Splintered Gates by D.K. Holmberg

Author:D.K. Holmberg [Holmberg, D.K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: ASH Publishing
Published: 2026-01-13T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 13

“Trust your instincts when encountering entities that don’t quite fit established classifications. The most dangerous beings are those that exist in the margins between known categories.”—From “Identification Protocols for Nonstandard Entities,” Shamrock Disposal Agency field manual

The water treatment plant was a dead end. By the time Nadia and I arrived, the Agency had already secured the entire facility with a containment perimeter that would have taken specialized equipment to breach undetected. Whatever circle was supposed to be established there that night either had been prevented or had been deliberately misdirected information—a possibility that raised troubling questions about Nadia’s sources.

We observed from a distance long enough to confirm that both Mercer and Smith were on site, directing what appeared to be a standard containment operation. Alison moved efficiently among technical specialists, her focus suggesting they’d found something significant but not immediately threatening.

With no way to approach without detection and limited information to be gained from distant observation, we retreated to reassess our options. Nadia suggested continuing our conversation at a safehouse she maintained, but I declined, needing time to process everything I’d learned and make decisions without her immediate influence. She accepted my decision with surprising grace, though her parting words—”The convergence accelerates whether we’re prepared or not”—had carried an unmistakable warning.

Now, shortly after midnight, I sat at my kitchen table reviewing notes and diagrams spread across the surface. Marcus had joined me after his work at Alletech, bringing takeout and his analytical perspective. We’d compared my information from Rex with the pattern analysis Marcus had been developing, looking for vulnerabilities in the network design.

“If the warehouse is the control hub,” Marcus said, indicating the location on our map, “then disrupting it should theoretically destabilize the entire network.”

“Theoretically,” I agreed. “But Agency protection makes direct intervention nearly impossible. And if they’re actively working with Lang rather than just monitoring him...”

“Then they might consider any attempt to interfere as a hostile action against the Agency itself.” Marcus finished my thought. “Not ideal for your continued employment as a consultant.”

I rubbed my eyes, fatigue beginning to blur the diagrams I’d been studying. “There has to be another approach. Rex mentioned that Lang’s original design created temporary rather than permanent gateways. If we could modify the existing circles to revert to that earlier configuration...”

“We’d still have a convergent gateway opening between predatory realms and our reality,” Marcus pointed out. “Just for a limited time rather than indefinitely.”

“Limited damage is better than permanent collapse.” I traced the pattern linking the summoning sites. “And a temporary opening might be easier to seal completely once it’s formed.”

Marcus was about to respond when a sharp, urgent knocking came at my apartment door—not the casual rhythm of a neighbor or the authoritative pattern of Agency personnel, but erratic, almost desperate.

We exchanged glances, immediately alert. Visitors after midnight rarely brought good news, especially given recent events. I moved to the door cautiously, extending my senses to check for magical signatures while Marcus positioned himself out of direct line of sight, ready to provide backup if needed.

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