ready to reveal the existence of her ancestor. Specter though he might be, Carys Anglesey had left a bloody legacy that would not soon be forgotten.

The fact that Sanders hadn’t given her any notice of the summons, troubled her. Had he known? Why hadn‘t he said something?

Lately, Sanders had been distracted, his time dominated by whatever errand the Summer Court had tasked him with. They‘d managed to catch dinner once but, apart from that, she’d hardly heard a word from him.

The door to the Council Chambers opened and an ADI agent with a crew cut and a bolt-gun gray suit stepped out into the hall.

“Miss Chase, the Council will see you now.”

“Thanks Hitchens. Any idea what I’m walking into in there?”

The agent didn’t meet Kasey’s gaze. Instead he seemed to have a sudden fascination with the shine of his shoes. “I, uh, I think you best speak with them about it.”

Well, that doesn‘t bode well.

Kasey made her way to the door, and Hitchens pulled it open for her.

She paused beside him at the door. “You know what I‘ve discovered, Hitchens?”

“What’s that, Miss Chase?” he asked, his hand shaking a little as he held the door.

“They never have any trouble telling me what it’s about when they need me to save their collective asses. Preventing an attack on the city, averting a war with the werewolves, vampires on the doorstep, everyone is a Chatty Cathy. When times are quiet, and they’ve forgotten how badly they needed you, that’s when everything tends to be on a need-to-know basis. Makes you think, doesn’t it?”

“I can’t say I know anything about that, Kasey,” Hitchens replied, his formality slipping.

“Way to toe the party line, Hitchens,” Kasey replied. “You might want to wait out here. I have a gut feeling this might get unpleasant.”

Hitchens nodded. “Somebody’s got to watch the door though, and I drew the short straw.”

“Well, here goes nothing,” Kasey muttered as she strode into the room. She kept her back straight and her chin up. If someone was looking for trouble, she had no intention of presenting a soft target. Her gaze darted about the chamber as she took note of who was present. Sanders occupied his usual seat at the head of the table, and Kasey breathed a small sigh of relief. His presence could only help her.

While their relationship wasn’t exactly common knowledge, it wasn’t a secret either. The two of them had been on the run together for weeks, and ever since, he‘d continued to take an interest in her. Bishop had teased her for weeks about him. While Bishop was better than most at putting the pieces together, anyone in this room could readily infer a friendship between them and likely suspected more.

At Sanders’ right-hand was Marion Strang, the director of the ADI, the Council‘s law enforcement arm. At first, Kasey had been pleased with her appointment. The ADI had been a persistent pain in her side, and she had hoped that having a woman in charge might work in her favor. Unfortunately, Strang had hardly been the ally Kasey was hoping for. The director appeared to take the presence of Kasey’s task force personally and had been quick to criticize her actions against the Feudal Court.

At the docks, she‘d even gone so far as to threaten Kasey. Strang had made it clear that, should Kasey pursue the path of a warlock and dabble in the Forbidden, Strang would carry out the sentence herself.

Beside Strang sat a man Kasey didn’t know. His black hair was swept neatly to one side, his wire-rimmed glasses resting low on his nose. From his seat at the table, Kasey supposed he might be the new Keeper of Knowledge, the replacement for the traitor, Stacey. Heironymous, messenger of the gods, occupied the other side. He never seemed to have much to say, something Kasey was grateful for as meetings tended to run longer than needed.

Vincent Kane, the head of the Administorum, was absent but the other seat on the left-hand side of the table was occupied by Michael Rosenberg, Head of the Judiciary. Rosenberg managed a wry smile, which Kasey returned. Rosenberg had been one of the few to speak at her defense during her trial a year ago. When she had unmasked Akihiro, Rosenberg had almost been killed. It was good to see him back at the desk. He was a voice of reason and moderation and Kasey couldn’t help but feel he was in her corner—particularly after she‘d helped extricate Jack from the iron grip of the Night Crew.

Lastly, there was Talora, emissary of the Summer Court. The diminutive Sidhe looked a little distracted, as she fidgeted in her seat, her diaphanous wings fluttering despite there being no breeze in the room.

Kasey made her way to the end of the table, calling out across the chamber as she walked. “So, who’s going to break the bad news?”

As she reached her seat, she noted the half a dozen ADI agents stationed around the outer periphery of the chamber. Their presence alone wasn’t unusual, but the quantity was. This far beneath the surface, in the heart of the Council’s seat of power, there was hardly a threat to warrant six of them.

Unless they consider me a threat. If that were the case, six wasn‘t going to be nearly enough.

“Bad news?” Strang asked. “I can’t say that I know what you’re talking about. We’re here to discuss the events that transpired at Madison Square Garden. It’s an informal inquiry, nothing more.”

“I can’t help but notice there’s no one else here.” Kasey‘s eyes lingered from one Council member to the next, warily. “There were plenty of others at the Garden. Thousands of them, in fact. Why the special invitation for me?”

“I think we both know why,” Marion replied, as she pulled a pen out of her suit pocket and set it on her notepad on the table.

“Enlighten me,” Kasey replied, sinking into her seat, her fingers clenching into fists.

Marion went to speak but Sanders cut across her.

“What Director Strang is trying to say is that while many of the Council were present during Rhain‘s attack, the arena was a battlefield, and we have little idea what transpired between you and Rhain. We would greatly appreciate it if you could explain it to us in your own words. To help put any concerned minds at ease.”

Sanders’ eyes drifted to Strang, and it became apparent just who the concerned mind was.

Strang went to speak again, but Sanders raised his hand to cut her off. “You insisted on this charade, Marion. You summoned her to explain herself. Now, sit and let her speak. There is little to be gained by further antagonizing someone who has saved the city, not once but twice in the last year. Due to the severity of your accusation, I will remind you that in any inquiry, the defendant is innocent until proven guilty. You’ll allow Kasey the time to explain herself.”

“Defendant?” Kasey asked. She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks.

“It is what it is, Kasey,” Sanders replied, “but suffice it to say, the Council’s views on these proceedings are far from unanimous.”

Well, at least she knew somebody was on her side. She also knew exactly who was gunning for her. She couldn’t say she was surprised.

What she couldn‘t figure out was why Strang was coming for her. Kasey had destroyed the Feudal Court. Surely that should have gotten Strang off Kasey’s back?

Sanders had also discreetly warned Kasey of the score. There were others around the table who had concerns. Their opinions mattered too. If she could sway them away from Strang‘s cause, the proceedings would go her way. She just needed to work out who was on her side, and who required further persuasion, all while not going nuclear on Strang. Keeping her temper in the face of such baseless accusations was not going to be easy, but if Strang was fishing for evidence of the Forbidden, Kasey’s life was riding on her ability to do just that.

All eyes were on her. Kasey‘s heart beat a little quicker as she swallowed to try and clear the dry sensation from her throat. In spite of all she had been through, she still didn’t relish being the center of attention. Particularly when that attention had the potential to have her executed as a warlock.

“Well, as you are aware,” she said, “Rhain of the Feudal Court attacked several locations throughout the city. While his precise intentions are unclear, we are confident he was seeking to establish a stronghold within the city.”

She paused, trying to measure the reactions of others around the table. They were listening intently but giving little away in their expressions.

“I was with the group that stormed Madison Square Garden. Rhain Vladislav was there. He was undertaking a ritual that would have resulted in the destruction of not only the arena itself and the twenty thousand people in it, but would likely have unleashed a tide of vampires from which this city, perhaps even the country, might never recover. None of this, however, should be news to you.”

She looked down the table at Sanders. “As you are aware, I acted with the support of, and in concert with, the Council, the ADI, and our allies. This was no lone act of vigilantism. We had waited days for Rhain to show himself, and when he did, we ended the threat he posed once and for all.”

She was doing her best to be as vague as possible. She had no desire to share the details of what had transpired within the ritual circle, let alone Carys’ part in it.

“We are familiar with the broader events of the day,” Strang replied, tapping her pen against her notepad. “The purpose of this inquiry is to determine what occurred during the ritual on the court of Madison Square Garden.”

“Well, that’s easy,” Kasey replied, as she studied the back of her hand. “I killed the Feudal Court and Rhain fled beyond the Veil. Again, you were there. I‘m not sure how you could have missed it.”

Several muffled snickers surfaced around the table, and Strang let out a displeased huff.

Kasey knew exactly what Marion was after, but if she was looking for an admission of guilt, Kasey wasn‘t going to make life any easier for her.

There was a laugh, and Kasey craned her head to find Rosenberg grinning openly. Strang’s brow furrowed and she gripped her pen a little tighter.

“We are aware of the outcome,” Strang said, “but—”

“If you know what happened,” Kasey interrupted, “then I’m at a loss as to why we’re here. It appears that while we won, you’re here to complain about how. These proceedings make a mockery of those who gave their lives so you could keep yours.”

“The how matters, Kasey,” Strang replied, slamming her fist into her notepad.

The room went deadly silent.

Kasey leaned back in her seat, keeping her expression as neutral as possible while letting the awkwardness mount. The longer the other Council members had to consider Strang‘s outburst, the more it favored Kasey.

”The laws apply to everyone, even your task force,” Strang said, smoothing her gray pantsuit. “It’s my responsibility to enforce them. The ADI’s mandate isn’t new to you. You’ve been here before, have you not?”

“I’ve been here many times,” Kasey replied, trying to deflect Strang’s line of attack. “For months, I’ve had a standing invite to Council meetings.”

“That’s not what I’m talking about, and you know it,” Strang pressed on. “You’ve been before the Council before, for using your magic in front of a normal.”

“Hardly relevant now, though, is it?” Kasey scratched at the edge of the table with her thumb. “Times have changed. You ought to keep up.”

Strang ignored the taunt. It seemed she wouldn‘t be so easy to agitate a second time. “It goes to show a pattern of disregard for the laws that govern our society.”

A glib smile formed on her lips, as she studied her notes.

“You know, you’re beginning to sound a little ungrateful,” Kasey said, meeting Strang’s gaze. “As far as I can see it, I have dealt with the two largest threats this city has faced in recent times, and instead of thanking me for making your job easier, you’ve dragged me in here to face this nonsense inquiry in some deluded attempt to discredit me. But try as you might to muddy the waters, I haven’t done anything wrong.”

“Perhaps I am concerned that someone with your disposition and power, dabbling ignorantly or willfully with the Forbidden, will become a greater threat than those we’ve already faced. The ends do not justify the means.”

“Enough,” Kasey said, slamming both palms on the table. “I didn’t risk my life for this. For one who so openly fears the Forbidden, you clearly have little clue what it actually looks like. While you are gunning for me, I‘ve been doing your job. Crime is up in the city, both mundane and supernatural. Criminal organizations are moving into the power vacuum left by the Night Crew and there are increasing reports of supernatural creatures migrating to our city. The truth is, the world thinks we have been weakened by recent events and that’s not a reflection on my action. It’s a result of your inaction. Try getting out there and doing something about it, instead of harassing me. I’m not going to sit here and put up with this any longer.”

“You will abide by the directives of the Council,” Strang replied. “You are accountable to this Council, whether you like it or not.”

“Only as long as you sign my paychecks,” Kasey replied. “I’ve never used the Forbidden, and I’ll have you know that in the wake of everything that’s happened, there’s been plenty of other offers of employment. So, dangle my livelihood over my head one more time, and I’ll take my team and head for the private sector.”

“Team?” Strang said. “It’s you and a werewolf. Not a great loss.”

“And yet we seem to close more cases than your department. Imagine what we‘ll get done when there’s three of us.” Kasey cracked her knuckles. “Perhaps you ought to be in this chair accounting for your poor performance. It’s hardly my fault you’re a jealous little egomaniac who’s always had a problem with my task force. What I don’t understand is why this fishing expedition is even being entertained. I’m starting to think I’d be better off elsewhere.”

“I think that would be premature.” Sanders waded into the fray. “No one is suggesting your position here is in jeopardy, Kasey. Marion has expressed her concerns, but they are not representative of the Council‘s feelings on the matter. Let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water.”

Strang sank back in her chair. Her brow furrowed as her little inquiry came to an abrupt end.

“At least have her explain how she did it,” Strang replied. Clearly, she was out of steam but wanted to go down swinging. “It should concern all of you. She killed them all with a single spell. It was fueled by the blood of those who died there. What happens the day she decides to turn that ritual against others?”

“Oh, so you’re an expert on ritual magic then?” Kasey replied. “I only ask because you seem to have such a strong opinion on the working that took place. How is that?”

Ritual magic bordered dangerously along the fringes of the Forbidden. Whilst not technically illegal, it was considered a slippery slope. Rituals by their very nature were used as channels for overcoming the practitioner’s power limitations. They allowed access to vast quantities of power one only employed out of desperation or when seeking to push the natural limits of their mortal frames.

Akihiro had used ritual magic to prolong his life, perverting practices that might ordinarily be used for healing and twisting them into dark magic that stole life force from his victims to replenish his own waning strength. Rhain had been using ritual magic to empower his vampiric horde. Rituals could also be used for summoning or binding others to your will. Particularly dangerous was the summoning of supernatural creatures from beyond the Veil. Rituals were also at the heart of the Druidic order, something Kasey had become increasingly aware of under Carys’ tutelage.

“I don’t need to understand evil to recognize it when I see it,” Strang said.

The man with the black hair and wire-rimmed glasses spoke up.

“I wouldn’t mind understanding more of the specifics,” he said, looking over the top of his glasses at Kasey. “Education is the cure to ignorance.”

“And you are…?” Kasey asked.

“Morgan Trondheim. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“Well, Morgan, I wish we were meeting under different circumstances. Am I right in presuming you are our new Keeper of Knowledge?”

“I am, hence my academic interest in the events at the Garden. I was not there, so do not have the advantage of having seen what transpired.”

Kasey looked him square in the eye. “I’m gonna have to disappoint you on account of the fact your predecessor was there, and she tried to kill me. An academic interest is what leads most well-meaning practitioners into the Forbidden in the first place. Ask Ms. Strang. She has considerable feelings on the topic.”

“She’s mocking these proceedings,” Strang said, raising her voice. “You can see it for yourselves. She thinks she is above the Council. Look at her smug smile.”

When no one answered her, she whirled on Sanders. “And you. You’re happy to allow it to happen, all so you don’t have to upset your little girlfriend.”

Kasey‘s heart flipped out of her chest. Part of her was thrilled. No one had ever called her that before. It felt good to hear it, but coming out of Strang’s mouth, Kasey was experiencing conflicting feelings. She wanted to blow Marion out of her seat.

The room went still as Strang’s challenge to Sanders’ authority lingered in the air.

Sanders took his time, placing both hands on the table. His gloved left hand made a dull thud as the prosthetic struck the timber, a subtle reminder of the price he had paid for the city.

“Who demeans these proceedings now?” Sanders asked. “You’ve let them devolve into petty name calling rather than an earnest exploration of the facts. I have humored you in your role because I believe the ADI must retain the power to pursue potential warlocks wherever they might be found. I gave you latitude here as befits your office, but I will remind you, not only do I occupy this chair, but before I did, I occupied yours. Your appointment here continues only as long as you conduct yourself as befits a member of this Council. I won’t allow a witch hunt on my watch.”

Kasey couldn’t help but smile. She was still smiling when he turned to her and asked, “So that we might put this matter to rest, Kasey, in the broadest terms, could you explain what occurred during the ritual at Madison Square Garden?”

Kasey groaned. Sanders knew damn well what had happened. The two of them had spoken about it at length. But it seemed that she wasn’t getting out of this as easily as she had hoped.

“Very well,” Kasey began as she considered just how much she should share.

Strang was looking for any excuse to stick a knife in her back, so she needed to tread carefully.

“When I fought my way into the ritual circle, I discovered Rhain‘s ritual was already well advanced. The vampire king had come well provisioned, having harvested the lifeblood of who knows how many people. It was laced with power. He then built upon that considerable supply, with the slaughter he initiated in the Garden. While I can’t be sure exactly what his intent was, I could feel the power binding him to his minions. There was simply too much power to disperse in a controlled manner, so I entered into a battle of wills with him for control of the ritual’s intent. Distracted by the weight of his own working, his will broke and I used the power he had drawn to lash out at his followers.

“It was not my working—it was his. And frankly, Rhain was a far older practitioner than me, so I can only guess what he might have been up to. Perhaps he wished to further empower his vampiric spawn. We’ve certainly seen evidence of that with the thralls he unleashed on the city.

“Then again, perhaps he intended to drive us all into a bloodletting frenzy that would destroy New York. With the police and law enforcement already taxed to breaking point, it seems whatever he had planned would have been catastrophic for us all.”

“A battle of wills. You reduce a struggle of considerable consequence to a single sentence. How were you able to prevail over a creature with centuries more experience than you?” The question came from Heironymous, the messenger of the gods.

Kasey paused. She didn’t want to out Carys’ participation and so she tailored her story to fit the outcome with which everyone was familiar.

“To be honest, I got lucky. If Rhain had not been so distracted, I doubt the outcome would have been the same.”

“Still, you engaged a thousand-year-old practitioner in a battle of wills and prevailed?” Morgan asked. “It is impressive.”

“What can I say? I got lucky, or he got complacent,” Kasey replied. “Fortunately, I was able to recognize the opportunity and seize it, redirecting the intent of the ritual as he unleashed it. Instead of what he’d been scheming, I sent a burst of power at every unliving heart I could find. The results were something you are all very familiar with. I used the Feudal Court’s own ritual to destroy them. It wasn’t mine. So, any umbrage you have with the working, or the source of the power, you should take up with them. You won’t find a shred of evidence that any innocent soul was harmed by me, because none exists.”

She looked around the chamber. All eyes were on her, so she pressed her point home. “There was nothing Forbidden about what I did. The blood that fueled the ritual was neither provided by me, nor did I have any part in its acquisition. I didn’t take from the life force of any other being, nor did I break any other law. Rhain did that. He’s the warlock you’re hunting for, and you’ll find him beyond the Veil. Given the nature of the danger posed by such magic, I refuse to disclose anything else about what took place in that circle, lest it be used for ill. You were there. You saw the fruits of it. The price I paid to save your lives is not an easy one, but I have borne it without complaint. At least, I did when I thought you had my back. Now I’m not so sure.”

Things hadn’t been the same for Kasey since the Garden. She still heard them in her sleep, the cry of a thousand vampires perishing in a heartbeat. At least she did when her dreams weren’t being haunted by the Wendigo.

“I think we’ve heard quite enough,” Sanders said. “We appreciate your indulgence, Kasey, and I apologize on the Council’s behalf for the conduct of Ms. Strang. She ought to know better.”

“Apologize for me?” Marion replied, rising to her feet. “Have you all gone mad? I will not play along with this little charade any longer. I move for a vote that the matter be heard in a formal tribunal. I refuse to believe that we’ve been told all the pertinent facts, and I believe the Chancellor has been willing to overlook Ms. Chase’s behavior on account of their relationship. Only in the courts, free from his influence, can the matter be given a proper hearing.”

“Director,” Sanders said, his voice firm.

Strang held up a hand. “I’ve made a motion. It is to be voted on. That is the way, is it not, Rosenberg?”

Rosenberg looked down at the table. “I’m afraid so. Though I must add that I feel that it is a waste of the judiciary‘s time and resources to pursue such an expedition.”

“Noted,” Strang replied. “But we will proceed anyway. Naturally, I vote in the affirmative. Everyone else?”

“Then I will cast my voice against,” Rosenberg replied, taking the wind out of Strang’s rampage.

“I will abstain,” Hieronymus added. “Having not consulted with the gods on this matter, I will not pretend to know their position.”

“I will vote for,” Morgan said. “Knowledge can only strengthen our position here.”

Kasey shifted in her seat. Two votes for, one against proceeding. Things were looking grim. Should she be dragged before the courts, she had no idea how she would fare. Sanders’ power to intercede would also be diminished.

“I vote against,” Talora announced firmly. “Miss Chase’s actions have clearly been in the best interest of this Council and the wider supernatural community. The vampires would end you all given the chance. Summer will not support this endeavor.”

Talora flashed a sideways glance at Kasey whose lips had parted in surprise. After their time together, Kasey had half expected the Sidhe to sell her down the river. After all, it would have been convenient for the ambassador of the Summer Court to tie up loose ends, and her untimely death at the hands of her own Council would give the Sidhe all the plausible deniability she might need for the recent incursion into Winter.

Summer, it seemed, was not finished with her.

“The count stands at two all,” Sanders announced.

Kasey’s smile widened with Sanders able to vote and break the tie. This whole matter was as good as dead.

“As the director has pointed out,” Sanders said, “I have some conflict in this matter. It would not be appropriate for me to cast a vote.”

Kasey’s heart stopped.

“Therefore, I must abstain.”

Sanders’ words cut through her like a knife. Part of her was giddy that he‘d as much as acknowledged their relationship, and to the Council no less. The rest of her was furious that he hadn’t crushed the motion and put it to rest, Marion be damned.

“Well, a tie on the motion means the matter proceeds and will be heard at a formal inquiry,” Marion announced, a satisfied smile spreading across her lips.

She was getting her wish at the cost of Kasey’s life being decided by a jury of twelve random strangers.

Kasey’s hands shook as she looked to Sanders. What the hell had just happened?

Chapter 2

Kasey opened her mouth, but no words came out.

Everything had gone to hell in a matter of moments. A formal inquiry? For saving their collective asses.

That‘s the thanks I get. Kasey shook her head in disbelief. Why can‘t I just catch a break?

Strang had a satisfied look on her face as the situation seemed to pan out better than she had expected. Her gloating expression only served to further irritate Kasey whose cheeks were hot with her rage that threatened to boil over.

Kasey looked at Sanders whose expression was unreadable. He’d had the opportunity to throw out the motion. Instead, he had let it proceed. What was he playing at?

“The ADI will correspond with the Department of Justice to organize a time and place for proceedings,” Strang said with a degree of glee that was utterly out of place given everything going on.

“I can’t wait,” Rosenberg replied, shooting Kasey an apologetic look. “Unfortunately, we are short-staffed at present and the need for an impartial judge for the proceedings will only complicate matters. It could take quite some time before we are ready to proceed, but given your earlier accusations both against Kasey, and the Chancellor, I feel it merits the time required.”

Way to go, Rosenberg. It was nice to know that at least someone had her back.

“Well, we best set about finding Miss Chase somewhere comfortable to wait for the proceedings.” Strang gestured to the agents stationed around the room.

Kasey was on her feet before the command could leave Strang‘s mouth. She’d been in the Arcane Council’s cells once before and she had no intention of ever going back.

“Over my dead body,” Kasey replied, raising her hands, palms facing upward as she drew enough power that there wasn‘t a single person in the room that could miss it.

The agents backed away from her, their eyes never leaving her outstretched hands. “If you wanted to take me by force, you should have brought more men.”

Kasey‘s heart pounded harder in her chest.

Before Strang could say another word, Sanders cut across her.

“Clearly you didn’t hear me earlier, Director. Defendants are innocent until proven guilty, and that includes Kasey. Given her track record in service to the Council, and the harassment she has previously suffered at the hands of the ADI, she will maintain her freedom until such a time as a judgment is reached.”

Marion rose to her feet, leaning on the table as she focused her whole attention on Sanders. “If you interfere in this, the Congress will hear of it.”

The Arcane Congress was the governing body of arcane practitioners for the entire world. If Sanders was beholden to anyone, it was them, though Kasey couldn’t see how they had any part in the matter.

“Go ahead, Marion,” Sanders replied, rising from his seat. He leveled his stare at the director. “I have friends at Congress too. Besides, you have little more than suspicion and conjecture at this point. With all that Kasey has accomplished in the last year, I’m of the opinion we can’t afford to have her rotting in a cell to justify your ambitions. Take that to the Congress and you’ll find not only are you out of your depth, but out of a job. Try me and see if I’m kidding.”

The room settled into an uneasy silence. No matter what else she was, Strang was not foolish enough to push the issue. Powerful as Kasey had become, Sanders’ reputation was well known. He had more than power; he had talent and a gift for understanding magic like she’d never seen before.

As she took her seat, Sanders addressed the room. “I think that’s just about enough excitement for one day. Meeting adjourned.”

When no one moved, Sanders pointed at the door.

“Out, now!”

Kasey headed for the door, but Sanders called after her.

“Everyone except you, Kasey.”

The Council members rose from their seats and filed past her. On the way, Marion shot her a look that had so much heat, it could have boiled a kettle. The room emptied out, but the ADI detail remained behind.

Sanders looked at them, his rancor rising. “Did I stutter?”

“But, sir,” the agent closest to him said, “given the circumstances, we must see to your protection.”

“I’m perfectly capable of assessing the threat to my life, gentlemen, and I‘m confident the greater threat has just departed. Should Miss Chase have wanted to kill me, she’s had ample opportunity. Now get out, or I will let her vent her frustration on the lot of you.”

Hitchens was the first out the door. Little surprise, given he had been part of the contingent that had stormed Madison Square Garden. He had witnessed her power firsthand.

The second the door closed, Kasey turned on Sanders.

“What the hell?”

He held out a hand as he sank into his chair. “Kasey, please.”

The weariness in his voice stopped her in her tracks. She had been planning to tear him a new one for not throwing out Marion‘s motion. But she noted the creased lines of worry on his brow and the deep bags beneath his eyes. There was a slump in his shoulders that was not usually there. Normally, he bore up well to the pressures of his office, but today he seemed crushed beneath it.

She had seen Sanders at both highs and lows over the time she had known him. Defeat wasn‘t a look she was familiar with. His incredible resilience was one of the things she found herself attracted to. In sunshine or stormy weather, he could stand as firm as a mountain.

But the Noah Sanders sitting before her looked exhausted and run down. That only made her feel worse for not knowing more about what he was working on. He was a private man, and while she suspected he shared far more with her than he did with anyone else, she still knew precious little—particularly when it came to the errand the Summer Court had been trying to extract from him. It looked like it was all that he’d done for the past week. He clearly hadn’t been sleeping.

“You look like hell,” Kasey said as she made her way around the table. She took Marion‘s seat at his right hand.

“Thanks,” Sanders replied, leaning back. “Nice to know I look how I feel.”

She placed her hand over his right hand and squeezed it. “Anything I can do?”

Whatever Titania had tasked him with, it had to be something of considerable difficulty. With his natural talents and the weight of the Council, any minor task would long ago have been carried out. The thought only caused her concern to deepen.

“Not ripping my head off is helping more than you know. This mischief blindsided me, too. I‘ve had my attention elsewhere, and now we’re paying for it.”

“What’s Strang’s problem?” Kasey asked, enjoying the feel of his hand beneath hers. “Why is she coming after me? I saved the city, didn’t I? I don’t deserve this.”

“No one deserves this,” Sanders replied, “least of all you. It seems I made a monumental mistake in appointing her and while we’ve been busy saving lives, she’s been plotting.”

“What do you mean?” Kasey asked, her eyes flicking to the door Marion had left through.

Sanders let out a weary sigh. “It means I thought I was appointing someone I could trust, someone I could rely on for support. Strang had always been a reliable ally in the ADI, but it seems like a seat on the Council has awakened her ambitions.”

“You’re kidding,” Kasey said. “That’s what this is about? She’s looking for a promotion?”

“As far as I can tell.” Sanders tapped his prosthetic against the table in a steady rhythm. “She’s gunning for my chair and she’s using you to do it. Tricky little witch. She has always been clever, but this is conniving and cold. She’s hitting me where it hurts.”

Kasey cringed. Strang was simply using her to get to Sanders. The realization infuriated her.

“Don’t,” Sanders said. “I can feel your anger, Kasey. You’re better than she is. Don’t sink to her level.”

“But it’s all baseless nonsense,” Kasey replied. “It wasn’t my working. It was Rhain’s.”

“That’s bureaucracy for you,” Sanders replied. “And with everything that’s going on in the world, warlocks are one of the foremost concerns for the Congress. Akihiro’s actions threatened the stability of the supernatural world while also upsetting our coexistence with our normal neighbors. The Congress is taking no chances, and Strang is exploiting the prevailing sentiment. By threatening you, she undermines my position.

“I appointed you, and you continue to have the Council’s support. Should she succeed, she’ll have an excellent case for having me removed from office, and all the momentum she needs to have herself installed.”

“It‘s a coup,” Kasey muttered. “But should she succeed, it’s me who is going to be executed. Warlocks lose their head, not just their job.”

“I am very aware,” Sanders answered, “which is what makes her trap all the more devious. She knows I’m never going to let that happen. Which will give her one more reason to take my job. You have to know, Kasey, that if it comes to choosing between this seat and you, I would only ever choose you.”

Kasey smiled, tightening her fingers around his.

“I won’t let it come to that,” Kasey said. She loathed feeling like a victim. “We will work out how to beat her at her own game.”

“It will be no easy feat,” Sanders replied. “Strang has chosen her ground carefully, ruthlessly maneuvering into position over weeks. She sprung this motion on me this morning. Otherwise, I would have warned you.”

“What was with that threat about the Congress?”

Sanders looked down at his lap. “Strang has family in Europe. Some of them hold office in the Congress. She has reach there.”

“But this isn’t Europe.”

“The world is their jurisdiction,” Sanders replied. “Should I give her any reason to believe we can’t be impartial, she will no doubt appeal to Congress to try the matter before them. That would be bad for us both.”

“How so?” Kasey asked. “What business have you had with them?”

Sanders looked away. Rather than press him, she simply waited. If he was ready to share, he‘d do it of his own accord.

“I went before them once as a young wizard. They are a bunch of fearful old practitioners quick to cry warlock, particularly when there is a challenge to their power. None of those who spoke against me should remain, though. I imagine I have outlived them all.”

“Your time in Faerie,” Kasey whispered.

“Indeed, and therein lies the real danger. If I lose my seat, Strang will likely be appointed. And the Summer Court will respond poorly to my losing my standing here. Titania might normally be content to play the long game, but the board is set and the Summer Queen will brook no interference now. If I fail, we will have no allies, and will have angered both Strang and the Summer Court. I fear the latter far more than the former.”

Kasey‘s nails bit into her scalp as she pushed her hair back out of her face. “It just isn’t fair. After everything we’ve done, this is the thanks we get?”

“It is a bitter pill to swallow,” Sanders replied, “and if I didn’t know there would be consequences, I’d be sorely tempted to reduce Strang to a pile of cinders, but unfortunately—”

“Unfortunately, you’re not a cold-blooded killer,” Kasey said. “And so Strang remains.”

“For the time being,” Sanders replied. “I have no trouble doing what must be done, but I cannot justify murder, no matter how much her ambition irritates me. We’re going to have to beat her in the courts.”

“How do we do that?”

Sanders rested his gloved hand atop hers. “The first step is for you to hire counsel. Someone who knows our laws and can speak vigorously in your defense. I would do it, but…”

“That will only fuel her argument that you have a bias,” Kasey replied. “I get it.”

“The last time you came before the Council, you spoke for yourself.” He paused, his brow furrowing. “I’d recommend against that. Marion will be trying to paint you as irrational, out-of-control, and dangerous. We both know you have a temper, Kasey. If you lose it in the courtroom, it will destroy your case.”

Kasey winced at the assessment, but his eyes darkened with concern. He had more than ample reason to fear the court.

“Any recommendations? I don‘t know a great many lawyers, or any really.”

“If it were me,” Sanders said, “I would engage Harvey Ross. He is an arrogant son of a bitch, but there is none better. Lock him down before Marion convinces him to appear for the prosecution. I’ll get you his number. Give him a call as soon as you can. Don’t worry about his fees. When we win, costs will be awarded by the court.”

“If we win,” Kasey replied, her heart beating like crazy.

“I suppose,” Sanders said with a nod, “but if we lose, the fees won’t really be an issue, will they? We’ll both be dead.”

Kasey’s heart leapt into her throat.

“You don’t have to go down with the ship,” she said. The thought of Sanders dying for her was more than she could bear.

“I don’t have to do anything,” Sanders replied, “but I will do this. And there isn’t a person on God’s green earth that can stop me.”

He rose from the table, his hand still clasping Kasey’s. “I need to take care of a few things, but we should talk more. Are you free for dinner tonight?”

A small smile lifted her lips. “I dare say it’s the best thing that will happen to me today.”

“Me too,” Sanders replied. “Want to eat out, or shall I pick up some Stromboli’s and bring it with me?”

After the bombshell that had just been dropped on her, there wasn‘t anything she would rather do than relax with a good pizza and Sanders’ company. With a little time to themselves, she might even be able to learn more of what he’d been working on.

“Stromboli’s sounds like a plan. Why don’t you come by mine when you’re done here? It’ll be good to see you.” She looked down at her feet as she regathered herself. “Not like this.”

She knew what she wanted to say, but she just couldn’t find the right words. Actions were easy, but words were the wings on which wishes were born. And at times, she feared what the fates might do with her wishes.

She had never told Sanders that she loved him, though she knew only too well that she did. With the luck she‘d had with men, she wasn’t ready to put that out into the universe just yet.

“I know,” he whispered. He squeezed her hand. “It won’t always be like this. You know, things will be different soon.”

“Why?” Kasey asked, her voice fading. “When?”

Sanders looked around the empty room and lowered his voice. “Not here. Tonight.”

“I’ll see you then,” Kasey whispered.

Sanders slipped his hand out of hers and left the chambers via a discreet door at the rear of the room that she knew led into his private chambers.

She made her way out of the boardroom and headed down the corridor. The sound of someone clearing their throat brought her to a sliding halt.

She turned, swinging a fist as she came face to face with Hitchens.

He stood ready, his hand raised to catch hers. She pulled the blow as her fist struck his palm with a dull thunk.

“I’ll try not to take that personally,” Hitchens replied with a grin.

“You ought to know better than to sneak up on me. I have a bad track record with stalkers.”

Hitchens nodded. “Fair enough, but I just wanted to let you know, not everyone sees you like Strang does. A lot of us see the good you’ve done, and we’ve got your back.”

“It’s my neck you need to watch out for,” Kasey replied, “but thanks,” she added as an afterthought.

It couldn’t be good for Hitchens to risk being seen fraternizing with her.

“Take care, Kasey.”

“You too, Hitchens. There are plenty of things out there far scarier than me. The Council is distracted, and New York has become open season for the supernatural world. I put down a beast in Central Park the other night. They grow bolder by the day.”

Kasey left Hitchens standing in the hall and was almost at the elevator when her phone rang.

Pulling it out of her pocket, Kasey looked at the screen. Bishop’s face smiled up at her.

It was always good to hear from Bishop, but lately there’d been more cases than casual calls. In the aftermath of the Feudal Court, the city was a mess.

Kasey put the phone to her ear.

“What have you got for me, Bishop?” she asked, hoping for something to take her mind off Strang. “Another body?”

“You know, sometimes a woman just likes to call her friends and see how they’re going.”

Bishop‘s chiding tone was music to her ears. “It’s good to hear your voice,” Kasey said.

Bishop‘s chuckle died down and her tone changed. “But we both know there are those other times when a detective has to call the smartest witch she knows, to deal with the weird-ass body that just showed up on her crime scene.”

“I should have known better,” Kasey said with a laugh. “Actually, I did know better. What’s going on? Tell me about the body.”

“Well, it‘s not so much the body,” Bishop began. “It’s about what’s left of it.”

Chapter 3

Nothing good ever happened in an alleyway.

It was one of those facts of life that Kasey had found to be true again and again. The number of times she‘d been called out to a crime scene in an alleyway only reinforced her feelings on the matter. Danger enjoyed lurking where it could not be seen. In New York City, that meant alleyways.

At least this one was in her old stomping ground, so there was no need to explain her presence. The Fighting Ninth had no trouble recognizing one of their own. Kasey was waved through the police cordon by Officer Henley.

The mountain of a man was coordinating efforts on his radio, but he still flashed her a smile and pointed down the alley. Kasey nodded her thanks, patted him on the back, and followed his directions, strolling down the shadowy alleyway. She tried to ignore the putrid metallic stench that hung in the air. The tall apartment buildings on either side cast deep shadows and prevented much breeze from making its way down the narrow corridor.

Kasey wove past a few dumpsters and found Bishop scribbling in her notepad as she waited for Kasey. Perhaps she was biased by her own harrowing morning, but she couldn’t help but think the detective looked a little pale.

“What have we got, Bishop?” Kasey called. “Tell me it’s something interesting.”

“You only get this excited about a case when you’re trying to distract yourself from something else,” Bishop said, as her knowing gaze bored into Kasey’s. “Everything okay?”

“Not even a little bit.” Kasey ground her teeth.

“What’s going on?” Bishop asked. “I haven’t seen you this riled up since Ainsley tried to sue you.”

Ainsley. The name was enough to take the wind out of her sails. It brought back memories, most of them unpleasant, others just downright painful. In truth, it felt like a lifetime ago, though in reality it was only a few months. Everything she had been through with the Feudal Court made Akihiro seem like a nightmare she‘d had as a child.

She pushed thoughts of the warlock out of her mind. The void filled in turn with John’s face. She groaned and rubbed at her temple.

Concentrate, Kasey. This isn‘t the time.

“I was summoned to a Council meeting this morning,” Kasey managed eventually. “It didn’t go well.”

“What?” Bishop raised an eyebrow. “Why now?”

“After everything I‘ve done, it seems there is always someone who wants a piece of me.”

Bishop rested her hands on her hips. “You just killed the King of the Feudal Court. What issue could they possibly have with you? They should have given you a medal.”

“They’d rather haul me before the courts,” Kasey replied, her short nails vexing the skin at the nape of her neck.

“And Sanders allowed that?” Bishop asked. “I thought he was the boss.”

“Oh, he wanted to, but one of the other Council members is using it as an opportunity to try and rise up the ranks.”

“Bureaucracy and politics.” Bishop sighed as she put an arm around Kasey’s shoulders. “They will be the death of us all.”

“Perhaps me sooner than others,” Kasey replied.

“But surely its nonsense. You’re a hero, Kasey. What’s the court going to do about that?”

“Not everyone shares your high opinion of me,” Kasey replied as Bishop steered her deeper into the alleyway. “And if Sanders intervenes, it will only strengthen her position. If she can prove he is playing favorites, it will give her an opportunity to try and take his seat.”

“She, huh?” Bishop said in her detective’s voice. Kasey hadn’t named her accuser, but that didn’t stop Bishop.

“Lender died at the Garden, and from what you’ve told me, most of the other Council members are male. The Fae surely isn‘t interested in higher office. So that leaves Strang.”

“Got it in one,” Kasey replied as she strode into a shallow puddle of water. “And the head of the ADI is hardly someone you want to tangle with. With skills like yours, Bishop, I don’t know why you need me at all.”

“There is no ‘I’ in team.” Bishop waved a hand dismissively. “And we make a hell of a good one, no matter who is signing your checks. Anything I can do to help with Strang?”

Kasey shook her head. “I don‘t even know what I can do about this one, other than fight it in the appropriate channels.”

“Appropriate channels?” Bishop asked. “How very unlike you.”

“The court will hear the matter in a formal tribunal. Strang will be trying to prove I used the Forbidden to dispose of the Feudal Court. If the court takes her side, I‘m as good as dead.”

“No, I won’t have it.” Bishop paused. “Wait, what’s the Forbidden?”

Kasey let out a sigh. “Black magic or forbidden practices. It’s the ultimate accusation because anyone who practices those arts is branded a warlock. And when it comes to warlocks, there is one thing all wizards seem to agree on. They need to die.”

“She’s trying to get you killed?” Bishop‘s hand hovered at the front of her belt, inches from her gun.

“Whether that is her true purpose, or she is simply leveraging my life against Sanders so she can take his job, I’m not sure. But the threat is real enough. Fortunately, some of the other Council members are on my side. Jack’s father was pretty vocal in the meeting.”

At the mention of Jack, Bishop smiled. The two of them had been dating for weeks.

“Fancy that,” Bishop replied. “Helping save his life couldn’t have hurt your chances.”

“It would appear not,” Kasey replied, making her way through the shallow puddle of water, while struggling to match Bishop’s enthusiasm. “For the time being, I just need to get my mind off things before I decide to do something entirely unpleasant to Marion Strang.”

“Talking about entirely unpleasant, what do you make of our crime scene? I hope you skipped breakfast again.”

“Am I that predictable?” Kasey asked, her nose twitching at the unpleasant stench that filled the alley.

Bishop shrugged. “Only when it comes to food. Breakfast never seems to hold your attention.”

“And today was no exception,” Kasey replied. “I was too nervous to eat.”

“Well, I can’t help but think that’s a good thing. This one is out there.”

“Where is the body?” Kasey asked, peering around the dark alley.

“Not much of it left,” Bishop replied. “You’re standing in most of it.”

Kasey looked down. The dark sheen coating the concrete wasn’t water as she had thought. She put that together with the sickly metallic scent.

It was blood. A lot of blood.

“And you didn’t warn me?” Kasey asked.

Bishop shrugged. “If you can’t recognize blood when you see it, you’re getting rusty.”

“More like distracted,” Kasey replied. “I beat the pants off your other techs all day long.”

“That‘s why I called,” Bishop said, pointing to a mess by the wall. “What’s left of it is over there.”

Kasey tread carefully, trying to avoid getting too much of the muck on her. She wished she’d taken the time to put on the Tyvek suit.

