Blue Flames

Bonus Chapter 7

This chapter takes place after their visit to the fake anchor, around when Elle was kidnapped by the flesh-eating demon. It's a bit long. Enjooooy!

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Arthur's POV:

"It seems you and your fellow Europeans have been keeping secrets, Poline."

I glanced in the rearview mirror at the witch. She was one of the most powerful witches in Europe, perhaps the world, but she was also one of the most sly.

At one point, I had debated inviting her to join the ranks of my seconds, but she was too twisted to be of any use. Selfishness and greed were not traits I looked for in people closest to me.

Street lights flashed across her face, lighting up her eyes in the mirror as she replied, "It's something the Order in Europe has been dealing with. You know Venus hasn't been involved in matters since her loss, and we couldn't possibly contact another of the Five without her knowledge."

I hummed. Venus' unavailability was a very convenient excuse to anyone who wanted to avoid scrutiny, it was also a perfect opportunity for them to dig in matters better left untouched.

That was the cross of the Five to bear. Our power gave us responsibility we couldn't shirk under any circumstance. Even mourning becomes difficult when lives depend on us. Because people would take the smallest display of weakness and disinterest to their advantage. This was the perfect example.

Kat turned the car, joining the traffic leading to the Order. Drumming my fingers on the window sill, I tried to curb my impatience. My magic felt uneasy, restless, and it didn't take a genius to know why. I'd thought we had the flesh-eating demon in hand, so I'd allowed Elle to come along because I didn't have the heart to deny her when she looked ready to join us.

I'd thought it was safe. And I was wrong.

But she would be safe once she reached the island. Kat parked the car in front of the Order's looming building. I got out right as my phone blared. My heart dropped.

"Elle is gone," Harvey said from the other end. "The demon teleported..."

The ringing in my ears tuned out the rest of his words. Power burned through my veins, the Darkness within me seeping through the cracks of my splintered control and pushing my magic out.

Crack.

The phone in my hand broke, splintering into so many pieces it was dust. The ground beneath my feet fractured. Glass showered the ground and lights broke down. Darkness claimed the street in one fell swoop.

The immortals around all froze, heads lowered. I turned. Poline stood next to the car with Kat, both women frozen. I walked until I stood right in front of the foreign witch.

"He has Elle. Tell Kat everything you know about the anchor. Our top priority is locating the demon killer," I said, my voice echoing in the sudden silence.

Poline's voice shook, "I need authority from my coven-"

I punched the car right next to her head. The vehicle flew back, hitting another one. A car alarm went off, screeching in the silence like a beast's tormented cries.

Poline's eyes met mine for a brief second before she lowered her head

"You will do as told or I will tear apart your mind and take everything," I said, barely recognizing the rough timbre of my own voice.

Poline's pulse hammered. The urge to tear into her jugular was so strong. It had been a long time since I craved blood this way.

Poline screwed her eyes shut, giving a shaky nod. I strode off to the Order.