Page 13 of Of Flames and Crows

As the top executive of an influential humanitarian organization, Budimir Volkov had received many a death threat throughout the years. It seemed some of his enemies had become aware of Roman’s existence and harbored nefarious intentions toward him, despite Roman assuming the name Savelich to hide his identity.

The gothic spires of the Church of St. Ludmila rose against the dark sky to the west when they crossed Korunni Street, the stone facade of the 19th century basilica shining brightly under the spotlights in Peace Square. The bells tolled the midnight hour as they strolled past a tram stop.

Goosebumps broke out across Roman’s flesh as he listened to the chimes. He couldn’t help but sense an ominous undertone to them. He chided himself the next instant.

It wasn’t like him to be superstitious.

A group of inebriated men emerged from a liquor store and stumbled into their path as they entered a small square. They veered around them and carried on south for some thousand feet before turning east.

Roman masked a grimace when he realized their destination.

I guess it kinda makes sense. That place is perfect if you want to smoke pot and play pretend magic.

The pale, stone columns flanking the ancient gatehouse of Grébovka Park appeared at the end of the road. Zak ignored the locked entrance and turned left into a cobbled, residential street lined with pastel-colored, Neo-Baroque apartment buildings. He stopped, looked around furtively, and rapidly scaled the iron fence separating them from the park. His friends followed as he dropped down soundlessly between two irregular rock formations.

Roman slowed.

“Come on,” Vincent urged in a low voice as he headed after them.

Unease knotted Roman’s shoulders as he glanced over his shoulder. He couldn’t see his escort.

They can’t be far behind.

He checked that the GPS tracker on his cell phone was switched on and eyed the bright windows beyond the balconies of the apartments overlooking the street. No one seemed to be looking his way.

Vincent hissed his name.

Roman wiped his suddenly sweaty palms on his jeans. He hesitated, steeled himself, and climbed the railing. Sneaking out of school was one thing. Breaking and entering a public space owned by the city was another.

Zak and his friends were already past a triumphal, stone archway and on the upper terrace of the Grotta, the artificial cave system the park was famous for. Arranged over three levels, the complex of shallow grottos and niches overlooked a fountain holding a statue of the god Neptune.

The harsh light of Vincent’s cell phone painted ghoulish shadows across his features and the mysterious spaces they passed as he led the way down the narrow, convoluted steps flowing down the slope. They reached the second-floor terrace moments behind Zak and his cronies.

Zak stood with his face cast in shadows in a doorway to the left. “Over here.”

Roman startled a little at his stiff tone. He sounded on edge for the first time that evening. A faint frown marred Vincent’s brow.

They followed Zak and his gang down a spiral staircase to a semi-circular arcade on the first floor of the Grotta. Roman’s skin prickled when they stepped out from under the promenade and onto the mosaic terrace overlooking the fountain. The statue of Neptune loomed in the center of the water feature ahead of them.

The dark god looked like he was condemning them to a dark fate as he bore witness to their felonious presence.

Roman tensed when he caught movement to his right.

A man emerged from the gloom of a vine-covered archway.

Zak jumped, startled. He pressed a hand to his chest and laughed nervously. “Jesus! You almost gave me a heart attack.”

The stranger ignored him and scanned their group. His gaze landed on Vincent and Roman. “Which one is Roman?”

Zak smirked and pointed a finger. “The blond.”

Vincent lowered his brows. “What’s going on, Zak? Who is this guy?”

Roman’s heartbeat quickened. He could tell his best friend was unaware of whatever arrangement Zak appeared to have made with the stranger. He also knew that they were in trouble.

The man was a magic user. He was certain of it.

But that wasn’t what had alarmed him. He could sense something coming from the guy. Something he’d never felt before and which made his stomach churn.

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