Cast Into Shadow

by Angela Colsin

  But now that she was being protected by Perosian soldiers, her Dok'aal guard was no longer needed. So they'd been given a choice; stay and become the first Dok'aal to join the Perosian Imperial Army, or depart to pursue their own interests.

  Mikail took the latter option for obvious reasons.

  Every night, he dreamed of Kivsey, and those dreams were the most frustrating teases he could imagine. He never had the chance to do all the things he'd like, and woke each day with an erection that could break down a wall, not to mention enough vexation to try a monk's patience.

  The only good they provided was the motivation to prepare for his coming journey by learning as much about Terra as possible before traveling there. This meant studying maps, as well as the Latin alphabet in more depth—and Empress Dalia herself provided him with the necessary tools.

  As it turned out, Gallos informed the regent of his insistence to serve her guard despite his predicament, prompting her to supply books on the subjects he needed to study. As a bonus, she commissioned the same enchantress who'd killed Rothario to craft a special magic talisman for his use alone.

  Not only would it create the illusion that he was human, it also gifted him with a human's sight, meaning daylight wouldn't be a problem in Terra as long as the talisman was activated.

  Endlessly grateful, Mikail took it and left for The Nexus as soon as he was able.

  As it turned out, the portal sphere to Terra had not only been repaired, but its sister sphere was relocated to a Spire. From what he'd learned, Spires were Terran sanctuaries where supernatural beings were free to come and go as they pleased—as long as no violence was committed within the Spire's walls.

  So it was safe for the Dok'aal to travel to Terra now without immediate worry of being spotted by unwitting humans, and Mikail wasn't complaining. Despite his studies, he wasn't entirely sure what to expect after crossing over into the human world—and soon learned he was completely out of his element.

  Stepping through the portal led him to what could only be described as an indoor garden. Plants, fountains, and numerous teleport spheres stood around the room, and on the far wall was a set of lavish double doors leading inside the building. Located next to them within an alcove was a reception desk where a woman sat, quietly filing her nails.

  But the most remarkable sight of all was outside the floor-to-ceiling windows—a vast cityscape under a cloudy, nighttime sky stretched out as far as the eye could see. Towering skyscrapers dotted by lights were illuminated by a soft, golden glow emanating from street lamps far below, and above was a single, silver moon looming as a crescent in a clear, starry sky.

  It was so immense he could barely fathom how many people must've lived in this city alone, realizing the task of finding Kivsey wasn't going to be simple at all.

  But he wasn't giving up, soon drawn from his stupor when the woman behind the counter cleared her throat and asked, “Can I help you?”

  Turning to walk toward her, Mikail realized she was an elf, and tried to suppress his surprise—and derision—by recalling that he was no longer in Ithelyon, and violence wasn't permitted in this sanctuary. Besides, she didn't look completely concerned by his presence, so he kept things simple by stating his business.

  “I'm looking for someone, a human woman.”

  Still tending her red nails, she inquired, “Who is she and what's your business with her?”

  Now, Mikail growled, uncertain he appreciated her prodding. “Is that a standard question?”

  Sighing, the elf finally placed her nail file aside, then thread her fingers together over the desk and cast a patient, if not mildly annoyed set of pink eyes up at him before explaining plainly, “Sweety, you could've said you were looking for a fae, draconian, mage, lupine, or even an elf, and I wouldn't have cared. But when it comes to humans in this world, I've gotta know more.”

  Immediately, his indignation faded as her explanation made sense—if he'd intended to kill some unwitting human living here, he likely would've been denied entry.

  So he answered, “Her name is Jennifer Kivsey, and she's my mate.”

  Nodding, the receptionist turned to a computer and started typing, directing, “Please place your hand on one of the orbs.”

  Lined up along the edge of the reception desk were a number of strange, glowing orbs, evenly spaced apart. They almost looked like a decoration, but a light swirled beneath their crystal surfaces, like some kind of magical energy.

