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“So we have two artifacts, one of which mostly did property damage while the other seemed to be intimidation and terror purposes, but both of which also have small side effects that seem aimed at two different kinds of supernaturals,” Aristide concluded. “That…that’s not good.”
“If our observations are correct, it means we can assume there will be similar incidents focused on wizards and fae,” Charon said.
“Before what?” I asked. “Why would they do this?”
“If the Paragon is correct about the organization he’s trying to stop, it is possible they have an end goal in mind. Most likely something that would turn humans against us,” Noctus said.
The car was filled with a suffocating, grim silence.
I hope we’re wrong, I thought.I hope we’re overly reading into things. Please.
* * *
Since the chatwith James made it obvious that whatever the aim of the artifacts, downtown was going to continue to be targeted, Noctus ordered a review of the security measures of Calor Villa at large, and all the properties he owned—including the clocktower.
That was how, three nights later, I stood on the observation deck of the clocktower, watching the glittering street and sign lights give a muted glow to the gray, low hanging clouds that filled the sky.
The wind was icy, making my nose and cheeks red. It was a lot colder than it had been when Noctus and I had gone tower-hopping back when he was first teaching me how my powers worked. The wind ripped at my warm jacket and gloves—all new, compliments of Charon.
But despite the cold, I watched the glittering lights with relief.
The tracker is gone. Pat and Joy are safe.
Life had been so crazy since that night, besides my cry fest with Noctus I hadn’t really processed it. But the tracker wasdead.
I hadn’t wanted him dead, but I wasn’t sad he’d been permanently dealt with.
My siblings were safe. We didn’t have to have all the drills, all the codes anymore. I could walk around without worrying about my safety—or theirs.
I rubbed my cold nose, noting that the prickle in my ribs that warned me of elf magic grew stronger. I’d been feeling it all night while Noctus adjusted the barriers, but based on the growing concentration, Noctus was probably coming up to see me.
Everything is perfect. The elves are going public, my siblings know about Calor Villa, I won’t ever get chased by Seelie or Unseelie fae again…it’s all so much more than I ever dared to hope for.
I set my hands on the low wall, peering over the side so I could watch the streets below. Even through my gloves I could feel the icy cold of the stone, and the sensation of elf magic drew even closer.
Well, I guess everything isn’t perfect. There’s the fae on the loose using elven artifacts, obviously, and I still have to find a way to return my bond with Noctus. I just don’t know how to hold on to my magic long enough to share it. Maybe I can ask Ms. Booker before my next shift. Noctus will have to check the books in his library since I can’t read elvish…though maybe I should start to learn it?
“You seem deep in thought.”
I smiled at Noctus, unsurprised by his presence as he joined me on the walkway beneath the clock face. “Yeah, it’s been so crazy the last few days, I don’t think it’s even sunk in that the tracker is gone, and I’m safe after he’s been dogging me for so long.”
Noctus nodded, the wind playing with his dark gold hair. “You’re right. But you ought to know, there may be more zealots like him.”
I winced. “Yeah. If more elves survived the war and are a part of that organization the Paragon is hunting, I imagine there must be some who share the tracker’s sentiments.”
Noctus moved closer, tucking an arm around my waist, instantly warming me. “But you’ll have our help—mine, Charon’s, Ker’s, and Aristide’s.” Noctus looked out over the city. “And although I don’t look forward to revealing Calor Villa’s existence, knowing you are important to the elves of Calor Villa will also further assure your safety.”
Thinking of Brevlanne, I rested my head against his shoulder. “Yes, but not all of your people like or trust me.”
“No,” Noctus agreed. “But those individuals most likely don’t like me either. If they respect us and follow the laws, that’s good enough for me.”
“Why wouldn’t they like you?” I asked. “When everyone else in Calor Villa hero-worships you?”
“They don’t hero-worship me,” Noctus dryly said. “They’re merely too scared to do anything but fall in line.”
Thinking of Oleander and the other elves I met, I shook my head. “That’s not what I’ve seen.”
“That’s because you don’t know any better,” Noctus said. “I’m a—”
