“I’d still feel a lot better if you waited for us.” Aria said over the phone.

  “I know love.” Eli replied, closing his eyes and picturing his elven princess. “Are you sure you can’t come to Shadowhome?”

  “Yes.” She said, the pout clear in her voice. “It’s all hands on deck dealing with the emergencies of the day.”

  “Emergencies? As in plural?” Eli asked.

  “Well, the lizardkin and naga are petitioning us again to get their hybrid back.” She started. “They want her handed over to them so that they can reverse engineer whatever mad science Serpentius Rex did to make lizardkin-naga hybrids a possibility.”

  Eli shook his head as he recalled the incident. “I get it, but…the last time we let a Serpentius Rex creation loose, it tried to level Paris. That thing was feral, and putting it down was no easy feat. I’d rather not wake this creation up until we know exactly what we’re dealing with.”

  “I know, and I agree.” Aria said. “But the problem is that the decision might be forced on us soon – it’s taking more and more sedatives to keep her asleep. It’s like her body is adapting to them, but we’re worried that if we give her too much her heart might stop. We might have to wake her up eventually anyways.”

  “How long do we have?”

  “Weeks? That’s our best bet. We can deal with it later though – right now we have bigger issues: the council.”

  “Why are they so worked up?” He asked, fearing the answer.

  “Well, the human media is running nonstop replays and commentary about the attack – so that’s bad. We don’t even know who the bomber was, so that’s worse.”

  “This can’t be the first time that something like this has happened though.” Eli said.

  “No, you’re right – it’s not. We’re pretty confident we can cover it up given enough time. Zee is using her job at the CIA to run interference while Freya, Lilly, Naz, and I are all on the ground here in Denver. We’re also thinking about putting together a distraction to shift the news cycle away from this.” She paused for a moment before continuing. “The really concerning part is the rogue portal.”

  “Hang on – we’ve had rogue portals before too.” Eli countered.

  “From time to time, sure. Not like this one though – this one is different.”

  “How?”

  “We’ve got a network of spotters and magical devices set up around the world to detect when rogue portals are opened. We can even tell where it happens, narrowed down to an area of about 10 square miles. That network normally dissuades almost everyone from even trying to open their own portals.” She paused for a moment before continuing. “The real reason the council is concerned is that this one is different. None of our sensors were triggered – it’s like the portal never existed. If you hadn’t seen it yourself, we’d never know it was there.”

  “Shit.” Eli said.

  “You’re not kidding. If someone’s figured out how to circumvent our sensors, they could cause all kinds of havoc across all the magical realms and we’d be hard pressed to track them down.”

  “Maybe I should be coming to help you instead.”

  “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” She chuckled. “The dwarven side of the council in particular seems to think this is all your fault, and the naga are upset at everyone over this hybrid business, so it’s probably better that you sit this one out.”

  “Alright, well…if I hear a whiff of trouble, I’ll come running.” Eli promised.

  “Same goes for you.” Aria shot back. “Aratessa and Vespera are both under strict orders to call as soon as there’s trouble.”

  “There always is, but we’ll be fine.”

  “I know you will, fiancé of mine.” She replied. “Now get going and track down that book! I’ll talk to you soon.”

  “I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  When the line went dead Eli stuffed his phone back into his pocket. He stood from the comfortable chair and moved to the back of the semi-darkened office, brushing back a tapestry before nudging one of the bricks close to the floor. It pressed against a hidden switch that caused the wall to rumble softly as a section of it slid to the side, revealing a hidden staircase.

  As he climbed the stairs he heard the wall rumble closed behind him, leaving him in complete darkness. His hands brushed against the walls as he continued to ascend for another 30 seconds, finally finding a doorway to his right. With a practiced hand he quickly found the lever near the entrance and pulled it, opening another hidden door from which candlelight spilled into the secret passage.

  “All done with your call?” Aratessa’s voice drifted to him.

  Stepping into the living quarters he shared with her when he was on Purgatory, Eli nodded. “All done. Did she really make you promise to call her if there’s trouble?”

  The room was just as dimly lit as the office, but far more geared towards comfort than utility. Under his feet a soft red carpet covered the stone floor, and next to a roaring fireplace was a plush couch. The middle of the room had a large wooden table, and overhead there was a magical chandelier that cast the whole room in a purplish light.

  “Us golden hand society girls have to look out for our man together.” She replied, referring to the affectionate name Aria had come up with for the group of women who had bonded with Eli.

  Eli looked in the direction of her voice just in time to see her step through the door at the back of the room – one which he knew from experience led to the bedroom. She sashayed towards him before planting her lips on his in a passionate kiss – one that led to the two of them running their hands over each other. Before it could go too far though she pulled back, biting her lip and shaking her head.

  “As much as I’d like to, we don’t have time for that right now.”

  “Later though.” Eli nodded.

  “Absolutely. We probably don’t want to keep the queen waiting for several hours.”

