The room falls silent.
"There's more," I continue. "They're harvesting magick from the captives."
Melinda pales. "For what purpose?"
"Power. Earth magick is tainted. It costs to use it." Arik's voice is grim. "They’re using the regeant crystals like portable reservoirs. They can use large amounts of magick without drawing into the tainted magick or hurting the people around them."
“That would definitely be a commodity,” Melinda says, leaning back into her chair.
The room falls silent and I feel the weight of everyone's emotions. The gravity of what we're facing is enormous. But the silence stretches a beat too long, and my thoughts inevitably return to Astrid. Alone on Earth. Potentially hunting the very creatures I'd just encountered here in Avalon.
"Also, when we arrived at the creek outside the city. I saw two chimeras," I say, the words falling like stones in the room. "I would assume they are the same ones killing GUIDE agents on Earth."
“Good riddance,” Melinda spits out.
Her words scrape against my nerves like sandpaper. My claws emerge instantly, digging into the polished wood of my chair. A low rumble builds in my chest before I can stop it.
“Fen’s mate is a GUIDE agent, love,” Hawke says, squeezing his wife's hand gently. His eyes meet mine—a silent request for patience.
“Oh, right.” She glances at me. “I’m sorry, I didn’t?—”
I shake my head. "I know you didn't." The chair feels suddenly confining. Every second in this room is another second away from Astrid. "But I am worried about Astrid. She was on the Chimera case a couple weeks ago. She didn't get hurt, but her two colleagues were both badly injured. I need to get back to her in case she's assigned to it again."
The muscles in my legs tense, ready to stand, to run, to find the fastest path back to Earth. Hawke notices. Of course he does. The slight nod he gives me carries understanding. He's felt this same pull.
“You need to get back to her for more than that,” Hawke says, eyeballing my claws.
“Yes. I know.” I pull my clawed hands down to my lap.
"They're the perfect weapons," Cormac says quietly. "Immune to most magick and quite vicious when crossed."
“What about our shield?” Melinda sits forward suddenly.
“It won’t let them through if they wish to harm us. It reads intent,” Hawke says.
“Right. Right.” She settles back into her chair, but worries at her bottom lip, clearly not settled by the assurance.
“My lady, I do not think they will stay here long. I think the Chimera’s are hunting GUIDE agents,” Cormac says.
I frown, considering the implications. Why would they be in Avalon when their targets are on Earth? Unless this is just a place to retreat where GUIDE can't follow them. Or perhaps they're here for new orders? These aren't just mindless beasts. Someone has to be directing them. The thought settles like ice in my gut. I need to tell Astrid.
Melinda relaxes a bit more and then turns to me. “You need to go back. Now.”
It's not a question, but I answer anyway. "Yes." I force back another wave of transformation, sweat beading on my forehead with the effort. "The wolf... now that we have found her. We need her."
Hawke nods. "Use the well in the palace to recharge. Herschel can take you to the solarium. Then hurry back to Earth. I look forward to meeting the woman that has your heart, Fenrir."
Relief floods through me. "Thank you."
Just a few more hours. Then I'll be back at her side.
CHAPTER 33
Forever Mine, Sweet Girl
* * *
Hawke Stormblood
