The Practical Mage's Guide to Magic and Mayhem by Dan Ackerman

Author:Dan Ackerman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical fiction, paranormal, canada, demons, gay romance, gay fiction, lgbtq, antebellum south, gay historical fiction, nonbinary
Publisher: Supposed Crimes, LLC

The two of them arrived in New York City on the correct date. Phaedrus grinned, squeezed Hiram’s shoulder and said, “I can’t tell you how happy I am. What are you looking at?”

Hiram pointed toward a well-dressed young man holding a sign with Hiram’s full name printed on it. “That’s us.”

Phaedrus ogled the young man for a second and whispered, “That’s how they dress their servants?”

“They’re very wealthy,” Hiram said and headed over to the young man. “You’re here for me.”

“Mr. Reinhart?”

Hiram nodded.

“You and your guest may follow me,” the young man said and reached out for Hiram’s suitcase. “I can take that.”

“Thank you,” Hiram said.

He reached out for Phaedrus’ as well, and the creature handed it over.

Together they followed the man to a carriage; the young man stowed their luggage and opened the door for them. The carriage began to move, and Phaedrus asked, “Did you used to have that much money?”

“The New York branch has always been somewhat wealthier than we Southerners, but the figures are comparable. Or…were comparable,” Hiram said.

“Maybe choosing does count for something,” Phaedrus said to themself. “Have you been to New York before?”

“No. Until I moved to Pickering, I spent my entire life in Georgia.”

Phaedrus nodded.

The carriage stopped after half an hour or so. The young man opened the door for them. “Follow me, please,” he said and led them inside.

Phaedrus stared at the sizeable townhouse to which they had been brought. When they stepped inside, a tall, thin woman dressed in deep purples and grays greeted them, kissing Hiram on the cheek. Her blonde hair was pulled into a pile on top of her head, not at all like the ringlets he recalled from their childhood.

“Hiram, dear, we’re so glad to see you,” she said. She pulled back and asked, “Who is your friend?”

“Oh…this is Phaedrus Queen,” he said. “Phaedrus, this is a cousin of mine, Mrs. Payton Reinhart.”

“Very nice to meet you,” she said. “Will you be staying with us as well?”

“I would like that very much,” Phaedrus said.

“Wonderful! Mason will put your things in your rooms for you,” she said. She looked at Hiram’s arm, pursed her lips for a moment, but said nothing. “Freshen up, then we will catch up over dinner. Ian will be home in several hours.” She glanced at Phaedrus. “One of the servants can certainly bring you something earlier if you’re hungry.”

“Thank you, Payton,” Hiram said, “You’re very generous.”

“Oh, your father had us to Fall’s Hill so many times, it would be criminal not to return the favor,” she said.

She looked at the young man who had brought them in and said, “Mason, show them upstairs.”

“Yes, Mrs. Reinhart,” the young man said and brought them to their rooms on the second floor.

Everything from the wallpaper to the carpet oozed luxury and comfort. Hiram missed Fall’s Hill with a sudden twist of nostalgia. The price had been brutal, paid for in the blood of dozens of slaves, but his home had been beautiful.

“Mr. Reinhart, this will be your room.

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