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“Chevalier was researching rare magical abilities,” he finally admitted.

Evander traded a sharp glance with Rufus and Shaw before fixing Leon with a focused stare.

“Did Chevalier’s chambers show any signs of dark magic having been recently used?”

“None,” Leon replied.“But there was something unusual found at the scene.”He reached into his breast pocket and withdrew a small glass vial filled with a small amount of a familiar purple powder.“This was hidden beneath a floorboard in Chevalier’s office.Our alchemists identified it asNoctis Bloom.”

Shaw sucked in air.“Just like in Whitley’s chambers.”

“Shaw found a trace of the same substance next to Whitley’s desk,” Evander explained at Leon’s confused look.

“Does this mean theNoctis BloomShaw discovered in Whitley’s office was not left there by whoever attacked him, but was part of what he and Chevalier were researching?”Rufus said with a frown.

“It would seem so,” Evander said grimly.“We should ask the Met’s cryptology expert to take a look at Professor Chevalier’s journal.”He glanced at Rufus and Shaw.“And we should check in with Viggo andNightshade.They may have fresh information for us.”

Leon tensed.“Nightshade?You mean the infamous information guild run by the Ironfist Brute?”

Evander nodded.“Viggo Stonewall andNightshadeare currently assisting the Met in our investigation of the trade ofNoctis Bloomin the capital.We are certain it is linked to dark mages and whatever Renwick and his mysterious master are attempting to achieve.”

Leon’s jaw tightened.“I am well aware of your sentiments concerning thralls, mon cher, but Viggo Stonewall is a dangerous man.His reputation precedes him even on our side of the channel.”

Heat flushed through Evander.“Viggo helped me bring down Caine Renwick,” he said in a hard voice.“I would have died had he not been there.”

A fraught silence descended around the office.

“Somehow, I doubt that.”Leon arched an eyebrow.“I’m surprised your commissioner has agreed to work with thralls.”

“Times are changing, Leon.”Evander furrowed his brow.“Lord Watson and I share the same views about expanding the rights of the magicless.I, for one, believed you did too.”He couldn’t help the tinge of accusation his words contained.

“I still do.”The undercurrent of steel creeping into Leon’s voice made Evander all too aware that the charming facade the Frenchman projected was a ruse to mask his intelligence and his commitment to his work.“But I would prefer not to associate with suspected criminals to achieve that goal.”

“Uh-oh,” Shaw mumbled as Evander fisted his hands.

Rufus hushed her, his expression wary.

“Then I am as much of a criminal as Viggo Stonewall,” Evander snapped, not even bothering to hide his fury.“At least wait until you meet the man before you pass judgement!”

Leon blinked at his enraged voice.A chagrined light dawned in his eyes when he realised he’d crossed a line.

“I apologise.I should not have said that.”

Evander unclenched his fists and swallowed.“And I apologise for my rudeness.”

A sad smile curved Leon’s lips.“You always were loyal to a fault.”

A sharp knock at the door broke the awkward moment.

“Come in,” Evander called out briskly, his emotions under control once more.

A constable entered.“Sorry to interrupt, your Grace.An urgent message just arrived for you and Inspector Grayson.”He handed Evander the missive and left.

Evander stiffened when he recognised the seal of the Royal Institute.He broke it and unfolded the paper.

The note was from Cecillia.

His blood ran cold as he read her message, the slight tremor of the letters in her otherwise elegant handwriting betraying her distress.

Concern clouded Leon’s eyes at Evander’s expression.“What is it?”