Page 52 of Mardi Gras Murders & Midnight Masquerades
The conversation fell into a familiar argument about age and the perks of being the babies. We were all half engaged. The fight that was looming over us was weighing on us all. I turned my attention out the window. Spanish moss hung from the massive oaks like old men's beards. I loved how it swayed in the breeze.
"What's the plan? Waltz in and start knocking on walls?" Dre asked, changing the subject as Lia sped down the highway.
"We observe first," I replied as I studied Phi's tracking app. The gold signature pulsed steadily. "We'll use Phi's tracker to narrow down the exact location, then look for anything unusual."
"Like a big sign that says 'Evil Lair This Way'?" Dea suggested.
"If only Delacroix were that accommodating," Dani said with a sigh.
New Orleans emerged on the horizon. It was beautiful, dangerous, and secretive—like everything else in our lives. The French Quarter, with its narrow streets and wrought-iron balconies, always held a certain magic that called to me. Even before I knew I was a witch, I loved its ancient energy. The layers of history and power that had soaked into every brick and cobblestone over the centuries added something that could not be replicated. The ley lines weren’t the only reason so many of our kind gravitated to this place. It was one of the few cities in America where the veil between worlds had alwaysbeen thin.
As we crossed Canal Street, the distinct change in energy was palpable. The Quarter had its own heartbeat. It was a rhythm that pulsed with centuries of celebrations, tragedies, rituals, and magic. For those with the sensitivity to feel it, like us, it could be overwhelming. I had to put up a barrier to keep out the cacophony of spiritual frequencies. They made my skin tingle and my power stir restlessly beneath the surface.
Lia parked two blocks from our destination. "We hoof it from here. I don't want to alert him if he is watching."
We walked in pairs on the narrow sidewalks. Dre and Dani led, with Lia and Dea following, while Phi and I brought up the rear. To anyone watching, we'd appear as nothing more than friends enjoying the afternoon, not six witches on a hunt.
The council headquarters loomed ahead. "Game faces, ladies," I murmured as we regrouped at the wrought-iron gates. "Remember, we're just here for a boring meeting about tomorrow's security protocols. Nothing suspicious about six powerful witches showing up unannounced."
"When you put it that way," Phi whispered, "maybe we should have rethought our approach."
"Too late now," Dea said with a feral smile that made my lips curl in response. "Let's go see what secrets this place is hiding."
The council headquarters housed the administrative heart of New Orleans' supernatural community. The Aegis council was in its infancy, but was rapidly gaining the respect of the supernatural community. Our hotline had caught on, and the citizens were trusting us to handle the crises they encountered. Things were run vastly different from the time Marie Leveau ruled the city with an iron fist and tight control. Now, shewas but one cog in the wheel much to everyone’s delight.
Dani looked down at her phone and swallowed. I could see the gold signature glowing brightly on the screen. "I’d bet anything that means he's definitely here," she whispered.
"Or something carrying a significant portion of his essence is," Dre qualified. "Remember, he's had centuries to create magical artifacts and anchors.”
I hoped it was him. I was ready to end this. We entered the council building as a united front, all six of us moving with purpose. The reception area was empty except for a young Dark Fae woman working the hotline.
"Councilors," Veronica greeted us with a practiced smile that didn't reach her eyes. "There's no meeting scheduled today."
"We're here to check on the next scheduled renovations," Dre said smoothly. "Plus, there are other details we need to finalize before tomorrow's masquerade."
Veronica's fingers tapped against her desk. It was a seemingly innocent gesture, but Dani's tracker flashed in response. My magical senses heightened immediately. I detected the subtle pulse of magic around the Dark Fae.
"I'm afraid the blueprints aren't available," Veronica replied. "Perhaps you could come back tomorrow?" What the hell was she talking about? We weren’t waiting for any blueprints.
"This can't wait," I insisted, moving closer. I didn’t bother correcting her when I caught the sight of a mark that was hidden beneath her blouse. It marked her as one of Delacroix’s. There was also a necklace that had a lot of power in it.
"Veronica," I said carefully, "how long have you worked for the council?"
Her expression flickered before resetting to professional neutrality. "Just a few months. Is that relevant to the renovations?"
"What made you interested in this position? Not many Dark Fae have wanted to be involved." I pressed.
Her fingers twitched. "I don't see how my employment history pertains to council renovations?—"
"It's her," Dani whispered, showing me the tracker. The gold signature centered directly on Veronica. "She's carrying something of his."
Recognition dawned in Veronica's eyes. In a blur of Fae speed, she lunged across the desk. Her hands glowed with dark energy. Dre reacted faster and used her telekinesis to slam the Fae against the wall.
"The pendant," I ordered. "Get it!"
Lia approached swiftly and removed the medallion from around Veronica's neck. The moment it was off of her, Veronica's expression transformed from rage to horror. "What's happening?" she gasped as her eyes cleared. "Where am I?"
"Dre, ease up," I said. "She was under its influence."
