Page 28 of The Tribes of Magic
“Yes. Wyxl is Fenris’s younger brother. The two of them don’t get along very well. And Wyxl’s relationship with his mother has become strained in recent years.”
“You think Wyxl is behind the murders? How? Vampires are Metamorphs. They’re strong and fast and can change into different forms, but they can’t bewitch people. That’s Elf magic.”
“Wyxl has motive. And money. He could have hired someone to bewitch his mother and brother into killing themselves.”
“Ok.” I drew in a slow, deep breath, trying to calm myself. “Then I guess we should start by talking to him.”
Kato and I found the vampire prince in the cloakroom, his fangs sunk deep in Ms. Featherdale’s neck.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Kato demanded.
Wyxl casually stepped away from Ms. Featherdale. “Take it easy, mate.” The vampire sounded much more relaxed than he had a few minutes ago. He dabbed the corner of his mouth with a napkin, wiping up the crimson drop staining his pale skin.
Kato hit him with a cold glare. “Feeding on unwilling humans is forbidden by Article 26?—”
“Enough about Article 26 already. Article 26 is spoiling my appetite,” Wyxl said, smacking his lips. “She’s totally willing.”
“Oh, really?” Kato indicated Ms. Featherdale’s feet and hands, which were bound with table runners. A thick layer of tape covered her mouth. “She doesn’t look that willing to me.”
Ms. Featherdale made a muffled screaming noise.
Wyxl ignored her. “That’s because you’re a total buzzkill,” he told Kato.
Kato drew his sword.
Wyxl half-lifted his hands. “Whoa, brother,” he said, his words slurred. “Let’s not get violent.” He staggered back and tripped over an umbrella stand.
Kato used his blade to slit the bindings on Ms. Featherdale’s hands and feet. She ripped the piece of tape off her mouth, then bolted out of the closet, clutching her neck and screaming at the top of her lungs.
Poor Ms. Featherdale. Just a couple of weeks ago, she’d been attacked by the Cursed Ones. And now she’d been stuffed into a closet and snacked on by a hungry vampire.
Kato sheathed his sword, then reached down to pull Wyxl to his feet.
The vampire cracked a lopsided smile. “Thanks, bro.”
Kato’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not your bro.”
“Hey, no worries, bro.”
I could literally hear each and every one of Kato’s teeth grinding against one another.
Wyxl’s eyes flickered between me and Kato. A slow smile curled his lips. “I get it. Totally. This isyoursnack spot. You brought yourself a tasty little treat to eat.” He looked at me, licking his lips.
Gross.
“So I’ll just be leaving now.” Wyxl squeezed himself toward the closet’s exit.
Kato grabbed him by the collar of his fancy suit jacket, yanking him back into the closet. “I’m a Knight, you idiot,nota vampire. I don’t snack on people.”
Wyxl tried to slither out of Kato’s hold, but his movements were too choppy and uncoordinated. He looked like a fish flopping on a hook.
Kato pushed him onto the bench. “You aren’t going anywhere.”
Wyxl blinked up at Kato. “You’re a Knight, you said. That means you won’t hurt me. You’re far too honorable.”
“You were feeding on a human,” Kato replied, his eyes smoldering with cold fury. “I wouldn’t be very honorable if I let you get away with that. You are a dangerous monster.”
Wyxl swallowed hard. “I’m no monster. I’m harmless, I swear. I only took a little sip. I only ever take a little sip.”
