by TJ Green
Zee was leaning against the wall of the house, and he pushed himself away as they exited the car. He was dressed in motorbike leathers, and he carried his helmet in his hand. A single light shone overhead, casting his features in shadow, and Avery shivered. She didn’t know anything really about the Nephilim, other than they were the sons of Angels and women who had lived and died in biblical times, killed by the great flood, and unwittingly released by their magic the previous summer.
Seven of them had been released from their otherworldly plane, and they now lived in White Haven, co-existing peacefully with the town. Somewhere, magically hidden, each of them had a pair of huge wings that they could unfurl at will, and all of them were well over six feet in height, muscular in build, and had a keen intelligence. Apparently, they were reasonably impervious to magic, and had great healing powers. Avery had a feeling there was a lot more about them they didn’t know. More importantly, Avery still wasn’t entirely sure they could trust them. Although to be fair, they’d supported the witches when the Wild Hunt attacked at Samhain, and had given them no reason to doubt them so far.
Gabe, short for Gabreel, seemed to be their leader, and was the only one that Alex had made a psychic connection with. Gabe was the spirit that had lurked within the Church of All Souls and had killed the verger, Harry, in order to regain physical form. Despite Gabe’s leader status, Zee was clearly not happy with his current decision.
“Is he expecting us?” Alex asked as he glanced around the yard.
“No. I didn’t want him to think of a good reason to stop us, or to just not be here.”
Alex looked surprised. “Would that be likely?”
“Yep.” Zee didn’t elaborate, but he turned and led the way through the wide oak front door into a passageway lined with broad flagstones. Avery looked around and grimaced. The place was plain and unadorned. There were no pictures on the wall or rugs on the floor, and there was a chill to the air.
Avery exchanged a worried glance with Alex, and then followed them both to the back of the house and through a long, rustic kitchen to a rear passage that led to the back door and other rooms. The passageway was lined with boots and coats, and halfway along was another thick wooden door on an inside wall.
Zee shrugged his jacket off and placed his helmet on a small side table, and then opened the door. “She’s down here.”
“Is Gabe there?”
“Probably.” Zee was trying to be impassive, but Avery detected tension around his shoulders and behind his eyes.
Alex stepped closer. “Zee, you’re being very mysterious. Is this safe?”
Zee sighed and nodded. “I’m just worried about Gabe. She’s safe enough.”
He headed through the door, and as Avery followed him, she realised there were stairs leading down to a basement. A low light burned, and as they descended, Avery felt warmth creep towards her. The basement was heated, and was far warmer than the rest of the house.
Zee shouted, “Gabe! I’ve brought visitors.”
Gabe’s voice sounded muffled. “Who? Zee, I warned you!”
“Too late,” Zee replied, completely nonplussed.
Zee led them into a low-roofed, brick-walled room with a slabbed floor. A large cage that was ceiling height took up most of the space, and in it paced a distinctly otherworldly creature.
Avery froze as her gaze met the startlingly violet eyes of a fey woman. She was slightly taller than Avery and lithe, and she paced her prison with a catlike grace. She was dressed in figure-hugging black trousers, a short jacket, and knee-length boots of soft leather. Her hair was long and shot with silver and gold, her skin was clear and almost luminous, and she emanated magic. And she was furious.
Their eyes met for only seconds, but it seemed to Avery that the moment lasted for far longer. Her gaze passed from Avery to Alex and then back to Gabe. “You invite people to stare now? Like I’m some kind of amusement?”
Her voice had a soft lilt to it, an accent that Avery couldn’t quite place.
Gabe had short hair and a military demeanour. He was well over six feet and bristling with muscle, and had been sitting on a chair to the side of the room staring at his prisoner, but as soon as they entered he stood and swiftly turned, eyes narrowed. “Zee! What the hell are you doing bringing them here?”
Zee crossed his arms, unperturbed. “Doing what I should have done days ago. Someone needs to talk some sense into you.”
Gabe looked between Zee, Alex, and Avery. “And you think these two will do it?” He frowned. “And I am perfectly in control of my senses, thank you.”
