Page 377 of Castings & Curses

I followed. We checked the basement, which contained little more than supplies of food and drink, and checked out the other bar room after that. It wasn't in use, but it had two doors leading out — one side door that was an exit, and a beer garden out the back. I reasoned that this bar room was probably used for private functions and gatherings.

By the time we checked out the beer garden, Raphael's hope appeared to be dwindling. There was a tall gate at the very back of the seating area. I opened it, and saw that it led out into an alley. There was no one there. Only a cat was out in the darkness, and its eyes reflected the light as it turned and darted away.

"It's not her," Raphael murmured, as if to reassure himself.

It reminded me that Melinda had once been capable of shapeshifting, but she'd given up that power when she'd taken on a role with the angelic hierarchy. I wondered what that was like, having your natural abilities controlled, and if it had played a role in the path she'd taken. That was, if she had anything to do with this crime.

It was a rule of the angelic hierarchy that no being in its ranks could possess greater power than an archangel. In the mortal world, there were still some beings who did — most of them were gods. Some angels feared them and others respected them. Those beings were made aware that if they broke the rules of the new order, justice would find them swiftly. I wasn't sure how powerful Melinda had been before, but she must've been strong with magic. Some of her powers wouldn't have been locked away otherwise.

Melinda had been one of the gods on the angelic hierarchy's radar, so to speak. After Loki's untimely demise, she became the Goddess of Mischief and inherited his powers. That didn't mean she knew how to use them fully, even now, but she possessed the potential. The day she chose to join the angelic hierarchy's ranks eased many minds. Some angels might've doubted her now because they equated mischief with chaos.

I wasn't sure I agreed with the status quo in its entirety, but it brought a sense of order and peace to the world. It enabled me to walk again among the living and influence the future of mankind. It wasn't a perfect situation, but it was a good trade-off. My loyalty was with the angelic hierarchy, but I kept an open mind, you could say. I hadn't judged Melinda guilty just yet. I wanted to hear what she had to say once we caught up with her. It wasn't a matter of if, but when.

"She must be hiding her aura," I told Raphael, as we walked back toward the bar. "If she has a ward in place, do you think Kallen will be able to cut through it?"

"I hope so," Raphael replied. "I've been trying without success. Kallen's telepathy reaches people in a different way from my own. Have you tried?"

"I’ve been trying a little, and so far I haven't detected her," I replied.

"That isn't surprising. I believe she may have chosen a ward that's particularly hard for angels to break through. Let's check upstairs. I want to talk to everyone who came into contact with her here."

"She's looking for help," I mused aloud as I climbed the stairs behind Raphael.

"I would say that's likely. I think she's on the run from us… or if she isn't responsible, then it's from the killer."

MELINDA

"You've takenan awful chance coming here, Melinda. I know who's searching for you."

I could see the concern in Riga's eyes. The elderly woman stepped past me to the back door of Enchant and opened it.

Her hair was gray and curly, and she looked small and frail compared to her younger years. I knew she was a powerful witch, and that hadn't changed as she'd aged. She was more experienced with wards and spells than any human I'd ever known.

I followed her outside into the beer garden. The paved area was filled with patches of light and shadow. It wasn't dark enough to disguise my identity, but the fence provided enough privacy that I felt safer here.

Riga looked me up and down before she spoke again. "You know why they're after you?"

"I do," I said, my voice soft. "But I'm not the one responsible for what happened."

"It doesn't matter," Riga said, her voice grave. "They suspect you and they won't stop until they take you into custody. Did you see it happen?"

It was something I didn't like thinking about. I shook my head, and technically my response was true, but I'd sensed it. I'd felt it, and I'd never be able to wash that feeling away.

We both knew that I needed help if I was going to evade those after me. Who could possibly help me? I wouldn't have come to see Riga if I didn't feel she could. I just wasn't sure how.

Riga lived on the premises of Enchant, and that gave the building certain protections other places didn't have. She was in her late-eighties now, so no spring chicken. She was also the closest thing I had to a friend. I'd known her since my days as the Goddess of Mischief, and when she looked as young as I did now. She was one of the few who had supported my decision to join the angelic hierarchy, though I still wondered why.

"Come now," Riga said, her voice gentle yet firm. "We need to come up with a plan."

Riga gestured for me to take a seat at one of the tables in the garden, and gave me a reassuring smile. "If we're going to make a plan with any hope of success, we'll need a pot of tea."

"Do you want me to—" I asked.

"I've got this."

As she went off to have it made for her by the kitchen staff, I waited patiently for her to return. It was almost like a ritual for us, and Riga was like family.

While she was gone, I let my mind wander and tried to clear my head. I closed my eyes and took in several deep breaths in meditation.

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