The Alchemist's Flame

by Andre, Becca

  “What time shall I collect you?” he asked. He still stood within the portal, a shadow in that darkness.

  “I’m not sure. I’ll call you.”

  “Then I will go wait beside the phone.”

  “Ha ha.”

  The portal closed.

  “He obeys you so well,” Elysia said. “Are you certain you don’t have necromancy in your ancestry?”

  “Nah. He just feels guilty. He tried to Make me once.”

  Elysia turned to stare at me.

  “He was working for Neil at the time.”

  “That makes it better.” She frowned, her gaze traveling over me.

  “What?”

  “Neil wore the same black robe.” She waved a hand at my attire.

  “We were colleagues once.”

  That didn’t appear to reassure her.

  I opened the door and, after a glance in both directions, stepped out into the hall. I hitched my bag up higher, and the jars of salve Ian had stacked inside clinked together. Our administrations at the plane crash hadn’t set us back much—or rather, Ian had worked through the night to replenish our stock.

  “Any idea where the neonatal intensive care is?” Elysia asked me.

  “No, but we can ask. Who do you know in the NICU?”

  “My godson. I promised his mother before she crossed over that I would look out for him. It was the least I could do since I made her a lich.”

  My mouth dropped open. “You’ve made a lich?” Elysia seemed like a good person—nothing like the necromancers I had met before. Had I been wrong?

  “Her name was Kari. She had been shot. James said her soul was leaving and it was the only way we could think of to save her baby.”

  “Whoa. James was involved? You need to back up and tell me this story.”

  I led her down the hall, and she did as I asked, telling me about how she and James foiled a robbery, but the young cashier had been hit by a stray bullet and couldn’t be saved. Elysia shared the guilt she felt when confronted by the girl-turned-lich. She’d saved Kari’s baby, but had not done the right thing by this poor girl she’d Made. Elysia had tried to make it up to her, promising to take her to see her baby, but before she could, she lost her permanently when Gavin ripped out her soul.

  Elysia’s voice shook as she continued the story. “She was such a good person. I wasn’t proud of what I did and certainly not the way I handled it, but I wish she could have…survived. She so wanted to see her boy.”

  “Maybe she’s not completely gone. James tells me that ghosts are real.”

  “They are. I can see them—well, when I’m whole I can. James said she crossed over, and once that happens, he doesn’t think they come back.”

  “Oh. Then I’m surprised she moved on if she wanted to see her boy.”

  “I’ve thought about that. I think my promising to watch out for him gave her the strength to move on. Though I don’t know what I can do. I can barely make rent.”

  “What about her family? The baby’s father?”

  “I called the convenience store where she worked. Kari was raised by an elderly grandmother who’s now in a nursing home, and the baby’s father is dead.”

  “I know some people. They have influence and money.”

  She glanced over. “The Elements. This baby isn’t magical.”

  “Neither am I.” We had reached the nursery. “Let’s go find him.”

  “Don’t you have an appointment?”

  “I’ve got fifteen minutes.”

  She nodded, her expression uncertain. “Okay. Let’s find Kari’s son.”

  It turned out that Elysia didn’t need any Elemental clout to get in to see the baby; all she needed was me. I had become quite the celebrity around the hospital, and all it took was for me to vouch for Elysia.

  “I’m glad someone has finally come to see the little guy,” the nurse told us as we followed her down the hall toward the NICU. “It’s good to know he has a godmother. He’s doing well, but be prepared for him to be in here another month. That should give you time to get the paperwork together.”

  “Paperwork?”

  “Didn’t you sign legal documents when you became his godmother? I imagine you would have to go through the regular adoption process without them. But I’m not a lawyer, so I can’t say.”

  Elysia looked over at me, her expression alarmed. I suspected she hadn’t intended to adopt the baby when she agreed to look out for him.

  “Here we are.” The nurse stopped outside a door, and turned to face us. “Will you be going in, as well, Miss Daulton?”

  “No. I have an appointment in a few minutes.” I turned to Elysia. “But I’ll be back to get you.”

  “Thank you, Addie.” Elysia gave me a tentative smile, clearly nervous about seeing the baby she saved.

  I returned her smile and headed to the Burn Unit. Elysia was proving to be a good, person after all.

  Working for the hospital was an eye-opening experience for me. Forgotten past or not, I was pretty sure I had never used my talents to help. That was probably why the satisfaction it brought me was so unexpected. I sometimes wondered if this had been Rowan’s plan all along—not just to help the burn victims, but to show me what doing good felt like. Whether his intent or not, it had worked.

  Dr. Albright, head of the Burn Unit, and my point of contact within the organization, rose to his feet and extended a hand. These short meetings had become a routine, and one I looked forward to.

  “Another successful week, Miss Daulton.”

  I stood and took his wrinkled hand. “Thanks to you.” It was because of this caring man that I got the chance to prove alchemy’s worth on a grander scale.

  “And where did you find this humility?” His care-worn face creased into a grin. We had discussed on more than one occasion the hubris of the alchemist, the necessary arrogance to believe I could do the impossible.

