Page 48 of A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas

“But might I suggest myself or Uzoth accompany you.” Wulfric crossed his arms. “In case there are any threats.”

Percival blinked. Because of course, if he had been killed, then whoever had killed him might still be out there, might still be a danger to him. He suppressed a shiver.

But maybe it had just been a freak accident. Perhaps something had dropped from a window and landed on his head, killing him on impact. He really hoped it was that. He really hoped he hadn’t been murdered in an alley two days ago by those who might still pose a risk to him.

Even being killed by random thieves would be better than someone being after him. At least if it was thieves, they should no longer have any interest in Percival.

“That’s a good idea,” Leo said. “Wulfric, you should probably stay here, though, since Percy and I are leaving work early. We can ask Uzoth to come with us.”

Wulfric’s shoulders slumped slightly. It seemed like he was up for a fight. Still, he nodded.

Personally, Percival didn’t want to go. He wanted to stay in the warm bakery with Leo and learn more about baking pies. He did not want to explore the cold alley where he’d died.

But a short while later, he, Leo, and Uzoth, who had been upstairs with Grady, headed to the alley where Leo had found him.

“This is the spot.” Leo walked towards a wall with several crates leaning against it.

“There are some remains of burnt crates here,” Uzoth said.

“That was Percy.” Leo’s gaze flicked around the alley. “He shot fire soon after I found him.”

Percival stood in one place. He spun slowly in a circle, hoping to see or sense something that would provide some insight. He walked carefully down the middle of the alley. “It’s possible I didn’t die here. I could have come here after I was reborn.” He didn’t remember the first moments after his rebirth.

“Maybe.” Leo rubbed a hand over his face.

Percival paused. He narrowed his eyes. Snow lay on the ground before him. But in one spot, it had melted and refrozen into ice. He could see some strange lines beneath it.

Percival knelt and began to brush at the ice. It didn’t budge. With a huff of frustration, he placed his hand against it. Flames licked down his hand and melted the ice, revealing lines etched into the cobblestones.

He stared at his hand in surprise.

I can make fire!

But then his gaze fixed on what he revealed. “What’s this?”

“What’s what?” Leo cried out as he and Uzoth approached.

Percival pointed.

Leo leaned close. “It looks like some kind of symbol, the type used in spells.”

“Yes. It is a sigil,” Uzoth said.

“Any idea what kind of spell it would be used in?” Leo asked.

Uzoth shook his head.

Leo ran his fingers through his hair. “I guess we also can’t be certain if the spell was cast on you or not. It could be a coincidence that it is here.”

“That is true,” Uzoth said. “But if we ascertain the sigil’s purpose, then perhaps we can determine if it did kill Percival.”

Percival held his breath as he traced the lines with his fingers.

“We should copy it down. Maybe we can ask someone about it,” Leo said.

“Could we ask Briar?” Percival glanced between the two.

Leo huffed. “Last year Briar cast a spell to try and help him and the rest of the family get along better. It turned out to be a siren love spell. Someone else might be better.”