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Emi watched as Gisila and Orrin disappeared upstairs. “I do find it surprising, however, that even though she arrived in town earlier this month, this is the first time she or her assistant have been here.”

“Really?” I pivoted my entire body, facing Emi with my confusion. “This was herfirsttime here? Did she just come when you weren’t on shift?”

Emi shook her head. “Nope, I can see her visitor history, and today is it.”

“She must be in Magiford for business purposes then,” Sunshine said. “The life of the rich and powerful.”

“Yeah,” Emi agreed.

I fidgeted, pulling on my glove to try and release the nagging sensation that Sunshine’s guess didn’t feel quite right.

Not because of Gisila, but because of the micromanaging vampire—as Sunshine called him. Between him and Gisila, he set off my concern a lot more—I couldn’t get a good read on him, which meant he had to beoldand powerful. Besides everything I’d said to Sunshine earlier, it brought up one major and worrisome question: what was he doing in Magiford?

* * *

“I’m not gettingany kind of read on magic. How ‘bout you, Grove?” Juggernaut juggled his ball of flames from his right hand to his left, holding it high above his head to shed more light in the area.

The fire burned a dark purple color, which matched the colors of Juggernaut’s wizard House, Bellus. The flames were pretty but the purple hue they cast on everything was a little eerie. I was thankful that I had excellent night vision compliments of my slayer magic.

“Grove,” Juggernaut called when the fae didn’t answer him.

I broke off my scan of the street—we were investigating a report of magic being used in the fringe of the downtown area. “Grove.”

The easily distracted fae was reading a sign posted on a chain-link fence that surrounded most of a city block, fencing in a destroyed building.

“Looks like they’re gonna build something here.” Grove itched his side as he studied the sign. “A clocktower? That’s weird—oh! No wonder—the humans are building it. They’re so odd.” Grove settled his bag of potions/possibly poisons on his hip. “Did you say something, Juggernaut?”

“Do you sense any magic?” Juggernaut repeated, enunciating his words.

“Hmm, I don’t think so?” Grove said.

“Could you test so you’re certain?” Juggernaut’s voice was rapidly tightening with irritation.

Grove, oblivious to our squadmate’s growing anger, picked at a corner of his leather messenger bag. “Do Ihaveto?”

Juggernaut was almost shaking now with his ire—he was generally good tempered, but he had a short trigger that Grove seemed to know just how to push.

We don’t want a meltdown when we’re investigating a call. I better lean into it.

I hated using my rocky reputation with the team to get results, but better that than an exploding wizard.

“Grove,” I repeated.

Grove spun in a half circle. “On it!”

I watched the fae prowl up and down the sidewalk, then approached Juggernaut where he was standing on the curb.

Juggernaut cradled his flames in his hands, scowling as he watched Grove. When I joined him, he rolled back his shoulders and stood straighter. “Did you sense anything?”

The work-related question sparked my sense of duty, so I was easily able to reply. “No. As a slayer I’m not as sensitive to magic as you are as a wizard.” I waited a beat, then added, “I also can’t find any sign of a disturbance.”

Juggernaut nodded, his posture straight and at attention.

Why is everyone so formal with me? We’re the same rank. Do they think I’m a snob?

The rolling feeling in my gut said that unlucky guess was probably right.

Since we were stationary, my family drilling kicked in and I absently checked my belt to make sure my cuffs, daggers, and radio were secured before I checked my shoulder holster.