Rule of Chaos: Choosing Chaos, #5

Kable VonSable

in

Rule of Chaos

Rule of Chaos

Book five of Choosing Chaos Series

featuring Kable VonSable

By: MJ Hutto

Elements of Events

Elements of Events

1 Another Fine Debacle

2 Getting There

3 Team Karmine

4 Grenadiers

5 Breaking News

6 Collars

7 Politics

8 Trip Wires

9 Theoretical Thrill

10 Voyeurs and Voyagers

11 Storm a Castle, Anyone?

12 Expectations

13 Toxicity

14 Insert Explicative

15 Dance Cards

16 If It Seems Simple

17 Reunions

18 Look, Listen, Feel

19 Long Lost

20 What’s in a Name?

21 Rules of Engagement

22 Real Talk

23 Flip the Pillow

24 On Second Thought

25 Opening Ceremony

26 Hide and Eke

27 The Heat is On

28 Into the Pot, Out of the Fire

29 Group Hallucination?

30 Crumbs

31 Questicals

32 Tooth Land

33 Transitions Blow

34 Ornamental

35 Dragons...

36 New Besties

37 Puzzling

38 Dancing is Life

39 Power Plays

40 Precipi...tation

41 Now That’s...Wow

42 Alpha Team

43 Celebrity Pain Match

44 Escape

Music of Fight, Flight, & Fancy

Dedication

More Titles by MJ Hutto

1 Another Fine Debacle

Do you ever feel like your life is just one giant episode of 1000 Ways to Die ?

South America, as a continent, is warm, inviting, and tropical. And Colombia, as a whole, is all of those things. My sister is in Colombia and now, so am I. We are not having a routine visit, but when do we ever do anything even remotely routine?

To be fair, it’s not Colombia that’s the problem. But. Do you know what else they have in Colombia? It isn’t on the usual maps, so I won’t be surprised if you don’t. I certainly didn’t, and I have vastly different maps from most. More on that later.

You’ll be shocked to know I am not currently being tortured, killed, or even hurt. On the other hand, my friends are screaming in a cell. I can’t see them, but their pain-filled screams are echoing in my ears, recriminating and clear.

I’m Kable VonSable, a practicing Chaotian—Chaos magic user. A little about me for those who haven’t met me: I stand about 5 feet tall, and I’m not a lightweight, but we aren’t talking about that. I have silver eyes, white hair, and a light blue skin tone. It’s not hard to pick me out of a crowd. Look for the Jack Frost wannabe, and you’ve found me.

My sister was kidnapped, and we came to bring her home. So far, we’ve failed miserably. But let me catch you up to speed on a few current events.

First, a madman was going around killing Chaos users, including an attempt to kill me. He failed to kill me, got arrested, and went to jail.

Second, I helped my new detective friend solve some anime robberies, testified in the madman’s trial, and nearly lost my detective—with whom I managed to fall in love in the midst of those events. Yay me! And I helped put the bad man away while saving someone in the process.

Third, we went to a bad place to save a good person. We ended up saving one, sort of, and losing another. We also figured out who put out a hit on me—Oh yeah, forgot to mention that—and met a few gods.

Fourth, we investigated the kidnapping of several children, fought a god, and uncovered some conspiracies, all before getting a call that my sister was in trouble.

And here we are. Once again in the middle of an abyss, with nothing but empty, foreboding darkness to color our souls and shape our descent.

Come...I’ll tell you a tale while maneuvering to save my people. Maybe you can help me figure out how to bring them all home in one piece this time.

2 Getting There

W hat exactly did Khon say? I asked, throwing clothes into a duffle bag.

That the plane would be available in the morning, Achlys said slowly.

In the morning? What the hell, she could be anywhere by then!

Kable, we can wait for his plane and go straight there or try to book a flight. I’ve been looking, and it’ll be tomorrow afternoon for any of those.

