Page 13 of Seduced by Moonlight (Gargoyles of San DeLain #1)

WARD HAD just wrapped up his breakfast and was on his way back to his office when his cell phone buzzed.

A thrill of delight surged through him, like a wave crashing onto the shore, upon seeing Kayden’s name flash on the caller ID. His heart skipped a beat, and a broad smile spread across his face.

“Hey, Kayden,” Ward greeted. “What’s up?”

“Hey, I just went over the images. Love what you sent. It captures the essence of your castle and fits what I was envisioning perfectly too. I have a few ideas to bounce off you, though.”

“Shoot. I’m all ears,” Ward responded.

Ward listened as Kayden dove right into his thoughts, discussing materials and textures, colors and ambience. He explained how certain elements could enhance each room’s character while keeping the historical integrity intact—something Ward had insisted upon.

As Kayden spoke, Ward interjected occasionally with suggestions or affirmations, their creative chemistry igniting ideas that neither had considered alone.

Never had work been so fun.

Ward reached his office and sat, leaning back in his chair. He hoped his interest showed in his tone. As the conversation deepened, time ceased to matter.

Discussions about stonework transitioned into an animated exchange about the best type of lighting to use in the grand hall to make it feel both welcoming and mysterious.

Kayden mentioned using modern fixtures with a vintage design, blending the old with the new—a concept Ward could totally get behind.

“Imagine walking through the corridor with soft, warm light guiding you, but it’s coming from these beautifully disguised LED sconces that look like they’ve been there for centuries,” Kayden proposed.

“Sounds magical,” Ward responded. “And energy efficient too. You’re definitely onto something.”

Their talk eventually veered toward the logistics of implementing these ideas. They went over timelines and budgets again, which were always a tough part of any project but necessary evils. But even that didn’t dampen Ward’s enjoyment of the conversation.

After nearly an hour of brainstorming and planning, they finally started winding down.

“You know, I’m really glad we’re doing this project together,” Ward said after a brief pause in their discussion. “It’s invigorating to work with someone who understands both my vision and the historical significance of this place.”

“Same. It’s not often you find a client—or is it a collaborator now?—who gives you so much creative freedom yet keeps you grounded in historical authenticity.”

“Let’s go with co-creators,” Ward suggested with a chuckle. “I like that.”

In the dimness of his office, he grinned, eagerly looking forward to their upcoming chat. They exchanged farewells, though he suspected Kayden stayed on the phone a moment longer than necessary.

After Ward ended the call, he raked his fingers through his hair. He enjoyed speaking to Kayden, enjoyed how his mind worked.

Each exchange was like peeling an onion, unraveling layers of insight and perspective that kept Ward thoroughly engaged. Minus the smell, of course.

Unfortunately, he had responsibilities and couldn’t spend the entire night lost in thoughts about Kayden. Obligations awaited, so Ward sent out a message to each member of his council, requesting them to meet in his office in an hour.

AN HOUR later, Tank, Luna, Scarlett, Emmett, and Joel trooped into his office. Ward watched them as they took a seat. Each of them carried their own unique aura, but it was very potent in their natural form.

Tank took a seat directly across from Ward.

Luna’s gargoyle was a deep purple hue, featuring large black wings, a lengthy tail, and horns. Her hair was a light brown color, and her eyes were blue in both her human and gargoyle shapes. She chose a spot by the windows.

Scarlett had light blonde hair and gray eyes that complemented her deep gray complexion. Her wings were light gray, and her tail was shorter than others. In her natural form, she was quite tall and more muscular than curvaceous. She perched on the edge of her chair, eager and attentive.

Emmett possessed short black hair and dark brown eyes that harmonized with his natural deep teal color, and his wings shared that hue. His tail and horns were of a similar tint.

When he took on his human form, he kept the same black hair and chocolate-colored eyes, and he wasn’t as tall as the rest. He flopped down onto a sofa in the corner.

