The Lure of a Traitor

by F. L. Jordan

  Break it, Natalie smiled as the creature chomped down, snapping the wand in half.

  Natalie started to push off the window ledge when a hand firmly grasped her bun, the fingers sinking deep into her hair as a strong arm violently wrapped around her waist. She cried out from the pain and tried to fight, stomping on the man’s foot.

  Daniel grunted, squeezing her harder as he spun her around, “Viv! Get in here!”

  Natalie leaned back against him, then swung forwards, trying to knock him off balance. It worked. Daniel staggered and she was able to get her left arm free of his grasp. As she swung her elbow into his side a third hand grabbed her wrist. Natalie gasped as Agram’s emerald green eyes locked with her own. A crimson smile stretched across the woman’s lips as she held a vial beneath Natalie’s nose. She refused to breathe in the vapors.

  Slag! Natalie cried out for her dragon. A mere second after she made the call, a burst of green flame ignited the room. Agram shrieked in surprise and ran to the desk. Daniel let go of Natalie, pulling the pin from her hair as he frantically tried to remove his flaming suit jacket.

  “My wand!” Agram turned as Natalie ran from the room, scooping up Slag on her way out. “You bitch! Where’s my wand!”

  Natalie knew the woman didn’t really need it, but she definitely didn’t expect the electric burst of dark purple magic that exploded from Agram’s hand. Natalie narrowly missed it as she clamored down the industrial metal steps that were just outside the office door. She needed to get to the warehouse floor where she could hide.

  Tell the dragons outside to light this place up, Natalie told Slag as she ran.

  But, you’re inside it, the dragon was conflicted.

  I need the chaos to distract her, Natalie lifted the creature, tossing her into the air as she ran, Go!

  Slag obeyed, though her heart told her it was a bad idea. Natalie didn’t have time to watch her dragon leave. Another crackling ball of magic was barreling towards her. To avoid it, she jumped the railing of the stairs, landing hard on the concrete floor several yards below. Pain shot through her legs from the impact, but her adrenaline kept her moving. She needed to get out of range, or at least out of sight.

  “Hiding won’t help, you know,” Agram taunted as she descended the stairs slowly. “My shadows will find you.”

  Natalie tucked herself into a small space behind a stack of crates. As she did, something constricted around her leg. Looking down, she saw a black ethereal snake slowly wrapping around her calf, its emerald eyes shining up at her menacingly.

  “I see you, Pent,” Agram’s voice came from the creature.

  Natalie blasted the snake with a small burst of her own light and ran from her hiding space. Agram pinned her against the wall the instant she stepped into view, holding her in place with nothing more than her will. She was about to speak when six little dragons burst into the warehouse, Slag leading the charge.

  “Daniel! Find Hail!” Agram screamed as the lizards began igniting everything flammable. “He’s around here somewhere, he has to be.”

  “I told you those little monsters were a problem!” the man shouted as he started firing his pistol at them.

  Watch out! Natalie warned the flock of dragons, Don’t get shot!

  No worries, Miss Queen, an unfamiliar voice sounded in her mind, I’m about to give him a hell of a surprise.

  Natalie shifted her gaze to the metal grate on which Daniel stood. A small red dragon, barely the size of her fist, clung to the grate below him. His little chest glew bright orange a split second before flames shot out of his mouth and up the man’s pant legs. His horrified scream was immensely satisfying.

  As the warehouse burned, Agram whipped around, her long blonde ponytail snapping fiercely as her angry eyes fixated on Natalie, “Your king won’t last five seconds. Just wait until Daniel finds him. ”

  “Your false king is powerless, Agram. Open your eyes! He’s only with you for your magic!” Natalie spat, wishing she could move. If she could snap her fingers she could summon her wand, but Agram had her completely immobilized.

  Natalie expected Agram to retort. She didn’t expect her to punch her, breaking her nose. Natalie groaned, closing her eyes against the pain. Had she kept them open she would have seen her dragon filling its gills. She would have been able to stop Slag before she acted. Instead, all she heard were the creature’s agonized cries filling her mind. Natalie opened her eyes to see Slag completely engulfed in Agram’s dark magic, writhing in pain on the floor.

