Magic Unleashed (Hall of Blood and Mercy, #3)

by K.M. Shea

“Killian? Are you there?” “Yes.” He exhaled deeply. “It’s just that I perhaps see a little of what you’ve been complaining about.

“Yeah, for sure.” Guilt prickled at my conscience as I slouched in my bed. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to tear such an important secret about your whole race from you.” “It’s fine.” Killian’s voice was surprisingly calm. “You’re a virtuous idiot after all. You won’t even share this information with your House, and I’m aware you’ll die before you share the news—your honor is too overwhelming for you to do anything else.”

“It’s still pretty sad,” I said. “I hope one day you’ll feel differently about this.” “It is what it is.” “Well, I’ll call us even,” I said. “Thanks for trusting me, Killian. I won’t tell anyone. And I hope this means next time you’ll tell me when you have a plan that involves my participation?” “Yes.” I nodded, even though he couldn’t see. “Good,” I said. “That’s all I really wanted.” “You are a simultaneously complex but simplistic creature.”

Thanks for calling, Killian. I’ll see you at our next practice session in three days?” “Perhaps sooner,” Killian said. I pulled the phone back to stare at it for a moment again. “Huh?” I said. “What do you mean?” “Good morning, Hazel,” Killian said before he hung up on me.

“Good evening.” His voice echoed across the empty lawn. “May we come in?” I stomped my way down to the sidewalk. “What the heck are you doing here?” I glanced at his retinue, who were carrying duffle bags and various power tools. “You said to tell you next time I had a plan that involved you.” Killian shrugged, his shoulders barely moving. “It’s next time.”

“As you very well know, I am paranoid,” he said. “Uh-huh, I’m following you.” “So it makes me…apprehensive when you are away from Drake Hall,” Killian said. I pressed my lips together. “I live in a magic House with nearly thirty adult wizards, and you’re apprehensive?” “Would you rather I say it makes me unbearably anxious?” Killian smirked, looking calm and controlled—the exact opposite of what he supposedly felt. “And paranoia often doesn’t make sense,” he added.

“So, what, you’re moving in?” I asked. Killian perked. “That’s an option?” “No!”

That's an option?

“Fine. It’s your head on the line.” I held my hands up and backed off. “But the House has a personality of its own, Killian. You really don’t want to tick it off.” “Is that so?” Killian said in a factual tone. He flicked off his handgun’s safety and nonchalantly shot the floor. Slivers of wood sprayed the air, and instantly the ground parted beneath Killian’s feet, sending him plunging into the basement. The wood floor sealed up behind him, repairing the bullet hole, making it look as if nothing had happened. I turned to Celestina. “Please allow me to express my congratulations on becoming the new Drake Family Elder.”

Scare poor Celestine half to death

“Yep. So do you wanna make a bet how long the House will manage to keep Killian hostage?” There was another bang below our feet—I’m pretty sure it was the sound of another bullet firing. Gavino didn’t even blink. “Nope,” he said. “Not interested at all. If I place a winning bet, I’m pretty sure His Eminence will be quite offended.”

“Houses already have dreadfully huge weaknesses,” Killian said. “They are called wizards—such a pathetic bunch.

Ouch

Up went an eyebrow. “Oh?” “You wouldn’t have shot my House if you were here for any other reason besides testing it.” I scuffed my foot on one of the Turkish rugs that ran up the hallway and stared at the bright design. “You were deliberately pushing it. If you wanted information you would have coddled it. Thank you for being honest, Killian. It really means a lot to me.” I forced myself to raise my eyes and smile up at him, even though it made me a little uncomfortable. This was an important moment. I needed to show that I understood what he was doing, and I was thankful.

I started to turn, planning to lead the way up the hallway, but I paused when Killian held out his hand. He watched me, some of the red igniting in his eyes as he waited for my reaction. Do I take it? Or is that giving too much too early… There was something both tired and guarded in his expression—in the set of his mouth and shoulders. This is hard for him, I realized. There were still hidden depths to him, and he was absolutely layering his actions. (Although the sappy invite did make me blush, there was a chance he would use my presence as a shield against the others—a way to show them they didn’t need to fight because his attack dog was on the job.) My eyes drifted to the cat hair on his suit. But he’s trying. He’s fighting ancient instincts and basic vampire behavior to trust me.