Joel’s human and gargoyle forms shared the same features: short brown hair, brown eyes, and a slender, youthful appearance. His natural form had a deep olive-brown skin tone, with wings of a lighter olive shade. His tail and horns were beige. He settled next to Emmett.

Ward cleared his throat, capturing their attention. “Thanks for coming on such short notice. I’ve talked to Hudson and Kage, told them about Rihanna, and now there is an emergency meeting being held with the paranormal leaders of San DeLain.”

“After what you told them, I’m not surprised,” Tank said.

“Neither am I. That’s actually not why I called this meeting, though,” Ward said.

“No?” Joel asked.

“No. Previously, only Tank and I went to these meetings. That’s about to change.” Ward’s words hung in the air, and he mentally started the countdown. Three, two, one….

“Wait, what? What do you mean by that? Surely, you aren’t saying—” Joel demanded.

“What do you think he means?” Scarlett snapped. “And yes, that is exactly what he’s saying.”

“Honestly, it’s time all of his council attended these meetings,” Luna said. “I’m willing to bet the other leaders have their most important people with them.”

Tank nodded. “They do. Kage also brings his mate. Hudson brings both of his.”

“Wait, wait,” Joel exclaimed. “They’re bringing humans to these meetings?”

Emmett pinched the bridge of his nose. “Number one—if they are mates to a paranormal, they are no longer human. Number two—what the hell is your problem with humans? I mean, seriously, Joel. We have humans in our clan.”

“That’s completely different, and you know it.” Joel glared at Emmett. “Our humans are trustworthy. Humanity as a whole is not.”

“Oh, really? Shall we review what Lennox and Nox did?” Scarlett snarled at Joel. “Where do you think they got the DNA they used? Some of those paranormals volunteered, you jerk.”

“She’s right, Joel,” Luna said.

“Just as some paranormals did not. Just as some humans volunteered, and some did not,” Emmett added.

“If you show up at that meeting—and it sounds like we’re going to be attending these things now—I highly suggest you not insult the elder of the daemons or the king of the dragons,” Luna said.

“They’ll either barbecue you or open a portal and toss you who knows where,” Scarlett added.

“I just don’t see why humans have to attend these meetings.” Joel crossed his arms and stared at the group.

“Joel? It was explained to you that their mates are no longer human. And quite frankly? No one asked your opinion,” Tank said. “I was there when Kage brought Austin for the first time. The vampire master stuck his foot in his mouth, and not only did Kage react, so did Isabella.”

Emmett shuddered. “You do not want to fuck with her. She might not be part of a group like we are, but I think it’s safe to say she doesn’t need to be. Plus, I’ve heard she’s good friends with Hudson, and to a lesser degree, Kage.”

“She is,” Ward said.

“You also don’t want to fuck with the daemons,” Scarlett said.

“Nor the dragons,” Luna said. “They may not have portals like the daemons, but they have dragonfire.”

“You all are assuming I’m going to say something out of line at this meeting. I’m not.” Joel threw his hands up in the air. “I have more sense than that.”

Tank didn’t say a thing, just raised an eyebrow.

“I do, dammit. No, I’m not fond of humans who are not clan members, but I also have enough sense not to start a species war because of my opinions. And they’re just that, opinions, which I’m allowed to have.”

“Indeed you are, and you are more than welcome to your opinions as long as they do not cause problems for me. Understood?” Ward asked.

“Of course.” Joel bowed his head slightly. “Sire.”

“Good, now that we have that out of the way, back to what I was saying. An emergency meeting has been called. The rest of you are going this time, and every time from here on out,” Ward said.

“Doesn’t Isadora hold it at her restaurant?” Scarlett asked. “She closes, right?”

“Yes,” Tank said. “And before anyone asks, no, there is not a dress code, but certain groups of paranormals dress in certain ways. For example, Kage and his lieutenants dress up. Hudson and his people always wear leather.”

“And us?” Scarlett asked. “What are we going to do?”

“Business casual. I would like for us to look nice, but dress in something that you can fight in if needed,” Ward said.

“Are you thinking we could get into a fight?” Joel asked.