I sat on the bed and rubbed my tear-filled eyes. My little sister had been kidnapped while I talked to her on the phone a world away. The kidnapper knew my name, knew I was listening, and basically dared me to try to get her.

I shook my head tiredly. I was still bruised and battered from the last misadventure. My left arm was only about fifty percent. I let the tears fall down my cheeks and felt the bed shift beside me as he put his arm around my back, drawing me closer.

Why don’t we take this time to make a plan. And I need to let them know I won’t be there for at least a week, maybe longer. Unless you think he should come, Dorian can run the unit while we’re gone.

I shook my head.

I don’t know what’s right, Achlys. I was worried, and then she was fine, and then she wasn’t. I just want to go down there and find her. I don’t know anything about Colombia or human trafficking or what is going on.

He got a gleam in his eyes and nodded curtly.

I know some people. I can take the lead on this.

The next time I looked around, Achlys was gone. All I could think about was Karmine. Knowing her, she was taunting them into violence and telling them she’d sooner die than be someone’s fuck toy.

Neither of us was willing to suffer the indignities of that kind of existence. But then, hadn’t I proven in the past that I was willing to do anything to survive. Perhaps none of us know what lengths we are willing to go to simply to return home to those we treasure.

I was tortured, molested, beaten, snuffed out and revived, nearly eaten (in fact, tasted), and stalked. And I’d survived it all to fight another day. Mostly because I knew there were people who depended on me.

I guess it all depends on who you are fighting for and who you are living for. I value my own life, safety, and merit far less than others. Meaning, I will fight harder to save you than myself.

Back to Karmine. She hates being told what to do. She doesn’t do well with arbitrary authority. She is likely already looking for a way to escape. It’s doubtful she’ll try to get them to kill her since she told me to come kill them all, but it might depend on what they are doing to her.

I went to my lab, gathering charms, potions, and items of interest as I went. My backpack would stay with me; the duffle would only have clothes and maybe a book. I looked at the locked cabinet, the one housing my Ifrit’s book. It called to me. Samarkand nearly killed me the last time; could I chance it again? Could I do any less for Karmine than I had for Jaylin?

Words repeated in my head, too softly whispered to be heard. As I moved closer to the cabinet, they became clearer. I could almost understand. I just needed to open the doors. Where was the key?

I ran my hand down the door and suddenly knew a Word to open the lock. I whispered the Word, performed a swiping motion, and the lock fell away. I had my hand on the handle when a strong, tanned hand pushed against the door, blocking it from opening. I looked up into Achlys’s sharp features and saw the look of consternation on them.

What’s going on?

I looked between his beautiful face and the cabinet in confusion. His other hand reached to cup my face, and I felt like a spell was broken. I jerked my hand away and backed up from the cabinet. He bent to pick up the lock, but I kicked it aside.

I burned it off. It’s still hot.

We heard a chuckle from inside the cabinet and shuddered. I needed to pack that thing in salt inside the iron box I had crafted. I’d already carved and painted the protection runes and should’ve done it a month ago. My only excuse was one emergency after another.

I was adding it to my list when I realized I could just take care of it immediately and not worry about it. I held up a finger, jogged up to my room, grabbed the iron box and a bag of rock salt, and ran back down to my lab. Achlys was still standing with his hand against the door. He nodded appreciatively when I walked back inside.

I opened the box on the worktable, covered the bottom with salt, and motioned for him to bring the book over. He took a deep breath, opened the cabinet, and pulled out the fleshy book. A keening, sorrowful wailing was coming from it. One word repeated over and over and over. Traitor.

Achlys placed the book in the box, and I used the remainder of the salt to cover it completely. It was nestled in a layer of salt inside a box of iron, with sigils and runes of protection in place. He closed the lid for me, and I engaged the lock, handing the key to Achlys. This one was supposed to be fire-resistant, so hopefully, it would be somewhat of a deterrent if I decided I had to get to the book again.

Turning, he put the book back in the cabinet and picked up the melted lock. He held it up with a raised brow, and I shrugged apologetically. I no longer heard the keening or felt the awful pull of the Ifrit.

