Beth's gaze snapped to the indicated vehicle. In the headlights' glare, she caught the distinctive flare of a lighter. Her breath caught as a makeshift projectile sailed through the air—a Molotov cocktail, its burning rag trailing fire as it arced toward the clinic.
Her fingers dug into Tyr's forearms as she watched the flaming bottle approach. Just before it hit the barrier, the cocktail's trajectory suddenly reversed. The bottle hung suspended in midair above the attackers' heads for one perfect moment before exploding.
Instead of fire and glass, a shower of rainbow glitter and confetti rained down on the men. The colorful paper pieces settled in their hair, stuck to their tactical gear, and coated their already-soaked clothing in a layer of sparkles that caught the headlights like tiny stars.
Beth burst out laughing, unable to contain her mirth at the sight of these would-be tough guys covered head to toe in glitter. Through the window, she could see Tamera doubled over, back in human form and clutching her sides as she laughed. Liam's massive white form shook with canine chuckles, his tongue lolling out in a doggy grin.
Outside, Jacinth wiped tears of mirth from her eyes, while beside her, Arthur's weathered features creased in quiet amusement as he watched their attackers try futilely to brush the sparkles from their clothes.
"I think," Beth managed between giggles, "this might be the best night ever."
Beth's laughter died in her throat as primordial magic crackled through the air. Even through the protective barrieraround the clinic, she felt the crushing presence of something ancient and vast. Close to the surface, Whisper's ears swept back and she howled in dismay. A blinding flash of blue-white light illuminated the clinic's entrance, and Kieran materialized beside Jacinth like a force of nature taking physical form. His pure white hair gleamed in the headlights, a stark contrast to his black linen clothing and severe expression.
Tyr's arms tightened fractionally around her waist. Even vampires treated the ancient Djinn prince with cautious respect, and Beth understood why. Raw power radiated from his tall frame, and his glacier blue eyes held the weight of millennia as he fixed Jacinth with a stern look.
"Jacinth," Kieran's deep voice carried easily across the parking lot. "What have I told you?"
Jacinth's expression transformed into one of exaggerated innocence, though her dark eyes still sparkled with barely contained mischief. She clasped her hands behind her back, looking for all the world like a schoolgirl caught passing notes in class.
"Not to play with my food?" she offered sweetly.
Beth pressed her lips together, fighting back another giggle at Jacinth's impish response. The ancient Djinn might be one of the most powerful beings she'd ever encountered, but she still managed to make everything feel like a game.
Kieran released a deep, weary sigh as he turned his attention to the glitter-covered attackers. His icy blue gaze swept over the scene - the scattered pool noodles, the men still nursing burned hands, and the rainbow sparkles catching the light everywhere.
Tyr pulled her closer as Kieran's voice thundered across the parking lot, the sound seeming to shake the very air around them.
"SILENCE!"
The effect was instantaneous. Every attacker froze mid-motion, their mouths hanging open as they turned toward the ancient Djinn prince. Beth watched in fascination as several tried to speak, their jaws working soundlessly. No words emerged - not even whispers.
Kieran's frosty eyes blazed with cold fire as he addressed the now-silent mob. "You will return to your vehicles. You will leave this place. And you will never return." His voice carried absolute authority, brooking no argument.
At Kieran's slight nod, Arthur stepped forward to stand beside him. The two Djinn moved in perfect synchronization, their hands weaving intricate patterns through the air. Power crackled between them, making Beth's skin tingle even through the protective barrier around the clinic.
Beth's breath caught as she watched the attackers' expressions go blank. As one, they turned and walked to their vehicles with mechanical precision. No shouting, no resistance - they simply climbed into their trucks and drove away, leaving only tire tracks and scattered pool noodles behind.
"What just happened?" Beth turned in Tyr's arms, staring up at him in bewilderment. "How did they just... leave like that?"
Tyr's brow furrowed as he watched the taillights disappear down the drive. "I don't know," he admitted, his arms tightening fractionally around her waist. "Djinn magic is... complex. Even after centuries, I've never fully understood its limits."
Beth turned as Kieran strode into the clinic, his silvery hair gleaming in the fluorescent lights. The others filed in behind him, Jacinth still radiating mischievous energy while Arthur maintained his usual serene expression.
Beth let out a shaky breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Around her, she could see the same relief on everyone's faces - the immediate danger had passed. A collective sigh of relief went up.
"I've removed all memory of tonight's events from their minds," Kieran announced, his gaze sweeping over the gathered group. "They'll remember only finding the clinic locked and dark, and deciding to leave."
"Nor will they be able to find their way back here," he continued, his deep voice resonating through the lobby. "Even with GPS coordinates, the clinic will remain hidden from them."
Jacinth bounced on her toes, dark eyes sparkling with barely contained glee. Her lips curved into an impish smile that made Beth instantly suspicious.
Kieran released a long-suffering sigh as he caught Jacinth's expression. The grave atmosphere in the room eased as everyone recognized that look.
"What now?" he asked, his tone carrying centuries of weary experience with her antics.
"Well..." Jacinth clasped her hands behind her back, the very picture of exaggerated innocence. "I might have added a teensy little something as a goodbye present."
Kieran pinched the bridge of his nose between elegant fingers. "What did you do?"