Tucked between the side of the dumpster and the brick wall of the apartment building was a pile of bones that had been picked clean.

As she got closer, she revisited her assessment. They’d been gnawed clean. There were gouges and scratches in the bones from the teeth of whatever had done this.

Kasey had to fight the urge to retch. To call it a body was being generous. It was half a dozen bones, and there wasn’t a scrap of flesh left on any of them. They appeared to be human remains. She recognized a femur. Beside it was a tibia that had been bitten clean through. A collection of tiny bones had been scattered a few feet away, like they had been spat out. Resting between them was the unmistakable remains of half a human spine, though where the other half of it was remained a mystery, as did the location of the skull that should have been attached to it.

Something had picked them all clean and made a hell of a mess doing it.

“Now this is interesting,” Kasey said. “Disgusting, but interesting.”

“I’m glad you’re entertained,” Bishop said. “Now tell me why.”

Kasey knew that Bishop would have already formulated her own opinion on that, but the detective always tried to avoid tainting Kasey‘s findings with her own preconceptions.

“Well, the bones themselves look like they have been gnawed clean. Whatever did this took its time. If it wasn’t for all the blood, I’d suspect the bones had been here for some time.”

“But the blood is fresh,” Bishop said. “Or it would have dried.”

“Indeed, but it’s not all blood,” Kasey replied. She grinned when Bishop looked down to examine the pooling fluid again. “It’s been watered down. I might be distracted but I’m not that distracted. There is far too much of it to have come from one human body. Most have only a gallon or so, and this is a lot more. So, either that pile of bones is all that remains of several bodies, or the blood has been watered down, and I can’t seem to find a ready source for that anywhere. Hence, interesting.”

“Indeed,” Bishop replied, her voice rising. “No rain last night either. Clear sky, full moon.”

“I hear that tone,” Kasey replied, “and I don’t like it.”

“What tone?” Bishop replied defensively.

“The way your inflection rose when you mentioned the full moon. You’re worried this was a werewolf.”

“Now that you mention it, the thought did cross my mind,” Bishop replied.

It was a good guess, as far as guesses went. But werewolves weren‘t in the habit of devouring other people. Even if one of them did this, it was more flesh than any one werewolf might need in a short span. A pack perhaps, but not a single beast. What was more, with the full moon they would have been at their least restrained. They would hardly have had the control to drag their victim down a darkened alley before tearing into them.

“I doubt it was a werewolf,” Kasey said, studying the bones once more.

“You seem awfully sure,” Bishop said. “Are you sure there isn’t a little bias creeping into that conclusion?”

Kasey shrugged. “I’m confident it wasn’t one of his kind. The evidence doesn’t support the conclusion.”

“How can you say that? We have both seen Cal in action. We know that werewolves have the strength to do something like this,” Bishop replied.

“But not the precision,” Kasey answered, placing her hand on Bishop’s shoulder. “If a werewolf did this, there would be other signs. There would be a hell of a mess. And they wouldn’t have devoured the bones. They might choke, and the indigestion would be atrocious.”

“You’re sure?” Bishop asked.

“I’ll run it past Cal when I see him. He and his crew will be bedded down until tomorrow morning at least. And while I trust him implicitly, I‘m not going to tempt fate by stopping by the den during a full moon. It’s family time, and I’m not taking that away from Maria and Faith if I can help it.”

Crouching down, Kasey reached out with her senses, feeling around the crime scene for traces of the Arcane. A shiver ran down her spine. There was something there, a lingering trace of power. She‘d felt its like before, but for the life of her, she couldn’t put her finger on it.

“There is a trace of a presence here,” Kasey said. “Werewolves don’t do magic. At least none that I’ve ever met. I think there was something else here. I just don’t know what it was.”

Bishop bent over, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I don’t suppose I could prevail upon you to…”

She was looking for a vision, but that wasn‘t going to happen.

“Don’t even think about it,” Kasey replied. “For starters, I doubt there is enough of any one of them to connect with for a vision. Besides, I don’t know that I want to see whatever carnage happened here. I’m having enough trouble sleeping as is.”

“You can’t know unless you try,” Bishop said.

It wasn‘t in Kasey’s nature to shy away from her visions anymore, but there were simply too many unknowns to risk it, particularly with the arcane presence lingering. Where the arcane was involved, she couldn’t always trust what she was seeing. The Shinigami had run rings around her by imitating the appearance of others while committing their crimes. She wasn’t going to be led astray again.

“Not gonna happen,” Kasey replied, standing up. “But I will help with the case.”

Bishop let out a sigh of relief. “Oh, good. The Ninth Precinct has been run off its feet the last week. Not only are we dealing with looters and pillagers, but we have been mopping up vampires, thralls, and half-turned creatures of the night for days. It‘s been a hell of a mess, Kasey. We could use all the help we can get.”

“Happy to help the team,” Kasey replied with a smile. “I’d ask the ADI to help coordinate efforts, but to be honest, they aren’t putting much stock in anything I have to say right now. Not while their boss is trying to get me killed.”

“This will blow over, Kasey. It always does,” Bishop said.

“I hope so. In the meantime, I need something to distract me from the proceedings and I doubt whatever did this is going to settle for one victim. Its appetite must be considerable.”

“You think it’ll kill again?” Bishop asked, a rare note of panic in her voice.

“Almost certainly. Unfortunately for me, I doubt it’ll be Marion Strang. So, I’ll hit the archives and look for what kind of beast might have done this. If you can keep your eyes out for any unusual sightings or other bodies, we’ll see if we can triangulate where it’s lurking. In the meantime, I need to get myself a lawyer.”

“A lawyer?” Bishop asked, looping her thumbs over her belt.

“Yep, Sanders has recommended against me representing myself. He seems to think I might lose my patience.”

“He knows you well,” Bishop replied with a chuckle. “Probably a sound idea.”

Kasey really didn‘t want to fixate on the trial. Stressing out about things she couldn’t control would only end in feeling helpless, and she hated that sensation more than any other.

She changed the topic. “How are things with Jack?”

“Pretty great, actually,” Bishop replied. “Turns out, dating people outside law enforcement is a hell of a lot easier than dating men with badges. I don’t know why but frankly I don’t care. It’s the best relationship I’ve had in years.”

“Doesn’t hurt that he is a wizard either,” Kasey said, nudging her friend in the side.

“In more ways than one,” Bishop replied with a grin, before she clamped her hand over her lips.

She blushed furiously as Kasey laughed so hard she almost fell over.

“Shut up.” Bishop shook a finger at Kasey. “Not a word about that to anyone.”

“Happiness looks good on you, Bishop,” Kasey replied, basking in Bishop‘s good fortune. At least life wasn’t kicking them both in the shins.

“Maybe we can double date sometime,” Bishop said. “Perhaps we can help convince your commit-a-phobe to get his priorities straight.”

“I’m not sure about that,” Kasey said. “I mean, originally, I thought that was it. But he’s really been making an effort. It’s not like he doesn’t have a thousand other things going on, but it’s hard to envision a world where he doesn’t have the entirety of the Arcane Council’s responsibilities resting on his shoulders. It makes for a bleaker schedule than we’d like.”

She said nothing of Sanders’ obligations to the Summer Court. The fewer people that knew about them, the better. While Bishop could be relied on to keep a secret, she was now dating Jack, the son of Michael Rosenberg. She was only two steps removed from the Arcane Council herself. Knowledge that the Fae had debts to collect from the incumbent Chancellor would certainly impact how Rosenberg saw matters. Kasey wasn’t willing to run that chance, not even by accident.

“Well,” she replied as she turned her back on the crime scene. “I’ve gotta get looking for a lawyer. I don’t suppose you’ve heard of Harvey Ross?”

“Not a clue,” Bishop replied, “but I do try to avoid lawyers as much as humanly possible.”

“You and me both,” Kasey said as they made their way down the alley.

“Are we still on for game night, tomorrow?” Bishop asked as they reached the street.

“Sounds good,” Kasey replied. As far as distractions went, that would work a treat. “It’s Vida’s turn to host, right?”

“Sure is,” Bishop said. “See you there.”

Kasey had almost forgotten it was Saturday. With everything going on, she’d pretty much lost track of what day of the week it was. Usually, the team got together each Sunday night to play a board game. With the Feudal Court and the price that had been on her head, it had been a few weeks since she had last spoken to Vida. It would be good to see him again.

She was certainly glad it was Vida’s turn to host. She was still trying to clean up her place after the vampire strike team had trashed it.

“Sure, if I’m still alive, I’ll be there.”

Kasey turned to leave, but Bishop put her hand on her shoulder.

“Hang in there, Kasey. We’ve got your back.”

“Thanks, Bishop,” Kasey replied. “Same here.”

“Don’t I know it. I‘ll see you tomorrow.”

Kasey waved goodbye, and Bishop started giving direction to the officers still gathered about the scene.

As Kasey made her way down the street, an odd tingle ran down her spine. She abruptly turned, checking the street behind her to see if she could catch a tail.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching her. When she saw nothing, she continued her journey. With the death of Rhain, the Feudal Court’s bounty had lapsed, which should have meant she was safe, but there could always be an assassin who just hadn‘t got the message yet.

Besides, she had made plenty of enemies, not to mention the few vampires still lurking about the city. They might have been leaderless, but they could still pose a threat.

In the middle of the day, it seemed unlikely, but stranger things had happened.

Past the next intersection, she picked up her pace, heading for the corner at a speed that would force any pursuers to break into a run. She glanced over her shoulder, caught nothing, and turned right.

She repeated the process until she had completed a full loop, circling the city block. Still, she saw nothing. Continuing on, Kasey used every trick she had learned, periodically checking glass storefronts and sneaking glimpses over her shoulder in the hope of catching someone.

In spite of her efforts, she never saw the same person twice. Which either meant they had a full surveillance team taking turns, or she was just being paranoid.

In the back of her mind, a thought formed that she couldn‘t dismiss. Strang certainly had the resources to put a team on her tail. Perhaps she’d done so to gather evidence for the hearing.

Would Strang dare? Either way, Kasey was going to need to be more careful. She continued toward home, but once more the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end.

Someone or something was watching her.

A lance of pain shot through her brain. She staggered and lost her footing. Closing her eyes against the pain, Kasey saw the leering skeletal shape of the Wendigo standing on the thawed Falls howling after her. It was the same image that still haunted her dreams. Forcing her eyes open, she gasped for breath.

“Are you okay?” a woman asked.

Kasey searched for the source of the voice and found a woman pushing a stroller. In it sat a young girl in a pink dress, her hair done in neat pigtails.

“I’m fine, thanks for asking,” Kasey replied, her voice a little shaky.

The woman gave her a second look but went on her way.

Drawing on her power, Kasey readied a shield in her mind. If something was coming for her, it was going to find her armed and ready.

At the edge of the next building, she darted into a narrow alleyway laden with trash cans.

Nothing good ever happens in an alleyway.

“Oh, I know,” Kasey whispered to herself.

Whatever was out there was going to get it with both barrels. In the mood she was in, she was certainly feeling the urge to lash out.

She whirled about to face the entrance of the alleyway, but no one came. Reaching out with her senses, she detected a presence there as readily as if she could see it.

“I can sense you there. Now show yourself, or I will carve through that glamour with less effort than it took to brush my teeth this morning.”

“Very well,” a soft voice answered.

There was a shimmer in the air as the glamour parted and Talora, emissary of the Summer Court, stood on the asphalt, her diaphanous wings fluttering behind her.

“Kasey, we need to talk.”

Chapter 4

Talora’s wings fluttered faster than usual as she paced back and forth. Distress was an unusual sight on the unflappable emissary of the Summer Court. Was the Fae this uncomfortable because she was walking the streets of New York City? Or was her discomfort caused by the fact that Kasey had just threatened to eviscerate her?

Kasey had never pitted her talents against a Sidhe, let alone one of such age and experience. And after watching Talora hold the Wendigo at bay, Kasey wasn‘t inclined to do so in a hurry. Talora might be slight of build, but she had an iron spine and her willpower was immense.

“What do you want, Talora? Why are you following me?”

“Is that the thanks I get for supporting you at Council?” Talora asked, craning her neck to meet Kasey‘s gaze. “It was certainly more than your own kind managed to muster.”

Kasey bit off her answer before it left her mouth. One never wanted to hurry through an exchange of words with the Sidhe. They were treacherous wordsmiths adept at getting their way.

Everything about Talora’s statement seemed to imply an obligation and one did not enter lightly into obligations with the Sidhe. The last time she had done so, she might have gotten her prescience back but she had also fired the opening salvo in a potential war between Summer and Winter while putting herself squarely in the firing line for any retaliation.

Not to mention narrowly avoiding being devoured by the Wendigo.

“I’m sure you had your reasons,” Kasey replied, “though given everything that occurred, I’m not sure it matters. It looks like I’m heading to a trial anyway. Strang wants my head.”

“Do not fear on that account,” Talora replied. “It seems she wants Sanders’ too, and the Queen will not permit it. Besides, an open hearing will play to your strengths and popularity.”

Kasey studied the Sidhe, unsure what to make of both her encouragement and her assistance. What was her angle?

“What do you mean? What does my popularity have to do with anything?” Kasey asked.

“You ought to better familiarize yourself with the laws of your people. They are set out in the Arcane Covenant,” Talora said. “Warlock trials are presided over by a judge, and include a jury of your peers. Let Strang try to find a dozen practitioners in all of New York who aren’t glad to see the end of the Feudal Court. You’ll be fine.”

Kasey reeled. The last time she‘d been dragged before the Council was for exposing normals to magic. That had been presided over by Akihiro, masquerading as Arthur Ainsley. He’d clearly had a vested interest in containing her while he plotted the destruction of the city.

It hadn‘t dawned on Kasey that this might be a wholly different affair. A jury of her peers, that changed things, and she wasn’t sure if that was better or worse. Sure, her peers might be more easily swayed than a judge, but she’d faced mobs in the past. It could go either way.

“I always worry when there’s a chance I might get my head cut off,” Kasey countered. “What I don’t understand is what your interest is in this? I dare say you didn’t help me out of the goodness of your heart.”

“You are not wrong,” Talora replied, teetering on her feet, her wings fluttering as if she was about to launch herself into the sky. “After your actions in Winter, my Queen has concluded that you acquitted yourself most commendably, and she would like to ensure your continued survival.”

“You mean she believes that I could be of use to her down the track,” Kasey replied, raising her eyebrows as she stared down at the Sidhe.

The Fae didn’t do anything for free.

“What is it you humans say? To-may-toe, to-mah-toe?” Talora cocked her head to the side before shrugging. “I can’t say I ever understood why such a boring fruit is worth talking about.”

“So, the queen is on my side. That‘s encouraging. You still haven’t told me what you’re doing here,” Kasey said. “And why you thought it was a good idea to sneak up on me?”

“I wasn’t sneaking,” Talora replied. “I was being discreet. I wasn’t able to speak with you before Sanders kicked us out. I needed to see you and I thought it better that my presence out here remain undetected. While I might have passed myself off as a human, I thought that might cause you greater alarm.”

Kasey had to admit Talora wasn‘t wrong. She had been half a heartbeat away from throwing everything she could at the presence that had been stalking her. That would have ended poorly, whether or not she’d succeeded. Butchering the emissary of the Summer Court would be a diplomatic incident and a homicide of which the Arcane Council would be forced to take a very bleak view.

Not to mention the Queen of Summer. Whatever goodwill she might be feeling would almost certainly evaporate. Kasey remembered vividly the weight of the monarch’s will as it had almost ground her into the carpet.

You need to get it together. And you need some sleep.

Just because Strang was gunning for her didn‘t mean everyone was. She needed to keep a clear head and think things through. Solve one problem at a time, starting with whatever Talora was really after.

“Well, you have me now,” Kasey said. “What did you want to talk about?”

“I was hoping that I could speak with you about a private matter,” Talora asked.

“Not Court business, huh?” Kasey’s interest grew markedly but she didn’t want to show that to the Sidhe, so she folded her arms in front of her. “Sure, why not?”

“I was wondering if you have had any trouble sleeping?” Talora asked, glancing down at her feet.

Kasey tensed as memories of her haunted dreams flooded to the forefront of her mind. Even now, the image of the Wendigo‘s leering skeletal form caused a shiver to run down her spine. It was so vivid in her mind’s eye. It was like the creature of Winter could reach out from beyond the Veil and tear at her.

“Why do you ask?” Kasey replied. She knew better than to give the Sidhe any leverage she might use.

“Because I was there too—at the falls.”

“And?” Kasey prompted, wondering whether the Sidhe was suffering as she was.

“While your initiation took place, I wrestled with the Wendigo and pitted my will against that evil. That experience still troubles me. I was wondering if you had been similarly afflicted, or if it is just me.”

Kasey realized she was looking at the one person who understood the tortured dreams that had been haunting her for days.

“You’re not alone,” she replied. “I still see the creature most nights when I go to sleep.”

“And when you wake?” Talora asked, her sharp nose tilted up so that she could better see Kasey.

Talora’s once brilliant orbs seemed duller now, almost yellow, rather than the luminous gold they had been the day Kasey had first met her.

“Sometimes, and the pain it brings almost knocks me to my knees,” Kasey replied as she stretched her arms. “It seems to happen when my mind is idle. What does it mean? Has that creature done something to us?”

“I think it‘s a sickness of the mind,” Talora said, rubbing at the smooth skin of her temple. “Few survive contact with a Wendigo, so information on it is hard to come by. It seems that those who do often go mad. Take care to fortify your mind, Kasey Chase, for your struggle with the Council will mean little if we lose you to this sickness.”

“I‘ll add it to my list,” Kasey replied with a sigh. “I had figured there would be fewer people trying to kill me once I took care of the Feudal Court.”

Talora dismissed Kasey‘s protests with a wave of her hand. “Take it from me, child. The older you get, the more people will want to kill you. It is just a fact of life, one to be balanced, not feared.”

“How do you balance out people trying to kill you?” Kasey asked. The Sidhe had an unusual way of looking at the world.

“By giving them a reason not to,” Talora replied as if that were a complete answer. “Why do you think the Sidhe make so many bargains? We are struggling to survive while being locked in a hierarchy of powers that are both beautiful and treacherous. Most of us are simply trying to live.”

“You wouldn’t happen to have any ideas as to how I might fortify my mind?” Kasey asked, concerned that she might have had the last full night’s sleep she was ever going to have. The fatigue was playing hell with her patience. The more tired she grew, the more likely she was to lose her cool.

“Resist,” Talora replied, “and it will fade, so long as you don’t let it take root.”

“What will happen if I do?” Kasey asked. It always paid to understand the stakes.

“Do what, dear?” Talora asked, blinking in confusion.

“Give in to the sickness,” Kasey asked.

“I suspect you will lose yourself, much as the Wendigo has.”

Kasey shook her head in disbelief. “You mean, we could become like that?”

“Who’s to say?” Talora replied. “But the stories I’ve read say the Wendigo were once other creatures who lost themselves to their hunger. Guard your mind, Kasey Chase. My queen would have you fit to serve the Court in the future.”

“Who said I would be serving the Summer Court?” Kasey replied. “I don‘t think I can afford the joys that come with serving your queen. I have enough on my plate already.”

Talora’s tired eyes settled on Kasey.

“When Winter comes for you, Kasey, you will plead for her sanctuary. Consider your words carefully, because my queen won’t risk the lives of her court for one who will not acknowledge her part in it.”

That‘s just what I need—more enemies.

With Marion leading a witch hunt against her, she could scarcely afford the distraction. Better to reason with Talora and buy some time. If she could sing for her supper, at least for the time being, hopefully it would be sufficient to warrant Titania‘s aid should she need it.

“Perhaps I could be persuaded,” Kasey said. “I‘m sure winning my allegiance for your queen would earn you no shortage of favor with her, am I right?”

“And just what would that require?” Talora asked with a rare smile. “You are beginning to bargain like the Sidhe already. Consider carefully your price, child, for once the bargain is struck it cannot be unmade.”

A dozen ideas coursed through Kasey’s mind, but there was only one that truly mattered to her.

“I want to know what your queen wants with Sanders.” The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them. “He runs her errand, does he not?”

Talora recoiled. “I cannot speak of the queen’s business, and you would do well to not ask such of her. She does not abide lesser beings interfering in her affairs.”

“Well, then, it’s awfully difficult to help.” Kasey shrugged. “If I don’t know what we’re doing, I can’t make it happen any faster.”

She let her words linger in the air.

“You would help?” Talora asked, craning her head to the side, as her expression shifted into a thin smile. “It only goes to show that you do not understand the stakes.”

“Hard to understand them when no one will let me into the game,” Kasey replied. “But I guess if you’re making such meteoric progress, you don’t need my help.”

If Sanders’ state was any indication at all, things were not going well. Kasey wanted to be free of obligations, and the Summer Court‘s grip over Sanders was a constant interference in her life.

“I cannot make that decision,” Talora replied, looking down at her feet. “It is for my queen to decide. I will relay your petition to her, and you will have an answer in her own due time.”

Before Kasey could reply, Talora raised her hand, clicked her fingers once, and was gone. Kasey felt the energy of the glamour, but it was carried away on the warm spring breeze that raced through the alley.

Kasey reached out with her senses, but Talora was gone.

“Goodbye to you too,” Kasey muttered as she headed for the entrance to the alleyway.

Afternoon traffic rolled past her as she turned for home. The day had really gotten away from her, and the dull ache in her stomach told her that it still hadn’t forgiven her for skipping out on breakfast. With Sanders bringing pizza for dinner, she considered skipping a snack, but there was no telling when he might finish up in the office, so she kept her eyes open for something worth eating on her way to the station.

A cheeseburger and chocolate milkshake were likely the last thing her arteries needed, but she shunted that thought from her mind. She‘d had a hell of a day. No point in letting her stomach devour itself.

She followed a teenager into a takeaway on the corner.

The restaurant itself was well trafficked based on the worn door handles, scuffed tiles, and weathered booths, but that wasn‘t a bad thing. With the level of competition, only the best eateries stayed in business for a prolonged period of time. Judging by the faded decor, this little eatery had been here for years.

A sign resting on the counter read, ’Best Milkshake in NYC', an all-too-common claim that she looked forward to putting to the test.

Fortunately, she‘d missed the lunch window and was still early for dinner, so the place was sparsely occupied and it only took a few minutes to be served.

“What can I get for you?” the young man behind the counter asked.

“Cheeseburger, please,” Kasey replied, as she looked at the menu. “Actually, better make that a double. I’ll take a chocolate shake too, and let’s make it a large while we’re at it.”

Kasey handed over the cash, took her receipt, and headed for a quiet booth in the corner. Experience told her it was best to be able to watch the door. Her bounty might have lapsed, but some habits died hard. While she waited for her meal, she reached into her pocket and took out her phone.

She‘d gone through so many of them in the last year that frankly she expected she’d pushed her extended warranty beyond its natural limits.

Not that she‘d mentioned the last cracked screen had been caused by a vampire, but at this point her cell carrier had to be growing weary of the attrition.

Unlocking her phone, she pulled up Sanders’ text. It contained the contact details for Harvey Ross and a note saying he would be over as soon as he could get out of the office.

These days there was no guessing just when that might be.

The server set down her late lunch, and Kasey set her phone aside and dug in. The smooth chocolate milkshake slid over her tongue. Maybe it was the hunger speaking, but right now it certainly tasted like the best milkshake she’d ever had. The double cheeseburger disappeared in a few devouring gulps and went a considerable way to satisfying the gnawing pangs in her stomach.

She toyed with her phone, staring at the number on the screen. The thought of hiring a lawyer galled her, but she knew Sanders was right.

Part of her wanted to just run. Leave the city behind and the Council with it. She wanted to find somewhere people wouldn‘t give her a second thought. Sure, the world had seen her face, but nowadays the news cycle moved so quickly, people would eventually lose track of her. New York might remember, but other cities had their own heroes to persecute.

She‘d felt this way before, staring down the threat of the serial killer Danilo Lelac. That felt like a lifetime ago.

“Yet here I am again,” Kasey muttered to herself as she took another sip of her shake.

Back then, she‘d felt compelled to stay. After all, she’d been the only one who knew the extent of the danger posed by Akihiro and the Shinigami.

Now the city was safe. Safe from Akihiro, safe from the Feudal Court.

Safe for everyone but me.

She set down her milkshake.

“Snap out of it,” she said to herself. “This pity party isn’t doing you any good.”

The city might not be on the edge of annihilation, but it was far from safe. The recent incident in Central Park was proof of that. Supernatural creatures were being drawn to the city, and not all of them had the desire to coexist peacefully with its current inhabitants.

Whatever had left the pile of bones in the alley this morning was only the latest threat. There would be others.

With a sigh, she picked up her phone and called the number.

It answered on the fourth ring.

“Harvey Ross,” a male voice said, strong and confident.

All the things Kasey wasn’t feeling right now.

“Uh, Mr. Ross,” she began. “My name’s Kasey Chase. I was looking to engage your services.”

There was a long pause. Kasey‘s eyes drifted around the diner as she waited for his response.

“Miss Chase,” he replied slowly.

Her heart sank. His tone had the air of a doctor delivering a terminal diagnosis.

“I’m sorry to disappoint you. Unfortunately, I’ve already been contacted by the prosecution.”

Chapter 5

Kasey was still fuming about Ross when her apartment’s doorbell rang.

She took one look around the living room and shook her head in resignation. An hour‘s cleaning had done little to reorganize the mess the Feudal Court had made, and her lack of progress only served to add to her irritation.

If there was one thing that annoyed her more than cleaning, it was cleaning with nothing to show for it.

Heading for the door, she stooped and checked the peephole, just in case. It wouldn‘t be the first time someone had sought her out looking for trouble.

When she spotted Sanders, she breathed a sigh of relief. At least something good was going to come out of this dumpster fire of a day.

It was the third time in a few weeks where the two of them had been able to carve out enough time to spend together on something that any reasonable person might consider to be a date.

Kasey took a breath to calm her racing heart, grabbed the door, and opened it.

“Hey,” Kasey said with a smile, hoping she didn’t sound as lame as she felt as she searched for something a little wittier.

Sanders stood juggling two boxes from Stromboli’s in one hand, and a bottle of Coke in the other. He’d also changed out of his open collared work shirt into a set of casual jeans and a T-shirt. It was the most casual Kasey had seen him since they‘d been on the run together. He certainly cut a handsome figure in a suit, but this was more Kasey’s speed.

“Are you going to invite me in? Or am I going to have to polish these off myself?” Sanders asked with an air of mock concern.

“There’s been some unsavory characters around here of late,” Kasey teased. “I had to be sure it was really you.”

Sanders leaned in conspiratorially. “Did I pass? Or am I taking the pizza with me?”

“Not on your life,” Kasey replied with a grin, sliding to the side to allow him room to pass by. “I’ve been holding out for this all day.”

Sanders matched her smile with his. “Me, too.”

As he made his way deeper into her apartment, Kasey called after him. “Mind the mess. I haven’t really gotten around to tidying up after the vampires trashed the place.”

Sanders reached the living room, took one look at the couch, and stopped dead. A large puddle of dried blood stained one of the cushions. She would have dealt with it sooner, but she‘d only just come home from Kendra’s safehouse.

Kasey‘s cheeks grew hot with embarrassment. “Sorry, I’ve been meaning to replace that, but I haven’t had the time. Mind if we just sit on the floor?”

“Suits me just fine,” Sanders said as he set down the pizza boxes on the coffee table.

Kasey raced into the kitchen to grab glasses and ice from the freezer.

“So, are you going to explain the strange murder room vibe,” Sanders asked, “or are you just going to leave me in suspense?”

Kasey dropped a couple of ice cubes into each glass before putting the tray back in the freezer. To explain the blood, she was going to have to mention its owner and the three of them had a complicated history. She‘d been on the run with Sanders when she’d first met Hades. The crime lord had tried to have her killed. How things had changed. Now Hades seemed far more intent on having his way with her, than having her killed, which was an improvement but was nonetheless dangerous.

Hades was dangerous and alluring. There were times when Kasey‘s mind wandered places she’d never admit to aloud, let alone pursue, but still in the quiet corners of her mind those thoughts grew like weeds.

Manhattan‘s king of crime was as handsome as he was mischievous, but there was no seeing past what he did to build and maintain his kingdom.

Whatever allure Hades might have, Sanders was so much more than that, and she had no intention of building a relationship based on a lie.

“The blood was Hades',” she said tentatively. “He was here when the vampires hit.”

Sanders tried to control his expression, but Kasey caught the grimace before he could hide it.

“Here? In your apartment?” Sanders asked, his voice growing quieter by the syllable.

Kasey let that marinate. She was interested in how he might react.

When Sanders didn‘t speak, she dropped down beside him and handed him a glass.

“It’s not what you think. They hit the Underworld and he was running for his life. He needed somewhere he might be safe, one that had no ties to him or his organization.”

“Talk about unsavory characters.” Sanders laughed as he opened the first pizza box. A flood of delicious aromas wafted up from its precious cargo. “So, he knew where you lived and just dropped in. That’s a little unsettling.”

Kasey grabbed a piece of pizza. It was covered in tomato and mozzarella cheese.

“I’m not going to lie. It shocked the hell out of me too. Hades insists it was just a response to the bounty the Feudal Court placed on my head. He wanted to be in a position to render assistance should anything happen.”

Sanders unscrewed the lid off the Coke. “And you believed him?”

Kasey swallowed a mouthful of pizza. She had asked herself the same question many times.

“It’s Hades,” Kasey said, taking another bite.

“Meaning?” Sanders took a piece of pizza for himself.

“Meaning, he is the head of a large criminal organization and a well-practiced liar,” Kasey replied, “but since he learned who I am, he’s done nothing but watch out for my interests, often at the expense of his own. He has given me no reason to doubt him, and he behaved himself like a gentleman while he was here. Well, except for destroying a perfectly serviceable couch.”

Sanders glanced at the sofa. “Serviceable might be a bit of a stretch. Though it does give you a chance to have someone show you where to shop for some real furniture.”

“Are you offering?” Kasey asked. “Because not all of us have Arcane Chancellor money. This apartment stretches my budget to the limits as is. I’m lucky to have any furniture at all. But the neighborhood sure is nicer than the last place, and the commute is shorter too.”

“Ah, we’ll send the bill to Hades. Pretty sure he’ll be good for it.” Sanders reached for his drink.

Kasey opened the second box to reveal a mouth-watering pepperoni pizza. “Are we going to talk about Hades all night?”

Sanders shook his head. “I’d really rather not. Sorry, didn’t mean to bring him up.”

“Me neither,” Kasey replied, nestling in beside Sanders as she took a long sip of her Coke. It felt good to be close to him. Most people made her uncomfortable on account of the visions, but Sanders had been with her when no one else had. His presence eased her worry, and with his talents, she doubted there was a safer place in all of Manhattan.

“How did you go with Harvey Ross?”

It was the question Kasey had been dreading. The Council Trial posed a deadly threat, but it seemed everywhere she turned, Marion had gotten there first. If Ross‘s reputation was any indication, facing him was going to be a nightmare.

Kasey shook her head. “It was a brief call. He was polite enough, but it looks like Strang already hired him. Any other ideas?”

“It seems we‘re two steps behind her.” Sanders winced. “When we win this—”

“If we win this,” Kasey interrupted.

“Not if, when,” Sanders replied, setting down his drink. “She’s going to be out of a job, and out of the power she’s using to make our lives hell.”

“I don’t expect she’ll go quietly.” Kasey sighed. “She’s gotta know the stakes. She’s going to fight like hell.”

“Yep, but it’s two against one,” Sanders answered, resting his hand on Kasey’s knee. “Let me give it some thought. I’ll find someone for you that we can trust.”

The touch of his skin against hers sent a tingle up her spine.

“Don’t you already have enough on your plate?” she asked. “It looks like you haven’t slept in a week.”

“I haven‘t had a great deal of it, no,” Sanders replied, stifling a yawn, “but then again, I’m practically working two jobs.”

“Arcane Chancellor and moonlighting for the Summer Court.” Even saying it out loud, Kasey struggled to reconcile the two. “You have to know you can’t keep this up forever.”

“I don‘t intend to be stuck in this hell indefinitely,” he said, “but I’ve been butting my head up against the same problem for weeks and I figured it was time to start working outside the box.”

“And how exactly do you plan to do that?” she asked, reaching for another piece of pizza.

“By bringing you into it,” Sanders replied slowly. “I don’t enjoy keeping this from you, but between my oath, and my desire to keep you safe, I think I’m getting in my own way.”

Kasey almost dropped her piece of pizza in her lap.

“What?” She had been pestering him for weeks about the details of his agreement, and he’d hardly said two words. She could barely contain her excitement. “Really? I thought you couldn’t speak of it.”

The last time he‘d tried, his words had literally failed him. He had moved his lips, but nothing came out.

A timely reminder of the power of Sidhe magic.

“I’m not making progress on my own and you‘ve proved time and time again to have, well, a unique perspective on these things.”

Sanders was the most brilliant wizard she’d ever met. The fact that he was asking her for help made her smile. She couldn’t help but take a mental victory lap.

“You need my help,” she teased as she reached for her Coke.

He laughed. “You’re enjoying this a little too much. Need I remind you it could get us both killed?”

“Which is what makes it one of the more interesting third dates I have been on,” Kasey replied.

Sanders raised an eyebrow. “Third date? How do you figure that?”

Kasey eyed him warily, unsure if she was being baited, or if Sanders, in his usual emotional cluelessness, genuinely believed their previous meals hadn’t been dates.

Either way, she wasn‘t letting him wiggle out of it.

She counted them off on her fingers. “Dinner at Kendra’s, Chinese the other night after our training session, and tonight, makes three.”

Sanders cocked his head to the side. “Dinner after training counts as a date? I think you might be setting the bar a little low.”

Kasey folded her arms over her chest. “Dinner always counts. Besides, there are glaciers that move faster than you do in a relationship. A gal can’t afford to leave anything out.”

He broke into a laugh, and she knew she had fallen for his bait.

“Of course it counts.” He chuckled. “Otherwise, I doubt we’d get any time together.”

The mood in the room turned silent and somber. The little time they could find for each other didn‘t say much for their relationship. At times, it felt like the relationship was doomed before it had even begun, but she wasn’t one to give up.

“It won’t always be like this, Kasey,” Sanders said, taking her hand in his. “We are so close.”

“You said that at the office this morning, but what do you mean? Close to what?”

For months, she‘d been putting other things first. Her job, the city, other people’s lives. All of it mattered, but she couldn’t help but feel it was her turn. She was tired of waiting.

“Being free,” Sanders said, resting his gloved hand atop hers. “Closer than I’ve ever been.”

“Then, how can I help?” She took a sip of her Coke. The carbonation of the bubbles rolled over her tongue before the ice-cold liquid ran down her throat. She hadn‘t realized just how parched she was.

“I need help locating something, and I have just about exhausted my options. I was hoping you could help.”

“I thought you couldn’t speak about Titania’s errand though?” she asked. “Doesn‘t the magic of your bond prevent it?”

Sanders managed a coy smile. “That’s what I thought too, but then I remembered who I’m dealing with. The Sidhe aren’t like us.”

“And what’s that supposed to mean?” Kasey asked. She wanted answers, not more questions.

“Like all Sidhe bargains, their magic rigidly adheres to the letter of our agreement, not the spirit of it. I have been testing its limits, and I believe I can share enough indirectly that you’ll be able to connect the dots. It might be a little irritating and require some patience—”

“Hardly my strong suit,” Kasey interrupted, proving her point at the same time.

“But,” Sanders continued, “I think it’s worth a shot. If we can get on the same page, I think we can find what Titania is after and win my freedom.”

Kasey set down her glass. She was dying to know what Titania wanted from Sanders, and it was more than idle curiosity. The Sidhe had taken an increased interest in her life of late and they had their claws deep into Sanders. She wanted badly to have something she might be able to use as leverage.

“Okay, so how does this work?” she asked.

“I am going to say as much of a sentence as the binding will allow me to. When I can no longer speak, it’s up to you to fill in the blanks. I suspect the binding will prevent me from acknowledging your answer, but if I move on, I‘m sure you will know you were right, or close to the truth.”

“This sounds like the world’s worst game of charades,” Kasey replied, “and I never did like charades.”

Sanders shrugged. “Well, you’ve always been trying to get me to games night. Consider this a warm up.”

Kasey ran her fingers over the carpet as she considered how she might approach this.

When she didn‘t say anything, Sanders continued. “It’s all I’ve got. I’m willing to give it a shot if you are.”

“Oh, I’m in.”

After everything Sanders had done for her, helping him was the least she could do. But more than that, she wanted him to be free of obligations so that the two of them could pursue their future freely. From what Sanders had said, his concern for Kasey‘s safety was what had forced him to keep her at arm’s length for so long. He didn’t want the Sidhe trying to use her to influence him. Now it seemed almost unavoidable that a future with Sanders had to involve severing him from the clutches of the Summer Court.

He shifted so that he was sitting opposite her.

“Then let us begin. In exchange for saving my life, I made a bargain with—” He went silent. His mouth moved, but nothing came out of it.

“The Summer Court,” Kasey concluded, finishing his sentence.

“As a result, I owe them—” His voice once more stopped abruptly.

While she knew that much, Kasey figured he was just practicing.

“You owe them a favor,” she said.

Sanders grinned. “And that favor is held by—”

“The Queen of the Summer Court,” Kasey replied, intentionally avoiding using her name. She had successfully summoned Talora by using her name. The last thing she wanted to do was draw the attention of the Sidhe Queen while they were in the very act of subverting the secrecy of her arrangement.

Sanders grinned again. They were making progress, but Kasey had already deduced everything they‘d covered so far.

“They saved my life and are indirectly responsible for—” Sanders’ voice cut off like he‘d passed through an airlock.

Kasey thought through potential answers, one of which she‘d thought about often. Sanders had never said much on the issue. Time passed differently in Faerie, and as a result he had lived longer than most humans in spite of looking like he was in his thirties.

“Prolonging your life?” Kasey ventured.

Sanders said nothing.

Which meant she had missed the mark. She considered other options. His position on the Council seemed like it held the most potential, but that would mean they played a part in his selection.

“Your position on the Arcane Council,” Kasey whispered.

Sanders smiled.

Kasey considered the implications of what he‘d just confirmed. In spite of having no presence until after he was appointed, somehow the Summer Court had managed to have Sanders maneuvered into a position that suited their ends.

“They never expected me to become the Arcane Chancellor. They simply consider that a bonus,” Sanders added.

Kasey leaned back against the lounge, reeling at the realization. She‘d always assumed that had been Titania’s end game: getting Sanders into the Chancellor’s seat so that he could use his influence to her benefit. Sanders’ revelation that it had simply been a bonus meant she had missed the mark, badly.

She thought back to where Sanders had been before Akihiro‘s demise.

When they had first met, he had been the acting director of the ADI. That had been his Council seat. That was the seat the Summer Court had intended him to occupy.

The seat Strang now sat in.

From the look on Sanders’ face, it was evident that this was at the heart of the matter.

That only served to fascinate Kasey more. Sanders had actually outgrown his intended station. Titania had not planned on Akihiro killing Ainsley and then dying during the subsequent attack on the city. Sanders had never intended to be Chancellor.

Kasey paused. In saving the city, she‘d unintentionally made life harder for Sanders. Not that she’d had any choice in the matter.

All this time, she had been operating under the assumption that Titania wanted to harness the power of the Arcane Council to further her ambitions. But if that were true, the Arcane Chancellor’s seat would have been her ultimate objective, not an unfortunate byproduct of a mad wizard.

What was it the ADI had access to that the Chancellor did not?

The ADI was the Council’s law enforcement arm.

Kasey’s mind raced as she considered the possibilities. The ADI‘s chief objective had been to prevent normals discovering the supernatural world. With that cat well and truly out of the bag, it had to be something else. The ADI had access to all sorts of arcane firepower, but surely Titania had enough of her own. Kasey found it difficult to believe there was something mortals could craft that the Sidhe could not.

“She wants you to find something,” Kasey surmised.

She looked at Sanders whose grin was growing.

“And whatever it is, it’s something the head of the ADI would have access to, but the Chancellor has no reason to access. Something in law enforcement. Perhaps a restricted location or a dangerous artifact.”

Her mind was in overdrive. “And you can’t ask Strang for help, particularly not while she is already suspicious and gunning for your job.”

Sanders nodded. “And so you see, Marion Strang is a problem for both of us, now. During my tenure as the director of the ADI, I was patiently making progress but didn’t have sufficient opportunity to complete my task between the death of Cyrus Pillar getting me into office, and Akihiro dying and getting me promoted once more.”

“So, the ADI has a secret stash house somewhere,” Kasey mused. “And its location is a closely guarded secret.”

“Worse,” Sanders muttered, his smile fading. “The location is controlled by the Arcane Congress.”

Her heart sank like a rock. The only wizards more interested in executing warlocks than Marion Strang were those in the Arcane Congress. It didn’t take Kasey more than a moment to pull everything together.

“As the director of the ADI, you would have had reason to seek out that location.” Kasey took a breath as she realized the issue. “But as the Chancellor, it looks a little suspicious when you’re asking about things outside your purview. Particularly when your predecessor went crazy and tried to destroy the city.”