I think I have another somewhere, I told him.

How are you feeling? Is it better? he asked, pulling me into his arms.

I snuggled against him, feeling guilty and comforted all at once. I rubbed my cheek against his bare chest, feeling the warmth of his skin seep into my own. Each touch brought me closer to peace and grounded me. Finally, I nodded.

I’m okay. Thank you for saving me again. I ran my hand up his back and pulled him closer to me. He wrapped his arms around me and held me close. What have you thought of? All I’ve done is collect things that might be helpful.

He pulled me out of the lab, into the kitchen and started making hot chocolate. I took the cup and sipped the sweet drink gratefully. He slid a plate of cookies between us and took one of the buttery shortbreads before sipping his own hot chocolate.

I had a moment of déjà vu that tilted the world on its axis for a moment before righting itself. We’d had a moment just like this when we’d first met. I wasn’t one that believed déjà vu was evil or bad; it meant you were moving the right way, the universe's way of giving you a thumbs up.

I got us some backup and someone that knows about the human trafficking circuit in this country and others.

Who? I glanced up, interested.

I didn’t tell you, but we brought another person on. The mayor and chief are confident enough for us to expand the team, so we’ll have two teams of two.

He grinned boyishly, and I smiled back. It was good news, even while we worried about Karmine. He’d started the Chaotian Investigation Division only about six months ago, and they’d been very good at closing cases. I helped out when they needed me, but more people was terrific.

That’s really great. Who else are you bringing in? Please tell me it isn’t BD, I said flatly. Saying I wasn’t a fan was putting things mildly. I told her I’d trap her in a nightmare and leave her there the last time I saw her. Granted, I told her I’d only do it if she messed with me or mine, but still. She’d had her hand on her gun the whole time.

No, not BD, he choked on a laugh. You remember me mentioning Dev?

You told BD he’d just had a baby, and you didn’t want to bother him. You’re bringing him here?

Yeah, he shrugged and smiled sadly. BD caused some problems. He had to leave and called me. I told him, of course, I had a place for him, and then I made sure we did. He’s amazing and knows all about trafficking.

Oh, wow, that’s good timing, I said.

He chewed his bottom lip, and I touched his arm.

What? I asked.

There are some things about Dev you should know, he said. Like he’s a Vampire. And his wife isn’t.

He must be a young Vampire if they have a kid.

He shook his head. No, he isn’t young. He was here for the original Witch trials.

Then it can’t be his kid, Achlys, I frowned. It doesn’t work that way.

Yeah, he said, grimacing. They’re trying to work things out. They’d been talking about adopting or artificial insemination, but then she was pregnant. They’re doing a trial separation. Peggie’s going to stay with her parents.

Oh, that’s awful.

He’s tough. So, he should be here in the next hour or sooner.

Okay. You, me, and Dev. I can get behind that.

He was shaking his head. One more.

Kent is NOT coming. I won’t risk it.

Baby, if Kent wanted to come, nothing you could do would stop him. But it’s not him. He’s staying here to try to help from this side if we need it. Lektor is coming.

Lektor? I couldn’t help it; my mouth fell open. Why? How does he even know?

He laughed at my face and raised my chin with a finger underneath.

He was checking on Jaylin while I was on the phone with Dorian, he told me. Dorian was so upset he was getting left behind, Lektor overheard.

And wanted to come? We don’t even know how long we will be gone!

He said he has the next month off. Something about maxed-out vacation time and decreased volumes or something. He said he needs to get away.

Achlys. It was my turn to bite my lip. There are some things you need to know about Lektor. He’s not...

Human?

I nodded. Not even close.

Yeah, I know. I looked at him with my Second Sight. Did you think I’d let him near you when you were so weak without doing at least that?

It hadn’t occurred to me. I’d only had access to my Second Sight for a short time, and it didn’t always occur to me to use it. He was one of my oldest friends. We’d done some very sketchy stuff together, held each other’s secrets, and loved one another despite our flaws.

