Page 47 of Ancient Magic

Micha returned his attention to the fairy. “The supposed magic he’s talking about is nothing more than a nursery story,” he retorted. “Not to mention the fact that it’s impossible to break the curse that surrounds it.”

Lynx planted his hands on his hips, his expression defiant. “If you’re so confident that it’s harmless, then why have you wrapped it in layers of protection?” he challenged. “Why not allow the demons to try to claim it?”

It was true that Micha had created several barriers around the temple that held the Tempest after he gained control of the Gyre. Honestly, if he could have dug up the stupid sword and had it transplanted far away from his home, he would have done it in a...well, not a heartbeat, since his heart didn’t beat, but as quickly as possible.

“I have it off-limits because I’m tired of demons invading my territory in an attempt to claim the sword,” he said, his voice hard. “It’s disgusting to have their corpses littering the area, polluting the land, and poisoning the water. I used to have to send staff out regularly to clean up the mess.”

Lynx harrumphed. “A convenient excuse.”

Micha deliberately coated the silver bars with a layer of ice. A small warning of his power.

“I don’t need an excuse. The sword is in my Gyre, which means it’s my property.”

“It belongs to the demons.” Lynx touched his fingers to the center of his chest. “It belongs to me. And before the night is over, I intend to retrieve it.”

* * * *

“Are you about done?” Maya demanded, vibrating with fury as she watched the vampire rummage through the drawers of her desk.

The male was attired in a black suit with a white shirt and gray tie. His light brown hair was neatly trimmed and his features handsome without possessing the punch of beauty most of his brothers possessed.

It would be easy to underestimate his power, but Maya hadn’t been fooled when he’d shown up at her door, demanding entry to the Witch’s Brew. There was a smoldering power in that dark, knowing gaze as he’d swept past her along with two goblins, who were obviously his servants.

There’d been another vampire that she’d recognized as Gabriel from the western Gyre, but he’d remained near the door as if ensuring no one interrupted the sanctioned invasion.

The vampire who’d introduced himself as Ambassador Azra straightened as he slid shut the drawers.

“Forgive me, mage, but you must realize this is a precarious situation for all of us,” he smoothly apologized.

“Actually, you haven’t told me anything beyond the fact that you suspect that Skye was involved in some mysterious kidnapping and that she’s disappeared.”

“I’m afraid that’s all I can say at the moment.” His words were polite, but there was an unmistakable warning in his tone. “If you know anything that would assist us in tracking down the location of the seer, it’s vital you share that information with us.”

Maya forced herself to count to ten. Being so close to vampires in a confined space was scraping her nerves raw. She had a long history of hating the creatures. And to have them claiming that her sweet Skye was somehow involved in a convoluted attempt to destroy the Cabal was threatening to push her toward the edge.

When she went over, very bad things would happen. She lifted her hand to touch the scar that marred the side of her face. A reminder of the cost of losing control.

“I’ve told you everything I know,” she said, her voice carefully stripped of all emotion.

There was a stir of movement before the two goblins stepped into the office. They were both large, both bald, and both surrounded by a bright red aura.

“Well?” Azra demanded.

Both servants shook their heads, indicating that they hadn’t managed to find any damning evidence.

Azra moved toward the door, pausing to turn and send Maya a last, warning glance. “If the seer returns or contacts you—”

“You’ll be the first to know,” Maya interrupted. She needed the leeches out of her home.

Immediately.

The male turned to lead the goblins through the bookstore and into the attached coffee shop before Maya could hear them pulling open the front door. About to release the swear words that had been gathering on the tip of her tongue, Maya snapped her lips together as the second vampire silently stepped into the office and crossed to stand directly in front of her.

He was tall and gorgeous with silver streaks in his dark hair and a smile that could melt the sun. No doubt, most women found him irresistible. Maya, however, was a mage, not a woman, and she very much wanted to smash her fist into the center of that handsome face.

“Mage.” His lips twitched, no doubt able to read her thoughts. Then, with a bold lack of concern for the magic that prickled through the air, he reached to grasp her hand, raising it to his lips. “Peri wanted me to personally reassure you that the Cabal will do everything in their power to discover the truth,” he murmured. “She hopes you’ll put your usual trust in them.”

Fury thundered through Maya. Peri knew exactly how much faith she had in...

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