Chapter Seven

The irony for me with jail cells was that the bars were made of metal and thus easily escapable.

However, I stayed put, hoping for a resolution that would avoid an escape plan and living on the run. They had tried to separate Ashe from me, but she’d Morphed into her Circoux form before I could stop her and gnashed her teeth enough that they let us stay in the same cell. Afterward, she’d refused to Morph back to dog form. I couldn’t blame her.

We were blood bound not only to work well together, but to protect each other, and she felt as though she could do that best in Circoux form.

When hours passed and no one came to enlighten us as to what was going to happen, I figured I might as well get as comfortable as I could for the night. I wasn’t even offered a phone call and I could imagine what Gideon must be thinking. He and Toji were probably worried as all hell and beside themselves waiting for an explanation. And what was Callan thinking? I knew he had to have tons of questions as well.

If I ever got out of here, I had some tough conversations ahead. I sighed.

“You know what, this isn’t even the worst predicament we’ve been in,” I said to Ashe. “I think the worst was when we double-timed those rival lords who hired us to take the other out so they could expand their territory. But they were plundering the villages in between their holdings, so we helped the villages instead and pitted them against each other. We almost got taken out by two small armies, but in the end our plan worked.”

Ashe made a sound of agreement and butted her head against me. Then she tossed her head in the direction of the jail bars.

“I’d rather wait and see if we can find a way out that won’t involve becoming fugitives.” She sighed but didn’t try to melt the bars.

There was a hard bench in here and nothing else, so I lay on the ground with Ashe curled around me and somehow found my way to a fitful sleep.

A couple hours after we woke up, an officer finally came, warily opened the cell, and motioned for us to follow him.

“Here we go.” I followed the officer and Ashe trailed behind me.

Everyone we passed either pretended they didn’t see us, opened-mouth stared, or gave us tough guy looks, which made me roll my eyes. If Ashe and I really wanted to bring this place down on everyone’s heads, they would never see it coming.

We were led down several hallways until the officer stopped, opened one of the doors, and indicated that we should go inside.

I narrowed my eyes. “What are we doing here?”

He jumped at the sound of my voice as though that alone was enough to melt the skin off his bones. He didn’t reply, just scurried back down the hallway. I exchanged a look with Ashe. An interrogation room was better than a cell, I guessed.

I walked the rest of the way down the hall and peered into the room, surprised when I saw that it wasn’t the police chief waiting for me, but Varian Chambers.

He stood up from one of the two chairs in here, separated by a wide table.

Like me, he still wore last night’s clothes, which looked as rumpled as my own. My brow furrowed as he extended an invitation to enter the room. “Ms. Linbry and, Ashe, was it? Please, come in.”

“What are you doing here?”

We entered, although the room immediately seemed like the size of a cardboard box once Ashe was standing in it.

Varian gave her an assessing look. She bared her teeth and growled, but it didn’t faze him. He gestured to the other chair, but I closed the door and leaned against it, crossing my arms over my chest.

“I’m sure this must be very confusing,” he said, returning to his seat and drawing one leg up over his knee. He seemed quite at home in a police station interrogation room with a magic user and a Circoux a couple feet away. “It took some time, but I’ve arranged your freedom, although it is dependent on the result of this meeting.”

My frown deepened. “You convinced the police to free us? I’ll admit I did only a minimal amount of research on you when I accepted the security gig, but I still find a disconnect between being a museum curator and having pull with the police. Unless you’re a mobster and we’re dealing with dirty cops.”

“Nothing like that, I assure you,” Varian said with a chuckle. “I am, however, a liaison to the local police, as well as for a network of precincts across the country. I also have ties overseas. It’s not something you would have found via a search engine.”

“Not really convincing me this isn’t mobster business.”

“Allow me to explain.” Varian held his palms up. “As you already know, I am a magic-era expert, one of the top, if not at the helm. But my dealings with the magic-era go beyond excavations and putting together museum collections. Because of my extensive insight, many years ago I became something of a resource to the police. For cases magical in nature.”

“Like the Tamer last night, and the Fire Conjurer the other day.”