What did you see? I asked, curious despite my thoughts.

An endless battle for a man’s soul. His brow furrowed before smoothing.

I rubbed my thumb across the top of my other hand.

He’s said as much. He struggles with it. How it pushes him to do terrible things.

Achlys lips moved into a ghost of a smile, and I knew what he was thinking before the words left his lips.

Another sheep in the flock of Kable VonSable’s broken tribe.

Okay. Maybe I didn’t know exactly what he’d say after all. I’d expected some kind of harem reference or something.

Not jealous anymore?

He snorted. Not after being around the two of you. He’s as much your brother as Kent, which means he’s mine as well. Besides, I like him, he said. And if ever a man needed a tribe, it’s him.

I nodded and smiled. How long before Lektor gets here? Anyone else?

Lektor should get here around the same time as Dev. I warned them both. As long as your stinking cousin doesn’t call anyone else, I think that’ll be it.

I frowned, standing up to stretch and find something to make for breakfast. How do you feel about omelets? Who else would he call?

Yes to omelets, he sniffed and shrugged. I talked to Kent. He and Glyph are planning to help from here. But Dorian made some comment about Father MacHail having contacts down there.

I snickered behind my hand and ran around the corner of the island when he darted over to me. His eyes were narrowed as he chased me. We ran around the house like a couple of children. When he caught me, he tossed me over his shoulder and then onto the couch with his heavy body squishing me.

I’m not traveling to another country with a Priest who has the hots for you. I’m easygoing, but even I have my limits.

I giggled and pressed a kiss to his frowning mouth. He glowered at me. I dribbled kisses down his jawline and neck. He finally got distracted and captured my lips with his own. There was a knock at the door, and I tried to push him off, but he wouldn’t budge.

I mean it, Kable. I’m not doing it, he said, and I laughed.

I doubt it will be an issue. Dorian was probably trying to get a rise out of you.

He leaned in and gave me a searing kiss that scattered my thoughts like smoke rings on a windy day. Then he pushed up from me, leaving me cold and feeling suddenly bereft.

I followed him into the kitchen to the back door. Standing beside a man who looked like a golden-haired Angel with amber eyes, was none other than Father MacHail, complete with pristine white collar and duffle bag.

I bit my lip and tried to muffle Achlys’s despondent groan.

Buckle up, kiddies; it’s going to be a long-ass night.

3 Team Karmine

F ather, I said a little too loudly. So nice to see you. What brings you out this time of the morning?

He looked between Achlys and me, frowning but not speaking. I looked down at myself and realized I was still in my sleep shorts and tank top with no bra. I’d slipped on a sweater and pulled it closed over my chest.

I rolled my eyes, stepped around Achlys, and opened the door. Lektor bounded up the steps behind them.

Looks like the gang’s all here.

Welcome to my home. Please allow me to escort you inside, I said, taking hold of Dev and the Father’s arms to lead them. Lektor had his own charm. He’d be fine.

Hyde waltzed inside behind us and sat in front of the door once it was closed. He nuzzled Lektor’s hand and received an ear rub for his troubles.

I was about to make breakfast if you’re hungry. Omelets? I asked.

Four nods and a doggie whine gave me my answers.

Why don’t y’all have a seat at the table? I’m sure Achlys can find you something to drink and maybe introduce us all, I said, and he grabbed juice while I set out glasses on the table.

Kable, Father, Lektor, this is Devlin Devvaro. Dev, this is Kable VonSable, Leonard Spektor, and Father MacHail, Achlys frowned. I’m sorry, Father, I don’t know your given name.

Speculative looks went all around. Lektor sat at one end of the table, in a corner. Dev seated himself at the other end, facing the door. Father MacHail took a chair with his back to the windows.

I don’t imagine it’s come up, he said good-naturedly. I feel like Father is my first name most days, but it is Jonah. I would love for you to call me by my given name, he said, smiling genuinely. All of you.