I was tempted to stick my tongue out at him, but something told me I’d regret that action, so I pulled on his hand. “Come on, Mr. Suspicious. The kitchen is this way.” Killian allowed me to pull him along, and just before we got to the kitchen he lightly rubbed the top of my hand with his thumb in a caressing manner. Yep. Those instincts he was fighting were alllll about trust.

The Elite smoothed his goatee some more. “It—and the talk we heard that promoted supernatural intermingling—got me thinking. Perhaps we’ve been coming at this from the wrong angle.” “You mean survival?” “Yes,” the Elite said. “What if helping each other is the best option, rather than fortifying our own individual races?”

“It goes even deeper than just you,” he continued. “You took your teachings to your House, and as a result were able to shield the Eminence and his vampires when they were attacked in the Cloisters. If you hadn’t learned your particular style of magic, the Eminence was the only one who would have made it. His underlings—including his First and Second Knight—would have died. And that is what interests me.” “That we saved Celestina, Josh, and everyone?” “No. Well, somewhat. I was specifically referring to the fact that your friendship changed the future of both the Drake Family and House Medeis.”

“An opening from you will help pave the way.” Elite Bellus peered at me with an appraising expression. He had looked at me similarly at the Summer’s End Ball. Recalling our conversation from then, I was quick to say, “I’m not Killian’s one, you know.” “Mmm.” He casually glided over my somewhat defensive statement. “Regardless, an opening is all I need. For now.”

“You can tell me as we take our seats.” “Our seats?” Killian nodded at the dais—which was positioned to be the center of attention in the room. At the top level of the dais was a fancy desk with two chairs. “I am not sitting up there with you,” I said. Killian frowned slightly. “Why not?” “I’m not going to let you use me as a method of intimidation, and I don’t want to get dragged into vampire politics!” I growled. Killian actually heaved his eyes to the ceiling. “I don’t want you to sit next to me for political reasons. Really, you’re starting to be almost as paranoid as I am.” “What possible reason could you want me up there with you?” I demanded. “Did I not say I was inviting you because I missed you?” Killian stressed. “That’s why I want you sitting with me.”

As if anyone could hold a candle to you, Killian, however. Once you trust her, you trust her completely even if you don't show it, but you are notoriously hard to trust. 🙄 Ironic, isn't it.

I glanced at the chair. “Okay, but what is everyone else going to think?” “What I want them to think, and what I’m attempting to display.” “I knew politics were wrapped up in this somehow,” I muttered. “That was your cue to ask what I’m attempting to display.” “Fine. What are you attempting to display?” “That we’re equals.” His response surprised me so much my balance actually wobbled for a moment. “I’m sorry…what?” Killian adjusted his cuff links and grinned slightly at me. “I’m the Eminence. No one sits on the same level as me. If I was trying to make a statement that you were under my power I’d tell you to stand with Celestina. But by giving you a seat next to me, I’m stating we’re on equal footing. It will show just how highly I think of you.”

Killian had really planned his attack—there was a steaming mug of tea and a cup of water waiting for me, as well as a little bowl of fancy European chocolates.

I rubbed my eyes. “I’m really starting to understand why you have trust issues.” “Does that mean you’ll expect less from me?” “No. It just means I understand how you got to be this way.” I shot him a glare.

It was supposed to make him slide into the ice and fall. Instead he jumped, becoming a blur and disappearing. “Not again.” I dropped my lightning field and swapped it out for thick sheets of ice that were so cold they groaned. “Tsk, tsk. You still have so many openings.” I followed Killian’s voice up to the ceiling, where he casually dangled off a hanging light.

“Yes, Your Eminence.” Celestina stepped back from the door, which blew open with such force I think it might have made a dent in the wall. In stormed the Paragon, his white mustache drooping past his chin, his long, silvery hair wild and disheveled, and his robes—an impressive silk brocade with embroidered feathers that I swear moved across the fabric—were wrinkled. He drew himself up, sticking his craggy nose high in the air like a pouting kid. “You two are so mean!”

