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ve Harley’s been subverted by a witch’s spell.
She felt Fergus grow very still. What are you saying? Mary, what the fuck is going on?
I’ve been in the dreamglide and I know where Sydon is and Harley’s with him.
Fergus was silent for a moment then said quietly. I don’t believe it. Not Harley. I told you that before. He’s been with me for years. I trust him with my life.
Fergus, don’t take my word for it. Instead, access as much of your faeness as you can right now and see if you can locate Harley by yourself. If nothing else, check to see if he’s in the compound.
All right, give me a sec.
She remained quiet, then after a moment he returned to her. I’m here and I’ve opened up to my pack and the surrounding area. Harley’s not in the compound and though he has a den home nearby, he’s not there. And you say he’s with Sydon?
Yes, but first, before I tell you anything else, I want you to take in the full scope of Savage right now. Forget Harley and your pack. Focus all your attention on the territory.
Mary—
She felt his need to argue, so she cut him off. Fergus, stay with me on this and let me walk you through it. Will you do that for me?
Another long, difficult pause. Fergus wouldn’t like giving up control, not even in a conversation.
All right, fine.
Good. Use your faeness and encompass Savage in your thoughts.
She could feel his fae energy rising. I’m doing it now.
She waited, giving him time to connect with his territory the way a powerful fae could.
After a moment, he said, I’m sensing the same thing as before, as though every pack is on the brink of war. But I don’t get it.
She took a deep breath and launched in. Fergus, I found Sydon in an extensive headquarter system he’s built for himself. It’s not as big as your compound by any means, but large enough to coordinate anything he wants. Harley’s there because I’ve seen him, but I think he’s been be-spelled or drugged, I’m not sure.
Fergus broke in with, Fuck.
Mary continued, It gets worse. Sydon isn’t just a wolf anymore, he’s part warlock. He’s hooked up with the witch, Sandrine, and they’ve forged a bond. They’re working together to take over Savage.
Holy fuck! The words carried so much resonance, Mary’s head rang. Fergus continued, Sandrine is one of the most powerful dark witches in Five Bridges. Are you sure?
I saw her. She called Sydon ‘my love’. They’re in this together and Fergus, they plan to launch some kind of attack tonight. They’re calling it by a code name: Amber Flame Rising, and it’s slated to begin at nine o’clock.
She went on to tell him about the monitors, the relief map, Sandrine’s addiction to amber flame, everything she could think of. The whole time, she could feel Fergus grow increasingly quiet.
When she was done, she remained silent to let Fergus wrap his head around all that she’d told him.
Finally, he responded. Jesus, it all makes sense now. Sandrine must have created the killing powder Sydon tried to use in the arena battle. And if what you’ve said about Harley is true, then he no doubt delivered the spelled substance to Sydon himself just before the last dominance match. But are you absolutely sure Sydon and Sandrine are a pair?
I’m positive. They’re like you and me right now. Sandrine is part wolf and Sydon has taken on warlock qualities. They’re operating in tandem. I also think its possible Sydon, with Sandrine’s dark magic, has be-spelled significant wolves from every pack in Savage.
Now that he knew all that she’d learned, he released a long string of hellish words. She couldn’t blame him, not one bit.
Finally, he asked the most pertinent question. So where is Sydon’s headquarters?
Below the Naked Wolf at the western end of Savage Strip.
You’re sure?
I am. One hundred percent.