I couldn’t remember ever knowing his first name. People weren’t as real when you didn’t know personal information. Had I been keeping him at arm’s length? Or had I been giving him the respect I felt he deserved as a religious leader?

No clue.

Dorian called me to ask if I still had contacts in Colombia. I’ve reached out to both. One at San Pedro in Cartagena and one at Primada Cathedral in Bogota. Neither has seen or heard about Karmine, but they are willing to let you stay there if needed.

I frowned as I mixed the eggs. Achlys shredded cheese while we talked. I snatched a piece to pop in my mouth, along with a ham cube.

Do they know any of the major players down there? Achlys asked seriously as he swatted my hand away playfully.

I’m not sure. I’ll give you their information so you can speak to them directly if you think it will help.

Achlys glanced at Dev, who shrugged almost imperceptibly.

That would be excellent, Fath...ah Jonah. Thank you. Will you not be joining us? Dorian made it seem like you might. Plus, the duffel there, Achlys pointed with his chin.

Heavens, no, Father MacHail grinned broadly, showing off a newly cracked bottom tooth. They’d never let me have the time off for a trip like that without planning months in advance. The duffel has a few things I thought might be useful.

He looked at Dev as I slid omelets in front of them all.

Perhaps it would be best to open it in privacy. I’m not sure how Mr. Devvaro will react to some of the items.

I should be fine, Dev smiled, eyes sparkling as he nodded to the priest.

Lektor quietly thanked me for the food and began to eat voraciously. I’d made him two. I wondered at the timing of his sabbatical, was this one of his times? When was the next solstice?

Achlys smiled and accepted my offer. I sat beside him, and we all sat around the table, silently eating for a few minutes.

I wondered how old Dev was. We were going somewhere with a lot of sun but would be dealing with a most unsavory part of that world. Perhaps night would suit our needs better. Lektor worked nights at the hospital; he would be fine either way. Achlys and I had such weird schedules we would be okay, too.

Father MacHail finally spoke again.

I have holy water, a blessed item or four, and an old iron crucifix I felt compelled to add. And—he added, pointing to the bag— that old short sword your family donated. We’ve never sold it and don’t have a place for it. I think you can use it.

He winked as he eased it toward me across the table. Achlys shifted so slightly that it’s likely I was the only one who noticed. His energy shifted momentarily, and then I felt the cool brush of calm and peace.

Mmm.

I turned to look at him, but he was eating with his eyes downcast. I twitched my nose and put my hand on his thigh under the table.

Thank you, Father. I appreciate you coming out in the early dregs of the day to bring these things to us. We will put them to good use. And I’ll be sure to bring back the short sword, barring disaster.

He wiped at his mouth, pulling out a small bound notebook and pen from his shirt pocket. He wrote something down and handed it over to Achlys, who took it with a smile and a nod.

Thank you for the early breakfast. You’ll let me know if there is anything else I can do to help? he asked, standing to leave.

Yes, thank you again, I nodded, walking him to the door.

You’ll be careful, right? I don’t want to tell your family I helped put you in danger. He turned to look back at the group at the table. Then he put his hand on my shoulder, gently squeezing.

I’ll be careful. Achlys won’t allow anything else, I chuckled.

He nodded with a final glance, and I shut the door behind him. When I turned, I met the eyes of the three men seated around my kitchen table. Each face held a different version of the same look. They were fire, ice, and shadow. The identical looks on their faces were suspicious and cynical.

I pursed my lips, put one hand on my hip, and pointed at them with the other. Really, all of you? You don’t even know me, buddy, I said, pointing specifically at Devlin. He’s a priest.

Oh, that look wasn’t for you at all, he pointed back at himself. It was meant for the good father. His thoughts are far from pure or priestly.

Ugh, I said, throwing my hands up and walking over to flop down in the chair. He has no designs on me, and even if he did, I have zero interest in him.