“Yes, and while to the general public it may seem as though magic has only now found a foothold in the world again, there are over a decade of files recording people murdered by magical means. However, the legal system has never been equipped to hunt down and bring to justice criminals with magic.”

I noticed a few file folders on the table, and he opened one and handed me several photographs. My eyes widened as I shuffled through them. They were all dead bodies, in various locations, and the time stamps on the photos indicated recent years past, and a little over twenty years ago.

“Nineteen ninety-nine?” I muttered, looking at the body of a woman who looked very similar to the Fire Conjurer after the Jigori had sucked the magic and life from him.

Her grayed skin was shriveled and clung to her bones like she’d been dehydrated and left out in the sun, and her skeletal face was contorted in agony that belied how painful her last moments were.

I looked up at Varian. “Dark magic,” I said. “All of these people were victims of dark magic.” So the Jigori and its Necromajin master had been around for a while? But that meant…I looked at the pictures again. “These are magic users?”

“Precisely,” Varian replied. “Going back for many years, there have been instances of people with magic being killed by Jigori. Great pains have been taken to keep these occurrences from becoming public knowledge, and the last known incident occurred about three years ago. Now it appears to be happening again, but much more publicly, and thus cannot remain classified. My belief is that there are magic users out there, trying to survive, but hunted by Jigori. It has always been my wish to help them, but it seems as though to find magic users, we need the aid of magic users. And now, here you are.” He tried to give what I thought was supposed to be an encouraging smile.

I pinched the bridge of my nose as all this information settled on me. “What makes you think I won’t end up like the others? Berserk, my magic doing damage to everything around me?”

“We don’t know. That’s why you’re here talking to me. Your freedom depends on exactly that. Will you become a threat, Ms. Linbry?”

“Call me Penn, and no, I won’t,” I said. “If you’re saying those people came from some group of hidden magic users, I’m not a part of them and never was. How do you even theorize that magic users are still around?”

“Movement through time,” he replied.

“You think Temporals traveled through time from the magic-era, bringing others with them.” My brow furrowed. “But…”

“I know what you are about to speculate; as far as we know via authentic Temporal records, they were not able to move forward through time, only backward.”

“Yeah,” I said slowly. I knew this for a fact. Temporals could move back through time a few hours or days, but only under specific conditions; one being that the Temporal nexus point had to be open. They also needed an anchor to take them to the time they were trying to jump to, or else they would end up somewhere arbitrary. They could return to the time they’d jumped from, but only while the Temporal nexus remained open. If it closed, well, I wasn’t sure what happened, but I imagined it wasn’t desirable to be stuck in the past. Time travel was risky, big magic.

“Be that as it may,” Varian said. “I believe Temporals were able to move forward through time because their magic was fueled by the Auraxa Reiv.”

I tilted my head as I considered that. The Auraxa Reiv was the most powerful force of magic I’d ever heard about. It had created a monster that had almost torn the world apart. And walloped me with two hundred and ninety-two years of sleep. It was plausible that it could have had a tremendous effect on Temporal magic and allowed people to move forward through time.

“All right,” I said. “Let’s say that’s what happened. What about the Necromajin?”

“My theory is that the Necromajin ended up here similarly, either with them, or by their own methods, also powered by the Auraxa Reiv. I would like to find these magic users and bring them under protection.” He indicated the photos I was still holding. “That is no way to die. And now, with recent events, we know the Jigori are still around. This is a crisis not only for them, but for those who are hurt by the chaos they bring.”

“What happened to the Tamer?”

“She was beyond help,” Varian said gravely. “There was nothing the paramedics could do.”

“Shit.” I released a sigh. I’d hoped she could have been helped. “How many deaths?”

“Eight. And many more were seriously injured.” He stood up, taking the pictures from me and returning them to the file. He then picked up all the folders. “I’d like to offer these to you. As well as ask for your help in finding these magic users, so everyone can be protected.”

My eyebrows rose. “You want me to help? You think I am capable, just because I have magic?”

“I saw you last night. You have the skills of a warrior. As well as magic, yes? Your Talent is…”

I didn’t want to answer, but what difference did it make now? “Shaper. I’m a Shaper. Metals and wood.”

