18. Remina
The darkness clung to the edges of Gi-Gi"s apartment like a shroud as I woke to an unsettling sound. The scratching on the door resonated through the silence, shattering the tranquility of the night. With a quick inhale, I slid out of bed, the cool wood beneath my bare feet. An oversized sleep tee draped over me shielded me against the chill that crept through the room.
In the glow of the moon through the curtains, I fumbled for my large sword leaning against the bedroom wall. The cold touch of the hilt grounded me, the weight of the weapon a reassuring presence in my grasp.
As I tiptoed toward the living room, the rhythmic scratching persisted, each scrape amplifying the eerie atmosphere. The living room lay in shadows, the only illumination coming from the soft glow of the moon filtering through the curtains.
My heart pounded in my chest as I approached the scene unfolding before me. Gi-Gi, oblivious to the impending danger, stood by the door, her hand inches away from the handle. Panic surged through me, urging me to move faster. With a whispered warning, I called out to her, "Gi! Don"t open the door!"
Gi-Gi turned toward me, confusion clouding her features. Before I could reach her, she twisted the handle, the door creaking open into the abyss beyond. The tension in the air crystallized into a palpable fear, and I braced myself for what awaited us.
As the door widened, a gust of wind swept into the apartment. My gaze shifted from Gi-Gi"s determined expression to the darkness outside, searching for the source of the unsettling scratching.
And then, it revealed itself.
On the threshold lay a peculiar sight—a piece of raw meat, mangled and torn, like a gruesome offering from the depths of a nightmare. The scent of blood and iron permeated the air, a sickening reminder of the grotesque nature of the gift left at our doorstep.
My eyes narrowed as I raised my gaze from the offering and settled upon the large, oversized wolf standing at Gi-Gi's door.
Gi-Gi"s expression morphed from annoyance to bewilderment as her eyes fell on the gruesome offering and the wolf.
The wolf, his fur a shining midnight black, bore a primal elegance that spoke of the wild spirits entwined within his being. His eyes, piercing orbs of amber, held my attention. I felt the untamed pulse of his energy, a wild force that made my heart yearn to crouch down to its level and run my hands through its fur. My breath caught, a cocktail of longing and intrigue settling in the air like a heavy fog.
Gi-Gi, her face etched with confusion, demanded answers. "What the hell are you doing here?" she asked; her voice was a sharp contrast to the eerie silence that had preceded this unsettling encounter. The wolf, unfazed by her presence, remained stoic, his eyes fixed on me.
Recognition dawned on Gi-Gi"s face as her gaze shifted from the mysterious wolf to me. "Seriously?" she inquired to the wolf, her tone wavering between disbelief and concern.
Before I could ask what she was talking about, the wolf ignored Gi-Gi entirely. In a fluid motion, he bent down, jaws clamping around the mangled piece of meat left at the doorstep. With a calculated nonchalance, he strode past Gi-Gi and into the apartment, carrying the gruesome offering in his jaws.
I took a step back, the cold metal of the sword at my side grounding me. The wolf approached, and with a deliberate gesture, he laid the grotesque gift at my feet. The scent of blood and raw flesh wafted through the air, an unsettling reminder of the darkness that lingered on the fringes of our world.
I turned to Gi-Gi and demanded an explanation, "Gi, what"s going on? Who is this wolf, and why has it been leaving this ... these horror shows on our doorstep?"
I crouched down, my fingers grazing the wolf"s fur, the surprisingly coarse texture sending a shiver through me. His eyes, a profound shade of amber, bore into mine with an intensity that both confused and excited me.
"He"s not a threat, Remi," Gi-Gi reassured me, the weight of the situation settling into the fabric of my being. "This is Slade. There"s a reason for this ... offering."
My disbelief morphed into a cautious acknowledgment, as Gi-Gi's gaze shifted between the wolf and me. The revelation hung in the air like a heavy fog, settling over me in a dense shroud of confusion. The sight of Slade, a powerful shifter, standing before me in wolf form, was both unsettling and strangely intimate.
As Slade"s amber eyes bore into mine, a primal recognition stirred within me. The raw, untamed energy that emanated from the wolf, so different from the controlled demeanor of the man, left me breathless.
"Slade"s wolf thinks you"re his mate, Remina," Gi-Gi explained, her voice laced with a mixture of amusement and concern. "For a shifter, offering meat is the way of courting. It"s like ... an ancient gesture of providing for our chosen mate."
