Page 82 of Arcane Entanglement

“We’ll need all the help we can get. If you’re willing, I’d like to bringNightshadein on this officially.”

Viggo’s pulse quickened. Evander’s plan suited his objectives of finding out who had hurt Magnus.

Still, he was surprised by the offer.

“Are you sure?” he asked quietly.

Evander nodded solemnly. “I’m sure.” A faint smile curved his lips. “Whatever’s coming, I want you andNightshadeon our side.”

Viggo’s stomach flip-flopped at his words. In that moment, he felt a fierce surge of...something. Pride. Affection. Desire.

Whatever it was, it made him want to pull Evander close and never let go.

Instead, he settled for a small nod.

Rufus’s gaze danced between Evander and Viggo, evidently picking up on the cozy vibe and not liking it one bit from the scowl that quickly darkened his face.

A commotion at the end of the street had them turning.

Viggo grimaced. “Looks like the cavalry is finally here.”

The dying light glinted off the shiny brass and copper tanks atop the Phoenix Brigade’s horse-drawn, magically-enhanced, steam fire engine, the runes and symbols on the body of the vehicle glowing and humming with arcane energy. The Salamander Corps’ smaller Special Unit carriage was behind it, along with a slew of police wagons.

Evander rubbed the back of his neck and sighed ruefully.

“Want to ride to the Met with us?” he asked Viggo. “We’re going to need a statement from you and Solomon.”

“Alright.” To his everlasting surprise, Viggo realised the prospect of visiting Scotland Yard again did not fill him with apprehension, unlike yesterday.

He spoke briefly to Finn before he and Solomon climbed in the carriage that had brought Evander and Rufus to the church.

Viggo was entertaining the idea of asking Evander if he wanted to have supper later as they approached Scotland Yard, when the mage leaned forward jerkily and let loose a string of curse words so colourful it made Rufus suck in air and Solomon’s eyes bulge.

“What is it?” Viggo said tensely, senses on alert once more.

Evander did not reply.

Viggo followed the mage’s gaze and saw what had captured his dismayed stare. Coldness gripped him.

A carriage stood outside the entrance of the Met.

It was a grand, state landau painted a deep blue, with a gilt trim and elegant wheels with spokes picked out in gold leaf. Four white horses with manes and tails braided with blue and gold ribbons stood at the front, their leather harnesses adorned with brass fittings polished to a mirror shine.

Even though Viggo had never seen the likes of it before, he recognised the coat of arms emblazoned on the vehicle’s doors.

It was a carriage belonging to the royal family.

Chapter34

Evander pacedthe length of the opulent anteroom, each step leaving a faint smudge of soot on the pristine marble floor. The royal mages guarding the entrance to the Queen’s private chambers watched him warily, some with awe, most with disapproval.

He knew he looked a sight. His once-immaculate uniform was torn and stained with smoke and mud, his hair wild and matted with sweat and ash. The events at the church had left their mark on him, both physically and mentally.

He’d barely had time to see to it that Viggo and the others were safely inside the Arcane Division’s wing before the harried palace messenger who’d been looking all over Scotland Yard for him had found him and delivered the royal summons.

The terse note had made it clear that his presence was required immediately, regardless of his current state.

Dammit. They should at least let me clean up!