The corner of Dev’s lips lifted, and he looked at Achlys while he spoke.

The last part, I believe, wholeheartedly. His gaze shifted to Lektor. Your name is Leonard, but called Lektor?

Lektor tried to wipe the grin off his face, failing miserably and finally giving up. My nostrils flared so much I felt it. I closed my eyes and counted to ten.

Yeah, Kable named me Lektor a long time ago. It’s, unfortunately, stuck. You can call me Leonard, Leo, Spektor, or Lektor, whatever catches your fancy.

Dev made a noise in his throat, and my eyes popped open.

I think Leo suits you well. I’ve gone by Dev for so long I’m not sure I’ll answer to anything else, but you may choose from my litany of names, he said, looking around to meet my gaze with liquid amber eyes and a wide smile. You too, Ms. VonSable.

The air was thick and intoxicating. I held my breath. Achlys shoved Dev’s chair with his foot, and the spell broke.  

Quit showing off. She’s got a Vampire for a... he looked at me curiously. What would you call Khon?

I sighed and took the dishes over to the sink. Annoying.

He chuckled and followed me to kiss the top of my head. Yeah, but what else? He’s not a grandfather or a godfather, but he’s something.

A friend.

Okay, he shrugged and started a pot of water for tea. She’s got a friend who’s a Vampire and is probably older than you.

Devlin stared at us with heavy-lidded eyes, hiding his interest. You are friends with Prince Khonsu Braddock? How did that come about?

Achlys snickered, and I laughed.

He was lovers with my grandparents.

He frowned softly. His face was made for smiles, laughter, and lust, so the frown didn’t sit well on his features.  And who are they?

I felt the sorrow wash over my face. Were they. They were Ekaterina and Fynbar Farrel. VonSable is my father’s family name.

His face lit with delight. "I did not know them, but their adventures are the stuff of legends. We met once many years ago. I was sad to hear of their passing. The world was made poorer for their loss."

Thank you, I nodded to him and turned back to the dishes. Once I finish this, I think we’ll be almost ready. Hyde, I said, and he looked at me. Reva and Maxine are going to check on y’all. If you need anything, go to the shop, and they’ll figure it out.

He whined, and I went over to pet him.

You can’t come this time. I’ll have Achlys with me. He’ll do his best to keep me out of trouble.

He walked over and put his head on Achlys lap. He rubbed Hyde’s ears and ruff from his seat at the table.

She’s stubborn, but I’ll do my best. Don’t be mad if she comes home missing an arm or something. She doesn’t seem to think she needs that left one, he said seriously.

I sucked in a breath and tossed an orange at him. He caught it with a laugh.

Rude, I said as I answered the ringing phone. Hello.

Kable, came Khon’s voice. My apologies for the delay. Someone is investigating me, and they are searching my plane and helicopters, which is slowing down your progress. I believe they will be done within the hour.

Khon, who is having you investigated? And for what? I huffed.

Achlys stood beside me with his ear to the phone. We faced away from the others, and his arms around me pulled me to him.

They say for drug trafficking, he laughed. Absurd. As if I would have such things on my own personal plane when it is so easily done among the commercial lines.

I looked at the ceiling.

Not, I would never do it. But I would never do it with my own plane. Interesting.

Are you trafficking drugs? I asked, curiosity coloring my words.

No. Please tell your detective I am not, nor have I ever.

I looked up at Achlys, and he snuck a quick kiss.

He’s aware, I told Khon. We’ll leave soon. Are you at your private landing strip?

Yes, yes, he sighed. They have thoroughly invaded my space. It is regrettable timing. I will investigate this incident. I await your arrival.

He hung up the phone, and I replaced mine in the cradle. Hyde whined, and Lektor let him out. Achlys made a face when Hyde walked by Dev without reaction.

I just realized he didn’t react to Dev. Dogs don’t usually like him. But I guess Hyde isn’t a regular dog, is he?

I doubt he or Jekyll would react. They pay far more attention to intent than genetics.

