“The recording, Danica.”
My hands wanted to fist, but I forced them to lay on my lap. Four weeks ago, Samael had been betrayed by a demon he’d trusted for centuries. A coven of insane witches had planned to kill him. They wouldn’t have stood a chance against a high demon, except that they’d been harnessing power from each demon they’d killed. After Samael had been betrayed and taken unaware, they’d clamped him into Naud Chains.
I hadn’t forgotten that those chains were only accessible by the Mage Council.
One of the witches had been recording the entire exchange. She’d died when Samael turned the coven to ash, but her phone had continued to capture the video, and Vas had missed it when he’d searched for any tech. That recording had fallen into the hands of the Mage Council. Samael had assured me that Albert would be keeping the recording locked up and hidden from prying eyes.
But obviously I would still be dealing with the consequences.
“I saved Durham– and the world– from a coven of witches who were about to be bloated with demon power. You’re welcome.”
“You saved the most powerful demon in this country from certain death.”
I gave him squinty eyes. “Samael was approximately three seconds away from saving himself. The power he had gathered was… indescribable.”
“Regardless, I found it necessary to take the recording to the other members of the council.”
Oh yeah, this was bad.
“And?”
“And saving a demon from humans is not in your job description.”
“Those humans would have killed you. You realize that, right? They wouldn’t have stopped at the demons.”
“Regardless.”
“So, what, because I dared save Samael’s life, I’m now fired?”
“No. You’re on temporary leave while the council conducts a review. You’ll be notified of the council’s decision once the review is complete.”
I stared at him. We both knew I was fired. This was just his way of keeping it clean.
“This is horseshit.”
Albert’s gaze dropped to my arm, and he stared at the intricate gold design for a long moment. It was too damn hot to wear a long-sleeved shirt today, and half of Durham already knew I was bonded to Samael. But I still had to resist the urge to cover it up.
“You had the opportunity to break that bond. If Samael had died, we would be having a different discussion.”
I’d known the consequences when I made my decision. I’d known damn well that I could’ve broken the bond and continued with my life. Except that if I had, we’d now be dealing with thirty insane witches who suddenly had an infinite well of power. I’d make the same decision again. But the fact that there was still a recording of that decision meant I was screwed.
I wasn’t getting anywhere with Albert. It was obvious what would happen next. The review would find that I was a liability to the Mage Council. My days of working here were numbered.
I was surprised they hadn’t already taken away my access to the facility itself. I was guessing they would wait until the review was completed. The council liked to do everything by the book.
My power pressed against my shield, and I envisioned a thick steel door, ruthlessly holding it back. I wouldn’t let Albert see how much I cared.
“My record speaks for itself,” I said. “You’ve made the wrong choice here.”
His expression was carefully neutral. “You’re entitled to think that.”
I shook my head, got to my feet, and stalked out of his office.
It was as if I was sleepwalking as I made my way back into the elevator and down to the lobby. Working for the Mage Council hadn’t been my life’s dream, but it had allowed me to interrogate paranormals who might’ve seen my mom before she died. And, it had allowed me to pay my bills.
Panic climbed up my throat. I had a few weeks of living expenses saved, but that was it. I needed to find a new job. Fast.
My phone vibrated and I fumbled for it, almost dropping it as I pulled it out of my pocket.