“How fascinating. It’s rare for a Shaper to have more than one affinity.”

“Yeah…”

There was an inquisitive gleam in his eye as he looked me over, but I refused to squirm under his curious stare. “You and your companion…”

“Familiar,” I said on the heel of a growl from Ashe.

“Apologies. Familiar, are a formidable pair. However, your ability to accept or decline this request but make it home either way depends on telling us how you got here from the magic-era.”

“It’s very personal.”

I had protected my story for so long, and even though I’d known the risk when I’d exposed Ashe and myself last night, I didn’t feel prepared for this moment. I’d always thought the first people I’d tell would be Gideon and Toji. Not a man I’d met only last night.

“I understand,” he said. “But without knowing that you’re not the same as the magic we’ve been experiencing, which has been deadly, the police chief would not be willing to release you.”

I blew out a breath. “Fine. It started…”

He held up a finger. “Ah, one moment. You see, telling me is one thing, but I am not the only one you have to convince.”

My frown was back. “What exactly do you expect me to do?”

“There is a reporter here who will televise your response.” I balked, and he held up his hands again. “I tried to discern some other way, but the chief is insistent on doing a televised interview. They need a full understanding of who you are in order to believe that your magic will not cause harm like the Conjurer and Tamer did. Thus, the only way to quell fear about you, and allow you your freedom, would be to broadcast your story in as wide a manner as possible.”

“You have got to be kidding.” I dropped my head against the door and made a sound of frustration.

“It will be recorded and released during the morning news broadcast, but on the basis of what you share with us, you will be freed immediately afterward. And…” He extended the files to me. “I would like to know if you would be willing to help.”

“You already believe my magic is stable enough to do this.”

“I saw all I needed to see last night. Were it not for you two, the carnage would have been much worse. You are different from the others. I am curious about your story, but my desire for your assistance doesn’t hinge on it.”

He wanted my help. As hesitant as I was to share my story with the entire world—and all the trouble that would bring—this could end up being a good thing because I wouldn’t have to hide anymore. I could build authentic friendships…and relationships.

And using my skills to track down other magic users out there could potentially lead me to the Necromajin who had Kinari’s remains.

I’d been invested enough before this conversation with Varian.

I took the files.

“I’ll do it,” I said. “Now let’s get this interview over with.”

…

After I was done with the interview, Ashe still refused to Morph smaller, so we were given a ride home in a police van.

It was after five when we got home, with only the barest hint of sunrise lightening the sky. Ashe’s stubbornness made the elevator ride up to our apartment a bit cramped, but we made it, and I had never felt so happy to be home.

Luce immediately came over and danced circles around us before settling in Ashe’s fur.

“Sorry if we worried you.” I dropped Varian’s files on the coffee table, then reached for my bag, realized it wasn’t there, and cursed.

It was in the locker room at the museum, which meant I was without my cell phone. I didn’t have a landline and didn’t have their numbers memorized anyway, so I couldn’t get in touch with Gideon or Callan and let them know what happened. I’d figure it out later. Or they’d find out everything when they caught my interview on the morning news.

I blew out a sigh as I headed to the fridge and pulled out a few steaks for Ashe. My stomach was cramping in hunger as well, but my need to be clean overpowered my hunger, so I took a long, hot shower, scrubbed every inch once, twice, three times, and shampooed and conditioned my hair, which I’d unbraided.

After I changed, I warmed up some leftover Indian takeout that I told myself hadn’t been in the fridge that long, and scarfed it down while I tried not to freak out over the fact that in a few hours the entire world would know everything about me.

The interview had taken place in a room with the reporter, cameraman, Varian, the police chief, and a few officers, and I had never felt more like an exotic animal on display.

I’d had no choice but to explain how going against Mixuné’s card reading had rendered Ashe and me asleep for almost three hundred years, that we’d woken up in a cave in Namibia, and that I had Shaper magic. The reporter had kept prodding at how we’d survived two hundred and ninety-two years asleep without starving to death, but I’d maintained that I didn’t know, and it must have been due to the Divine magic I’d been tied to after Mix’s reading.