I blinked, grappling with the bizarre reality unfolding in Gi-Gi"s apartment. The air carried the distinct scent of pine and damp earth, a lingering trace of the wild forest where Slade had roamed. The wolf, despite its massive size, moved with a certain grace that contradicted its rugged appearance. Slade's fur shimmered under the soft glow of Gi-Gi"s living room lights.
Slade, in his lupine form, circled me with a deliberate intent, a primal dance that felt both threatening and alluring. His eyes, though wolfish, held a glimmer of something deeper.
Gi-Gi, with a wry smile, continued her explanation, her tone both informative and tinged with amusement. "He"s been leaving the meat as a sort of offering. In his world, it"s like a display of prowess and a sign of protection. He"s claiming you, Remina."
I tried to process the implications of being claimed by a wolf, of being at the center of a shifter"s courtship ritual. The air in the room felt charged as if the invisible threads of a bond were being woven around me. The wolf, Slade"s wolf, regarded me with a mixture of intensity and vulnerability, a paradoxical blend that spoke of the intricate nature of shifter emotions.
The walls seemed to close in, and the scent of Slade"s wolf permeated the room, creating an atmosphere thick with tension. I thought of my moment with Slade yesterday in the woodlands. It had been hot, and I had craved more of him … but a mate? I wasn"t ready for a mate. It was too much. I didn"t even know Slade and then there was Hael. I felt drawn to him as well. Fucking hell.
Gi-Gi, sensing my internal struggle, placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "It"s a bit much to take in, I know. But Slade, the man, is still Slade. The wolf is just his, uh, more primal side. Nothing is set in stone, Remi. Just because his wolf recognizes you as a worthy mate doesn't mean you have to accept it."
As if sensing my inner turmoil, the wolf circled closer, nudging my hand with its massive snout. I looked into those amber eyes, recognizing a silent plea that transcended the language barriers between species.
The air in Gi-Gi"s apartment seemed to thicken as I crouched down to meet the wolf"s intense gaze. The scent of pine and damp earth clung to his fur, creating an earthy aroma that permeated the room. The wolf, Slade"s primal form, regarded me with an unwavering intensity.
"Slade," I murmured, my voice a gentle command. "Transform. We need to talk."
The wolf hesitated for a moment, its muscles tensing, before a ripple of energy cascaded through its form. Fur shifted, bones realigned, and within seconds, Slade stood before me.
The scent of the forest lingered, a lingering reminder of the wildness that resided within Slade. As he stood there, human once more, I admired his naked form. He truly was a work of art. Pure brutal strength radiated from his sculpted muscles. I stopped my gaze before it traveled too low. Now was not the time to think about exactly what he could do with what he was packing.
I raised my eyes and took a moment to study him, the play of shadows on his face revealing the subtle nuances of his emotions. His eyes, once wolfish, now held a depth that hinted at the struggles within. The room seemed to shrink, the walls closing in on the two of us as we navigated the uncharted territory of shifter courtship.
"Remina," Slade spoke, his voice a low rumble that resonated with a mixture of apology and uncertainty. "I didn"t mean to ... I didn"t think it would?—"
I raised a hand, halting his words. The air between us crackled with the aftermath of the revelation, and the scent of tension hung in the room like an invisible veil.
"We need to figure this out," I said, my tone a blend of firmness and understanding. "Your wolf thinks I"m his mate. It"s ... complicated. But we can"t let it interfere with the investigation. We have missing supernaturals to find."
Slade nodded, the lines of his face etched with a mix of gratitude and reluctance.
I could feel the weight of Slade"s gaze, as he assured me. "I was going to tell you after we found them. Just because my wolf has claimed you as his doesn't mean we don"t get a say. Let's focus on getting the supes back and then deal with whatever this is." He gestured between us.
Gi-Gi, ever the silent observer, watched the exchange with a knowing expression.
"It's late," Slade"s gravelly voice continued, "We"ll talk more tomorrow." His eyes briefly met mine, carrying a hint of exhaustion. "It"s been a long day. Goodnight, Remina. Night, Gi." His gaze lingered for a moment longer before he turned to leave.
