Page 69 of Dark Angel

Tobias steps closer, looking at Mabel’s stiffened figure. Eyes closed, lips colourless and skin as white as snow. “She was carved just like Clara?” he half asks.

“Yes, however, the carvings appear to be circles this time.” Percy states, stepping beside Tobias.

“Have you managed to find anything in your research yet that might suggest what this is, Percy?” Thomas Edevane’s voice fills the silent room.

Percy shakes his head. “Not yet. There doesn’t seem to be much in Seraphim history that’s similar to this. But my guess is that this has something to do with Shifters. Crescent moons and full moons. Look at the circles,” he lifts the sheet off half of her body, “that has to mean something.”

The others turn away, not able to stomach the mangled body lying before them. Pale white skin carved all over in deep, red circles. Dried blood clinging to her flesh. Her bare chest is still and lifeless.

Josephine and Adeline cover their mouths as Lucy turns to avoid looking down at the deceased girl.

“The White Women don’t suspect Shifters, though.” Will interrupts.

“But it makes sense,” Thomas opposes.

Will glares slightly at him.

“I think we should leave it for them to decide. They have the most experience about death.” Robert says definitively, brushing his fingers through his ink black hair. “Yet, it is safe to say, we have a creature targeting Seraphim.”

The others all nod in agreement.

“Both young Seraphim too. Both carved by this particular blade and attacked at night with no witnesses.” Tobias murmurs just loud enough for them to hear him.

“We might need to consider restrictions if this occurs again. We can’t afford to let our children out on their own if their death is probable.” They all agree with Robert as he covers up Mabel’s body with the sheet once again.

Josephine drops her hand from her mouth. “We should go see if Jack and Louisa are all right. This is certainly devastating for them. I can’t imagine how Millicent is feeling. She’s only eight and now without a sister. We need to see them.” Tugging on Tobias’ hand.

“I will come with you.” Adeline decides.

“I should as well.” Lucy agrees, strolling over to the two ladies.

“We need to wait for the White Women to come.” Percy indicates with his hands to the men in the room.

Josephine nods, giving Tobias a kiss on the cheek before disappearing out of the room with Adeline and Lucy.

“If they find her blood poisoned as well, then we have a repeat killer on our hands. I just can’t believe someone is out there killing these young girls. They did nothing wrong. And what if it is a Shifter or some lunatic Spellcaster, they’re not even our sworn enemies. The fact that something is out there doing this on purpose makes it even more heartbreaking.” Thomas’ voice breaks.

He feels Tobias patting his shoulder encouragingly. “I am sure Daisy will be all right, Thomas.”

“I pray so.”

“We can’t let this get to us. We are the Elders, the leaders of this Ascendancy. We are here to protect everyone. And that is what we’llcontinue doing, protecting everyone. We can’t let this killer break us.” Robert’s fists his hands beside him as he speaks.

The sounds of sparks fill the air once again as the swirling silver portal appears on the wall between them.

Four White Women step out of the portal one by one. It snaps shut as soon as the last one enters the room.

Silver eyes fall onto the body lying limply on the metal table. “We received your request,” Lavina says to Robert. “It’s time for us to examine.”

25

The Marked Market

“I will need to see Ricky. I have run out of patchouli and bee balm.” Kora tells her brother as they walk towards the Marked Market. The unofficial market, filled with all kinds of Spellcasters, Healers, Foreshadowers, Shifters and Elementals.

Shifters offer to change into the body of someone for money. Healers-who are rare to come by-healing any sort of broken bone, illness or skin condition for those creatures without their own healing powers. Spellcasters selling potions and charms. Elementals altering weapons to make them more powerful. Augurs reading minds and Foreshadowers telling people their future.

A large wooden archway holds the sign for the docks, which can only be seen by those with magical Marks inked onto their flesh. The wordsMarked Marketare painted in thick black letters above. Puddles cover the dusty ground, dirtying the boots of anyone who passes through.

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