“What is he talking about?” Killian asked. “Something to do with the Night Court, I guess?” I offered. “What is he talking about?” the Paragon mimicked in an irritating, high pitched voice. “I’m talking about you—” he pointed a finger at Killian, “and you—” he moved his finger and stabbed it at me. “Being so wrapped up in each other you ignore me!”

The Paragon continued his rant, planting his hands on his hips. “You’re terrible friends. Terrible!” He shook out his robe, his lips jutting out in a pout. “You’re worse than two teenagers who have just entered a relationship! Killian, how old are you? Well beyond the years it is acceptable for you to act twitterpated. Shame on you for leaving me high and dry just because your girlfriend is back!” he scolded.

I mean, when he called me Killian’s girlfriend, a stupid part of me did feel stupidly giddy. I was losing it! If I wasn’t careful, I’d soon be doodling hearts whenever I thought about Killian.

Poor girl...

“Are you seriously here to complain that we’re having fun without you and you feel left out?” “Yes! I mean, no!” The Paragon drew himself up again. “I mean I’ve been slumping around this stupid city for days, waiting for you two to come ask me for help with the Night Court! And you never showed!” Fat crocodile tears that I was 99% sure were dramatized glazed the Paragon’s eyes as he melodramatically wiped them. “I stood in the ice cream aisle for an hour. My hands got cold! And I’m now banned from the library!”

Killian scoffed. “It’s because we’re not.” The Paragon drew back, as if Killian had slapped him. “How dare you say that?!”

Killian, however, didn’t seem to share my amusement. “Stop grinning,” he ordered. “You’re only feeding into his dramatics.”

But he's hilarious.

“That sounds about right. But! You could have told me!” He went back to poking a finger at Killian. “Especially you! You barged in on my life at all sorts of inconvenient times as long as you were fighting with your precious over here, and now that she’s back I am suddenly ignored? So cold!”

“Hmph.” The Paragon leaned near and spoke in the loudest whisper I’d ever heard. “See how he’s trying to nit-pick to distract you from answering your question? Classic avoidance technique.”

Killian smiled, looking the most relaxed I’d seen him since we started our training session. “I missed your laugh, you know. When you were gone.” The sudden change in our discussion surprised me a little, but I set my teacup down on its saucer with a quiet clack. “There were a lot of things I missed—about you, the other Drakes, and Drake Hall in general.” “It’s not going to happen again.” I peeled my gaze from my teacup. “What’s not going to happen?” “I’m not going to let go of you again,” Killian said.

“Just because I don’t think you’re my destined soul mate—a sappier, more unlikely thing I’ve never heard of—doesn’t mean I don’t deeply care for you.”

“You’re joking,” Killian said. “Not at all. Aphrodite is very intuitive. She knows just what people need! Just last week she picked out a very appropriate tea for the Day King when he dropped by to complain. I call it ‘calm the heck down.’ A few swigs and he was sleeping like a baby!”

I leaped out of the chair and launched myself at the Paragon, who gave a high-pitched squeal of fright. Killian caught me midair. “What was in the tea?” he said between clenched teeth.

She's so small and short he just "catches her in midair".

He rolled his eyes. “It’s such trace amounts it’s not even illegal! Just being around Mr. Studly here is more likely to juice you up given the pheromones vampires ooze. I just wanted to give you two an opportunity to talk.”

When he glanced back at us, the light in his eyes was tired and ancient, matching his sham of an appearance. “What you two have is rare. It pained me to see you at odds when friendship between supernaturals is so unheard of.”

“It doesn’t change what we said.” Killian’s eyes heated a little. “Why can’t we continue?” “Uh, how about because we’re in the middle of a face off with the Night Court?” I wrinkled my nose at him, surprised I was being the practical one for once. “Can’t we just keep dancing around…us, for now? This isn’t an ideal time to try and hash it out.” “That sounds like a convenient excuse driven by your tendency to avoid things that upset you.”

