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If Rigley was correct, then the implications of Whitley and Chevalier’s research were beyond staggering.Were such knowledge to fall into the wrong hands, the consequences would be catastrophic.The power to steal magical abilities would upset the very foundations of not just their society, but the world as they knew it.

Evander’s nails dug into his palms.

And it could very well spark a war between magic users and thralls the likes of which we have never seen before.

“Are you suggesting,” he finally said, his voice deceptively calm despite the knots in his stomach, “that Whitley and Chevalier were attempting to find a way to transfer magical abilities from one person to another?”

“It was theoretical research only,” Rigley hastened to add.“Walter was a man of science, not a dark magician.He was interested in understanding the fundamental nature of magic, not in creating some—some abomination.”

“And yet,” Leon observed coldly, “someone has likely employed dark magic to abduct both him and his student.Not to mention Chevalier.”

Something in the Frenchman’s voice had Evander shooting a glance at him.

“Which means someone felt their theoretical research could actually be put into practice,” Rufus concluded softly.

Hearing the words made the ghastly possibility all the more real to everyone in the room.

Shaw cleared her throat.“Your Grace, I should take these glass fragments back to the AFD for analysis.There is still the laboratory to investigate too.”

Evander nodded, his mind racing.“Please do.”He studied Rigley and Cecillia with a faint frown.“We will arrange protection for Professor Harrington.If someone is targeting those involved in this research, she may be in danger too.”

“That won’t be necessary—” Rigley began.

“With all due respect, Headmaster, it absolutely is necessary,” Evander cut in coolly.“Two professors and a student have vanished and we’ve just been attacked by shadow creatures in this very building.I strongly recommend you close down the Institute to external visitors for now and send the students home.The Met will carry out a thorough review of everyone involved even the slightest with Professor Whitley.”

Rigley’s mouth thinned to a line.“I’m afraid I cannot agree to either of those demands without consulting the Institute’s board members.”

“Then may I suggest you do so posthaste?”Evander snapped.His tone softened at his old mentor’s mutinous expression.“Please, work with me, Headmaster.After all, we both want the same thing, do we not?To keep the Institute safe for students and staff alike?”

A heavy sigh finally left Rigley.He pinched the bridge of his nose.

“You always were stubborn to a fault, Ravenwood.I shall do my best to get them to agree to your requests.”

Chapter18

Evander’s mindwas a whirlwind as they left Rigley’s office.The revelation that Whitley and Chevalier had been researching magical transference was deeply unsettling.Judging from his companions’ reactions, they shared his concerns.

“I shall arrange for a forensics team to examine Professor Whitley’s lab this afternoon, your Grace,” Shaw said, her tone somewhat subdued.

Evander clocked her pale expression and came to a decision.“Let us delay until tomorrow morning.I believe we could all do with some reprieve after what we’ve just been through.Besides, I would like to have Mrs.Scarborough inspect the place for traps before we let any more officers loose in there.”

Philippa Scarborough was a curse-breaker working for the AFD.She had helped free one of Viggo’s closest friends from the control of dark mages during the Renwick affair.

Rufus cut his eyes to Evander while Shaw released a small sigh of relief.

“You believe those shadow creatures reacted to something we set off in Whitley’s lab?”

“Either that or whoever sent them is watching this place,” Evander murmured, conscious of Leon’s guarded glance.

Shaw shuddered.“Anyone else feel like someone just walked over their grave?”

“You’ve got years left in you yet, Shaw,” Rufus grunted.

“I am well aware of that, sir.”Shaw glanced at the inspector.“Of course, the same cannot be said of you.”

An outraged gasp left Rufus.

“I am only seven years older than you!”the inspector spluttered once he could speak again.