Page 14 of Magic Unrestrained

But he couldn’t let himself get too attached. He had learned the hard way that trusting someone with your heart could lead to betrayal, and Savannah wasn’t just anyone—she was dangerous, and their world was filled with deception and dark intentions. There was still too much he didn’t know about her and her true motives.

Gage exhaled slowly and carefully slipped out of bed, grabbing his jeans from the floor and pulling them on as quietly as he could. He couldn’t afford to get too close—not when there were bigger things at play. His mind was buzzing with questions about The Obsidian Lounge, Falwell, and now, Grungle’s involvement. Savannah’s presence in his life only made things more complicated, and he needed answers.

He glanced at her one last time before heading for the door, leaving her to sleep undisturbed. He had to put his personal matters aside for now.

There were more pressing issues to deal with.

Gage made his way through the bustling streets of New Orleans, the weight of the last few days pressing down on him. The city was alive with the scent of jasmine, fried beignets, and the constant hum of supernatural energy that seemed to pulse just beneath the surface. He needed to clear his head, to seek counsel from someone who might be able to help him make sense of the brewing storm.

Finn O’Riley, the owner of The Thorny Rose and one of the most well-connected individuals in the supernatural underworld, was just the person he needed. O’Riley’s bar wasmore than just a place to drink—it was a hub of information, a place where secrets were traded like currency, and if anyone had insight into the conflict stirring at The Obsidian Lounge, it would be him.

Pushing open the heavy wooden door of The Thorny Rose, Gage was greeted by the familiar scent of aged whiskey and cigar smoke. The dimly lit bar was sparsely populated this early in the morning, but the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses created a comforting ambiance.

“Morning, Tremblay,” O’Riley greeted from behind the bar, his gruff voice tinged with amusement. O’Riley, like so many of the fae, was tall but not necessarily large, with sharp, calculating eyes that missed nothing. “Didn’t expect to see you here this early. Figured you’d be nursing a hangover after the night you had.”

Gage snorted and slid onto one of the barstools. “I’m here for more than a drink, Finn. I need answers.”

O’Riley raised an eyebrow, setting down the glass he’d been cleaning. “About?”

“The Obsidian Lounge. Falwell. Something dark is brewing there, and I need to know what’s going on before it gets worse.”

O’Riley’s expression darkened, his jovial demeanor slipping away as he leaned forward. “You’re not wrong. There’s been talk—whispers about old magic, something powerful waking up beneath the city. But it’s all rumors, nothing concrete.”

“Rumors have a way of being true in our world,” Gage replied, his voice grim. “I need more than just speculation. I need to know what Falwell and Madame Vesper are up to.”

“Falwell and Vesper? That’s not good. Are you sure of that?”

Gage nodded. “I’ve seen them together.”

Before O’Riley could respond, the door to the bar swung open with a creak, and the atmosphere in the room shifted. Gage tensed instinctively, turning to see Edward Falwell himselfstepping inside, his sharp eyes scanning the bar with a calculating gleam.

“Well, well,” Falwell drawled, his lips curling into a smirk as he approached. “If it isn’t Gage Tremblay. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Everybody is welcome at The Thorny Rose, Falwell; you know that,” said O’Riley.

Gage’s heart skipped a beat, but he forced himself to remain calm. “Falwell.”

“Mind if I join you?” Falwell didn’t wait for an answer before sitting down beside Gage, his presence oppressive and suffocating. “I’m looking for someone with a particular set of skills. There’s a rare artifact I need retrieved from the sewers—a place where I believe you might have some influence.”

“Not sure what you’re looking for here. Gage has been known to locate things people want found,” offered O’Riley.

Gage exchanged a quick glance with O’Riley, who gave him a subtle nod. This was exactly the kind of lead Gage had been hoping for. Playing along with Falwell might be his best shot at getting closer to the truth.

“An artifact?” Gage asked, his tone casual as he leaned back in his chair. “What kind of artifact are we talking about?”

Falwell’s smile widened with a malevolent charm. “Let’s just say it’s an ancient relic with a certain... value to my current endeavors. It’s buried deep in Grungle’s domain, beneath the city.”

“You’re rich, Falwell,” said Finn. “Why not just buy it?”

“I tried. Grungle wasn’t interested. I need someone with talent to retrieve it.”

Gage’s mind raced. Whatever this artifact was, it had to be tied to the dark magic swirling around The Obsidian Lounge. And if Falwell had been willing to buy it and was now willing tosend someone into the labyrinthine tunnels beneath the city, it had to be important.

“I can get it for you,” Gage said, keeping his voice steady. “But I’ll need access to the tunnels.”

Falwell’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “O’Riley?”

Finn nodded. “Consider it done. I’ll give him access for the right price.”

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