Devilish Game (Shadow Guild: The Rebel 4)

Christoph nodded. “I will tell them that.”

“When do you normally give them a name?”

“Roughly two to three hours after they request it. Doesn’t take me long to find a person.”

Disgust surged. When this was over, I would beat him to within an inch of his life and evict him from Guild City. He’d sell out his grandmother for a cigarette, and I didn’t want his kind here. “You are truly the dregs of the gene pool.”

Irritation flickered in the man’s eyes, and I raised a hand to his neck, gripping it. The desire to crush his windpipe was strong—too strong.

I drew in a steadying breath, knowing that I was teetering at the edge of something here. I’d lost my memories of Carrow, and it had left me unsettled. Angry and always on the edge.

“In two hours, tell Anton to send his goon after Carrow.” I shook him slightly. “Do not deviate from those orders.”

His eyes had properly blurred, indicating the effectiveness of my power, and I nodded, releasing him. “Now go. Walk around town as if you are doing your normal business, then return home and do as I have commanded.”

He nodded and turned, striding out into the street. His stooped posture remained the same, and I watched him head down the road as if he were continuing on his way. I’d need to keep an eye on his apartment to make sure he did as I said, but it was clear he would not disobey me.

I pulled my phone from my pocket to send a message to Carrow, hesitating just briefly.

I could go tell her in person.

Desire pulled me toward that option, fueled by the need to see her.

No.

I couldn’t. Cyrenthia had been clear. We needed to stay apart.

I typed the message and hit send.

16

Carrow

That night, Mac, Seraphia, Eve, and I sauntered down the street to the Witches’ Guild party. It was a truly last-minute affair, the idea cooked up less than twenty-four hours ago. As expected, Guild City had responded quickly.

Only the witches knew that it was a trap for the kidnapper, but everyone else liked a good party, and the witches threw the best. I hadn’t yet seen Grey, but I knew he’d be there.

The sound of the party echoed through the clear night as we neared, shouts and laughter sounding down the quiet, cobbled streets of Guild City. On the horizon, I could see the colorful sky lit up with magic, marking the spot where the festivities were meant to go down.

If this didn’t work . . .

“We’re screwed if this doesn’t work, aren’t we?” I asked.

Seraphia nodded. “I’ve been reading more about the goddess Anat, and you were right, their actions parallel those of cults in the past. They seem to be obsessed with her.”

“Ritual murders, though?” Eve shook her head, a disgusted expression on her face.

Her raven made a harsh noise of agreement, but she didn’t seem to hear it.

“We’re lucky they’ve been collecting people for one big event and didn’t start piecemeal with individual murders,” Seraphia said.

“Like it’s all some horrible game, and they’re setting up the board,” I said. Was I the last piece? The fact that they wanted someone with my power made me seriously nervous. I shivered. “They want to make a splash.”

“Exactly,” Seraphia said. “They’ll imbue her with power that satisfies her dark side, so when she rises, there will be no balance.”

“We’ll stop them.” I stepped out into the courtyard that surrounded the Witches’ Guild tower.

The space that was normally so barren and desolate was filled with life now. Dozens of supernaturals drank and danced and talked. Part of the wild grass had been covered by sand, and palm trees grew up out of the golden stuff. Bonfires scattered the space, brilliant orange infernos emitting colorful smoke that hovered over the guests like an Aurora Borealis. Picnic tables and games were set up, along with what looked like a match of American football, complete with a line of cheerleaders, both men and women.