I wasn’t going to reveal the Cephis’ protection, or that I had a Cephi living with me.

With a Necromajin out there, the Divine power Luce had given my sword was my only defense against their dark magic, and I needed to keep my ace card as close to the vest as possible. Since I’d cut down one of their Jigori they probably knew I could hold my own against them, but it was still better not to advertise that I had a weapon of Divine magic.

I felt better after the hot shower and meal. I now wanted to fall into bed and sleep for a day and a half, but my mind was racing, and I found myself sitting at the coffee table looking through the files Varian had given me.

Luce came over and sat on top of the card box, which I’d left on the table. I’d wondered if her presence would be enough to open it, but it clearly wasn’t. Ashe came over as well, looking over my shoulder at the photos of all the people drained by the Jigori.

“If these deaths go back over twenty years without anyone realizing people with Talent magic were around, where have they been keeping themselves?” I mused. “Where did the Conjurer and Tamer come from, and why was their magic so unstable?” And where the hell was the Necromajin holed up and what did they plan to do with Kinari’s bones? I glanced at Ashe. “We aren’t going to get any answers sitting around here. Care to do some tracking at the museum?”

She gave a sharp nod. It was still early, but there was no time like the present.

I changed into jeans, boots, and a fitted, short sleeved button-down over a tank top, and brushed my hair into a high ponytail. When I came out into the living room, I took the Gladius off the wall and strapped it to my back, feeling a measure of calm drift into me at the touch of Divine magic that thrummed through it.

“We’re exposed, and we’ve been given a hunt,” I said to Ashe. “The last thing I’m worried about is being caught walking the streets with a sword and a Circoux.”

I knew Ashe wasn’t going to Morph anytime soon, and I didn’t want her to. She’d spent far too long unable to live as freely as she wanted. So had I.

So me, my Divine sword, and my Circoux were going to do things a bit differently now.

I grabbed the keys to my Jeep, assured Luce we wouldn’t be gone long, and then Ashe and I headed out. I’d just exited my building when I heard someone shout my name and turned to see Callan jogging up the block.

My eyes widened. It was barely six in the morning and he’d come to see me?

My emotions were all over the place after the events of last night and the subsequent conversation with Varian, not to mention the tell-all exposé I’d just given about myself. The last thing I wanted right now was another emotional conversation, no matter with whom.

But I stood still and waited for Callan to catch up.

Before I could say anything, he crushed me in a hug. I wanted to relax into his embrace and let him comfort me, yet I resisted. I pulled away and stepped back but he kept hold of my upper arms.

“I tried to see you at the station but they wouldn’t let me, then I saw them transporting you two and hoped they were taking you home.” He released a sigh of relief. “Are you okay?”

I opened my mouth but didn’t know what to say.

The events of last night were so visceral, I’d barely had the time to process. And now definitely wasn’t the time.

Part of me wanted to lean on his strength and confide in him, but I couldn’t get him involved in what I was working on for Varian. After what happened at the conservatory, the last thing I’d do was put anyone else at risk while I tracked down magic users.

“I’m okay, but I have somewhere I gotta be right now.” I tried to step away from him again but he still wouldn’t let me go.

“Where? Can I help? Can we talk?”

“No.” I pulled away and he dropped his arms, his brow furrowing. “I don’t have time to talk. I know I have a lot to explain, but I can’t right now.”

“You’re a magic user, right?” He looked at Ashe, who sniffed impatiently. She nudged me, indicating that she was ready to leave this conversation and get to tracking. “I don’t care that you didn’t tell me. I’m sure you had your reasons. Whatever is going on, I want to help.”

“And I told you I don’t need your help!” I hadn’t meant to shout, but I was agitated. I hadn’t slept worth a damn in a while and I needed to keep my focus on the task at hand, not try to explain all this dangerous, heavy shit to Callan or lead him into danger.

“Why the hell are you pushing me away?” He spoke though gritted teeth, his frown deepening.

I steeled myself so I wouldn’t shout again. “Because you can’t help me with the things I’m up against. You could end up hurt, or worse. It’s dangerous enough for me.”

