CHAPTER THREE

SANI

Sani’s phone buzzed. Half asleep, he groped on the nightstand for the annoying sound and squinted to read a text from Ciaran. I’m heading to Kayin’s with an update. I’ll bring sandwiches.

Yawning, Sani typed back, See you there. Thanks.

It was early for sandwiches — still dark outside. But, as a rule, a shifter could always eat. Rolling out of bed, Sani pulled on jeans, boots, and a hoodie.

Kayin’s house — an old blacksmith’s property on the edge of Utopia territory — was built of huge bricks, with a tiled roof — making it harder to burn down accidentally, he supposed. The forge was still there, but Sani had no idea if it worked.

Kayin sat on his porch in one of a pair of rocking chairs.

Sani took the empty one as he yawned again. “What kind of update requires an in person meeting all the way out here at this time of day? Couldn’t Ciaran have just told us what happened?”

“If we needed to do something, he would have. He’s probably got some sensitive information and doesn’t trust phones.”

Ciaran’s ubiquitous black SUV headed down the dirt lane that functioned as a driveway. He emerged from the vehicle, hands and arms full. Handing a six-pack of beer to Kayin, Ciaran entered the cottage to set several large shopping bags on the dining room table, where he unloaded piles of food.

The man really liked his sandwiches. Sani’s nose told him there was at least one of every kind he could think of. He helped himself to three and took a seat, devouring a BLT in four bites.

Kayin opened beers and handed them around. “What’s the update? Nothing’s come through official channels, so the situation was… otherwise handled?”

“The minions won’t be a problem. Well, at least not those minions. Should probably keep an eye and ear out for anything strange going on around here, though.”

“What happened to the minions?” Kayin chose a sandwich and unwrapped it. “Did Jael and his spooky swords find them?” He took a huge bite of bread and roast beef.

Ciaran laughed. “No. Actually, the witches escaped on their own. One of them… Well, it turns out she’s Strygoi.”

Kayin choked on his sandwich.

“Strygoi?” It was a new word to Sani.

Recovering from his coughing fit, Kayin sucked in a breath. “That’s why you didn’t want to say anything on the phone.”

Ciaran nodded. “It’s a closely guarded secret.”

“Strygoi?” The word hadn’t become any clearer to Sani.

“A kind of witch we haven’t seen in a thousand years.” Ciaran spoke in a hushed, almost reverential tone. “And Ember… she’s something else, too. Nothing we’ve seen before. Between her and Stryx, most of those minions are dead, and their base in the city is compromised.”

“Most?” Sani asked around a bite of turkey sandwich.

“One minion got away.”

“You don’t think he’s still a threat?”

“Oh, he’s a threat. The most vicious of the bunch. But all their computers and the RVs they used were destroyed. He’s lacking ready assets to just pick up where they left off. We’re looking for him. There’s a threat closer to home for you.”

Sani stiffened. “What?”

“Based on what Ember said, the Wolf Mage is living somewhere in the National Park. Wolves chased her.”

Kayin whistled. “He’s been quiet until now. I wonder how long he’s been there.”

“We tend not to intrude on National Park land, but having a mage around isn’t good. We have sentries, and a few cameras, but we can certainly step up patrols.”

“That would be good. We want to dig him out of wherever he’s hiding. Ember would like to have a word. Or maybe take off his head. It’s hard to tell with her now.” Ciaran finished his second sandwich, gathered the trash, and binned it.

“Are all Strygoi so violent?” His wolf was intrigued.

Ciaran shook his head. “This is that something else I mentioned.”

“I’ll start more patrols today, and send them deeper into the National Park.”

“Thanks.” Ciaran pulled his buzzing phone from his pocket. “I’ve got to get back to the city. When you’re out and about, would you mind keeping a lookout for a golden wolf? Her name is Mjesec. She may be deliberately keeping out of sight. Don’t chase or scare her.”

“Who is she?”

“She’s a shifter who saved Ember when the wolves chased them, but they were separated. Ember asked me to search for her. If you happen to spot Mjesec, I’d appreciate it if you let me know. I’ll be in the area a lot until I find her.”

Sani offered a salute. “I’ll let everyone know.”

“Thanks.” Ciaran slapped Kayin on the back, offered a nod to Sani, and headed for his car.

Sani remained at the table until he felt fidgety. “You’ve been quiet.”

Kayin didn’t usually talk unless he had to, but this seemed like a different kind of silence.

The other man shrugged. “Things seem to be converging on Port Storm. Mages. Strygoi returning. I can’t help thinking it’s all leading to something big.”

Sani didn’t like the sound of that at all.