“Of course not, but hunters are still a thing,” Ward pointed out. “The meeting is on Tuesday at nine o’clock. We’ll leave before eight. That’s all.”

The room emptied slowly, the members of his council obviously lost in thought as they disappeared into the shadowed hallways.

All except Tank. “I need a word with you.”

“What’s on your mind?” Ward asked, taking a seat behind his desk.

Tank inclined his head, eyes fixed on the doorway. Ward understood Tank was listening intently for any heartbeat lingering in the corridor.

Finally Tank spoke. “All right, everyone’s gone. It’s about Joel. I’m concerned he might stir up trouble. If he makes one wrong move, it could damage our relationships with the other groups. Or end in a death, namely his.”

“I know, and you’re correct,” Ward replied. “However, we must trust him to behave himself. He understands the consequences. He’s not stupid.”

“Hope you’re right,” Tank conceded, running a hand over his bald head.

“He wouldn’t put his king in such a position. Still, keep an eye on him during the meeting. I don’t want us caught off guard.”

Tank nodded in agreement before changing the subject. “And you? How do you feel about telling everyone we have a powerful witch who has the Power of Three?”

Ward pursed his lips. He knew that revealing the truth about Rihanna and her powers could cause a stir among the other supernatural groups. It was a risk they had to take, but he couldn’t help but feel uneasy about it.

“Uncomfortable,” Ward finally replied to Tank. “Although not for the reasons you might be thinking. I trust Kage and Hudson. I don’t know Axel, the leader of the Crimson Fangs, but Kage seems to be fine with him as one of the San DeLain leaders.”

“That’s a weird situation.”

Ward shrugged. “A situation that they seemed to have worked out to their satisfaction. The other werewolf pack currently doesn’t have a leader. The mer usually keep to themselves, much like we do. Plus, to my knowledge, Rihanna can’t breathe underwater, so the mer have no use for her.”

“Well, we don’t know for sure she can’t breathe underwater,” Tank remarked.

“Hell. You’re right. I suppose that’s something we need to discover, or rather, she does,” Ward admitted.

“What about the vampires?”

“Again, I don’t see Raven suddenly trying to kidnap her or something, even though she has vampire DNA. And again, we need to know if she desires blood like a vampire.”

“Surely she would’ve said something by now,” Tank said.

“Unless she’s scared to say anything.” Ward pinched the bridge of his nose. “She also has werewolf DNA. Guess we need to talk about the possibility of her shifting.”

“I kind of feel sorry for her,” Tank admitted.

“I don’t think she’d want that,” Ward said. “But I do sympathize with her situation. What was done to her was wrong. Wrong in every way possible.”

“True, but she has our clan now. If she wants us.”

“There is that.”

Their conversation dwindled, and finally, Tank stood. “I’ll check in with you later. Are we taking one vehicle to this shindig or two?”

“Two. We’re going to need the room, even in our human forms.”

“Ugh. I forgot about that. I’m going to go. If you need anything, holler.”

“Thanks. I will.”

After Tank left, Ward leaned back in his chair, feeling the weight of his decision pressing down on him. He had much to consider about the risks of revealing Rihanna’s powers, not to mention the broader implications for their community.

Chapter Fourteen – Ward

TUESDAY WAS yet another beautiful day in San DeLain, the night sky cloudless as they gathered in the grand hall at eight o’clock sharp. It threw him to see everybody in their human form, since they so rarely donned that facade.

“I have to say that we clean up nicely,” Tank said, fiddling with a set of keys.

“We do look rather put together,” Ward remarked, glancing at himself and his companions.

Their attire was immaculate, with crisp lines and polished shoes that gleamed under the soft lighting. They presented a picture of sophistication and confidence.

“Are we ready?” Ward asked.

“Yes,” Tank said. “I’m driving you and Scarlett. Luna and Joel are with Emmett. We’re taking the clan SUVs, of course.”

