Collected by Shawntelle Madison

Author:Shawntelle Madison
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: urban fantasy, werewolf, contemporary fantasy, goblins, leprechauns, nymphs

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Chapter Four

The blackened path was an illusion, of course. The hallway was a mask for the entryway into the administration building. I took several tentative steps forward, waiting for our pursuers to come down the secret passage. But no one came for us. From where we stood, everything was recognizable. If we continued this way, we’d eventually reach the lobby where I’d been stopped before. The place looked like any other office building. Nice mahogany doors with names on signs. Human resources, the vice president’s office. Even the break room for the staff. Just another work place. But the complete silence crept along my arms and made me want to scratch them. The ordinariness of it and what magic lurked underneath made me so very afraid we’d be attacked by leprechauns. The hints of fear snatched at my breath, but I tried to keep it at bay. This wasn’t the place for a panic attack. Not now. Not here.

I tried to lighten my mood. “You sure you don’t want to stop in the copy room and make copies of your ass?”

Alex snorted. “As tempting as that sounds, I just want you to take those pictures and get out of here.”

I nodded, and we walked faster. My destination came into view, a glass display case with a few items inside. The hallway was dimly lit, but the light from the case shone brightly. The compass appeared to be made from polished brass with ornate carvings for the declination markings. It even had a movable sundial built into the device. As an antiquarian, I could appreciate such a beautiful piece. But now wasn’t the time to admire it. All I had to do was finish the job.

“Take your pictures.” Alex looked around. “I’m gonna double back and see if I can find Miles.”

I sucked in a sour breath. “You’re going to leave me alone? Are you nuts?”

“Then hurry up! What if he’s hurt?”

I opened my purse and took out the camera the dragon had given me. It was a newer one. Magic tingled on my fingers as I held it. Most likely the film had been touched to record anything hidden by a spellcaster.

The camera turned on easily enough, and I took pictures of the antique compass. I got in as closely as possible and took shots from multiple angles. Then I remembered my blood-sealed deal with the water spirit. I took another memory card, the one we’d purchased right before we came here, and used it to take more pictures. My hands shook the whole time.

“That’s good enough,” I said. “Let’s find Miles.”

The path back from where we’d come was deserted. Alex and I crept down the hall, barely making a sound with each tentative step. My brother’s heartbeat was loud in my ears—almost like a frightened rabbit. Miles’ scent led around the corner he’d went. That led further into the factory.

At the end of the hall, we spotted some shoes.

“This isn’t good,” Alex muttered.

“Are you sure about that?” I pointed farther down the hall.

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