Page 371 of Castings & Curses

GODDESS OF MISCHIEF

A SAPPHIC URBAN FANTASY ROMANCE

CAILEE FRANCIS

PROLOGUE

AN UNFATHOMABLE CRIME

If there wasa hub for supernatural life in America, it was in New York City. Much of the population was human, but many beings there weren't. Ancient gods and goddesses from known and long-forgotten pantheons walked the streets, and other supernatural beings had long called the city home.

Shifters prowled the shadows, angels kept a low profile, and demons were spoken of in hushed whispers. Vampires weren't real, but they served as a reminder of the kind of chaotic power that could exist, and they made for good movies.

On this night, the city sky lit up with a crackling burst of otherworldly energy. Most people didn't notice it, but it was immediately sensed by the angelic sentinels, ever-vigilant for signs of magic. It was unmistakably powerful and dangerous.

The scene in the mortal world told the terrible truth: renowned sculptor Misha Drake’s body lay motionless in his art studio, his soul missing from its earthly shell.

It had been stripped from his body as if wiped clean from the face of reality. He was simply gone, and the world was a lesser place for it. It was also far less safe, because few beings possessed the power or the desire to kill in such a permanent manner. It was a crime against existence.

AURELIA

The Great Hallof Light lived up to its name. Sunlight streamed through its multi-colored windows, which showed the tenets of the angelic hierarchy in stained glass for all to see. This was a place of justice, duty and truth, and the figures in those high windows were the epitome of service for a just cause.

I'd been summoned here, which was a rarity, as it was the main chamber where the council conducted matters of business and judicial trials. The Great Hall of Light also served as a war room on the rare occasion it was needed.

"Aurelia," a female angel stated as she strode toward me. Her name was Joanne. "Thank goodness you're here."

I recognized her at once, as I knew her well. Joanne's hair was black with spiral curls, while her wings were a softer pastel gray. She was older than me in living years, but physically we looked almost the same age. She'd helped to train and mentor me, and now that I was fully qualified, she was my superior.

"Yes, ma'am. What's happened?" I asked in a soft tone.

I could hear the urge to please in my own voice, but working with her was typically my way of helping people in the world below.

"A terrible crime has been committed against a renowned sculptor. A man by the name of Misha Drake."

"His name sounds familiar," I replied as I tried to recall how I knew him. Or more precisely, how I'd heard of him before. I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

"He was being counseled and inspired by the muse, Melinda Grace. She too is missing, though we're certain her spirit lives on in the mortal sphere below. Misha Drake's soul is gone. Someone has unmade him."

My eyes widened in shock. Unmade him? It was the vilest of crimes. Murder was awful, though not unheard of, but to completely remove one's soul from existence? There could arguably be no greater tragedy. Only a monster would commit such a crime, and few possessed the raw power needed.

"You're here to investigate his disappearance," Joanne explained, her voice heavy with emotion. "We want you to track down the muse and old-world goddess Melinda, and bring her back to heaven for judgment. We will ascertain her guilt at that time."

I shook my head, because I didn't quite understand.

"Do you believe she's responsible?"

I found it hard to believe a goddess who now served heaven, and whose sacred duty was to inspire and guide a rare talent, could commit such a heinous crime. I didn't know her well, but I'd seen her before in the heavenly gatherings. She hadn't seemed the type to do this. Was I such a poor judge of character, or had something changed?

"At the moment, we have no other suspects. Don't let any fondness you possess for this muse convince you that she's not dangerous. She could be, and if you're to stay safe, you must not forget it. A dark force is undoubtedly responsible for Misha's passing, and we need your help."

"Why me?" I asked. It seemed a strange question to ask when there were larger matters at stake. It just wasn't lost on me that there were better-qualified angels than myself, and those with more experience in investigating the crimes of the mortal sphere.

"You were suggested for the task by a higher authority. That in itself should give you faith that you are suitably chosen for the job. You won't be working alone."

"Oh?" I asked, wondering who would be joining me. I wondered if it would be one of the superior angels present.

"You will meet with the archangel Raphael. He's already on the ground, and understands the terrain, so to speak."

---