Shadow Underground: A Romantic Urban Fantasy Murder Mystery (The Shadow Series Book 3)

by Candice Bundy

  Becka glanced up at him, pursing her lips as she gauged his mood. “The sarcasm is new for you.”

  “Did it work?” He smiled down at her, so she knew he wasn’t really pushing her hard.

  Quinn’s ability to read truth and falsehoods in others’ speech was again at the forefront of her thoughts. Becka didn’t want to lie to him, but especially didn’t want to get caught lying.

  Had she been reading the journals? Well, yes, she had. Had she tried to find out information on Mimir or Alvilda? Well, yes, she had. But Becka was also keenly aware Mimir was out to kill her. And maybe her friends. Maybe Quinn.

  Becka especially couldn’t bear to think of losing Quinn.

  She’d lost so much. Her sister. Her friend Luce. She’d almost lost her father, Vott. Even Alvilda, whose betrayal had caused such conflict between Becka and her brother, Calder.

  Sure, she was concerned for Alvilda, at least as concerned as she could be over someone who had tried to kill her and her father. But Becka knew Mimir had taken advantage of Alvilda, no doubt leading her down the dark path she’d traveled. She didn’t wish Mimir’s attention on anyone.

  Becka took a deep breath, trying to shake off the mental images of Luce’s blood flowing and the threatening messages from the books. “I haven’t wanted to think too much about Mimir and Alvilda and the Shadow-Dwellers,” she replied, which was totally a true statement. “The entire incident with Luce still weighs on me.”

  Quinn placed his hands on her shoulders, squeezing her gently, and she found herself leaning into his touch. “I don’t blame you, but we don’t have any other leads and if Alvilda wasn’t dead when Mimir took her, she’s likely running out of time. We have to assume there’s a possibility of saving her until we know otherwise.”

  “I’ve been asking the books questions, and they haven’t given me anything useful about Alvilda.” Which was mostly true.

  His eyes narrowed. Did he intuit she was withholding information?

  “Perhaps you’re not asking the right questions? I bet we could get something useful out of the books with the team helping to guide your questions.”

  Guilt over not helping Alvilda and withholding information from Quinn flooded over her, souring her stomach. “Yeah, maybe.” Becka checked the clock, knowing Quinn was not going to let this one go. He was too tenacious to let any clue go. “I’ve got to get going for my appointment.”

  He nodded, but his eyes were back to stormy. Quinn wrapped his arms around her and she melted into him, wishing the moment could last forever. “Be careful. Andre will be with you. Call me if you need anything.”

  Despite Becka’s overwhelmingly positive interactions with enforcers, she’d grown up within fae territories where distrust of them ran rampant. She’d learned to trust not just Quinn but a few of the others, although the human Andre was still new to her. But if Quinn trusted Andre, so would she, despite her misgivings.

  Unfortunately, the Shadow-Dwellers weren’t going away anytime soon, so she’d need to move past her discomfort and embrace her new reality of twenty-four-seven guards.

  Chapter 2

  Becka lifted her hand to knock on the door and was struck by a moment of deja vu. How long had it been since she’d last visited Dr. Traut? Had it really only been less than six months?

  Her life had changed so much since then that it felt like years had passed.

  “Is everything alright?” Enforcer Andre asked, standing just a few feet behind her.

  Clad in trademark enforcer black and looking like he’d spent all of his off time at a competitive boxing gym, Andre was just as intense as the other enforcers she’d met. Except Andre was human. Becka had witnessed human enforcers with fae over her time in the city, and they never seemed to lean towards giving fae the benefit of the doubt they gave to humans or shifters.

  Curiously, Andre didn’t seem to mind being assigned to bodyguard duty for a fae-touched. Then again, Lydia had been taking the guards coffee, lemonade, and fresh-baked cookies multiple times a day, so she might have softened them up for Becka.

  In fact, Lydia’s overall generosity was one of the things Becka loved most about her. Regardless of living as an unguilded fae in the city, Lydia embraced life with unrepentant joy.

