“Incenduro!”Her hand reached behind, and with the last bit of air she screamed the only aggressive spell she knew. Her arcane burned to her palm, controlled and powerful as she shoved everything she could into the extension of her chi. It burned like fire, but hotter as she pressed it to whoever held her.
A high-pitched screech, the fingers releasing her completely. Kyra threw herself to the side, sucking in big gulps of air as she readied to throw another ball of arcane. She turned, saw the flickering image of a tall, thin person cloaked in shadows. With a last pained scream it disappeared, and a single piece of paper floated from where it just stood.
PLAYTIME STARTS NOW.
YOU’RE MINE.
Chapter9
Kyra
Blood Bar was in full swing when she passed through the doors, the small dance floor rustling with sweaty bodies moving to the live band on stage. She remembered the place before it was taken over a few years ago, the sticky floor and worn tables full of disgruntled drunks who enjoyed the unique drink options. The fresh design was welcoming with high-end leather stools with chrome detailing, and a shiny new bar.
The new owner had kept the unique drinks spiked with blood, for which the bar had gotten its name, and had created many more specialised cocktails to suit every taste.
Usually the beat of the dancers wouldn’t bother her, even though she tried her best to keep away from crowds. But tonight she was on edge, her heart a trapped rabbit as she swallowed the panic that had been steadily growing since she first felt those phantom fingers. There was minimal bruising, but she still felt the echo of the pressure at the sides of her throat. Her attacker hadn’t wanted to kill her, just frighten, a warning.
She instinctively flared her chi, ignoring the curious glances of the magic bearers who felt her unusual energy as she searched for the one witch who could help her. Nothing, the rippling awareness of everyone too much as she scanned the crowd, and found…
Eyes of frost met hers from the corner, Xander’s face twisted into a grimace.
“Kyra?” a voice called from her left.
Kyra hesitated, finding it difficult to look away from the man who despised her with such ease. She finally turned, greeted by a tall, too beautiful man with short hair. “Axel,” she responded, her shoulders relaxing just a little. “Is Alice here? I can’t find her and it’s important.”
Axel tilted his head, his smile waning as he studied her face. “What happened?”
“Is Alice here?” she only repeated, trying to cool her features.
Axel looked at something behind her. “No, I’m sorry she’s not. I think she’s on a case or something. You want to join me for a drink?” He gestured to the bar behind him, at the colourful bottles that were expertly displayed.
“No, I really need to speak with her.”
Concern darkened his eyes, his smile no longer forced. “What happened?” He reached forward, but before his fingers could touch Xander appeared between them.
Kyra flinched, having not heard or seen him move from his dark corner.
“Alice isn’t here,” Xander grunted. “So you will have to talk to me.”
Kyra snapped straight at his harsh tone, her own anger sharpening. “You look absurd wearing sunglasses inside.”
Xander’s lips tipped into a smirk.
“Riley’s up in his office,” Axel cut in. “Whatever is going on, he can help.”
* * *
XANDER
Xander couldn’t take his eyes off the witch as she politely nodded her thanks, and then headed towards the stairs at the back. Her face was still bruised, lip split and he was sure there were new marks on her throat. He growled, not realising the sound came from him until Axel lifted a heavy brow. He knew how she had split her lip, the memory fresh, but he was surprised at his own response.
Fucking black witch,he thought, disgusted.I wonder how many people she has sacrificed for her spells?
“Xee, man, you need to calm down,” Axel shoved at his shoulder. “Come on, let’s have a drink.”
Xander didn’t want a drink, he wanted to chase after Kyra and demand to know what happened, to know how she received every mark and cut. His muscles were rigid, fists clenched by his sides but he joined his brother at the bar anyway. A beer was already waiting for him, Sam popping the lid and placing it on a coaster before Xander had even sat down. He touched the bottle, the glass cold and wet with condensation.
“What the fuck was that about?” Sam asked, blonde brows drawn tight across his face. “Kyra hasn’t been over in a while and she looked…”