The clock on the wall continued its steady tick, each second marking the passage of time and the unresolved matters that awaited me. I took hesitant steps toward the living room, the moonlight casting dappled shadows across the floor as I tried to make sense of the events that had unfolded. The refrigerator hummed softly in the background, a subtle accompaniment to the rhythm of my breathing. The sofa beckoned, and I sank into its worn cushions.
Gi-Gi, ever the pragmatic counterpart to my mysticism, broke the silence, "Come on Remi. It"s late, and we could both use some rest. All the problems will still be there in the morning." Her words were a soothing balm.
I nodded in agreement, feeling the exhaustion settle in my bones. I inhaled deeply, trying to ground myself in the reality of the present, but the unexpected encounter with Slade"s wolf had blurred the lines between the known and the unknown.
Gi-Gi and I exchanged a glance, a silent acknowledgment of the complexity that now threaded through our lives. As we retreated to our respective rooms, the heaviness of the investigation, the mysteries of the missing supes, and the unexpected entanglement with Slade"s wolf lingered in my mind.
Alone in my room, the creaking floorboards beneath me seemed to echo the turmoil within. The oversized sleep tee I wore offered little comfort as I sank onto the bed, the mattress yielding beneath the weight of my thoughts.
The night outside the window was silent. I couldn"t shake the image of Slade"s wolf, the primal creature that had stood before me, a silent messenger of a bond I hadn"t anticipated.
Closing my eyes, I allowed the remnants of the day to wash over me. The rustle of leaves in the forest, the scent of pine, and the warmth of Slade"s touch—all played like a haunting melody in the recesses of my mind. The clock on the wall ticked away the moments, each one laden with the weight of uncertainty.
Sleep, however, remained elusive. The soft hum of the appliances in the kitchen, the distant sounds of the compound outside, and the echo of my breath served as the backdrop to the whirlwind of thoughts that enveloped me. The darkness seemed to amplify the uncharted territory that lay ahead, both in the supernatural investigation and the enigma of Slade"s wolf.
As my mind continued to spiral, a strange sense of vulnerability washed over me. My constant companion of survivor"s guilt, the losses endured, and the unexpected connection with Slade had forged a web of emotions that I grappled with in the solitude of my room. The scent of dried tears lingered in the air as I continued to process.
In the stillness, I found myself reaching for the large sword propped against the wall. The cool touch of the blade grounded me, a tangible reminder of the resolve that simmered beneath the surface.
Eventually, I surrendered to the exhaustion that clung to both body and mind. The scent of lavender from a nearby candle infused the air, offering a fleeting moment of calm. And so, beneath the watchful gaze of the moon, I succumbed to the elusive embrace of sleep, the apartment"s stillness a testament to the storm that awaited me tomorrow.
The council chambers were tense as I made my way to the center, the echoes of hushed conversations bouncing off the stone walls. The ambient hum of magical energy, a mix of various supernatural auras, filled the air.
Slade"s presence beside me was surprisingly reassuring, his solidarity a testament to the fragile alliance we were forging. The other council members were already seated and waiting. Ryatt"s sharp eyes met mine, an acknowledgment of the severity of the situation.
As I took my place in front of the crescent-shaped table, the cold touch of the chair beneath me grounded me. The council"s gaze fixated on me, their collective anticipation almost tangible.
"Remina," Kique"s voice cut through the silence, his tone a blend of authority and curiosity. "Please, tell us you've found something. Any leads?"
I cleared my throat, their collective gaze pressing down on me. "It"s dark magic," I began; each word carried the weight of the revelation. "Most likely a practitioner sacrificing innocents to access the amount of power required for such magic. They left behind a trace of magic in all the areas where each individual disappeared. They"re using the shadows to transport them to an unknown location."
The tension in the room escalated at my words, a collective intake of breath echoing through the chamber. The council members exchanged glances, their expressions full of unease. Slade"s jaw tightened beside me, his wolf on edge.
Reaghan"s eyes narrowed; his features etched with skepticism. "Dark magic? In this compound? Surely not. Our realm has been free of the Dark Fae for over a decade, not to mention the Dark Mages. They were completely wiped out."
"It"s a reality we can"t afford to ignore," I retorted, trying to hide my unease at the mention of my family. "Others can access dark magic through sacrifice. There are several instances of human witches practicing magic, we need to act swiftly if we hope to save them and before more of our kind are taken."
Slade"s voice broke the ensuing silence, a low growl underlying his words. "Could this have anything to do with that human witch we encountered while searching for Lucius? Her house was full of symbols and dark magic materials."
