Wicked Deal (Shadow Guild: The Rebel 2)

“And one of them heard mention of a magical power source.” Eve looked at Carrow. “The power sources are like batteries. Small objects imbued with great power that can be used for spells.”

“Similar to the ones used to power the spell that hides Guild City?” I asked.

“Just like.” Eve nodded. “But a different one.”

Quinn nodded. “They couldn’t find the hidden ones, of course.”

Naturally. I’d concealed them well when we’d installed the spell to protect Guild City. “How are the key and the power source connected?”

“The key opens the container where the power source is stored. Once it’s out and they say the magic words…” Mac made a wide gesture with her hands. “Boom.”

Carrow sat up straight. “It’s the power source for the spell. I didn’t get it before, but now I do.”

“You know the spell?” Mac asked.

“Yes.” I detailed our meeting with Mariketta and how I’d taken her memory, just like Ivan’s goons had. “Once they have the power source out of the container, the spell will make the magic inside go haywire. The power will explode outward, taking down Black Church and the protective spell that hides us.”

“We need to beat them to it,” Quinn said.

We had no idea where they were now, but… “They’ll be at the church tonight,” I told the others.

“We’ll go wait for them,” Eve said.

Carrow frowned. “Mariketta said we had to go under to approach.”

“What does that mean?” Mac asked.

“I honestly don’t know. And she said we could only make it through at dusk.”

“That’s too late,” said Eve. “We need to get there earlier. Like, now.”

“Agreed,” I began, but before I could elaborate, a massive shockwave rushed through the air, nearly sending me to my knees.

Mac yelped in surprise, and a ceramic cup hit the floor and shattered. Outside, people shouted and screamed in alarm.

Carrow sprang up from the couch, her eyes wild. “What was that?”

“I have no idea.” I strode to the window. A massive, glowing blue dome rose over the rooftops of Guild City near the Black Church. The dome was partially transparent but sparked with magic. “It’s started.”

Carrow hurried up and peered out. “Holy crap

. What is that?”

“A protective shield,” said Mac, a scowl in her voice. “They’ve put it up so we can’t get in.”

“We need to evacuate the city,” Carrow replied.

“They’re trying,” Quinn said. “But it takes time, especially with so many supernaturals who can’t blend with society. And not everyone believes in the threat.”

I pointed to the dome out the window. “That will make them believe.”

“Fair point,” he allowed. “But what about those who can’t leave? The ones tied to this place by their magic?”

“We need to stop this before it happens,” said Carrow, then sprinted for the door and down the stairs.

We followed, the four of us racing down the street after her. Supernaturals spilled out of their houses, staring in fright at the dome hovering over the center of town, trapping untold numbers inside.

Carrow led the way, weaving through the streets swiftly and accurately. We reached the edge of the dome moments later. It gleamed transparent blue, like glassy water, and arced over a huge section of town.