Page 22 of Hex and Scales

“I think,” Ren cut in smoothly, “immediate security concerns take priority. Eiji, Kaito—we should examine the breach point.”

“Of course.” Kaito stepped forward, his presence calm but commanding. “Linus, your expertise might be useful. What can you tell us about the shadow creatures’ magical signature?”

The question seemed to catch Linus off guard. He recovered quickly, but Ren noted the flash of calculation in his eyes. “I’m afraid I didn’t arrive in time to analyze them properly.”

“Interesting,” Kaito murmured, his tone neutral but his gaze sharp. “Given how quickly you appeared after the attack...”

Before Linus could respond, the shop door burst open, bringing the scent of fresh-baked pastries and herbs. Cloverrushed in, trailing notes of mint and lavender from her botanical shop, while Romi followed with the warm aroma of cinnamon and vanilla clinging to her baker’s apron.

“We felt the surge!” Clover enveloped Sabine in a fierce hug the moment Ren reluctantly released her. “Are you okay?”

“The shop’s a disaster.” Sabine gestured at the scattered merchandise and scorched walls.

“Nothing we can’t fix.” Romi surveyed the damage with determined cheer. “But first, you need fresh air and one of my triple chocolate muffins.”

“She’s right.” Ylan shooed them toward the door. “Go. We’ll start cleaning up.”

Ren watched Sabine’s forced smile, noting how her shoulders remained rigid with tension. His dragon essence pushed forward, demanding he comfort his mate. “Would you like to get some air?”

Relief flooded her expression. “Please.”

Outside, Sabine gravitated closer to him until her arm brushed his, sending sparks of awareness through his skin. When she shivered slightly, he drew her against his side, warmth blooming in his chest as she melted into the contact.

“Otis might have some insight about these attacks,” he suggested after they’d walked a block in comfortable silence. “The archives could hold answers about the magic being used.”

“That’s actually a good idea.” She nestled closer. “Though I should probably calm my nerves first.”

“We could stop for tea?—”

“Coffee,” she corrected with a small laugh. “Definitely coffee. Preferably with one of Romi’s chocolate croissants.”

His lips curved. “The Witch’s Brew it is. But first, let’s see what Otis might know.”

The Mystic Hollow Archives rose before them, its weathered stone facade emanating archaic power. Warm light spilled fromthe arched windows, and the scent of old books and magical ink greeted them as they entered. Otis Quill looked up from his desk, his owlish eyes sharp behind silver-rimmed spectacles.

Dozens of floating candles illuminated the towering shelves around him, casting dancing shadows across centuries of magical knowledge.

“I wondered when you’d come asking.” Otis marked his place in an ancient tome with a ribbon that shimmered. “These disturbances carry an unusual signature.”

“Can you tell us anything about the magic being used?” Ren’s voice was steady despite the tension coiling through him.

“Only theories.” Otis rose with fluid grace that belied his age, moving to a shelf lined with mysterious volumes. His fingers traced spines bound in materials Sabine didn’t want to identify. “The magic predates most of our records. I’ve contacted colleagues in higher realms, but...” He shook his head. “You might know more than our archives contain, Ren.”

“Something about it feels familiar,” Ren admitted, frustration evident in his tone. “I feel like I should recognize it, but at the same time, it’s like nothing I’ve seen before.”

Otis pulled down a massive book, its pages crackling with age as he opened it. “The shadow creatures you described... they haven’t been seen in centuries. Such magic was banned in the First Age for good reason.” He peered at them over his glasses. “Be careful. Whoever wields this power cares nothing for magical law or the consequences of breaking it.”

They left with more questions than answers, the weight of Otis’s warning hanging between them. The night air felt cooler after the archive’s warmth, and Sabine pressed closer to his side.

NINETEEN

“Coffee, now?” Ren suggested, and her grateful smile chased away some of his darker thoughts.

The café’s warmth enveloped them as they entered. Rich coffee aromas mingled with the sweetness of baked goods. Romi had obviously planned ahead—their usual booth already held a plate of fresh pastries and two steaming mugs.

“Your usual,” the waitress said with a knowing smile. “Romi’s orders.”

“Interfering friends have their uses.” Sabine settled into the booth, her shoulder brushing his. “Thank you for staying with me. I know you probably have other things to handle...”

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