  As she said it, Seraphina entered the room followed by Vespera, Minerva, Isla, Eli’s retainers, and several guards. Eli couldn’t help but let his eyes linger on Vespera for a moment – the succubus’ body was too perfect to resist stealing a glance. Even if her reddish skin was covered by skintight armour he could still appreciate her tight body, with breasts that had to be at least a D-cup and an ass that would earn her a modelling contract anywhere on Earth.

  As long as they weren’t terrified of her devil horns, elflike ears, and tail. He added mentally.

  Vespera noticed his gaze and cocked one eyebrow before blowing him a kiss with her ruby red lips. She then reached down and adjusted her hardened leather vambraces, twisting them back and forth to check the grip. Seemingly satisfied with them, she proceeded to run her hands down her black Kevlar-and-enchanted-cloth body armour, ostensibly checking it one last time but subtly drawing attention to herself in the process. He was tempted to help her ‘adjust’ the armour himself, but his thoughts were interrupted by another woman confidently striding towards him.

  “Isla.” He said with a genuine smile.

  “My mate.” The fiery redhead replied before kissing him deeply.

  When they broke apart her green eyes locked onto his while his hands naturally went to her waist. In this form she looked like Aphrodite personified – milky white skin and what felt like miles of feminine curves. She’d eschewed any formal clothing in favor of a white toga that hung tantalizingly off her body and a set of golden sandals around her feet.

  “Thank you for agreeing to stay with Minerva while I’m gone.” He said, tucking a stray orange hair behind one ear.

  “Vespera told me that going with either you or Aria would require a great deal of…politicking.” She said with distain. “I would prefer not to do that.” Then, the hint of a grin appeared on her face. “On the other hand, there are reports of feral fire-salamanders attacking caravans on their way to the demonic realm. Captain Shadowsong has promised me gold for my hoard if I help her protective detail.”

  “Fire salamanders?” Eli asked.

  “Slightly smaller than a dragon, and without the wings.” Seraphina answered from across the room. “Fire-breathing too. They’re not sapient, and apparently their migratory patterns are taking them right across our planned caravan routes.”

  “Will it be dangerous?” Eli pressed.

  “Hardly. Their claws won’t even scratch my scales.” Isla said as her grin turned predatory. “I am looking forward to seeing how they taste.”

  In that moment, Eli was reminded that the stacked woman in front of him was actually an enormous fire-breathing dragon with a significant repertoire of spells, foot-long dagger-like teeth, and talons that could peel back solid steel like it was a can of tuna.

  Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  “Sounds like fun.” Eli said, matching her grin before kissing her. “I’ve never tasted fire-salamander either. Save me a bite?”

  “Of course, my mate.” Isla said, batting her eyelashes and kissing him one more time.

  “As wonderful as this tender moment is, we really should be going.” Aratessa interrupted.

  “Right.” Eli agreed before reluctantly disentangling himself from Isla and looking over at Minerva. “And you’re going to be okay holding down the fort while we’re gone?”

  “Yes.” Minerva nodded. “I’ll keep one eye on Purgatory and one on Irandell. I promise we’ll keep the house warm for when you get home.”

  “Perfect.” Eli said, walking over to her and kissing her as well. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” She said softly, blushing while she reached out with her wings to rub his back while slipping a mana potion into his pocket with one hand. “Take this, just in case.”

  Feeling confident that everything would remain under control while he was gone, he followed Aratessa, Vespera, and their retinue through the castle towards the portal room. Isla, Minerva, and Seraphina followed them from behind, making small talk amongst themselves. They reached the portal room just in time to hear it whoosh open – a sound that was followed by the appearance of a blueish water-like substance filling the enchanted stone ring.

  Taking a second to nod in thanks to the pair of Hightower family guards who had opened the portal for them Eli took Aratessa’s hand and exhaled deeply, stepping through the portal. He closed his eyes for the second-long transit in a futile attempt to ward off the sense of stomach-churning vertigo associated with portal travel. When they emerged in one of the Hightower family’s waystations on Earth he took a breath for a moment, steadying himself for the next portal.

  “I hate portals.” Aratessa muttered as she squeezed his hand.

  “Me too.” He replied as he exhaled.

  He distracted himself from the feelings of nausea by examining the featureless concrete building around them. It wasn’t much – essentially a 50-foot long rectangular box located in a basement somewhere on Earth. Around them, House Hightower staff checked their identification before leading them towards the portal on the opposite end of the room – one which was being opened by yet more attendants.

  “Ready?” Aratessa asked.

  “As ready as I’m going to get.” Eli answered before stepping into the portal once more.

  One more disorienting ride later, and they emerged into the Dark Elven realm of Shadowhome. Unlike the last time he was here, they’d arrived in an open courtyard which in turn was in the middle of an enormous gothic-looking castle. All around him were 15-foot tall mushroom-like bioluminescent plants which cast soft multicolored lights all around them. Further back there were beautiful flowers of every color and description – ones whose vines climbed halfway up a set of black stone walls. His eyes traced the vines upwards to see several towers around them whose peaks were so high that they reached into a thick layer of dark grey clouds.