Sanders nodded. The fact that Ainsley was actually Akihiro in disguise was a factor known only to a few. Most members of the Congress still believed Ainsley went insane and tried to wipe out the rest of the Council.

“Currently, the Congress view us with a great deal of skepticism. At best, we are incompetent for letting a traitor into our midst. At worst, we are openly complicit in revealing magic to the entire world. Neither fill them with the sort of confidence that would have them confide their greatest secrets to us.”

“So, you’re stuck hunting for a secret location, controlled by the most dangerous group of powerful egomaniacs in the world, who not only don’t want you to know about it, but would likely kill you for asking after it.”

Sanders sighed. “That’s about the breadth of it.”

Kasey shook her head. The situation was far worse than she‘d expected, but from the look on Sanders’ face, there was something she’d missed.

“What is it you haven’t told me?”

Sanders became far more interested in picking at the carpet than meeting Kasey‘s gaze.

“Well, that‘s a story that would take a long time to tell,” he said.

Kasey looked down at her watch and shrugged. “I’m certainly not going anywhere.”

Sanders nodded and rubbed at his tired eyes before finally meeting hers.

“It’s about a young man who was tried before the Arcane Congress as a warlock and found guilty.”

Chapter 6

“When I was young, I was fascinated by the arcane,” Sanders began.

As he spoke, he wrung his hands. There was a timidness to him Kasey was not used to seeing.

“Sometime around the turn of the fifteenth century?” Kasey asked, hoping the humor would alleviate some of his nerves.

“Quiet, you,” Sanders said with a soft smile. “It’s taken me all day to work up the nerve to tell you. If you interrupt me, I just might chicken out.”

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry,” Kasey said. “I wasn’t trying to throw you off.”

“As I was saying, I was coming into my power and stretching my horizons. I left the London College of Magic and needed so much more than they were prepared to teach me. So, I went abroad. I spent years on the road, moving from country to country, seeking out knowledge wherever I might find it. Libraries, universities, lost records, hell, even hermits. I found many who were willing to teach me, but my appetite was voracious, and I outgrew each of them in turn.

“In time, my journey brought me home to London where I discovered a group of individuals known as the collective: scholars, theologians, and gifted wizards. They met together regularly to exchange knowledge, push their limits, and grow their understanding.

“I was in heaven. Finally, I had discovered a group of people who were just like me. Or so I thought. What I couldn’t detect was the unseen hand guiding the group.”

“Hand?” Kasey asked. “What do you mean?”

Sanders exhaled, as if trying to blow away a bad memory. “Well, on the surface, they presented a polished facade of intellectual and arcane genius. And perhaps they were once that, but a lifetime of striving after greater knowledge led them beyond the bounds of the law and into the Forbidden.

“The day I was to become a member of their group, I was told to meet them at a small farm in Surrey. I figured it for some kind of retreat, but when I arrived the air was thick with dark magic. I could feel it like a tangible fog choking the very air I was breathing. Concerned that something had befallen my new friends, I made my way inside the house.”

Kasey leaned closer, not wanting to miss a single word.

“My friends were there, but they were not alone. They knelt in a circle chanting in obeisance to some creature from beyond the Veil. They had sold themselves to it in exchange for its knowledge, becoming slaves to its will. They wanted the secrets of the universe, and instead they lost their own minds. I’ll never forget the being of shadow and darkness that loomed above that circle, dark as night, with eyes that whispered madness to the soul. To see it, was to know chaos. And beneath the creature lay a woman on an altar, naked and bound, ready to be sacrificed to their new master.”

Sanders started to ramble quickly through the tale. “I discovered that what I was about to join was no conclave of knowledge, but a cabal of warlocks hiding behind the guise of academia. All I wanted was to be more than I was. But this was a price I was not willing to pay.

“I tried to leave but they turned on me. I fought for my life, but I was horrendously outnumbered and outmatched. To my great relief, drawn by the magic of the summoning, a strike team of sentinels arrived, led by the Watchman.”

“The Watchman?” Kasey asked. She’d never heard that title before.

“The Watchman is the leader of the sentinels, and the Congress’s executioner. They stormed the farm, and the warlocks found themselves beset on all sides. In the chaos, I saved the girl from being sacrificed, and put down their leader, a warlock known as Erman, to do so. I thought the sentinels were my salvation, but when they took the farm, instead of freeing me, they subdued me and took me captive.

“When I awoke, I discovered that in spite of having saved her life, the woman identified me as one of her captors and the sentinels presented me for trial as a warlock.”

“She turned on you?” Kasey shook her head in disgust.

Sanders shrugged. “Perhaps she was just confused. She had barely been conscious at the time. Or maybe the sentinels convinced her that it was true. In their eyes, I’d been at the farm, so I was a warlock too. No matter how much I protested my innocence or insisted I wasn’t involved, they would not listen.

“They dragged me before the Congress. The trial, if you can call it that, was a farce. With the other members of the conclave dead, there was no one to speak for me and only the witness to speak against. You try convincing a jury of your peers that you are innocent when a woman testifies that she was bound and naked on an altar, about to be sacrificed to some dark god.”

“You paint a pretty bleak picture,” Kasey said.

“It was the darkest day of my life,” Sanders replied. “The deliberations lasted all of an hour. They took me to a room while they plotted my fate. While I was there waiting to die, a woman appeared, as if out of thin air. She hadn’t come in through the door. The guards would have prevented it. One minute I was alone. The next she was standing over me.

“She said she knew who I was and what I’d done. She told me that she believed me, though the Congress never would. She promised to save my life if I would do something for her in return. A favor to be named later. Alone and afraid, I agreed. What did I have to lose? I was almost certain to be executed, and I was not ready to die. When I agreed, she parted the Veil and led me to safety.”

“The Sidhe,” Kasey whispered.

“Indeed,” Sanders replied. “In a heartbeat, I was out of the court and into a land of wonder the likes of which my mind could barely comprehend. They tell you about the world beyond the Veil, Kasey, but its wonders are incredible to behold.”

“I saw little but ice and snow,” Kasey said. “It was pretty bleak, so I’ll have to take your word for it.”

“It was majestic,” Sanders replied. “I soon learned that my savior was none other than Titania, the Queen of the Summer Court. She had spared my life, and so I was bound to her and she to me. It’s a strange thing to be a vassal of the Sidhe. You are a servant, and yet your monarch has obligations in return for that service. So long as my accusers remained, I could never go home. The danger was simply too great. There would be no forgiveness for me, not now that I had run.

And so, I stayed in the Courts of Summer, whiling away the years and learning all I could. Decade after decade in a place meant for the Sidhe, not mortal men. I knew I should be aging but I was unable to see even the slightest sign of it.”

“I’m sure if you could bottle it, you’d be richer than Kendra.” Kasey laughed.

“Money was a long way from my mind. The Sidhe simply have little use for it, though compound interest did do wonderful things for the funds I had squirreled away before my disappearance.”

Kasey‘s eyes bulged. Decades of compound interest could turn even a modest sum into a fortune. No wonder Sanders didn’t seem to be concerned about where his next dollar was coming from.

He continued. “It almost felt like time was standing still. The Sidhe schooled me in their culture, their customs, and their magic. We might be able to use magic, Kasey, but they are creatures of it. It is woven into their very DNA, and they wield it with an artistry that makes us look crude and clumsy by comparison. During my stay with them, I learned more than I could have studied in several lifetimes. Slowly, over time, I became the man you know today. That foolish young boy who escaped the sentinels is no more.”

“But how did you get here? To New York. To the Arcane Council. How did you end up working for the very sort of people who had almost killed you? Surely you wanted to be as far away from them as possible?”

“I had no control over that. It was the price of my life being spared. One day, Titania came to me and told me it was time for me to take my place. Little did I know that place was an entry-level job at the ADI. I hadn’t wanted a career in law enforcement, but with Titania’s assistance and intervention, I rose swiftly through the ranks. When Akihiro engineered the assassination of my predecessor, Cyrus Pillar, everything Titania had been waiting for came to fruition. I was promoted to director and finally in a position to gather the information she had been seeking.

“I could not have known that I would so swiftly be elevated to Chancellor. Few things take the Queen of Summer by surprise, but that did. At first, we thought it might help our cause, but it seems there is some knowledge reserved simply for the ADI and their compatriots at the Arcane Congress. My time as head of the ADI was shorter than we both anticipated and the opportunity I’d hoped for never eventuated.

“As a result, I have been trying other ways to obtain the information. Neither I, nor Titania, expected my stint at the Arcane Council to succeed beyond our wildest imaginations. But here we are.”

“Yes, here we are,” Kasey replied. “We need to get information from someone who is trying to have me executed for being a warlock, who may or may not have a relationship with a body of people who has already tried to kill you once. The grave peril of our predicament isn’t lost on me.”

“Well, at least you know the truth, Kasey,” Sanders replied. “You know more about me than I’ve ever shared with anyone else. I’ve never trusted anyone with what I’ve just told you.”

He took a breath, looking down at Kasey’s hand in his.

“You don’t have to worry, Noah,” she whispered. “I’ll never tell another soul.”

“I know that,” he replied. “It’s just… I didn’t want you to think less of me. For what I’ve done.”

“Falling into bad company in your youth? Oh, come on. We‘ve all been there.”

“Oh, you ended up at a party that tried to sacrifice a virgin too?” Sanders asked with a laugh.

“No, but this one time at college, I drank far too much at a party and ended up blowing up one of my professor’s mailboxes. Now that I look back on it, it‘s a miracle I didn’t end up on the Council’s radar sooner.”

“I don’t know that they are the same thing, Kasey.”

“I don’t care where you’ve been,” she replied. “And I’m never going to think less of you for it. I’ve seen the real you, and you’re one of the most courageous people I’ve ever met.”

As she spoke, she inched closer and closer to him. He looked up, her hand clasped in his. His lips parted as he moved in.

A jolt of excitement ran down her spine as she leaned into the kiss.

Just before her lips found his, there was a knock at the door.

Not the door of the apartment. The knock seemed to emanate from the door leading to the balcony outside. The balcony several stories above New York City, the one you‘d need to be either Spider-man or have the gift of flight to access.

Kasey groaned as Sanders pulled away, his attention drawn by the sudden and untimely interruption.

“Are you expecting someone?” he whispered.

Kasey felt him draw on his power. He held it ready in case the visitor proved to be hostile.

“No, and certainly not at that door,” Kasey replied. “I’m pretty sure it came from the balcony.”

“Seven stories up?” Sanders replied. “Do you have many guests that can fly?”

“None at all,” she said. “Cover me. I’ll see who it is.”

She made her way to the door, inwardly cursing the poorly timed interruption. She’d been so close, she could practically feel the taste of his lips against hers. Whoever this was they were going to get an earful.

In her haste to dispense with the distraction, she didn’t even bother to check the curtain. She simply yanked open the door.

“What the—”

Her words died in her mouth as the dimly lit apartment was flooded with light. In the midst of it, she could scarcely make out a figure, but the sheer luminosity obscured any detail.

Kasey tried in vain to block the light with her hand. She drew on her power, as she tried to decide between a shield and something a little more offensive. In light of their timing, she was erring on the side of wholesale destruction.

“Don’t,” Sanders said as he scrambled around the couch.

“Aren’t you going to invite me in?” a melodious voice inquired. It felt familiar but caught like a deer in the headlights, Kasey was having trouble placing it. “You called for me, and I have come. Is it a bad time?”

It was a question, but the tone was all wrong. There was an element of sarcasm that lent it an air of mock concern.

“Well, as a matter of fact, it is,” Kasey replied, gathering as much power as she could to combat the presence. “Why don’t you come in so I can—”

“Don’t mind if I do.” The being strode past her into the apartment. As she did, Kasey was overwhelmed by a crushing force of will that bore down on her like lead weights. The sheer scope of power forced her to her hands and knees as she struggled to hold herself up.

The light gradually faded but Kasey didn’t need to see the woman’s face to know who she was. She had felt this level of power only once before, outside Sanders’ office when she had been eavesdropping.

The radiant being before her was Titania, Queen of the Summer Court.

Her auburn hair was braided with flowers that had been in full bloom but were beginning to wilt under the wintry chill. She wore a dress spun from golden silk and set with priceless gems.

“Titania,” Kasey gasped as the breath was crushed from her lungs. One word was all she could manage.

“Please, dear, do get up. It means so much less to kneel when you are no longer able to stand.”

Kasey felt the crushing weight of will ease, and she struggled to her feet.

“What are you doing here?” she asked between gasps as she regained her breath.

“In New York City?” Titania asked. “It is quite lovely in the spring, dear. I do like to visit, particularly my park.”

Her park? Did she mean Central Park?

“I mean in my apartment,” Kasey replied, “though I suspect you know that.”

“You sent word with Talora, did you not? I’m here to make a bargain.”

“Bargain?” Sanders asked. “Kasey, what have you done?”

“Ah, the Summer Ray. It’s good to see you as always. Distracted as ever, I see.”

Summer Ray, what did she mean by that?

Sanders looked down, seemingly not willing or able to meet her gaze. “Everybody’s got to eat.”

“Indeed, they do, but it seems like you were done when I arrived,” Titania replied, “so off with you. You have work to do, and Kasey and I have urgent matters to discuss.”

“Wait, you can’t just kick him out. It’s my apartment,” Kasey said.

“He is of my Court, dear. He does as I command, your apartment notwithstanding. Now he can leave via the front door or the way I came in. Which will it be?”

Titania raised her hands in a graceful yet threatening flourish.

“I’m going,” Sanders said. “I’m sorry, Kasey. It’s best I do as she wishes.”

He headed for the door, shaking his head and grumbling as he went.

So much for our evening.

Kasey turned to face the Queen of Summer. “I know you wanted to talk but did you have to destroy my date? I‘ve been waiting weeks for this.”

Titania looked about the apartment, wrinkling her nose at the two boxes of pizza that were half eaten on the floor, and a bottle of Coke that was likely flat.

“Oh, my poor child. You need to demand more of men, or they are going to continue to disappoint you. Besides, I‘ve been waiting decades for this. Your date is going to have to wait.”

“My date was going perfectly fine until you interrupted. Why are you here?”

“I have already answered that question,” Titania replied. “You sought answers from Talora. Answers she could not give you. I, however, can speak freely of my affairs. So, let us speak.”

The Queen of Summer looked at the couch covered in blood, wrinkled her nose in disdain, and waved a hand. Out of Kasey’s carpet, a tangle of roots sprang up. Before her very eyes, they bloomed, grew, and melded until they formed themselves into a bramble thicket that shaped itself into a wooden throne alive with the magic of spring. Flowers burst into bloom along the raised back of the elegant seat.

The queen admired her handiwork before taking a seat.

“How in the hell did you do that?” Kasey replied.

“It’s a perk of the job,” Titania replied. “One of many. Let us speak. My time is precious, and I have much to attend to.”

“On that note,” Kasey said, “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but you may have wasted a trip. I believe I already know what you want from Sanders.”

“You have the answers? How?” The queen’s deep golden eyes seemed to see straight through Kasey. Her lips slowly creased up into a smile. “You are a devilishly clever girl, aren’t you?”

“And your vassal is smarter than you give him credit for,” Kasey answered with a shrug.

“Oh, I dare say he‘s exactly as clever as I’ve always believed him to be,” the queen replied. “That’s why I spared him in the first place. But he is also headstrong and at times he needs to be reminded of his place.”

“That’s why you picked now. You knew he was here,” Kasey said. Queen Titania certainly hadn’t been surprised to see him here. “Are you watching my apartment?”

Titania cocked her head to the side. “And what if I was?”

Kasey shrugged. “Look, I‘m going to level with you. You’re probably not the only one. Just be discreet about it. I don’t want to give the Council any other reasons to think I might have been compromised.”

“The Council doesn’t concern me. Your attitude, on the other hand, bothers me immensely.”

Kasey opened her mouth to speak, then reminded herself she was speaking to a veritable force of nature. “Sorry. Look, I’m tired, frustrated, and my night hasn’t nearly turned out the way I was hoping.”

“I’m sorry to be such a disappointment,” Titania replied, “but in answer to your question, no, I’m not watching your apartment. I am merely aware of where my influence resides. The Summer Ray bears my gift, so a part of my influence is with him, wherever he might be.”

“The Summer Ray?” Kasey asked. “Sanders?”

“It is both his title and his gift,” Titania replied. “As long as he has my favor, and I will it to be so.”

The scope of Sanders’ power came into focus. Whenever he went supernova, as Kasey had come to think of the dizzying explosion of light and heat, he shone like the sun.

Like Titania had when she‘d opened the door.

“As I said, I know where he is at all times. What‘s more, I need him focused, Kasey. Much rides on this errand.”

“Well, I’m not trying to get in the way,” Kasey said. “I know what you did for Sanders, and how you drew him into your service. I know you want me in your camp too. Talora has said as much, but I’ve already dealt a blow for you at the Falls, which as far as I can see, did more for strengthening your position than most have done for you in a long time.”

“And you were justly rewarded for your labors,” Titania replied. “You’ve been restored to your birthright and your gifts have been magnified considerably. I sense it even now, your bond with the Earth Spirit. You already have a master. What do want you with me?”

“The earth goddess and I are just getting acquainted,” Kasey said. “You could say she’s yet to brief me, but I’m not looking for a master. I simply want Sanders to be free.”

“Free to pursue a relationship with you? Or free from his responsibilities at Court?” Titania asked.

“Both, if that’s what he chooses,” Kasey replied.

Titania studied the back of her nails as she held up her hand. “You bargain for that which is already promised. The day he delivers on our agreement, he is free to do as he pleases. He will have returned to me that which I value most. I still feel the loss every minute of every day. The pain is excruciating.”

“I have an idea.” Kasey folded her arms.

“No,” Titania replied, “you don’t. You couldn’t possibly.”

“Maybe not your pain,” Kasey said, “but I have plenty of my own, and I think we can help each other.”

Titania met her eyes. “I’m listening.”

“Something nasty is crawling the streets of New York City. Normally, I’d take its head off, but I suspect based on its diet, that it is large and dangerous enough to serve another option. Should I succeed in incapacitating it, well, the Council doesn’t have the requisite facilities to keep such a creature. The Congress, on the other hand… They prefer to hold creatures of power. Perhaps it might even be held at the location Sanders has been searching for on your behalf.”

“Clever girl,” Titania replied. “That could work, if your prey is dangerous enough. The Congress can’t help but hoard power. It’s in their nature. How do you intend to track them though? They will have ample safeguards in place to deter efforts to track or scry.”

“Oh, I’ve got friends in both high and low places,” Kasey said, her mind turning from Hades to Kendra. “I ought to be able to get something suitable, but the struggle might be in subduing rather than killing such a creature. I’m not used to wrestling wills with something that is trying to tear my head off.”

While the world might think she‘d bested Rhain, Kasey knew the truth. Carys had fought that battle while she’d been otherwise occupied making havoc with Rhain and his ritual.

“All you need is greater focus, Kasey.” Titania pinched together her fingers as if she were gripping something.

Kasey felt the wave of power emanating from the monarch as a tangle of slender brown branches materialized in the air before her fingertips. Like the throne, they seemed to grow at her command, twisting into a slender wand. She extended it to Kasey.

As Kasey took the strange wand, a thorn pricked her thumb, drawing blood.

“Ow,” she replied, holding her thumb closer to see the damage.

“Pain is an excellent way of focusing the mind. The wand will help you make up the difference with the creature, should you find it.”

Kasey remembered the danger of accepting such a gift from the Sidhe.

“I’m not sure,” she said. “I’d love to help. I certainly want Sanders to be free, but a bargain with the Sidhe is exactly how he got himself into this mess.”

“It‘s also how his life was spared,” Titania said. “In time, you might want the same favor.”

“Sure, but let‘s say I know the difference between what you say and what you mean. I say I want him freed from his obligations. But I also want him alive to be able to pursue a future of his choice. I know how these things work. Even in death, he’d be released from his obligations. I’m telling you I want more than that.”

“It is difficult for me to protect him from himself,” Titania replied. “I am confident he would walk into oncoming traffic if he thought it would spare you from misfortune. I can’t protect him from that, or from the inherent dangers of what he is attempting. You should know that I harbor you no ill will. What’s more, I dare say we could do great things together.”

“Perhaps,” Kasey replied, not wanting to sound too eager. “I’d like to help, and I’d certainly like to believe that all this is possible, but right now I have too much going on. My own Council is trying to execute me for being a warlock. I mean, if that went away, then I’m sure I’d be free to pursue this for you.”

She held out the wand as if to return it.

Titania reached for the wand, but instead of taking it, she clasped her slender fingers around Kasey’s hand. A tingle of power shot up through Kasey‘s arm and into her chest.

“Then the bargain is struck,” Titania replied. “It is well.”

“Wait, wait, what are you talking about?” Kasey protested as the Queen of Summer rose from her throne.

She waved her hand and as quickly as the bramble throne had formed, it retreated into the carpet and vanished.

She turned to Kasey. “Good luck, child. Remember a contest of wills is in the mind. Physical strength means little. The creature can only hurt you if you let it in.”

“I don’t understand,” Kasey said, still gripping the queen’s thorny gift.

“Oh, but you will.”

The Queen of Summer drew her hand down like the conductor of an orchestra and with less effort than Kasey expended to scratch her nose, the Veil parted before her, right in the middle of Kasey’s living room. Through the Veil, the sights and sounds of a lush forest filled her apartment. Birds chirped in the trees beyond as a kaleidoscope of butterflies flitted through the portal, surrounding Titania until they all disappeared in a flash of golden light.

“Wait,” Kasey shouted after her.

But the Veil closed, and the Queen of Summer was gone.

Chapter 7

In the morning, Kasey returned to the alley, hoping it might yield some additional insights into whatever was stalking the streets of the city. She wasn’t just trying to take the beast down anymore; she was trying to capture it.

That was a whole different ball game, one that she was feeling a little uncomfortable about, the more she thought about it. It would require a finesse that could prove challenging, particularly when said beastie was trying to rip off her head.

She glanced down at her watch and sighed.

“I’m not that late, am I?” a deep bass voice called.

Kasey spun to find Cal Strode lumbering toward her. The bulky form of one of Manhattan’s alpha werewolves reminded Kasey of a glacier being carved off an ice shelf: ponderous, but inexorable in its motion.

“Not at all,” Kasey replied. “Sorry, I’m just a little impatient. There’s a bit going on.”

“Nothing unusual there.” Cal folded his arms. “Why have you dragged me into town? Have we got a new case? Normally, I’d expect you to sleep like the dead on the weekend.”

“And you’d be at home with your family, not slumming downtown,” Kasey replied. “But duty calls. I’ll try not to keep you too long. Bishop turned up this crime scene yesterday. I just wanted another set of eyes on this one.”

Cal didn’t spend a lot of time downtown. It seemed something about the crowds made him uneasy. She suspected it was a general distrust of normals as werewolves lived on the fringe of society.

Cal raised an eyebrow. “I thought that was more your expertise than mine.”

“Yeah, but a second opinion never hurt anyone,” she replied, beckoning him into the alley. “How are Maria and Faith doing?”

Cal smiled. “Maria is well and Faith, the little fur ball, is adorable. Watching her fumble around the apartment during the full moon is something else…”

His voice trailed off as his countenance turned hard.

“What’s wrong, Cal?” Kasey placed a hand on his shoulder.

“We’ve just had so many losses lately. First, the fire and then the Feudal Court. My pack is hurting. We’ve lost many friends and family. There has been much to lament, but seeing new young join the pack, it’s brought us a ray of light where darkness has prevailed.”

It was easy with everything going on to forget just how high a price others had paid in the war with the Feudal Court. The Council might be putting her on trial, but Cal and his kind had already lost badly the night the Feudal Court massacred them in their sleep. Two other packs had been entirely destroyed. The once-burgeoning werewolf population of New York City had been decimated, and the apex predators were becoming an endangered species.

She didn’t know how to handle the situation, though she certainly knew what it felt like to be an outcast. “Is there anything I can do to help? I’m sorry I didn’t come by after the Garden. I’ve been dealing with my own troubles. Sorry to leave you hanging.”

Cal brushed it off. “You’ve had your own fight. I know you care. Few people have gone out on a limb for us like you have.”

Kasey grimaced. She knew she ought to tell Cal about the Council’s proceedings against her, but his distrust of them was already deep-seated. She didn’t want to stoke the fire and encourage any further friction between them. She was holding out hope the trial would pass by without bearing any fruit.

They reached the crime scene at the end of the alley. As she‘d expected, the bones were gone, but the dark stain on the concrete was impossible to miss.

“This is quite the mess,” Cal muttered as he studied the alley. “I take it this is where the body was found?”

Kasey nodded. “Not that there was much of a body left. Just a handful of bones and a puddle of blood. The bones looked like they had the flesh gnawed right off them.”

Cal turned, his eyes and nose flaring. “You don’t think…”

Kasey put a hand on his shoulder to reassure him. “No, Cal, I don’t think it was one of your kind. That’s not why you’re here.”

His shoulders relaxed a little, but he remained on guard. Even Bishop’s first impression had been one of suspicion that his kind might have been the culprit. It was easy to see why he was on edge.

“It might be the full moon, but correct me if I’m wrong—werewolves don’t consume their prey. Not bones and all, surely.”

Cal studied the alley. “No, we don‘t. I’ve never seen anything like this, even in a frenzy. I just don’t see it. Besides, with our numbers diminished as they are, any of our kind are more likely to turn a victim than kill them. Hunger can be sated in many ways, but isolation and waning numbers in the pack puts us all at risk.”

“You’re not wrong,” she said, “but remember the Council will take a dim view of werewolves biting others simply to swell their ranks.”

“I know that,” Cal replied, “and I’d expect better of my pack. But I can’t speak for the fragments of the others. Doubtless there were survivors from the night of silver knives.”

The night the Feudal Court came for them. Since werewolves could sate their appetites without preying on humans, they had been protected by the Arcane Covenant, whereas vampires, with no such alternative or control, were relegated to the dark places of the world. That distinction made the two species natural enemies.

“What could do something like this?” Kasey asked. “We know it isn‘t likely to have been a werewolf, and even less likely to have been a vampire. They would have simply fed and moved on, and they certainly wouldn’t have wasted all this blood. What sort of appetite could have done this?”

Cal bent over the puddle and sniffed. In his human form, his sense of smell wasn‘t as heightened as it might be in his were form, but it still was better than Kasey’s on her best day.

“There is definitely something here,” Cal said. “There’s a lingering presence.”

“I sensed it too,” Kasey replied. “It felt familiar, but I couldn’t place it.”

“I’ve never smelt anything like it.” Cal ran his finger along the edge of the dried blood and lifted it to his nose. “Definitely not vampires, but there is something there. Cold, dark.”

“It feels… wrong.” The hairs on the back of her neck pricked. It was like there was a lingering trace of suffering permeating the alleyway.

“Evil,” Cal concluded. “There is a malice here that is difficult to ignore. What are we going to do about it?”

“We need to find it before it kills again,” she said, not quite ready to tell him of her intentions to incapacitate rather than kill the beast. That would lead to questions she wasn‘t ready to answer.

“Any idea where to begin?” Cal asked, resting his hands on his hips. It was a gesture that only served to make him seem broader.

Kasey cocked her head to the side and smiled. “That’s why you’re here. In our task force of two, your tracking skills are a lot better than mine. I’m an elementalist, not a diviner. I’ve never had much of a knack for that kind of thaumaturgy.”

“And yet you trust my nose with the task,” Cal said with an air of pride about him.

“It’s never led me wrong before. What do you say? Care to help me hunt around a little? We’ll kick over a few stones, see what turns up.”

“What makes you think it’s still in the area?”

“I‘ve had Bishop send over the calls from their supernatural hotline. Most of them just seemed like nonsense. You know, UFO sightings, alien abductions, the lady in the apartment upstairs is a witch. The usual sort, but there have been a few sightings of Bigfoot lurking in downtown Manhattan. Those stood out to me.”

“Bigfoot doesn’t eat people,” Cal said, “and his kind don’t come down to the city. There’s a reason people make a sport of tracking him. He makes it difficult. He doesn’t lurk in concrete jungles.”

“I know that,” Kasey replied. “I have read as much in the archives. But still it got me thinking. If several people have spotted a large creature loitering in the neighborhood, perhaps whatever did this is still lingering somewhere in the area.”

“Well, it’s as good a starting point as any,” Cal said. “All right, let’s walk a few blocks, see if we can’t pick up its trail.”

They made their way back to the entrance of the alley. Cal paused, sniffed, and turned right.

Kasey fell in beside him. It was much easier to keep pace with him in his human form with his shorter legs. If he were on all fours, she wouldn‘t have stood a chance. Cal moved like the wind.

As they waited at the crosswalk, Cal turned to her. “You have said little of the Council.”

“I didn’t think you’d be interested in their bureaucracy, Cal,” Kasey said, perhaps more evasively than she’d intended.

He cocked his head and fixed her with a stare. “You thought that their latest misgivings might further drive a wedge between us and them?”

Kasey paused. Had someone told Cal what was going on? Sanders may have warned him to keep his head down while Strang was on the warpath.

“I figured you had more than enough on your plate,” Kasey replied. “I didn’t want to burden you.”

When they crossed the street, Cal turned left, heading south.

“What makes you think something is amiss?” Kasey ventured.

“I saw what happened at the Garden,” Cal said. “I just wasn’t sure who else did. Your response confirms my suspicions.”

“A lot of people saw it.” Kasey shrugged. “There were thousands of people there.”

“Yes, but how many of them saw what happened within the circle?”

Kasey’s stomach did a flip. What had he seen?

“The others were busy saving their own asses,” Cal said. “But I saw you on your knees, wrestling with that creature. I was fighting my way to you when he appeared.”

He? Just how much had Cal seen? In the chaos of the attack, she had hoped Carys’ presence would go unnoticed. The look in Cal‘s eye told her she was wrong.

“I saw the specter appear, right before everything ended. Who was it?”

Her heart beat faster and faster. The secret of Carys’ existence was one she had not revealed to anyone. That Cal with his heightened senses had seen through the shield and pool of blood was something she had not anticipated.

“I can hear your heart, Kasey,” Cal said. “You have nothing to fear from me. I will always keep your secrets.”

“This is the sort of secret that has the capacity to turn people against me,” she replied. “There are things in my family history that the world would not look too kindly upon.

“Oh, really?” He laughed. “Tell me more about what it feels like to have the world hate you for your lineage.”

She had to smile. “I guess you’re right there.”

“Kasey, you killed them,” he replied. “The Feudal Court. The murderers who broke into our home and killed our children. You helped us gain justice for the slain. From now until forever, you are a part of our family. And the pack never turns on its own. If you don’t want to tell me, that’s fine. I just figured it might have something to do with what you are holding back about the Council.”

Kasey couldn’t help but appreciate the irony of that statement. If the Council knew of Carys and the part he had played, they might actually have legitimate grounds for concern. Instead, it was just Strang fearmongering for her own ambitions.

Then there was Cal who had witnessed the ghost meld with her and was willing to sweep it under the rug like nothing had happened.

“It was the spirit of my ancestor,” Kasey said slowly. “I called on his aid to put a stop to the ritual before Rhain could carry it out. No one understands ritual magic like he does.”

Cal nodded. “It is good to know one’s forebears. There is wisdom in turning to them to guide us past our own shortcomings.”

“The Council has no idea,” Kasey replied, “and as far as I can tell, you’re the only one who saw him.”

Cal scratched behind his ear. “Then what are they so upset about?”

“The usual,” Kasey replied. “My actions at Madison Square Garden have given them concern. I suspect it’s really a ploy for my accuser to take a run at Sanders’ job. You know how humans get when it comes to power.”

“Treacherous,” Cal replied. “Why do you think we resort to combat? One doesn’t need to stab you in the back when he can tear out your throat with the pack’s blessing.”

Kasey laughed. “There is a simplicity to that, that makes a lot of sense.”

Cal put an arm across her path to stop her.

“What is it?” she whispered.

“There’s something here,” he said, voice quiet.

Pedestrians breezed past them on the sidewalk as Cal studied the street. He made his way down First Avenue until he was standing in front of a funeral parlor. Its front portico stretched over the sidewalk to the curb. The place was quiet, no funeral in session. A little unusual given the backlog of funerals following the Feudal Court’s rampage.

“Shall we take a look inside?” Cal asked.

She drew on her power, just in case. “Follow my lead.”

He cracked his neck. “I should have brought another change of clothes.”

Transforming into his wereform had a detrimental effect on anything he was wearing at the time. Getting home in whatever remained was bound to be a problem. Hopefully it wouldn‘t come to that.

Kasey pushed open the door. It was unlocked and the foyer was empty.

“Hello?” Kasey called as she extended her senses, scanning the building.

There was something here. A faint whiff of power lingered in the air. Most people would put that down to the inherent creepiness of the mortuary, but Kasey had seen enough death and bodies to be somewhat immune to that. There was a difference; she could feel it.

The double doors behind the reception desk parted and a skinny man in an ill-fitting suit emerged from a back room.

His complexion was a little pale, as if he didn’t spend a good deal of time outdoors.

“What can I do for you?” he called out, his dark brown eyes settling on Kasey.

There was recognition in them, though she couldn‘t recall ever meeting him.

“Wait, you’re Kasey Chase.” He pointed a finger at her, his jaw dropping open.

From beside her, Cal leaned in closer. “Kasey, his mouth.”

She narrowed her eyes on the man’s open mouth, finally spotting what Cal had noticed immediately: the slender pointed canines protruding slightly past his other teeth.

“Vampire,” Cal said with a growl before he charged headlong at the reception desk.

Chapter 8

The vampire was less than twenty feet from her. In her experience, one of their kind could cover that distance and slit your throat in a matter of seconds.

Cal didn’t even bother shifting. He barreled forward, mounting the reception desk like a rampaging gorilla as Kasey tried in vain to get a bead on the threat with her magic. Unfortunately, Cal blocked her shot, and she didn’t dare risk firing into the fray. Cal crash-tackled the wiry vampire into the wall. Plasterboard cracked as the pair struck hard and tumbled to the floor.

Kasey ducked to the right as they disappeared behind the reception desk. She was hoping to get a better shot and narrowed her focus to a fine lance of power. Narrow enough it could punch through a nickel but strong enough to carve through steel if need be. A shot through the heart would be enough to put the creature down for good, but Cal was always in the way. Cal grabbed the man by the suit and slammed him into the carpet, a move that would have concussed a normal human.

The vampire shook it off, his voice turning into a high-pitched shriek. “What are you doing?”

Fear. That was a new look on a vampire, but given Cal was in his face it was understandable.

As she searched for a clean shot, she realized the vampire wasn’t fighting back.

In his human form, Cal was strong, but the vampire should have had the edge over him in both speed and strength. But the vampire simply lay, wailing as Cal ground him into the carpet.

“Cal, wait,” Kasey shouted.

He didn‘t seem to hear her. His focus was on the vampire. The creatures who had killed his family and massacred his pack.

Cal’s big meaty hands closed around the vampire’s throat and the wailing ceased as the last gasp of air escaped his lips.

“Cal, don’t!”

The creature’s eyes weren’t the orbs of inky blackness she’d grown accustomed to.

“They all deserve to die,” Cal growled in unbridled rage.

“He doesn’t!” Kasey rushed toward Cal.

When he didn’t move, she dropped her shoulder and slammed into him. It was like shoulder-charging a brick wall. Her shoulder screamed in protest as she knocked Cal off the vampire. She tumbled with him until they were lying on the floor.

Kasey hoped she wasn’t wrong.

“What are you doing?” Cal replied. “Are you crazy? He could kill us both.”

She was glad Cal hadn’t shifted. She doubted she would have been able to get through to him.

Pointing at the vampire still cowering on the floor, Kasey said, “Can’t you see he’s not fighting back?”

“All the better reason to put him down,” Cal replied. “Before he gets peckish.”

“He is a victim of the Feudal Court’s aggressions, not the author of them. Look at his eyes. They’re still human.”

Kasey kept track of the wiry vampire in the suit as she struggled free of Cal. The vampire’s hands were on his own neck as he tried to regain his breath.

“He’s a monster,” Cal replied. “Or soon will be when he feeds.”

“He didn‘t touch you, did he?” Kasey countered. Trying to reason with Cal was like trying to argue with a hurricane.

“That doesn’t mean he never will,” Cal replied. “He’s a monster. It’s his nature.”

“It isn‘t my fault,” the vampire said between gasps, his voice still strained. “I didn’t ask for this.”

Kasey drew nearer but didn’t let down her guard. The Feudal Court had proved their cunning many times. If the vampire made a move, she would cut him down where he lay.

“His kind aren’t protected under the Covenant, you know that,” Cal said, “and sooner or later, he will feel the hunger and feed. Others will die to sate his hunger.”

“I don’t know what the Covenant is,” the man said, raising his hand. It trembled violently. “All I know is I didn’t ask for any of this. I was simply at the game when those creatures attacked. One of them bit me and as it was feeding on me, somebody killed it. I ran but it was too late. It was already in my blood.”

His eyes met Kasey. “I know who you are. I thought you could help.”

Kasey paused, unsure what to do. Every vampire she had ever met had tried to kill her. Now she was standing over a true victim of the Feudal Court, one who had been turned, not because he wanted power and immortality, but simply because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

In her eyes, he wasn’t a monster ready to feed on the lifeblood of the innocent. He was the innocent, and he’d been let down. Her actions might have saved many but lying before her on the floor of the funeral parlor was the inescapable proof that she had failed others.

Cal lumbered over to stand at her side. “Put him down. It will be a mercy.”

The vampire nodded feebly. “That is probably best. I don’t want my family to see me like this.”

That stopped Cal in his tracks. “Family?”

“I have a wife and two daughters,” the vampire replied. “I haven’t seen them in a week. I’m too afraid to go home. They probably think I’m dead. Maybe it’s best that way.”

He looked at Kasey. “I saw you, and I hoped that maybe there was something you could do. But if even the hero of New York sees me as a monster, what hope is there?”

Kasey felt his words like a punch in the guts. Desperation filled his eyes.

“Look, I don’t know how to fix this, or even if it can be fixed,” she said. “I don‘t even know where to start.”

The vampire’s face fell. He seemed genuine enough, but there was still the niggling voice of doubt in her mind. Marius had seemed normal too, at least while the TV cameras had been rolling, then he’d dropped the glamour and tried to kill her.

She raised her hand and the man cringed, covering his face with both arms.

“I’m not going to hurt you, but I do want to know if you’re telling the truth.” Moving her hand before her, she whispered, “Revelare.”

A gentle wave of power rolled over the vampire. Her spell would strip away deception and leave only the naked truth. She feared he might simply be trying to con her into lowering her guard, but the magic washed over him and he remained exactly as he was.

“That changes nothing,” Cal replied. “You know what he is. Whether he wants to or not, one day he must feed. It is a tragedy, but it is the truth.”

“I’m sure there are people who would look at you and say the same,” Kasey said quietly. “But I know better. And now I have people looking at me who think the same. We can’t sit here and pass both judgment and execution on this man for what we fear he might become. We’re better than that.”

“The Council,” Cal protested.

“We have to be better than that,” Kasey replied. “You and I, we save people, and he’s one of us. Unless he proves otherwise.”

Cal leaned down over the man, his hands resting on his knees. “The day you take another’s life, I’ll be back to finish what I started.”

He turned and stormed out of the funeral parlor.

Kasey let him go. She knew the pain he was in. The fact that he hadn’t simply torn the vampire‘s head off or crushed the life out of him with his bare hands told her that he had heard her, but doubtless it was going to take him time to come to grips with her decision.

In the aftermath of the Feudal Court‘s aggression, Kasey had considered many problems she might face. The notion that there might be victims in the city, trapped along the path of transformation between humanity and life as a vampire, hadn’t occurred to her.

She looked down at the man resting on the carpet and let out a sigh. “I guess there’s a first time for everything.”

She helped him to his feet.

The man rubbed his neck and looked at the door. “Thank you. I thought he was going to kill me.”

Kasey pulled over a chair for him to sit down. “The vampires wiped out many of his family. Make no mistake, if you become like them, he will have no problem carrying out his promise. Know that you saw him in his most docile form.”

“Most docile?” the man asked, his big brown eyes bulging.

She grabbed another chair and sat down in front of him, hoping to appear less intimidating. She had things to do, but she couldn‘t just walk out and leave a vampire sitting in downtown Manhattan. She had questions.

“He’s a werewolf, one of the largest I’ve ever seen.”

The man grimaced visibly. “That explains why he hates me so much, or rather hates them.”

“What’s your name?” Kasey asked, doing her best to make it not sound like an interrogation. He might be a vampire, but he was also a victim.

“Steve, uh, Stephen Sellers,” the man stammered.

“Nice to meet you, Stephen Sellers,” Kasey replied. “I’m Kasey Chase.”

“I know who you are. Everyone knows who you are.”

Kasey nodded, feeling a little foolish. “Force of habit, I guess.”

“What do you want from me?” Stephen asked. “And how did you know I was here?”

“Well, to be honest,” Kasey said, “we weren’t actually looking for you. We were searching for something else when my friend picked up your scent.”

