Page 72 of Magic in the Moonlight

This is what Ellister wanted. That’s why he decided to go ahead and show them where Rymus is. Shock value. Get them to be so flustered they forget their own plan, wrangle them to one area, and vortex out of here.

Unfortunately, this Zetipher dude isn’t falling for it. He slides off his horse, but he stays close to the animal. “Bring Rymus to me.”

Two of the guys bend down, reaching into the coop to drag their friend’s body out.

The other keeps his eye on Ellister. He’s the biggest dude of the bunch; at least half a foot taller than Ellister. Broad, muscular shoulders. A meaty hand that’s resting on the hilt of his sword, like he’s ready to swing it at any moment.

The suspicion is so thick it’s palpable, making the air seem heavier. Or maybe that’s just the building smoke in here.

Lowering myself to my knees, I crouch in my hiding spot where it’s a little easier to breathe.

As I continue to watch the scene unfold, I anxiously twist my hands in my lap. I look back at the distiller, noticing how fast the wood is burning underneath it. As quietly as I can, I grab a couple logs, scoot over to the fire, and shove them into the flames.

Leaving tonight is the only option.

Even if these guys believe Ellister’s story about how Rymus got injured, they won’t forget we’re here. Whether we like it or not, we’re on their radar.

I go back to my spying spot, my gaze glued to Ellister. He’s still trying to appear as non-threatening as possible, his hands in his pockets.

But once Rymus is carted over to Zetipher, that changes.

Suddenly, Ellister staggers, swaying on his feet.

Blinking sleepily, he loses his balance. Reaching out to the coop, he braces himself as he tries not to go down. Much to my horror, he falls anyway.

His legs buckle, and he lands on his knees in the dirt while a look of shock plays out on his face.

What did they do to him? I study him, searching for evidence of a spell, poison, or injury, but I see nothing out of the ordinary.

I don’t think they’ve even gotten close enough to touch him. They’ve all been keeping their distance.

Seeming unsurprised by Ellister’s collapse—almost like he expected it—the big guy comes over and hooks his hand under Ellister’s arm to yank him up.

Then I feel the familiar suction of a vortex.

Only, Ellister isn’t the one doing it.

The unnatural breeze blows past me, ruffling my hair and sucking some smoke out of the barn.

It goes straight toward Zetipher.

The air is swirling behind him as he backs away from his horse with Rymus slung over his shoulder. Once he’s a good distance away from the animal, the pair fly backward and disappear into the abyss.

My jaw couldn’t drop any lower.

Zetipher just traveled through a vortex.

Before I can even think about reacting, he’s back, alone this time. He tumbles onto the ground in a rough landing I know all too well.

His limbs are shaky as he pushes himself up.

Huffing out a laugh, he looks to Ellister. “What a rush. I’m truly impressed. I’ve never experienced such power before.”

“You’re an Extractor.” Ellister spits out a few swear words under his breath.

I don’t have to ask what an Extractor is because I remember.

This colossal twist means one thing—we’re fucked.

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