“Of course.” When Ward had observed that Hudson and Kage provided their people with black SUVs that were reinforced for safety, he’d decided he needed to do the same for his clan. Although they seldom ventured off his territory, it was logical to ensure maximum protection whenever they did.

As they drove to Isadora’s restaurant, an elegant venue known to the paranormal community, a heavy silence enveloped the vehicle.

Outside, the city lights blurred by, casting fleeting shadows throughout the car’s interior. The tension was tangible, like an unseen string stretched taut in the cramped area, and it concerned Ward. Was this unease stemming from the impending meeting?

Upon their arrival, the valet whisked their vehicles away.

Ward’s council promptly encircled him in a protective formation as they entered the restaurant. The air buzzed with the intense energies of numerous supernatural entities.

Hudson’s group had already gathered, each member adorned in leather attire that balanced ceremonial elegance and practical utility.

Kage’s entourage exuded an air of sophistication and authority, dressed impeccably in tailored business suits and elegant floor-length gowns.

The table where Raven St. Clair and his vampires sat commanded attention. Intricate lace, velvet, and ornate accessories adorned their elaborate Victorian Goth costumes, creating an air of dark elegance.

Ward found the outfits intriguing. However, the heavy, layered attire looked restrictive and perhaps a bit stifling. After all, he normally wore his trusty leather pants, which allowed him the freedom to move with ease.

The werewolf pack known as the Crimson Fangs, led by their imposing alpha, Axel Scheffler, was also present. Clad in leather jackets adorned with patches and chains, they resembled a fearsome motorcycle gang, their presence commanding attention and respect.

In stark contrast, the other werewolf pack was noticeably absent from the gathering.

A young Hispanic man—a human—escorted Ward and his council to a table that was set close to Kage’s. As soon as Ward and his gargoyles took their seats, Merchieftain Fenton Moss ushered in the Golden Reef colony.

Ward observed they mainly wore clothes in blues and greens, each person dripping in pearls and other ocean stones. Despite rarely spending time on land, the procession moved with a deliberate elegance.

After everyone sat down, Isadora Ocho, the owner of the restaurant, moved to the center of the room. She was a striking woman with dark hair and eyes. Her formfitting cream power suit made her Mediterranean skin tone glow.

Although she was attractive, her demeanor clearly warned against messing with her. She was an arachne—a spider shifter. Well, she had spiderlike features. Or so Ward had heard.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Isadora Ocho. Welcome to my restaurant, Beau Monde. Before we start, a reminder. This is neutral territory. As a favor to the King of the Fire Court of San DeLain, I have opened what I consider my territory to you. Act accordingly or else.”

Ward found her words a soft, but firm, reminder of why they were there—the damn hunters.

Isadora introduced Ward, then stepped aside. Standing, Ward looked at the other leaders of San DeLain.

“I want to thank everybody for coming on such short notice. I know it’s difficult to mobilize so quickly for some of us. But, unfortunately, this emergency meeting needed to take place. Something happened in my territory that I need to share with the rest of you because it could have a considerable impact on all of us.”

Ward then explained about the witches who had trespassed on his land, what they’d been trying to do, who Rihanna was and where she’d come from, and finally, the Power of Three.

Fenton was the first to break the weighty silence after Ward’s explanation. “Ward, could you elaborate on this ‘Power of Three’ you mentioned? We need specifics to understand whether our people are at risk.”

Ward nodded respectfully toward the Merchieftain. “Of course, Fenton. The Power of Three means she has the abilities of a werewolf, a mer, and a vampire.”

“Shit,” Raven said. “Fucking hunters and their experiments. Question, though. Why only those three paranormal groups?”

Kage cleared his throat before speaking. “There are two important points to keep in mind. First, they altered Rihanna’s DNA. She wasn’t born with this ability naturally. Second, the hunters can’t extract DNA from daemons, gargoyles, or dragons. They could only use DNA from werewolves, vampires, and mers. That limits her powers to those three groups.”

“Right, right. Sorry about that. I hate to say it, but I was so horrified I temporarily forgot that this was a mutation,” Raven admitted.

