Page 53 of Arcane Entanglement

“There’s nothing amateurish about your knowledge, my boy.” Brown patted Viggo’s shoulder gingerly, his face bright with admiration. “Why, I should get our commander to recruit you!”

Viggo grimaced. “I think I’ll pass.”

“DoesNoctis Bloomhave magical properties?” Rufus asked grudgingly.

“Yes. It’s more potent thanMonk’s Lilac. And it only blooms at midnight during a new moon.” The Brute furrowed his brow. “There is one other major difference between the two flowers. One many people remain unaware of to this day.”

“And that is?” Rufus sounded genuinely intrigued for once, all animosity forgotten in this moment of revelation.

Even Brown and Shaw leaned forward expectantly.

Evander could relate. Unravelling mysteries was one of the most gratifying aspects of their job after all.

“Noctis Bloomis used by dark magic users in their rituals. In fact, there’s even a rumour that dark mages use it to enhance their powers,” Viggo said grimly.

Chapter22

The setting sunwas casting a golden glow over the Thames when Evander’s carriage turned up to collect him. He climbed inside distractedly and gazed at the grand silhouette and gothic spires of the House of Parliament etched against the vivid purple sky as they pulled away from Scotland Yard.

Magnus had woken up late that afternoon. Though still shaky, he had been in full possession of his faculties and did not appear to have suffered any repercussions from having the cursed gem removed so violently from his body. Viggo and Solomon had taken the Brute home after he was given the all clear by the healer who’d seen to him.

Evander wasn’t sure what to make of Viggo’s attitude. The Brute’s expression had been cryptic when they’d parted ways. Solomon on the other hand hadn’t been able to hide his relief at finally exiting the premises.

The clip-clop of horses' hooves on cobbles and the rattle of carriage wheels soon escalated as Graham manoeuvred the vehicle through the busy thoroughfares of the capital, the din punctuated by the occasional whinny and the shouts of newsboys hawking the evening papers.

Evander leaned his head against the backrest and closed his eyes.

I wonder if reports of me being an Archmage has made the front pages yet.

He knew he should be more upset about the fact that his long-held secret had been revealed. He suspected Ginny would have a few sharp words to say about the matter when he next saw her. Never mind the grief he was going to get from Mrs. Sinclair and Hargrove once they found out.

But the simple fact was he would not have been able to hide his identity as an Archmage forever.

There were dark forces at work in the capital and the country.

People who shared the same views about magical supremacy as the Archmage who had decimated Viggo’s village and destroyed the lives of thousands of thralls. Men and women who believed England would be better off without the magicless and who were hellbent on bringing about a second and more definitive War of Subjugation.

Evander had planned to reveal his true powers to oppose them when the right time came. Having to do so a few years earlier than anticipated was an inconvenience for sure but hardly the end of the world. Or so he was trying to convince himself.

Of course, someone won’t see it that way.

Evander’s shoulders slumped. He wondered when he would be summoned to the palace. His mouth twisted as he recalled Queen Victoria’s stringent expression the last time they’d met.

She won’t let this go. However much she harps on about what a fool I was for letting this happen, I don’t regret what I did. Magnus’s life was more important.

Viggo’s face danced through his mind once more, the way he’d looked back at the lab seared in Evander’s consciousness.

Chances are our paths won’t cross again unless it has to do with Magnus’s involvement in our investigation.

That thought made his chest grow tight. He could no longer deny what he felt towards Viggo.

He was attracted to the Brute. And not just sexually.

There was more to the owner ofNightshadethan people realised. A depth to his character that was likely too often overlooked. And it drew Evander like few things could.

In Viggo, Evander felt he had found a kindred spirit. A man who shared the same values as him. Who was bright and quick-witted and just. Someone who would be loyal to those he loved and who would protect and defend them come what may.

The kind of man Evander wished he could spend the rest of his life with.