Page 68 of Dark Angel

“You wouldn’t lie to your nephew, would you?”

Dark green eyes meet his as Will shakes his head. “No. But I also swore an oath to the Ascendancy I wouldn’t share any restricted information. So, you can’t breathe a word of the attack to anyone.”

“Fine. I won’t. Thank you for your honesty, Will.” And Clarence leaves his uncle in the middle of the room as Will blows out a long, drawn-out breath.

*?*?*

“Percy, I wasn’t expecting you here.” Tobias’ voice sounding just as surprised as the expression covering his face. It’s just before midday and the sun is trying its hardest to break through the thick layer of clouds blanketing the low sky.

He opens the door wider to the Carter manor. Percy gives him a half-smile, which makes Tobias uneasy. “I know you were not expecting me, but I have some news from Robert. Another body was found last night, after the ball.”

Tobias’ mouth gaps open as he stares at him in disbelief. “That can’t be. Who was it?”

“Mabel.” Percy says with a twinge of regret in his voice.

Tobias covers his mouth with his hand. Sweet little Mabel he and Josephine looked after when she was an infant.

“What happened?”

“She was found dead. Her body was carved in circles this time. Similar to Clara’s body, but with a different symbol.”

Tobias gasps as Josephine appears in the hallway behind him, wiping her hands dry on a piece of cloth. “Percy, what a surprise. Ihave pot of tea ready if you would like-” she trails off, seeing the grim expression on Tobias’ face when he turns to face her, “what is it?”

“Mabel was found carved this morning.”

The piece of cloth drops to the floor soundlessly. Josephine mimics the same gesture as her husband, her blue eyes wide with shock. “How?”

“Same as Clara, I presume,” Percy informs her from the doorway. “The White Women have been called back to examine her body, yet I am expecting them to say the same things as they did with Clara’s. If you would like to come to the infirmary, you may. Robert has asked the Elders to come to the Ascendancy.”

Tobias looks at Josephine beside him. “We should go.” He states.

She nods at her husband. “I shall tell Jordan we are leaving,” she says before glancing back at Percy. “Thank you. We shall be there shortly.”

“Of course.” He says, stepping backwards to the Chiswick carriage that’s pulled up in the front of their estate.

Tobias shuts the door as Jordan appears at the top of the staircase. “Son, there has been another death overnight. A young girl. Your mother and I are required at the Ascendancy.”

Jordan rushes down the stairs. “Who was it?” he asks hastily.

“Mabel Sallows.”

Jordan lets out a sigh of relief.

Both of his parents look at him as if they are questioning why he’s so relieved to hear her name.

Jordan shakes his head, clearing it of the thoughts of Kora possibly being found dead somewhere. “Go. I’ll stay here with Valarie.”

“Very well. We shall be back this afternoon.”

Josephine touches his cheek gently before following Tobias out the door.

They walk into the Ascendancy atrium hand in hand. Worry etched into Josephine’s face.

Hurrying down the spiral staircase into the infirmary where Will, Thomas, Percy, Adeline, Robert and Lucy are all standing around the cold body of Mabel. Josephine sees her familiar brown hair splayed out on the metal table, a white sheet covering her body past her clavicle.

“Where’s Jack and Louisa?” Wondering for a moment if nobody told her parents.

Robert clears his throat. “They have been down here all morning. You just missed them. Jack took Louisa home after I told him we would need to examine her body. She didn’t want to be here for it, which is understandable.”

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