Page 67 of Arcane Entanglement

Shaw’s voice nearly made him jump.

Chapter28

“Like I wrotein my report, the protective wards around the building have recently been disturbed, which suggests forced entry,” the forensic mage said. “Also, this place is more of a mess than I’d expect it to be, considering how neat Millbrook’s lodgings are upstairs.”

Evander noted the paperwork spilled across the floor and the various items that had been knocked off the bench and shelves as he crossed the room. Half-finished projects littered Millbrook’s workstation. Amidst the enchanted gadgets was a pocket watch, its intricate engravings still glowing faintly.

A frown furrowed his brow when he recognised a set of engraving tools for carving precise magical runes and a rectangular device the size of a music box beside the watch.

“That’s not something you’d normally expect to find in a Charm Weaver’s workshop,” Evander muttered.

“What is it?” Rufus joined him at the bench.

Shaw came over, curiosity sparking her eyes.

Evander carefully lifted the box. It was covered in dials and switches.

“It’s a thaumic capacitor.”

Rufus and Shaw levelled blank stares at him.

“It’s a device made for storing and releasing magical energy.” Evander wrinkled his brow. “Their use is restricted to government research labs. There are only a handful of these in the country.”

Rufus’s eyes bulged. His gaze switched from Evander to the device.

“Did Millbrook steal this?!”

Evander lifted the box to his eye and peered through a circular window at the complex arrangement of gears, crystals, and what appeared to be miniature lightning contained within the glass tubes visible inside. Glowing softly at the centre was a crystal pulsing with stored magical energy.

“No. I’m pretty certain Millbrook made this.”

Evander put the box down, his thoughts lingering on why a Charm Weaver would need such a device.

I wonder if it has something to do with the crystal vial I found in the alley?

Shaw sucked air through her teeth and rocked back on her heels.

“Soooo, I’ve been meaning to ask something, your Grace.”

Rufus narrowed his eyes at her innocent expression. “Shaw, this had better not be?—”

“Is it true that the Commissioner is going to give you the old heave-ho?”

The mage stared avidly at Evander, all ears.

Rufus cursed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“I trust Lord Watson has better things to do with his time than to read the gossip rags, Miss Shaw,” Evander replied tactfully. He released a faint wave of elemental power as he began wandering around the room.

Shaw brightened. “So, the rumour that you’re gonna get the sack isn’t true?”

“Shaw!” Rufus snapped.

“What?” The mage shrugged, unrepentant. “There’s a betting pool going on in the mess. I need to hedge my chances if I want to pay the cleaning bill for his Grace’s boots.”

Evander slowed when he reached the centre of the workshop. He could feel something in the room. A barely noticeable undercurrent that tickled his magic senses.

“Dare I ask what the odds look like?” he said distractedly, letting loose a stronger wave of power.