“Imagine how she feels,” Ward said softly. “She didn’t ask for this. She didn’t want this. A miscast spell whisked her away from her world and thrust her into our realm, leaving her disoriented and adrift.”

“That alone is horrifying,” Connie said.

“I can’t imagine suddenly being dragged away from my court, my mates. They are my world,” Hudson said, taking first Connie’s hand, then Kit’s.

Ward’s stomach dropped. He hadn’t thought of that, much less had asked. What kind of leader was he? He’d been so concerned about her power and physical state, he hadn’t thought of her mental state.

But she hadn’t said anything about leaving someone behind, and he had definitely picked up a vibe between her and Celine. If she were mourning someone, hopefully she wouldn’t use Celine to help her forget.

“Neither can I,” Kage admitted, staring at Austin.

“Exactly. So, please, I ask that we don’t forget that,” Ward said. “And also don’t forget the hunters kidnapped her. And then, when she escaped them and stumbled across that coven, she thought she’d found help. Only she hadn’t. They tried to sacrifice her.”

“How strong are her abilities?” Fenton asked.

“I don’t know,” Ward admitted. “We haven’t tested them yet. I also don’t know if she has the inherited weaknesses of each paranormal.”

“What do you mean you don’t know?” Raven asked.

“This happened less than a week ago. I asked her not to use her powers without supervision. I haven’t had a chance to oversee that. Also, I should point out that she was suffering from malnutrition,” Ward said. “She’s been sleeping a lot.”

“Not trying to tell you your business, but we really need to know what she’s able to do,” Hudson said.

“I agree,” Ward said. “I’m also not going to push her before she’s ready. But I do plan to ask her soon. In the next night or two. As I said, I don’t know if she has any weaknesses either. Does she need blood? Can she shift? Can she breathe underwater? Not that I consider that a weakness, but will she need to visit the ocean if she can? I simply do not know.”

“Dear Neptune, if she can do all that we can….” Fenton shuddered. “Plus, she’s a witch.”

“A very powerful witch,” Ward added.

“That’s… scary,” Axel said slowly. “She could definitely be a threat.”

“She most definitely could be a threat,” Raven said.

“Or she could be an ally,” Ward said. “Which I would remind everybody here of that. She could be a formidable ally, which, frankly, we could use such.”

“In other words, what Ward is saying is to think long and hard about making this woman an enemy,” Isabella said from the bar. “And I agree with him.”

“So she pledged to your clan?” Hudson asked. “Isn’t that what you told me?”

“Yes. And I made it clear she was welcome to stay permanently or go elsewhere,” Ward said. “If she wants to leave, I will willingly let her.”

“Is there any possibility she could go back to her own realm?” Fenton asked.

“I haven’t the foggiest idea if that’s even possible or if there is anyone strong enough to do that, to be honest with you. I seriously doubt the covens in San DeLain would help,” Ward admitted. “And I doubt she’d trust them.”

“Can’t say that I blame her,” Kage said. “We all know that anyone who falls into the category of a magic user—archmage, mage, magus, magic-user, spellcaster, enchanter, enchantress, sorcerer, sorceress, warlock, witch, or wizard—and isn’t corrupt, usually avoids the covens here in San DeLain.”

“Here’s the million-dollar question—do you trust her?” Fenton asked.

“I felt the bond click into place when she pledged to me. She isn’t inherently evil. So, yes, I trust her. Keep in mind I haven’t had the chance to truly get to know her, but her spirit is pure. I felt that,” Ward said.

“Good enough for me,” Hudson said.

“Same,” Kage said.

“Well, if the three most powerful paranormals in San DeLain are not worried, I’m not worried,” Raven said. “Axel? Fenton?”

Axel shrugged. “I’m not worried either then. Which is good, considering there are still hunters in San DeLain. And now, it sounds like we need to keep a closer eye on the covens too.”

“I agree with Axel.” Fenton rolled his neck, the popping sound loud in the restaurant. “It’s never ending, isn’t it? We get rid of Lennox and Nox and now there’s a new threat on the horizon.”