“And since when do you get to say what I can handle?” He crossed his arms over his chest.

“When it’s things in my life presenting the danger!” I fired back. I exhaled slowly, trying to find some calm to hold on to. “Look, I know you care, but this isn’t your battle and you can’t help me. You gotta take my word for it.”

He stepped closer, bringing that challenging look and tightly wound energy into my personal space. Along with the pulse of his body heat and the clean scent of his skin. His slightly heaving chest mirrored mine. “You don’t get to decide that without even telling me what’s going on,” he said pointedly. My old desire to punch his lights out flared.

“I can do whatever the hell I want, thank you very much,” I growled. “You have some nerve, coming here and getting in my face as though I owe you answers.” I paused. “Okay fine, to a certain extent I do, but…”

“Penn, I just want to help. What happened at the station?”

“Nothing that concerns you,” I said shortly, hoping my terse behavior would turn him off and make him back down. “I have a lot of handle. Go home, Callan. You don’t need to be worried about me.”

“You’re heading out at the crack of down with a sword strapped to your back. It’s more than a little concerning. You can’t take five minutes to tell me what’s going on?”

“I don’t have five minutes! Can’t you chill and let me handle my shit?”

“You are so damn stubborn! Why can’t you answer a simple question?” He made a sound in his throat again but this time it was edged with another emotion, not just anger. There was a fine trembling going through his body as his eyes raked over me, and emotions chased across his face faster than I could register them. I took a deep, steadying breath as I stood in the middle of those emotions, feeling an echo of them in myself. I battled my desire to run off and deal with my problems with my desire to stand here and pound some understanding into Callan about who I really was.

“Look, I know you have a ton of questions, but this isn’t really the time to…”

“God, woman, would you shut up.” Before I knew what was happening, he closed the small distance between us, slipped his hand behind my neck, and crushed his lips to mine.

Oh.

I stood rigid, but only for a moment before I relaxed, my arms going around him as he pulled my body against his.

His tongue slipped between my lips, and the sound he made in his throat as the kiss deepened made me wish we were anywhere but standing in a public place. There was something urgent and desperate about the way he kissed me, moving me backward until I was pressed against the side of the building, his hand slipping under my shirt, making my body shiver as the heat from his palms traced a path up and down my back. Our lips molded together like they were made for no other purpose.

I’d felt sparks and whispers of heat around him before. Now I felt like I was engulfed in a Suniksu’s fire but I never wanted it to stop burning. There was attraction, and then there was this. We were tangled together with ragged breaths, pounding hearts, and skin that was feverish and slick with sweat. His grip was almost painfully tight around me, the muscles in his arms bunching under the hands I now had anchored to them. I moved them up around his neck, sliding my fingers in his short curls and making sure his lips stayed where I wanted them.

Damn, I wanted him.

Ashe howled loudly and disapprovingly, causing us to jolt. We broke apart and stared at each other, both of us breathing heavily. My lips throbbed from the attentions of his mouth, and a bereft feeling clung to me because I wanted to stop thinking and close the distance between us again. My brain was a scramble as I tried to figure out what to say. Callan’s look mirrored mine, as though he also couldn’t believe what happened but wanted it to keep happening.

I had never had such a passionate kiss before in either of my lifetimes, and to have it with Callan was…throwing me for a loop to say the least. I wanted to resist it as much as I wanted to explore it.

But I did what was probably the worst thing to do in a situation like this. I backed away from him, holding my hands up and shaking my head. I cleared my suddenly dry throat and hated that my heart wouldn’t stop racing and that the taste of him lingered on my lips, making me want to move back into his arms.

“I don’t have time for this, Callan. I don’t. I’m sorry. I gotta go. Watch the morning news, it will tell you everything you need to know about me.”

“Wait…Penn!” I caught a flash of hurt on his face, but still turned and jogged away, Ashe following. It sucked to leave things that way, but I had no choice.

This was why it was better to not get close to people. Seeing the hurt in Callan’s eyes made me want to stand there until we sorted things out, but this wasn’t a time when I could make my own feelings and desires a priority.

I really wished I could, though.