“He can smell me?” Stephen folded his arms. “That’s going to make things more difficult.”

“Kind of hard to hide from a werewolf,” Kasey replied. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but the undead have a particular scent about them.”

“Yeah, I know. It’s one of the reasons I bought this place. I figured it would give me a natural camouflage, you know.”

Kasey looked around at the funeral parlor. “Wait, you bought this since the attack last week?”

Stephen nodded. “Its previous owner was struggling, so I made him a cash offer. He settled on Tuesday, and I’m just getting things sorted out.”

It was really quite clever. Timid as he might be, he had a sharp mind and moved quickly.

“So, you’re not a mortician?” Kasey asked.

Sellers laughed. “I’m a software engineer. At least, I was. I worked for the government for almost twenty years, but there is no way I could go back there. People will notice.”

“You never know,” Kasey replied. “A lot of folks believe what they want to believe.”

“I worked at the NSA,” Stephen said. “They’re known for their observational skills. Call it a requirement of the profession.”

Kasey‘s opinion of Stephen was changing by the moment. In spite of the fact his life had been turned on its head, he’d adapted in a matter of days.

“Let me guess,” Kasey began, “you picked a funeral home so that you could take care of your other needs also.”

Stephen looked down at his lap.

“Look, I’m not here to hurt you,” Kasey replied, “and I’m sorry for how we met. But I need to understand what you’re doing here. If you can convince me that you’re not a threat to others, I’ll not only leave you be, but I’ll do anything I can to help you.”

“Let’s just say you wouldn’t want to drink from any of the juice boxes in the fridge, that’s for sure.”

“It’s smart,” Kasey said. With a never-ending stream of bodies passing through the morgue, he’d have all the blood he could ever need. As long as business was good, he’d be well fed.

Stephen looked her in the eye. “I never wanted any of this. But the hunger, I can feel it. After the transformation, it didn’t take me long to work out what was happening. I did my research. There are places on the dark web where others like me congregate. I learned what vampires need, why they feed. But I’m not a parasite. I would never do that to other people.

“That’s why I bought the funeral home. I have a steady supply from donors who will never miss it and by offering heavily discounted rates, I ensure that my customers are happy, and that I never run out. I have fifteen funerals booked next week.”

Kasey shook her head. “Fifteen?”

“The city is hurting,” Stephen replied. “A lot of people lost someone they cared for, and I don’t seem to be having any trouble working nights, so I figured I’d book as many as I could and do the best that I can.”

Fifteen funerals was a lot, and this was just one funeral home. In the aftermath of the attack, the heartbreak was only just beginning. How many people out there were like Stephen? How many others had lost family members, either during the attack or in the weeks leading up to it?

“How do you plan to pass yourself off as a mortician?” Kasey asked.

Stephen smiled; this time it was genuine. “I’m a quick learner. Always have been. I’ve been taking some online classes. I know it’s not ideal but it’s the best I can do.”

“Where did you get the cash to buy a funeral home?” Kasey asked, looking around at the well-furnished building. In downtown Manhattan, it had to be worth a fortune.

“I bought the business but not the premises,” Stephen replied, tapping away on his legs like they were a keyboard. “So, I’ve still got to make rent, but the previous owner is happy to continue renting the place to me, as long as he doesn’t have to attend to anything. He is quite old and was looking to retire. Now he has the best of both worlds.”

Kasey had to admire his knack for making things work. Even with his life falling apart, he‘d managed to adapt and land on his feet like a cat. It was something she wished she was better at.

“Can I ask you a question?” Stephen asked, leaning forward.

Kasey backed away, then caught herself. “Sure, what do you want to know?”

“How is it that every time there are crazy events in the city, you seem to be at the heart of them?”

Kasey laughed.

“It’s just one of my talents, I guess. The first one happened by accident.” She had no desire to tell him about her prescience. “After that, the Arcane Council gave me a job. Now it’s what I do. When the supernatural shows up, I try to make sure normal folks don’t get hurt by it.”

“Arcane Council?” he asked, his expression a little puzzled. “Your friend mentioned the Council. Who are they?”

Clearly, Stephen had been a normal before he’d been dragged unceremoniously into the supernatural world.

“They are the governing body for supernatural affairs here in the city,” Kasey replied. “After I dealt with the attack last Christmas, they gave me a job.”

“So, you turned an accident into an opportunity, just like me,” Stephen said with a nod. “Though you have an appetite for danger that I don’t share.”

“I think you‘ll find you’re a little more resilient than you used to be,” Kasey replied. “Vampires are tough fare. Besides, you must have faced your share of dangers working for the NSA.”

Stephen shook his head. “I always worked surveillance behind a computer screen. There were always others around to kick down the doors.”

Kasey cocked her head to the side, and Stephen shut up. He’d said too much.

“So, you did more than programming for them, then,” Kasey prompted.

“It’s, uh, classified.” His stammer returned. “So very classified.”

“Oh, come on, you can do better than that,” Kasey said. “Don’t worry, I can keep a secret. I’m certainly going to keep yours.”

Stephen hesitated. “I was a surveillance specialist, accessing and analyzing real-time data to provide agents in the field with up-to-date information on threats they might encounter. Not all of the surveillance resources were garnered voluntarily...”

“You’re a hacker,” Kasey interrupted.

“I prefer programmer, or patriot. Take your pick. I worked for the good guys.”

Kasey’s mind raced while Stephen looked around, as if worried someone might hear them.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Stephen asked.

“Well, I know you already have a job, but I could certainly use someone with your skills. I don‘t suppose you’d be interested in a little work on the side? For the good guys, of course.”

Stephen unbuttoned his cuffs and pulled up his sleeves. The flesh beyond his wrists was singed an angry red. “I was wearing gloves the first time I tried to go outside. I made it to the elbow before I thought my arm was going to burst into flames. I can‘t go out during the day, and I’m not sleeping too well either.”

“Are you saying you’ll do it?” Kasey asked. “You could help us do some real good.”

“I’m certainly willing to consider it,” Stephen replied. “What do you have in mind?”

Kasey leaned in and told him exactly what she was looking for.

Chapter 9

Kasey‘s hand hovered several inches off the door to Vida’s apartment. From the sounds seeping through it, she was not the first to arrive.

Game night.

It had been weeks since the friends had last got together for game night. To Kasey, it felt like time just seemed to pass by faster and faster. She hadn’t seen Vida since the Feudal Court had abducted him and tried to use him for their illegal organ transplant scheme.

With Bishop, Jack, and Cal‘s help, she’d rescued him, literally off the operating table.

And yet she hadn‘t seen him since. She hadn’t even stopped by to see how he was doing. The realization made her feel sick to her stomach.

What kind of friend am I? I can help save his life, but I can‘t check up on him? What’s wrong with me?

Sure, it was easy to make excuses. She‘d been running from the Feudal Court and their bounty hunters and trying to save the city, but a call or a text didn’t take much. Hell, she could have brought him a coffee. He had a weak spot for caramel macchiato’s from the Shake Shack. It didn’t take much to show you cared, and she resolved to do better.

“At least I brought snacks,” Kasey said to herself. “That’s a start.”

A quality cheeseboard never went astray.

Clutching the cheese and crackers that she had stuffed into a brown paper bag, she let out a breath and knocked on the door. On the third knock, the door swung inward revealing Jack Rosenburg. He was ruggedly handsome but had a knack for getting himself in trouble. At least, that was how Kasey had met him.

He’d just about started a war with the werewolves while trying to save his father’s life. Since then, he’d made good helping to rescue Vida and he’d shown up to fight the Feudal Court, but most importantly, he made Bishop happy. That meant he was worth his weight in gold.

“Kasey,” Jack said, pulling her into the apartment. “Come on in! We’ve been waiting for you. We were worried you wouldn’t make it.”

“That’s our Kasey. Always late,” Bishop said with a laugh from somewhere deep within the apartment.

Kasey smiled. “Hey, it’s not my fault. I had to stop to get snacks.”

“Then you‘re forgiven,” Vida called as he emerged from the kitchen. “More food is always welcome.”

Kasey stopped in her tracks. She had been worried that the experience at the hands of the Feudal Court might have scarred her usually jovial old boss.

“You’re looking good, Vida,” Kasey said, noting his larger than usual grin. “It’s good to see you on your feet again.”

Before she could react, Vida wrapped his big arms around her and pulled her tight against his chest.

Kasey groaned as he squeezed her.

“Thank you,” Vida whispered in her ear. It was quiet enough the others couldn’t hear. “I don’t remember much of it, but I remember how I felt when I saw your face. I knew you‘d come for me.”

When Vida let her go, Kasey looked down at her feet as she scratched at an itch on the nape of her neck. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here sooner, Vida. I know I should have been.”

“We both know what you‘ve been up against. You were there when it counted. You always are. Now, let’s not waste the night reliving what’s gone, when we can enjoy the present.”

Bishop appeared out of the kitchen, her hands full with a bottle of red wine and a number of stemmed wine glasses.

“Yes,” Bishop said, glowing, “let us venture into the wilderness of Catan. Winner doesn‘t have to pitch in for the next round of drinks.”

“Sounds good to me,” Kasey said. “I just need a minute to put this together. Have you got a spare serving board?”

“There should be one in the pantry,” Vida called as he reached for the top of the bookshelf and lifted down a Catan box that had seen so much use, its corners were almost worn through.

Kasey slipped past Bishop and made her way to the kitchen.

“You’re in good spirits,” Kasey called over her shoulder.

“I have the day off tomorrow,” Bishop said. “And I plan to have an excellent evening.”

Kasey couldn’t help but laugh. Bishop seldom drank but tonight she was already past her first.

Finding a small patch of clean countertop, Kasey reached into the bag and pulled out a selection of cured meats that the delicatessen had wrapped. Setting them on the counter, she dug deeper into the bag.

“Here you go,” an unfamiliar voice called, plonking a heavy wooden serving board on the countertop.

The dull thud made Kasey jump. When her feet found the floor, she turned.

Game night was usually just the four of them—Kasey, Vida, Bishop, and Jack—but there in the kitchen stood a woman Kasey had never met before. She was on the short side, unless you counted her spiky mohawk. She had a piece of silver fashioned like a crescent moon through her left earlobe, a set of torn denim jeans, black combat boots, and a tank top.

“Hi, uh, sorry,” Kasey mumbled. “Kind of snuck up on me there. I’m Kasey. Nice to meet you.”

“Stephanie,” the woman replied with a smile, reaching out a hand. She wore a set of black fingerless gloves and had well-toned arms that made Kasey a little envious. Stephanie was clocking serious hours in a gym somewhere.

Kasey took her hand to shake it. As her bare fingers brushed Stephanie‘s, a thick green mist descended, obscuring her vision.

When the mist parted, Kasey was floating in the darkness. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the lack of light. The inky blackness was simply shadows cast by shelves all around her that reached from the floor to the ceiling. She was inside a building somewhere, though where it was, she didn’t have the faintest clue. The space was immense, and she seemed to be floating.

Something darted through the room beneath her. It was too close to the ground to be human, and moving more quickly and quietly than Kasey would have expected.

She willed herself after the shape, floating overhead as it raced through what seemed to be an immense warehouse.

The shape picked up the pace, winding between heavy steel shelves that held thousands of packages waiting to ship.

In the distance, a pool of light penetrated the darkness. Glancing up, Kasey found the source: a skylight through which the city‘s night lights streamed through. The brown shape darted through the puddle of light, and Kasey got a good look at it.

She had seen enough werewolves to recognize one on sight. The creature was more slender than Cal, and her coat was a rich chocolate-brown.

As Kasey followed, the creature paused, sniffed at the ground, and changed direction, darting down a new aisle.

The werewolf was hunting. Kasey followed the creature through the darkness in the warehouse. Once or twice, the werewolf glanced back, checking its flank, as if it knew someone else was present.

The werewolf pressed on, undeterred.

As she drifted, Kasey thought of the woman whose hand she had grasped in the kitchen, and worried at what she was about to encounter in her vision.

This is why I don’t touch people.

The wolf turned again, racing down another corridor. As she followed the Lycan down the corridor, she noticed a shape laying at the floor at the end of it.

There was just enough light to note the familiar features of Vida lying on the floor in a pool of blood.

“Vida,” Kasey gasped.

Kasey’s heart pounded as she noted the blood soaking the front of his shirt. A series of thick claw-like slashes had raked right across his stomach. His face was pale; he’d lost a lot of blood.

Shadows pooled around the body and Kasey watched in horror as the werewolf loomed over her friend. It nudged him in the chest twice, but he didn‘t move.

Then, the werewolf bent down and sank her teeth right into his shoulder.

The green mist descended, and Kasey’s vision closed.

She found herself standing back in Vida’s kitchen, her heart beating a million miles an hour. She was still holding Stephanie’s hand.

“What about him?” Stephanie asked, a strange look on her face.

Kasey finally released Stephanie’s hand.

“Sorry, I missed the question,” she stammered as she rubbed her eyes.

“You shouted Vida’s name,” Stephanie said. “I was just asking why?”

Kasey struggled to process what she had just seen, and what part this woman played in it. She couldn’t afford to reveal her prescience, not to a stranger. Bishop and Vida might know this woman, but Kasey didn‘t. And after what she’d just seen, Kasey had every reason not to trust her.

“Sorry, I spaced out for a moment,” Kasey replied. “What I meant to ask is how you know Vida?”

“He came into my bar one night,” Stephanie replied, her big brown eyes meeting Kasey‘s, “and we’ve been spending a lot of time together ever since.”

There was a telling smile on her face. It was almost as if she thought Kasey might be competing for Vida’s affections, and she was marking her territory.

Now that Kasey thought about it, it was a little weird that she was here alone. Or so others who were less familiar with their history might perceive it.

After all, Bishop was here with her partner, and Kasey had come alone. Maybe Stephanie had the wrong idea about her relationship with Vida. Kasey was certainly picking up some tension in the room.

“You’re a werewolf,” Kasey said, reaching into her bag to draw out some cheese.

That stopped the other woman dead. “Vida told you?”

Kasey shook her head as she reached for the knife block and took out a cheese knife.

“Nope, but I know more than a few. I guess I’m just getting better at recognizing the signs.”

“Vida said you were observant. He wondered if you’d notice,” Stephanie said. “Do you need a hand with anything?”

Kasey shook her head, too quickly. “You head on out. I’ll be there shortly.”

Stephanie shrugged and made her way out of the kitchen, taking the awkward tension with her.

Vida was dating a werewolf. What surprised Kasey was that he seemed to know it and wasn‘t bothered by it. With the full moon ending last night, it seemed they were lucky that game night didn’t overlap. Otherwise, Kasey might have missed the chance to meet her--and see the vision.

Kasey quickly sliced the cheese and set it out on the board. She spread a few crackers around it and poured the others into an empty bowl. Last but not least, she tossed the cured meats onto the platter, a little prosciutto and a salami that had a wicked spice to it.

She admired her handiwork and couldn’t help but pluck up a piece of Camembert to pop in her mouth. It was delicious but not enough to distract her from the vision she had just witnessed.

She was going to need to keep an eye on Stephanie. It seemed Vida‘s life might depend on it.

Should she warn Vida? That was bound to go down swimmingly.

Kasey snatched up the platter and ran through the conversation in a muted whisper.

“Hi Vida, haven’t seen you in weeks. Oh, by the way, I think your new girlfriend wants to murder you.”

There was no world in which she didn’t sound totally insane. Vida was well aware of her prescience. In fact, he‘d been one of the first to discover her secret, but as far as Vida knew, she hadn’t seen one in weeks, and she hadn’t spoken to him since getting her gift back.

Kasey carried the charcuterie board out and set it down on the table where the familiar hexes of the Catan board had been laid out. The others were already raring to play.

“Who’s gonna kick us off?” Vida asked.

Jack grabbed a piece of cheese and prosciutto and laid them carefully on a cracker as his lips formed into a wide smile. “I’m always happy to go first. Who’s got wood for sheep?”

Bishop elbowed him hard in the ribs. “You just couldn’t resist, could you?”

Jack shook his head, almost laughing himself into a stitch. “Gets me every time.”

He picked up the dice, rolled the first seven of the game, and moved the robber next to one of Kasey‘s towns.

She held up her hand for him to steal a resource at random.

“I see how it is,” she muttered, “just because I’ve missed a few weeks.”

“Not at all,” Jack replied as he leaned a little closer and pinched a card, before thumbing his hand toward Bishop and Vida. “Don’t tell anyone but I think these two are with the fuzz.”

Kasey laughed and took up the dice, but in spite of wanting to relax, the vision kept dragging itself back to the front of her mind. She couldn’t say anything about it, at least not yet. So, she sat there playing Catan with her best friends, and a woman she was sure was about to murder one of them.

Chapter 10

Kasey raced through the darkness. Glancing over her shoulder, she tried to check the creature’s progress. She couldn’t see anything, but she could feel its presence. Her heart raced, threatening to burst from her chest, but still she quickened her pace. There was no other choice.

Desperately, she tried to outrun the creature but no matter how fast she ran, its presence only seemed to draw closer.

Was it toying with her?

She looked about in desperation, hoping someone might be around to help, but the streets were empty. Leaving the street, she raced through a small but familiar park hoping to lose the creature of darkness amongst the trees and hedges. Every breath burned in her chest. She couldn’t keep up this pace much longer.

As she jumped over a bench, her foot caught loose dirt. She slid to the ground, scraping her knee.

Gritting her teeth against the stinging pain, she scrambled to her feet and searched for somewhere to hide. Spying a small hedgerow, she dropped back onto her knees and crawled between the bushes and the brick wall they were nestled against.

The light cast by a nearby streetlight winked and went out, plunging the park into darkness.

She closed her eyes and stilled her breathing, hoping the creature would pass her by. The huge lumbering beast trudged through the park, utterly unconcerned by the urban metropolis around it.

In three strides, it crossed the park, its features hidden by shadow but even the darkness could not hide its size. As the beast left the park, she let out a sigh of relief. No sooner had the breath passed her lips than the beast stopped, its feet sliding in the dirt as it turned to face her hiding place.

It could hear her breathing.

Its glowing red eyes gradually descended to the hedges where she was trying to remain as still as possible.

A large skeletal hand burst through the foliage, grabbing her jacket and wrenching her out of the foliage.

Kasey woke in a cold sweat.

Gasping and panting, she fumbled about in the dark for her lamp switch.

She traced her fingers up the lamp‘s body until she found it. A flick of her finger, and she flooded her bedroom with light.

“Just a dream,” she groaned.

Everything had felt so real. Had it been a vision? She hadn’t seen the tell-tale mist that normally accompanied her prescience.

She sat up and grabbed the glass of water from her bedside table. It was three-thirty a.m. Game night had run late, and she had barely been in bed more than a few hours. She drank deeply from the glass. Her heart was racing as swiftly as it had been in her dream.

She tried to put the dream from her mind. She needed sleep, and she needed it badly.

She left the light on and dug herself back into her blankets. What was left of the night passed uneventfully, but still she tossed and turned nonetheless. Try as she might, she couldn’t forget those haunting red eyes.

Talora’s words came back to her, again and again. “Steel your mind, Kasey Chase.”

Was the dream a lingering after-effect of her exposure to the Wendigo? And if so, how was she meant to steel her mind?

As she lay there, she made a mental note to ask Sanders how such a feat might be accomplished. If anyone she knew would have experience with creatures beyond the Veil, it would be him. Maybe he knew something of the Wendigo.

Kasey hadn‘t mentioned the nightmares to him. She really didn’t want to cause him any more trouble than she already had. But if she couldn’t put an end to them soon, she was going to go crazy.

Perhaps that was what Talora meant.

Rolling over, Kasey forced her eyes closed once more. When she eventually did stir, her clock warned her it was after eight-thirty. Kasey gave up on the notion of getting any more sleep and decided to prepare for her day.

Contrary to her usual habit, she poured a bowl of cereal for breakfast.

The nightmare still played across her mind. By the time she finished eating, she’d resolved to head into the Council Archives and learn what she could about the Wendigo. Failing that, she hoped to find something she could use to block its influence on her mind.

Tossing her empty bowl into the sink, she had a quick shower, pulled on her favorite jeans, T-shirt, and boots, and headed for the door.

A knock stopped her in her tracks.

Kasey hurried to the door and checked the peephole only to find it entirely blocked by a press of bodies in suits. Gunmetal gray suits.

The ADI.

She took a breath to calm herself and opened the door. Six agents stood in her hallway, none of whom she recognized.

“Good morning, Miss Chase,” the closest agent said. He was a barrel-chested man whose suit seemed fit to burst at the seams. “We’ve been sent to escort you to court. Your matter will convene today for jury selection.”

“Convene?” Kasey’s eyes almost burst out of her head. “I thought I had weeks. I haven’t even engaged counsel yet.”

“I don’t know anything about that, ma‘am,” the agent replied. “All I know is that we’ve been sent to escort you safely to the courtroom.”

“Asserting that you have my safety in mind while your boss is trying to have me executed is somewhat offensive,” Kasey replied. “Besides, I’ve been told nothing of the proceedings, so I’m not going anywhere other than to work.”

“Well, if you’re planning to head into the Council Metroplex, we may as well accompany you.”

The man’s smile had all the authenticity of a coiled cobra.

“Suit yourself,” Kasey replied as she grabbed her bag off the hall table.

The man reached for his belt and drew off it a set of arcane-dampening cuffs. It was the same kind Kasey had been forced to wear during her last hearing.

“What are you intending to do with those?” she asked, staring at the man.

The agent held them up. “You‘re to wear them for the trial.”

“I’m innocent until proven guilty and will do no such thing,” Kasey said, stepping closer. “If you plan to put those on me by force, you should have brought more men.”

“There’s one of you and six of us,” the ADI agent replied.

Kasey looked from one agent to the next. Most of them avoided her gaze.

“Exactly. Now, get out of my way before one of you hurts yourselves.”

“We have our orders,” the agent replied.

“As do I,” she said, stepping into the hall and pulling her door shut behind her. “Last I checked, my boss outranks your boss.”

The agent let out an exasperated sigh as he fixed the cuffs back to his belt. “Well, if you don’t want to follow procedure, that’s on your head.”

The agents tromped back to the elevator. Kasey was only a couple of steps behind them. When the elevator arrived, they all piled into it. There was barely room for the six of them as Kasey eyed the overcrowded elevator.

“I’ll catch the next one,” she said as the doors began to shut.

The ADI agent stuck his hand in the way to block the door. “You’re not to leave our sight until we reach the court.”

“Well, if any of you good folks want to get off, now is the time.”

When none of them moved, Kasey shrugged. “Suit yourselves, but if any of you lay a hand on me, I’m going to be forced to defend myself.” She stepped into the elevator. “Vigorously.”

The doors shut and the agents within shuffled away from her. They escorted her downstairs to a waiting van and through mid-morning traffic in Manhattan. On arriving at the Council Chambers underground parking lot, the ADI agents piled out of the vehicle.

The lead agent turned to Kasey. “Why don’t we head to the courtroom and sort this out? If you‘re not needed, you can go on with your day.”

“I have more important things to do,” she replied, thinking of the research she was hoping to undertake. She needed to fortify her mind if she intended to ever get another good night’s sleep.

“Well, clear your schedule,” the agent replied. “You’re being tried as a warlock. Your life hangs in the balance. I wouldn’t start proceedings by irritating the judge. The court takes a dim view of those who don’t respect its authority.”

“Fine,” Kasey huffed. “Let’s get this out of the way.”

As she walked the halls, she pulled out her phone and texted Sanders to let him know what was going on. She filled him in on the agents, the handcuffs, and where she was heading. It never hurt to be too careful.

He texted her back almost immediately: I’ll meet you there.

On arriving at the court room, the agents pulled open the heavy double doors and held them for her. Kasey remembered the room all too well. The well-faded carpet. Its raised bench and the two rows of chairs divided neatly by an aisle. Along the front of the gallery ran a wooden fence, before which sat two tables. At one sat Marion Strang.

Kasey recognized the other table as her own. Just once when she was in this room, she would like to appear as something other than the defendant.

“Where are the cuffs?” Strang said as she rose from the table.

“Your man is still holding them,” Kasey replied. “I have no intention of putting those on. I’ll tell you the same thing I told them—if you can get them on me, I‘ll wear them. Understand that I will resist, fervently.”

The ADI agents took up their positions around the room, as Kasey pushed open the gate and sat down.

The doors burst open, and Sanders strode in. He hurried up to the gate and leaned over it toward Kasey.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “An opportunity presented itself; trust me.”

Sanders knew that the jury selection had been moved forward and didn‘t tell her? What did that mean? It concerned her almost as much as the fact that Marion kept blindsiding her.

The court stenographer rose from her place in front of the judicial bench and addressed the court.

“We‘re gathered here for case 9865317. The honorable Judge Joliet presiding.”

A timber-paneled door on the back wall opened, and a man in flowing black robes and a horsehair wig entered. He climbed to the bench, slowly surveying the court.

“As you are all aware, under the Arcane Council‘s guidelines, any warlock trial requires the presence of twelve independent jurors to assist us in determining innocence or guilt. We are gathered today for the purpose of determining who will serve on that jury and given the gravity of the accusations against the defendant, we wanted to ensure ample time for the undertaking.”

“We appreciate you making room on your docket so swiftly, Judge,” Strang called.

“It would not appear I had a great deal of say in the matter,” the judge replied. “I must say that such an insistence on expediency concerns me, but I will reserve judgment for now.”

The doors burst open, and a man in a charcoal-colored suit strode through them. He was five foot ten inches, with blond hair cropped an inch or two off his scalp and had some sort of product in it. His tie was broad and complemented his suit well. He held a black briefcase, and he moved like a man who knew exactly where he was going.

“Harvey Ross for the defense, Your Honor,” the newcomer announced. “Apologies for my late arrival.”

Marion was on her feet. “Defense? You already agreed to act for the prosecution.”

Kasey’s jaw dropped. She‘d heard the words come out of his mouth, but she scarcely believed them.

She turned to Sanders who was sitting in the row behind her. He had a broad grin on his face.

“What is the meaning of this?” the judge called from the bench.

“The prosecution appears distressed, Your Honor,” Harvey Ross said as he approached the gate. “Perhaps on account of having attempted to engage me to act on this matter. Unfortunately, I was unaware at the time of other facts that prevent me from prosecuting the matter. As such, I ask leave of the court to represent Miss Chase.”

“This is highly unusual,” the judge replied, leaning forward over the counter. “If you’re angling for a mistrial, counsel, I’d advise against it. Any other procedural faux pas, and I‘ll hold you in contempt. I won’t have my courtroom turned into a circus.”

“We have no such intentions, Your Honor. I have only the highest respect for your court,” Harvey said as he pushed through the gate. He sat down beside Kasey.

“What are you doing here?” Kasey asked.

Harvey Ross leaned close, his voice little more than a whisper. “The Chancellor called me last night. He was most insistent. Troubled as I might be by rebuffing Strang, I am even less inclined to contend with the Chancellor.”

Strang remained on her feet, watching the exchange with interest.

“Your Honor,” Strang began, “before we proceed to the matter of jury selection, I’d like to make a motion for the Arcane Chancellor to be removed from the court. Many of our potential jurors work for the Arcane Council. His presence here, particularly seated behind the defendant, makes a statement I feel will unnecessarily or unfairly sway proceedings and stay the course of justice.”

“Chancellor?” the judge asked. “What have you to say on the matter?”

“I’m seated right where I intend to be, Your Honor. Whether the jurors work for the Council or not is irrelevant. I doubt my feelings on this particular matter are much of a secret. I fought with Miss Chase against Akihiro, and again with the Feudal Court. Only a Neanderthal could think I have anything but the greatest respect for Miss Chase, her character, or the work she’s done to defend this city. I might have allowed this inquiry to proceed, but I will not allow my absence to be interpreted as silence or implicit consent on the matter.”

“You’re not concerned your presence will taint the proceedings?” the judge asked, raising an eyebrow.

“No more nor less than the director‘s will,” Sanders said with a glib smile. “After all, she is the director of the ADI, and she has insisted on prosecuting the matter herself, without outside counsel. Her actions can only be interpreted as an effort to ensure the proceedings are perceived as having the support of the ADI and the Council’s law enforcement arm. If anything, my presence provides a healthy counterbalance to her own.”

The judge regarded Strang. “An excellent point. I’m inclined to allow it. Motion dismissed.”

As the judge looked down at his agenda, Sanders continued. “Your Honor, there is one other matter. The prosecution continues to attempt to incarcerate Miss Chase, or otherwise restrict her freedoms, even going so far as to suggest she appear today in handcuffs. I move that such attempts cease as they are nothing but flagrant efforts on the prosecution’s part to taint the opinion of prospective jurors.”

The judge considered. “I have the Chancellor’s notes and recommendation that Miss Chase remain free on her own recognizance and am inclined to agree.”

“I must protest,” Strang said. “Miss Chase poses a danger to herself and others in the community.”

“I think you are reaching, Director,” the judge replied. “Miss Chase, and her previous undertakings, are well documented. I have no reason to believe she poses a danger to others when she has spent so much of her recent time and effort protecting the city. Our laws assert that one is innocent until proven guilty, and Miss Chase has done nothing to warrant such treatment.”

Strang rested both hands on the table. “Your Honor, we have not even begun jury selection, and yet you’ve ruled every matter and motion for the defense with little regard to the prosecution and our recommendations in these matters. I was assured we would receive a fair hearing.”

“And you are,” Judge Joliet replied. “If you’d like to assert otherwise, we can adjourn the matter and have a new judge appointed. I believe Councilor Rosenberg has offered himself as a potential replacement.”

Kasey couldn’t help but laugh. If Rosenberg presided over the proceedings, it would be a walk in the park.

“No, thank you, Your Honor.” Strang sat down. “But I‘d like to request an adjournment to engage additional counsel.”

The judge leaned forward over the bench, his glasses sliding down his nose as he looked over the top of them at Strang.

“Director Strang, it seems that in spite of your insistence that these proceedings happen with all possible haste, you have come inadequately represented.”

Strang turned a little red in the face. “Your Honor, it appears that there have been crossed wires as the representation I had sought is now appearing for the defense.”

“That doesn’t say a great deal for the merits of your case, does it, Miss Strang?” the judge replied.

Kasey tried not to smile. Whatever Sanders had done to persuade Harvey to jump ship had not only given her excellent representation but had the added measure of irritating the judge.

“Your Honor,” Harvey began, “the matter today has been restricted to the selection of a suitable jury. I see no reason to further delay proceedings. An agent of Strang’s caliber should have no issues selecting twelve unbiased individuals.”

“I’m inclined to agree.” The judge nodded. “Your request for a continuance is denied, Miss Strang. Let it be the last stalling tactic you employ.”

“It’s difficult to believe the matter is going to receive a fair hearing,” Strang said, perhaps louder than she had intended.

The judge smashed his gavel onto the bench.

“Director, you will conduct yourself in a manner appropriate to the venue you are in. Need I remind you that you brought this action against a highly respected member of our community and it is no minor infraction. With the severity of your accusation, I would have expected you not only to be better prepared but to have an ironclad case before tarnishing the name of a woman who has only recently distinguished herself in saving the lives of others in this city. As I said, any further attempts to stall, and I will dismiss your case without further argument.”

“A fair hearing indeed,” Strang muttered only loud enough for Kasey and Harvey Ross to hear.

“A little louder, Director, and we can add contempt of court to your day,” the judge called.

Clearly, he could read lips.

Strang closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

“In that case, Your Honor, we are ready to proceed,” Strang called from the table.

“As are we, Your Honor,” Harvey said.

“Very well. You know how this works. We will present jurors. You will each have an opportunity to ask a question, at the end of which, unless one of you oppose an empanelment, the jury member will be admitted. You may challenge three jurors. I would caution you to use such challenges wisely. Once we have empaneled twelve jurors, the matter will be heard. Proceedings will take as long as are required for a thorough exploration of the facts involved.”

“Understood, Your Honor,” Harvey said with a broad grin. “We are ready to proceed.”

“As is the prosecution,” Strang replied, giving Harvey a death glare.

“Okay, Bailiff, show in the first juror.”

The bailiff opened the door and ushered a middle-aged woman to the stand. She set down her handbag and fidgeted with the hem of her dress.

“Counsel, if you will,” the judge said.

Strang studied the potential juror and asked, “Are you aware of the penalties for practicing the Forbidden?”

The woman swallowed. “Those practicing dark arts are warlocks. They are a danger to us all.”

Strang smiled.

“And are you aware of the identity of the defendant?” Harvey asked, pointing to Kasey. “She’s this young lady seated beside me.”

“Everyone knows her. She‘s Kasey Chase, the hero of New York.”

The woman didn’t even get to finish the sentence before Strang was on her feet. “Challenge, Your Honor, if you will.”

The judge turned to the potential juror. “That will be all. Have a nice day.”

The woman looked a little confused, but the bailiff ushered her to the door.

“Need I remind you, Director, if you plan to challenge every juror who is aware of the defendant‘s identity, I anticipate you’ll run out of challenges quite swiftly.”

Kasey couldn’t help but smile. It was the first time her notoriety was coming in useful.

“I appreciate your candor and your counsel, Your Honor,” Strang replied. “I’ll take your guidance on board.”

The judge nodded and waved for the next juror.

Things proceeded swiftly. Strang managed to hold off her challenges for a number of jurors, and the next three in a row were empaneled. When the fifth juror entered the room, he’d barely got his butt in the seat when Harvey rose to his feet.

“Challenge, Your Honor,” Harvey called out.

“The man hasn’t even said anything,” Strang said.

“Nonetheless, I have already determined our position on the matter.”

The man didn’t move until the judge signaled him to the door. “You may go. Thank you for coming in.”

The man looked at Kasey on his way back to the door.

“Why did you do that?” Kasey asked.

“From the moment he entered the room, his eyes never left you,” Harvey replied. “The man clearly has an axe to grind, and I had no intention of letting him air it on the record. Who knows, Strang might have called him back as a witness.”

Harvey was good; there was no doubt about it. Kasey was beginning to feel the weight of the trial lifting from her shoulders. Between Harvey’s expertise, the judge‘s apparent favor, and her obvious innocence, the result might turn out to be a foregone conclusion.

Eleven jurors were soon empaneled, with both Strang and Harvey using their remaining challenges in the process.

“With both of you out of challenges,” the judge began, “our next juror is simply a matter of course.”

Before the bailiff could open the court room doors, they were pushed open from the outside. A man in flowing black robes with royal blue bands burst into the courtroom. His hair had once been black but was now silver-gray with age, and fell in a straight taper to his shoulders.

The scar cutting through his milky gray left eye held Kasey’s attention.

“Sir, the courtroom has been sealed for these proceedings,” the bailiff said, raising his hands to arrest the man’s progress.

Clearly, he wasn’t the next juror.

The newcomer simply brushed the bailiff aside. “Not to me, it isn‘t.”

The man glared at Kasey, a furrow appearing on his brow as he took a seat behind the prosecution.

“And who might you be?” the judge asked, pushing his glasses up for a better look at the man.

The man’s lips twisted into a tight smirk as Strang rose from her seat.

“Your Honor,” Strang said. “Might I introduce Armando Flint, Watchman of the Arcane Congress.”

Kasey turned to Sanders and found his hands shaking as he gripped the pew he sat on, his face white as all the blood drained out of it.

Chapter 11

Fear was an unfamiliar look on the face of the Arcane Chancellor.

Sanders had faced down the Shinigami, not to mention he had waded through a tide of vampires of the Feudal Court. Even the day he had lost his hand, it had taken him all of a second to make the decision before he had snatched the detonator right out of Akihiro‘s device.

“The court recognizes the presence of the Watchman,” the judge replied solemnly, his even stare resting on Flint. “Had we known you were coming, we could have delayed proceedings.”

That didn’t bode well. Even here in the heart of the Arcane Council’s jurisdiction, the Watchman, whoever he was, commanded respect.

The more Kasey thought about it, the less surprised she was. After all, the Congress presided over all arcane jurisdictions, no matter what intermediary government they might have installed: the Arcane Council in the USA, the Arcane Parliament in the United Kingdom, the Eastern Conclave throughout Asia, and the unregulated wilderness of the Pacific known loosely as the Wilds.

And the Congress had taken an interest in her case.

“Wonderful,” she muttered to herself.

“So much for a neutral observer,” Harvey whispered as the judge resumed proceedings, albeit haltingly.

“Bailiff, could you please show in our final juror for empanelment?”

The bailiff shuffled out of the room and reappeared in short order with a middle-aged woman in tow. She had striking blonde hair that fell over a hand-knit cardigan with a trail of flowers down one side.

“Ma’am,” the judge called, “I hope you don’t have plans, as you will be our twelfth and final juror.”

“No, Your Honor,” the woman replied. “I’m able to serve if needed.”

“Excellent. Please take your place with your fellow jurors.” The judge surveyed the court. “With a full jury, we are ready to begin proceedings. In light of the prosecution’s request for time, we will adjourn proceedings until tomorrow, unless there are any other motions?” The judge surveyed the room.

“We have nothing to add, Your Honor,” Strang said, looking confident now that the Watchman had arrived.

“Nothing here, either, Your Honor,” Harvey Ross added. Clearly, he wasn’t thrilled at the presence of the Watchman.

“Then we are adjourned,” the judge said, before beating his gavel and rising from his seat. “Bailiff, clear the court. We will reconvene at nine a.m. tomorrow morning.”

The judge made his way out of the chamber.

Kasey spun to face Sanders.

“Who the hell is he?” she asked, throwing a nod at the Watchman who was locked in conversation with Strang.

“He’s the head of the Arcane Congress’ Sentinels. They exist exclusively to hunt suspected warlocks and bring them to trial. Though truth be told, most suspected warlocks die in the field, an outcome Armando Flint is perfectly content with.”

“So, he‘s their executioner,” Kasey murmured, “Excellent. Who is he to you?”

“Not here.” Sanders shook his head. “He’s someone I thought died a long time ago.”

Kasey rose from the seat to find Harvey Ross waiting for her.

“Miss Chase, I‘m sorry I didn’t give you the time of day yesterday, but now that we are working together, I’m going to need some things from you in order to coordinate your defense.”

“No need to apologize,” Kasey replied. “I understand we’ve put you in a difficult position. I’m happy to provide anything you think will help.”

Harvey nodded. “I need a list of character witnesses, anyone who has seen you do something noble, noteworthy, or laudable, particularly in defense of others. Anyone that can speak to your character, including the Chancellor here.”

“No,” Kasey replied. “You can’t put him on the stand.”

“What do you mean?” Harvey replied. “He’s the highest-ranking member of the Council. His word will go a long way to convincing the jury.”

Sanders stepped in. “Agreed, and if it comes to it, I will do so. But Kasey is alluding to the fact there are other politics at play here. The prosecution will relish the opportunity to compromise me for their own gain.”

“Very well. If we want to fight with one hand tied behind our back, so be it,” he said, and then lowered his voice. “Lastly, if there is any truth in the accusation—”

“There isn’t,” Kasey said, cutting him off.

“Honestly, I don’t care,” Harvey replied. “My job is to save your life. Having my clients imprisoned, let alone executed, is bad for business. If there is anything to these rumors, or anything that they might use to discredit you, you need to tell me as soon as possible so we can formulate a defense.”

“I’ve never practiced the Forbidden,” Kasey replied, “though I have faced many who have. The facts are, I hijacked the vampires’ ritual and turned it against them. Their accusations will be that I did so for my own gain. I’ve certainly never brought harm to an innocent person, with or without the aid of the Forbidden. Just put me on the stand. I‘m happy to testify.”

“Under no circumstances are you to get on the stand,” Sanders interjected.

Kasey turned to him.

“Not with the Watchman here,” he said. “If you take the stand, it will give him opportunity to cross-examine you. It’s not worth it. He has a talent for making even the innocent seem guilty.”

Harvey raised an eyebrow at Sanders. “You seem well acquainted with him.”

“I’ve seen his handiwork before,” Sanders replied. “There are few who relish their work like he does. If you have to take the stand, every secret you know might become a matter of public record.”

Kasey didn’t like the sound of that at all. She had as many secrets as Sanders did, perhaps more.

“Fine. I‘ll send you through everything I can,” she told Harvey. “People, places, events. Everything I’ve done in the last year that Strang might use against me.”

“Excellent.” Harvey pressed a business card into her hand. “This is my private email. Its contents are for my eyes only. All I ask is that you don’t lie to me, Miss Chase. I can’t protect you if you keep me in the dark.”

“Got it,” Kasey replied. “You’ll have it all this afternoon. I have little better to do than save my life, I suppose.”

“That’s the spirit,” Harvey said. “We’ll save it yet.”

He disappeared, leaving Kasey and Sanders standing by the defendant’s bench. Before Kasey could utter a word, the sound of a throat being cleared stopped her short. She turned to find the Watchman approaching Sanders.

“Chancellor, I must say I was disappointed when the director informed me of your lack of cooperation in this matter.”

“I don’t know how they do things in Europe, Master Watchman, but the Arcane Council doesn‘t execute its own agents without adequate investigation. Miss Chase has been much maligned at the hands of my predecessor and in spite of it, has done great good for the city. Ms. Strang is reaching. I know it. The court knows it, and I’m sorry you’ve wasted your time traveling out here for nothing. Strang is simply leveraging these accusations for greater political aspiration. If anyone should be on trial, it should be her.”