  Becka exhaled and then knocked on the door. “Yes, I was just gathering my thoughts.”

  Andre nodded, all business.

  When the door swung open, Becka felt a smile flash across her face.

  “Lady Becka of House Rowan, I’m so glad you could make it today!” Dr. Traut exclaimed, his beaming smile framing his face in well-worn creases. He had the same poofy, wiry hair, the same off-kilter horn-rimmed glasses, and the same brown-toned outfits that might have been older than he was. But from the time of her twin Tesse’s death and Becka’s subsequent time back at House Rowan, it had only been a few months. Maybe four months in total? What had she expected to change?

  Becka stepped into his office, butterflies of excitement fluttering in her stomach. “Dr. Traut, it’s so good to see you again.”

  “Look at your gloves,” Traut said. She’d put them on in the car, as it was her practice to always wear them when away from home to help protect others from her Null gift.

  “Why, thank you. They’re a gift from my father, Elder Vott of House Alder.”

  “Just exquisite,” Traut replied, his attention wholly focused on them.

  Enforcer Andre followed, sweeping around her and into the office, no doubt checking for access points and other people inside. Traut frowned, but didn’t interfere, his attention focused on Becka’s gloves.

  “I suppose you always have someone with you now?” Traut said.

  “For the time being, yes,” Becka replied. She hoped the guards would be temporary, but given the continuing interest in her by the Shadow-Dwellers, most likely she’d have to accept a permanent enforcer guard long-term.

  Andre reappeared from Traut’s storage room in the back. “It’s clear.”

  Becka gave a stiff nod. “Could you wait outside?”

  Andre’s response was unequivocal. “No.”

  “Please, won’t you come sit?” Traut continued, as if having an enforcer check out his office and stand guard was an everyday occurrence.

  Traut grabbed a manila file folder off his desk, and then motioned for Becka to join him at a pair of faded yellow upholstered chairs in a little guest area he had at the other end of the room, complete with a bookshelf, side table, and teapot on a lace doily.

  For his part, Andre closed the door and stood guard. The chairs were a bit lumpy and threadbare, but Becka didn’t care. The Institute of World Politics and, in particular, the Interspecies Department headed by Dr. Traut, was an area of her prior life she intended to reclaim.

  “Could I get you some tea?” Traut offered, setting his folder on the side table.

  “Nope, I’ll pass,” Becka replied, hearing the firm edge in her tone.

  Traut didn’t appear to notice. “Oh, okay. Let’s get down to it, then, shall we? I must say, Lady Becka, it’s an honor to have your continued interest in the institute. We’re excited to have you on board again with our efforts.”

  Why is he calling me Lady? Well duh, I am one now. Traut had always been deliberately formal to the fae, and now Becka was a fae of merit and position. Still, she didn’t quite know how to feel about it. When last she’d spoken to Traut, it was as an unguilded, ungifted fae student in his program. Now she’d been declared gifted, accepted as a guilded member of House Rowan, and even further, named heir.

  But inside, Becka didn’t feel like a different person.

  “The work you’re doing here at the institute is fundamental to the journey to further relations between humans and the fae. I believe in your mission, and I want to help make sure it succeeds.”

  “It’s so kind of you to say so,” he replied a touch of pink coloring his cheeks. “I look forward to working together with you towards that goal.” He picked up the folder, paging through it un
til he found what he was looking for. “Now, let’s discuss what that could look like. Ah yes, the formal offer is right here.”

  The sinking sensation of disappointment hovered around her. Traut’s stiff demeanor wasn’t exactly broadcasting good news.

  “First, did you get the letter from Chancellor Evans regarding your doctoral studies?” He looked up at her over the rim of his glasses. “It was sent to House Rowan a few weeks ago.”

  “Uh, no. No, I didn’t.” Becka suppressed a few choice words. Had her mother, Duchess Maura, or Aunt Astrid kept it from her?

