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Good point, I said. What do you know about Jack’s disappearance?
Nothing more than you, at this point. His tone was grim. But it is worth noting that killing Jack is the one thing we all thought she would never do. If she has, then it is the greatest sign we have that we are no longer dealing with a rational mind.
What about the rest of the council? How have they reacted?
In general, with disbelief. He shrugged. But those who would oppose Hunter are already in our camp. This event will not change anyone else’s mind.
Why? Because they fear to cross her?
Generally, yes, Markel said. And let’s be honest here; she is worthy of such fear.
Then surely you can understand my reluctance to get involved in any sort of confrontation with her?
What I understand, Stanford said, tone even grimmer, is that if you continue as you are—totally unprepared to battle a woman with the force of a god at her back—then you will not only die, but condemn this world to one of darkness and hell.
He was right. I knew that. But, by the same token, I couldn’t help holding on to the fragile—and no doubt futile—hope that somehow I could find the key and avoid any sort of confrontation with the bitch.
Have you contacted your ghostly friend? The one who knows how to counter the powers of a maenad?
Just for a moment, Stanford’s eyes glowed even more fiercely. Elation, hope—I wasn’t sure which, because his expression didn’t actually change much.
I have. We were working on the particulars when I was summoned here.
And what, precisely, are the particulars?
As I have said before, to have any hope against her, you must first disconnect her access to her god and his powe
rs.
How will the disconnection help?
If she can’t access her god, she can’t access the strength and power of the maenad.
I snorted. Meaning I’d only be confronting a mad ancient vampire capable of performing ordinary magic. What a relief that would be.
Your sarcasm is misplaced, Stanford said, expression annoyed. You are an Aedh armed with a demon sword, and more than a match under normal circumstances.
Hunter wasn’t normal, though. Neither were the circumstances. So how do you intend to cut her access to her god?
With magic, of course. He shrugged. I cannot tell you the details, because I am not magic proficient. It does, however, involve a type of warding shield, similar in style to what currently guards the Brindle.
I frowned. Meaning we have to get her to that location for it to work?
Yes.
But won’t she sense the magic before she goes in?
No, because we won’t actually enable the magic until she is within the building.
I really don’t think it’ll be that easy—
She wants the key, Markel cut in. If you have it as bait, she will come. Believe that, if nothing else.
I did believe it. I just didn’t believe Hunter would walk willingly or unprepared into any sort of trap. I glanced at Stanford. Hunter’s well aware of your plot to dispose of her—aren’t you afraid you’re next on the hit list?
A smile touched his lips, but the light glittering in his eyes turned cold, harsh. She has already made one attempt on my life.
Markel raised an eyebrow. When?