“A grave accusation,” the Watchman replied, eying Kasey with his one good eye. “I suppose we will see.”

He said nothing at all to Kasey, turning as if she didn’t exist and walking straight out the door.

“What an ass,” Kasey said. “Didn’t so much as give me the time of day.”

“Yes, he has a tendency not to speak to those he might yet have to execute,” Sanders replied. “With him, you are guilty until proven innocent and he doesn’t much care for the proving.”

“I‘m not sure whether I like him or Strang less, but it is fast becoming a race to the bottom,” Kasey said as the court emptied out, leaving the two of them alone.

When the doors swung closed, Kasey turned to Sanders.

“I got the impression you two know each other.”

“Oh, I doubt he remembers me,” Sanders replied. “I was barely a young man when he tried to have me killed.”

“What?” Kasey sputtered.

“Before he was the Watchman, he was one of their most vindictive and vigilant sentinels. It was Flint who dragged me out of that farmhouse in Surrey and tried to have me executed.”

Kasey leaned against the table to stay on her feet. “And you’re only telling me this now?”

Sanders shrugged. “That was a lifetime and several continents ago. Besides, there is no reconciling the man I am now to the boy I once was. Decades of time spent in Faerie means I am but a distant memory for him. I might have been the one that got away, but he doubtless thinks me dead. He’s aged and will have expected me to have done the same.”

“Well, that explains why you looked like death when he walked in,” Kasey said, gravitating toward the door.

“I wasn’t expecting the Congress to arrive so soon, let alone him. He won’t catch me by surprise again. What are your plans for this evening?”

“I’m gonna spend the next couple of hours in my office,” she said. “I need to prepare a brief for Harvey. Thanks for that, by the way. How did you get him to renege on Marion?”

Sanders grinned. “He may not have wanted to end up on Strang’s bad side, but a favor from me is worth five of hers. I told him I’d make it worth his while.”

“And that was enough?” Kasey asked.

“I have a little bit of a reputation myself,” Sanders replied with mock indignation.

“Well, having seen him in action, I dare say he’s worth it.” She squeezed Sanders’ hand. “I’d love to stay and chat, but I’ve gotta get to work. I’m sure you’ve got a thousand things to deal with, too. Why don’t you come over for dinner again tonight? I could use the company.”

She was still a little miffed that Titania had run an axe through their last date.

“I’d love to,” Sanders replied, “but the presence of our friend the Watchman has given me an idea. Rain check until tomorrow?”

Kasey shrugged. “Provided I’m still a free woman, sure. Otherwise, you might be in for some really quiet company: a bottle of wine and my casket. Not much of a night out.”

“Don’t even joke about it,” he said. “I would burn this place down before I let anything happen to you.”

“It might yet come to that.”

He gave her a look, and Kasey pulled him back in for a hug. Nestling in close to his neck, she fought the urge to cry. How was it that every time things started to go well for her, something came along and kicked her square in the guts?

She squeezed Sanders tight before letting him go.

“What was that for?” he asked.

“For being you,” she replied, “and for having my back.”

“Always,” Sanders replied.

They parted ways, and Kasey headed for her office. She had barely shut the door when her phone rang.

Lifting it out of her pocket, she checked the caller ID. Dianne Bishop’s face filled the screen. If it were anyone else, she might have let it go to voicemail. Instead, Kasey set the phone down on the table on speaker.

“Hey Bishop, what’s going on?” She tried to keep the fatigue from her voice, but it was an effort in futility.

The line went quiet.

“Kasey, what happened?”

It was pointless to try and hide things from Bishop. She just knew Kasey too well and today her emotions simmered close to the surface.

“I got to meet the jury of my peers,” Kasey muttered as she cracked her knuckles. “It didn’t feel real to me before, but I think they are really going to try and have me killed.”

“I’m sorry,” Bishop said. “Why didn’t you tell me that was happening? I’d have come down.”

“I didn’t know myself until it was happening, then I kind of just got swept up in the proceedings.”

“Still,” Bishop replied, “I should be there with you, not here at work.”

“Work? I thought you had the day off?” Kasey replied.

“I had the morning to sleep it off, but something came up. Never mind me, I’ve called at a bad time. Is there anything I can do to help?”

Kasey slumped into her seat. “I don’t know. I’m in my office, trying to help prepare my defense. I haven’t had nearly enough time to determine what’s going on. Things are happening so fast. Now I need to produce character witnesses, a chronology of events for my lawyer. It‘s a mess.”

“You’ve beat them once before,” Bishop replied. “You can do it again. As for witnesses, stick my name at the top of the list.”

“Thanks, Bishop,” Kasey said, trying to keep her emotions in check. “This time it feels different. It’s not just a Council hearing for using my magic in front of normals. There’s a jury. I need to convince twelve strangers that I’m innocent, and Strang’s doing her damnedest to make that impossible. Sanders tries not to show it, but even he’s nervous.”

“Kasey, we‘ll get through this,” Bishop replied. “We always do.”

“Thanks, Bishop. What can I do for you? You didn’t call about the trial.”

Bishop let out a long, low breath. “I don’t want to bother you, not when you have so much going on.”

“Don’t hold out on me. What’s happening?”

“We have another body,” Bishop said, “or rather, another mess.”

Kasey’s heart skipped a beat. “The same creature?”

“Certainly looks that way,” Bishop replied. “Only this time, it’s not an alleyway. It’s at Thompkins Square Park, right near the precinct.”

Kasey’s mind raced back to her dream the night before, only now she wondered if it was a dream at all. Had she seen a vision? There was only one way to find out.

“Let me guess.” Kasey drummed her fingers on her desk. “Blonde woman found near the hedgerow.”

“As far as I can tell, yes. How did you know?” Bishop groaned into the phone. “Never mind. Dumb question. You had a vision, didn’t you?”

“I thought it was a nightmare,” Kasey replied with a sigh. “Apparently, I can see them in my sleep, though I certainly wish it were otherwise.”

“Did you see what did it?” Bishop’s voice was full of hope.

“Nope, all the lights were out. Seemed like the creature knocked them out as it went.”

“Funny,” Bishop replied. “I was wondering why half the lights on the street had blown out. I thought it might have been an electrical surge. So, you think it’s our creature?”

“Almost certainly,” Kasey said. “It’s proving adept at avoiding being seen, but for something that doesn’t want to be seen, it’s brazen. Killing a woman in a park in downtown Manhattan. It’s like it wants to be caught.”

“Our ME can’t get a time of death. Could you give us a hand there?”

“The nightmare woke me up around three. My best guess would be then.”

“I’ll take it.”

“Want me to come down there?” Kasey asked, hoping to procrastinate her boring afternoon.

“No way,” Bishop said. “You’ve got too much on your hands. Focus there. I’ll keep working things here, and we’ll compare notes later.”

“Fine.” Kasey eyed her computer. “I’ll talk to you later.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll fill you in on anything Vida turns up,” Bishop replied.

“Speaking of Vida,” Kasey said. “What did you think of Stephanie?”

“Stephanie, why?” Bishop sounded suspicious. “She seems fine, why?”

“Did you know she was a werewolf?”

“Yup,” Bishop replied. “One of the first things Vida told me. Why?”

“Oh, no reason,” Kasey lied, not wanting to spook Bishop.

“The two of them are adorable together. And I think she’s good for him. He’s been a little different since they took him.”

Kasey knew exactly who she meant. The Feudal Court.

“Cool, just wondering. Anyway, I’ve gotta get into this. I’ll talk to you soon.”

“Take care, Kasey.”

Kasey hung up and texted the address of Thompkins Square Park to Stephen Sellers, the vampire, along with the details from the night before. Perhaps he could dredge up something the police might miss.

Then she booted up her computer, opened an email, and punched in Harvey Ross’s details.

She spent three of the most boring hours of her life keying in every piece of relevant information she could think of. She included the Council’s brief on the Feudal Court and the events at Madison Square Garden. She added her own annotations about the Vampire Lord, Rhain, and his ritual, particularly drawing attention to the blood the vampires had provided and the fact that the ritual was well underway before she’d entered the circle.

She noted her part in defeating Rhain and his subsequent flight through the Veil. Then she provided an exhaustive list of witnesses. There was Chief West from the Ninth precinct, and Sanders of course, even though she had no intention of letting him get on the stand.

She added Jack Rosenburg, and his father, Michael. Then she listed as many people as she could remember helping in the last year. She had saved a lot of lives. As she rattled off the names, it was somehow cathartic. No matter what Strang was accusing her of, she had done a lot of good. With a list this long, surely the jury couldn‘t help but see that.

While Kasey knew she hadn’t actually worked any Forbidden magic, she wasn’t naive enough to think the truth would protect her. With a jury present, she needed to convince twelve strangers that she’d only ever acted in the best interests of the city and that she‘d never crossed the line.

Strang was going to do everything possible to paint her as an erratic and dangerous killer. She needed to be able to counter that image.

Kasey put everything she could think of into the email, along with contact details for as many of the people on the list as she had access to. It was early afternoon by the time she finished.

She powered off the computer and found herself staring at the photo beside it. She wasn’t in it, but her parents were, along with her sister and her two kids. Kasey realized that she‘d become so caught up in the trial, she hadn’t taken the time to let anyone know what was going on.

Hell, the last time she had spoken to her mother, the visit had ended in an argument. In her defense, she had just discovered that her mother and father weren‘t as ignorant about the origin of her gifts as she had always supposed. Her prescience had been the result of a Druidic ritual they had carried out.

Kasey had left angry and meant to go back, but with everything going on with the Feudal Court and their bounty hunters, she hadn‘t wanted to put her family in any more danger.

Except the bounty had lapsed a week ago and she still hadn’t spoken to her mother. If her mother discovered Kasey was on trial via the evening news, it wouldn’t matter what the outcome was: her mother would kill her right after she finished with Strang and anyone else who got in her way.

Kasey fidgeted with her phone. She needed to make the call, but she just couldn’t find the words. So much had changed.

She had actually met the Earth Spirit. She‘d also undergone her initiation. She was still digesting what had happened to her on the icy altar at the Falls. All she knew for certain was that she had become so much more. Even Titania had alluded to as much. All her mother’s wildest dreams had been realized and now the Arcane Council was trying to put her to death. There was no telling how her mother would react to that news.

Perhaps it was better to talk in person. Kasey punched out a text, hoping her mother would be willing to meet for dinner. Perhaps she could kill two birds with one stone. Start mending fences and let her know about the Council and their trial.

The text back read simply: I’m up for Arturo’s if you are?

When Kasey arrived at eight, her mother was already there. On the table before her rested a large pepperoni pizza.

A peace offering, no doubt.

Her mother fidgeted at something beneath her nails. Kasey paused at the door. It wasn’t often her mother looked less than composed.

Given how they had last parted, Kasey could understand the sentiment. She’d been furious at the revelations. All her life, she’d been experiencing visions while her parents listened intently but said nothing of their source. What had been the source of her greatest pain and isolation had actually been the result of careful and willful planning on her parents’ part.

“That was then, this is now,” Kasey told herself as she tried to calm her breathing.

She pushed open the door and slipped into the restaurant.

“Kasey,” Arturo called from behind the counter, “it’s good to see you again.”

“You too, Arturo,” Kasey replied as she made her way over to her mother.

Her mother rose from the table, an apology already on her lips. “I’m sorry, dear, we should have told you sooner.”

Kasey took two quick steps and threw her arms around her mother. No matter what had transpired between them, Kasey‘s life was going to hell, and she wanted the comfort of her mother’s embrace. Her mother made her feel safe.

“I’m sorry for storming out,” Kasey whispered as she hugged her mother fiercely. Kasey was still cranky that she’d spent her life in the dark. If she’d known the truth, she might have done things differently. Running away from the World of Magic might not have been an option if she’d known how inseparably bound to it she actually was.

But with the fear of the looming trial hanging over her, she couldn’t afford to waste another minute fighting with her mother.

She hugged her so tightly her mother let out a faint gasp.

“Sorry.” Kasey blushed as she let go.

“No need to apologize, dear. I’ve missed you too.”

Jane gestured down at the pepperoni pizza sitting on the table. “I took the liberty of ordering for you. I figured you‘d be hungry.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Kasey slid into the booth.

She looked around the restaurant, not wanting to be overheard. There were more than a dozen patrons jammed into the small space. At least one of them had recognized her, a teenage girl who was whispering excitedly to her boyfriend.

“Mom, I’ve got a lot to tell you,” Kasey said. “And it’s not all about our last visit. You should sit down.”

Her mother sank into the booth, worry lines creasing her brow.

Before Kasey could open her mouth, her mother leaned forward. “Just give me a moment to deal with the eavesdroppers, dear.”

She made a subtle gesture with her wrist as she whispered, ”Côn o dawelwch.”

Whilst Kasey recognized the words, she’d never considered using them like that. The words meant cone of silence, and her mother had just used it to prevent anyone listening in on their conversation.

It was a neat trick, one she was going to have to steal. It never ceased to amaze her just how gifted her mother was with the arcane. Kasey could learn a lot from her, particularly when it came to the Druids.

“Mom, I’ve got a lot to tell you. About, well, everything, really.”

Her mother reached for a piece of pizza. “Take your time, dear. I’m all ears.”

Kasey launched into a detailed explanation of everything that had happened to her over the past few weeks: the Feudal Court’s bounty, the arrival of Rhain and how things had come to a head at Madison Square Garden. Her mother practically beamed with pride as Kasey told her of the destruction of the Feudal Court, but she took particular interest in Kasey‘s initiation at the hands of the Fae, and her subsequent meeting with the Earth Spirit.

“Incredible,” her mother breathed. “All this time we have been seeking the Earth Spirit and you actually met her. It’s more than I could have possibly imagined. Not to mention being initiated by the Sidhe in Faerie. Kasey, this has never happened before.”

The parental pride in her mother’s eyes sent a warm tingle down Kasey’s spine. She wolfed down a piece of pizza as her mother beamed. Part of her was starving; the other part was procrastinating the need to tell her mother of the trial.

Kasey knew in her heart there was no avoiding it. After washing down the pizza with some soda, she told her mother of Strang, the trial, and the presence of the Watchman.

“Armando Flint, you said? He’s the Watchman?” Her mother gripped the edge of the counter as her cheeks flushed red.

“Why, Mom? Do you know him?”

Her mother‘s countenance didn’t soften as she replied, “Flint and I have had dealings before. He has an appetite for killing warlocks even where there are none. I’d expected the Congress to throw him out. It seems they gave him a promotion instead.”

“Sounds about right,” Kasey replied as her phone began vibrating against the countertop.

She glanced down and noted Sellars’ caller ID.

“Just a second, Mom. I should get this.” Kasey raised the phone to her ear. “Hi Stephen, what can I do for you?”

“Kasey, great,” he stammered like a man out of breath. “I was worried I’d missed you.”

“What’s going on? Everything okay?” Kasey asked.

Stephen was breathing hard. “You know those electrical outages we’ve been tracking?”

“Yes, what about them?”

“They’re happening now,” he replied, panting into the phone. “They started in Brooklyn and are moving east fast. Whatever’s causing them is heading for Queens.”

“Queens?” Kasey’s heart beat a little faster. “Where are they now?”

“On a collision course for the New York Hall of Science.”

“No, it’s not,” Kasey replied, rising from her seat. “It’s coming for me.”

“How do you know?” Sellars asked. “I can see it on my screen.”

“Because I’m sitting in a pizzeria just west of the Hall. It’s on its way here.”

Chapter 12

Kasey jammed her phone back in her jacket pocket. It was time to go.

Arturo‘s was sacred ground. There was no way she wanted to be anywhere near it if the creature was coming for her.

“What’s wrong?” her mother asked.

“Something is coming. Whatever creature has been attacking people throughout the city, it’s on its way here.”

“How do you know?” Her mother‘s brow creased as she scanned the streets through the window of the pizzeria.

“It’s a creature of magic, and it is knocking out the city’s surveillance as it moves. I have someone monitoring the situation. He found a series of electrical outages at the site of the first body and has since confirmed it with the victim who was killed last night. Now he says that he’s tracking it across Brooklyn and it’s moving fast, heading right for the Hall of Science.”

“Could it just be a coincidence?” her mother asked. “How could such a creature know you’re here?”

“If it’s the Wendigo,” Kasey whispered, “it must be able to track me. Ever since I faced it at the Falls, it seems to be able to reach out and mess with my mind. It haunts my dreams, turning them into nightmares. If it is the Wendigo, I fear it knows exactly where I am.”

“Then why not come for you sooner? Why would it wait all this time? Why would it kill the others? It makes no sense.”

Kasey shook her head as she headed for the counter. “I don’t know. I’ve never faced anything like it. But this much I know—during my initiation, I was flush with power, absolutely brimming with it, and I barely made it out with my life. Perhaps it is toying with me. The fae Talora seemed to think that the Wendigo like to drive their prey insane.”

“If it’s as dangerous as you say, we need to get out of here,” her mother replied. “We can’t allow it to bring the fight in here with all these innocent people.”

“Exactly what I was thinking,” Kasey replied.

Her mother snatched her bag off the counter, threw it over her shoulder, and followed Kasey over to Arturo who was manning the cashier’s desk. Kasey pulled out her wallet and looked for some cash, but her fingers were shaking too badly.

Jane slapped a fifty-dollar bill on the counter and called out to Arturo, “Keep the change.”

Arturo looked from the crisp bill to the concerned looks on Kasey and Jane’s faces.

“Anything I should be worried about?”

“Batten down the hatches, Arturo,” Kasey replied. “The second we leave, lock the door. We’re going to try and lead it away.”

“It?” Arturo swallowed hard.

“You heard right,” Kasey replied, “and we don’t want it making its way here. See you soon, old friend.”

She raced out the door, her mother only a step behind her.

“What’s your plan, dear?” she asked as Kasey rushed down the street.

Kasey didn‘t have one. She was making and discarding plans as quickly as she could move. She also hadn’t mentioned to her mother her desire to incapacitate rather than kill the Wendigo. If they were to capture a creature of such power and significance to the Winter Court, surely the Congress would take custody of it. After all, its presence here was a clear violation of the Arcane Covenant.

“I don’t know,” Kasey replied. “It took everything I had to run away last time. And I had a Pegasus to help me. Now I’m not so sure.”

“Well, you’re not alone,” her mother replied. “I’m with you.”

Kasey gulped as she ran. It was a fair point. Her mother was a formidable witch, but Talora had been, also. What she didn‘t want to tell her mother was that their power hadn’t nearly been enough. The Wendigo had been gorging itself on the power of the ley lines at the Falls for months. Would it be just as strong now? Was that why it had taken so long to pursue her? Was the creature simply recharging its arcane reserves for another assault? If so, she was as good as dead.

“We need to draw it out into the open.” Kasey pointed to the parklands surrounding the Hall of Science. “My research says that its heart is the key to killing it. But, if possible, I’d prefer to incapacitate it.”

“Are you insane?” her mother asked. “Binding a creature of such power without preparation is impossible. Bringing it down is one thing. Subduing it is wholly another. Why would you want such a thing?”

“That is a long story,” Kasey replied, “and not mine to tell. Just follow my lead. If we get a chance, let’s make the most of it.”

Her mother halted, staring at Kasey.

Kasey met Jane’s steely gaze. “After everything you kept from me, I’m asking you to trust me now. This is important to me.”

“Then it’s important to me too,” her mother replied. “You’re everything to me, Kasey. I hope you know that.”

Kasey had never had any doubts about her mother’s love. It was the other parts of her life she was less sure of. Like the Druidic agenda she’d not been privy to. Having been kept in the dark for so long, it was hard not to have doubts. She had been a pawn in a game where she couldn’t even see the board. Now for the first time in her life, she was finding her place on it and no matter what buffeted her—the Council, creatures of Winter, hired assassins, or even the vampire court—she wasn’t going down without a fight.

She searched the green expanse around the Hall of Science and spotted a small patch in the northeast corner that was partitioned off as a construction site of some sort.

“This is as good a place as any,” Kasey muttered. “If we can draw it into this killing field, we should be able to avoid collateral damage.”

After squeezing through a gap in the fence, Kasey held it open for her mother.

“It’s looking for me and has no idea about you. So why don’t you hide yourself in those building supplies? I’ll lure it out into the open and hold it off while you take a shot at it.”

Her mother hesitated. “I would rather be the bait but as it knows you’re here, fine. I warn you though, if it overpowers your defenses, I will bring it down rather than see you hurt. No matter the cost.”

Kasey made her way into the center of the construction site, hoping that she would have as much warning as possible of the creature‘s approach. Her mother slipped between the pallets of materials and disappeared from sight.

Closing her eyes, Kasey drew on her power and extended her senses, feeling for the currents of the arcane as it moved about her. A creature of the Wendigo‘s nature should be easily detected.

It only took her a moment to find it, a dark malignant presence moving in from the west.

Kasey drew on her power, holding it close at hand for ready use. Unlike the battle at the Falls, there was no ley line here, no deep well of arcane confluence to draw from. Once she exhausted her natural reserves, she would be defenseless. She needed to conserve power because no matter how strong she thought she had grown, the Wendigo had been doing this far longer. One-on-one, she simply wasn’t a match for the ancient creature of Winter.

A breeze blew from the west, bringing with it the repulsive aura of the Wendigo. As she looked at the nearby buildings, she spotted it standing on the roof in all its terrible glory. Its skeletal head with its harrowing red eyes and towering antlers bristling off in every direction. Its equally skeletal body was covered in strips of pallid flesh, some its own, some that likely belonged to its victims. It was almost like the Wendigo fed off the suffering of those it consumed. There was a tangible air of agony about it.

It was stronger than Kasey remembered, perhaps because it had so recently fed.

The Wendigo crouched down, grabbing the edge of the building with one taloned hand before swinging over the edge. The creature plunged toward the ground, its bony hands tearing at the brickwork as it slid down the face of the building, carving furrows in bricks and sheering through steel facings. Its immense form slammed into the sidewalk.

The creature strode purposefully across the street that was thankfully deserted, unusual for this time of night. It was as if the residents of Queens knew it was dangerous to be outside. As it moved, the Wendigo flicked its wrist toward the streetlights and half a dozen of them shattered, plunging a fifty-foot section of the street into darkness and only adding to the panic settling in Kasey’s chest.

Her heart was beating a million miles an hour, her feet rooted to the concrete like she was standing in wet cement. The Wendigo smiled, a twisted visage of bone and tongue that only served to accentuate its mouthful of jagged sharp teeth.

Drawing on her power, Kasey summoned the element she hoped would do the most damage to Winter. Fire came naturally to her, and she needed it now more than ever.

Two bright orbs of orange flickered to life in the air before her outstretched palms. With an effort of will, she hurled one after the other at the Wendigo without giving it a chance to finish crossing the street.

The first sphere sailed clear past the creature‘s shoulder as it ducked more nimbly than she had supposed possible. Her aim on the second was better, and the fireball hurtled at the creature’s center mass. The Wendigo stretched out its hand and dispersed the inferno with a blast of freezing mist.

Steam hissed through the air as the Wendigo disappeared momentarily inside the white fog, emerging undeterred onto the sidewalk towering over the construction site, and the fence surrounding it.

The Wendigo grabbed the temporary fence surrounding the building site and tore a panel free. With one bony hand, it tossed the panel out of the way. The panel skittered across the sidewalk and into the street.

Kasey dug deeper, trying to drive the paralyzing terror from her mind as she focused her will, channeling it into a lance of power, refined from arcane fire and narrowed to a point sharper than any surgeon’s scalpel. This time, she aimed low, trying to catch the creature off-guard and hoping to shear through the beast‘s leg. If she could slow it down, perhaps she could make a run for it. It would certainly be less capable of running her down on only one leg.

The lance of power struck the creature’s thigh just above the knee. Kasey grinned in triumph as the lance scored across the Wendigo’s flesh and burst out the other side. The ray of power sailed across the street and carved a gaping hole in a Prius parked there. The car alarm blared as the red-hot arcana burned straight through the engine block.

But still the Wendigo came on, utterly unperturbed by the attack. It was as if the creature hadn’t felt it at all.

“I‘m dead,” Kasey groaned as the creature approached, seemingly immune to both pain and fire. It had clearly learned since their last encounter, whereas Kasey had been busy trying to save her own ass.

She readied her shield.

“Tarian,” Kasey shouted.

A brilliant red translucent shield materialized in the air before her.

The Wendigo raised its arms, pointing both at Kasey. A hail of frozen missiles formed before it and hurtled into the shield like machine-gun fire. Sweat ran down Kasey’s brow as she channeled all the power she could muster into her shield. Should it fail, she was going to be shish-kebabed by the two-foot-long sharpened ice stakes. Missile after missile collided with her shield, one of them striking the surface right in front of her face.

The shield wavered, giving off a brilliant ruby flare as three inches of jagged ice pierced through it.

Her shield was failing, and faster than she had anticipated. The Wendigo poured power into its assault and Kasey started backing away. She had grossly overestimated her abilities. As she retreated, she narrowed her shield, concentrating it directly in front of her to prevent the icy onslaught from turning her into a pincushion.

As she backpedaled, the Wendigo bent down and slapped the ground with his other palm. Ice blossomed from the impact, growing as it raced across the ground toward her.

The rapidly forming flow of ice branched out across the ground, traveling beneath her shield. Once inside her guard, it grew into a mound of ice that slammed into Kasey‘s gut.

Kasey hit the ground hard. A gasp slipped from her lips as the force of her striking the ground winded her. She tried to scramble backwards across the ground. The Wendigo trudged toward her. The creature was in no hurry; it knew it had already won. Strong as she might be, it was simply stronger, a veteran hunter that knew how to take down its prey.

Where is my mother?

The Wendigo loomed over Kasey, and she could hear the wheezing of its fetid breath. It was a haunting sight to see the creature‘s twisted lungs expanding and contracting within its ribcage. The thin strips of flayed flesh did little to hide its rotten heart. A sickly blue aura pulsed around the swollen organ and Kasey knew she just needed one clean shot. But the Wendigo’s red eyes bored into her soul.

The Prius’ alarm still sounded in the background.

The Wendigo bent down, a raspy voice rising from its gullet. “Why don’t you feed?”

The words resonated deep within Kasey’s mind. It was as if she were hearing an endless echo reverberate within her skull.

Feed. The singular injunction called to something within her.

“I don’t understand,” Kasey groaned as she twisted on her back, the cool concrete pressed up against her flesh.

“Why do you insist on remaining like this?” The Wendigo ran a skeletal finger down her stomach, the talon-like nails threatening to tear through her shirt. “Such potential, such power, and yet you content yourself with a shadow of what you might be. You could be so much more, their power, yours for the taking. All you need to do is feed, my child.”

The Wendigo ran his finger up Kasey‘s throat and over her cheek until it pressed against her temple.

“Feed.”

Images flooded Kasey’s mind, screaming people half encased in ice as the Wendigo gorged itself on their flesh. She was back at the Falls, in the ice cave at the heart of Winter’s realm. Only now there were half a dozen beings frozen in place against the wall. Two of them were long since dead, their remains still suspended in ice as the Wendigo took its time with them. Three others, Sidhe by the look of them, waited helplessly paralyzed in the ice. One of them had fainted from blood loss. The other two were frozen in place, their eyes fixed on one another as the Wendigo pondered which of them it would consume first.

Then the image vanished, and Kasey was staring into the Wendigo‘s huge red eyes once more.

“All you need to do is feed. I have planted the seed. Now nourish it, my child.”

“My child,” a voice bellowed from across the lot. “Glaw tân!”

Fire like a storm of meteorites the size of baseballs hurtled at the Wendigo. Kasey drew her power over herself in a shield. Her mother’s evocation seared white hot as it crossed the space between them. The sudden fury of the onslaught enveloped the Wendigo, buffeting it as it seared bone and cooked flesh. Fire raced up the spiny extrusions protruding from its back until they engulfed its head. Tongues of flame played along its antlers.

Kasey found hope once more—until the Wendigo laughed, a haunting, piercing cackle that cut her to her core. Sweating beneath her shield, Kasey found herself paralyzed with the same terror that had afflicted her each night. Consumed in fire, the beast scoffed at them both. As the fire grew, the Wendigo faded until it vanished completely. One moment it was there, baying like a maniac, unburnt in the midst of an inferno. The next it was gone.

The flames ceased as her mother whipped about, searching for the creature.

Kasey released her shield, sweat from both fire and fear pouring down her face.

“Where did it go?” she shouted. There was a panic in her voice that she couldn‘t hide.

Her mother closed her eyes, and Kasey felt her mother’s searching power probing for the presence of the Wendigo.

“It’s not here,” her mother replied, her voice coming in short, ragged bursts.

“Is it possible you killed it?” Kasey asked, more out of hope than belief.

“Not a chance,” her mother replied. “I hit it, and yet it didn’t burn. I’m not sure that it was ever here.”

Kasey struggled to her feet. “What do you mean? I felt it touch me.”

“Your spell passed straight through its leg, Kasey. Mine did no harm whatsoever. Powerful though the Wendigo might be, it’s not immortal. Both spells should have had sufficient power to at least wound the creature.”

Her mother was making sense, but Kasey just couldn‘t fathom how that could be.

“I suspect it was never here,” her mother said. “The Winter Sidhe are adept with their glamours. It could have been a projection of power and consciousness.”

“It felt so real,” Kasey said, rubbing at her temple. She could still feel the imprint of the nail against her skin, and it sent a shiver down her spine. “So very real.”

If it was a glamour, why could she feel it? Hear it? The emotion it had evoked within her was unsettling.

“Interesting that the beast chose not to reveal itself,” her mother replied. “If it’s as strong as you say, it should have had the means to best us both, and yet it hides.”

“You could hear it though?” Kasey asked, remembering her mother’s rage.

“I could. The good news is it seemed more interested in recruiting you than killing you.”

Talora’s words flashed through Kasey’s memory. Fortify your mind.

“How is that good news?” Kasey asked. “We struggled against an illusion.”

“No, but that is what it wanted us to see,” her mother replied. “It was an illusion, and our own minds did the rest. As long as it isn’t trying to kill us, we have time to make a better plan of attack. Or perhaps it was afraid to face you in the flesh. You might have left a greater mark than you thought when you fought it at the Falls. It’s afraid.”

“Or it’s toying with me,” Kasey replied. The words of the Wendigo seemed written on her soul. If she had left a mark, she wasn’t the only one. The creature had done something to her. Kasey knew that now, as surely as she drew breath.

As the Prius‘s alarm died off, another sound filled the void.

Sirens. Plenty of them, approaching from the west.

Rising to her feet and wrapping an arm around her mother, she said, “We need to get off the streets. I can‘t afford to be detained. Not now. Come, my new place isn’t far. Let’s go.”

Images of the Wendigo feasting on the Sidhe filled her mind. And with it came the Wendigo’s voice.

“Feed.”

Chapter 13

Kasey was shaking by the time she reached her apartment. Perhaps the Wendigo had only been testing her, or perhaps it had accomplished its objective. Whatever psychological attack it had used on her had set her skull ringing.

After the incident at the Falls, she’d expected the creature to kill her. The fact that it hadn’t yet and was instead toying with her was even more concerning.

Not toying. Turning. It seemed insistent that she feed. If it was referring to its own practice of consuming the flesh of the living, then perhaps it wasn’t trying to kill her at all. Perhaps it was simply trying to turn her into another of its kind. Life as a skeletal carnivorous Wendigo was a thought that didn’t bear thinking about. Kasey would rather die than degenerate into that.

She couldn‘t help but appreciate the irony of her situation. If she succumbed, it would also turn her into the very evil Strang was currently trying to prosecute her for—a warlock, someone who grew their own power at the expense of the lives and well-being of others. She had no intention of tarnishing her soul or legacy with such a course. But as her mind shook and the Wendigo’s command reverberated through her, she wondered just how much choice she might have in the matter.

She jammed her key into the apartment door and pushed it open, holding it for her mother as she entered.

In one sweeping glance, her mother took in the disheveled apartment, still not quite tidied after the Feudal Court’s assault, the bloodstained couch, and the empty pizza boxes sitting on the kitchen counter. Kasey hadn’t had a chance to run them to the trash.

“Well, this is…” Her mother paused as she looked for the word.

“Please, Mom, I can’t do this right now.”

“I was going to say, quite lovely. Close to the city, in a nice neighborhood. You must be doing well at the Council.”

“When they’re not trying to kill me,” Kasey replied, taking off her jacket. “The money is great, and I could still use a few homey touches, but otherwise we’re getting there.”

Her mother set her bag down on the counter, her eyes lingering on the fruit bowl sitting there. There were half a dozen red apples, but in amongst them a solid golden one. It’d been a gift from Seth Caldwell.

Kasey knew she ought to hide it, but then again only an ignorant thief would try to break into her apartment. She had been meaning to take it down to a jeweler or a pawn shop to have it appraised but she still wasn‘t quite sure of the most effective medium for exchanging what was several ounces of gold, into cash. If she was lucky, she might even be able to afford a new car.

“Well, that’s interesting.” Her mother bent down to examine the apple. “You don’t see that every day.”

“It was a gift from a friend,” Kasey answered as she checked the windows and the door to her balcony. Not that a lock would keep out the Wendigo, but hearing the latch slide into place still brought her some comfort.

“An expensive one,” her mother said. “Perhaps he means to be more than a friend.”

Kasey laughed out loud. “He’s engaged to be married, and it was a present for helping him with a personal matter. From what I can tell, money is no issue for him.”

“Still an odd choice of present,” her mother mused, studying the piece of gold.

“You don’t know the half of it,” Kasey replied as she kicked off her shoes. “When I first saw it, it was still an apple. Somehow, he turned it into solid gold. I suspected it might be an illusion but turns out its the real deal.”

“Transmutation, fascinating and rare. Interesting friends you have, Kasey.”

Kasey knew precious little about transmutation as an arcane discipline, but it certainly explained how she had watched Seth turn the vampire‘s head to stone. She realized how significant an act of trust the apple had been. If Seth could turn any object into solid gold, money was both no object to him, and the biggest threat to his life. Whatever familial wealth they had was meaningless compared to the wealth they could create.

But his importance to the Brotherhood made more sense. Seth Caldwell wasn’t an heir to a dynasty. He was a fountain of power. Able to create enough wealth to fuel any agenda, his was a gift to be controlled. He was the goose that laid the golden egg, and the more people who knew about his gift, the more complicated his life was bound to become.

“Why don’t you get some rest here?” her mother said. “I’ll set some wards and watch through the night. We will not be disturbed.”

Kasey shook her head. “I haven’t been sleeping well of late. I think it’s that creature. Somehow, it’s messing with my dreams.”

“Then it’s a good thing I’m here,” her mother replied. “I will ward off its influence and get you a full night’s rest to face the courts. We can’t have you fraying. They will seek to put you off balance. We need to ensure you’re calm, collected, and rested.”

“How does one ward an apartment?” Kasey called over her shoulder as she went looking for a change of clothes. She couldn’t be bothered showering; it was close to midnight, and she would be lucky to get seven hours of sleep. She needed every one of them.

“Oh, I always have a few supplies with me. You never know when you might need them.”

When Kasey emerged from the bedroom, her mother had her bag open and had extracted from it a number of candles and a jar of reddish-brown powder.

Kasey followed her mother as she made her way around the apartment, setting the candles at even intervals around its perimeter. Her mother proceeded to unscrew the lid off the container and pour powder in front of the doorway, the balcony entrance, and the windows. Last but not least, she poured a circle of it in the center of the living room floor and then sat down in it.

“That’s going to be hell to get out of the carpet,” Kasey said with all the humor she could muster.

“It’s powdered acacia,” her mother said. “It’s a potent protective element meant to fortify us against psychic assaults. It won’t hold out forever, but it should last the night. You’ll sleep like a baby, dear.”

Kasey wrapped her arms around her mother. “Thanks, Mom.”

“Rest now, dear. That creature won’t trouble you tonight.”

Kasey stepped out of the circle and made her way to her bedroom. Stopping at a small cupboard, she pulled out a spare set of sheets and grabbed a pillow off her bed. Making her way out to the living room, she covered the couch in the sheets and set the pillow down.

“You can take my bed, I’ll sleep out here,” Kasey said eyeing the horrid couch.

“Not a chance,” her mother replied. “Sleep well, dear.”

Kasey had expected as much, but she wanted to give her mom the best she had. But she’d turned it down, much as Kasey had expected she would. Kasey slipped into her room and slid beneath the covers.

From the living room, her mother chanted in a steady stream of Welsh. Kasey felt the power in each word as her mother raised the wards that would secure her apartment. If any of her neighbors were awake, they were in for a hell of a shock.

Midnight chanting in a foreign language had a tendency to unnerve people.

Kasey felt the barriers rising around her, sealing them inside the apartment behind a complex web of enchantments.

Then it was done, and silence prevailed, both inside the apartment, and in her mind. The noise of the city outside ceased and for the first time in weeks, Kasey slept, free of the Wendigo‘s influence and its haunting dreams.

It was after seven in the morning when Kasey awoke. She found her mom asleep on the couch, the last vestiges of the wards burning down. Most of the candles were out, but they had done their job well.

Kasey didn’t want to wake her mother before she had to. Instead, she rushed into the shower and made herself presentable for court. She had a rare few minutes, so she indulged herself, blow-drying her hair. If the Council were going to put her to death, she was going to look and feel her best.

She considered a pantsuit the likes of which Bishop tended to favor and then thought better of it.

After all it was a jury she needed to impress, not an employer. And this jury knew her as Kasey Chase, the hero of New York, not a warlock on trial. She wanted them to recognise her for who she was. She was hoping to drum up any sympathy she could, so she grabbed her favorite jeans and a jacket, and pulled on her boots. She ate a quick bowl of cereal and as she set the dish on the sink, her mother stirred.

“Kasey?” her mother called, sitting up.

“I‘m here. Just getting ready. I’m due in court at nine.”

Her mother looked around the room, checking the candles.

“The wards worked a charm. Thanks, Mom. I can‘t tell you how much I needed that. Sorry again about the couch, I’ll get rid of it, I swear.”

“What you need is more training,” her mother said, ignoring the comments about her sleeping arrangement. “You could do all this yourself, and more. You’ve bonded with the Earth Spirit and are destined to become one of the greatest of our kind. But such a road begins with training—just as soon as we get you through this ridiculous trial.”

“If I survive it,” Kasey countered. “I’ll be happy to attack all the training you can throw at me.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” her mother replied. “Just give me a moment to freshen up.”

Her mother wandered into the bathroom as Kasey rinsed her bowl and ran the pizza boxes out to the trash chute. The last of the wards had burnt out and the seal keeping the apartment closed had faded.

When she got back, her mother looked a good deal fresher. She had not bothered with a bath but from the lingering hint of the arcane, Kasey suspected magic had played a part in her mother’s tidy appearance.

“All right, let’s go. We’ll talk strategy on the way,” her mother said as she headed for the door.

Kasey eyed her mother. “What do you know about warlock trials?”

Her mother‘s voice grew very cold. “I was there when the Sentinels came for members of our order, Kasey. These proceedings are driven by fear. If we can diffuse the fear, then they have no reason to pursue you. Strang, the Congress, and their ilk are cowards stumbling in the dark. We will enlighten them.”

There was an awkward silence as they entered the elevator.

“And if that fails?”

“It mustn’t,” her mother replied. “Too much depends on this. Too much depends on you.”

“I’m all for the power of positive thinking, but things haven’t really been going my way lately. What if the verdict comes back as guilty?”

They made their way onto the curb, where their rideshare was waiting.

“Then I will intervene,” her mother replied, opening the rear door of their ride.

“The Watchman will be there,” Kasey said. “Armando Flint.”

Her mother’s face twisted into a grimace. “You let me worry about him. I’ve dealt with him once before.”

The driver whisked them through the city toward the Arcane Council headquarters. Of course, he thought he was simply dropping them off at Chamber Street.

In spite of the fact the normal was listening in, her mother gave Kasey rapid fire directions. “You must avoid testifying at all costs.”

“Why?” Kasey replied. “I thought the truth was a staunch defense.”

“Yes, but too much of the truth can be a bad thing. If Flint is there, you will have little choice. The Congress doesn‘t bother themselves with perjury. Those who testify will be compelled to speak nothing but the truth courtesy of a working they place on the stand.”

“I thought it was illegal to use magic to manipulate other’s minds?” Kasey asked.

“Not their minds, Kasey, just their mouths. The Congress is highly flexible when it comes to compelling warlocks to confess their sins.”

“Good to know,” Kasey muttered.

That wasn‘t terrifying at all.

“If you’re forced to get on the stand, things might come out. Things we can‘t afford to have aired in a public forum. The Libro Sanguis, the existence of Carys’ specter. The more secrets they expose, the more dangerous the trial might become. Best to let your other witnesses speak for you. Don’t lend credence to these absurd accusations by answering them directly.”

Kasey had to admit her mother was right. She had no desire to be cross examined, particularly with the ever-growing number of secrets rolling around in her head. Carys, the Libro Sanguis and its true nature, her relationship with the Earth Spirit. Hell, most of the Council were still unaware of her connection to the Druids.

