Page 41 of Arcane Entanglement

“I don’t remember muchabout the events of the last two years,” Magnus said in a harrowing voice. “It all feels like a nightmare. One with no end in sight.” He swallowed. “I have a dim memory of being approached by a man while I was working the docks one night. He offered me a temporary job as a bodyguard and said I had to leave with him there and then. I—” The Brute stopped and licked his lips, his face full of regret. “I knew the money would come in handy for the kids at the orphanage, so I agreed despite my misgivings. The last thing I recall is following him into an alley.”

Evander studied Magnus with a faint frown. He knew the Brute was telling the truth about what had happened to him. The way his shoulders hunched and the terror making his voice tremble could not be easily feigned.

“You fool.” A muscle worked in Viggo’s jawline. “You should have come to me if you needed money!”

Magnus shook his head. “You’ve already done so much for us, Viggo. Almost every pennyNightshadecan spare goes into supporting us thralls so that we have a better life.”

Surprise jolted Evander at that revelation.

Judging from Solomon’s stiff expression, he didn’t like this fact being made common knowledge.

Rufus’s gaze reflected Evander’s growing unease. Magnus’s statement made it clear this case wasn’t just about the murder of a reputable Charm Weaver.

There’s a darker plot afoot.Evander frowned.And whatever that crystal vial is, it’s at the heart of it.

“Do you remember attacking my carriage two nights ago?” he asked Magnus.

The Brute flinched at his question.

“It’s alright,” Viggo reassured. “The Ice—” he stopped and glanced at Evander, “I mean, his Grace means you no harm.”

“Please, call me Evander.”

Solomon sucked in air. Rufus and Shaw’s eyes rounded. Sergeant Griffiths went slack-jawed.

Viggo stared, his face unreadable. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“And I will be terribly offended if you keep calling me your Grace,” Evander said mildly.

Magnus looked between them, confused.

“Alright,” Viggo finally grunted.

“Now that you ask, your face does look vaguely familiar your, er—your Grace,” Magnus mumbled. “I get the feeling I recently glimpsed it for a brief instance.”

Evander’s pulse quickened. “Oh.”

“Evander?” Rufus said warily.

“When my cufflinks detonated.” Evander’s mouth had gone dry. “I think he regained control of his senses for a moment!”

Viggo froze. “Regained control of his senses?” His expression grew thunderous. “What do you mean by that?!”

“He has exploding cufflinks?” Solomon hissed to Rufus.

Evander’s mind raced as he finally connected the pieces of the puzzle.

Magnus can’t remember anything for the simple reason that he was not in control of his own mind and actions.

He realised everyone was staring at him, Viggo with a look that said he’d better speak up and fast.

“The dark mage who was leading them had a ring with a black gem,” Evander explained. “I believe that’s how he and his associates have been controlling Magnus. The gem lit up with a red light when he gave Magnus the order to kill me and Ginny. Magnus’s pupils glowed the same shade of crimson before he attacked us.”

Magnus blanched. “I—I tried to kill you?!” His voice broke.

Evander crossed the floor and dropped to his knee in front of the startled Brute before anyone could react. He touched the man’s trembling hand gently.

“It wasn’t your fault, Magnus. I doubt anyone could have resisted that spell.”