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“Duds? You mean, blood witches with no magic?” Rajin said.
“Yes, they’ve been going missing. Their families have filed missing persons cases here and in Nashville. The cases were originally dismissed as runaway cases or sex trafficking, but we were given a clear indication that may not be the case anymore.”
“Oh, the Blue Jays got it wrong. I’m not surprised,” Someone cut in.
Raijin didn’t react to the person who spoke, accustomed to the person appearing out of nowhere. Meanwhile, Hagen jumped slightly and whipped around to find three men lounging against the wall where earlier there had been no one. The one who spoke, snapped his fingers to light the cigarette between his lips.
The flash of fire gave view to a scruffy face and deep brown eyes that changed to black for a nanosecond before returning to their steady brown. His British tone had been mocking. Lowering his hand, he muttered a few words before he lifted his palm and smacked a pixie who almost flew into his face.
“The disappearances have been happening for a year now. If it wasn’t for the woman who blew herself up on Broadway, would you have called us?” Castian added.
“Is what Castian saying true?” Raijin asked, keeping his voice empty of emotion.
Hagen glanced between him and Castian before he gave a short nod. “To the public, it’s only been a few, but there have actually been ten so far.”
“Do we know what’s causing their deaths?” Raijin asked.
Again, Hagen nodded, his hands wringing together as one of the men had moved closer. Tall and broad, his brown hair hovered right above his green eyes. His nose twitched as he sniffed around the little man.
“Malcolm.” Raijin said, “Give him space.” Malcolm snorted but retreated to stand near the other two men.
Releasing an exhale of relief Hagen continued. “All of the women showed signs of having their magic pathways altered. Unfortunately, each time they reached a certain capacity the magic the veins grew tight and brittle and eventually—”
“They went pop!” Castian added gleefully.
Raijin knew that this was another case that would be forced on him. “And the Council’s stance on this?”
“Well.” Hagen gaze moved to the alleyway where they could see a team of forensic investigators taking the evidence to their truck. “That’s the fourth agent we’ve sent, who’s shown up in that manner.”
Castian scoffed and muttered, “Weak.” Hagen flinched but didn’t dare to confront the mad warlock over it. “The Council, more specifically Legolas; has decided that it would be best, if this was handed over to more capable persons.”
Castian scoffed, turning his attention to the shadowy corner next to him. At first glance there was no one there, but if one squinted, they would see the silhouette of a man. His long ice blonde hair hid his features as he seemed to not even be breathing. His eyes were closed, and his head lowered. “You hear that Alek? We’re more capable than the Council’s agents and birdies.”
Alek slowly lifted his head. His movement graceful, he lifted his long fingers as he moved with speed and deadly accuracy, catching the iron ball that had appeared out of the air, and flew toward his face.
“Castian, I was sleeping.” He tilted his head, so that he could see the annoyed face of the warlock. “I would suggest you learn patience.”
To reiterate his point, he squeezed the iron ball until it made a shrieking sound as he crushed it before it was swallowed by a black mass of light and withered to nothing. Letting his hand drop to his side, he focused his full attention on Castian. “And we are more capable.”
Alek sneered; his silver eyes focused on Hagen. “So, why is the Shade important?”
Hagen glanced back at Raijin. “Tiller said you should go see him if you wish to know the rest.”
Hearing this, Raijin felt his anger grow. He’d told that arrogant fox to quit summoning him like he would a dog. He turned his attention to the three. “I will go meet with Tiller, you three return to Jackal Headquarters.”
They nodded and each made their exit in their own unique way. To the public they were a team, but they all had their own reasons for working for Tiller. At the drop of a hat, they could easily betray one another for their own interest.
“Make sure you send a vial of blood to Alek,” Raijin said as he turned his back on Hagen, who’d jumped at his sudden order.
“Y…yes.”
Without another word, Raijin headed out into the city. His large figure quickly parted the crowd. No one dared to look him directly in the eyes. Brushing a hand through his hair, he swept it away from his forehead.
He’d have to speak to Tiller, but he’d be damned if he asked the man’s permission or advice on how to handle this case. He should have never gotten into bed with that fucking weasel. Raijin narrowed his eyes as he crossed the street, headed in the direction of the Council building.
Raijin entered an alleyway and was immediately cloaked in the dark and the noise of the crowded streets turned quiet.
Chapter4