Not to mention Sanders’ secrets. Kasey knew enough about him to get them both killed. The fact that the Arcane Chancellor was being compelled to find and liberate something of great power from the Congress’s clutches by the Queen of the Summer Court was a death sentence waiting to be issued. She couldn’t afford to air any of those secrets in a public forum, for her sake, and the sake of those she loved.

“I will do my best,” Kasey replied. “But please stop me from strangling Strang, would you?”

“Why? It would seem like someone ought to do it. Perhaps I should save you the trouble,” her mother said with a wicked smile.

Kasey knew her mother was joking, but when it came to maternal protection, the line between humor and violent intervention was a fine one. Her mother thought nothing about reducing a mob hitman to ashes and then publicizing the deed for all to know. If push came to shove, Kasey wondered just how much trouble her mother might get herself in. She needed to make sure that didn’t happen.

The car pulled up outside Council headquarters, and Kasey and her mother made their way inside. They used the bank entrance, in spite of the existence of a number of other entrances to the metroplex. The ADI entrance was well-guarded and would send a message that Kasey was unconcerned with Strang and her current assault.

The ADI agents in their bolt-gun gray suits, stationed at the door, greeted her. They gave her mother a second look.

“She’s with me,” Kasey told them. “And we’re due in court, if you don’t mind.”

The agents opened the door, and Kasey stepped into the elevator. It plunged down into the underground metropolis that was the Arcane Council’s headquarters. The elevator sped deeper and deeper, past floors of administrative offices that handled the diverse affairs of the supernatural world and levels comprised of the ADI‘s offices before they at last arrived at the Court Complex. The elevator dinged and they stepped off together, into a lobby crowded with people.

The people turned to see her. There was a clamoring of voices as people called to her and pressed forward.

“Easy, easy,” her mother shouted to the approaching masses.

“I thought the court was closed to everyone but family,” Kasey whispered. “Who are these people? The press?”

“This is our family,” her mother replied. “Everyone who could make it on such short notice.”

Kasey‘s heart raced as she quickly lost count of the people milling about the lobby. Out of the mass of people, her father emerged. Behind him was her sister Sarah, with her two boys in tow.

“Kasey, we came as quickly as we could,” Sarah said. “This is utter madness.”

Kasey hugged her sister and her father, before bending down to ruffle the boys’ hair. The boys laughed, and Kasey hugged them both.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” Kasey said, mostly to her sister. “I didn’t want to worry you.”

“We‘re here for you, Kase,” her dad said. “We are all here.”

Kasey stood up and glanced from face to face. “I just don’t understand. I’ve hardly met any of them.”

“Angleseys and Stonemoores,” her father said, “every one of them and as many as we could gather on short order.”

“Seldom do the Druids assemble in such numbers. But if Strang wants you, Kasey, they’re going to have to take you,” her mother whispered.

Kasey looked around the room at the dozens of Druids. She could feel their collective power, and it buoyed her spirits. This was more than a family. It was an army.

“Quiet in the corridors, please,” the court bailiff shouted. “The judge has arrived. Is the defendant here?”

“I’m here,” Kasey called, working her way through the throng.

“Then we’ll seat you first, followed by the others. The prosecution is already waiting.”

“Of course,” Kasey said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Wouldn’t want to throw their schedule out.”

And so, at eight fifty-five a.m., Kasey Chase strode into the Arcane Council’s courtroom to be tried as a warlock for the crime of saving her city from the endless night.

Chapter 14

No sooner had Kasey passed through the doors than she spotted Harvey Ross standing at the defendant’s bench wearing a solid gray power suit.

He beckoned her over even as his eyes played across the flood of people filing into the courtroom behind her.

Judge Joliet also noted the presence of the growing crowd.

“Bailiff, I thought I’d instructed that the gallery remain empty but for family members,” the judge said as he looked to the prosecution for explanation.

“I apologize, Your Honor, but this is my family,” Kasey replied as Druid after Druid filed into the courtroom. “Ordinarily, I wouldn’t have troubled them, but as the prosecution seems eager to have me executed, it might be the last time we see each other.”

The Watchman was on his feet. “Your Honor, this is clearly an attempt to buy the jury‘s sympathy and we’ve not even begun to hear testimony. Not to mention the defendant is testifying, albeit outside of the witness box.”

“The Watchman is right, Miss Chase. You‘re to defer to counsel unless you yourself choose to take the stand. The jury will disregard the defendant’s remarks and strike them from the record.”

Kasey gritted her teeth at being silenced and took her seat. She was on unfamiliar ground, and she didn‘t like it one bit.

The jury stared at her. Their faces bore a mixture of expressions ranging from curiosity to disdain. One of the men, sitting in the back row and wearing an old black trench coat, looked distinctly inconvenienced by having made it onto the jury. Juror twelve, the blonde woman who‘d been ushered in last, studied Kasey curiously.

Without exception, they seemed to know who she was, and Kasey knew that no matter what the judge said, they were real people. Right now, her words were still playing through their minds.

The Watchman turned to Kasey as a thin smile formed on his features. The smile didn‘t last as his eyes settled on something behind her.

Kasey turned to see her mother making her way down the aisle. When she turned back, the color drained out of the Watchman’s face. Kasey’s mother strode down the aisle until she reached the first row of the gallery, but rather than sit behind Kasey, she approached the Watchman.

When she spoke, her voice was soft but firm, barely loud enough for Kasey to hear her.

“Flint, I told you if you ever came after one of my own again, I’d finish what I started at Carmarthen.” Her mother pointed at the scar running down the Watchman’s face.

“Stonemoore, what are you doing here?” Flint asked. “This is none of your business.”

“On the contrary, you ought to have done your research. You’ve come for my daughter, Flint, and you can‘t have her.”

Her mother crossed the aisle and sat behind Kasey.

The Watchman‘s one good eye settled on Kasey, and he swallowed. His color returned, and his face became impassive once more.

The judge beat his gavel to silence the court and as the whispering in the gallery died down, he set the mallet on the bench and addressed the court.

“The charges before the court are dire. An accusation of practicing the Forbidden carries with it a death sentence. Miss Chase, the court is more than aware of your history, particularly your service to the city in recent months. The purpose of this inquiry is to determine the truth of these accusations with a verdict to be rendered by your peers. Do you understand?”

“Yes,” Kasey replied from her seat.

“Then we will proceed,” the judge replied. “I’ll admonish both counsels to refrain from any unseemly behavior in the court. We will hear only the facts of the matter, nothing more. I would remind the prosecution that the burden of proving their case rests entirely on you. The Council is not in the habit of executing its citizens, particularly those as distinguished as Miss Chase. Should you fail to present a cogent and compelling case, the matter will be dismissed. Do you understand?”

“We do,” Marion Strang replied from her seat next to the Watchman. “We have more than adequate evidence to make our case, Your Honor. The prosecution is ready to proceed with our opening statements.”

“By all means, counsel, proceed.”

Marion stood up. She surveyed the gallery before turning to the jury. “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, as the judge has so wisely cautioned, we are gathered here today to determine a matter of grave import. It is with a heavy heart that the prosecution must make its case. We are well-aware of the good that the defendant has done. Such is a matter of public record, however the Arcane Council and the ADI cannot blindly sit back and allow, through our silence, to endorse what we fear might be the growing power of a warlock in our midst. The Council has clearly established what constitutes the Forbidden for practitioners and in the course of our case, we will demonstrate how Miss Chase has knowingly and willfully roamed the realm of the Forbidden.

“The defense would have you believe that the ends justify the means. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I can tell you, as one who has witnessed the rise and fall of many warlocks in my lifetime, they are often men and women of magical talent, respected by the community until the day they cross that line. When their prodigious talents are not enough, they turn on their fellow witches and wizards with devastating consequences.

“The Warlock Akihiro almost destroyed the entire city. One must ask how Kasey Chase, a woman of such youth and inexperience in the ways of magic, was able to thwart not only him, but an ancient evil like Rhain, King of the Feudal Court. The answer is obvious—she beat them with their own arts. She beat them with the Forbidden.”

Kasey’s heart hammered in her chest as Strang slowly but steadily asserted that Kasey was the very same evil she had spent the last year of her life fighting. She wanted nothing more than to cross that aisle and lay Marion out cold.

For a moment, she forgot where she was, and pushed back her chair to rise. Harvey Ross clamped a big meaty hand down on her thigh.

She looked at him, but he shook his head.

“This isn’t your moment. Sit.” His voice was firm.

The balls on him to lay a hand on her.

Kasey sucked in a deep breath and tried to calm the anger boiling within her. It wasn‘t Harvey’s fault. He knew what was best. Strang was trying to get under her skin.

Harvey rose from his seat. “Fear, ladies and gentlemen of the jury. You heard it from the prosecution’s own mouth. Their case has no evidence. It’s based entirely on fearmongering and rumors, and they would sway you to their cause by endeavoring to convince you that your life is in danger. That somehow, Miss Chase, a woman who’s risked life and limb to save this city, not once but twice in recent months, is some terrible specter of dark power that must be excised before it destroys this city.”

Harvey paused and then laughed.

“Nonsense. Utter nonsense. Lawyers have a tendency to cloud the issue, confuse the facts, and lead you down a garden path. Do not fall for the prosecution’s pandering. We are confident that you will find now, as the city has in the past, that Miss Chase is the greatest ally you have and that the prosecution’s case holds as much water as a colander. We’re sorry your time is being wasted with this work of fiction and will seek to waste as little of it as possible.

“For our first witness, we’d like to call Detective Bishop of the Ninth Precinct to the stand.”

Kasey looked at Harvey, who raised a hand to reassure her. “We need to deal with Akihiro, and systematically destroy their case.”

The bailiff ushered Bishop into the room. The detective offered Kasey a smile as she seated herself in the witness box.

Harvey made his way around the table. “Could you state your name for the record, please?”

“Detective Bishop of the Ninth Precinct,” Bishop replied, utterly unfazed by the courtroom. It wasn’t her first time on the stand.

“We appreciate you coming in, detective. We know you’re busy. We promise we won’t keep you long.”

“It’s not a problem,” Bishop replied. “I’m happy to be of assistance wherever I can.”

“Excellent. Detective Bishop, we know from video footage taken on the day, that you were the closest witness to the confrontation between Kasey Chase and the Shinigami Akihiro. Is that correct?”

“I was.” Bishop nodded slowly. “I put three bullets in him in an attempt to put him down for good.”

“And did you?” Harvey asked. “Put him down for good?”

“No,” Bishop replied. “He seemed adept at using his magic to heal himself. Though I have to admit, I’m no expert on such matters.”

“Not to worry,” Harvey replied. “We’re interested in your observations. The prosecution has asserted that he was a warlock, and that the defendant Miss Chase was only able to defeat him by using the Forbidden. While we vigorously dispute that conclusion, I’m interested in what you have to say to that? As one who was there?”

Bishop scoffed. “That’s absurd. I managed to distract him for long enough that Kasey was able to steal his amulet, a device which seemed to be filled with the power he’d leeched from others’ deaths. No sooner had she got her hands on it than she destroyed it. With his artifact reduced to slag, she was able to kill him once and for all. I’ve never seen Kasey use her magic to harm an innocent person, nor do I put any stock in these charges.”

“Thank you, detective, that’s all I have for you.”

Harvey sat down, but Strang was on her feet. “Detective Bishop, my question for you is in a slightly different vein.”

She rounded the table. “By your own admission, you’re not an expert on magic, and have little idea what the Forbidden is, or how one might use their magic for darker purposes.”

Bishop swallowed hard. “I am a normal, if that’s what you’re asking. I know only what I’ve seen, but I’ve seen Akihiro and his evil up close, and I was at Madison Square Garden. I think I know what the Forbidden looks like.”

Strang nodded along. “I see. Detective, at what point did you become aware of the existence of magic?”

Bishop paused. “Pardon?”

“I think you understand the question. Magic was revealed to the world as a result of the actions of Akihiro, but you knew before that. Didn’t you?”

“I, uh,” Bishop stammered as she struggled for words. “I found out magic was real when the Shinigami stormed the Ninth Precinct and tried to kill me.”

“The defendant, Kasey Chase, used her magic in front of you, did she not?”

“Objection, Your Honor.” Harvey rose from the table. “The supernatural world is a matter of public record. This line of questioning has nothing to do with the charges at hand.”

“It goes to show a pattern of behavior,” Strang replied.

“I’ll allow it,” the judge called from the bench. “But get to the point quickly, counsel.”

“Answer the question,” Strang said, addressing Bishop. “Kasey Chase used her magic in front of you. Did she not?”

“Those wizards tried to kill me, and yes, Kasey saved my life,” Bishop reluctantly admitted. It seemed she knew exactly what damage her testimony was causing. “But by then, I’d seen the Shinigami use plenty. Her using her gifts saved my life, and the city. You should remember that.”

“Oh, I do,” Strang replied. “Our world was both safe and secret until she tangled with Akihiro against the wishes of the Council.”

“A Council being run by him that had you all fooled,” Bishop replied.

“That’s the problem,” Strang said. “We’re quick to trust. Just like Miss Chase is quick to ignore the Council’s laws any time she wishes.”

Strang turned to the judge. “No further questions, Your Honor.”

“Detective Bishop, you may step down.”

Bishop shot Strang a murderous look and the bailiff escorted her out of court.

Kasey sighed as she got her first taste of Strang‘s handiwork. She was doing a fine job of painting Kasey as a vigilante who cared little for the law.

Harvey looked impassive as Strang examined her notebook. “The prosecution would like to call its first witness, Morgan Trondheim, the Council‘s current Keeper of Knowledge.”

“Very well,” the judge replied.

The doors of the court room opened, and the Keeper entered. His hair was swept neatly to one side, his wire-rimmed glasses resting high on his nose. He wore black robes and made his way purposefully down the center aisle, before taking a seat on the stand.

Strang gave him a smile. “Could you state your name for the record, please?”

“Morgan Trondheim,” he said, leaning forward into the microphone.

“And what position do you hold on the Arcane Council?” Strang asked.

“I am the Keeper of Knowledge,” he answered curtly. “It is my responsibility to preserve the archives and the combined arcane knowledge the Council has accumulated over its existence.”

Strang nodded along. “It’s in that capacity that the prosecution wishes to seek your professional opinion, Keeper Trondheim.”

She stretched out his title, seemingly for the jury‘s benefit.

“I had gathered as much,” he replied with a self-satisfied smile. “I am happy to assist however I can.”

“Thank you, Morgan. Do you understand the nature of the inquiry taking place today?”

“Of course,” Morgan replied. “The trial of a warlock is one of grave concern both for the Council and the community at large. The Forbidden is a danger to us all.”

“You‘re not wrong,” Strang said, playing to the court. “Therein lies the problem. As the Council prefers to try and execute warlocks, for the safety of the greater community, it makes it difficult to call on an expert in the field. Those who dabble in the Forbidden normally stray down the dark path. It is our hope that you might provide some illumination, albeit from this side of the law.”

So, Morgan was going to help paint her as a warlock. Kasey fumed silently as she resisted the urge to break the desk before her. The hypocrisy was outstanding. His predecessor had betrayed her to the Feudal Court.

At least Morgan had the courtesy to stab her in the front.

“Morgan, what is the Forbidden?”

Morgan adjusted himself in his seat. “The Forbidden is the practice of using the arcane arts to taint the soul, usually in a quest for power. In that search for greater power, practitioners tend to take it from others, usually corrupting or quenching the life force of their victims to increase their own arcane stature. They might also make bargains with dangerous creatures from beyond the Veil.”

That last one was a particularly precarious assertion, both for Kasey and Sanders. Did the prosecution know more than they were letting on?

“Have you ever met a warlock, Morgan?”

Morgan glanced down and nodded. “I have sat on three such trials. In each instance, the warlock committed heinous crimes against the community.”

“And you are confident that each of them was guilty?” Strang asked.

“Indeed,” Morgan replied, “the Council isn‘t in the habit of executing innocent people.”

Harvey was on his feet. “Objection, Your Honor. Leading the witness with this flagrant absurd attempt to presuppose guilt.”

“Sustained,” the judge said, then addressed Strang. “Counsel, the witness has established his credentials adequately. Please confine your questions to the matter at hand.”

“Very well, Your Honor,” Strang answered.

“Morgan, are you familiar with the events that transpired in Madison Square Garden on the date in question?”

Morgan nodded. “While I wasn’t present, I have read the Council reports as well as statements by those who were in attendance.”

“Does anything in those reports strike you as unusual, dangerous, or in any way influence your opinion as to whether or not the defendant practiced the Forbidden?”

“There are a number of concerns,” he said, a bit too enthusiastically.

“Such as…?”

“First and foremost, the nature of the ritual undertaken. I have inquired directly of Miss Chase to better understand its purpose, but she has refused to provide any clarification.”

“And you find that suspicious?” Strang asked.

Morgan shrugged. “Naturally. The innocent have no trouble answering questions directly.”

“Anything else?” Strang asked. “Anything that supports your opinion that something was amiss there?”

“The copious amounts of blood recovered at the scene, director.”

“Why is that significant?” Strang asked, looking to the jury as if to make sure they were following the breadcrumbs she was leaving.

“Blood is a medium of life and power,” Morgan said. “Blood magic is often utilized as a means for warlocks to draw power from the life force of others, an almost certain practice of the Forbidden.”

“And you say there was a considerable quantity at the site in question?”

Morgan nodded. “Indeed. Our agents estimate hundreds of gallons of blood were used in the casting of the ritual.”

“You’ve spoken of a ritual several times. Could you tell the court what a ritual is and why they are often used by warlocks in the pursuit of their power?”

“Certainly. When a practitioner utilizes their gifts, much of the power exerted is channeled through their being. Practitioners have a finite limit of power they can channel through themselves in a limited period of time. If they exceed their body or tax these limitations too far, they can die. In academic circles, this is referred to as the mortal limit. Rituals are a means of overcoming this limitation and bringing more power to bear than might otherwise be possible.

“Rituals frequently make use of a circle to contain and channel power, and focii. These focii serve to gather, channel and at times even subvert power for the use of the ritual. As warlocks are frequently seeking greater power, rituals are a common medium to achieve their objective.

“Necromancers use rituals to twist the energy of death. Warlocks might also use rituals to bind others to their will, subdue them, or use their life force in the form of a sacrifice to achieve their ends. While there is ritual magic that is wholly within the guidelines set by the Arcane Council, it should be noted that almost all warlocks practice ritual magic in one form or another.”

Strang nodded along as Morgan spoke. “So, the ritual used in Madison Square Garden, the one powered by the lifeblood of hundreds of innocent people, would you say that‘s representative of the Forbidden, or one of the latter variety wholly within the Arcane Council’s established guidelines?”

“Something powered by human blood would have to involve the Forbidden,” Morgan said, pushing his glasses further up his nose.

“Thank you for your time, Keeper. That will be all.”

Strang took her seat, and Harvey let out an exaggerated sigh as he rose.

“Just two brief questions for you, Keeper. To clarify for the jury, you were neither at Madison Square Garden, nor did you see the ritual performed. Correct?”

“I was not,” Morgan said softly, but hastened to add, “but I have availed myself of all the witness testimonies. From those I have formulated an informed opinion on the matter.”

“I know, I know,” Harvey said, his lips tightening. “You’ve read the reports. I don’t doubt it, but I’ve read those reports too, Keeper Trondheim, and there isn’t a single one of them that paints my client as a warlock. In fact, there are thousands of pages clearly indicating that as a result of her actions, the lives of thousands of people were saved. Did you not read those also?”

Morgan stammered, unable to get out a full word.

“Did you read the reports or not?” Harvey asked.

“They certainly do suggest that possibility,” Morgan finally said.

“But you have a very different opinion, don’t you, Morgan?” Harvey asked, his tone familiar, but not in a pleasant way.

Where is he going with this?

“I have said as much,” Morgan replied, “in my earlier testimony.”

“You certainly have,” Harvey said, turning to face the jury. He paused as if he were about to sit down and then craned his head toward the witness box.

“Keeper Trondheim, your appointment was a recent one, if I’m not mistaken?”

Trondheim swallowed. “It was.”

“You were appointed on the death of your predecessor, the then Keeper Stacey Lender?”

“Objection, Your Honor,” Strang replied, rising to her feet. “Stacey Lender isn’t on trial here—Kasey Chase is.”

“It goes to the witness‘s credibility,” Harvey countered.

“Keeper Trondheim, you’ll answer the question,” the judge said.

“That is correct. I was appointed on the death of the previous keeper, Stacey Lender.”

Now Kasey knew exactly where Harvey was going. After what Strang had done to Bishop, it felt like sweet karma to watch him work.

“And Miss Lender was present during the events at Madison Square Garden, was she not?”

“You know she was,” Morgan replied.

“So, she was aiding the Council then?”

“So we believed,” Morgan replied, “but as you are aware, the reports seem to indicate she was in league with the vampires.”

Harvey pointed his finger at Morgan. “Let me get this straight. Your old boss was in league with the Feudal Court. And here you are, accusing someone else of turning to the dark side. One could easily conclude that the Keepers of Knowledge are simply trying to distract the court from the part they played in the events at Madison Square Garden.”

“That’s outrageous,” Morgan replied. “Lender acted alone and without the blessing of the rest of our body, which has distinguished itself over years of faithful service.”

“As has my client,” Harvey said, his voice booming around the courtroom. “Of course, you expect to receive the benefit of the doubt from the court, but you don’t seem eager to extend the same to my client. Fifty ADI agents lost their lives due to the previous Keeper’s duplicity. There was a warlock present in the garden, and when she died, you got her job.”

“I object,” Strang replied.

“You should,” Harvey answered. “If you were less focused on harassing my client, you might have spotted the turncoat in your midst.”

Whispers erupted throughout the gallery, and the judge slammed his gavel.

“Order in my courtroom. Mr. Ross, you’ll refrain from grandstanding in my courtroom. Jury, you are to disregard the defense’s last statement. And Mr. Ross, you better have a good-faith basis for that statement.”

“It’s the truth, Your Honor,” Harvey replied. “The same reports the prosecution seem to be relying on for this absurd witness’s credibility contain the facts as I’ve presented them. Lender’s actions were witnessed by hundreds of people. They certainly call into question the efficacy of her successor’s testimony against my client. Not only that, but the notion that my client is a warlock when Lender was obviously in league with the vampires is as offensive as these proceedings.”

“Mr. Ross, I’ve warned you once. I won’t warn you again,” the judge replied. “You will limit yourself to questioning the witness and not grandstanding for the court.”

“What about the Forbidden tome she’s been carting around?” Morgan called from the stand. “Stolen from the Repository, and she won’t return it. Why would she want that if she weren’t a warlock?”

Harvey‘s granite jaw set firm. “No further questions, Your Honor.”

As Kasey followed the exchange, she struggled to determine whether it had been a win or a loss for her. The judge‘s growing disapproval of Harvey’s methods seemed likely to make life difficult, but as she watched the jury’s reactions, she couldn’t help but admit it was proving effective in swaying them to her cause.

Morgan’s outburst about the Libro Sanguis had been heard by the court, but Harvey seemed content to let it slide.

“Keeper Trondheim, you are dismissed. The defense reserves the right to recall this witness,” Harvey announced.

Morgan nodded and hurried out of the witness box, exchanging glances with Strang as he stormed up the center aisle. His public embarrassment clearly hadn‘t been a part of their bargain.

“Counsel for the defense, are you ready to call your next witness?”

Harvey leaned on the table with one hand. “We are, Your Honor. The defense calls Jane Stonemoore to the stand.”

Chapter 15

Kasey’s heart all but stopped entirely. She turned to Harvey, gripping the edge of the table.

“What are you doing?” she hissed across the table at him.

Harvey leaned a little closer.

“It wasn’t my idea—it was hers. This is what she wants. If she testifies, she can answer this line of questioning about the tome, and you won‘t have to.”

Kasey‘s knuckles turned white. She didn’t like the thought of this one bit. For one, her mother was a Druid and had secrets of her own. She also knew from what her mother had shared with her that she had plenty of questionable moments in her past. Putting her on the stand exposed her to the truth compulsion and potentially deadly consequences for her own actions. Not to mention everything Kasey had told her yesterday.

Not only that, but whatever history she had with the Watchman would surely be aired in the courtroom. None of it was likely to be good for her mother and could well put Kasey’s own case in jeopardy.

“I hope you know what you’re doing,” Kasey muttered.

Her mother brushed her shoulder as she passed by and made her way to the stand. She flashed Kasey a smile.

“Could you state your name for the record please?” Harvey asked.

Kasey’s mother leaned back in her chair, but her voice carried through the court regardless. “Jane Stonemoore. Before I was married, I was Jane Anglesey.”

“And before the prosecution can make something of it, Jane, could you tell the court what your relationship is with the defendant?”

“Certainly. I’m Kasey’s mother.”

“So you’re appearing today as her mother? To speak to her character presumably?”

“No,” Jane said, “I don’t need to speak to my daughter’s character. It’s a matter of public record, particularly in this city.”

“Then, pray tell, Mrs. Stonemoore, why are you here?”

Jane stared down the Watchman.

“To correct the obvious oversight on the part of the prosecution.”

“And what might that be?” Harvey asked, approaching the stand.

“Well, by their previous witness’s own admission, they have no actual experience with the Forbidden and barely any more with ritual magic. They also equated the two, largely through ignorance, I‘m sure.”

“And you know better?” Harvey asked.

“I most certainly do,” her mother replied.

“How is that?” Harvey asked. “We’ve been told that those who dabble in ritual magic are toying with the Forbidden.”

“Please, Mr. Ross,” she said, “the more you repeat that nonsense, the more likely some fool is to believe it.”

“And you know better?” Harvey was doing a good job of pretending to be skeptical. A simple trick, but a powerful one. By taking the part of the skeptic, it gave the jury the chance to relax; their job was being done for them.

“Of course,” my mother replied.

“How is that?”

“Because the Druids have been practicing ritual magic for more than a millennia, and as you can see, I am still in full possession of both my faculties and my soul.”

“So, you’re a Druid?” Harvey raised an eyebrow.

“I am. I’m the high priestess of the Order of the Earth, matriarch of our order, and the true owner of the tome known as the Libra Sanguis. My daughter has returned our artifact to where it belongs, our order. I claim it by the right of familia hereditatem. The Council should have returned it years ago.”

“This is preposterous,” Strang replied, rising to her feet.

“You’ll have your turn in a minute, counselor,” the judge said. “Sit down.”

Harvey leaned on the witness box. “Your tome, you say? Not Kasey’s?”

“That‘s correct.”

“Says who?” Harvey asked. “You’ll have to forgive me. My Latin isn’t what it used to be.”

“Says me,” her mother replied. “The Latin term familia hereditatem is a right by virtue of familial inheritance. The tome was penned by my forebear, Carys Anglesey, and contains the only written record of our order‘s rituals. Not only am I the rightful owner of the tome, something kept by the Council against my knowledge, but its contents are protected under the libertatem adorare. The Arcane Covenant protects a people‘s right to worship as they please. The notion that our family journal in my daughter’s hands is evidence of her being a warlock is utter nonsense. And I’m sorry that the court’s time has been so thoroughly wasted.”

“So ritual magic isn’t inherently evil then?” Harvey asked. “As we’ve been told, there are those who would say the Druids live on the very fringes of the Forbidden.”

“The Druids,” her mother replied, her voice level, “are guardians of the earth and her Elements. Our rituals have been used to preserve the earth and her functions since our order was first brought into being. Ignorance doesn’t change facts, counselor.”

“Guardians of the earth. I see some things run in the family. No further questions, Your Honor.”

Strang went to rise to her feet, but the Watchman rested his hand on her shoulder. Strang sat, and the Watchman rose.

“Mrs. Stonemoore, I’d say it’s good to see you again, but that would make me a liar and, in these courts, only the truth should be spoken, with no guile.”

“You’d know all about that, wouldn’t you, Armando?” Her mother pointed down at the brass circle surrounding the witness chair in which she sat. “You performed this clumsy working, did you not?”

“I did,” the Watchman replied.

“We both know I speak the truth, though I do not need your compulsion to direct me. I have truth on my side.”

“Always the martyr,” the Watchman said. “Mrs. Stonemoore, or was it Mrs. Anglesey? I lose track of these things sometimes.”

“Either will do,” her mother replied icily. “I need no pleasantries from you.”

“Have we met before?” the Watchman asked, though he clearly already knew the answer.

“You know we have.”

“Where and when, if you wouldn’t mind? For the court, please.”

“During the purges,” Jane said, her voice low. “Where in a spirited overzealous frenzy, you led a group of sentinels against a number of members of my order. You believed them to be warlocks and in the hysteria of the day, the Congress sided with your paranoia.”

“I see the circle has little sway over you, Mrs. Stonemoore,” the Watchman replied, “because the Congress records are quite clear. Eight warlocks died at Carmarthen, along with fourteen sentinels. The entire strike force bar one perished.”

“You massacred two entire families, including three children,” her mother said, her voice faltering. “If only I had arrived sooner, I might have saved them. One of only two regrets I have from that day.”

“And the other?”

“That my spell only took your eye, and not your whole head before you ran like a coward. You‘re the murderer here.”

“On the contrary, I hold office with the Congress and am here on their errand. As I was that day in Carmarthen. You see, Mrs. Stonemoore can be relied on to do anything she can to get her way, libertatem adorare and all that. She killed fourteen sentinels in cold blood who were doing nothing more than their job.”

“It was a solstice ritual,” her mother snapped. “They were doing nothing more than welcoming the new season.”

“They were sacrificing one of their own on an altar,” the Watchman replied. “And those warlocks got what was coming to them, as all warlocks do eventually.”

The Watchman sat down, and her mother shook with rage. Kasey could feel the power building in the room. A breeze stirred, ruffling the papers on the desks, though fifteen floors below ground level there was clearly nowhere it could have come from.

What was worse, was that the jury could feel it too.

“Your Honor, are you quite finished indulging the prosecution on their wild goose chase?” Harvey asked.

Judge Joliet looked down at the Watchman who was seated.

“They appear to have finished of their own accord, counsel. Have you any further questions for the witness?”

“Just a few, Your Honor,” Harvey replied, turning to face Kasey’s mother. “How do you feel about your daughter’s choice to serve with the Arcane Council? I understand she leads a strike team intended to protect the city from supernatural threats.”

“I would rather she didn’t,” her mother replied, “if I’m being perfectly honest.”

“And why is that?” Harvey asked.

“Because bureaucrats have a habit of turning on their saviors when they no longer need them. My daughter would give her life for this city, and even now the same people whose job she’s been doing are trying to take her life. They muddy the waters with bureaucracy and jealousy so they can gather more power for themselves. I’d rather she had no part in it.”

“And does your daughter listen to you?” Harvey asked, folding his arms over his broad chest.

“What kind of question is that?”

“An earnest one,” Harvey replied. “Your daughter went after Akihiro the Shinigami, an actual warlock—one of great reputation and power—all at risk to her own life, did she not?”

“You know she did,” her mother replied.

“Then when the Feudal Court came to town, did she run?”

“No, she took the fight to the vampires, shut down their medical facility, and rescued her friend and dozens of other innocents being held against their will.”

“And when Rhain came to town and put a five-million-dollar bounty on her head, did she run and hide then?”

“No,” her mother replied, “she didn’t. She met him at center court at Madison Square Garden and killed not only the King of the Feudal Court but his entire household, using his own ritual that she turned against him.”

“Why do you think she did it? Your daughter, that is. Has she got a mad lust for power?”

A tear rolled down her mother‘s cheek.

“No, it’s because she has power. And she believes with all her heart that she should use it to protect those who can‘t. And nothing that I or her father can say will convince her to stop.”

“Because that’s what heroes do,” Harvey said. “Make no mistake, Mrs. Stonemoore. Your daughter is a hero. You should be very proud.”

“I’d rather she were alive, and anywhere but here,” her mother replied.

“So do I. Mrs. Stonemoore, no further questions.”

“You may sit down, Mrs. Stonemoore,” the judge said as he looked at the clock on the wall. “I’m willing to allow the prosecution to call one more witness before we adjourn.”

“The prosecution calls Amia Santiago to the stand,” Strang said.

Kasey looked about, her face screwing up a little in confusion. She’d never heard the name before in her life.

The bailiff made his way out of court and when he reappeared, he was escorting a Latina woman in her late forties. As the woman walked past Kasey, she shot her a look that could have killed.

Kasey leaned back. She‘d never seen the woman before in her life, but there was no mistaking the hostility in her eyes.

The bailiff escorted the witness to the stand.

“Mrs. Santiago, I’m sorry to bring you here, particularly under the circumstances,” Strang began. “I know you are grieving, but the court would like to understand your relationship with the defendant.”

Kasey eyed the woman.

“I am Amia Santiago, and this woman murdered my husband.”

Chapter 16

Kasey stared at the woman in the witness box, utterly dumbfounded. She didn’t murder people’s husbands.

It just didn’t make any sense. Kasey looked at Strang who was standing silently, waiting for the woman’s words to sink in with the jury.

“Great, this is just what I need. She couldn’t make the warlock thing stick, so now she’s coming after me with these trumped-up charges,” Kasey muttered loud enough for Harvey to hear.

“Your Honor,” Harvey said, rising to his feet, “the prosecution’s list of witnesses doesn’t include Mrs. Santiago. And now we find them exploring this absurd proposition in front of the jury. They have led us on this wild goose chase about her being a warlock and now they simply wish to taint the jury by airing this nonsense. We don’t know who Mrs. Santiago is, nor have we had the opportunity to depose her and verify her story.”

“Sorry, Your Honor,” Strang replied. “Amia only approached us late yesterday evening and while we sought to inform the defense counsel, it appears the correspondence didn’t arrive in time. Nonetheless, it is pertinent, and contrary to the defense counsel’s assertions, it does concern the events at Madison Square Garden. If you will give us a moment, we’ll get right to it.”

“I don’t like this one bit, counsel,” the judge said, waggling a finger at Strang. I’ll allow it but consider yourself on an exceptionally short leash.”

“Well, let us hear from the witness in her own words,” Strang said. “Amia, what happened? Why do you believe that Miss Chase is responsible for your husband’s death?”

“Because she killed him.”

“How?” Strang asked. “Tell the court what you saw.”

“We were at the Garden when those creatures attacked us. One of them bit my husband as we were trying to escape. Then a mighty crack split the air and those creatures died, all of them, and so did my poor Alonzo.”

“But what makes you believe Miss Chase is responsible?” Strang asked. “You said the vampires attacked him.”

“At first, but he was still alive. Until the magic split the arena and left her sitting there in the middle of the court covered in blood. Everyone was calling her a hero, saying she killed the vampires. I don’t know how magic works, but I do know this. That spell killed my Alonzo.”

Kasey’s stomach twisted in on itself, not at the accusation itself but at the sickening realization that she didn’t know whether or not the woman was right. In the midst of her struggle with Rhain, she had lashed out at the entire Feudal Court. She‘d been drowning in the power of the ritual, and she had sought every unliving heart in Madison Square Garden.

Was it possible that she had made a mistake? Was this poor woman’s husband dead as a result of her actions? Could there be more?

The thought pierced her heart, and she trembled.

If she had thought innocents would be caught up in the ritual, she would have looked for other options.

“And can you point out the woman responsible for casting the spell that killed your husband?” Strang asked.

Amia jabbed a finger in Kasey’s direction. “She did it. She killed my husband.”

“Let the record reflect that the witness has identified Kasey Chase as being responsible, via ritual, for her husband’s death. We also note at this time that the use of magic as a lethal force against an innocent person is in breach of the Council’s laws, the penalty for which carries the same sentence as that of being a warlock—death.

“At this time, the prosecution seeks leave to amend our charges to reflect the witness’s testimony. One charge of willful violation of the third law-use of magic against a normal resulting in their death. We have no further questions for the witness, Your Honor.”

“Do I even need to object to that, Your Honor?” Harvey rose to his feet. “An eleventh-hour amendment of the charges against my client. The court has heard evidence on this ridiculous warlock claim and now fearing it insufficient to get the job done, the prosecution has produced a previously unheard-of witness whose husband allegedly died at my client’s hand. No one can prove that’s the case, or place Kasey in any direct connection with his death. By her own admission, the vampires were feasting on him. Not only is this unorthodox, it is absurd. This woman doesn’t have the requisite understanding of magic to rightfully claim who or what might have killed her husband.”

“She did!” The woman shook her finger at Kasey.

“Counselor, if you wish to cross-examine the witness, by all means, please do,” Strang replied. “I’ll remind you that she is under the same compulsion of truth as all witnesses are.”

“Which only means that she believes what she is saying is true,” Harvey replied. “Doubtless she’s been coached by the prosecution into believing such.”

“You’ll cross-examine the witness,” the judge countered. “I will speak to the charges in due course.”

Harvey leaned on the table with both hands as he tried to compose himself. Kasey looked down at her feet. Harvey was rattled. It didn‘t bode well for her position.

“Mrs. Santiago, I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Yet you defend that monster,” the woman snapped.

“That woman is a hero. She saved thousands of lives,” Harvey replied, “including yours.”

“How do you figure that?” Amia asked between sobs.

“Because you were at Madison Square Garden. If it wasn’t for Miss Chase, you and your husband would certainly have died there, as would everyone else. I don’t wish to add to your trauma, but I do have a question. You mentioned the vampires. They attacked your husband. Could you tell us more? What exactly did they do to him?”

“They bit him,” Amia said, pointing to her neck. “Right here.”

“One more, if I might. You were with him when he died. Your husband.”

“Of course. I never left his side.”

“You didn’t happen to see his eyes?” Harvey asked. “Whether they were open or closed?”

“They were open,” she said, “but I don’t see what that has to do with anything.”

“What color were they?” Harvey asked. “Your husband’s eyes.”

“Black as night. The whites of his eyes had completely disappeared.”

Kasey breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn‘t missed at all.

“Well, that clears things up,” Harvey replied. “Miss Chase’s spell killed all the vampires. Unfortunately, your husband had been bitten and was in the process of turning into one of those creatures, hence the black eyes. The man you loved and married was already dead when the spell hit him. If it wasn’t for Miss Chase, you likely would have been the first he fed upon. Do you think your husband would have wanted that? Driven by the hunger of a demon inside him. Do you think he would have wished to see you dead at his own hand?”

“Of course not!” Her eyes were red, tears streaming down her face.

“It’s not your husband’s fault. He was turned and the moment he became a vampire, he was no longer your husband. Miss Chase only acted to keep you and everyone around you safe. We’re truly sorry for your loss, but that doesn’t make my client his murderer.

“No further questions, Your Honor,” Harvey replied, taking his seat.

The judge excused the witness, and she clutched her handbag to her chest as she left the courtroom.

“Put me on the stand,” Kasey said.

The witness might have had her story clarified, but things were looking grim. If Amia had managed to get her to question herself, the jury had to be thinking the exact same thoughts.

“That’s a terrible idea,” Harvey replied.

“No, it isn’t, and the more I avoid it, the more guilty I look. Put me on the stand.”

Harvey rested his hand on the table. “Miss Chase, you’ve trusted me with your defense, and I have brought you this far. If you get on the stand and let them cross-examine you, I can’t protect you from your own mouth.”

“It’s a risk I’m willing to take,” Kasey replied. “I want to answer these charges on the record. I have been belittled, mocked, mobbed, spat on, all for being who I am. Now I’m being called a murderer, and a warlock. I will not let the record stand as it is. Put me on the stand.”

“It’s your funeral,” Harvey replied, before addressing the judge. “Your Honor, it appears the defendant would like to say a few words. With your permission, we would like to call Kasey Chase to the stand.”

The judge pointed to the witness box. “Miss Chase, if you will.”

Kasey rose from her chair, her hands shaking a little as she rounded the table and made her way to the witness box. She noted Strang‘s pleased expression and wished that she could punch the woman in her smug face.

Passing through the circle around the seat, she felt a tingle of arcane power run up her spine and settle somewhere in the back of her throat.

That has to be the compulsion.

Clearly, it wasn’t foolproof. Otherwise, Strang and the Watchman wouldn’t have said as much to her mother.

Nonetheless, she needed to watch herself. While she had done nothing to warrant this hearing, there were certainly things she knew that could pose a danger to herself, and Sanders.

She needed to stay on topic and on point, no matter how Strang tried to get under her skin.

“Could you state your name for the record, please?” Harvey Ross asked. His face was resigned. He’d been adamant against her testifying, and that bothered her. She was innocent.

What was he worried about?

“My name is Kasey Chase, at least it has been since I changed it as a child. I was born Elizabeth Stonemoore, but I left that name behind a long time ago.”

“Left it behind,” Harvey asked. “What do you mean?”

“I was bullied as a child at the Academy. When I left there, I changed my name and tried to live as a normal, as far from the World of Magic as I could run.”

“If you’ll forgive me saying,” Harvey said, raising his eyebrow, “you appear to have failed miserably.”

Kasey stifled a chuckle. It didn‘t feel like the appropriate time, but she couldn’t help herself.

“Life happens to us while we are busy making other plans,” she said.

“Could you explain for the benefit of the court your current occupation and how you came by it?”