  “I am not so proud that I can’t give credit where credit is due. You gave me this opportunity, against a lot of opposition. I appreciate it.”

  “Bah. At my age, I see no point listening to the windbags who think they know best. Usually, it’s what’s best for their pocketbooks.”

  I smiled. Dr. Albright had opened up with me over the last few weeks.

  “Besides, Dr. Brant typically knows what he’s talking about.”

  Dr. William Rowan Brant, one time volcanologist, and now a major backer of the Burn Unit. I didn’t think Dr. Albright knew he was also the Flame Lord. But I wasn’t sure.

  “I’m also grateful to him for this opportunity,” I said.

  “Remind him that he still owes me a bottle of cognac. I knew my Bearcats would win.”

  I laughed. “I’ll tell him.”

  Dr. Albright walked me to the door. He laid a hand on the knob, but didn’t open it. Instead, he placed his other hand on my shoulder. “You can help him, too.” His voice was soft, but his keen eyes were intense.

  My breath caught. He did know. “I’m trying,” I whispered.

  He nodded. “Good. He takes on too much.”

  “Yes.” I hesitated, not sure if I should ask, but I plunged in, anyway. “I’ve often wondered. Did you…treat his niece?”

  “Yes.” He bowed his head for a moment. “She had a strong will to survive, but the burns she had suffered were more than her little body could heal.” He shook his head. “Medicine has come a long way since then, and we didn’t have you.”

  My throat had closed off, but it didn’t matter. I didn’t know what to say anyway.

  Dr. Albright released my shoulder and pulled open the door. “Until next week, Miss Daulton.”

  “Until then.” I left his office with a mixture of accomplishment and despair. I was helpi
ng people, but it had come too late for Rowan’s family. He had to live with the fact that he had killed them all.

  I walked down the hall, my mind drifting to the usual problem that was Rowan. But not only Rowan. Colby needed help, as well. I reached the elevator and hit the up button. I would collect Elysia and head to the lab. I still needed to give her antidote another try.

  I pulled the new cell phone Rowan had given me out of my now empty bag. Ian could get started on the foundation for her antidote. He was as anxious to begin as James. I found the contacts list Era had helped enter and scrolled to the lab’s number, but hesitated. It would save time, but if Elysia found out Ian had helped, she would probably refuse to take the potion.

  Someone stopped beside me and I glimpsed black clothing. “Forget who you planned to call?” he asked with a chuckle.

  I realized I was staring at a dark screen. “No, I—” I looked up and gasped.

  “Hello, Amelia.” Neil gave me a big smile.

  Chapter

  7

  Neil’s brown eyes met mine. Contacts, of course. His natural color was no color at all. Like Elysia. My hand rose to my ribs, sliding over the narrow pockets discreetly sewn into my robes. The pockets that held an assortment of potions.

  “Now, now,” Neil said, lowering his voice. “You wouldn’t want to soil this new reputation you’ve worked so hard to build.”

  “Why are you here?” I wanted to demand where Gavin was, but I didn’t want to give away that I knew.

  “To see you, of course. I’ve missed you. You always had such a way of making lab work interesting.”

  A few people had stopped nearby. Waiting on the elevator or trying to eavesdrop? They were clearly watching us, no doubt noticing that Neil’s robes matched my own.

  “Do you have a moment?” He gestured at the hallway behind us, inviting me to walk with him. The split sleeve fell open to reveal the five bands encircling his right biceps.

  “Actually, I don’t.”

  “No time for an old colleague?” he raised his voice as he spoke.

  It seemed I would have to oblige him before he made a scene—or worse. Where was Gavin?

  I wordlessly turned and walked up the hall. I led him several yards down the corridor, then turned to face him. “What do you want, Neil?”

  “I saw you on TV last night. The salve you used is not the one we designed at the Alchemica.”

  I noticed the puckered pink flesh along his jaw and neck. The burns he suffered when I destroyed his last lab? “I’ve made some refinements.”

  “They say you can heal third-degree burns.”

  “Several refinements.”

  His eyes narrowed. “No. What I saw last night was blood alchemy.”

  I glanced toward the elevator, but no one in the growing crowd had been brave enough to move closer. I turned back to Neil and continued in a whisper. “I used the regenerative properties of my own blood.”

  “The Final Formula.”

  I nodded.

  “How? Any boost the Formula gave you is not genetic. Purifying the essence of your blood would give…nothing. You’re not magical.”

  I crossed my arms.

  The corner of his mouth curled. “That still bothers you? And here you are hobnobbing with the powers at the top.”

  “It doesn’t bother me that I’m not magical.”

  He snorted, his look knowing. “Oh, really?”

  It bothered me that he knew more about me than I did, but I couldn’t let him know that. It would be one more thing to use against me.

  “Have you used the ingredient you took from me the last time we met?” He had taken my blood, after he used Ian to sabotage all my alchemy. My blood contained the essence of failure at the time.

  “Don’t look so concerned. The target for that particular potion has always been my family.”

