Page 42 of Dead

Chapter Ten

It had taken Adriel nearly the full day to assemble the tracer spell, and it would take another few observant hours before it was done. Of course, he’d spent time first to ward his entire lab. No one could enter—not even his king’s guard—but it was the worth the price if it allowed him to focus on the spell he was concocting. It had also taken longer given the fact his spellwork was rusty. It had been months since he’d last brewed a potion, relying on others to do the work for him.

What kind of warlock does that? A stupid, lazy one.

After he was done admonishing himself, Adriel stirred the simmering liquid, entranced by the swirling magic building within. His head lifted as he realized he heard yelling outside his door.

Another assassin?

Adriel walked closer to the door.

The door burst open, and Noah stumbled in. A guard raced after him, but hit the wall of magic he’d put in place and was forced back onto the floor. Cannon rose to his feet, glaring at Noah.

“It’s alright,” Adriel said to his guard. Of course… my magic has no effect on him. No matter what I do, they can both just force their way into my life.

“I need to see Eilam,” Noah said.

“I don’t have time now.”

“I need to see him. It’s urgent.”

“Later tonight… closer to midnight. I can’t leave this potion. Not now.”

“We’re shuttering two more portals deep in the vampire district at first light and need to prepare. I want to review my plan with Eilam before we execute—and, well… I just want to see him.”

“So you can say your goodbyes… just in case something bad happens.” Adriel felt the color slip from his face.

Noah was silent, and the king had his answer.

Deep in the vampire district? I still haven’t finished the potion… what if there are more assassins? He doesn’t know what he potentially faces…

Adriel lifted his head, trying to hide the fear screaming through him. “No. You can’t do this. You’ll wait another day.”

“We have to move swiftly… we learned that the portals are moved every few days. The longer we wait, the higher the chances we miss it. They might already be gone.”

“This potion will tell us if there are more of the vampire warlocks in Midnight. You need to wait so you know what you and your team are getting into.”

“We wait, we lose them. We go in expecting the worst. If they’re there—we’ll be ready.”

“Fine. Your team can go in. You cannot.”

Noah frowned. “I won’t send them in to do a dangerous mission I’m not willing to take on myself.”

“I can’t have you hurt, too!”

“So suddenly you give a shit? I don’t buy it.”

The king returned his frown. “What do you mean?”

“Nothing,” Noah said. “I’m leading my team in a few hours, and I respectfully demand to see my brother bear.”

“No!” Adriel took a step forward. “I will take you to see Eilam when my potion is complete—and you will wait because you’re not risking your life.”

“Those portals could be the end of Midnight as we know it. If they’re given the time to bring in more reinforcements, they could overwhelm law enforcement.”

Adriel knew how important closing the portals was. Why does it need to be him? I told Eilam not to put him on the team…

“I almost lost one of you. I won’t risk it again.”

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