  He frowned momentarily, but then forced a smile. “Well then, let me catch you up. The chancellor has placed a hold on your doctoral studies pending a review as to your change in status. As you know, fae-touched have historically not been allowed to study at the institute, although an exception was made in your case, as you were unguilded at the time.”

  The possibility should have occurred to Becka, but she’d gotten so used to thinking of herself as the exception to the rule. She knew humans didn’t allow fae access to the human education system. This was ostensibly because fae had their own schools and gifted training within the territories, but Becka suspected it was to prevent fae from becoming too educated. Too prosperous. Too influential.

  Too much of a potential threat.

  What had she expected? Sure, she wanted back the life in the city that she’d left behind the day her twin Tesse died. But just because they’d bent the rules before for her, under different circumstances, didn’t mean they’d do so again. Especially not just to humor her.

  “And now I’m guilded,” she said, mirroring her thoughts.

  “Which is wonderful for you, I must say! It must be such a homecoming to be back at House Rowan and have a magical gift like others of your kind.” He again beamed at her.

  Wonderful was not the term Becka would have used, but it made sense he’d think so.

  “But it does put our policy people in a pickle, if you know what I mean,” he continued. “I’ve written a statement arguing for you to be allowed to complete your studies, and for the goodwill it would generate. I’m hopeful for a positive outcome.”

  Disappointment flooded Becka. So she was back to limbo land? “Where does that leave my internship?” she asked, guessing the answer.

  Traut’s expression turned contrite. “Well, as you can imagine, that was also put on hold, pending the outcome of the review. However, I simply could not fathom passing up on an opportunity to work with you, and by extension, House Rowan. So I came up with a proposal and the chancellor approved it straight off.”

  “That’s surprising,” Becka replied, wary of hearing the details. “What’s the plan?”

  Traut held up a paper for her, covered with signatures and stamps. “I’ve had you declared a fae liaison to the Interspecies Department!”

  Becka laughed at his raw enthusiasm, his ebullient joy chasing away her anxiety. “That sounds promising, Dr. Traut, but what does that mean, exactly?”

  He set aside the paper and folder on the table and leaned forward, practically bouncing with excitement. “It means, my dear, that you are being offered a formal position with the department as unpaid adjunct faculty. When there are opportunities to consult or teach on fae-specific matters, you will be the first one we call. And it means you can continue to access the institute’s resources. I know you’re a fan of the library.” He winked at her. “So, will you accept the offer?”

  “Thank you, Dr. Traut,” Becka replied, her throat suddenly tight with emotion. It wasn’t what she’d hoped for, but perhaps it could be almost as good? And was he seriously dangling library access as an incentive? “That’s so considerate of you. I’d love to be your fae liaison.” Saying the words, she had to blink back the tears of joy suddenly welling in her eyes.

  “Fantastic!” Traut exclaimed, throwing his hands up in the air in exaltation, and Becka heard Andre shift behind her. She glanced back at him and shook her head, letting him know this was typical behavior for Traut.

  “What will my duties be as liaison?” she asked.

  He shrugged. “I haven’t quite gotten too far down that road yet. When I heard from you of your return to the city and your continuing interest working with us, I rushed to get this approved.”

  “I appreciate you finding a way for me to continue my relationship with your department, but I’m sure my house, particularly the duchess, will want a written job description to review.”

  Traut nodded. “Certainly. I can have that to both of you later this week.”

  “Wonderful. I’m so happy for the opportunity.”

  “I am thrilled to have you! Oh! I have a Q&A panel next week that I’d love to have you attend. Assuming you’re available?”

  “I’ll make time!” Becka replied, not at all caring what questions she’d have to answer. “Hopefully, over time, when the administration sees my willingness to help, do you think they might allow me to finish my doctorate?”

  Traut leaned back in his chair, half-smiling and frowning at the same time. “I’m curious, Lady Becka. Now that you’re guilded, why would you want to complete the program?”

  Becka opened her mouth to answer, and then closed it again. She’d had many conversations with Traut over the years, so he knew how driven she was. How could he question her motivation?

