Darkness Hunts (Dark Angels 4)

“If the sorcerer has used the intersection to hit the gray fields and open the first gate, it’s been leashed.” She paused, her concern deepening. “And if he has leashed the magic, then he’ll have more than hellhounds protecting it.”

“Undoubtedly. Which is why I don’t want you in the middle of it until we’re sure what we’re facing.”

“So why does he get to go, when he knows jack shit about magic?”

“Because risking his life means less to me than risking yours.” I flashed him a smile to take the sting out of the words.

“I love you, too,” he muttered, but there was amusement in his eyes.

I snorted softly and returned my attention to Ilianna. “I need you to do a couple of other things, too, if you wouldn’t mind.”

“Like?”

I hesitated. “There’s two things I need.”

Actually, there were three, but one I couldn’t—wouldn’t—ask with Jak present. I wasn’t about to give him that much information about the current state of my love life.

“So tell me,” Ilianna said.

“The first—can you contact the Brindle and ask if they’ve sensed any dark magic at work on or near the intersection? If he did use it, they’d have to know about it. Maybe they can tell us about either the magic or the man behind it.”

She frowned. “Not necessarily. It depends what sort of protection circle he’s using. It could be inclusive—keeping the magic and the spells within the circle and undetectable beyond it.”

“But surely the ley line itself would not be contained so easily?”

“I don’t know. I’ll ask. The second task?”

I hesitated. “Tao’s struggling to pull himself together after the accident in the kitchen yesterday. I was wondering if there was some sort of potion or charm that might help him.”

She frowned. “Whatever I give him would be more illusion than reality. I’ve told you before, there’s no magic beyond time that will help him heal.”

If he ever does. She might not have said the words, but they nevertheless hung in the air between us.

“The illusion of help might be all he needs right now.”

She slowly nodded. “I’ll see what I can brew up.”

I hesitated again. “Good.”

Her gaze swept me shrewdly. She’d guessed that neither of my requests was what I’d really wanted. But all she said was, “The minute you sense anything magic related, you ring me. At the very least, I can advise you long distance.”

“That I can agree to.”

“Then go get something to eat before you collapse on your feet.”

“I do wish people would stop ordering me to eat,” I muttered, but nevertheless headed for the kitchen.

“Someone has to,” Ilianna said. “You seem damn determined to run yourself into the ground lately.”

“Which is an echo of what Azriel said not too long ago.”

“You should listen to him more often.”

I glanced back at her. “How much is he paying you to say that?”

She rolled her eyes at me. “Speaking of our reaper, where is he?”

“Sulking.”