  “Slag!” Natalie screamed, forcing a burst of magic from her open palm towards the dragon. As the small ball of light magic collided with the dark energy that surrounded the creature, it neutralized and vanished. Tears filled Natalie’s eyes as she looked upon Slag’s lifeless form. She called out to her, only to receive silence.

  An immense pressure filled Natalie’s chest as tears welled up in her eyes. She called to her companion once again, a lump of emotion catching in her throat. She gasped for air as the realization struck her. Her dragon, her friend, the creature she’d begun to see as her own child, was gone. A sob wracked her frozen body as regret filled her mind. Why hadn’t she listened to Zach? Why did she think she could do this on her own?

  The other dragons felt the sadness within Natalie’s heart and moved to attack. Agram laughed and aimed her hands at them.

  Get out! All of you! Natalie begged them, Agram’s motion drawing her back to the situation at hand. Find the house dragon named Copper! His human can help!

  They listened, all but one. The large green one doubled back, narrowly missing Agram’s attack as he scooped up Slag’s limp body. Natalie thanked him for the act, happy to know that Slag wouldn’t be left here to burn with the building. If Natalie survived this, she would track him down and ask what was done to her corpse.

  Daniel approached the women, his pants still smoking and now half their original length. The man’s menacing expression was exemplified by the fire that surrounded them. He said nothing as he cocked back his fist and delivered a blow to Natalie’s face that knocked her unconscious.

  ~*~

  Ember watched as the man carried the white witch from the burning building. The tiny lizard had always hated his miniscule size until this very moment, Verde, I’m going to follow them.

  We’ll take the witch’s companion to the bay, his alpha replied. Meet us there when you find out where they go.

  Will do, Ember flew stealthily through the flames, barely feeling the heat against his scales. His red hide blended perfectly with the outer brick of the building, camouflaging him as he watched the man drop the white witch into the trunk of a nearby car. As the black witch got into the vehicle, the man pulled something shiny from the white witch and tossed it into the burning building. Ember watched as he tied her hands and feet together with plastic strips. When he slammed the trunk closed Ember glided down from his hiding place, landing beneath the car. The small creature climbed into the undercarriage of the vehicle and held on tightly as it began to move. Every time he spotted a group of street dragons, he let out a high pitched call. From what he could tell, all of them responded, taking flight towards the bay.

  Normally dragons could care less what the humans did, but this one had cried for her companion. She’d shown genuine emotion towards their kind. Ember had heard her voice in his head. This one was worth fighting for.

  ~*~

  Copper clawed frantically at Dr. Tory's office window. He was the only witch the dragon could think of that was guaranteed not to take advantage of Zach in his current state. The man looked up from his desk, frightened surprise on his face. As recognition of the creature outside registered, Dr. Tory hurried to open the window.

  "What are you doing here?" the doctor asked as Copper shot inside.

  He spotted the tablet on a nearby chair and pounced on it. The man took the hint and opened the device, selecting the notepad app for him.

  Copper quickly typed, letting him know what had happened. As
the doctor read, his eyes grew wide.

  "The White Queen?," he asked in disbelief. "Are you sure?"

  Copper nodded, typing on the tablet, 'Her name is Pent.'

  The doctor sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, "I don't know if I can undo one of her charms, little one, but I'll try."

  Copper hopped with urgency. The doctor closed his window and picked the little dragon up, carrying him like a small child as he grabbed his keys. He told his secretary to cancel the rest of his day and go home. His request and panicked demeanor obviously concerned her.

  Copper directed the man to Zach's apartment. As he parked his car the dragon flew back through their apartment's living room window, letting the doctor in when the door buzzed. Copper then showed him to Zach's room.

  He hated this. He hated that he let a stranger into their home. He hated that his human was vulnerable. He hated that his friends were in trouble and he couldn't help them.