  I raised a brow. Did he intend to double-cross Xander? “Use it on your uncle, and I’ll help you brew it,” I whispered.

  He laughed. “I would almost agree to that just to join you in the lab once more.” He shook his head. “Alas, my uncle still has his uses.”

  “A shame.”

  “Indeed.”

  A twinge of déjà vu threatened, but didn’t materialize. I sighed. “What do you want, Neil?”

  “Only what I deserve…and maybe some vengeance and retribution.” He added the last with a smile.

  “I would be happy to help you get what you deserve.” I returned his smile.

  His smile took on an edge. “I’m glad you’re so agreeable, because you are going to help me.”

  Apprehension washed over me. “And how do you intend to secure my assistance?”

  “Wait for it.”

  The elevator opened behind us. He turned away, and walked toward it, the crowd parting before him. No one was brave enough to get on with him. He leaned over and punched the button, then grinned at me as the doors slid closed.

  Wait for it. Oh God. He had sent Gavin after someone close to me. Rowan, the other Elements, maybe even Elysia. I gripped my phone and hurried toward the stairs. I hesitated inside the stairwell door and scrolled down to Rowan’s number. Holding the phone to my ear, I jogged up the steps. His secretary answered on the second ring. He must be at the Elemental Offices. He frequently had his calls routed to her while he was at work.

  “This is Addie,” I said. “Is His Grace in?”

  “He is, but he’s in a meeting with the Deacon.”

  I gripped the phone tighter. Surely Xander wouldn’t try anything at the Offices. Especially when other people knew he was there.

  I asked her to have Rowan call me and hung up.

  I was wheezing and my thighs were burning by the time I reached the sixth floor. I pushed open the stairwell door and hurried out into the hall. I didn’t want to draw attention by sprinting through the corridors, but I walked as fast as I dared.

  Heart in my throat, I rounded the corner by the nurse’s station. It was empty. I leaned across the counter, half expecting to find a body on the floor, but all I saw was an empty chair.

  “Can I help you?” a voice asked from behind me.

  I turned to find a heavy-set woman in pastel scrubs watching me.

  Her brows rose. “You’re the Flame Lord’s alchemist. I saw you on TV last night. You helped those people get off the burning plane.”

  I wanted to correct her on so many points, but I didn’t have the time. Gavin could be hurting someone right now.

  “Yes, I was at the airport, but at the moment, I’m looking for—”

  She closed the distance between us and gripped my sleeve. “You’ve seen him? Up close, without the hood?”

  With my mind on Gavin, the question threw me. “What?”

  “The Flame Lord. You know what he looks like?”

  “Well, yes. Listen, I’m looking for my—”

  “Is he attractive or is he disfigured?”

  “What kind of question that?”

  “They say he’s covered in burn scars. That’s why he wears the robes.”

  “I’m not permitted to say. Now, will you help me?”

  She looked surprised. “You need help?”

  “Yes.” I resisted the urge to grab her by the shoulders and shake her. “My friend was visiting the NICU, and I wondered if she was still here. She’s going to ride home with me.”

  “Is he picking you up?”

  I did my best imitation of Ian’s flat stare.

  “Right. You can’t say.” She stepped around the counter. “I can check the visitors list.” She began clacking keys on the computer. “It might take a minute. This system is so slow.”

  “You can’t check in person?”

  “We prefer to kee
p the traffic to a minimum. Less risk to delicate immune systems. That’s why we have the visitor list—when they remember to use it.”

  I was going to scream.

  A few more key clacks. “What’s your friend’s name?”

  I opened my mouth to answer, and thought better of it. The woman was clearly a gossip. “Can I see the list?”

  “I’m not supposed to…”

  “How about I answer one of your questions?”

  “One of my—”

  “You know. About him.”

  “Oh.” She glanced around, but there was no one else near the nurse’s station. “Okay,” she whispered, scooting her chair back from the computer.

  I circled around behind the counter and leaned down to see the screen. I found Elysia’s name near the bottom. She had already left the NICU.

  Stepping back, I swept my gaze around the area, but there wasn’t a waiting area nearby, or any restrooms.

  “So which of my questions are you going to answer?” The woman rose to her feet.

  “He’s not disfigured—in any way.”

  Her eyes widened. “He’s attractive?”

  “Oh, yes.” I left her standing there and hurried to the elevators. Hadn’t I told Elysia that I would return for her? I eyed the waiting area by the elevator, but didn’t see her. Had she gone back to the closet Ian and I used for a way to and from the hospital?

  Unable to wait for an elevator, I pushed open the stairwell door and started down. I had descended several flights when the sound of heavy breathing and footfalls on the steps stopped me. Would Gavin use the stairs? I considered backtracking when I realized that the breathing sounded female.

  Elysia stepped around the corner. “Addie. Thank God.”

  I jogged down the steps to join her. “What happened? Where were you?”

  “I wasn’t allowed to visit long, so I decided to go down to the lobby and call Grams.” She stopped to catch her breath. “I saw Neil.”

  “Coming or going?”

  “Leaving the hospital. I figured he knew where to find you, and since he was in his robes…”