Page 87 of Dark Shadow of Guilt

“On another job.” The fire-winged assassin bumped fists with Michael, all friendly-like.

Dominion jumped into the convo, steering it toward their purpose and a speedy end. “We need answers to questions about abnormal events brewing in Angor.” For once, he wasn’t trying to antagonize Michael. Pat on the back.

Ely crossed his arms over his chest. “Event one. We’re looking for Praevus and Serita. They played a role in confining and torturing a human female in Angor. She escaped. Dom nabbed her off the streets. The Mind Rat took off, and Serita’s missing.”

Jutting out a booted foot, Michael rested a hand on a dagger hilt, the blade hanging from a belt holster. “Hmm. I can barely remember the last time an Earther was brought to OneWorld. I think it was not too long after Gabriel created them. Some of the Immortals at court wanted to see the new species, and an idiot snagged aHomo sapiensto bring to Vast. What an uproar that caused. The OC was pissed. And Vast hath no fury like the boss pissed.”

Ely nodded. “I kinda remember. That’s when he discouraged travel to the planet.”

Dom shifted from foot to foot, wanting to hurry the convo along. “Yeah. This female was not so lucky. I don’t think she was a curiosity. Praevus made her a Syc.”

“Really? Disturbing.” Michael drew his brows tight.

Dom stared. “Obviously.”

“I don’t deal with Scourges,” said Michael.

Ely brushed an errant strand of long hair over his shoulder. It was pale like ice rather than white like Michael’s. “Neither Praevus nor Serita can leave the dimension. So who snatched the female from Earth? Had to be an Immortal. You deal with them.”

Remi dropped his blade into its holster. “Why did they snatch her? And who the fuck would give her to Scourges?”

Michael shook his head. “Not me. I’d never put a human in the hands of a Scourge.”

Dom said, “Not thinking you would. Maybe you know an Immortal who might.”

Michael’s horse trotted over to nudge his owner’s shoulder. The Bearer of Death smiled but sent the steed on his way with a hand smacked to a flank. “I’ll look into it. You started the meet by referring to a few events. What are the others?”

Dom scrubbed a fist across his jaw. “Event two. Somebody extincted the Scourge Ike who put us on Praevus’s trail.”

Michael shrugged. “Don’t know him, but okay. You guys, me, and the OC are the only Immortals who make that list of suspects. Should be easy to narrow it down.”

Dom continued, “The OC claims innocence. Which leaves...”

Michael stroked his chin with a finger and thumb. “Me? Sorry. Not me, One-eye. I’ve been busy with a small but bloody uprising in Vast. There’s the problem with Immortals. We think a little mayhem is exciting—our injuries healing quickly and the boredom of eternity giving rise to mischief. So, what’s a few cuts, bruises, or blood? Of course, that’s the good guys, not Scourges.” Michael smirked.

“Yeah. Here’s the latest kicker. Event three,” said Dom. “I tried to take Madeline—she’s the human—to Earth after she was healed of Sycophancy. She couldn’t pass through the gate. She’s becoming a Scourge. Wings. Nascent but growing. Fangs.”

He watched Michael’s face for a reaction. Bright Boy was surprised. He wasn’t faking. Silent, he had the look of someone searching for a memory. The problem with living forever was recall. Sometimes, the brain had to sift through billions upon billions of occurrences.

Finally, he shook his head as if he hadn’t pried loose a recollection. “What the fuck have you guys stepped in? Sounds like pure, high-grade horseshit. A Mind Rat can’t make a Scourge. It’s a malady suffered only by Immortals.” Michael shoved his hands to his hips and shifted from boot to boot.

Dom drew a deep breath before letting out an exasperated sigh. “We know nothing more about this shit than we did before.”

Everybody shrugged.

Michael whistled for his horse. Afterward, he added, “I’ve never heard of a Scourge being made.”

“Yeah? How about you? Can you make a Scourge?” asked Remi.

“I don’t make Scourges.”

“Here’s more to chew on. When I was headed to the gateway with Maddy, a group of Scourges led by Farce attacked us. Somebody paid to have her snatched.”

“Samey-same happened to me over the Razor Mountains. How crazy is that?” Remi dragged his fingers through his hair.

Michael’s attention returned to the conversation. He waved off the steed he had called, saying. “Farce. The guy who used to be in the OC’s personal guard?” The Bearer of Death contained the bright light which once again oozed from his flesh. “I never liked him.”

“Ditto. He’ll never be a bother again,” said Dom.

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