Page 5 of Between Bloode and Death (Between the Shadows #5)

CHAPTER

FIVE

Khent had waited until the sun disappeared before setting out with his raven, Mila.

She perched on his shoulder when he left his car and walked past the humans who parted before him.

Not to the effect their revenant could, but as a reaper, Khent’s power lay in his ability to control life and death.

He projected a repellant energy that humans, naturally and without noticing, respected.

Though Khent didn’t like magir, humans, or crowds in general, he did like going to the bazaar.

Located in Capitol Hill, an entertainment district in Seattle, the human establishment concealing the bazaar underneath the streets sold touristy collectibles and tee-shirts with pictures of the Space Needle and Sasquatch.

Although Khent had seen all types of creatures in his 563 years, he’d never seen a yeti.

He suspected some type of fae woodland creature had escaped the fae realm and been spotted exploring in the woods at some point in the past. His fervent wish was to get one for his lab, where he’d dissect it for study then reanimate it for fun.

He walked through a glamoured wall in the back of the shop and continued through an Employees Only door. Down the staircase, he met four massive gargoyles standing watch.

With gray stone skin, their bare feet in contact with the ground below, they would be tough foes to conquer. But the challenge stirred him, an answering flash of fire in the guards’ eyes as he approached.

Khent would have loved a brawl. Though the most academic of his kin, he still enjoyed a good bloodletting. But he’d come on a mission and had little time to injure those only doing their jobs.

“I’ve no quarrel with you.” Unfortunately. “I’m just here to fill my shopping list.”

The largest guard looked him over and grunted. He gave a respectful nod to Khent, which the others then followed. The leader opened one of the large double doors behind him.

Khent entered through a soundproof spell and joined an energetic crowd of magir buying and selling wares in the biggest magic market in the Pacific Northwest.

Mila rumbled her displeasure, not appreciative of so many beings close by.

“Apologies. Go on, sweet. Try to find my quarry.” He’d already planted the image of the necromancer in her mind. She gave him a gurgling croak of assent before flying away.

Khent moved around, studying the many magir content to avoid him.

The sprawling shopping district was split into distinct sections.

Along the outer edge of the bazaar, popular establishments belonging to herbologists, apothecaries, metalworkers, and specialty shops ran around the clock.

At the far end, a variety of eateries and bars catered to every type of magir, including vampires—though they seldom visited.

In the heart of the bazaar, the scene resembled an indoor flea market.

Most vendors set up and packed away their tables at their leisure with no expectation of security if they left their stalls unattended.

The more affluent merchants boasted sturdy, well-built displays, while others made do with temporary setups made from cardboard boxes and flimsy folding tables.

For just fifty dollars a month, anyone could sell whatever they wanted—provided MEC didn’t catch wind of it.

The Magir Enforcement Command policed the magir community. Humans, even if they knew magir existed, would never be able to handle such powerful creatures. MEC kept things quiet so that the Mundane world didn’t get wind of the magical living alongside them.

None of them would be able to contain a vampire unless he wished it. Khent, though not known for his skills as a brawler, could incapacitate most of the creatures in this place before any of them could think to react.

Though the idea tempted him, he wouldn’t.

He couldn’t help it that his kind thrived on the chaos of battle.

Khent didn’t like to break things just to make a mess, though.

He had a purpose for coming this evening.

Because the sooner he captured the necromancer and tortured some answers out of her, the sooner he’d stop dreaming about a human.

He had trouble remembering exactly what he’d dreamed with the exception of the woman’s face. And that bothered him more than he could say.

The only creature he knew who’d been interfering with his kin’s unconscious states was Morpheus, an annoying Greek god.

Vampires didn’t venerate deities, and Khent had no problem destroying Morpheus if he could just remember to kill him while dreaming.

Or if the coward would show himself while Khent was awake.

Now irritated, he moved quickly through the bazaar, not spotting anyone matching his necromancer. Yes, his. His prey.

He salivated at the thought of biting into her fragile neck.

Recalling the information he’d received about her possibly working at the Ribald Unicorn, he headed that way and hurried inside.

All noise ceased at his entrance.

Pleased at the delicious scent of fear wafting over the many patrons, he waved them away. “Back to your business,” he ordered.

Everyone gratefully looked away while the owner, a shapeshifting eagle, approached.

Talon wasn’t daunted in the least. He didn’t smell of fear either. How curious.

“Well, well. One of the Night Bloode. Welcome to our humble bar.”

Khent studied him. “You are the creature who poisoned Riley, my kin’s mate, are you not?”

Talon sighed. “She’s really holding onto that grudge, sending a vampire after me.”

