Page 85

Rufus drew a sharp breath.Shaw cursed quietly.

“I have examined some of the documents uncovered in the room where this device was found,” McAndrew continued grimly.“It’s safe to say that what we’re looking at here is just a portable version.”

Evander froze.“A portable version?”An image flashed before his eyes then.The enormous contraption Renwick had drawn his magic from in the warehouse where he and Viggo had confronted the dark mage was still etched sharply in his nightmares.“You mean, there’s a larger version of this?!”

“Yes.”A muscle jumped in McAndrew’s cheek.“I heard about the map you found in that missing professor’s journal and the hidden facility it portrays.I bet you it’s there, your Grace.”The artificer hesitated.“I made one more disturbing finding.”

Evander’s pulse quickened.He wasn’t sure how things could get any worse than they were, but apparently they could.

“There was an unusual magical signature embedded in the device.”

“I knew it!”Shaw hissed with a triumphant expression.

Rufus hushed her.

“It’s like nothing I’ve ever encountered before.”Dread pooled in McAndrew’s eyes as he met Evander’s gaze.“I believe it’s a hybrid form of dark magic that incorporates elements ofBlood Magicand shadow manipulation.”

Ice filled Evander’s veins.Rufus and Shaw paled.

A heavy silence fell over them as they all contemplated the dire implications of the artificer’s findings.There was no longer any doubt in Evander’s mind.

“I” was involved in this evil scheme.

A commotion in the corridor outside the lab had them looking towards the doorway.Rapid footsteps approached, their cadence familiar.

Evander straightened when Viggo entered the room at a brisk pace.He took one look at the Brute’s expression and knew something terrible had happened.

“It’s Solomon,” Viggo said hoarsely.“Solomon has gone missing!”

Chapter35

The carriage rattledthrough London’s streets at breakneck speed on its way to Whitechapel, the horses’ hooves striking sparks against the cobblestones.Evander studied Viggo’s taut expression as he gripped his knees with white-knuckled intensity opposite him.

“Was Solomon on his own when he went missing?”the mage asked quietly, trying to keep calm in the face of his lover’s fear.He wanted nothing more than to cross the carriage and take him in his arms, but they had company in the shape of Rufus and Shaw.

“Yes,” Viggo replied, his voice unnaturally controlled.“He was running an errand forNightshade.He wasn’t due to go to Ginny’s place until later this evening, so we didn’t have anyone watching him.”Frustration underscored the Brute’s words.

Evander could feel the weight of his guilt behind them.

Rufus exchanged a worried glance with Shaw.

“Did anyone notice anything unusual before his disappearance?”the inspector inquired.

“Finn is still interviewing people, but so far no one’s mentioned anything that sounds like the work of a dark mage or shadow creatures.”Viggo clenched his jaw.“We found his pouch of anti-magic devices.There was blood on it.”

Dread tightened Evander’s chest.He knew how much Solomon meant to Viggo.He just prayed the thrall was still alive, wherever he was.

The carriage slowed and came to a halt near the junction where Commercial Road met Sidney Street.Viggo was the first to alight, his powerful frame tense with barely restrained emotion as he scanned the area.Evander adjusted his coat against the chill as he stepped out after him, Rufus and Shaw in his wake.

People on the street had slowed at the sight of the Met insignia on the side of the carriage.Murmurs broke out, along with wary stares.Recognition flared on the faces of a few when they saw Evander.

His reputation as a friend to thralls had grown since the Millbrook case.

Finn emerged from the shadows of a nearby alley, his normally mischievous face pale.

“We’ve kept the area clear,” he informed them.“Nothing’s been disturbed.”

Evander acknowledged this with a curt nod.“Take us there.”