“Until recently, I was a medical examiner for the city. That‘s when I was embroiled in a plot by the wizard known as Akihiro to destroy the city. Working with the then-head of the ADI Noah Sanders, our incumbent Chancellor, we were able to thwart the plot. I guess he saw something in me, because he offered me a job.”

“A job as a medical examiner?”

Kasey laughed. “No, supernatural law enforcement.”

“You‘ll pardon me for asking, but don’t they have the ADI for that?” Harvey asked, his gaze drifting to Strang who was fidgeting in her seat.

“They do, but the ADI were poorly positioned to prevent Akihiro‘s attack. Clearly, Sanders saw merit in having a small task force outside of their direct organizational hierarchy. So now I have a task force. There are only a few of us, but we liaise between the Council and other powerful organizations within the city to counteract any threats that may arise.”

“Threats?” Harvey asked. “What kind of threats?”

“Well, the Feudal Court were the most recent example,” Kasey said.

“So, in dealing with the Court, you were acting as an agent of the Arcane Council?”

Kasey nodded. “I was doing my job, yes. When I first came in contact with them, I was on an errand assigned by the Council. Strang herself gave it to me, actually.”

“So, it was on the prosecution’s own errand that you encountered the vampires? Intriguing.” Harvey paused to let that sink in.

“Objection,” Strang called.

Harvey turned to face her. “To which part?”

“You’re trying to muddy the water,” Strang replied.

“With the truth?” Harvey countered. “Or by providing context for your nonsense argument and accusations?”

“To the entire line of questioning,” Strang replied, her face a little red.

“I’d be embarrassed too,” Harvey said with a shrug. “If a task force of two was doing my job better than me, I might want to shut that down, too.”

“Overruled,” the judge replied. He pointed at Harvey. “And I’m perfectly capable of answering for myself, Mr. Ross. I believe it’s important we understand the nature of Miss Chase’s work and what part, if any, the Council’s own directives played in events.”

Harvey turned back to the witness box. “So, on the Council’s errand, you pursued the Feudal Court?”

He shot a glance sideways at the jury, to ensure they took the point.

“That’s correct,” Kasey replied, “though I‘ll admit I didn’t know they were involved at the time. They were indirectly involved with an arson attempt against a family of werewolves here in the city. In the course of our investigation, we discovered the Feudal Court was running a black-market organ transplant operation from a private medical clinic. Using blackmail and extortion, they were gathering power and influence with wealthy individuals throughout the city. My task force, with the assistance of local law enforcement, destroyed the facility and put an end to their illegal activities.”

“And how did they respond to that?”

“They put a bounty on my head. Five million dollars,” Kasey said. “More if I was alive, so that they could kill me themselves.”

“Seems quite high. Did you strike a nerve?”

“I killed their heir. They took it personally. In my defense, the vampire was trying to murder me at the time.”

“What happened next?” Harvey asked.

Kasey looked at the jury. All eyes were on her.

“While being harried by assassins and bounty hunters, my strike force disabled a facility that was manufacturing a potent drug being used to turn normal people into mindless killing machines. It overwhelmed the human anatomy with a potent mixture of vampire venom and magic, turning even normal individuals into thoughtless monsters. The existence of, and effects of it, have been well documented throughout the city.”

“And you were successful?” Harvey asked, resting against the witness box.

“Yes,” Kasey replied, leaning into the microphone. “The facility was destroyed, along with as much of the sample as we could find. We intercepted it before they could dump the product into the city’s water supply. It was in the aftermath of that attack that we discovered that the vampire king known as Rhain Vladislav had landed at the docks with more than a thousand of his followers. We retreated and raised the alarm on what had become a full-scale invasion of the city.”

“Hardly the actions of a warlock, I must say,” Harvey chimed in.

“Objection,” Strang replied.

“Sustained,” the judge replied, fixing Harvey with a stare. “Counsel, you know better.”

“Apologies, Your Honor. Sometimes I can’t help but state the obvious.” Harvey smiled at the jury. “So, the vampires attacked, and what came next, Miss Chase? For the benefit of the court, if you will.”

“For days, they engaged in guerrilla warfare across the city. Eventually, we became aware of their intentions, as our scouts narrowed the potential targets to three, one of which was Madison Square Garden. We deployed the bulk of our forces.

“We were right. When we arrived at the scene, Rhain Vladislav, King of the Feudal Court, was beginning his ritual, and his followers were slaughtering the innocent people who had gathered to watch the game that night.”

“What was that like?” Harvey asked. “Describe it for the benefit of those who weren’t present.”

Kasey swallowed. Her memories of those events were less than pleasant.

“The vampire king was ensconced in a ritual circle protected by a barrier of energy. Blood rained down from overhead, providing the power for the ritual which continued to grow as his minions slaughtered their way through the thousands of innocent people waiting for them in the grandstands. Some they killed, others like that poor woman’s husband, they turned to their cause.”

“Vampires can turn others?” Harvey asked, clearly for the jury’s benefit.

“Exactly. Therein lies the greatest danger. While there were only hundreds present at first, the number of vampires in the Garden was growing by the moment. It could easily have become a tide that would consume the whole city. At least we believe that was part of his intentions, and that he was augmenting his efforts with the power being gathered during the ritual.”

“Objection, speculation,” Strang interrupted.

“Forgive me, Your Honor,” Kasey said. “I thought the purpose of this inquiry was to determine what happened in the Garden. I’m undertaking to explain precisely that.”

“How can she speak to the mind of a vampire? Your Honor, it’s clearly speculative.”

“Seeing as I was locked in a battle of wills with him, I’m likely the only person on the planet who can.”

“She’s not wrong, counsel. You may proceed.” The judge waved his hand.

Kasey fought the urge to smile at Strang‘s disappointed expression.

“Along with allied forces, I fought my way through the vampire court, including a number of ADI agents who had been turned to vampires. Feeling the growing power of the ritual, I killed one of Rhain’s guards, compromising the barrier protecting him. During the lapse in concentration, I was able to penetrate the circle to contend with the king himself.”

She took a breath as she surveyed the court. The jury were leaning forward in their seats, particularly the twelfth juror, the mousy woman with the blonde hair and piercing eyes.

“Go on,” Harvey prodded.

“The King of the Feudal Court tried to bludgeon me with his will, but the ritual was well progressed. It was difficult for him to hold me at bay while maintaining control of the ritual. So, I gave him everything I had and in the resulting battle of wills, I altered the intent of the spell. Where he seemed keen to empower his followers, I applied the gathering power to extinguish their heartbeats. When the ritual reached its zenith, he unleashed it without realizing the change I‘d made to its nature. In the resulting outlay of power, every vampire in Madison Square Garden was killed, including that woman’s poor husband.”

“All of them?” Harvey asked. “That easily?”

“It was anything but easy,” Kasey replied, leaning back in her seat. “I almost died. If I had not been successful, well, I wouldn’t be here. I doubt most of you would be, either.”

“One more question, Kasey, if I might. The prosecution has indicated that you’re a warlock. Why do you think that is?”

“It’s a convenient excuse to pursue me,” Kasey replied. “Everyone hates a warlock. Branding me as one helps people overlook the ridiculousness of their accusations.”

“Why would they wish to pursue you, though?” Harvey asked. “That’s the part of this I don’t understand.”

“People tend to be afraid of those with power. I’ve been given more than most. I think that bothers the director, particularly because I enjoy the Council’s favor and operate outside of her jurisdiction. She’s said as much to me herself. I think the events at the Garden gave her a convenient opportunity to air her grievances and have my task force disbanded.”

“You’re not a warlock then?” Harvey asked.

“I did not at the Garden, nor have I ever engaged in an action that’s drawn on the life force of another for my own gains. The ritual at Madison Square Garden was contrived and powered by the vampires’ own agenda. I might have hijacked its purpose to turn it on themselves, but had I not done so, the resulting release of power could have killed us all.

“I’m no more a warlock than anyone else in this room. Frankly, having done what I’ve done, I’m amazed that I’m still alive. The part I still can’t come to grips with is why I’m being hunted by the same people who gave me this mandate in the first place. I was working for the Ninth Precinct when they asked me to do this. I’m no warlock, just a witch trying to make the city a safer place for everyone else.”

“One last question if I might.” Harvey raised a finger.

“Sure,” Kasey replied, sinking into her seat. She just wanted this to all be over.

“Would you do it again?” Harvey asked, as he looked to the jury.

“Pardon me?” Kasey asked, unsure if she‘d heard him correctly.

“Would you do it again? Knowing what you know now. Knowing the relentless manner in which you‘d be persecuted. Knowing your reputation would be tarnished. Would you do it again? Akihiro, the events at Madison Square Garden? The task force?”

Kasey’s gaze settled on Strang. “Hindsight is always twenty-twenty. Knowing what I do now, would I still go through with it?”

She paused for a long moment. “Perhaps. I still hear their screams when I sleep. I haven’t slept a full night since. I don’t know when, if ever, the nightmares will stop.

“Hell, given hindsight, I’d have tried to do more for that woman’s husband. That’s why I was there, to save everyone I could. I’m not perfect, just doing the best I can. Thousands died that night. It was horrific. But if you’re asking me if I would interfere in the ritual the way I did, then the answer is yes.”

She took a deep breath to get her shaky voice under control. “Thousands of vampires died that day, and tens of thousands of lives were saved. Not just by me, but by everyone who showed up when the city needed them. I’ve been called many things, everything from hero to warlock, but I’m not a coward. People are counting on me because I show up.

“You can put that on the record for the next person who thinks New York City is a soft target for their supernatural slaughter. They’ll find me waiting for them here—provided this court doesn’t kill me first.”

“Because that’s what heroes do,” Harvey replied, making his way back to the table. “I know I’ll sleep better knowing you’re watching out for us.”

“At least one of us will,” Kasey replied with a sigh.

“No further questions, Your Honor,” Harvey called, taking his seat.

Strang rose from behind her table, adjusting the fall of her distinctive bolt-gun gray ADI pantsuit.

“Inspiring, Kasey, when you put it like that, at least,” she said. “But I have a few questions that I think might have been omitted from your recollection of events.

“You mentioned there were others present at Madison Square Garden. Could you elaborate for us?”

Kasey saw where Strang was going, but there was nothing she could do. The participants at Madison Square Garden were named in the ADI reports.

“There was a private security detail, the personal escort of Kendra Harrington,” Kasey began. “A police presence. There was also a sizable contingent of ADI agents, and a pack of werewolves who have added their strengths to ours.”

Kasey knew she couldn’t lie, but she wondered if the compulsion could make her say more than she wished to.

“There were literally hundreds of people, all concerned parties trying to keep the tide of vampires from rolling over our city.”

“Including the well-known and notorious criminal Hades?” Strang asked pointedly. “A murderer with more outstanding warrants than I can count on both hands.”

Kasey squirmed in her seat. “Yes, he was there along with many of his own personnel.”

“Why is that?” Strang asked.

“Because he lives here,” Kasey replied, “in New York City. If it falls, he does too. Criminal or otherwise, he had a vested interest in not being destroyed. And we needed all the help we could get.”

“All the help you could get?” Strang paused. “You were willing to deal with the devil to stay on top. Desperate to preserve the hero status?”

“Willing to do whatever is required to save lives,” Kasey countered. “Not all of us are in this for the prestige.”

“Not much different to a warlock,” Strang replied, “willing to get power from wherever one needs to get the job done.”

“They are not the same, and I’m no warlock,” Kasey said, her voice rising.

“Tell us then, Kasey, if you’re not a warlock, how was it that you were able to understand the ritual better than the vampire who was casting it? A being thousands of years older than you and infinitely more experienced in both the arcane, and the Forbidden, which this clearly was.

“Somehow, you were able to hijack his ritual and turn it against him. You certainly seem to have knowledge beyond your years. Explain to me how someone not well practiced in the Forbidden could accomplish such a task?”

“My mother already answered that,” Kasey replied. “Familial expertise. Druids understand ritual magic in a way few others do. That doesn’t make us warlocks, just very good at what we do.”

Her mother beamed with pride.

“Ah, familial expertise. Funny you should mention that. I was searching our records during your moving story. The name Anglesey, your mother’s maiden name, that struck me as familiar, but I couldn‘t place where I’d heard it before. So, I did a little research, aided of course by the Watchman and the Congress’s archives. He was able to put his finger on it quite quickly. Do you know where I’m going with this, Kasey?”

“I might if you’d stop beating about the bush,” Kasey replied with a shrug.

“Familial expertise, that wouldn’t happen to trace back to Carys Anglesey, also known as Carys Bloodborne, the notorious Druid who slaughtered normal and magical beings alike?”

Kasey tried not to cringe. The connection was certain to cast her in a bad light. For all her bitterness, Strang had done an admirable job of painting Kasey as desperate and power hungry. Now, Strang was providing the jury with a vivid illustration of what Kasey might be capable of as a warlock.

“I am a descendant of Carys Anglesey, yes. That is true, but I’m not on trial for my ancestor‘s sins. I’m on trial for your ambitions.” Kasey leaned forward in her seat.

Strang stepped back from the witness box.

“I’d be quite the trophy, wouldn’t I?” Kasey asked. “Taking down a hero, quite the notch on your proverbial belt.”

“Move to strike, Your Honor,” Strang objected.

“Tell me, Strang,” Kasey added. “How many innocent people need to die for you to realize your political ambitions?”

Strang pointed at Kasey.

“You’re asking the questions, counsel,” the judge said with a shrug, “and I doubt any of us are going to be able to unhear that.”

The Watchman rose to his feet. “Your Honor, I would ask that you refrain from making statements that might adversely influence the jury. You‘re meant to be an impartial authority.”

“And I‘d ask you to take your seat,” Judge Joliet said, pointing his gavel at the Watchman. “No matter what office you hold, you’re in my court. Take your seat before I hold you in contempt.”

The Watchman let out a breath of pure malice.

“Noted,” he muttered as he sank back into his chair.

“So, you are the descendant of an infamous warlock who massacred not only members of the supernatural community, but innocent normals as well,” Strang said to Kasey. “Familial expertise, one might say.”

“My ancestor did many things we are not proud of,” Kasey replied, ignoring the barb. “When they came for him and his family, he defended himself, and that path of bitterness and hatred turned him into the very thing they feared.”

“What are you saying, Miss Chase? That our actions against you might have the same impact? We might see history repeating itself? All because we‘ve questioned your actions?

“Because that’s what I’m afraid of. Your ancestor, pushed to the limit, murdered hundreds of people. What’s to stop you from murdering thousands? Clearly you are capable of it.”

“The Druidic Order,” Kasey replied.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Strang asked, looking down at her notepad.

“Well, it wasn’t the Congress, or the sentinels, who took down Carys Bloodborne, was it, Watchman?”

“We are unsure how he died.” The Watchman folded his arms.

“He was killed by the Order,” Kasey replied. “Not that you’d know, because except for his journal, the Druids make no written record. Our oral tradition includes an account of what occurred. The Order killed him when it was clear he had lost his faculties. If I lost mine, you wouldn’t have to try me in a courtroom. They’d do the same to me. Fortunately, I am not now, nor will I ever be, a warlock.”

“And the court is just meant to take your word for it,” Strang replied. “Excellent. I’m satisfied. I don’t know about everyone else, but I’m truly comforted by the revelation that an order of murderers and warlocks will enforce the peace and that our legal system is simply an afterthought. A week ago, it was the Feudal Court. One day, it might be all of us. But we can take your word for it.”

Strang eyed the jury.

“No more questions, Your Honor. I think we‘ve heard enough. The prosecution rests.”

Kasey looked at Harvey whose head was in his hands.

“Okay, Miss Chase, you’re excused. Counsel for the defense, anything you’d like to add?”

Harvey smoothed his suit and stood, saving his attention for the jury. “Not a lot, Your Honor. I think my client has clearly enunciated the truth of the matter. Unlike the prosecution, we don‘t need to muddy the water with the deeds of those who died a thousand years ago. I think this charade has gone on long enough. Anyone in their right mind will know my client is innocent, and I’m confident the jury is in their right mind. Miss Chase is here to save your lives. Let’s make sure she can keep doing so. The defense rests.”

The judge nodded and turned to the jury. “The jury will deliberate on the matter and return their verdict in due course. The charges are grave, and a majority verdict will be required. You will deliberate until one is reached. Bailiff, could you please sequester the jury. Everyone else, you are free to go.”

Kasey rose from the witness chair and made her way off the stand, her heart pounding.

The one thing she took pleasure in was that in accusing Strang of her ambitions, she‘d made it difficult to probe after Sanders. Kasey’s greatest fear had been that Strang could use the opportunity to uncover a secret she could use against him directly.

In her single-minded pursuit, Strang had missed the opportunity.

Kasey would have been jubilant, if there wasn‘t a chance she’d pay for it with her life.

As she reached the gate, the Watchman approached her.

“Tread carefully, Miss Chase. No matter what this court determines, the sentinels are always watching.”

“Watch somewhere else,” her mother called over the gate. “You come near my daughter again, and you’ll lose the other eye.”

The Watchman and Strang stormed out of the room. Kasey smiled at her mother, hoping she looked more confident than she felt. Right now, her life rested in the hands of twelve people she had never met before.

A sickening sensation settled in her stomach as her mother guided her out of the court room.

Chapter 17

The hours ground on, and as they did, Kasey’s concern mounted.

“Your pacing isn’t helping, dear,” her mother called from the table where she sat. The court’s waiting room wasn’t overly large, and Kasey was wearing a track in the carpet.

Kasey couldn’t help it; her anxiety was growing. The longer she waited, the more difficult it became to decide whether the time being taken by the jury was a good or bad thing. An overwhelming guilty verdict would certainly have been delivered quickly, or at least so she thought. On the other hand, perhaps there were only a few holdouts, and it was simply taking the jurors longer to convince them that Kasey was a danger they needed to do something about.

Marion Strang had backed her into a corner, and she’d let it happen. Kasey had admitted that she would do whatever it took to save lives, but she worried that all the jury had heard was that she would do whatever it took.

It was the kind of sentiment that scared people. Particularly when they had been told just how much power she had unleashed at Madison Square Garden.

It certainly didn’t help her case that she’d had an ancestor lose the plot, as well. She’d have to thank Carys for that the next time she saw him.

“Relax,” Harvey Ross said. “I’ll be the first to admit it wasn’t great, but it could have gone far worse for you on the stand. You gave as good as you got. Now, we wait.”

“Not particularly my strong suit,” Kasey replied.

The fact that, at this very moment, somewhere on this very floor, twelve strangers were deciding if she lived or died, a flutter of panic settled in her stomach. Was this how Sanders had felt waiting for the Congress to decide his fate?

No, he’d have had it infinitely worse. He’d been alone. Kasey looked from her mother, to Sanders, to Harvey Ross. Beyond the closed door were the rest of her family. There was a literal army of people who cared for her. It didn’t completely dispel the fear she was feeling, but it helped.

“Is it anyone’s?” Harvey asked, tapping on his briefcase. “If it’s any consolation, I don’t lose cases, and I don’t plan to start today.”

“What makes you so confident?” Kasey asked.

After being cross-examined by Strang, even she doubted herself a little. It didn’t help that she could still feel the Wendigo’s looming influence in her mind. Not for the first time, she was glad Strang had no idea the secrets she was hiding.

“You saved the city. Everybody knows that. If Strang had found you standing over a bloody body with the knife in your hand and oozing the Forbidden, you’d already be dead. The more we’ve distanced ourselves from that narrative, the more difficult it has become for her. She has to paint a picture that they can believe.

“It is awfully difficult to claim you’re a monster, given your track record. Even the one or two jurors who don’t like you aren’t sure they want you dead. Uncertainty plays into our hands. It takes a majority for them to convict you. We’ll beat this yet.”

Kasey sighed. If this was the end, it felt like a horrible way to be spending her last moments on earth. More than anything, she wished to be spending the time with Bishop, Vida, and her other friends. But here she was only permitted her counsel and her mother.

Her mother was silent. She seemed to be deep in thought.

Kasey considered the dozens of Druids waiting in the corridors outside. There was so much she still didn’t know about her own family. For instance, she knew her mother was a Druid, but the leader of their order? That revelation put everything in a different light.

Perhaps the things that her mother had kept from Kasey had not been by choice. Druids for generations had been seeking to bond themselves closer with the Earth Spirit. After the disaster that had been Carys’ tenure, the order had finally mustered the courage or insanity to try once more, and Kasey had been born.

Perhaps her mother was telling the truth and she simply hadn’t wanted to put that kind of pressure on Kasey’s shoulders.

Want to or not, it was there now. She had sworn an oath to the Earth Spirit but was clocking up other obligations by the moment. There was her job with the Arcane Council, and the bargain she had struck with Titania, though she felt like the queen had pulled a fast one there. If Kasey somehow managed to survive this ordeal, the Summer Queen would want her pound of flesh.

Then there was the Winter Court and the price to be paid for interfering in their lands. Was the haunting of the Wendigo the retaliation for her incursion? It was certainly possible. The creature was roaming the wrong side of the Veil. Powerful as it was, it could just put her out of her misery. Instead, it tormented her, night and day. If the creature was on the Winter King’s errand, then he truly was a cold, sadistic bastard.

Strang had given the trial her best shot, but Kasey knew that even if she won, it wasn’t over. Strang may have pulled the trigger but until they could neutralize her, she was going to be using her position and the resources of the ADI to make life miserable. Strang was a dangerous opponent. One Kasey couldn’t afford to underestimate.

Kasey was roused from her thoughts by a knock at the door.

Without waiting for a response, the door opened and the court bailiff entered the room.

“The jury is back, if you’ll take your place in the courtroom. The judge is ready to hear their verdict.”

Kasey nodded as a lump settled in her throat. She didn’t want to risk speaking for fear that no words would come out.

Harvey held the door for her and together they made their way down the hall, her mother bringing up the rear.

Strang and the Watchman were already sitting at the prosecution’s table. The gallery was full of Kasey’s extended family, and her mother took a seat at the aisle, rather than behind Kasey as she had previously.

There was a cold determination in her mother’s eye that Kasey had seen only once before: when the rogue hitman had tried to gun her down in front of their family home. Her mother had killed him without hesitation, burning him alive in the fiery conflagration that had once been his car.

That was when Kasey realized the danger hinging on the jury’s verdict. Her mother’s words came to mind once more. “I will do whatever it takes.”

Kasey’s heart beat faster and faster as she searched the dozens of Earth Druids sitting in the gallery. They might have been her family, but each of them was also an initiated Druid and a formidable practitioner. And every one of them answered to her mother.

This wasn’t just familial support; this was an inordinate amount of violence waiting to happen if the jury returned anything but an innocent verdict.

“Oh dear,” Kasey whispered as the realization settled on her.

“What is it?” Harvey asked.

Kasey didn’t want to utter her fears aloud, and she certainly didn’t want to spook Harvey or provide the prosecution with any warning of what might be coming.

Would the Watchman be expecting the ambush? Surely after Carmarthen, he had to know her mother wouldn’t go down without a fight. Were there sentinels waiting nearby? She had no way of knowing what preparations the Watchman or ADI might have made.

As Kasey and Harvey took their seat, the judge turned to the jury.

“Madam Foreperson, has the jury reached a verdict?”

“We have, Your Honor.” The twelfth juror rose from her seat. Her mousy blonde hair had been tied back into a simple ponytail.

They had only met for the briefest moment, but this woman now held Kasey’s fate in her hands. Perhaps the fate of everyone in this room and building.

The woman’s hands shook a little as she opened an envelope, and then read from a card she took from within it.

“In the case of the Arcane Council versus Kasey Chase, on suspicion of being a warlock, this, the jury, finds the defendant…”

Kasey’s heart caught in her throat, and she feared she was going to be ill.

All about her, the court room seemed to slow. Behind her, she felt the unmistakable sensation of her mother drawing on her power.

“Oh no.” Kasey groaned as her worst nightmare started to unfold.

“Not guilty,” the woman replied with a broad smile. “The jury’s deliberations, while lengthy, were unanimous in the end.”

The judge nodded, and Kasey’s heart soared.

Not guilty. She had never been so happy to hear two words in her entire life.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, we thank you for your service,” the judge said. “You’re free to go, as are you, Miss Chase. We’re sorry for the stress and heartache these proceedings have caused, and wish you every success in your future endeavors.”

The jury rose and followed the bailiff out of the witness box and down the aisle. As they did, the twelfth juror turned to Kasey and gave her a wink, only this time Kasey could have sworn her eyes were a brilliant golden hue that she’d seen only once before.

Following the judge’s pronouncement Harvey Ross stood up once more. “Given the verdict, Your Honor, and the baseless nature of the accusations brought against my client, we’re seeking considerations for the costs incurred by my client.”

“Granted,” Judge Joliet replied, then beat his gavel. “The defendant’s costs will be met by the Council. Director Strang, I’d caution you against bringing such poorly constructed cases before the court in the future.”

Kasey might not have been on a Pegasus, but she certainly felt like she was flying.

“Damn, that has to sting,” Kasey whispered to Harvey who was taking his seat.

“Indeed. It’s a matter of public record. Now, she’s going to be pissed. You ought to watch your back.”

“Your Honor?” Strang said. “It is the purview of the ADI to explore and pursue all matters relating to the practice of the Forbidden, a mandate we carry out for the safety of all.”

“That may be so, Director, but a unanimous verdict from the jury is a clear indication that you were reaching here. See that it doesn’t happen again,” the judge said without looking up from the bench.

Strang packed up her folders and stormed out of the court. Kasey noted the red color rising in her cheeks and couldn’t help but smile.

She turned to Harvey. “I don’t know how to thank you enough.”

Harvey picked up his briefcase. “Paying my bill will be a good place to start. Try not to forget this moment when it arrives.”

He moved a little closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “The Chancellor promised me a favor. I don’t know when, but I will need it one day. Probably when Strang comes for my hide.”

Kasey put her hand on his arm. “You came through for me, and I won’t forget that. The day you need help, all you’ve got to do is call. You’ve got my number.”

“Indeed, I do,” Harvey replied, picking up his case. “I hope I’ll never need it. You have an excellent day, Miss Chase. Do try to keep yourself out of trouble.”

“Not much chance of that, I’m afraid,” Kasey replied, her lips turning up into a smile. “But I’ll do my best not to drag you into it again.”

Harvey flashed his thousand-megawatt smile and headed for the door.

“Enjoy the win, Kasey,” he called over his shoulder.

Kasey stood and turned. Her mother was at the gallery and threw her arms around her.

“See,” her mother whispered, “nothing to worry about.”

“That’s why you brought an army with you to my trial?” Kasey whispered.

Her mother slowly let go of her. Affecting her most innocent smile, she shrugged. “My dear, I’m sure I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“You’re a liar,” Kasey said, shaking her head. “But I’ll let it go this time.”

Sanders stood right beside her mother, and Kasey didn’t give a damn that they were in the middle of the courtroom; she embraced him tightly. “We did it.”

“Yes, we did,” Noah replied, pulling her tightly against him.

Kasey took a deep breath, the familiar smell of his cologne filling her nostrils as she clung to him. There were few places she felt as safe as being right here, in his arms.

The sound of a throat being cleared behind them roused her from her feelings. She let go of Sanders only to discover the Watchman waiting. She did her best not to jump, but his lingering presence was as unsettling as it was unwelcome.

“It seems you’ve been wrongly accused, Miss Chase,” the Watchman replied, his tone and thin smile about as sincere as a scorpion’s promise.

“No hard feelings,” Kasey replied, “though I must say, next time the city faces an actual warlock, it would be nice if you were just as eager to show up when the city actually needs you.”

“I am the Watchman, Miss Chase. I go wherever the Forbidden festers.”

“And yet both times I’ve faced off against it, you were nowhere to be seen. Funny that.”

The Watchman did not reply as he stared at her, sizing her up.

“Safe travels, Watchman,” she said with a wave of her hand. “Don’t let the door hit you on the ass on the way out.”

“Rest assured, we shall be keeping a very close eye on affairs here in New York,” he said. “Far too many warlocks surfacing here for my liking.”

“You best watch yourself, Flint,” her mother said. “If you ever come for my people again, I’ll take the other eye and leave you blind and floundering in the mud.”

“I’d caution you against threatening a sitting member of Congress,” the Watchman replied, “but in light of the circumstances, I’m willing to let it slide—a courtesy that won’t be extended again in the future.”

“A reasonable person might think you’re afraid,” her mother said, taking a step closer to the Watchman.

“They would be wrong,” he replied. “Dangerously so.”

The Watchman turned to Sanders. “Should anything happen to Ms. Strang as a punishment for having attempted to carry out her duties, then the Congress will take a very dim view of things. She might be wrong in the eyes of the court, but I’ll remind you the Congress presides over all and we don’t entrust such matters to juries. We take care of things ourselves.”

“Well, we’ll just have to see about that, won’t we?” Sanders replied. “I’m all for doing one’s job but crusading against the innocent while the ADI ignore the threats growing in the city isn’t a quality I can abide in my director. She best pull up her socks and focus on the task at hand, rather than chasing shadows and promotions.”

The Watchman’s one good eye narrowed on Sanders. “You remind me of an arrogant young cur I knew once. He too was young, his power rising faster than his good sense, until it eventually carried him into poor company. You’d do well to not let your arrogance blind you to the dangers of who you’re associating with.”

His eyes lingered on Kasey as he finished the sentence.

It took all of the self-restraint she had not to punch him in his smug face. From the look in his eye, Kasey suspected he was attempting to bait her into doing just that.

He departed, and Kasey reveled in her freedom.

“I don’t know about you lot, but I could certainly go for some dinner,” Kasey said as she rubbed her stomach. She’d not eaten lunch and her stomach was none too pleased about it.

“Pizza?” her mother asked. “Seeing as our last dinner was so rudely interrupted.”

“Sounds good to me,” Kasey answered. “I was feeling a little robbed that I only got two slices.”

She looked over the eager faces assembled in the gallery and couldn’t help but feel love for those who had answered her mother’s call. She might not know them all, but they had shown up anyway.

“Thanks, everyone,” she called over the conversations. As she did, her voice wavered. “I know why you’re here and it means everything to me.”

Her father placed an arm around her shoulders. “You mean everything to us, Kase. Never forget that.”

The gathered Druids dispersed.

“I’ve never been to Arturo’s,” Sanders said. “Mind if I tag along?”

“By all means,” her mother replied, “though you best expect a few questions, young man. My daughter hasn’t told me nearly enough about you.”

Sanders laughed. “You do realize I’m the Arcane Chancellor, right? I know the pictures are a little out of date, but that is me leading the Council.”

“When it comes to my daughter, it’s cute that you think that matters,” her mother replied, taking him by the arm and leading him toward the exit.

Kasey and her family made their way out of the courtroom, and through the Council Metroplex.

When they finally reached the surface, it was dark out, and Kasey paused as her feet hit the sidewalk.

It wasn’t the stiff breeze blowing off the Hudson that gave her pause. It was the lingering stench of evil that seemed to be brewing in the air about her.

Feed, the Wendigo’s voice bellowed in her mind.

It was so loud, it felt like it was reverberating through her skull.

Kasey dropped to the ground, the sidewalk grazing her palms as the Wendigo’s skeletal face filled her mind’s eye.

Feed, child.

Chapter 18

Tears rolled down Kasey’s face.

“Kasey, what’s wrong?” her mother asked, dropping to her knees beside Kasey.

“It’s in my head,” she groaned. It felt like something was trying to burrow out of her skull from the inside. “The Wendigo.”

“It’s not just in your head, dear. It is in the air. Everything is thick with its influence.”

Kasey massaged one temple as she closed her eyes and tried to close off her mind.

“Get out, get out, get out,” she murmured.

“Kasey, you’re not alone,” her mother whispered. “Stop trying to do everything yourself. You’ve bonded yourself to the Earth Spirit. Now, call on her aid. Do not surrender yourself to this creature.”

Her mother was right, but she didn’t have the faintest clue how to call on the Earth Spirit for aid. Other than during her initiation, Kasey hadn’t really made an effort to establish a connection. In her defense, she’d been busy.

She’d never been one for prayer, mainly because she’d always struggled to imagine how one being anywhere could hear the prayers of billions of people. Then again, all her life, her visions had been a witness of the Earth Spirit’s omniscience. Maybe it wasn’t as complicated as she thought. Perhaps all she had to do was speak and it would hear her.

“If you want my help,” Kasey said, hoping the Earth Spirit heard her, “I’m going to need some of yours. This Wendigo is kicking my ass. Feel free to lend a hand any time.”

As she attempted to guilt-trip the most powerful being she’d ever met, Kasey tried to push herself up off the sidewalk. The effort was fruitless, but she’d once read that God helped those who helped themselves. She made little progress but felt better for the effort. She wasn’t going to surrender without a fight.

When she received no reply, she groaned.

Why didn’t it answer her?

Maybe I should have asked more nicely.

Or maybe you should have asked sooner. A voice filled her mind. A week ago, I trusted you with all that I am. My greatest gifts are yours to wield, and you didn’t even bother to say thank you. Talk about ingratitude.

The Earth Spirit’s somber voice reverberated through her skull, adding to the chaos already filling her mind.

“Are you really sassing me right now?” Kasey said. “This thing is kicking my ass, and you’re giving me a lecture.”

Then you best set aside your pride and do something about it. If you want to be all that you can be, then you have so much to learn.

“Learn what?” Kasey asked. “Right now, I’ll settle for staying alive.”

That you don’t need to meet power with power. Brute force is not always the answer. Close your eyes and see.

Kasey closed her eyes and, in her mind’s eye, she saw a green mist descending. When the mist cleared, she was hovering above a familiar hilltop. Atop it sat the gnarled tree inhabited by the Earth Spirit, its roots stretching off into the distance.

At the base of the hill, the grassy field stretched toward the horizon. Toward the east, the wild grasses withered on the stalk as the heat from a savage summer sun scorched them, root and stem.

She willed her mind to the west, and the wild grasses changed. This time, they were blasted with frost, and several inches of fresh snow packed the earth.

“Everything is balance,” the Earth Spirit replied. “Balance within. Balance without.”

As Kasey gravitated back toward the gnarled tree, she drifted over miles of lush verdant wild grasses. In the middle of the war of seasons, the Earth Spirit not only stood firm, but flourished, and all about her the grasses teemed with life. Four stags grazed about the base of the tree.

A lightning bolt struck the hillside, setting the dried grass alight. Thunder pealed through the heavens, drowning out the caw of an eagle. Kasey watched in horror as a wildfire spread from the site of impact across the hillside.

“I haven’t bound myself to you, so that you might watch my death,” the Earth Spirit said. “There is work to do.”

“What work?” Kasey muttered. “I don’t understand.”

“I see; you do. That is the order of things.”

What could Kasey do here? She was simply experiencing a vision, right?

The fire was spreading quickly, driven by a breeze that had sprung up out of nowhere.

Drawing on her power, Kasey considered the problem before her. Fire would only make matters worse. Instead, she focused on the sky above, summoning massive clouds. Rain fell in great sheets as it tried to smother the blaze.

Sweat ran down Kasey’s brow as she moved about, focusing her efforts where the flames were brightest, but no matter how quickly she worked, it wasn’t enough.

She wracked her mind for better ideas. The first thing that sprang to mind were the stop, drop, and roll fire safety drills she’d been taught at school.

She stared at the spreading fire. That wasn’t going to cut it here.

She was going about this all wrong. Drawing on the power of the Earth Spirit, Kasey channeled her will into the hill. With care, she carved a piece of sodden earth free of the hill and set it rolling down the hill. As it moved, the landslide picked up mass. Tons of sodden earth rolled over the fire, smothering it out of existence.

Smoke and smog filled the air, but Kasey couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. She’d done it.

“Good,” the Earth spirit said, “but in the conflict of the moment, you have missed that which is to come. Look.”

The smoke rising from the doused fire was so thick, Kasey couldn’t even see the gnarled tree in which the Earth Spirit seemed to reside. Summoning wind, Kasey drove the choking smog away. When it cleared, she could finally make out what the Earth Spirit had already seen.

Two armies gathered on the horizon. To the east standing before the rising sun, was Titania, only now the Summer Queen was dressed in golden armor that shone like the sun.

At her back stood legion upon legion of lithe, graceful warriors in armor of gold and brown. Between the regiments of Sidhe were creatures of Faerie, great and small: trolls, giants, gnomes, and other creatures Kasey didn’t even recognize.

Turning her head to the west, Kasey beheld the forces of Winter, and at their head a being who could only be the Winter King. He sat in terrible majesty upon the back of a polar bear. A crown of antlers sat upon his head; they stretched into the sky, a light dusting of snow upon them. At his back were tens of thousands of Winter Sidhe. Interspersed between the ranks of Winter Sidhe were regiments of snow trolls, wyverns, wyldfae, and a cyclops.

“What am I seeing?” Kasey asked. “I don’t understand.”

“The world as it will be,” the Earth Spirit replied. “War comes and you are busy with the distractions. Put the Wendigo down and free your mind so that you can truly see.”

“I can’t kill it,” Kasey replied. The Wendigo was the key to freeing Sanders from the Summer Court.

“No, you don’t want to. That is the difference. You think you need it for your errand with Sanders. That which you need has power over you. Put an end to it now.”

“How do I do that?” Kasey asked.

“Take out its heart. It has always been the way, and you have always known. Stop entertaining the creature and kill it. There is more pressing work to do.”

Kasey trembled. If she could not remove the Wendigo’s influence without killing it, she was going to destroy the plan she and Sanders had put in place to free him from the Summer Court. She couldn’t bring herself to do that.

“What happens if I don’t?” Kasey asked, her voice shaking.

“Then there will be no one here to aid me in my hour of need,” the Earth Spirit replied. “Will you forsake your oath?”

“I don’t want to,” Kasey replied.

“Oaths are not about what we want. They are about what must be. The earth brings balance to it all.” The Earth Spirit’s voice rose an octave. “I have trusted you with much, Kasey Chase. Now it is your turn. Answer the call.”

The roar of battle erupted in the near distance, the clattering ring of steel plates clanking against each other as both heavily armored armies charged into the field.

How could anything stand before such an array of might?

The green mist descended, and her vision ended.

Kasey knew what she had to do, but even the thought of it filled her with dread.

Pain wracked her mind. She fell forward on her face, the coarse sidewalk kissing her cheek.

“Kasey.”

She heard Sanders’ voice somewhere above her.

Then the Wendigo’s voice pierced her mind.

You’re mine, child. Do not lie to yourself. Feed. Can you not feel my power growing? Your surrender is as inevitable as the sunset. You won’t be the first or the last. Come.

Kasey struggled against the weight of will grinding her into the pavement. Summoning all her strength, she sliced, one by one, through the tendrils of psychic power gripping at her mind. Then, she raised a wall of will about her mind, building it one brick at a time.

The Wendigo’s presence recoiled as if stung. But there, trapped within the prison of her mind, was one lone, severed tendril of Winter’s grasp. She’d left it on purpose. It was the very essence of her tormentor.

And now that she had it, she knew she could track its master.

Reaching out with her senses, she could feel him to the southeast, somewhere across the bay.

Kasey found Sanders’ waiting hand and dragged herself to her feet.

“Kasey, what’s wrong?” her mother asked.

“The Wendigo, he’s making his play. It’s time to put him down.”

“Not alone, you don’t.” Her mother planted her hands on her hips. “We’re coming with you.”

Kasey looked at her mother’s face and knew better than to argue.

“Okay, we’ve just got one stop to make first.”

“I’ll drive, you just tell me where,” her mother replied as she helped Kasey to the car. Her father and Sanders brought up the rear, scanning the street for other threats.

Kasey guided her mother to Peaceful Rest Funeral Home.

“You all wait here,” Kasey replied. “You’ll scare the hell out of him.”

The funeral home was locked, so she banged on the door.

“Stephen,” she shouted, “it’s Kasey. I need your help.”

There was a rummage of footsteps within, and the door peeked open a crack. Sellers was hiding behind it, lest any sunlight fall across him.

“Oh good,” he muttered. “It’s you. Come in, you’ve got to see this.”

“See what?” Kasey asked.

“It’s happening in Brooklyn. Quick, come see.”

Kasey gestured for the others to wait where they were and followed him into the funeral home.

She didn’t want to have to explain to them why the half vampire was helping her. It would only lead to more questions that she didn’t want to answer, particularly now that the Earth Spirit had clarified the stakes. She either killed the Wendigo and freed herself, or captured it at her own expense—a price it seemed the Earth Spirit would share.

Stephen led her through the funeral home into his back office. One wall was dominated by computer monitors that displayed a range of readouts and surveillance camera footage across the city.

“I worked out where it has been hiding. I’ve been trying to call you all day.”

“I’m sorry, something else had me tied up, but I’m here now. Hit me.”

“Something more important than a creature massacring innocent people?” Stephen asked, cocking his head to the side.

“I was trying to stay alive,” Kasey replied. “I can’t deal with this monster if I’m dead.”

“Fair point,” he replied, turning back to the screens. “I worked out why we’ve had trouble tracking it. It’s not hiding in the city, Kasey. It’s coming across the bay after dark. Each night these cameras on the southern point of the island go dark. That’s where it comes ashore. They go dim again as it leaves. Is it possible that it could be swimming across the bay from Brooklyn?”