Khent wanted to smile but didn’t. Instead, he gave the eagle a dismissive onceover. “No one sends me anywhere I don’t want to go.”

Just then, a serving woman started toward them. She spotted Talon first, a menu in hand, but froze when she saw Khent.

She was pretty for a human. Short, dark hair, bright eyes, a lithe figure. But she wasn’t the one he sought, so his interest immediately waned.

The female started forward, hesitant in her steps. “T-Talon? Where should we seat our important guest?”

Khent liked her deference.

Talon glanced at him. “Any preference?”

“Somewhere private will suffice.”

“This way.” The woman led them to a table in the back, away from the others. “Would you like some fresh blood, sir? We have lycan and sylph.”

“Sylph works.” After she left, Khent nodded at the shapeshifter. “Sit down.”

Talon sat. “What can we do for you? And which one are you, anyway? Not the nachzehrer. I know Kraft. Are you the strigoi or the revenant?”

“Are you trying to insult me?”

Talon didn’t look terrified at Khent’s frown. Instead, the bastard grinned. “Ah, must be the reaper. I’ve heard about you.”

“I’m sure.”

Talon laughed. “Cocky, super smart, super powerful. Checks out. So, Mr. Reaper, what can we help you with here at the Ribald Unicorn? I sense you’re after more than libation.”

“I’m after information. My name is Khentimentiu. You may call me Khent.”

“I’m honored.”

“As you should be.” Khent studied him, looking for any proof the shapeshifter was making fun of him. But though Talon didn’t seem afraid of him, he didn’t seem foolish enough to risk immediate death.

Before Khent could continue, the woman returned with two drinks.

She set a mug of warm blood in front of him and a tankard of beer in front of her boss. To Khent, she said, “Here you go, sir. You’ll scent notes of faeberry and dragon smoke. It’s a good blend.”

He took a small sip, surprised. “It is. My thanks.” She flushed and gave a shy nod. Before she could go, Talon caught her by the hand. “Hold on, Tina. Khent needs information. You know everybody around here. Maybe you can help.”

She shot Talon a look that would have skewered a weaker male. Odd for a human servant to be disrespectful of her boss. But perhaps the rules were different for lesser beings.

Intrigued, Khent waited.

“Sure, boss.” She gave Talon a hard smile but softened it when she glanced again at Khent. “Sir?”

He did like her respect. “I’m seeking this woman.” He pulled out a photograph he’d had Mormo take from Khent’s memories and magically transcribe to paper. “She’s not much to look at, but she’s powerful.” Not much to look at, yet he had stared at the photo more than he cared to recall.

The woman, Tina, frowned as she stared at the photo. “Do we know her?” She looked at Talon, who shrugged.

“She looks like my old server. But I can’t be sure. Why are you looking for her?”

Mila shot into the bar and went straight for his shoulder.

Talon cringed, but the human woman cocked her head in wonder. Her eyes softened. “How pretty.”

“Pretty dead,” Talon grumbled. “Do you have to have dead things in my bar, Khent?”

“I do.” Khent wouldn’t tolerate disrespect for his pets. It was bad enough his kin teased him about playing with dead things. But no lesser being could insult him without repercussions.

“Forgive him, please,” Tina said, still smiling at Mila. “He’s jealous of her shiny plumage. What glorious feathers.” She curled her fingers, as if stopping herself from reaching out to pet his bird.

Khent didn’t usually get that reaction from people. Though Mila looked damn good for her age, the thick coat of death magic over her feathers instinctively repulsed onlookers. But maybe the human, with so little magic, couldn’t sense it.

“Thank you. Mila’s been with me a long time.”

“It’s unnatural,” Talon grumbled. “To answer your question, I haven’t seen Val since Sebastian Castle nearly destroyed the bazaar. We’re still fixing some spots in the stalls around the perimeter.”

“We?”

Talon nodded. “I own forty-five percent of the market.”

“Is that so?” He looked from Talon to the female. Something about her didn’t seem right.

She looked familiar, though he couldn’t have said why. She didn’t smell powerful or feel as if she had a lot of magic.

A flutter of appreciation and affection for the female swelled from Mila, who seemed shockingly smitten with the woman.

Mila?

His pet didn’t answer him.

“I’m sorry,” Tina apologized. “I don’t know Val well. I haven’t been here that long.” She waved at the raven. “I need to get back.” She walked away before Khent told her she could go.

Even more astonishing, Mila left his shoulder and followed the human, landing on her shoulder instead.

In a flash, Khent saw through Mila’s eyes, piercing the spell, and stared at his prey looking so lovely and bright.