He laughed and probably remembered when Jekyll and Thibbs nearly took him out when we practiced fighting one day. The thought of Thibbs brought a sadness to me that was heavy and, at once, consuming. Achlys turned me in his arms and pulled me more firmly into his warm embrace.

I miss him too, he said in my ear.

I sniffled, squeezed him once, and let go. We needed forward movement, no time to cry over the past. What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger, or gives me horrible coping skills, or better hope it can run really freaking fast. Or maybe all of those.

I walked back over to start over with Dev. Achlys loved him and thought he was great, so he must be. Achlys certainly had to take a lot of my people at face value. I stuck out my hand to shake his, and he returned the gesture with a smile.

Dev, I’m Kable. I don’t know what Achlys has told you, but I’m a pretty open book. I’m Orokkian, and I practice Chaos magic. I’m a Witch, and I own an apothecary and tea shop. And I’m madly in love with your buddy back there.

I see, he said as his amber eyes drifted over my face, flitted to Achlys, and back to me. "I am a Vampire, and I am not an open book. I’ve had many jobs, but my latest career is law enforcement. I love him too, so maybe we can bond over how goofy he is."

He’d let go of my hand about halfway through his speech.

Sounds fantastic, I grinned. You can tell me some stories. BD is one of the only people I’ve met up to now from his past, and damned if she didn’t make a case for leaving the past there.

He guffawed and glanced at Achlys again, his head tilted to the side.

Oh, I really like her, Dev grinned.

Lektor snickered. Yeah, she’s not wrong though. BD was misleading.

Lektor! My head swiveled around. You did NOT!

Of course not, he frowned. In the course of a few hours, she went from very put together and nice to psychotic and too full of irrational even for me. He grinned at all of us. And let’s be honest, I like them more than a little bonkers.

You like them dangerous, not insane, I snorted. The two just get confused sometimes. Anyway, she’s not just psychotic. She’s also antisocial.

Been doing some reading, darling? he asked, arching a brow.

I worked hard not to glance back at Achlys. After our encounter with her, I’d just listened to him talk in his sleep. I still didn’t know what she did, but maybe I could get Dev to tell me. His eyes met mine, and I thought if anyone would, it would be him. Achlys wouldn’t.

Later for that.

Lektor’s an ED doc and...more. He’ll be able to help once we find my sister, especially if she’s hurt or anything else.

Dev’s brows arched. A doctor? How marvelous.

And more, Lektor’s silver eyes slid to mine. I am not what I appear. I was on my sabbatical, but I can meditate anywhere, and perhaps we will use my...otherness...for good.

He left off the ending. This time, we could use the big bad monster for good. We’d gone to Bangladesh what felt like a million years ago, and things had gone poorly.

We are older, more grounded, and more powerful now. Surely, that means we can do better this time. Right?

He broke eye contact with me to look at Achlys. They had some kind of meaningful eye exchange that surely meant something in guy speak that I would never understand. There was a chin tilt when they were done.

I’d opened my Second Sight during their display and Seen. Poor Lektor, his otherness ripped at him, tearing at his aura, eating at his soul. The aura replenished almost as fast as it tore, but the soul was another matter. It seemed that no sooner had the thing eaten a part of it than it passed back to the man, so enmeshed were they. His silver-fire eyes shone like tortured beacons.

I shifted my eyes to Dev. He was a man but with a superimposed image of a dark shadow with immense dark feathered wings, a dueling face of angelic grace and demonic need, and sparkling ruby eyes that searched hungrily.

And finally, I looked toward Achlys. I hadn’t seen him with my Second Sight until that moment. I wasn’t sure why, except maybe I was afraid of what I would see and what he might be. But really, it wouldn’t matter. Some things are meant to be, and some people are too important to ever let go.

