by Kelly Hall
As they walked around the trash-strewn alley, stepping over broken bottles, rotting papers, and whatever sludge was left from the last rain, Ignis matched the center of attack from the bloodstains with two windows of the club and one from the building behind it.
“If I triangulate, we might just see the whole picture.” Ignis walked to the farthest window and called forth a hazy image. He repeated the process with the two that were opposite on the back wall of the empty club until he had three ghostly images. “There we go. Let’s hope this works. Magic of particular power leaves an imprint. In these reflections, I hope to glean enough of that imprint to show us what happened.”
“How come you didn’t try this before?”
“Because I didn’t have Aziel’s blood, and, I thought while I did, I’d put it to use. Plus, to be honest, I had forgotten how it worked. Lucky for me, there are still a few lady mages out there who are fond of me.” The cockiness in his voice made her laugh. She knew there were plenty of ladies who adored him across the world, mages and human alike.
She stepped forward and looked at the far window, which was starting to become clearer. “It’s them.” She saw the mage and the hunters, and she turned to see what the other windows had projected in them.
The other two were the same scene with a little more picture and what appeared to be a slightly different image. The first window was only slightly different because of its vantage point.
“Stand back, Bex.” He stood in the center and pulled the ghostly images from the glass. It created a hologram effect right in the middle of the alley.
Rebekah studied what must have been the last moment of Merik’s life, and sure enough, there was blood on his palms and blood pouring from his side just like the others. The wolves had hung back, just like in the parking garage, and let the mage do most of the work.
“I know him,” said Ignis. “I know the mage.”
“Is he a friend? Do you know his name?”
“I’m afraid not, but I’ve seen him around. It’s been years ago, when I visited Styx to do business. That’s the last time I saw him, but I never forget a face.”
“Do you know how to stop him?”
“No, I’ve never seen anything like the magic he’s wielding. It’s dark magic. Seriously forbidden stuff. But maybe there’s a way to trap it or harness enough of it for study.” He pushed the images back into the windows where they soon faded.
“Whatever the spell is, it’s creating a stigmata effect,” Rebekah said. “Father Timms thinks it’s a mockery, a sign of evil. Are there any other cases of dark mages doing anything like that?”
“No, mages aren’t very religious, but I remember a case back in Rome. Your father was called to the bedside of an older woman who claimed to have been stigmatic, but as it turned out, it was just a hoax. The woman ended up with an infection and died.”
“Did my father ever meet a real one?”
“As a matter of fact, yes. We talked about it back then, and he claimed that there was only one stigmatic he’d ever seen who was real.”
“Who was that?”
“He didn’t say.”
Rebekah watched as the last traces of Merik’s face faded from the glass. “We need to get back to the academy. Maybe you can do a bit of research while we’re there. It’s going to be dark soon, and our mission will begin.”
Chapter 24
Back at the academy, Canter and the others were hanging in the training room, waiting for the call. They’d been ordered to be fed and rested, but their nerves were all too much to keep them holed up in their rooms.
Instead, they were scattered over the small section of bleachers and waited for Rebekah to show.
“I can’t believe we were right about her,” Jarreth said. “To think, my first real battle was with the Immortal Huntress. I knew there was something special about her and that dagger. Damn. Stella is really something.” Jarreth lay on the bench, flat on his back, and looked up at the ceiling.
Delilah had been keeping her eye on him, as well as watching Aziel, who was sharpening his knife with a glowing whetstone several benches down.
“I can’t believe she doesn’t look much older than us, and yet she talks about ancient times like it was yesterday,” she said.
Canter leaned back, stretching his arms out beside him. “I’d love to have a talk with her about history. I bet she’s better than any history book.”
Jarreth scoffed. “That’s what you imagine doing with her? Ask her questions? What’s wrong with you? She’s a goddess; a knockout. I know what I’d be doing if I had her alone.”
“Not everyone is a horny pig like you.” Delilah got up and went to sit by Aziel.
Jarreth snorted. “Whatever. I bet any guy in this room would want her, even angel boy.”
Hearing Jarreth mention angels, Aziel looked up and passed Delilah his stone. Then his eyes followed Katie as she walked in and joined Canter in the stands.
“May I sit here?”
Canter glanced over to see Grady watching. “Not if it’s going to start any trouble. We don’t have time for that.”
Katie giggled. “Grady isn’t going to do anything, not since the Immortal Huntress handed him his ass.” She sat on the bench below him, between his feet. “I guess tonight’s the night.”
Jarreth nodded. “Yeah, prepare for the worst. I’ve seen this mage we’re up against, and trust me, it’s not going to be like anything we’ve seen before. Well, except for me. I’m sure Rebekah will rely on me because of my experience.”
“Or maybe she’ll use you as a human shield,” called Delilah from the bottom row.
Jarreth laughed. “Don’t be salty, Del.”
“Can we go somewhere to talk?” Katie’s voice brought Canter’s head around.
“Sure. I need to get up and do something anyway.” He looked over to see if Grady was watching, but the guy was lying on the mats with his eyes closed, next to Layne and Cooper who were arranging their stars into their belts.
