“Stop,” she interrupted, her stomach clenched. “Eva’s just my neighbour, we talk sometimes but that’s it. She doesn’t know anything, I swear.”
“This isn’t about her,” Bane said, turning back to face her completely. “This is about you. Councillor Gallagher has made note that you seem to be more disobedient than usual, questioning his decisions in front of the coven.”
“I didn’t…”
“Do not interrupt me.” Bane lifted his hand. “You seem to forget who allows you your freedom.”
Kyra waited a beat before replying, sweeping her gaze to Eva then back again. “He doesn’t let me forget.”
Bane nodded, setting the diary onto the table. “You have a meeting, I’m here to make sure you attend.”
“I’m not aware of any meeting.”
Bane opened the diary, pointing to the date. “You would know if you had answered my call this morning. Councilman Gallagher is very displeased at your lack of communication.”
Kyra shuffled in her seat, hoping Eva was still distracted. “My phone died,” she lied. “Frederick knows I work with the Supernatural Intelligence Bureau, I’ve been called on a case.”
“Then reschedule, this takes priority.” The diary slammed shut. “He’s requested you speak to an old colleague of his. Apparently she will be able to advise you regarding the most recent… event.”
“I can’t,” she said, her voice breaking. “Please, I can’t do that again.”
Bane’s face hardened, his somewhat friendly smile turning cruel. “Your reluctance has also been noted, but we both know that’s not an option,” he said as he hunched over, leaning forward with his brows pulled together. “Why would you risk losing your license by disobeying?”
“Please,” she whispered. “It’s dangerous, it will get us all killed.”
“What will happen, Kyra?” he said, emphasising her name. “What will happen if Frederick took away your licence to practice?”
Kyra licked her lip, aware of the busy coffee shop that surrounded her. “I’ll become illegal.” She would lose everything. She couldn’t even pretend she didn’t practice black magic because it was imbedded into her very existence. It wasn’t something she could control. She, along with every other witch born with the specialised chi were marked for death at their very birth.
Bane nodded, settling himself back in the chair. “I’ve been able to speak to Frederick on your behalf. While I appreciate your worry over these letters, I must remind you that you still must assist when asked regardless of personal problems. I’m sure you don’t need me to stress the importance of your tasks, and the time constraint that we are under.”
His attention flicked over her shoulder, then quickly returned.
“Frederick understands, and because of your position in our operation he has asked me to look into moving you into a safer area, somewhere closer to him so you feel safer.”
“No!” Kyra replied, the word a loud snap. “No, it’s fine, I’m sorry. He was right, I’m sure it was nothing.”
Bane’s pupils swirled, and Kyra could taste the wild magic that leaked from him. “You could achieve amazing things with your natural born ability. Councilman Gallagher only wants to help you.”
No,Kyra thought,he wants to use me.
“Kyra?” Eva walked over, a tray with their drinks held in her hands. She flicked her gaze between them before settling on Bane. “You’re in my seat.”
“Hello,” he said, his pupils settling back to normal before turning his attention to Eva. “You must be Kyra’s friend.”
“Please, don’t,” Kyra whispered.
“Human, right? So breakable,” he continued, the warning clear. “Tell me, would you like to join us for Kyra’s appointment?”
“No!” Kyra snapped, making enough noise to draw the attention from the surrounding tables. “No, I’ll come, I’m sorry.” She reached down for her satchel, hitching it high on her shoulder.
“Wait, what’s happening?” Eva settled the tray down, following them out the door. “Kyra, who is this guy?”
“Please, just stay here. Trust me.”
“Look at the time, we’re going to be late.” Bane growled with impatience. “Councilman Gallagher would be most displeased.”
“I said I’m coming,” Kyra said, panic hardening her tone. “Let me just call a cab and we can get going.”
