Page 45 of Hex and Scales

Ren’s arms tightened around her. “How did you know that name?”

“I...” She frowned, trying to grasp the memory that danced just out of reach. “I don’t know. It just came to me like muscle memory. Linus moves the same way. That’s what’s been bothering me about him?—”

Before she could finish, Kaito appeared in the doorway, his usually calm expression troubled. “The shadow witch’s signature,” he said without preamble. “I found a match in the ancient records.”

Ren tensed. “And?”

“It’s paired with George’s magical signature.” Kaito’s gaze moved between them. “The shadow magic Linus is using is exactly the same as the spells that killed Shiara.”

Sabine’s knees buckled. Ren caught her, pulling her against his chest as the implications sank in. Her past life’s murderer hadn’t just returned—he’d been watching her for months, playing some twisted game of cat and mouse.

“That’s impossible.” Ren’s voice vibrated with barely controlled rage. “George was executed. I watched him die.”

“Did you?” Kaito arched an eyebrow. “Or did you see what he wanted you to see? The shadow witch isn’t just helping him—they’re bound together through ancient blood magic. He sacrificed part of his soul to merge their essences.”

“The shadow blade,” Sabine whispered, remembering her vision. “It was dripping with something dark.”

“Poison enhanced by shadow magic.” Kaito nodded grimly. “The same kind of weapon that’s been showing up at recent crime scenes. He’s not just stalking you—he’s recreating the circumstances of your death.”

Ice crackled across the shop’s windows as Ren’s control slipped. The temperature plummeted, and frost patterns raced up the walls. Sabine turned in his arms, pressing her palm over his heart.

“We know what we’re up against now,” she said softly. “That gives us an advantage.”

“Clover’s tracking spell—” Romi started from the doorway.

“Won’t be ready until midnight,” Ren cut in.

“Actually...” Romi twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “She says she can rush it if we add dragon’s blood to stabilize the magic. Could have it ready by sunset.” She glanced at Ren. “Voluntary donation, of course.”

His arms tightened fractionally around Sabine. “Whatever it takes.”

“I’ll coordinate with Eiji, Rook and Lux,” Kaito offered. “Map likely locations based on the shadow witch’s magical signature. Once we have the tracking spell, we can narrow it down.”

“And I’ll help Clover prep the spell components.” Romi’s usual playful demeanor had given way to fierce determination. “Between the four of us, we can get it done by sunset.”

“We should strengthen the shop’s defenses first,” Ren said. “He might make another attempt before we’re ready.”

Sabine felt him tense at the thought, his arms pulling her closer. She leaned back against his chest in silent reassurance. “I promise to let you know the second anything feels off. No trying to handle it alone.”

“The mighty dragon can’t argue with that,” Romi teased, but her eyes were kind. “Come on, Kaito. Let’s go see whatnasty surprises we can cook up for our creepy shadow-merged stalker.”

After they left, Sabine turned to fully face Ren. The raw emotion in his golden eyes made her heart ache. “Talk to me,” she whispered, touching his cheek. “What are you thinking?”

“That I can’t lose you again.” His voice was rough. “That if he tries to hurt you...”

“Hey.” She rose on tiptoe, brushing her lips against his. “You won’t lose me. We’re stronger this time—together.” Her magic sparked between them, creating delicate ice patterns in the air. “See? Even my accidental winter wonderland powers agree.”

That earned her a small smile. He caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. “My fierce little tiger.” His expression grew serious. “Promise me you’ll be careful? At least until the tracking spell is ready?”

“I promise.” She curled her fingers around his. “Now come on. We have a shop to fortify, and I have some very dramatic ice powers to practice.”

The look he gave her was equal parts exasperation and adoration. Outside, the sun climbed higher, burning away the morning mist. They had until sunset to prepare—and this time, Sabine thought, watching frost spiral across her palm, they’d be ready.

THIRTY-NINE

The tracking spell had worked better than expected. Perhaps dragon blood was the cure for just about anything. Or maybe it was the power of love. Whatever it was, he was finally where he could do something to end the danger to his mate’s life.

Moonlight painted the abandoned warehouse in shades of silver and shadow. Ren’s enhanced vision caught every detail - the hairline cracks spider-webbing across weathered brick walls, dark symbols etched into rusted metal doors, the unnatural stillness of air thick with corrupted magic. His dragon stirred beneath his skin, responding to the wrongness that permeated the area.

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