  Dr. Tory examined the unconscious man before him cautiously. He had no desire to end up marked. It was clear to him that Zachariah Hail meant a great deal to his queen. He was thankful that the charm she'd placed on him was simple, yet he was conflicted about actually lifting it. His queen had placed it for a reason.

  Something akin to thunder rumbled, vibrating the apartment's windows. The sound was confusing. It had been sunny when he'd entered the building. Dr. Tory peeked out the bedroom’s closed curtain, gasping slightly as he took in the enormous plume of black smoke that rose from the south side of the city. The shiny little dragon startled him by flying into the curtain. The small beast reacted poorly to the sight, shrieking and hopping onto his owner's bed. Dr. Tory watched as the dragon began slamming his head into Zach's repeatedly. He found the creature’s desperation frightening.

  "That won't help," Dr. Tory gently placed his hand between Copper and Zach as he took out his wand. "Stand back, little one."

  Copper hopped from the bed onto the dresser and watched nervously as the doctor gently touched his wand to Zach's chest. He whispered something that the dragon couldn't quite hear and the magical stick began to glow white. His human's entire body also began to glow with the witch's magic. As the spell concluded and the light faded, Zach began to stir. Copper's desire to help their friends took control and he pounced on his human, begging him to wake up as he jumped repeatedly.

  “Copper,” Zach’s voice sounded like he’d swallowed the Sahara Desert, “stop.”

  Natalie and Slag are in trouble, the little dragon kept pouncing. Get up!

  Zach sat up suddenly, knocking Copper to the floor, “Natalie?”

  He felt the bed beside him, leaping out from under the quilt when he found it empty. Copper pushed Zach’s shoes towards him, Slag sent out a distress signal about twenty-five minutes ago.

  “Damn that woman!” Zach growled as he slid his shoes on. “I told her not to go alone! Where’s my gear?”

  Dresser, Copper watched as Zach spun, grabbing his bullet proof vest and utility belt.

  Zach caught the smell of an unfamiliar cologne and froze, "Who else is in here?"

  Dr. Tory, Copper admitted. I couldn't get you to wake up and he was the only person I could think of that would be able to help.

  "Dr. Tory?" Zach was astonished.

  "Yes," the man answered, placing a small card in his hand, "but you can call me Tark, since it would seem we're both witches."

  "Did everyone know about that but me?" Zach asked, mildly frustrated as he felt the card. "What's this?"

  "My personal number," he could hear the man leaving. "Call me when you figure out what's happened to Pent, and I'll call a council meeting. The white witches of this city are eagerly awaiting Her Majesty's orders."

  Hopefully we're not too late, Copper urged Zach into motion. Get dressed!

  "Thanks," he tucked the number into his breast pocket and quickly put on his gear, "for the card and the help."

  "Of course," he heard the doctor pause, "Be careful, Zach. You're no good to her dead."

  "Duly noted," he left his bedroom. "I'll show you out."

  The men rode the elevator down in silence, then parted ways as they exited the building. Zach patted his pockets as he walked, finding his phone.

  He hit the home button, “Call Levit.”

  His captain picked up on the first ring, “What’s going on, Hail? Why is your car in the 3rd Precinct?”

  “It’s a long fucking story,” Zach ran to the edge of the street, hailing a cab.

  “I’ve got time,” Levit said sternly.

  Chapter 16

  Zach stood next to the smoldering remains of the warehouse, taking in the blurry sight before him through the thin silk blindfold. The building had burned for two days. When he’d first arrived on the scene, the flames had been so hot that the fire department couldn’t get near enough to do anything. They’d spent the first night hosing down the buildings around it to keep the fire from spreading. By the next morning it had burned down enough that they were finally able to gain control. Though the flames were extinguished, the heat given off by the remaining rubble prevented Zach from getting close enough to actually learn anything.

  “Copper,” he spoke softly, “fly up and see if you can find anything useful.”