  “Don’t touch the flowers.” Aratessa said as she followed his gaze. “Every one of them is poisonous and will kill you in exotic and excruciatingly painful ways.”

  Eli was about to ask why someone would cultivate such deadly plants when a quartet of dark elven guards opened a door to the small courtyard and made a beeline towards them. They wore the black hardened leather armour typical of dark elves, with crossbows and various melee weapons strapped to their bodies. As they approached they slowed and the lead pulled back her hood to reveal her red eyes and white hair before speaking.

  “Queen Aratessa, Lord Consort Grayson.” She said with barely-constrained anger in her voice. “I am guard captain Vaelthara Duskrend. My guards and I will be your chaperones while you are here in Shadowhome.”

  Unsure of what he was walking into, Eli decided to take the initiative by offering her the traditional dark elven greeting. “Captain Duskrend, the darkness has shrouded our meeting today.”

  Her head tilted and she blinked several times before completing the greeting hesitantly. “And may the shadows provide us sanctuary, Lord Consort.”

  “Thank you for your service, captain.” Aratessa added. “I believe the Raven Queen is expecting me?”

  “Yes. I am under orders to guide you and your party to her in the throne room.” The captain responded.

  “Captain, if I may.” Eli started. “Time is of the essence with our investigation. Would you be so kind as to show Vespera and myself to the scene of the crime? I would like to begin looking for clues immediately.”

  The captain narrowed her eyes at him then nodded. “I suppose that would be acceptable.”

  Eli kissed Aratessa softly on the cheek. “You’re going to be okay without me?”

  She nodded to the small group of attendants with her. “I’m fine. They’re going to be watching over me. You should get started.”

  “Stay here and guard the portal.” Eli said to his retainers. “Keep an eye out for anything suspicious.”

  “We will.” Sira promised.

  “Call us if you need us.” Ziran added.

  With that, the two groups separated – the remainder of the Raven Queen’s guards escorting Aratessa and her retinue to the throne room, while Captain Duskrend led Eli and Vespera in a different direction. They exited the courtyard using a different door than the one they came in through, with the guard captain wordlessly marching them down several sets of stairs and through half a dozen guard checkpoints. When they finally emerged into a long hallway Eli spoke again.

  “Did you add extra security after the break in? I see a lot of guards on duty.”

  “Around the portal, yes. Down here, no. This is our regular contingent of guards.” She replied tersely.

  “I’m curious.” Vespera started. “Are your guards proficient in magic as well as with weapons?”

  “Of course.” The captain said instantly, clearly offended by the question.

  “Silence spells as well?” Vespera pressed.

  “Yes.”

  “Interesting.” Vespera said before glancing at Eli.

  They continued their march for another few minutes through a maze of tunnels so dense that Eli was almost sure he was being led astray specifically to confuse him. He did his best to memorize the route while also paying attention to his surroundings in case there was any subtle clues, but it was impossible to do both. Finally, he gave up and spoke again.

  “Captain, please stop here.”

  She stopped and turned on her heel before staring him down. “Why? We are almost at the vault, as you requested.”

  Seeing her rising anger again he looked around briefly to ensure there were no guards within earshot before responding. “Captain, did I do something to anger you?”

  She replied instantly. “No.”

  Glancing at Vespera he saw she’d cocked one eyebrow in response to the obvious lie. Taking a breath he locked eyes with the guard captain and tried again.

  “Captain, if we’re going to work together on this I need you to be honest. If you’ve got a problem with me, tell me now. I won’t say anything to your Queen, nor will I hold it against you or let it affect my investigation. I just want to know the truth.”

  She paused for a moment before replying. “Fine. You want to know the truth? I hate you being here.”

  “Why?” Vespera asked.

  “My guards and I are many things, but incompetent is not one of them. We investigated already. Our investigation led us to you, Royal Blood. The fact that you are here at all – against my advice, I might add – means that our Queen trusts your word more than mine.” She said bitterly. “But don’t think for a second that you have me fooled too. I still think you stole the tome, and I intend to prove it.”

  “Ah.” Eli said, realizing the complex situation he just walked into. “I see.”

  “Yes. Now you see.”

  “Let’s carry on then. Can you please continue leading us to the vault?” Eli asked.

  “You’re not going to try to plead your case to me? Proclaim your innocence?” The guard captain asked somewhat incredulously.

  Eli shrugged. “A lifetime ago I used to be a consultant. I used to do a fair amount of selling in that role. I learned that once someone has made up their mind about you, there are no words that will convince them otherwise. The only way to convince them is through action.” He paused. “I am going to find the thief, captain. And the book along with it.”

  “We shall see.” The captain said before turning away from him. “Come. It’s not far now.”