The room feels somber as the chief continues, “They were promised satisfaction, but most of them got taken in by the cult, only to get murdered, and their blood was used for nefarious magic.”
Chief clicks the button and shows various victims and perps.“These individuals felt their wishes in life went unheard, hence the name of the cult.”
I try to muster up some sympathy, but it’s just not coming?sure, life is hard, but I’ve never turned to summoning bloodthirsty creatures.I’m just fortunate my parents supported me, and I didn’t turn to lashing out at the world.
The screen reveals a photograph of the half of the gauntlet we’ve retrieved.“They’re using these pieces of this relic to craft their own rift into the Other Side.It is imperative that we respond promptly to these threats and secure the other half of the gauntlet.So, please, be on alert for any suspicious dark magic activity and keep us in SPELL informed.Thank you.”
After the meeting is adjourned, Necia and Max walk away, probably to flirt or whatever, leaving me with my boyfriend.He’s been busy all week, so we haven’t gotten to hook up.I’ve missed him messing with me and making me mad, then kissing him.Sure, we’re keeping things private, but friends can eat at the massive Union cafeteria together, too.So, I intend on nabbing my boyfriend’s attention.
“Lunch?”I ask as we walk down the stairs.
“Hm?”
“You must be starving.Union sushi?”I grin at him, and he barely nods, gazing out into the middle space.
Concern gnaws on my chest, and I want to grab his hand, but we’re at work.More than that, I want to push him against the wall and find out what’s bothering him.Then make out with him.
“You okay?”
“What?”He looks at me.“Oh yeah.Sushi’s great.”
I frown but let it go.Things have been going well between us, and I would hope he can confide in me.Maybe tonight he’ll finally let me stay over at his place?
We nab a tray of sushi, and I purposefully take a far corner table.The cafeteria is huge, but this setting gives off somewhat of a private vibe.After we put our trays down, I tap my chopsticks on the table, pondering how to broach the subject of Taz being so distant.
“You know you can tell me anything, right, Taz?”I ask softly.
He pauses mid-bite, and this seems to get his attention.After wiping his mouth, he says, “Yeah, I know, Luther.”
“Okay.”I place my hand on his.“Whenever you’re ready.”
“There’s, um, actually something important I need to say.”
Those words have never led to anything good.“Mhm,” I reply.
“Ever since last week…”
Before he can continue, I turn at the sound of another tray plopping down at our secluded table.“Mom?!”I yelp.
“Sorry to interrupt!”Mom beams at me, and it takes me a moment to come to my senses.
“What are you doing here?”I grin and give her a cheek-kiss before pulling out her chair.
“Just nabbing some lunch.”
“But how did you get in?”I ask.Taz stares at us in alarm; maybe he’s not at the meet-the-parents stage yet.Am I?
“I texted your father,” Mom replies.
Dad walks up and places his tray down.“The woman wanted sushi.”He shoots her a challenging look, and she smiles back.“What’s better than sushi from actual Japanese wizards?”
“One of the perks of being a nonmagical person married to a big-time wizard.”She grins and looks at Taz.“Hello!”
“Hi, I’m Taz.”He reaches over and shakes Mom’s hand.“Lovely to meet you.I see where Luther gets his good looks.”
She gives me an impressed look, then turns to Taz again.“You must be the boy who my son’s always chatting with on the phone.”
“Mom,” I whine with an amused grin.Despite my teenage angst over being queer, my parents have been generally accepting since I came out after high school.They’ve also been very hands-off of my love life, a fact I’m also grateful for every day.That is, until now.