  Because of this, Mikail hesitated to touch one, inquiring curiously, “Why?”

  Still typing, the elf answered, “Touching them binds you to the Spire's peace pact. This is a sanctuary, and violence is prohibited on pain of death with no exceptions.”

  Hearing this, he finally conceded and placed his hand on the closest orb. Briefly, the magical device flashed as an indication that he was now bound to the pact, but he was distracted from the occurrence when the elf mentioned in mild surprise, “Huh, Jennifer Kivsey is a Bastion agent.”

  Realizing she'd found his mate, Mikail quickly asked, “Do you know where she is?”

  “Calm down, casanova,” the elf muttered. “This database only contains minimal details, so no, I don't know where she lives or what compound she works at. Even if I did, I'm not authorized to provide details.”

  At that, she turned from her computer and stated, “Anyway, we were told to ask all Dok'aal arriving through the new portal sphere if they've ever visited Terra before. So have you?”

  “No.”

  Nodding, she stated as if reciting a script, “Then welcome to the mortal world. Feel free to tour the Spire above the third floor at your leisure, and our Mystic Market is on the fifty-fifth floor if you'd like to purchase something to mask what you are from human eyes. The Shroud isn't foolproof, after all.”

  “What's the Shroud?”

  “A mystical phenomenon that hides supernatural traits from unwitting humans. Mortals don't see what they don't believe exists, so they overlook things like pointed ears and glowing eyes. But the more noticeable the difference, the less likely it is to go ignored.”

  Nodding in understanding, he watched as the elf opened a drawer and extracted what looked like a broken piece of marble. Holding it up, she inquired, “Would you like a Spire Shard? It's good for one teleportation back to this room, which could come in handy if you're lost, or run into trouble.”

  That did sound beneficial, and he accepted the shard, listening as she further explained, “If you return later, you'll only need to enter the pact again before you can enter the building. Any questions?”

  So far, things seemed simple enough, and Mikail thought her information over before inquiring, “What floor are we on now?”

  “The fiftieth,” she replied, “and since your mate works for The Bastion, I'd suggest visiting the thirty-third floor. That's where all the head offices of the various Orders are located, though The Bastion's might not open until morning. So if you need lodging, come back and let me know. Otherwise, enjoy your stay.”

  In taking her information to heart, a strange swell of gratitude overwhelmed him, and he awkwardly thanked the elf before adjourning to the entrance.

  Sadly, navigating beyond it proved difficult. Inside was a lengthy hall with numerous doors and various crystal chandeliers that made things too bright for comfort—at first. He had to stand at the entryway until his eyes adjusted before continuing on, though his troubles were far from over.

  At first, there appeared to be no way off the fiftieth floor, and it wasn't until he encountered a human exiting their room that he learned how to move from one level to the next—an elevator.

  The human seemed intimidated by his presence, but didn't refrain from explaining how the lift worked, and even asked what floor Mikail was seeking. Only moments later, he was on his way to level thirty-three, groaning at the strange inertia felt when the elevator slowed to a stop.

  The doors opened with a ding, revealing another corridor that was much more spartan than the
last. The lights were also off, suggesting the area was deserted, but he held out hope that The Bastion's office was still open while reading the labels on each door in passing.

  Slowly sounding out the first, which said Hunter's Moon, he moved to the next to see Dragon's Brood. Apparently, these were the names of the various supernatural organizations the elven receptionist mentioned, and trying to read them was a tedious process indeed. The Esbat? What the fuck's an Esbat?

  Still, most of the doors were shut with the lights out inside anyway, meaning he'd have to wait until morning before someone was available to help—and he growled at the thought. For ten days, all he'd done was wait, so tired of the numerous delays he wanted to put his fist through a wall.

  Yet, just as he was about to give up and return later, the faint sound of chatting hit his pointed ears. The words were too distant to make out at first, but were coming from a door at the end of the hall that was partially cracked open.

