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Aksel must agree because he starts making plans. “We need to know where it is before deciding how to get there. We need to be cautious in case he comes back since the other team was there. Once we’ve determined the logistics, we can head out.”

I don’t fight him on it. He’s including me in the plan, so I have no objections. Even if it is fun to see how much I can irritate him. I think I was made to do it. How sad for him that this case brought him into my path.

Thank God I know where this house is. If it’s not in the guy’s file, then it’s up to me. I wouldn’t want to have to ask Aly. That would lead to a lot of follow-up questions I’m not comfortable with.

When everything happened, I needed to know where to stay the hell away from. So I got all the information I could from them on their encounters.

I give Aksel the address, watching him process the information. We are going to Scotland, which means it’s not easy to do. We can’t hop in the car for a day. It’s a flight or a transport.

I could ask Aly, and I’m sure she would do it. Best friend privileges. But I’m not going to do that. So it’ll be up to the guys to figure out how we are getting there. I provided the lead.

* * *

It only takes twenty-four hours for Aksel to arrange transport for us. Apparently, he doesn’t want to tell someone at work where we’re going. It signals a million red flags in my head, but I also have a deep distrust for the council, so I chalk it up to that. He got us charms created by mages that can transport you anywhere.

I’m rolling the little ball around between my fingers, inspecting it, when Felix comes to my side.

“They’re expensive. Mages have to specialize in creating them for years before they have the skill. It’s not something just anyone can do. The council has some on staff for themselves and our teams.”

I turn and give him a soft smile, grateful for the information.

He speaks again. “Are you sure I can’t convince you to stay back? I know you want to be a part of things, but this is dangerous. I’m pretty sure we would be ripped off of this case if they knew we were bringing a civilian with us.”

He’s using logic, but I also know he’s being protective. That mate instinct inside him is screaming to keep me safe,but I won’t be left out of this. Finding Ryan and ending him is the closure I need to move on with my life; my drastically-changed life.

“You can’t. I need to do this,” I put my passion behind my words, hoping he understands.

He doesn’t look happy about it, but he nods.

Aksel walks up, stealing everyone’s attention. He explains how to use the transporter balls, which sounds very simple. Just throw them to the ground while repeating where you’re going in your mind.

I have a feeling it’s making Felix nervous that I have to do this part on my own.

“Alright. It’s time. If you see anyone there, retreat. This is only a recon mission.” Aksel is staring me down hard. Obviously, he doesn’t trust me like the rest of his team, but why would he? I’m just the tag along on his important mission.

I’m also the one with the most knowledge of the case. I lived it, and I know Ryan better than any of them could dream. I also want him dead more than any of them can imagine. It’s like a fire in my soul, beckoning me to end him.

I smile up at Aksel, letting him know I understand. I think it comes off sarcastic, but he doesn’t comment.

He throws his ball first, releasing a puff of red smoke, and I follow suit. My vision is obstructed by the red before I feel my feet leave the ground.

It’s a million times more disorienting than I was expecting. It’s nothing like traveling with someone with transporter magic. It feels like my body has been rearranged, and everything isn’t going back into place.

I slam into solid ground, barely keeping my balance. Aksel is standing there waiting, and I think I see a glimmer of surprise, but it’s gone just as quickly.

The other three appear seconds later. The five of us are surrounded by trees, but I can see the castle from here. The castle sits on top of the cliff, overlooking the water. The air is fresh and crisp, and the view is truly stunning. I can see why someone would choose to live here.

“This place is huge. It’s also incredibly spooky. Of course, the bad guy lived here,” Felix says, making light of the moment.

I can’t see any movement from here, but I look over at Felix and Blaze to see if they’ve sensed anything. When they both turn to Aksel without protest, I know they haven’t.

The dark fae starts making his way through the forest toward the castle. This area is overgrown and hard to tread through, but I keep pace with the others. There’s a howl in the distance that makes me freeze.

Of course, Felix laughs at me. “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you from the big, bad wolves out there.”

I roll my eyes but keep moving. I don’t want to be left alone out here.

The front door has a huge knocker on the front, but we don’t bother with it. When Aksel tries the door, it’s locked, but he doesn’t let that stop him.

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