Page 17 of Out of Sight

“What happens with the rejects?”

The orcs looked offended, and she flipped them off. They paused and then looked outraged.

“Hey, they are picking it up fast.” She checked her senses for Ted and grinned. “Well, gotta go prevent a massacre. When Ted lets go, she really lets go.”

The woman waved at them and turned into a red djinn as she moved. Corso looked at her and followed. When she disappeared, so did he.

Avenget chuckled. “It seems Nyla will have three to choose from.”

Teyval laughed. “That is how it happens. Less formal introductions, more them telling you that you are not nearly as scary as you think you are, and then you are hooked. Myrtle climbed onto my lap when she learned I was the archive, and she still regularly picks my brain for details on alien races. I was very lucky to find a writer who appreciated me for my finer qualities and didn’t mind the tusks.” He snorted. “They do tend to use the ears as handles if you are doing things right. Just a warning.”

Avenget blinked and grinned slowly. “So not timid?”

“Not for long. Once they are relaxed around you, they are capable of anything.”

Avenget smiled. “In that case, I suppose I should go and watch my mage in action. I do love a little chaos.”

He found the signature he had been memorizing and followed it to an open space covered with domed structures and silence. He saw the red djinn and Corso and followed them into one of the structures.

Inside, the mages were talking to another woman who radiated a gentle power. She held up her hand. “Got it. You are going to copy my signature and stop me from getting drained. Go ahead. This is my third one this week.”

The mages were startled, but a moment later, Mik had the new woman in a safe place near a rear exit, and Ted was bent over a tray of plants with the same energy signature as the gentle mage.

A vehicle approached, and he hid with Corso and the red djinn. They were simply standing by and watching.

Corso said, “This is not how I imagined my first date on this world.”

Nemia glanced at him. “I thought you were here for Nyla.”

“I am here for my best match. That is you, and I now have to get you to see the positive aspects of myself while I learn what is what.”

Nemia whispered to him, “What do you have to do?”

“Occupation, home. Community involvement. Avor is responsible for assisting us.”

The car pulled up, and three shadow mages emerged.

Nemia tensed, but Avenget touched her arm to keep her calm. He pressed a finger to her lips.

Corso whispered in her ear that they would help if it were necessary, but her friend needed vengeance. They were here to witness. That was all.

Avenget was eager to see what the mages could do. With three shadow mages, there should be leftovers.

Chapter Four

Ted stood and watered the plants that Arden had pointed out while wearing the gardener’s face. Hrinian came through the door with two friends, and he looked at her with a sneer in his expression.

“Barely enough power to be worth it.”

Ted turned and looked at him. “What? Who are you?”

Hrinian looked chalky under the grey colouring of his skin. “You don’t need to know that.”

“Why not, Hrinian?” She looked at him and took on her normal appearance. “You were so proud when you did this to me six years ago.”

His eyes bugged, and his companions said, “What’s wrong?”

Ted let her skin glitter and eyes glow. “Oh, I am just the one who got away. Now, I want all three of you outside this greenhouse.”