Page 38 of The War is Coming

“Apparently, it’s a thing demons can do: send their shadow off to spy for them. They can’t be seen, scented or heard.”

“Well shite,” Blake exclaimed.

“I don’t know how we can search for a shadow,” Ash confessed.

“No idea. We need to talk to Tatum,” he said, standing up, “and then see if anyone else has any ideas.”

Before they could move, there was a knock at his door. “Come in,” Blake called.

The door opened, and Frederick stood there. “Sorry, I can come back later.”

“No, don’t do that. What’s up?” Blake asked.

“Barnabus tried to release demons from Tartarus earlier. The hell hounds stopped him. Maletayah and Barnabus had a sword fight, which the demon lost. He was sporting some impressive injuries when he vanished,” Frederick told them. “But here’s the thing, Maletayah outfought him. He couldn’t mimic the angel’s fighting skills.”

“That’s good to know,” Ash said.

Frederick nodded. “Hades thinks that because they were fighting so close to Tartarus, it might have affected his powers. Some of the angels are joining the defence teams. Hopefully when we encounter Barnabus again, we can find out if they really can beat him.”

“You said he was injured. He might even die of his new injuries as the Hayes Pack shaman is currently residing in our cells,” Blake said.

“What?!” he exclaimed. “How?”

“The idiot came to us for sanctuary,” Ash replied.

“Which he obviously won’t get, but he told us that Barnabus has sent his shadow here to spy on us,” Blake added.

“At the risk of repeating myself, what? How?”

“We were just off to talk to Tatum about that. Join us.”

They found Tatum and his mates, along with Dane and Peyton, hard at work in the library.

Everyone called out a greeting as they entered.

“Tatum, what can you tell us about demons and their shadows?” Blake asked.

“That’s a closely guarded secret. How did you find out?” Tatum asked.

“What about demons and shadows?” Dane asked, looking confused.

Tatum sighed. “A demon’s shadow can work independently from their bodies. They can be used as spies, as they can’t be seen, felt or heard. They just blend in with natural shadows.”

“Wow,” Peyton said. “Can you do that?”

Tatum nodded. “All demons can, but I’m not sure all demons know they can.”

“Can demons’ shadows track another demon’s shadow?” Frederick asked.

Tatum shook his head. “No, it’s just a shadow,” he paused and looked at Saxon. “Could you use magic to find one?”

“I’ve no idea. It’s not something I’ve ever tried. Does it hurt when your shadow leaves?”

Tatum shook his head. “No.”

“What are you thinking, babe?” Wynter asked.

“I’m thinking that Saxon could practice trying to find my shadow, then we can see if it can be done,” he looked at Peyton. “Could you try as well?”