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The inspector looked as worn out as he felt these days.

“You wished to see me, sir?”Evander asked, closing the door behind him.

Winterbourne gestured to the empty chair beside Rufus.“Yes.I’m afraid I have worrying news.Professor Walter Whitley from the Royal Institute for the Arcane has disappeared.”

The name sparked immediate recognition.Evander raised an eyebrow as he took the seat the commander indicated.

“The advanced Elemental Magic specialist?”

“The same,” Winterbourne said.

Rufus took over the conversation while Evander digested this startling revelation.“His wife reported he went missing two nights ago.Apparently, he failed to attend a faculty dinner and never returned home.”

Evander frowned as Winterbourne slid a file across his desk.“Why did she wait so long to report him missing?”

“Because Whitley has a habit of staying over at the Institute when he’s out late,” the commander grunted.“He’s also renowned for shutting himself in his laboratory for days on end when he’s engrossed in his research.”

“Lady Whitley said her husband had been looking forward to attending the faculty dinner,” Rufus continued.“She was expecting him home last night at least.When he didn’t turn up, she went knocking on the doors of the Institute at first light this morning.”

Evander raised an eyebrow.“And you presume foul play because…?”

Rufus’s expression grew hooded.“According to Lady Whitley, they refused her access to her husband’s rooms.”

“We dispatched a forensic mage to examine the premises.She just sent in a preliminary report indicating Whitley’s chambers showed probable signs of magical disturbance,” Winterbourne said.

Tension oozed through Evander.It was clear to him now why Winterbourne had requested his presence.This was not a straightforward missing person case.

He glanced at Rufus as he took hold of the file.“Is Shaw the one at the scene?”

Rufus nodded.

Lyra Shaw was a forensic mage working for the Arcane Forensics Division and one of the best investigative minds to ever grace the halls of Scotland Yard.Everyone had high hopes for her, including Evander and Winterbourne.

Shaw was on track to become the AFD and Scotland Yard’s first female inspector, a status they hoped would attract more women to the profession.

Evander opened the file and scanned the forensic mage’s preliminary survey of the suspected scene of the crime.He narrowed his eyes.“She found a trace ofNoctis Bloomon the premises?”

“So it seems,” Rufus murmured.“Mr.Brown will have to confirm the nature of the evidence she discovered, but it is likely the residue is indeedNoctis Bloom.”

Chapter3

Vincent Brown wasthe head Alchemist Analyst at the AFD and had been of great help to them during the investigation of Millbrook’s murder.As forNoctis Bloom, it was a rare purple flower that only bloomed at midnight on a full moon.Drying and finely grinding its petals produced a powder that could be used in magic rituals.

More notably, dark mages were said to ingest it in some capacity or another to enhance their powers.

“I want you to lead the investigation, Ravenwood,” Winterbourne declared.“Your connections to the Institute will prove invaluable.According to Whitley’s wife, the faculty has proven challenging to deal with lately.They even tried to obstruct her when she attended the premises this morning.They may be more forthcoming with one of their own, especially someone of your”—he waved a vague hand—“particularstatus.”

Rufus’s mouth pressed to a thin line.Winterbourne ignored the inspector’s brooding look and studied Evander expectantly.

Though he didn’t like it one bit, Evander understood the commander’s implication.The recent revelation that he was an Archmage had sent ripples not just through London’s high society and the government, but across the Empire’s magical community.While many magic users regarded him with newfound awe, others—particularly within the Institute’s conservative hierarchy—no doubt viewed his choice to serve in the Metropolitan Police with barely concealed disdain.

“I’ll do what I can,” Evander said reluctantly.“Though I must admit, my relationship with the headmaster has been somewhat strained since I declined his offer of a teaching position in favour of joining the Met.”

Winterbourne waved this away too.“All the more reason.They wouldn’t dare hinder an Archmage, regardless of their personal feelings on the subject of you being an officer of the law.And your familiarity with their protocols will prove invaluable.Miss Shaw will continue to assist in this investigation.”He cut his eyes to Rufus.“As for Inspector Grayson, he too will work with you on this case.I already have the approval of the head of the Homicide Unit.”

Rufus’s expression told Evander he had been informed of this decision.

“This is not a homicide case.”Evander observed to his commander steadily.“Unless there’s something you’re not telling us, sir.”