They walked out of the side door and into the yard, and Katie placed her hand on his arm to stop him from going out any farther. “I’m sorry about what happened with the bottle. I didn’t think he’d go nuts over it, and I tried to stop him from going into your room.”
“He reported our TV to Sister Frankie, and Hildi and Sam came to take it out.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. It’s not your fault he’s an asshole.”
“Thanks, I guess.” She let out a little laugh and then stepped closer, placing her hand on his chest to finger his shirt buttons. “I was hoping we could talk about us.” She searched his eyes, and he looked away, seeing hers filled with too much hope.
“I’m not sure it’s a good time for either of us to be forming relationships. One, you’re on the rebound with a guy who would rather kill me than hunt with me, and two, we don’t need any distractions in the field.”
She had a somber look but then cracked a smile. “So, you’re saying that I’d be a distraction to you if we’re together?”
“You’re a distraction even if we’re not, but I think it’s a bad idea, Katie. I’m sorry.”
Her smile turned down as her face darkened with the overhead clouds. “And here I was hoping for a kiss for luck.” She turned her head and looked off into the distance. “Guess I’ll have to make my own.” She turned and walked back into the training room, and Canter let out a deep breath.
He really liked her, but with so many uncertainties about if he should, he knew the only logical choice was that he shouldn’t. It wasn’t easy being a leader, and not only did he have himself and Katie to worry about, but Grady too. As much as he hated the asshole, he didn’t want him getting hurt because his head was someplace else.
Rebekah’s voice turned his attention to the training room, and when he went back in, the Immortal Huntress was standing in the room, and everyone had taken a knee, all but for Aziel. Before Canter could kneel, she gestured with an upward wave.
/>
“No, please, ladies and gents. Let’s not keep making this an awkward affair. Please, call me Rebekah, and cut the kneeling. I need you on your feet.”
Everyone stood at attention, and all weapons were quickly put away.
“As you all know, Jarreth and I were attacked in the parking garage in broad daylight by a pack of shifters, and even more interesting, a dark mage. This particular mage is using a magic unlike anything Ignis and I have ever seen. Father Timms recognized the wounds of our fallen comrades to have a particular pattern. It’s called stigmata.” Canter’s face grew grave with concern, and she remembered him being a ward of the church like her. If anyone knew of stigmata, it was him.
“For those of you who haven’t ever heard of this, it’s when a person spontaneously bleeds from their palms, feet, and as Father Timms pointed out, their sides and even sometimes around their crowns; in other words, all the wounds from Christ’s crucifixion.”
The hunters exchanged a look, and Jarreth spoke up. “I’ve read that stigmata are a divination, and some consider it a blessing.”
“Father Timms thinks it’s more of a mockery in this situation. The magic is of such a pure evil that we’re not sure of its capabilities. So far, it’s not good. I tell you this because it’s how the others died, and while I’m not trying to scare you, you should know what we’re up against.”
“Then why haven’t you called in reinforcements?” Jarreth asked.
“Good question, and quite frankly, because I’m not sure who I can trust. I feel I can trust you, though.”
“You think the Church could be involved?” Canter asked.
Rebekah chose her next words carefully. “I’m saying I don’t know if everyone representing the Church can be trusted.”
Whoever was taking money from their academy sure didn’t have their best interest at heart, and someone knew of the prophecy enough to send rogue wolves and a mage to target her family. She wanted to ignore the theory ever since Father Timms had found the stigmata, but with everything going on, she had to consider it as an option. With the Church also cutting the stationary unit down, she could only feel they were not only compromised, but that someone in the Church was deliberately attempting to handicap them from solving the problem. Bringing her in might be an attempt on her as well.
“You think the Church would send rogues and a mage?” Cooper asked. “It’s strange enough for the two to be teaming up.”
Jarreth spoke up. “If they are teaming up, then it only makes sense that others might be with them as well.”
“Exactly, Jarreth.” She cleared her throat and lifted her voice. “I’m aware that this is a huge mission to break you in, but you’re strong and you’re ready. Tonight, your primary mission is to kill these shifting bastards. As a secondary objective, Ignis, who I know you’ll all respect as much as me, wants me to help him capture the mage.”
“What if he’s too strong?” Jarreth didn’t know if they could capture someone so powerful.
“Then he will die like the others. Either way, tonight, we fight for our friends. If we can’t capture the mage, then maybe a shifter can tell us what’s going on.” She put her fist to her heart, and the others joined in. “You have two hours. I want it to be good and dark before we head out, so spend this time warming up.” She left them to themselves, and as they fell at ease, Jarreth tapped Delilah on the shoulder, grabbing her attention.
“I want you to be safe, Del. Don’t get backed into a corner. Remember your moves.”
“I won’t. Don’t get distracted by Rebekah. Remember, she’s better than you, and she’s immortal, so playing the hero for her probably isn’t necessary.” She started to walk away, but he caught her arm and pulled her close.
“I’m not worried about her. I’m worried about you.” He brought his lips down on hers in a seductive kiss, which had the others around them howling and cheering.
Canter looked over in time to see Katie storm out, slamming the door behind her.
