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I was fascinated to find that the garden wasn’t grassy, but instead was covered with moss. A little waterfall burst out of the brick wall, falling into a pond, and I was pretty sure I saw a few koi fish in the depths of the water.
Rose bushes with flowers that were unbelievably bright shades of red, pink, and dusty orange were beautifully arranged in front of a wall of ivy—just staring at the flowers tickled my elbow with the sensation of fae magic.
But I particularly loved the ferns and the moss-covered rock formation tucked away from flowers.
The garden was a little chaotic—as if it couldn’t decide if it was an English tea garden or a Japanese moss garden—but that suited the Paragon’s style.
The Paragon led the way to a black bistro set of outdoor furniture. I sat down on a chair with a back design of roses, while Leila plunked her drinks down on the table—which also had a rose motif—and sat on a chair decorated with irises.
“Okay, let’s get serious about our discussion,” Leila said.
So all of this was considered small talk? I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.
“Very well.” The Paragon took the last seat—this one had a thistle design—then folded his hands and eyed me over the rims of his glasses. “Naturally, I wish to help you discover more about your powers, Chloe, but I want to give you a proper warning first.”
Aphrodite jumped onto the Paragon’s lap, and he adjusted his sitting position so he could pet her.
“The organization Queen Leila and I have mentioned is top secret. Very few know of its existence, because we are still trying to sort out their mission as well as their identity. We didn’t believe elves were involved in the organization, until I saw your statement regarding the attack on you. You said the tracker made a call.”
“If you don’t mind me quoting you, I have the statement you gave to the Curia Cloisters on my cellphone.” Leila dug her phone out of a pocket on her blue jeans. “Here we go, you said ‘I can’t recall exactly what he said due to my head injury, but I know he requested back up, and mentioned that he hadn’t been assigned to me, but thought shadows were dangerous even if leadership didn’t acknowledge it.’”
“It’s the reference to leadership that makes us think he is likely part of this organization,” the Paragon said. “After a joint session with those who are in the know here in Magiford, it was voted that you should be brought into the fold in the hope that we might capture this tracker of yours, given that his obsession with hunting you brings him into the public. He’s an easier target—a welcome change given that we haven’t been able to uncover any new Magiford operatives.”
“You think they were behind the exploding artifact from downtown,” I guessed.
Leila raised an eyebrow. “How’d you guess?”
Because I was with the guys who flushed out the donut shop manufacturers, and this is a build up from that.
I couldn’t say that, obviously. Thank goodness I had an explanation prepared!
“My brother works for the Curia Cloisters task force.” I stared into my cup of tea.
Leila’s expression cleared. “That’s right. I’d forgotten about that. But you are correct. I have two of my best people investigating the issue.”
“The Drake vampires and a few Medeis wizards are working the case, too,” the Paragon added. “I believe the Pre-Dominant is going to lend out a few wolves for the investigation, too, isn’t she?”
“It’s actually the Pre-Dominant’s protégé,” Leila corrected. “But, yes, he is.”
“And you think the guy after me is part of the organization you’ve uncovered—just because of my statement?” I asked.
“Well, that, and the fact that he’s probably an elf—or at least an elf descendant.” Leila set her phone down, then took a final swig of one of her coffees, tipping it all the way back to get every last drop. “It’s a safe bet he hates all supernaturals, not just shadows.”
I frowned. “Just because he’s an elf doesn’t necessarily mean he’s evil.”
Both the Paragon and Queen Leila stared at me. “Yes, it does,” Queen Leila flatly said. “He’s an elf. We fought a war against them to keep supernaturalsalive.”
“They did attempt to completely wipe your people out,” the Paragon added.
I awakened to my mistake as more wrinkles spread across the Paragon’s forehead.
Oh no. I showed my hand. That was a mistake. Reverse!
“Of course!” I croaked, my voice gurgling in my fear. “I don’t know much of anything about elves besides what we learn about regarding the war. I thought maybe some were nicer—statistically speaking, there would have to be at least a few kind ones. Right?” I forced myself to take a sip of my now lukewarm tea and tried to look casual by slouching in my seat.
The Paragon leaned over Aphrodite, stretching his fingers out so he could pat my arm. “You are too kind,” he said. “And so naïve. But I’m glad—there is hope for supernaturals if you can be this kind after everything you’ve gone through.”
Leila thoughtfully pressed her lips together. “I don’t know. She’s right that there would be a rare elf who was decent—we know that for ourselves. But, as a race?” She shivered. “Let’s just say I’m glad they’re gone so we don’t have to think about it.”
