Axel was my cousin, though. We’d grown up together, and I trusted him with my life.
I traced a finger along the edge of the worktop. “They refused to tell me much about what happened in this case before I came here.”
Axel frowned. “The high court?”
I nodded. “You know how tight-lipped they can get. Especially when it involves ‘outsiders.’” I made air quotes and Axel grinned.
“Oh, believe me, I know.” He ran a hand through his silver hair. A shade lighter than my own, but we were the only two in our families to have it. “They’re worried and embarrassed. We fae are supposed to be superior.” He rolled his eyes. “The idea that a non-fae managed to get hold of something as dangerous as Blue Alhuirn and bring it back through the gateway has unsettled them.”
“It’s unsettled me too.” We had some nasty plants that grew wild in the realm, but that was among the worst, if refined correctly. And apparently someone knew enough to do just that.
Axel cocked his head to the side. “Exactly how much do you know?”
I blew out a breath, going over it in my head before answering him. “I know that Blake Tehlin was involved, but not to what extent.” And I only knew that much because I’d been there when he’d been brought back through the gateway. “I also know that a large amount of Blue Alhuirn has been recovered and shipped back through the gateway to be destroyed. What I don’t know is what exactly went down at Gabriel Mason’s house or who was behind it all.” Or how they got it through the gateway without you noticing, but I kept that to myself. It might not have come through this gateway, and I was sure Axel had enough of his own concerns in that area without me adding to them.
Axel crossed his arms and regarded me steadily. “I could fill you in, if you want.”
I shook my head immediately. As tempting as that was, I’d been tasked with a job to do, and I’d carry it out as the high court requested. Even if that meant having to quickly get myself up to speed with the others involved in this investigation. “Thank you, but no. I need to see the evidence first-hand and draw my own conclusions.”
Axel huffed out a laugh. “Such a stickler for the rules.”
I raised an eyebrow at that. “You’ve stayed away too long, cousin. Your time spent this side of the gateway has taught you bad habits.” Not too long ago, Axel was as committed tosticking to the rulesas I was.
He flinched at my words but quickly schooled his features. “I’ve adapted to fit in. The rules of the high court have no place here. If you’re going to remain any length of time, then you’ll realise I’m right.”
“We’ll see.” I didn’t have the luxury of an extended agreement to stay here. My purpose was specific. Investigate who was distributing Blue Alhuirn and bring them to face justice in the Fae Realm. Nothing more. As soon as that job was complete, I’d return home.
Which suited me just fine. I hadn’t felt it when I’d first walked through the gateway, but as the hours ticked by a heaviness settled in my bones, I rolled my shoulders, trying fruitlessly to dislodge it.
Judging by the look on Axel’s face, he knew exactly what was bothering me. “You get used to it after a while.”
“And your magic?” I hadn’t tried to use mine, but I knew from experience that it wouldn’t work the same here.
Axel see-sawed his hand. “I can use it. Just not the same as we’re used to.”
“Wonderful.” Not that I expected any trouble to come my way. I was workingwiththe paranormal police, helping them, not spearheading the investigation. But not having full access to my magic unnerved me in a way I really didn’t care for. And I wasn’t sure I wanted toget used to it.It was an integral part of my being, not something I could turn off and forget about. I wasn’t usually here long enough to warrant any concern, but with days, possibly weeks ahead of me…
“Try it.” Axel waved a hand at me.
“What?”
“Try something simple. Reach for one of your weapons.” Axel gestured again, so I closed my eyes.
Through the gateway, I could call for them with only a thought after my years of training. Here though… it felt a little like wading through the sludge found at the bottom of the lake near my house. Thick and mildly unpleasant. And alarmingly just out of reach. Cursing under my breath, I did something I hadn’t had to do in decades. Instead of calling for them with a single thought, I pictured the Klaryth daggers tattooed on my left shoulder. Traced the intricate detail with my mind until finally two short knives appeared in my hand. I opened my eyes.
Axel nudged my shoulder. “See. It works. We have to try a little harder, that’s all.”
I huffed. “A tad inconvenient if I’m in a fight. I can’t exactly ask my attackers to wait while I call for my weapons.”
“Are you expecting to be attacked?”
“That’s not really the point, is it?” But if it was like that for me… “What about yours?” Axel’s magic wasn’t like mine. I wondered how it behaved this side of the gateway.
He grimaced. “It comes and goes. I can’t always decide when.”
I eyed him curiously. “Does everyone know what you can do?” Axel had lived this side of the gateway for long enough that I’d noticed a change in him over time. Sometimes I wondered if he felt more at home here than he had in our realm.
His eyes narrowed. “No.”