  The beast silently obeyed, leaving Zach’s shoulder with enough force to cause him to take a step backwards. Copper had been an inconsolable mess over the last two days. Zach was trying to be strong for him, but he was fighting the same gut wrenching feelings. What if they were dead? He ran his hand through his freshly trimmed hair, tugging on it nervously as he waited for Copper to find something. He’d been too anxious to simply sit at home and wait for the fire to go out, so he’d finally called his barber. Sitting in the stylist’s chair had also proven difficult. He hated feeling useless.

  “Hail,” Amber’s usually chipper voice was stripped of cheer as she approached him, “Levit wants you back at the station ASAP. Says it’s important.”

  “I’ll go as soon as I’m done here,” his own voice was hoarse from spending too much time near the intense heat.

  “Zach,” she gently touched his shoulder, “she’s not here, and even if she is, you don’t want to see that.”

  “Who are you to tell me what I want?” he looked directly at her, finding someone who looked nothing at all the way he’d remembered her. Amber used to be youthful and vibrant, now she looked old and tired. How had she changed so much in three years?

  “She was my friend too, Zach,” she said mournfully, looking out at the smoking heap.

  “We’re not friends,” he clenched his fists, watching the blurry ball that was Copper as he flew above the destruction, “I had her for two days, Amber, two fucking days. I refuse to believe that’s all I’m meant to spend with her. I know she’s alive.”

  Amber patted his shoulder sympathetically, “I hope so.”

  Copper swooped down to grab something and both of them held their breath. The dragon dropped the charred item at Zach’s feet, landing gracefully onto his shoulders. Zach kicked it around. He could feel the heat of it through his shoe.

  “Amber,” he said quietly, “tell me that’s not what I think it is.”

  “I’m sorry, Zach,” he didn’t have to look at her to know she had tears in her eyes, he could hear it in her voice.

  He turned and walked away, There wasn’t a body near it, right?

  No, no body, Copper stated confidently. I didn’t smell any burnt flesh either. Nothing died in this fire.

  Then the badge was a decoy, Zach got into the squad car he and Natalie had been assigned and started it up. He wasn’t supposed to be driving, but he also didn’t give a fuck. He could see well enough to navigate the road, and Copper was there to stop him if he was about to hit anything. Zach headed towards the station. Throughout the drive neither he nor Copper spoke unless it was about the traffic. They were both emotionally fried.

  As the two of them entered the station, Officer Burns stopped them, “Zach, hang o
n a sec. Corvis is in the captain's office.”

  Zach ripped the blindfold off his face, wincing against the light, “Why the fuck is he here?”

  “Dunno,” Burns answered honestly, “but he’s been in there for the last three hours.”

  “Thanks for the warning,” Zach strode towards his captain’s door, giving his trademark single knock before entering, looking straight ahead as though he couldn’t see. He didn’t want Daniel to know that his curse had been lifted. He knew where Natalie was. Zach couldn’t risk him hurting her.

  “Hail,” Levit looked irritated, “come in.”

  “What did you want to see me for?” he tried to act like he didn’t see Daniel standing there. The mere vision of the man made his blood boil. Though he was happy to see that Daniel hadn’t aged very well. His receding hairline was a satisfying sight.

  “Actually,” Daniel spoke and Zach snapped his head in his direction, careful not to meet the man’s eyes, “I’m the one that wanted to see you.”

  “What the fuck do you want?” Zach hissed at him.

  “I’m here to serve your suspension notice,” his smug smile made Zach want to deck him.

  “On what grounds?” Zach yelled, staying true to his character. In all honesty, a suspension was exactly what he needed. It provided freedom from the moral restraints of being a police officer.

  “Fraternizing with a witch,” Daniel leaned towards him and Copper snapped his teeth at the man. “A full investigation will be carried out to see just how much information you’ve leaked to the black magic market.”

  “Levit, what the fuck is he talking about?” Zach realized that he could easily be blamed for the things Daniel had been doing. He’d just have to act before the man’s fabricated investigation could be carried out.

  “It’s a direct order from the commissioner's office, Zach,” Levit’s voice held a tone of restraint that was mimicked by his expression. “My hands are tied.”