My eyes met his and widened at the image in front of me. Where he said my eyes were fiery, his were dark shadows. His body writhed in shadowy darkness; an enormous double set of feathery, shadow wings graced his back and moved in slow, constant motion. A crown of antlers graced his head, or maybe that was antlers with a crown of briars around them. Oh, and in one hand was a staff of pure shadows, in the other a sword of light.

What? he frowned at me.

I shut down the Second Sight and looked into his eyes. Nothing.

What did you see? I know you used the Sight, he insisted.

I wet my lips and looked between him and the others. Lektor wasn’t up to date on all my new stuff, and Dev barely knew me.

You sure this is the best time to talk about this? I asked, and he turned to them.

Dev, Lektor. Both Kable and I have Second Sight. She looks like a goddess with shining eyes and a fiery crown of thorns. I’m asking what I look like. Also, she is mega powerful and is still gaining more. I can use Chaos even though I’m not Orokkian. We don’t know why. Or who my family is. Or where I came from.

I already knew half of that, Dev said with a rolling wave to go on.

I knew the other half, Lektor interjected and nodded to proceed.

I don’t think it’ll help, but here goes. You have shadowy eyes, wings, and more covering most of your body. You have antlers, a crown of brambles, and weapons. Where you said I’m light, you’re shadow.

His face became a bland mask. Anything else?

One of the weapons is a shadow staff, like the one you have, I shrugged. And one is a light sword. I haven’t seen that one.

His eyes met mine. They were like obsidian—flat, dark, and unyielding. You don’t have wings.

I gave a little huh-huh chuckle. Well, I seem to be in the minority. Yours are beautiful enough for both of us, I guess.

Wait, Lektor said, perking up. I have wings?

No, sorry, buddy, I shook my head. You’re with me in the unwinged group. I was speaking of the angelic twins over there.

A throaty chuckle echoed through the room. Achlys and I rushed to move everyone together, and I put a circle around us before Lil finished materializing. She stepped out of a circle like it was a doorway. Today, she wore low-rise jeans, a halter top, a cowboy hat, and boots. Her red hair was in pigtails. Daisy Duke on steroids.

Don’t move out of the circle, guys. She looks cute, but she’s a Demon and scary as hell.

I felt Lektor move and put my arm around him to keep him still. He made an exasperated noise in his throat.

I was just adjusting my clothes. I wasn’t moving. I believe you.

Hello, my little darlings. It seems you’ve expanded your group without me. Kable, is darling Achlys having trouble satisfying you? Or is it Kable that is having trouble satiating?

She looked around, and her nostrils flared. She picked up a glass from the table and drank deeply, then the next and the next until they were all empty.

You little morsels taste so wonderful. I see you’ve finally discovered what our sweet Achlys is. More’s the pity. I suppose you’ll be sending him on his way now? I happen to have an opening in my boudoir, Angelcake.

Lil, I barked. What are you on about?

Well, it’s just you’re such a little goodie. Surely you aren’t planning to keep dallying with one of the Fallen?

I stared at her, my hands gripping Achlys behind me. Fallen what?

Angel. I mean, surely...oh, well, hellfire and damnation, you hadn’t figured it out after all. I always give you too much credit.

4 Grenadiers

One of my favorite parts of consorting with Demons is how they always seem to know more about my life than I do. In particular, Lilith, the mother of Demons, who seems to take particular glee in knowing about my love life. She’s way too interested for a casual observer.

Do you think they watch us like we watch sitcoms? Or maybe dramas? I’m not sure what my life would be classified as. Maybe romantic tragedy/occult romanticomidrama? I don’t know. I’m not a television exec, no one pays me to make those distinctions.

Either way, I blinked at her stupidly. Achlys was a Fallen Angel? Or the kid of a Fallen Angel? Or a Fallen Angel who forgot who he was when he Fell? I glanced up at him, but he had eyes only for Lil.

What does that mean? he asked her pointedly.

You are lucky you are pretty, Angelcake. What do you think it means? You are one of the Fallen.

"Like actually one of them or the child of one of them?" I asked, trying to get some clarification.

"It’s