Page 57

“Yesterday, we learned that Whitley and Chevalier were researching magical transference—specifically, the theoretical possibility of transferring magical abilities from one person to another.”

Evander saw Leon stiffen out of the corner of his eye.The Frenchman was no doubt wary he would reveal the secret he had imparted to him the previous evening about Chevalier’s work withLes Prophètes Illuminés.

Winterbourne’s composure finally cracked, shock evident on his face.“Such a thing is impossible!”

Chapter25

“It is not asimplausible as it sounds,” Evander countered.“We’ve already seen the device Renwick’s master had Alastair Millbrook make to extract the life force of thralls.James Thornfield was writing a thesis on elemental transmutation theory, an essential component of magical transference.And we have established dark mages are involved in the disappearances that have taken place at the Institute and among the thrall population.”He paused.“Although we do not yet know the details of how all these incidents are connected, there is no doubt in my mind that they are.”

A stark hush befell them.

“I have to concur,” Leon said reluctantly.“It is too much of a coincidence.”

Rufus and Shaw nodded in agreement.

Something that looked like relief flitted across Viggo’s face then.Evander resisted the urge to reach over and take his hand.

Winterbourne stood abruptly and strode to the window that overlooked the Thames.He stared out at the river for a long time, his back ramrod straight.He finally turned, his expression resolute.

“I want a full report on this James Harker.Expedite the necropsy and get me results by this evening.”Winterbourne’s gaze shifted to Viggo.“Mr.Stonewall, I’ll need a complete list of the missing thralls, along with all the informationNightshadehas gathered on their disappearances.”

The tension in Viggo’s shoulders eased.“You’ll have it by lunchtime.I have a couple of requests of my own.”

Winterbourne raised an eyebrow.“Go on.”

“Nightshadeis planning to set a trap to try and lure the ones behind the thralls’ disappearances.We have already asked Lady Hartley for her assistance in the matter.I would be grateful if the Met could provide officers for this operation.”The Brute paused.“We would also like one of your handwriting experts to examine the resignation notes many of the missing thralls supposedly submitted to their places of work.We believe they are forgeries.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem,” Winterbourne said with a brisk nod.“I’ve already authorised full Arcane Division resources for this case.Duke Ravenwood and Inspector Grayson will see to it that we have men dispatched for the operation.”

“Thank you, Commander,” Viggo said solemnly.

Winterbourne hesitated.“Please be so kind as to offer my heartfelt apologies to the families of the missing,” he said quietly.“I shall ensure that the officers involved are reprimanded for their actions.”

Viggo blinked, his surprise evident.“I will convey your message.”

Evander suppressed a smile.

Winterbourne frowned at him.“Are you planning to return to the Institute today?”

“Yes.I’ve requested for Mrs.Scarborough to examine Whitley’s laboratory for any unexpected surprises in view of yesterday’s incident.”

Winterbourne bobbed his head.“Good.”He stilled, his frown deepening.“Incidentally, how goes the project you entrusted to Mrs.Scarborough and Mr.McAndrew?”

A buzz of excitement shot through Evander.“I believe they might be able to complete the prototype in the next month.”

“What prototype?”Viggo asked, his puzzled gaze swinging between them.

“I requested that Mrs.Scarborough and Elias McAndrew work on something that could disrupt the magic used to create shadow creatures,” Evander told him.“We could all do with such a device, now more than ever.”

Viggo’s eyes flared.“Is that even possible?!”

“We won’t know until we try,” Evander said, resolute.

Viggo swallowed and nodded.He looked at Winterbourne.“I would like to accompany them to the Institute.”He met Evander’s startled stare.“As the representative of the missing thralls, I believe it is my duty to do so.”

Evander hesitated before dipping his chin.Though they hadn’t discussed the matter that morning, he could not find a reason to refuse the Brute’s request.

Judging from Leon’s frown and Rufus’s uneasy expression, the two men harboured some reservations about this arrangement.