Page 30 of Dead

“Him vanishing doesn’t bode well,” Theis said.

“I just sent a tracking spell after him.” The king turned to Theis. A box materialized in his palm, which he handed to the guardsman. “You can use this to trail him.” Once Theis took the small box, a vial of some liquid appeared on the king’s palm. “Toss this spell on him and it will bind his powers for seven days and nights. Long enough that we can hopefully get answers.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“I want him found,” the king said to Theis. “Send a team to find my uncle, too. We’ll return to Eilam and ensure he’s healthy.”

“How will you know I’ve got Varian and your uncle?” Theis asked.

The king pointed to the mirror. “Write the news on there with your finger. I’ll see it.”

Theis nodded.

The king turned to Noah. “Ready?”

“I had hoped to reach out to my team,” Noah said.

“We have no time right now. Give a message to Theis.”

Noah turned to the guardsman. “Can you let Chris know I’m with Eilam? For them to keep up surveillance. Can you be the go between if they uncover anything big?”

“Absolutely,” Theis answered.

“Thanks,” Noah said, offering Theis a handshake.

“Just keep them both safe—I’ll handle things here,” Theis said.

The king moved his hands and created the portal back. Noah grabbed his arm before he walked through.

Several of the guards gasped. Apparently, he was breaking some kind of royal etiquette, but Noah didn’t care. All of their safety was more important than etiquette.

“You’re sure the spell’s gone? No one can track you back?” He needed to ensure the king’s safety. And Eilam’s.

The king nodded. “We’re safe. I removed it.”

He gazed at the man’s arm, searching for any of the glimmering, but saw nothing. Noah relaxed some and unhanded the king.

“How did you see it?” the king asked, his voice hushed.

“No idea,” Noah answered.

The king walked backwards through the portal and held his gaze until the warlock disappeared through the magic.

Noah followed him, praying to the shifter gods they were safe.

* * * *

The need to urinate grew stronger each minute Eilam lay in the bed. He’d waited as long as possible, unsure if his feet would get him where he needed to go without a little assistance. When it was obvious Noah and the king weren’t coming back in enough time to help, he forced himself to a seated position.

Once the world stopped spinning, he placed his feet on the floor and did his best to lift himself. He stumbled and nearly fell… but luckily he reached the dresser before he did a full face plant on the floor. With the help of the furniture, he crossed the room and made it to the toilet where he did a very non-masculine pee sitting down. It was either that or he was gonna fall over.

As soon as his bowels were empty and he felt confident enough to get back on his feet, he rose and shuffled back out to the bedroom. He held on to one dresser and then reached for an armoire. Stopping, he leaned against the armoire and took a few deep breaths.

The second he rose to his full height, the door of the armoire opened a crack and Eilam saw fingers through the gap. Stumbling back, he nearly fell again.

“Come out,” he growled, his voice still raw.

The person inside the armoire didn’t move an inch. After a few more seconds, Eilam rushed in and shoved the door wide open. A man was shoved inside the armoire. Is he dead?

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