“Are you referring to the witches?” Raven asked. “Because if you are, I would like to remind you they’ve always been a problem.”

“I know,” Fenton lamented. “It’d just be nice to have a break.”

“No argument there,” Axel said. “And speaking of witches, these witches who trespassed on your land, what happened to them?”

“I killed three. The other one who transported away? I believe she was the high priestess. I told Kage and Hudson about this. The three of us are checking into it, plus they’re trying to find information and possibly notes on Rihanna and the experimentation done on her.”

“Shit, the last thing we need is for someone to figure out how to mutate such a power into existence,” Axel said.

Raven shook his head. “That’s a horrifying thought. I also find the audacity of the witches troubling. If they’re bold enough to challenge Ward, none of us may be out of reach from their schemes.”

Isadora then stepped back into the conversation. “I propose a collective inquiry into this matter—not just Hudson and Kage. A coalition of sorts to investigate these witches and their networks. We need intelligence sharing if we’re going to counteract whatever’s brewing.”

Her suggestion prompted nods and murmurs of agreement from around the room. Each group offered their expertise and what resources they could.

Now that they’d discussed Rihanna, the atmosphere lightened, and people moved around chitchatting. Isadora opened the bar so drinks could be served.

Ward introduced those of his council who’d never attended a meeting to Austin, Kage’s mate, and Kit, Hudson and Connie’s mate. It was pretty obvious Isabella had taken both of the former humans under her wing.

Ward was also glad to see the women in attendance spoke to Scarlett and Luna. Looking around, he noticed Tank and Lord Mitchell, one of the red dragons, off in a corner, discussing weapons.

Emmett and Felix, one of Raven’s vampires, were talking about goth clothing. Joel was in a conversation with Axel. Ward tensed when he saw Kage and Austin join them, but tempers didn’t flare, so hopefully Joel remembered Ward’s warning.

Hudson, Connie, and Kit drifted over to Ward to ask about the repairs on his castle, and he lost himself in conversation with them.

As the meeting adjourned, Ward was happy with how things had progressed. Everybody now knew about Rihanna’s situation and had welcomed Ward’s gargoyles enthusiastically. He’d actually enjoyed himself, even though it’d been a business meeting.

This time, he took a seat in the back of the SUV, having occupied the front seat on the trip there. Scarlett and Tank conversed quietly as they made their way back to Ward’s territory.

The city lights blurred past them, casting shifting patterns of illumination inside the vehicle. Ward stared out of the window, his thoughts meandering through the evening’s events as he felt the steady hum of the SUV cruising down the interstate.

Suddenly, Scarlett and Tank’s conversation ceased.

“Um, Tank? Does it look like that big truck just crossed the—”

A massive eighteen-wheeler thundered down the highway toward them. The blinding glare of the truck’s headlights pierced through the darkness, flooding the cabin with an intense, stark white light. It seared Ward’s eyes, momentarily overwhelming his senses and leaving him blinking in its harsh brilliance.

“Oh gods, oh gods! It’s coming straight at us!” Scarlett yelled.

“What the fuck is that asshole—” Tank yanked the steering wheel hard to the left, trying to dodge the behemoth that was barreling toward them.

The SUV’s tires squealed in protest against the asphalt, struggling for grip. Shards of glass flew into the air like ice crystals in a blizzard as the massive truck sideswiped them with a sickening screech of metal.

The impact rocked their vehicle, throwing everyone against their seat belts with brutal force. Scarlett let out a sharp cry as her body lurched forward, only to be caught harshly by the restraint.

Ward squinted out the window, trying to catch a glimpse of their assailant as it rumbled past.

His eyes locked on to the silhouette of a figure slouched in the driver’s seat—a human with an expressionless face, their eyes vacant and devoid of emotion, staring back at him with eerie detachment.

Ward immediately started whispering a spell to keep them from tipping over as Tank fought valiantly with the steering wheel, but a hit from the truck’s trailer sent Ward’s head slamming into the passenger window, interrupting him.

