It isn’t long before SPELL calls me in for another mission.Dark magic in line with cultist activity is detected in another part of Louisiana, and Necia, Max, and the other agents are busy on other missions.That’s how Luther and I end up trudging through yet another swampy forest.It’s a different part of Louisiana than the last time we were here, which means we didn’t eradicate the last of the Cult of the Unheard in this area.
When I gaze at Luther, he shoots me that handsome, shy smile.He must know that I recall how far we’ve come since the previous outing of tracking dark mages in Louisiana.It seems like a lifetime ago, and I’m thankful we’re no longer antagonistic.
We’re trying to be professional during SPELL stuff, but I can’t resist the urge to reach for his hand.I give it a squeeze, and he squeezes me as well for a few seconds before we reach a hilly ridge, and I have to let go.
“Is creepy forest like, the only place these fuckers can do their thing?”I ask facetiously.
He chuckles.“I know, right?But I’m glad that they’re not doing this in front of lots of mortals.Imagine if they did cult shit in, like, a crowded apartment?”
“I’d expect us to launch even more foggy perimeters.”We both laugh softly as we make our way through the trees.The ground is dry and riddled with leaves despite the spring air.The setting sun covers us in shadows, and I hope we can take care of business before it becomes pitch black.“How much farther?”
“A quarter-mile north,” Cleo says in my earpiece.I’m still getting used to having one of these in my ear.“But I don’t see any buildings or old churches on my map.”
“So they’ve erected some sort of off-grid altar, you think?”Luther asks.
I snicker.“Erected.”
“You’re insufferable,” Luther replies through a titter.
“You like it.”
“Keep it in your pants, boys,” Cleo quips.My smile falls when I remember SPELL is listening.While there are no Union rules against us dating?I’m not even an official agent?he and I aren’t particularly public.And we also need to focus, even though all I want to do is flirt with Luther.“This might mean they have an outdoor altar, or some other activity.”
“So, we need to stay sharp,” Luther replies.
“We know they’re using dark magic and human sacrifices, but they’re also not above using firearms,” Cleo points out.
Luther and I share a grimace as we march onward; we can’t block bullets with magical means.Sure, we could stem the bleeding from nonfatal gunshot wounds, but no one wants to go through that.Cleo has reminded me of the gravity of being an agent of SPELL.
“Any other specifics so we know what we’re searching for?”I ask.
“You’ve seen these guys in action,” Cleo replies.“You know what to look for.”
“But they’re different every time.How will we know?”
My words are cut off by Luther’s hand on my chest.He’s stopped, and I track his gaze.Several yards before us, there’s a clearing, and right in the center stands a hooded figure, unmoving.
I shake my fingers, and my nose wrinkles at the stench of dark magic.“We got visual,” I whisper.
“Shit.How many?Do they have a gauntlet piece?”Cleo asks.
Luther says nothing as he slowly steps forward, and I follow his lead.He gradually raises his hands and pulls magic in from the setting sun.The purple-cloaked figure doesn’t seem to notice us, and the sky above him crackles with magic.
Luther nods at me, and I know it’s game time.He steps forward and announces, “Freeze!We’re with SPELL, put your hands up.”
The figure turns his head halfway to us to reveal an almost manic grin.The young bloke with blond hair appears to be about my age, but I can’t see anything else under the robe.“You must be the wizard cops,” he says in a scratchy tone.
Luther and I share fearful looks.We approach the hooded figure, and I have half a mind to bind him up in magic immediately.When we get closer, the sight has me frozen in my tracks.
He’s equipped with half a gauntlet, but that’s not the frightening part.With the gauntlet in his right, he’s using the golden metal to pierce his left wrist.Blood gushes out, and my breath catches.
“Blood magic,” I whisper.It’s the worst of the worst.When a mage sacrifices their own blood, they can accomplish the most powerful spells.Their sacrifice can warp reality, and devastate it as well.“Mate, we need to get you to a hospital!”I say, trying to reason with the cultist.“Whatever the cult is tasking you with, it will end in ruin.”
He doesn’t stop, and I share a fearful look with Luther.“Desist and put your hands up, I say!”Luther announces.His hands glow, but the cultist continues to cut himself and bleed.
“Luther,” I say with urgency.
He nods at me, then, in a blur, he binds the guy’s hands with orange magic.His hands are spread wide, one bloody, and one with half a gauntlet.