Chapter 25
As Rebekah walked into the garage where the squad gathered to leave, she walked past Katie and Delilah. The two girls were huddled around a phone and a familiar song was playing. The voice stopped Rebekah in her tracks, and she leaned over Delilah’s shoulder to see a shaky video of Ethan performing on stage. The smoke and lights swirled around his face as he sang about his heartache.
Heartache? Yeah, right. She was gearing up for battle while he was playing a show in some smoke-filled arena. Asshole.
One cough to clear her throat, and the room came to attention.
Canter stood at attention beside the black SUV as Rebekah explained their mission.
“I’ve spent the last hour looking over the map of reported wolf activity and sightings. As you know, Jarreth and I were attacked in the parking garage just outside of Sunny Days, which, as it turns out, was the original hospital. After a little more research, Father Timms found out about an abandoned tunnel system. It led from the old club district, where a few of the old gangsters used to move drugs and bodies. It’s the perfect type of location for these animals.”
Jarreth nodded. He also knew it was a great place to keep an eye on both the old woman Rebekah was protecting and Merik, who spent plenty of downtime in the club district.
“Tonight, we’re checking those tunnels, so I want us to partner up. Layne, you and Chris will stick together. Grady and Cooper. Jarreth and Katie. Delilah and Aziel, and I will team with Canter and—”
“I think Ignis and I would make a wonderful team,” Father Timms interrupted. He wore black hunting gear, looking more like a member of SWAT than a priest.
“You don’t have to go, Father,” Rebekah said. She wasn’t worried that he couldn’t hold his own in battle, but he’d retired for a reason.
“It might take three of us to tackle this mage,” he said. “Besides, my vow to you was for a lifetime, and it might be a good lesson for these young men and women to see that a hunter never really retires.”
She knew she couldn’t talk him out of it, and having an extra hand would help, especially one as experienced as Father Timms.
“Very well, let’s load up. Father, could you do the honor of driving one of the cars? Jarreth, take the other.” She chose the two simply because they already knew the way. “Tonight, we hunt.”
When they arrived at the parking garage, instead of pulling inside, Father Timms parked on the street a block over. Rebekah had texted a few maps to the others on the way, showing where each team would split up and comb the area as they made their way to the center hub which connected the five tunnels. With any luck, they would round the shifters up and take them out.
Jarreth and Katie headed out first, and Canter couldn’t help but watch her until she disappeared into the alley looking for their tunnel access. She was in good hands, and if there was anyone he would trust to have her back, it was Jarreth.
Delilah and Aziel left next, and Canter knew that like Jarreth, the angel would no doubt look after his friend. He walked with Rebekah into the parking garage, securing his night vision goggles. Suddenly, her whole demeanor changed, and she was on the prowl.
“I’ve brought us here because I think it’s their main entrance,” she said quietly. “When we go down, make sure you keep an eye on the shadows. I’ve got your back.”
He gave a nod. Sweat was already pouring down his back, and he was sure the rogues would sniff him out well before they saw him.
Rebekah gestured at a square grate embedded in the concrete floor. Canter shoved his fingers through the metal slats and pried it off before placing it quietly beside the gaping hole. The entrance to the tunnel was shrouded in darkness, but with his night vision goggles, he could see the tunnel floor about ten feet down.
Before they could lower themselves down the ladder bolted to the wall, they heard a commotion and froze.
“That’s coming from the tunnels,” Canter said, knowing it was a female’s voice. Ignoring the ladder, he dropped through the
hole and landed firmly on his feet. Without waiting for Rebekah, he took off running in the direction of the screams.
Rebekah ran after him, drawing Stella from its sheath. She had warned the others that there might be rogues at each entrance, and it sounded like she was right. The din of battle echoed through the tunnels around them, like her hunters were being slaughtered. She just hoped she could find them in time to keep that from happening.
They passed the mouths of other tunnels as they ran, but they didn’t need to refer to the map. With their keen hearing, the sounds of fighting guided their steps.
Two figures darted out of a nearby tunnel entrance, and Rebekah spun to confront the threat, raising Stella. Ignis and Father Timms emerged from the darkness, panting with exertion.
Father Timms raised his bloody knife in salute. “One down, about fifty to go it sounds like.”
“It was just a scout,” Ignis said. “I think your new hunters found the main pack.”
Rebekah clenched her jaw. “Then we better get moving.”
She took the lead, and the others followed at a dead sprint. Their footfalls rang out against the concrete walls, but the noise didn’t matter. The time for stealth had passed. Now it was a race to keep her squad from meeting the same fate as Merik and his trainees.
They rounded the corner into a new tunnel, where Jarreth and Katie stood back to back, surrounded by a half dozen wolves. At the end of the tunnel beyond them was the central hub, where the rest of the hunters fought a pitched battle against the rest of the pack. These wolves must have separated Jarreth and Katie in the chaos, hoping to pick them off by getting them alone.
The massive beasts circled around the two hunters, darting in with snapping jaws any time they saw an opening. Jarreth lashed out with his Bowie knife, and Katie swung two wicked looking hatchets in each hand. Together, they were keeping the rogue shifters at bay, but Katie’s shoulders were sagging, and her swings looked wild and desperate.