Pain exploded in his head as the SUV lurched precariously onto two tires.

A heart-stopping moment passed where everything moved in slow motion—the glaring lights, flying sparks from scraping metal, and shards of more broken glass glittering around them like deadly stars in a twisted galaxy.

Tank started muttering a spell too, but the SUV tipped over with an ear-splitting crash that echoed endlessly into the night air, adding to the chaos.

Airbags exploded, interrupting Tank’s spell. Scarlett grunted as her airbag slammed into her, and Ward knew it was too late for spells.

Shift!” Ward roared as they tumbled end over end across lanes, each brutal roll delivering new shocks and sounds—steel crunched, glass shattered—and the impact scattered personal belongings wildly.

He finally managed to cast a spell so the damn SUV wouldn’t explode in a blazing fireball since it was too late to stop them from tipping over.

When they finally came to a stop upside down on the opposite side of the interstate near a wooded area, silence abruptly drowned out all other noises for Ward.

His mind spun, yet his first coherent thought was of his clan. Scarlett was swearing violently, and Tank was snarling as he ripped out the crumpled dashboard that pinned him.

“Are you both okay?” Ward demanded.

“Yes!”

“Fuck. Yes, but we got company coming,” Tank growled.

Ward could hear shouts and running footsteps approaching their wrecked vehicle—potential enemies? Panicked witnesses? Or the rest of his council? Were they also attacked? Or were they forced to watch the attack on Ward’s SUV? Ward couldn’t get that blank look of the human out of his mind. Something was wrong there.

Still, Ward’s instincts urged him to defend his clan. They weren’t safe yet, not by far, but they also couldn’t allow the humans to see them in their stone type form, which Ward had insisted they shift into.

Gargoyles possessed three distinct forms. In one, they appeared entirely human, indistinguishable from ordinary people. Their natural form, however, revealed their true essence, a majestic blend of mythical and earthly features.

The third form was a captivating fusion of human and stone, where they retained their human shape, but their skin transformed, turning nearly as impenetrable as granite. The subtle patterns and textures of weathered rock detailed that form.

“Ward! Tank! Scarlett!”

“That’s Emmett,” Tank said.

“He’s not calling me by my title, so shift back to human, just to be safe. Cast a spell to look beat up too since there are apparently humans close by. And dammit, the human police are going to get involved in this too,” Ward said as he changed back.

His mood was as black as the night now.

Who attacked them? The hunters or the witches? Because he was sure that was exactly what that was—an attack.

THE POLICE finally arrived, their red and blue lights snaking through the shadows. The night took on a surreal, pulsing life of its own.

Ward watched as uniformed officers leaped out of their vehicles, their movements crisp and decisive under the glare of the swirling lights. Ward and his council waited, acting the part of the distressed accident victims, as the police approached.

Scarlett had a few smeared lines of blood—fake, but convincing—across her forehead. Tank had improvised a limp, leaning heavily on Ward for support.

“Everyone all right here?” one officer asked, his expression a mixture of concern and professional detachment. “We received reports of a vehicle flipping multiple times.”

“We’re alive,” Ward replied. “Thanks to his quick reactions.” He patted Tank on the shoulder, reinforcing the illusion that they were merely lucky survivors.

The police officer nodded and took out his notebook. “I’m going to need your names and details about what happened.”

As they spoke, Ward couldn’t ignore the vacant look in the truck driver’s eyes. It was not merely shock or fear; it was something far more disconnected.

An icy shiver trailed down Ward’s spine as he contemplated whether their assailant could have been under some magical or supernatural influence.

After giving their statements, paramedics allowed them to sit in an ambulance for a checkup. The paramedics busied themselves around them, offering comfort and assessing their injuries, all pretend but necessary for appearances.

Naturally, they declined to visit the hospital. Emmett and the other members of Ward’s council also talked to the police. Eventually, they were allowed to leave.

Once they were a safe distance from the accident site and the prying eyes of law enforcement, Ward called each of the leaders and warned them about the attack on him.