  Like the other offices, the lights were out inside, but he distinctly heard a woman saying, “ … a demon fitting his description is there now, and it looks like he's waiting on someone. So I'm going, and I'll meet you there if she wants to make sure it's the same guy.”

  During the brief moment of silence that followed her statement, Mikail stared at the sign on the door, making out the name Nightfall just as the woman went on, “Okay, I'll see you soon, Stephan. Be safe.”

  At that, the door opened, and he stepped aside to watch as a brunette entered the hall—then immediately looked in his direction as if expecting to find someone standing there.

  Why, he couldn't be sure, but her golden eyes lit in surprise the moment she spotted him.

  “Huh, you're a Dok'aal,” she started with obvious interest.

  He had no idea how to respond to that remark, but she didn't offer the chance, asking, “Did you come here through the portal sphere in The Nexus?”

  Mikail eyed her curiously, her question too specific not to ask, “What do you know of The Nexus?”

  “Well, for starters, I waited there for more than a day to pick up a friend.”

  Immediately, his heart tried to leap from his chest. Her reply suggested she was one of the vampires who'd come for his mate in Ithelyon, and he asked to be certain, “Kivsey?”

  Nodding in confirmation, she inquired, “Did you meet her in Satorala?”

  “I took her to Satorala.”

  At that, the woman's golden eyes widened. “So you're the Warlord. Mikail, wasn't it?”

  “Yes. Did Kivsey tell you about me?”

  “Not precisely. I haven't spoken with her too much since we came back. But she mentioned you in the note she left with Tyrone's body.”

  That was disappointing—he'd hoped this woman could provide insight into how Kivsey was doing, or if she'd thought about him at all since their separation.

  But he didn't mention it, and instead, asked, “Are you Maddox?”

  “That's me,” she returned, adding, “and I'd love to stay and chat, but I'm in a hurry. Though, if you came to see Kivsey, you're in luck because she's coming to meet me.”

  Kivsey's coming here? Mikail's heart picked up its pace, and the vampire must've detected it because she grinned and pointed out, “Sounds like you really want to see her. So do you have something to hide what you are?”

  Without pause, he tugged the talisman from his pocket and answered simply, “This will make me appear to be human.”

  Nodding, Maddox waved him along and started walking toward the elevator, suggesting on the way, “Go ahead and put it on. There aren't many unwitting humans in the Spire, but you shouldn't take chances.”

  The doors opened as soon as she pressed the button, and he followed her direction, donning the talisman after stepping inside.

  The vampire watched, then laughed in surprise to see the result of his transformation after a brief, magical glow enveloped his body.

  “It's like instant plastic surgery!”

  Mikail had no idea what plastic surgery was, but upon catching his reflection in the shiny metal of the elevator doors, he scowled. The only positive result of his new mask was the diminished glow of the lights as his visual sensitivity was now that of a human's. But his normally white hair was black, his eyes brown, and his skin was a tan shade of beige instead of a stormy gray.

  He even had round ears and blunt teeth, and while taking in the differences, Maddox looked his clothing over and mentioned, “You're dressed a little strangely for Terra, particularly with that sword and your hairstyle. But that's not a problem where we're going, so don't worry for now.”

  She made it sound as if an entirely new wardrobe was necessary if he planned on fitting in, and he didn't bother suppressing an annoyed groan. Mikail had no idea where he would get clothing suitable for Terra, or the funds to buy it, and didn't care to ask.

  Instead, he was much more focused on their current activity, finally looking away from his strange reflection to ask where they were going—and Maddox's answer was surprising.

  “To a place called Foxy's. Kivsey's investigating someone for a friend of yours … .”

  CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

  ♦

  Stephan was right; traveling in mist was not Kivsey's idea of fun.

  After enduring ten minutes of fuzzy scenery passing by at dizzying speeds, she was so disoriented when they arrived at the Charlotte Spire she had to prop herself against a wall for support. Gratefully, her travel companion didn't say I told you so while she recovered—but only because their journey wasn't quite over.