  She glanced at Andre, who shrugged with a “don’t ask me” vibe. Traut was kind enough, or perhaps curious enough, to wait for her response, anticipation glittering in his eyes. Perhaps he just wanted to hear her say it again?

  “I feel the initiatives the Interspecies Department is exploring will aid the future of human, fae, and shifter relations. I’m dedicated to seeing a future where the scars of hate no longer hold us back, and I hope for a future with greater cooperation and peace.”

  Traut nodded, his nimbus of wiry hair bouncing as he moved. “An esteemed goal, to be sure, and one which I applaud, especially coming from a fae. But, that doesn’t answer my question. Why now, with your current standing, do you want to complete the doctorate?”

  Hadn’t she already answered? “So I’m better equipped to bring change?” Becka answered, hearing the question in her own voice as she searched for the truth.

  “Right.” He nodded again. “May I be direct, Lady Becka?”

  The honorific hadn’t bothered her at House Rowan, but here, in the world she’d grown up in, it grated. In the city she’d always been Becka. Never Lady Becka. She wanted to be Becka, just Becka, here again.

  “Yes, Dr. Traut, but only if you call me Becka.”

  “I suppose I could, Becka, but only if you call me David.”

  She nodded. “Certainly, David.” It sounded weird, but it was a smidgen of prior normalcy, and Becka would take all she could get.

  “Your life has changed dramatically since you were last at the institute. You’re now the guilded heir to House Rowan.”

  That was a smidge of an understatement, but she didn’t want to delve into the various finer points with Traut. Er, David. No, she’d stick to Traut.

  “It’s true,” she replied.

  “Perhaps now, with your newfound status, you have different avenues to reach your goals? Avenues even more influential than a doctorate from this esteemed institute would provide?”

  “To be honest, after so much time away from House Rowan and fae territories, I don’t have the relationship clout and political connections others do to make change happen.”

  He shrugged. “You’ve only been back within the fold for a short time. Now, I don’t want to dissuade you from working as my liaison. It’s in my best interest, after all. But perhaps, in thinking of your path with the institute, you’re aiming too small-fry?”

  “Excuse me?”

  Traut held up his hands. “I don’t mean to overstep…”

  “No, please. Go on. What did you mean by small-fry?”

  His expression was cautious. “From your papers and our conversations, I know you want to
use your voice and abilities to do good in the world. Working with the institute is certainly one path, but you have others available to you now as well. If you broaden your scope and consider all of the resources under your influence now, what’s the most impact you can have to bring positive change?”

  He has a point.

  Perhaps she’d been thinking about her future and goals all wrong? She’d been playing defense, angling to get back home and reclaim her scholastic past, trying to defend herself against the hidden Shadow-Dwellers, and waiting to feel safe again. Traut was right, she needed to focus on positive impact again.

  She needed to go on the offensive.

  What was the biggest thing she could do to use her powers and influence for good and make the world better? She could bring down Mimir and the Shadow-Dwellers by working with the enforcers. Not just to stop them from coming after her, but to keep them from hurting anyone else, ever again.

  After that, she could focus on reviving peace talks between fae and humans. The two races had never moved beyond the Pax Hominid Treaty, which Becka considered nothing more than a glorified ceasefire agreement. If fae and human could be convinced to develop cooperative partnerships, and work together, what might the world be like in another 150 years?

  “Thank you, Dr.… David,” she replied. “You’ve given me a lot to think about.”

  His smile was broad and heartfelt. “I’m just glad my position as your advising professor still comes in handy. Now, let’s go make you official!”

  An hour later they walked out of the admissions building, Becka holding a shiny new picture ID with the title “Fae Liaison” and “Adjunct Faculty” under her name. Andre had been with her every step of the way, and, perhaps because he was a human enforcer, no one seemed to pay him much mind.

  “I think that gives you access to the faculty breakrooms, should you ever need it,” Traut said. “There’s always coffee available.”

  “Is it any good?”