“Perhaps,” she replied, “but it’s more likely that it’s freezing a path across the bay and walking across it.”

“That would require an immense amount of power,” he said, “not that I know a great deal about the arcane, but the rules of physics still apply, right?”

“Yep. It’s no shrinking violet. Why do you say Brooklyn?

“Because this is what’s going on there right now.” Sellers brought up a view that was made of hundreds of cameras in miniature rectangles across the screen, dozens of which were fuzzy with static.

“What am I looking at?” Kasey asked.

“It started in the docks district,” he replied. “Camera by camera they’re going out, in an ever-widening radius. Whatever is going down there, is getting worse. I suspect our beast is at the heart of it.”

“The docks district, great,” Kasey mumbled. The last time she had been there, she had been fighting Alistair and stumbled into the landing of the Feudal Court’s army. It was a far from pleasant memory.

“People are complaining of nightmares and all manner of aberrations. The police are already there investigating.”

“The police? How do you know that?”

Sellers pointed to a radio sitting on the back of the desk. “Police scanner. Call it an early warning system. I heard from a convoy of patrol cars crossing the Williamsburg Bridge a few minutes ago.”

“They have no idea what they’re walking into,” Kasey replied. “I need to get there now. You didn’t happen to have any luck with that other thing?”

“I sure did.” Sellers turned in his chair to face her with a grin. “Don’t you ever check your voicemails?”

“Like I said, it’s been a long day.”

Sellers opened a drawer on his desk and pulled out a silver tube about eight inches long. On one end, it had a raised silver button. On the other it was hollowed out like a gun barrel with a small film over the hole.

“This is the delivery launcher.” Stephen beamed with pride.

“How does it work?” Kasey asked.

“First, tell me what you’re going to do with it,” Sellers replied, leaning back in his chair. “You were a little vague earlier.”

Kasey didn’t particularly want to loop him into her previous plan for the Wendigo.

“You’re gonna need my help to access the tracking data,” he added, “so you might as well tell me now. I don’t work in the dark.”

“Fine.” Kasey leaned on the desk. “That creature that’s running around the city, I want to be able to track it if it gets away.”

She felt bad lying to Sellers, but she hadn’t known him long enough to trust him.

“And if I help you with this tracking problem, you will help me?”

“Of course,” Kasey replied. “I was always going to help you, whether you did this for me or not. Like I said, I’ll do everything I can to help you, and failing that, I’ll do everything I can to help keep you alive. I have friends in the police force and the Arcane Council. Vampires might not be a protected species, but if you’re a part of my task force, you’re as protected as I can get you.”

The look on his face wasn’t entirely convinced, but Kasey suspected he was a suspicious sort on the best of days.

He held out the tube. “Think of this like an epi-pen on steroids. Jam the end with the film up against your target and mash the raised button as hard as you can. Keep in mind that this is neither subtle nor pain-free. Think of it like a miniature vacuum-powered rail gun. It will bury a tracker even in bone as long as you place it up against it. If you truly want it to be undetectable, that is your best course. I designed the tracker to be as slender as possible, with a similar density to bone. Even someone who knows it’s there would struggle to find it.”

“This is a tidy bit of work.” Kasey admired the compact launcher. “I imagine your former employers are missing you.”

Sellers shrugged. “Yeah, but if I’m helping you take other monsters off the street, I can live with that. I think.”

He held out the tracker.

“Thanks, Sellers. I’ll let you know when to activate the tracker.”

“You got it.” Sellers’ hands went to his keyboard. “Stay safe out there.”

“Let me know if you see anything else unusual,” Kasey called as she headed for the door.

“You got it. Mind locking the door behind you on the way out?”

“Sure thing.” Kasey jammed the tracker into her jacket pocket. She wasn’t sure how she was going to use it now that the Earth Spirit had lampooned her plans, but it was better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

Besides, now she knew exactly where she was going.

She twisted the lock on the front door and pulled it shut behind her.

“Who is he?” her mother asked when Kasey returned to the car.

“Someone who helps me find things,” Kasey replied, before turning to Sanders. “He’s pretty good at it too. We might need to put him on the payroll.”

“If we make it through the day.” Sanders grinned. “I’m sure Strang will be delighted to know your task force is recruiting.”

The thought made Kasey smile. She turned to her mother in the driver’s seat. “How quickly do you think you can get us to Brooklyn?”

“Well, if your friend Bishop can help us with the tickets, pretty dang quick,” her mother replied, before gunning the engine.

The vehicle might have been a station wagon, not a Lamborghini, but her mother made it sing like a soccer mom looking for the last parking space at the mall. They flew through downtown Manhattan, across the Williamsburg Bridge, and into Brooklyn. Kasey directed her mother to the docks district, using her sense of the Wendigo’s presence and the footage she’d seen at Stephen’s to guide her. Something horrific was going on in Brooklyn. She could feel it in her core.

As they turned down a narrow boulevard, they ran into a police cordon. Her mother rolled the car to a stop.

Scrambling out of the car, Kasey spotted Officer Henley of the Ninth Precinct standing watch at the barrier.

“Henley, where’s Bishop?” Kasey shouted, not bothering with pleasantries. If Bishop was ahead of her, she could already be in danger.

“Kasey, thank goodness you’re here,” he said. “Everything feels… wrong.”

“I know, I’m here to fix it. Where’s Bishop? I thought she would be here?”

“She is,” Henley replied. “She brought Vida and some others. They’re inside trying to work out what’s going on.”

“Others?” Kasey asked.

“Her boyfriend and some woman I’ve never seen before.”

“What did she look like?” Kasey asked as her guts twisted themselves into an uneasy knot.

“Uh, short with a spiky brown mohawk, the kind of person you wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley at night.”

Stephanie. There was no mistaking that description for anyone else. Only Henley didn’t know just how right she was. The werewolf could likely tear even him in two.

Kasey looked up at the immense warehouse they were parked in front of. She hadn’t even stepped inside yet, but from her vision, she knew exactly what was waiting for her.

She slipped through the cordon, the others right behind her. Shoving open the front door, she raced into the warehouse.

Her heart beat faster. “Please, let me be in time.”

Chapter 19

Kasey, her parents, and Sanders stormed into the warehouse.

The massive structure dominated an entire city block. A building this size ought to have had a security system and its own security detail, but the Wendigo’s presence had likely dealt with both.

Kasey shuddered. Being eaten alive was a horrific fate.

“Perhaps we should call for the ADI,” Sanders said, grimly. “If the Wendigo is putting off this much power, perhaps we have underestimated it.”

“Not a chance,” Kasey said. “The second they’re involved, we lose our opportunity. We do it our way, just like we planned.”

Even though the Earth Spirit had cautioned her against this current course, she wasn’t giving up that easily. There had to be a way. Just because she’d seen something didn’t mean it was irrevocably decreed in the threads of fate. She’d changed the future before.

Perhaps she could change this, too. She had to believe it was possible. Otherwise, what the hell was the point?

“This place is huge,” her mother said. “Can you get a bead on the creature’s location?”

Kasey shook her head. “It’s near. I can tell that much.”

She found herself in the same shipping and logistics warehouse she had seen in her vision. Massive steel shelves ran in perpendicular rows, each of them laden with brown cardboard boxes waiting to be picked and shipped.

“We have to find Bishop and the others before it finds them.”

Kasey didn’t want to elaborate on just what kind of danger they might be in. But if the Wendigo was here, it certainly gave her vision with Stephanie greater context. Perhaps the Wendigo had compelled her to attack Vida. Kasey was a witch, and she was struggling to keep the creature out of her mind. What chance did the others have?

“We need to split up and cover more ground,” Kasey said. “Whoever finds them first, send up a flare. The rest of us will come running.”

“I don’t want to leave you,” her mother replied. “It’s too dangerous.”

Kasey knew she was right, but they didn’t have time on their side. “The quicker we find them, the less danger we are all in. Eight versus four is the safer course. Don’t engage the Wendigo. If you run into Bishop, Vida, Stephanie, or Jack, keep them with you.”

The vision played through her mind.

“Careful, though. Stephanie is a werewolf, chocolate brown coat, and may be in that form. Jack is an illusionist, so if you see twins or more, you’re looking at him. You both know Bishop and Vida. Let’s go. If we head down parallel aisles, we won’t be too far apart if we need to call for help.”

They split up, Kasey charging down the central aisle. Her mother, father, and Sanders headed further down the warehouse before choosing their own paths.

Kasey raced through the warehouse. It was dimly lit. Like everywhere else in the city the Wendigo had gone, it seemed to have taken a toll on the electrical fittings.

It made sense that a creature of Winter would feel more comfortable in the darkness. It also made for ideal hunting grounds.

Darkness stretched in every direction and with it, plenty of opportunity for ambush. Not to mention the glamours the Wendigo had been employing.

Kasey extended her senses, looking for any residual trace of the arcane. Even if she couldn’t see the Wendigo with her eyes, perhaps a trace of lingering power might give it away.

As she moved, she searched for any sign the others had passed this way. The problem was, every aisle looked just like the others. Pale light filtered in from skylights placed throughout the warehouse. Each aisle was numbered but Kasey hadn’t been paying close enough attention in her vision to remember which aisle Stephanie had tracked Vida to.

Kasey was forced to slow, her breath coming in great heaving movements. It wouldn’t do to find the Wendigo and be too tired to even utter a spell. She sucked in deep breaths as she tried to calm her racing heart.

A shiver ran down her spine as she entered an aisle and had a sense of deja vu. It seemed vaguely familiar. Perhaps it was the one from her vision, or perhaps her mind was simply playing tricks on her. It was difficult to tell.

She pressed on, drawing on her power as a precaution.

She turned down another aisle. In the small clearing between this set of shelves and the next, there was a shape lying prone on the ground.

A sickening feeling settled in her gut.

“Vida,” Kasey called as she raced toward him.

There was no answer, so she picked up the pace. She scanned the shelves on either side, mindful of the opportunity they posed for a potential ambush.

Reaching Vida’s side, she slid to her knees. It was bad, just like her vision had shown her. There was blood everywhere. Most of it seemed to be streaming from three horizontal gouges that had raked across his chest. Blood was pooling and when she shook him, Vida was unresponsive.

She bent down and examined the wound. If she didn’t staunch the bleeding, he was as good as dead. His face was already pale and cold, his breathing shallow and faint. She was running out of time.

She ran her palms through the air, just above the wound. “Iachau!”

As she started to stitch the first wound closed, Kasey felt it deep within her mind: the voice of the Wendigo, hauntingly clear.

Feed.

The word bounced around her skull until her head rang.

How had the Wendigo broken through her defenses?

“No,” Kasey said with a growl. “I won’t do it.”

The pain in her mind grew but she forged on, sealing the first wound.

I have served you your future on a platter. Feed, my child. I grow tired of your defiance.

The pain intensified, but Vida’s life depended on her and she clung to that as her anchor. With her face inches from Vida’s blood-soaked chest, she pressed on.

“Never, I won’t do it,” she hissed through clenched teeth.

You will!

Something pushed her closer to Vida. A feeling surged through her being. The overwhelming desire to take a bite out of the unconscious form of Vida Khatri. Her tongue brushed over her lips in anticipation.

The Wendigo was a cannibal-turned-carnivore. Whatever seed it had planted in her mind was taking root, and she could feel her body fighting her better judgment.

It wanted to feed.

“Get out of my head!”

Suit yourself, the voice hissed. There are always others who will.

A keening howl split the warehouse. Kasey looked up to see the chocolate brown sheen of Stephanie’s coat as the werewolf charged toward her. She had a jowl full of razor-sharp teeth, and talon-like claws that could tear through Kasey with little effort.

She looked at Vida and wondered if Stephanie had done this to him. In her visions, she had seen her start to devour him. It had to be the Wendigo’s influence.

She couldn’t let that happen.

As Stephanie charged at her, Kasey summoned a fist of air and sent it hurtling down the aisle. Her spell was as wide as the aisle itself. There was nowhere for Stephanie to go.

The incantation hit her like a freight train and sent her skittering back down the polished floor. The wave of force shook boxes from the shelves as the wave blossomed outward.

Kasey had only hit hard enough to stop Stephanie, not kill her. The Wendigo was the puppeteer, after all.

Stephanie extended her claws, digging into the flooring and arresting her slide. With a howl, she got her legs beneath her and came at Kasey once more.

But there were more threats than her. The Wendigo had to be close. Kasey certainly couldn’t fight both the creature and Stephanie. She had come ill-equipped to deal with a werewolf whose regenerative properties would keep her fighting. Anything short of a lethal blow, she would just shrug off, but Kasey had no desire to kill what was likely an innocent woman struggling under the Wendigo’s influence.

Kasey raised a hand and chanted, “Fflach.”

A blazing red flare shot toward the roof of the warehouse. Its burning trail arced over several aisles.

“I found them,” Kasey shouted, hoping someone was close enough to hear.

She needed more hands, and fast.

She reached down to check on Vida. His face was cold and his breathing shallow.

Stephanie was closing, but Vida needed help.

Channeling as much will into a single incantation as she could, Kasey tried to suture the remaining gashes with magic. She had seconds before Stephanie collided with her.

What she hadn’t counted on was the titanic thud that landed right behind her. A sense of dread filled her as a chill ran up her spine. It settled in the back of her neck and the hairs there stood on end.

She didn’t even need to turn to know it was the Wendigo. She could feel its presence, the sickly taint filling the air around her with unbridled terror.

As she turned to confront the threat, the Wendigo brought its skeletal hand down, batting her aside like a piñata at a kid’s party.

She flew into the boxes on the shelf behind her. Her shoulder struck first, and Kasey groaned in pain.

“You should have fed,” the Wendigo rasped. “Those who don’t feed are food.”

The simple arithmetic of the Wendigo made sense, but it was an outcome she was unwilling to accept. As was the Earth Spirit’s vision. She just needed to get close enough.

Kasey felt for her jacket pocket. On one side, she had the tracker, made by Stephen Sellers, on the other the thorn wand Titania had made her. The Summer Queen hadn’t been particularly clear in her directions, so Kasey hoped it would be intuitive enough to use.

The Wendigo interposed itself between Kasey and Vida.

“Now you’ll watch your friends die, all of them. Then, and only then, you will die.”

That was when Stephanie picked her moment. She raced down the aisle, slipping between a mountain of fallen boxes.

Kasey drew on her power. Holding both hands out, she summoned two great gouts of fire.

“You shouldn’t have come,” she spat. “You’re in my world now, and you’re going to die here.”

With a word, she sent the torrents of fire hurtling toward the Wendigo. The Wendigo raised its hands and met the inferno with a blizzard. Snow, ice, and sleet filled the aisle. There was a hiss as ice turned to steam, obscuring her view of her foe.

It would expect her to run, so she did the opposite. Racing forward, she dropped into a slide along the water-slicked floor. A volley of icy shards the size of arrows turned the air above her into a killing field.

As Kasey cleared the mist, the Wendigo loomed before her. She came up firing a ball of pure arcana glistening red and gold. At point-blank range, she aimed for the creature’s heart. Her attack was too close to block, so the creature leapt into the air.

Kasey’s conjuration slammed into its knee, blasting straight through ligament and bone. She let out a whoop of triumph as the Wendigo crashed into the steel shelves beside it.

“I am Winter,” it bellowed. “Foolish child.”

Before her eyes, the Wendigo’s leg started to regrow, bone forming from the destroyed joint.

“Oh, damn.”

She hadn’t seen that coming.

Stephanie raced for Vida. The Wendigo hurled a volley of icy missiles after her that forced her back.

That struck Kasey as odd. She’d figured the Wendigo was directing Stephanie’s movements. Perhaps she’d been wrong.

As the Wendigo bore down on Kasey, a lance of golden light illuminated the aisle, its point settled on the creature’s torso.

“Sanders!” Kasey had never been so glad to see him.

The Wendigo drew a shield of ice about it that shone with a sapphire light. The golden lance shot from Sanders’ hand and passed straight through the shield, and rested on the creature’s chest, but nothing happened.

“Stailc ghrian,” Sanders shouted. A ray of pure light, brighter than the noonday sun pulsed down the guiding light straight for the creature of Winter.

The Wendigo broke off to the right.

The shield made no difference as the light of the sun bored straight through it. The light carved through half a dozen of its ribs, and its left shoulder joint was blown clean off.

Sanders strode down the aisle, light all about him as he radiated like the sun.

Darkness retreated before him, even as the Wendigo began to heal itself.

“The Summer Ray,” Kasey whispered.

It wasn’t just Sanders. The power of the Summer Court manifested in him.

Sanders moved his hands like the conductor of an orchestra. Bolts of golden light sailed toward the Wendigo in an unending barrage. The Wendigo deflected them with lances of crystalline ice.

The urge rose up in Kasey.

The desire to feed. An all-consuming need to eat, to consume the flesh of another. That was when she realized the thoughts were not her own at all, but the Wendigo’s. She could simply feel them through their bond. It was taxed and wounded and needed to feed.

The Wendigo lunged toward Vida. Kasey knew what was coming next. She raced forward.

She needed to kill the creature. On the one hand, it would save Vida’s life and satisfy the Earth Spirit’s injunction. The future loomed in her mind’s eye. War between the Sidhe courts was unavoidable, and the world itself might burn.

On the other hand, killing the Wendigo would confine Sanders to a life of doing the Summer Court’s bidding. The Wendigo was the best chance of finding the hidden prison he was seeking.

Kasey’s eyes met Sanders'. He was glorious, filled with the light of summer and battling a creature that would make most men run for their lives, yet he advanced undeterred. She wanted nothing more than a future with him, something that seemed impossible while he served the Summer Court.

But Vida’s life was not a price she could pay. As the Wendigo backed up, Kasey raced toward it, an idea forming in her mind.

She was always quick to use fire, but the Wendigo seemed to deflect it effortlessly.

So, she tried something new. With her left hand, she summoned an orb of fire and pushed it ahead of her, blocking the Wendigo’s view of her.

No sooner had the fire materialized than she bent down, reaching for a new element.

Earth.

“Taflegryn daear!”

Cracks splintered in the concrete beneath her as she tore a spear of concrete and rebar from the floor. She hurled it at the Wendigo. The missile passed through the orb of fire as the Wendigo tried to disperse the blaze with a barrage of icy chaff. The flames dissipated, but the concrete missile shattered the ice and collided with the Wendigo.

The improvised missile broke every bone in its chest, before a lump of twisted rebar punched straight through the Wendigo’s pulsing heart.

The Wendigo’s eyes, those huge flaming red orbs, dulled as a primal howl escaped its gullet.

The creature collapsed, its death cries filling the warehouse.

Kasey ran to Vida as the Wendigo pitched forward onto its face. Its bones shattered like ice as the magic holding its ancient form together collapsed.

The creature dissolved into dust before her eyes, but Kasey had other concerns. Dropping to Vida’s side, she reached for his face. It was deathly cold, his pulse weak and erratic.

She had seen enough bodies in the morgue to know that he would soon be among them. She channeled what power she could into a healing spell, but the golden light simply whiffed out of existence. It was too little, too late for her meager healing powers to handle.

There was a low, guttural howl. Kasey turned, fearing the Wendigo had somehow risen from the ashes.

Instead, Stephanie, the chocolate brown werewolf, stood beside her, looking down at Vida. Kasey could see the pain etched in her face as clearly as if she’d been human.

“There is nothing I can do,” Kasey said, tears rolling down her cheeks. “I can’t heal him. His wounds are too great.”

Stephanie looked from Kasey to Vida. Then, she lunged forward, sinking her teeth into his shoulder.

Kasey was too stunned to respond. She had seen this in her vision but with the Wendigo dead, she’d thought she had removed its influence.

Stephanie backed away from Vida; she wasn’t eating him at all.

It was just one bite.

That was all it took for the Lycanthropy disease to take root.

Vida convulsed, shaking in the pool of moonlight streaming down through the skylight above.

Before her eyes, his complexion regained its color. His muscles started to distend.

Stephanie had turned him. To save his life, Stephanie had turned Vida into a werewolf.

The regenerative powers of their condition might be capable of bringing him back from the brink.

“Kasey,” Sanders shouted.

She held up her hand. “It’s okay. She’s with us.”

“Not her, that!” Sanders pointed above Kasey.

She looked up. Another form perched on the shelf above.

It was emaciated, like the Wendigo in form, but a set of skeletal wings protruded from the back of its body.

It watched her with muddy yellow eyes.

“Talora,” Kasey whispered.

“Yes,” the Sidhe said in a voice that echoed the Wendigo’s.

With a hiss, the Fae leapt off the shelf, diving right at Kasey.

Chapter 20

Kasey had all of one heartbeat to register what Talora, the ambassador from the Summer Court, had become.

The Sidhe‘s once lithe and beautiful features had twisted grotesquely. Her body had swollen in size, her bone structure twisted and elongated. Wicked nails protruded from each of her fingers. Each one looked razor-sharp and more than capable of tearing out Kasey’s throat. Her skin was pale, almost translucent as it stretched over her pronounced frame.

Her wings too had twisted into a nightmarish parody of what they had once been, with wickedly sharp horn-like talons protruding from their bony structure.

Her wings folded close to her body as she plunged at Kasey.

Kasey dove to the side, hoping to put herself between the convulsing form of Vida, and Stephanie who stood watch over him.

She tumbled across the concrete, but Talora was faster, following her movement with one beat of her wings. She raked her razor-sharp nails across Kasey’s back.

Kasey clenched her jaw against the pain as the talons cut through her jacket and bit into her flesh. It was only a glancing hit, but her back burned. If the Sidhe had got her directly, the talons might have skewered her.

“You little…” Kasey muttered as she leapt to her feet. Before she could get more than a step, Talora wrapped her arms around her, reaching for her throat. Her distended maw was full of teeth that had sharpened to fine points. Kasey drove an elbow back and was filled with satisfaction as a rib snapped beneath it.

Talora hissed and drew back.

Kasey pointed her palms toward the opposite row of shelves. “Gwthio!”

The force of the incantation propelled Kasey and Talora backward, slamming them into the steel shelves laden with boxes. The entire shelf teetered, and dozens of boxes rained down on them from above. Kasey’s impact was softened by the bony Sidhe. Talora screamed in some guttural indecipherable language, as Kasey slipped free of her grasp.

Grabbing the Sidhe’s skeletal foot, Kasey whispered, ”Tân!”

Fire poured from her hand, racing up the Sidhe’s leg, and Kasey ran for it.

She made it half a dozen paces before Talora extinguished the spell and drew on her power. Kasey could feel the magnitude of the weight of the Sidhe noble‘s will as a vortex of power seemed drawn toward the abomination.

Seeing how it had worked for her once, Kasey drew from her earlier playbook. Using her power, she wrenched a chunk of concrete and rebar from the floor of the warehouse, and with a word she sent it hurtling at where she supposed Talora‘s heart might be. After all, if she had succumbed and become a Wendigo, that was her only weakness.

Talora deflected the concrete missile with a hastily erected shield. Sanders threw a burst of golden light at Talora, but she extended her hand. As the power of the Summer Ray collided with her outstretched hand, she simply absorbed it into her very being.

Kasey‘s jaw sagged.

If the first Wendigo had been a creature of Winter, Talora had become an avatar of Summer, twisted by the same curse.

“Summer Ray, you have nothing on me.” Talora reached forth her hand and the same sphere of golden light hurtled out of it, racing back at Sanders like a missile.

Sanders deflected the blow with a golden shield, dispersing the energy into the shelves around him and annihilating a few dozen boxes.

From the east and west, Kasey’s parents strode into view. Her father hurled spheres of stone, one after another, taxing the Sidhe‘s defenses. Kasey watched with interest as her father seemed to summon the earthen missiles from thin air. He was an accomplished Earth Druid if ever she had seen one.

Talora sent a blast of fire in his direction. He raised a shield of earthen sod that absorbed the heat of the blaze.

Kasey threw another arcane missile after Talora as her mother reached into her bag and pulled out a handful of something.

Stretching out her palm before her, she shouted, ”Gwthio!”

A dozen pieces of shrapnel hurtled at the Sidhe. Several of the tiny projectiles went wide, but more slammed into the Sidhe. Her skin sizzled and burned around the wounds.

“Cold iron,” her mother called. “Anathema to the Sidhe.”

Talora howled and tore at her own flesh as she tried to gouge the burning iron from her body.

Kasey considered her options. With four of them, they outnumbered the wounded Sidhe. Dangerous as she was, an idea was forming in Kasey’s mind.

The Earth Spirit had been adamant that the Wendigo had to die. Kasey supposed it had something to do with the psychological connection it shared with her mind.

With the creature dead, Kasey’s mind was free for the first time in a week.

“We need to contain her,” Kasey called over the fray.

“It’s too dangerous,” her father called back. “You get any closer and she’ll tear you apart.”

Sanders harried Talora with a dizzying array of blazing arcana. “We have no other choice,” Kasey said. “I can do it. I just need a circle.”

“Understood.” Her mother reached into her bag and pulled out two sticks of chalk.

There was only one problem. As soon as Talora saw their intentions, she would move. And the Sidhe had wings, which meant someone had the unenviable job of trying to keep her down.

Kasey sighed and with her back burning and her weary muscles protesting her every move, she raced for the nightmarish avatar of Summer.

Talora’s eyes met hers, and she cocked her head to the side. She had figured herself the predator and everyone else prey.

Kasey leapt over a low disemboweling blow and grabbed the Sidhe‘s shoulder, swinging around onto her back. Kasey kicked and tore at Talora’s wings in an effort to keep the Sidhe in one spot.

Talora reached for her, bony fingers tearing strips out of her skin. Fire burned in Kasey’s side as one of the talonlike nails punched into her side. It bit deep, and she clenched her jaw to avoid giving Talora the satisfaction of knowing the blow had landed.

Two shapes bounded into the circle, one squat and chocolate brown, the other darker, almost ebony, with streak of gray through his coat. The werewolves moved like lightning, snapping at Talora’s legs. Stephanie launched herself at Talora’s hamstring and hung there.

The other had to be Vida. Seeing him alive brought Kasey hope.

Placing her hand on Talora’s face, she whispered, ”Gwaywffon.”

Talora arched away, but the lance of pure arcane energy carved straight through her cheek, blasting out a section of bone and leaving her jaw lolling open.

Talora clawed madly at Kasey, who hung on for dear life.

All the while, her mother stood manipulating the chalk with magic, forming a circle about them at double speed. With Kasey intertwined with the Wendigo, there was little the others could do. Her father and Sanders angled for a better shot, but neither of them was willing to risk hitting her.

As the circle formed, Talora threw Kasey free.

“Get out of the circle,” she shouted at Vida and Stephanie as she slid across the ground.

The pair abandoned their hunt and leapt clear as Kasey reached for the wound in her side. As she pulled her hand away, it was covered in blood. Slapping her bloody hand down upon the chalk, Kasey willed all the power she could muster in that moment into the circle.

“Rheolaeth!”

Talora laughed, a high-pitched grating noise.

“You think you have the will to bind me? Foolish girl. Open your mind and try it. I dare you.”

Kasey knew the danger of embracing a creature with the Wendigo’s power, but she also knew that she had no other choice.

She understood how the process worked in theory; Carys had taught her that much. But doing it for real while the skeletal Sidhe was trying to kill her was a whole other matter.

“Talora,” Kasey bellowed, “Ambassador of the Summer Court, prey of the Wendigo, I bind you.”

Talora lunged across the circle, her wings darting forward to skewer Kasey.

Kasey ducked and tumbled, trying to stay out of the path of the wickedly sharp talons.

“Talora, chosen of Titania, Sidhe of the Summer Court, I bind you.”

Kasey felt the channel between them open and their wills collide in a struggle. She had expected Talora to be on the defensive as she tried to resist, but the Sidhe came at her with everything she had.

Pain played through her mind as the attack caught her off guard, threatening to consume her. As her world turned black, and her consciousness faded, Kasey remembered Titania and reached for the bramble wand in her pocket. The thorns vexed her skin, drawing blood. The very real physical pain set her nerves alight, sharpening her mind.

She drove Talora back. Brick by mental brick, she rebuilt her defences. She couldn‘t afford another lapse; if she lost consciousness, she was as good as dead. Perhaps far worse.

Talora whaled on Kasey’s defenses like a mad beast.

As Kasey’s blood ran over the thorns, power blossomed from the bramble wand in her hand.

She understood its purpose.

It wasn‘t a focus; it was a weapon. And the power within was far greater than her own. It belonged to the Summer Queen.

Talora came at her, every wicked bony protrusion poised to tear her apart.

“Talora, servant of Titania, Queen of Summer, by her power, I bind you.” Kasey threw the bramble wand at Talora, willing power into it as it left her hand. “Rheolaeth!”

The bramble wand struck Talora in the chest. Tendrils of vines burst from it, surrounding Talora. She thrashed, but the constricting thicket only tightened, pinning her wings to her back, before entangling her limbs. She tripped, hitting the concrete with a thud.

Talora thrashed but by the time she reached Kasey, the bramble prison had completely crushed her into a fetal bundle. Whatever magic Titania had wrought into the wand was proof against Talora’s flailing. Talora shrieked until the brambles cowed her into submission.

Kasey bent down to examine Talora. The Sidhe’s eyes were gold and bloodshot, and Kasey could see the murder in them.

Brushing her hand across Talora‘s temple, she whispered. “Cwsg.”

Bound to her, there was nothing Talora could do but comply.

The Sidhe collapsed, unconscious.

Kasey reached into her pocket and pulled out the titanium launcher. Following Stephen‘s instructions, she found a dense mound of bone at the base of Talora’s spine and jammed the tracker against it before pressing the button. Talora shook as a pulse of vacuum compression embedded the tracker deep inside the bone.

“Sorry about that,” Kasey whispered as she took a step back just in case.

Sanders stood with her mother and father looking down at the comatose and constricted form of Talora.

The quiet stillness of the warehouse was broken by footsteps as Bishop and Jack appeared beside Vida and Stephanie.

“There are people out there,” Bishop said. “I don’t know who they are, they aren’t with us.”

Kasey glared down the aisle. “What now?”

The footsteps in the distance grew steadily nearer and as she squinted down the aisle, she saw blue light moving toward her. They were everywhere. As the blue lights neared, she realized each of them was an illumination guiding a hooded figure toward them.

The newcomers were dressed in black robes with royal blue insignia over their breasts, and each and every one of them wore a gold mask obscuring their faces.

“Sentinels,” her father whispered.

Her mother drew on her power, and Kasey did the same.

“You couldn’t even wait until we left the city,” a voice called through the semi-darkness.

Even at this distance, Kasey recognized Armando Flint. Only the Watchman wasn‘t alone. He’d brought at least a dozen sentinels with him.

“Don’t be stupid, Flint,” Sanders called. “This isn’t our working. We’ve been searching for this creature for days. We’ve already killed one Wendigo and subdued the other. Once more, you’re too late to be of any real use. I see why you and Strang get along so well.”

If he hadn‘t been wearing the mask, Kasey supposed she might see the anger etched on the Watchman’s leathery face.

“Oh, so you thought you’d play with the creature of darkness, did you? You are far too willing to flirt with the Forbidden.”

The sentinels fanned out, surrounding them all.

They were outnumbered, but not by much; the real issue was how much power she’d expended to subdue Talora. She was barely standing and the wound in her side was burning. She could ill afford a fight with Flint and his sentinels.

“Flint, you‘re going to want to listen to him,” Kasey replied. “These things have been massacring people across the city. Why do you think the police are outside?”

Bishop brushed her suit jacket aside and showed her badge.

“Always an excuse, isn‘t there, Kasey? What you haven’t realized is that such should be killed, not captured. There is no world in which one of these creatures should be left to live. If you’re trying to save lives, don’t cow the beast, kill it.”

“You‘re going to want to pump the brakes,” Sanders interrupted. “Before this particular creature was captured and tortured by the Wendigo, she was Talora, emissary of the Summer Court to the Arcane Council. She’s a party to the Arcane Covenant, and while her nature might have changed, her liege has not.”

“Rubbish,” Flint spat. “You lie.”

Sanders shrugged. “Talora is the right hand of Titania herself, and if you execute one of her court, you can rest assured I will tell her exactly who is responsible. Know this, Flint, as sure as the sun rises, she will come for her pound of flesh.”

Flint‘s hands twitched at his sides. “Don’t lie to me, Sanders.”

“I have no need to,” Sanders replied, nonchalantly. “The truth will prevail. Send word to the Sidhe. Find out for yourself. We’ll wait.”

Flint tilted his head toward the unconscious form of Talora lying within the chalk circle.

“Honestly, we’re glad you came,” Sanders bluffed. “We had no intention of holding her. You saved us a phone call. She’s all yours, boys.”

Sanders put his arm around Kasey‘s shoulders and made to leave.

“What?” Flint called. “You can’t just…”

“Done and done,” Sanders replied. “We just wanted her out of our city. It’ll be a little awkward if we have to tell the queen what became of her ambassador. You can leave her with us if you like, but you and your sentinels are here. Why don’t you take the credit? Netting a catch like this has to be worth some sort of kudos in the Congress, not to mention the leverage it’ll give you the next time you have to bring Summer to the negotiating table.”

Sanders was appealing to Flint‘s greed. It seemed to be the one quality that matched his zeal for pursuing the Forbidden.

“Why are you doing this?” Flint asked. “Giving me the credit. It makes no sense, and I don’t trust you for a moment.”

“I don’t particularly care whether you trust me or not,” Sanders replied. “Besides, I’m the Chancellor. I don’t need kudos.”

He raised his prosthetic hand in its black glove. “I’ve already earned my place.”

“You’ve flown across the world for a trial which yielded nothing. Go back to London empty-handed, if you wish,” Kasey added. “Or return a conquering hero. It’s your choice, really. We’re heading for dinner. If the Sidhe is still here tomorrow, we’ll send word to Summer ourselves. You decide.”

Kasey flashed him a grin. “Cheers, Armando. Next time, try to get here a little sooner. I’d love to stand here and chat, but I need some stitches, and I’m dying for some pizza.”

The sentinels before her closed ranks.

“You’re gonna want to get out of my way,” Sanders replied. “If you try to prevent me from getting Kasey the help she needs, I’m going to go through you.”

Her mother, who hadn’t set aside her power for a second, looked at Flint. “Choose to live, Flint. You don‘t have nearly enough men for anything else.”

Flint stared at her mother, the tension between them growing as power bristled around them. Flint hadn‘t moved, but there was no mistaking the power he was gathering.

“Flint,” Sanders warned. “There’s no need to die here, and there will be none of you left to testify. Let it go. Live to hunt warlocks another day.”

The power dispersed, and Flint flicked his hand, dismissing Kasey and the others.

The sentinels parted.

Kasey went to leave. Looking down at Talora, she set the bait. “Shall we take her with us, or…?”

“We’ll attend to the beast,” Flint barked.

“Sheesh, okay. We’ll let Summer know you have her, so be gentle.”

Together with Sanders, her parents, and the rest of her motley crew, she made her way through the warehouse. When they reached the street and were closer to the police than the sentinels, Sanders bent down to examine the wound in her side.

“Kasey, why are you still walking? You could have internal bleeding.”

Kasey looked down. “Most of it’s external now.”

“We’re taking you to the Administorum,” Sanders said.

Kasey planted her feet. “I was promised pizza.”

“Toss her in the wagon,” Kasey’s mother said. “I’ll see to her wounds while Ralph drives.”

Sanders didn‘t look convinced, but Kasey patted him on the cheek. “See, it will be fine.”

She turned to Bishop. “You two ought to know better than to go into something like that alone.”

“In our defense, we had no idea when you were going to be free. We‘ve been calling you all day. We had to do something.”

Kasey nodded. “It worked, that’s all that matters, I guess.”

Her gaze drifted to the ebony form of Vida, standing flank to flank with Stephanie. “You two behave. After this, we‘re going to have a word.”

The werewolves gave her their best attempt at a shrug before they turned and loped down the street.

“So, Vida‘s a werewolf now.” Bishop shook her head. “I know I should be worried, but part of me knows he’s going to be thrilled.”

“At least he’s going to be able to take care of himself.” Kasey laughed.

“I don’t know, Kasey.” Bishop stared at Kasey’s bloody side. “Some people never change.”

Kasey bristled. “It wasn’t me who charged into the warehouse, now was it?”

Bishop shrugged. “I’m the law. It’s my job.”

Sanders leaned in close, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Did you get to plant the tracker?”

Kasey reached into her pocket and drew out an empty cylinder. “I certainly did.”

“Excellent. Don’t activate it yet. Flint will spend hours examining Talora. He‘s a zealot, not a fool, and it needs to be dormant when they sweep for it.”

“Already ahead of you,” Kasey replied. “I have my best man on it.”

“You have a lot of explaining to do.” Kasey’s mother waggled a finger at them both. “But let’s get my daughter out of here and patched up. You can tell us what all this insanity is about.”

“It’s a heck of a long story,” Kasey replied.

“And there will be plenty of time to tell it and a pizza to enjoy while you do. Bishop, grab her other shoulder. Let‘s get her in the car before she passes out.”

Bishop propped her up and, together with Sanders, carried her out to the station wagon.

As Kasey stumbled along, she couldn‘t help but imagine the taste of the pepperoni.

It was almost enough to distract her from the path they‘d just set out on.

Somewhere in Europe, there was a facility where the Arcane Congress stored its most dangerous prisoners. Soon, Flint would deposit Talora there while the Congress bickered with the Summer Court.

And while they dithered in bureaucracy, she and Sanders had to plan a prison break for the Summer Queen.

The End

Join Kasey Chase for a page-turning prison break you’ll never forget. Grab Death Sentence here.

While you’re waiting, why not take a look at Half-Blood’s Hex? Seth is an Arcanologist with a tendency to be in the wrong place at the right time. Set in the same world as Conjuring a Coroner, if you loved this series, you will have a blast with Half-Blood’s Hex.

A Word From The Author

What a hectic ride! I hope you had a blast with Death Warmed Up.

I thought I’d take a moment here to share some thoughts about the cover. It’s a beautiful creation by Rebecca Frank and matches so well my thoughts on where Kasey was at on her journey.

You might be asking where the big magic hands and swirling colors are. It’s a fair question. At the start of Death Warmed Up, Kasey is emotionally and physically exhausted. Her struggle with the Feudal Court, has left her running on empty.

But as you and I know, she never gives up. Even with the Arcane Council, and the Forces of the Winter Court gunning for her, Kasey is resilient, defiant and ready to go down swinging.

Just as winter thaws before the spring sun, we see Kasey find herself and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. I can’t wait to share my next story with you, It’s title is Death Sentence. I hope you’re ready for a wild ride. You won’t want to miss it.

I’ve also added a new short story, Vida’s Gambit to the Kase Files, so if you haven’t read them, follow this link and join my newsletter you’ll get it and more! Find out about the night Vida and Stephanie met, as well as the Central Park monster hinted at in Death Warmed Up.

If there’s anything you want to tell me about Death Warmed Up, feel free to leave me your honest review here. It helps more than you will ever know.

Cheers,

S.C. Stokes

P.S. For all the updates and some newsletter exclusive short stories, join my reader newsletter here.

Also By S.C. Stokes

Conjuring A Coroner Series

A Date With Death

Dying To Meet You

Life Is For The Living

When Death Knocks

One Foot In The Grave

One Last Breath

Until My Dying Day

A Taste Of Death

A Brush With Death

A Dance With Death

Death Warmed Up

Death Sentence

Urban Arcanology Series

Half-Blood’s Hex

Half-Blood’s Bargain

Half-Blood’s Debt

Half-Blood’s Birthright

Half-Blood’s Quest

A Kingdom Divided Series

A Coronation Of Kings

When The Gods War

A Kingdom In Chaos

Bones Of The Fallen

A Siege Of Lost Souls

Acknowledgments

One of the great blessings of being an author is the incredible group of readers who work with me. Their support has helped bring this world to life, so I just wanted to take a minute to acknowledge all that they have done.

Dee Gott

D.L. Shaw

David Paul Licata

Malcolm Barber

Jerry Jones

Christy Blinn

Carol Brandon

Shivani

Elda Brooks

Mitch Fadden

Debbie Reeves

Dorothy Koch

Danielle E.

Marlys Frisby

Maurice Jones

Lucinda Davies

Deb Shaw

Ashley Martinez

Judith C.

Shauna J.

Mary W.

Jennifer S.

DH Vanderlaan

Robert Gaspar

Judy N.

Gary W.

Roger F.

Val A.

Jackie T.

Lisa H.

Gayreth Walden

Thank you all, you’re support means the world to me!

Cheers,

Sam

Table of Contents

- 1. Chapter 1
- 2. Chapter 2
- 3. Chapter 3
- 4. Chapter 4
- 5. Chapter 5
- 6. Chapter 6
- 7. Chapter 7
- 8. Chapter 8
- 9. Chapter 9
- 10. Chapter 10
- 11. Chapter 11
- 12. Chapter 12
- 13. Chapter 13
- 14. Chapter 14
- 15. Chapter 15
- 16. Chapter 16
- 17. Chapter 17
- 18. Chapter 18
- 19. Chapter 19
- 20. Chapter 20
- A Word From The Author
- Also By S.C. Stokes
- Acknowledgments