Zee huffed. “You’re keeping a fey prisoner in our cellar. How long do think you can do this?”
“As long as I need to!”
“I will live a long time,” the fey said, sneering. “And sooner or later, I’ll break out of this prison.”
Gabe rounded on her, looking huge in the small room, his dark eyes narrowing. “Not from an iron prison you won’t.”
Of course. Folklore said the fey didn’t like iron. Avery had wondered how Gabe could contain one.
Alex sighed. “Gabe, please. What’s going on? You said you’d killed the two escaped fey.”
Gabe grimaced. “I thought we had. And then, after you witches had left Old Haven Church, we went to collect the bodies, and one of them had gone. I decided not to tell you and find her first.”
“And now you have. Well done,” Alex said, looking between Gabe and the fey. “And what now? Do we open the doorway and send her back?”
The fey stepped forward, inches from the bar, looking excited. “Can you do that?”
Alex’s shoulders dropped as he met her gaze. “No. I’m sorry. I was being sarcastic. That portal has long gone, and the magic that created it, well,” he shrugged, “we can’t create it again.”
“Neither can I. And believe me, I’ve tried.” She obviously detected his sympathy. “So, I’m stuck here, without my kind, in a world far from my own. A prisoner to this gigantic oaf.” She glared at Gabe.
“I am not an oaf, woman,” he growled.
Avery tried to suppress a giggle. Calling Gabe an oaf was pretty funny. “So, what is your plan, Gabe? Zee is right. You can’t keep her locked up forever.”
Gabe glared again. “I don’t know what to do with her! Other than kill her.”
“You couldn’t before,” the fey shot back. “Changed your mind?”
Avery’s head was whirling with confusion. “Can you explain how you caught her, and where you found her?”
“We found her trail and tracked her for days. We eventually discovered her in Old Haven wood. She’s very skilled at hiding.”
“Of course I am. I am fey,” she answered smugly.
Gabe continued. “While we tracked her, I had this cage made. I knew iron would contain her and her magic. Long story short, we caught her in the grove, trying to reactivate the portal in the old yew.”
“And you didn’t kill her. Why not?” Alex asked.
“Because I promised you that we wouldn’t kill anyone, remember?” Gabe said, frowning. “It was part of our agreement for staying here. When I make a promise, I keep it. And besides, it is one thing to kill in the heat of battle; it is another thing entirely to kill in cold blood.”
Alex smiled. “Thanks, Gabe. I appreciate that, difficult though our situation is now.”
Zee was leaning against the wall. “Doesn’t give us a solution, though, does it? What do we do with her now?”
Avery looked at the fey who was watching their exchange with interest. “Sorry, I hate to call you her. What’s your name? I’m Avery, and this is Alex. We’re both witches, and we’re responsible for these guys being here.”
“Not your finest moment then, Avery,” the fey replied, deadpan.
Avery laughed. This fey could be a handful. “No, but they have their redeeming features.”
“I have yet to see them.” The fey relaxed slightly. “My name is Shadow Walker of the Dark Ways, Star of the Evening,
Hunter of Secrets. You may call me Shadow.”
Wow. “That’s quite the name. Nice to meet you, Shadow.”
Shadow narrowed her eyes. “I wish I could say the same. Maybe under other circumstances.”
Avery nodded. “Agreed. You arrived here as part of the Wild Hunt. You were trying to kill us, and would have if not for our magic. And you would have killed many more if you had escaped. How can we justify releasing you?”
“I’ve been here for a while now, Avery. Well over a moon cycle. I haven’t killed anyone since, have I?”
Avery held her gaze. “That’s an excellent point. Why didn’t you?”
Shadow shrugged. “There is no need. The Hunt’s purpose is sport—like all hunts. It is a spectacle of courage and skill, and...” She paused for a moment. “Herne enjoys it. It releases his blood lust and reinforces his power over mortals. The witch who created the portal between worlds reminded him of his past glories, and he felt the loss of them greatly. To stride as a God amongst mortals is something in which he revels, and to retreat so soon that night would have cost him dearly. I was one of the chosen when we felt the pull of the portal. You do not refuse Herne.” She stood straight and lifted her chin, her eyes flashing with a challenge. “And besides, it was a great honour. But now...” She shrugged. “Why kill? It has no purpose.”