The mention of the human witch sparked a flicker of recognition among the council members. Hael"s eyes narrowed in contemplation, and Seraphina"s expression held a hint of concern. The scent of tension intensified, the underlying fragrance of magical energy growing thicker.
"It"s possible," I admitted, the implications of the connection sending a chill down my spine. "The human witch was involved in dark practices. She didn"t appear to be a part of a coven but if there"s a link, we need to explore it."
Seraphina, seated with a regal poise, fixed her gaze on me. "Remina, do you think this dark magic is connected to the prophecy you uncovered?"
The question hung in the air, and the council members turned their attention from Seraphina to me. Each gaze probed for further explanation. I nodded, the gravity of the revelation settling like a stone in my gut. "I am worried that may be the case. The disappearances, the use of dark magic, it all aligns with the prophecy."
Ryatt, his brows furrowed in confusion, spoke up, "What prophecy are you talking about?"
I took a deep breath, the words heavy on my tongue. "There is one that speaks of a child born of both Dark Fae and Dark Mage, a key to unlocking the gates to a sealed realm, unleashing chaos and destruction."
The weight of the prophecy hung in the air, an invisible force that added to the palpable tension. I could sense the unease in the council members, the subtle shift as they grappled with the implications of my words.
Slade"s grip on my shoulder tightened, a silent reassurance in the face of the impending storm. The scent of his wolf, protective and resolute, intermingled with the subtle traces of anxiety emanating from the council members.
Seraphina"s eyes narrowed in contemplation. "The prophecy is decades old. But it could be relevant now. The rogue vampire that Remina was assigned to apprehend in Astur was the one who first brought the prophecy up. It makes sense that this could all be connected."
"We should assume it"s linked," I admitted. "The dark magic practitioner might be using the prophecy as a guide. The disappearances could be a part of their plan to fulfill it."
The murmurs among the council members grew, a rising tide of unease and urgency. Kique leaned forward, his turquoise eyes searching mine. "How do we stop this? Can we break the connection to the prophecy and prevent the chaos it foretells?"
The question lingered in the air, a challenge that echoed the collective anxiety of the council. I met Kique"s gaze, determination coursing through me. "We need to find whoever is using the dark magic and put an end to their plan. We bring the missing supes home and take out their key players. Only then can we make sure the prophecy doesn't come to pass."
Seraphina nodded in agreement. "We must act swiftly. Remina, use every resource at our disposal. We need answers. Anything any of us can do to help, just say the word."
"My next move is to investigate the human witch covens in the city and its surrounding suburbs," I announced.
Kique nodded, his expression grave. "Agreed. If this dark magic user is connected to a coven, we need to find them before their plans progress."
The council members exchanged glances, the unease palpable. Hael, his eyes sharp and focused, spoke up for the first time, "You"re not going alone."
Ryatt stood, his all-black attire painting an intimidating picture. "I"ll go with her. I'd like to see these human witches for myself."
The offer hung in the air; a gesture not made in solidarity but help, nonetheless. I met Ryatt"s crimson gaze. "I'm leaving in an hour. If you"re not at the main gate by then, I'll leave without you."
Ryatt raised a hand to his chest and bowed in mockery. "As you wish, witch."
Ignoring Ryatt and turning towards the door, I nodded towards the other council members, a silent promise that I would find those responsible. The echoes of my footsteps reverberated through the stone corridor, a cadence that mirrored my urgency. The muted glow of enchanted lanterns cast long shadows on the walls. My fingertips grazed the cold surface of the stone as I navigated the path towards the entryway.
The chamber"s heavy door swung closed behind me with a resounding thud, leaving the hushed tones of the council"s mummers behind.
Emerging into the crisp air, the sounds of the city greeted me. The scent of rain, an imminent promise lingering in the air, intertwined with the subtle fragrance of blooming flowers. Each inhalation was a reminder of the city"s living, breathing essence.
The path back to Gi-Gi"s apartment was familiar, yet each step was charged with a renewed sense of purpose. The sounds of the compound—children laughing, citizens mingling—served as a backdrop to my thoughts.
Upon reaching Gi-Gi"s apartment, the scent of home wrapped around me. It was a feeling that was foreign to me, the concept of home. It was fitting that Gi-Gi's apartment had become one. After all, we had always dreamed of our future shared place when we were in the orphanage.
