That got their attention in a different way.
“The magic vanished from the bullet afterward,” I continued, leaning forward now. “So Rack and I ran tests through the night, and it looks like high electrical current burns the magic out over time.” My pulse picked up slightly just talking about it. “So I’ve already redirected FangTech’s entire supe T&D division toward developing an electrical shielding system.”
Riot nodded slowly while Ezra leaned back. The micro-expression on her face said she was processing.
“It won’t solve the bigger problem,” I admitted, “but it gives us protection while we search for the book.”
The room held still for a beat while Ezra studied me silently. I knew that look. The anger. The relief. I could hear her silent words being spoken to me across the transmitter.She doesn’t want me to get hurt, is pissed that I didn't tell her sooner, but she’s glad that I got everything handled.
I winked at her anyway, and even though her expression didn’t change, one side of her mouth twitched.
“Good work, Calix,” she finally said. “And the person with the gun?”
“Clean-up already handled him,” Riot answered before I could, and I tipped my head toward her in thanks.
“Yes,” I confirmed. “Before he died, I got a location out of him. Once the shield is complete, I’ll go to investigate. Shouldn’t take long.”
Ezra nodded once. “Riot, can you go with him?”
Riot nodded, and her attention slid fully toward me then, cold and precise enough to make most people squirm. “I can infiltrate ahead of you and scope out the area. Send me the coordinates.”
Ezra folded her hands together. “Her stealth abilities make her the best option. This needs to be rooted out quickly.”
Honestly? She was right. Saying no would be stupid.
“I’d be glad to have your help,” I answered seriously.
Riot gave one sharp nod. “I’ll be on the next flight out.” Then her focus returned to Ezra like the conversation had already been filed away and completed.
It was going to be an interesting few days ahead, that was for sure.
“I’m still digging into the group itself,” Ezra continued, her voice could freeze hell over. “They’re quick to kill their own, and anyone that has true information is under a spell or has drunk so much of the Kool-aid that they would kill themselves before spilling anything.”
She clasped her hands together, gripping tight, “But no one is untouchable.”
The fury flashing behind Ezra’s eyes was brief, just one crack in the iron control she kept over herself, but every single one of us noticed it. We all straightened instinctively.
“I’ll get answers,” she said quietly. “No matter what it takes.”
Nobody joked after that. If there was one person in this world capable of forcing reality to bend through sheer willpower alone, it was Ezra.
I’d watched impossible situations crack open beneath her hands too many times to doubt it now. She didn’t quit. Didn’t fold. Didn’t fail. That was her real power.
“Does anyone else have something to add?”
Ezra’s voice settled, becoming calm and controlled now that the blade discussion was finished.
Nova leaned forward first, flipping a strand of hair over her shoulder while she talked about the several hidden bases she’dtracked down recently, though irritation flickered across her face the longer she talked.
“They’re drying up,” she muttered, tapping one finger against her desk. “Either they’re abandoning locations faster or someone’s warning them.”
Ezra replied, “Send everything to the archive location.” Nova didn’t argue, just nodded.
Aniyah dramatically sprawled out in her chair before lifting one finger. “Lucus heard a few whispers from overseas, following the threads as we speak.” Her eyes sparkled mischievously for a second. “Apparently, British business men are useful sometimes.”
Riot spoke next. Or… barely spoke.
“The killing business is good.” That was it. No elaboration. No explanation. Just Riot being Riot.