Avery looked briefly at Alex, considering Shadow’s words. “I hate to break this to you though, Shadow, but you do not look entirely human. How will you survive in our world?”
Shadow smiled in a predatory manner. “I can live under a glamour. It will be easy for me once out of this cage, which restricts my magic.” She turned to Gabe, who watched her speculatively. “This is a discussion we have had many times over the past few days, Nephilim. You know this. Why do you hesitate to release me?”
“Yes, good question,” Zee added, meeting Gabe’s grim stare.
Gabe flexed his huge shoulders. “Because it was I who failed to kill you in the first place. My failure sits heavily on me.”
Shadow grinned suddenly, a flash of white teeth glinting in the dim light of the basement. “Will it help if I tell you that you wounded me? I limped away from that battle. And you have my horse.”
Of course! Avery hadn’t even thought to ask about them. She presumed they’d been killed, too. “Where are the horses being kept?”
“In the fields behind the house,” Zee replied, admiration creeping into his tone. “They are amazing creatures—beautiful, intelligent, and fast. Faster than any horse I have ever ridden.”
Alex rubbed his face thoughtfully. “Zee’s right, Gabe. You can’t keep her locked up forever. And, Shadow has a point. For almost six weeks she was free, and no deaths.” He looked at her, puzzled. “It’s freezing out. How have you survived?”
“I am fey. I can conjure magic to keep me warm, although it saps my strength. That’s why he was able to catch me. And I can hunt to survive. My bow and arrow are over there, along with my other weapons.” She pointed to the corner of the room, where an impressive array of weapons was stacked: a sword with an intricately carved pommel and hilt, a dagger, and a bow as tall as Avery, with a bundle of arrows next to it.
“And I presume your magic helps you speak our language?”
“Yes, it does. Although, our races have long intermingled, and our language is close to yours, anyway.” She turned to stare once more at Gabe, whose bulk loomed over her slender frame. “Now, let me out!”
Gabe groaned. “I don’t like this at all.”
Zee strode forward and patted his arm. “You knew that once you imprisoned her, it couldn’t last forever. You have to release her. And you,” he turned to Shadow. “Behave yourself. You are superior to mortals, you know that. Don’t take advantage.”
She gave a shifty smile. “I’ll try.”
Gabe pulled a key from his pocket and reached for the sturdy padlock and chain that was wrapped around the bars and door to the cage. He unlocked them with a snick and pulled the door wide open. The fey quickly crossed through before he could change his mind, and took a deep breath in relief at being free.
Avery felt Shadow’s magic swell around her, and stepped back a pace, watching her with curiosity. She might have been human in shape, but her violet eyes glowed from within, and her movements were swift and graceful. Her hair looked as if actual silver and gold were in it throughout. As if she was aware of Avery watching, she shimmered slightly and her magic swelled again, and within seconds the glow within her eyes disappeared, and her hair changed to natural caramel tones, soft and tumbling around her face. “Better?”
“Better,” Avery agreed, nodding.
Shadow strode across the room and picked up her weapons. She attached her scabbard to her belt and sheathed her sword, strapped her dagger to her thigh, and heaved the bow over her shoulder, then turned to face them as they watched in silence. “Time to go.”
Gabe looked uncomfortable. “Where will you go? It’s freezing out.”
“I’m inventive,” she shot back.
“Stay here,” he said.
“What?” Zee asked, stepping between them. “Are you insane? When I said release her, I didn’t mean invite her to stay.”
“I feel responsible for her,” Gabe said, his tone short. “We have plenty of room.”
Avery watched him, trying to hide her amusement. She was pretty sure Gabe had more than a passing interest in Shadow. And why not? She was seriously hot, and a warrior to boot. If Gabe had a type, Avery was willing to bet that she was it.
Shadow didn’t wait for Zee’s response. “Excellent. I accept.”