  After teleporting to Atlanta, they had to travel in mist again to reach Foxy's more quickly, and the moment they stood as solid beings in a parking deck across the street from the nightclub, she muttered, “Thanks for the ride, Steph, but I won't be taking the friendly vampire skies again anytime soon.”

  As she leaned against a column to steady herself, Stephan grinned, though he was quickly distracted by Maddox. The vampiress was waiting nearby, and wasted no time embracing her lover with a short but affectionate kiss.

  Kivsey smiled at their reunion despite the sting of jealousy over how happy the couple was, and she couldn't help but question her feelings. Could I really have the same type of relationship with Mikail?

  Despite her uncertainties, deep down, some unfamiliar part of her seemed to think there was no reason to doubt it. Perhaps it was the elven side of her nature, the one bonding with Mikail and urging her to seek him out once all was said and done.

  If so, she'd never heard it so clearly before, and found it just as curious as it was hard to trust.

  But there was no time to contemplate why before Maddox snagged her attention by greeting her with the words, “I hope your trip didn't make you too sick to appreciate a surprise, Kivsey.”

  “What surprise?”

  Motioning behind her, the vampiress remarked, “He's standing right there.”

  He? Confused by the strange comment, she turned around to see a tall human emerging from behind the same pillar she'd chosen to lean against. Though she'd never laid eyes on the man before, something was extremely familiar about his visage. Even more questionably, he was gazing at her in a way she could only describe as longingly.

  Yet she realized his long, black hair was braided on each side of his head just as he remarked, “I suppose you don't recognize me,” and that deep voice had her heart pounding and eyes growing wide.

  “ … Mikail?”

  With a nod, he lifted a talisman around his neck and stated, “This makes me appear human.”

  She didn't know who made the magic item, but his transformation was certainly thorough. It was almost like looking upon a stranger, and yet, the shape of his face and body remained the same, overwhelming her with numerous emotions.

  After spending nearly two weeks wishing to see him again, her mind seized on one thought alone—He's here!—and she immediately raced toward him for an impulsive embrace.

  Mikail's reaction was extremely heartening
in turn. The moment she was in arms' reach, he grabbed her to hug so tightly she could barely breathe—the absolute best feeling in the world. Her cheek met his chest where his heart drummed against her ear, the pace nearly in sync with her own pulse, suggesting he was just as happy to see her.

  With the thought came a number of questions she was almost powerless not to ask. Why was he here? Were things well in Satorala? Was he the one Arias sent to collect information?

  Or was she his mate after all?

  That had to be the reason, otherwise he wouldn't be hugging her so tight. But before she could ask to be certain, Maddox interrupted their reunion with some important news.

  “Kivsey, I really hate to intrude, but we need to act fast if we're going to take advantage of the situation.”

  Unable to pry herself from Mikail's embrace so soon, she stayed right where she was in asking, “Why? Did something happen?”

  Informatively, the vampiress explained, “Foxy called again just before you arrived and said the same, blue-eyed Perosian she saw last night just came in and met with the one we suspect is Gyles. They're being seated at a booth on the second-level catwalk right now. So Mikail and I formulated a plan that will allow you to sneak in and listen to their conversation without being identified by either of them.”

  Hearing this, Kivsey finally managed to break contact with the Warlord, looking up as he explained, “Maddox and Stephan are going to take us inside the club using their form of mist to travel through the ventilation shafts to a stock room. That way, no one will see us enter, and then it's just a matter of darkwalking up to the table where they're sitting and listening to what they have to say.”

  Wide eyed, Kivsey looked between them and immediately exclaimed, “That's fucking brilliant!” She hadn't expected to eavesdrop on any conversations, but it would certainly be helpful if the demon inside the club now was actually Gyles.

  Both of them grinned at her exclamation, though Stephan seemed uncertain in asking, “What's darkwalking?”