I walked to my room and retrieved my weapons from their secure hiding places. I chose a sleek dagger, enchanted with protective spells, and my favorite set of twin short swords. The cool touch of metal against my skin and the sturdy weight of the two swords in my hand grounded me in the reality of the task at hand.
The subtle sounds of leather against leather accompanied the clinking of metal as I secured the weapons in their holsters. The preparations were a ritualistic dance.
With weapons in tow, I left Gi-Gi"s apartment once more, heading to meet Ryatt at the main gatehouse.
I could feel the compound"s protective aura as I approached Astur's gatehouse. The stonework and iron gates were an imposing barrier that separated the supernatural haven from the human world beyond.
Ryatt waited near the entrance; his stance purposefully controlled. With his brooding charisma, Ryatt embodied a mix of danger and magnetism that drew my attention in a way I couldn"t easily dismiss. His raven-black hair framed a face marked by sharp angles, emphasizing his vampire lineage. Piercing crimson eyes held an intensity that revealed a depth of experience.
The gatehouse, usually a hub of casual activity, now stood in a subdued quiet. Every day since the disappearances less and less of the community wanted to venture outside.
"Remina," Ryatt greeted me with a nod, his eyes raking me up and down. He leaned against the main gate as I approached, a sly smile playing on his lips. "You sure you"re up for this, little witch?"
I matched his playful tone, a smirk tugging at the corner of my mouth. "Afraid I"ll outshine you, Ryatt? Don"t worry, I"ll try not to make you look too bad."
He chuckled, the sound sending a subtle shiver down my spine. "Oh, I'm not worried about that, Remina. I just don't think you are ready to embark on a mission that might actually require following orders."
I shot him a challenging look, refusing to back down. "Following orders? We've been over this vampire; I don't answer to you. Allowing you to tag along is a courtesy."
He pushed himself off the gatehouse, closing the distance between us with a slow, deliberate step. "Courtesy? I'm here because someone has to keep you in check."
I scoffed, folding my arms. "Keep me in check? Please. I operate just fine on my own."
Ryatt"s gaze locked onto mine, a storm of conflicting emotions in those piercing eyes. "You know, witch, one day you might appreciate having someone watching your back. Even if it"s me."
I rolled my eyes, dismissing the notion. "I"ve managed fine without any help from you. Besides, why would I need someone who thrives on antagonizing everyone around him?"
He leaned in, his breath grazing my ear as he murmured, "Careful, Remina. You"ve got a sharp tongue, but words have consequences. Be careful whose toes you step on, or you might end up regretting it."
The exchange left an electrifying undercurrent between us. I feigned exasperation. "Please, Ryatt, I"m more than comfortable stepping on a few toes. Now, are you ready to leave or not?"
Ryatt straightened with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Ready when you are, little witch."
We exchanged a glance that spoke volumes—acknowledging the enormity of visiting the long list of human covens.
The gatehouse"s dim lighting cast elongated shadows on the worn floorboards. My hand brushed against the cool stone walls as I followed Ryatt to the sign-out ledger, a tangible record of each excursion into the human realm.
The quill in my hand felt smooth, its ink leaving a definitive mark on the parchment. The scratching sound echoed in the silence when Ryatt wrote his name underneath mine. When he was done, we moved toward the gate.
Ryatt pushed and the gate creaked open, the sounds of the compound faded, replaced by the distant murmur of the human city. The air changed, carrying a medley of scents—vehicle exhaust, the tang of asphalt, and the faint aroma of nearby eateries.
The gate swung closed behind us with a resonating thud, sealing off the supernatural haven. The subtle vibration under my boots spoke of the barriers reestablishing themselves—a reminder that the boundary between our world and theirs was not to be taken lightly.
The Astur Compound, with its towering spires and ancient architecture, receded into the shadows as we ventured into the human city. The paved path ahead held a stark contrast to the natural paths within the compound, the rhythmic click of our footsteps marking the transition from the mystical to the mundane.
My skin prickled with awareness, and the looming structures of the human city pressed in on us. Our steps took us past the invisible line that marked the boundary, and a palpable shift occurred. The supernatural aura that had accompanied us within the compound waned, replaced by the raw, unfiltered energy of the human world. I was accustomed to the rhythm of city life within human territory and found that I was looking forward to using my comfortability with it to our advantage.