3
“Are you serious?” Reuben asked. He lounged on Alex’s sofa, beer in one hand and a slice of pizza in the other, paused halfway to his mouth.
Avery knew that not much stopped Reuben from eating, so he must have been shocked.
“Yes,” Alex answered, reaching for a slice of pizza, too.
Briar edged forward on her seat. “Really? A fey woman is here, in White Haven?”
“Yes. Staying with Gabe and the other Nephilim. It’s like some twisted version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.”
El sniggered, almost spitting out her beer. “I wish I had been there! Newton is going to be so pissed when he finds out!”
Avery laughed. It was Friday evening, the day after they had been to see Gabe with Zee, and they were sitting in Alex’s flat, relaxing on his comfortable tan leather sofa and armchairs that were clustered around a blazing fire, eating pizza. The lamps were lit, candles placed in dark corners, and incense smoke drifted across the room. It had started to rain, and the steady drumming cocooned them.
The five White Haven witches had gathered together for one of their regular catch-ups. Reuben, a tall blond surfer and Water witch, was partnered with El, a leggy blonde Fire witch with the ability to make magic-imbued jewellery. Briar, small, dark, and petite, was an Earth witch, known for her ability to heal and make great balms, lotions, and candles. She had an enigmatic relationship with Newton, their friend the Detective Inspector who had almost died at the hands of Suzanna Grayling, one of Avery’s witch ancestors. It was Suzanna who had summoned the Wild Hunt on Samhain. For a while in the summer it had seemed like Briar and Newton might start dating, but then Newton declared he couldn’t be in a relationship with a witch. However, after his brush with death, it seemed he might be reconsidering that idea. He’d have to be quick, however. Briar had many admirers, not least Hunter Chadwick, the Wolf-Shifter who’d since returned to Cumbria, but Avery knew he was still in touch with Briar.
Avery curled up in the corner of the couch, sipped her beer, and observed, “They could do with a woman’s touch in that place. It’s so stark and cold.”
Alex just looked at her. “I’m not entirely sure that Shadow is the homemaking type. She was packing some serious weaponry.”
“I think Gabe fancies her.”
“Really?” Briar asked. “What makes you think that?”
“He had this way of watching her,” Avery told her. “And why invite her to stay? That’s nuts. She could murder them in their sleep.”
“I doubt that,” Reuben said. “The Nephilim have very heightened senses. And they’re quick. I reckon they’ll balance each other out.”
Alex shrugged. “Well, it’s not our concern. They’re adults. They can sort it out.”
“It will be our concern when things turn shit-shaped,” Reuben pointed out as he reached for another slice of pizza.
They were interrupted by a knock at the door, and Newtown stuck his head in. “It’s only me. Room for one more?”
“Talk of the devil,” El said, grinning. “Come on in.”
He looked suspicious as he came in carrying a couple of beers, and he joined them around the fire. He must have just finished work, because he was still wearing his suit. “Why are you talking about me?”
Alex grinned. “Well, let’s just say that life keeps getting more interesting in White Haven.”
Newton groaned. “Why? What’s happened now?”
“A fey woman survived the Wild Hunt, and is now in residence at Chez Nephilim.”
Newton looked like he’d been slapped. “What? Is this a joke?” He looked around at them all, dumbfounded. “It’s not funny.”
“Not a joke. Sorry, Newton,” Avery said, patting him on the arm. “Gabe had been hunting for her for over a month, ever since Samhain, and he found her last week.”
“She’s one of the two who escaped? Gabe said they were dead!” Newton said, still incredulous.
“One is, but she isn’t,” Alex explained, stretching in front of the fire like a cat. “Her name is Shadow. But, from what we can tell, she isn’t about to set out on a mad rampage across Cornwall, so she’s just one more weird resident.”
Newton took a long pull on his beer before he loosened his tie and took it off, opening the top button of his shirt. His grey eyes looked tired. “I can do without this right now.”
“Why? What’s happened?” Briar asked, looking worried.
He ran his hand through his hair and paused for a moment. “A student has been found dead on the grounds at Harecombe College.”
