Page 4 of Magic Unleashed

He hovered above the clouds, watching as she faced off against a demon, her blades flashing in the dim light. Her movements were swift, precise, and deadly. She fought like a warrior, a blur of steel and grace. Griff couldn’t help but admire the way she handled herself—completely in control, fearless, and determined.

The demon roared, lunging at her with claws outstretched, but Phoenix was faster. She ducked beneath its attack, cutting its wing, then its leg before driving both of her knives deep into its back. Black blood sprayed, sizzling as it hit the ground, and the demon let out a screeching wail before disintegrating into ash.

Griff remained hidden among the clouds, watching as Phoenix stood over the remnants of the battle, her chest rising and falling as she caught her breath. She was covered in sootand blood, but there was a fierce determination in the way she moved as she crouched down to inspect the ground. He watched closely as she examined something in the dirt—a summoning circle, from the look of it.

Something about the way she studied the circle set his own instincts on edge. This wasn’t just a random demon attack; there was something more going on here. Griff debated swooping down to confront her, but something held him back. Phoenix was smart—she wouldn’t leave the scene until she had the answers she needed. And if she didn’t, Griff knew exactly where she would go.

The Thorny Rose.

It was a seedy little tavern on the edge of the French Quarter, the kind of place where magical creatures and locals gathered to drink and share information. Phoenix frequented it often, her ties to the fae world stronger than most realized. Griff had spent plenty of time in the place himself, though his reasons were usually work-related. If Phoenix was looking for answers, that’s where she’d be heading next.

Satisfied that she could handle herself, Griff banked toward the tavern, his wings cutting through the night air. As he descended toward the rooftops, he landed smoothly in the alley behind the warehouse before shifting back to his human form, pulling on the clothing he’d left behind. Griff straightened, rolling his shoulders to shake off the lingering tension of the shift.

Getting on his Harley, he headed for The Thorny Rose; he parked and headed inside. The place was packed tonight, as expected. Taking up residence in his usual spot at the end of the bar with his back to the wall, Griff scanned the room for any sign of Phoenix. He didn’t have to wait long. The door swung open, and Phoenix strode in, her expression set in a determined scowl. She hadn’t noticed him yet, but that would change soon enough.

Griff leaned against the bar, waiting, a small smile playing on his lips. This was going to be interesting.

He watched as Phoenix made her way through the crowd, her presence commanding attention despite her curvy frame. Her long, ash blonde hair was pulled back into a fishtail braid, and the fire in her emerald eyes told him she was still riding the adrenaline high from her fight. She was covered in soot and blood, but that didn’t seem to faze her in the slightest.

Finn O'Riley, the owner of The Thorny Rose, greeted her with a nod as she reached the bar, but Griff could see the way his eyes flickered over her, noticing the wear of the battle she’d just been through.

“Rough night?” Finn asked, his tone casual, but Griff knew the fae was always gathering information, even when he seemed laid-back.

Phoenix let out a breath, leaning against the counter as she ran a hand through her hair. “You could say that.”

Before Finn could reply, Griff stepped up beside her, his smirk widening. “Couldn’t stay out of trouble for even one night, could you?”

“I’m not the one causing trouble, Broussard,” she turned and said, her voice seemingly devoid of emotion. “I’m the one cleaning it up.”

He grinned. Phoenix wasn’t nearly as unrattled as she wanted people to think. “That’s not what I hear. Word on the street is you’ve been stirring up quite a bit of action tonight.”

“Word on the street should mind its own damn business,” Phoenix shot back, crossing her arms. “What are you doing here?”

Griff shrugged. “Same as you, I imagine. Looking for answers. You’re not the only one who’s noticed the demon activity picking up.”

“And have you found anything?”

“Not yet,” he admitted. He stepped closer and leaned into her. “But I’ve got a feeling we’re on the same trail.”

She tilted her head up, meeting his gaze. He wondered if she could feel the heat sizzling between them. “Then stay out of my way. I don’t need your help.”

Griff’s grin widened. “That’s funny, because I think you might.”

Phoenix glared at him. “I work alone.”

He leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear as he spoke. “Not tonight, you don’t.”

Before she could respond, the sound of breaking glass shattered the tension between them. They turned in tandem as a figure in the shadows by the door darted through the door and out into the street.

With no warning whatsoever, Phoenix bolted after it—whatever it was. She might be some badass faery enforcer, but he wasn’t about to let her go alone. Griff flung a handful of bills at Finn and bolted out the door behind her.

The muggy night smacked him in the face like a slap as he emerged, keeping one eye on the retreating figure and the other on Phoenix. Whoever or whatever it was, was fast, but Phoenix was faster. She seemed to levitate just above the ground—even without her wings—as she closed the distance.

“Phoenix!” Griff called, but to no avail. Phoenix didn’t break stride, turn around, or even slow down. The figure ducked into an alley, and Phoenix followed, the darkness swallowing her up.

Griff raced to catch up with her, rounding the corner just in time to see the figure disappear through a door at the end of the alley. Griff saw Phoenix skid to a halt. He could feel the presence of magic in the alley. Many parts of the city felt as if magic had been mixed into the mortar that held the buildings together.

Griff caught up to her, breathing heavily as he glanced at the door. “Looks like we found our lead.”

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