Call me a coward, but I needed time to figure this out. Pursuing a relationship with Killian wasn’t going to be the kind of casual dating I’d done so far in my life. There was no way I was jumping into it when I was in the middle of the most stressful, challenging, and awful year of my life. And I still wasn’t quite so sure we were right for each other, even if we had feelings. There was that lack of trust between us…

Killian thought for a moment. “You’re not saying no.” I eagerly nodded. “Just not right now.” After a few unnerving moments of silence, Killian nodded. “Fine. I’m willing to give you time. It seems I’ll have to find a way to satisfy your nearly insatiable desire for trust, anyway. However.” Ugh, he can read me a lot better than I like. When I met his gaze, his eyes glowed faintly red, and he leaned in again. “I’m not going to let you escape, Hazel. If you keep trying to run from this issue just to avoid pain, I won’t stand for it.” It was difficult to swallow. “Deal,” I squeaked.

Killian briefly took my hand and squeezed it, then shifted his eyes—now markedly blacker—to the Paragon again. “If you try to feed me magic again, your cat will be left as the next Paragon.” He returned to his seat, all elegance and death.

Killian sighed. “I already have a party scheduled at Drake Hall. Originally it was supposed to only be for vampires, but I suppose I can expand it to include other supernaturals.

And I imagine it won’t be a total loss. It will provide me with the chance to observe the leaders of society in a place where they cannot hide.”

A painful silence stretched through the study. Surprisingly, it was Killian who broke it. “What are you doing with a love tea, anyway?” He frowned at the Paragon. “I can’t imagine anyone wanted to date you with this crusty appearance.” “I beg your pardon!” The Paragon puffed up his chest. “I’ll have you know I am quite popular! Or—that is to say—I was very popular in my youth!” He laughed sheepishly. “When was that?” Killian asked. “The American Civil War?” “As if you have room to talk Sir ‘I-hail-from-Britannia-and-probably-shook-hands-with-King-Arthur-and-am-now-robbing-the-cradle’!”

"It was just a slip of the bear! I mean -tongue! 'Bear with me' is what I meant to say..."

“I hope having a clutch of wizards in Drake Hall hasn’t been too offensive to your nose?” I winked as I slathered butter on my twice baked potato. “One or ten of you hardly makes a difference,” Rupert scoffed. “And at least your underlings have the good sense to not bleed everywhere and stink the place up.”

“Your Eminence,” they murmured. I had to peer around the back of my chair—it was too high for me to see over it—and saw Killian at the door, studying the pile of weapons Josh routinely left there whenever sitting down for dinner. “What do you need, Your Eminence?” Celestina asked. “Nothing.” Killian’s eyes were their usual shade of dark obsidian, but his mask of cold arrogance seemed a little cracked as he looked up and down the massive table. “I…nothing.”

Most of the vampires were watching Killian, their eyes glazed over with hero worship. Only those farther up in rank—like Josh and Celestina—looked worried. Celestina’s tawny forehead was lined with wrinkles, and Josh—sitting two seats down from me—was writing something on a tiny notepad. “Josh,” I whispered. “What are you doing?” “Writing my epitaph,” Josh whispered back. “Because the end of the world has arrived. Time will soon collapse and all will sink into the ocean. The sign has appeared.”

I turned back to Killian and offered him a grin. “Hey.” He was glancing around the room, but when I spoke he shifted his attention to me. “Hello.” It seems like asking him why he’s here would scare him off. I think he’ll be most comfortable if I act like he eats with us all the time instead of making a big deal over it.

“Hey, you have no idea what a sacrifice it is to offer you my food.” I wriggled my eyebrows at him and took another forkful. “This twice baked potato is worth a fight to the death.” A quirk of a smile tugged at the corners of Killian’s lips. “Obviously I mean a lot to you.” “Yes,” I nodded without thinking. “Wait, no! I take it back!”

“You would.” Killian tilted his head. “Are you just going to ignore it?” I squinted at him. “Ignore what?” “Your salad.” Killian pointed to the kale salad I’d been industriously avoiding. “Yes,” I said. “You should at least try it.” “It’s kale salad. Do you have any idea how awful that stuff tastes?” “The kitchen staff prepared it for you.” “I don’t like kale.” “You need to eat a complete diet given the exercises you put your body through.” I set my fork down. “Are you legit telling me to eat my vegetables?” Killian smirked. “Perhaps.” “Fine. Then you try it first!” I set the salad bowl in front of Killian with a smirk.

Killian twitched up an eyebrow. “Of course I like Marraine,” he said. “She is amusing and is excellent at keeping you in line.”