“What do you mean you don’t know?” Sophie moved to the edge of the bed, ready to run after K
ain if he dared leave the room without giving her a good explanation. “Why are you acting like this? Why is it such a big deal? So he’s got a secret. We all have our secrets.”
Kain turned towards her. “You don’t get it…”
“What is there to get?”
“That sort of demon mark…” the blond could hardly find his words. He shook his head and opened the door. “Demons leave such marks only to show something… or someone belongs to them.” He stepped over the threshold and gave Sophie an apologetic look before closing the door behind him. “I’m sorry, I can’t do this right now. I just can’t.”
END OF BOOK THREE
CHAPTER ONE
The trip from Romania to Ukraine was tense, to say the least. Kain and Alexi didn’t even look at each other, and Sophie got bored of staring at them, asking questions they had no intention of answering, and sighing in frustration. Fortunately, because this was such an important mission, the Academy had provided them with a private jet to take them to the Carpathian Mountains in Ukraine, so Sophie didn’t have to endure her mentors’ infuriating silence too long. From time to time, she stole glances at Alexi. He was visibly tired. The contrast between his black leather jacket and his pale face and lips was worrisome, and Sophie knew he hadn’t eaten anything. To see him so weak and exhausted was new to her, and she wasn’t sure how to react. Right now, she hated Kain for being so cold and harsh. Yes, Alexi had some explaining to do, but it was quite clear this was not a good time. At least they were still on the case, so Sophie decided to focus on what they had to do and leave the questions for later. They would have time to solve the mystery of the demon mark on Alexi’s back after they had taken care of Count Casimir D’Argyle.
The small jet landed on a wide plain outside of the village where Tengu was waiting for them. A cart pulled by two horses was there to take them to the village priest’s house, where it seemed the incubus had decided to establish their headquarters. They got there in less than an hour, but Sophie made good use of every single minute. Her neck started to hurt from craning it so much in all directions to admire the beautiful mountains, the rich, dark woods that almost reached the top, and the way the sun danced on the patches of snow still covering the ground. It was March, and spring had yet to claim the Carpathian Mountains. The landscape was magnificent, and Sophie thought how terrible it was that the dark, evil energy of a demon could spoil it and turn the people living on these pristine lands into obedient slaves.
The priest’s house was at the edge of the village, on the land owned by the Church. It was a simple, modest house, its walls freshly painted in a light shade of green. It was surrounded by a wooden fence that didn’t look like it could do much to keep intruders away. As Sophie later learned, it wasn’t necessary in these parts, as people were peaceful, respectful, and always minded their own business. The priest didn’t even bother to lock the gate at night.
Kain, Alexi, and Sophie thanked the man who brought them to the village in his cart, then turned towards their host.
“Thank you for having us, Father Michael,” Alexi said. His voice was low and well-measured.
“Not at all. Please come in, come in!”
Father Michael was a tall man, with big hands and strong arms. It was obvious he was used to working the land when he wasn’t in church or visiting the villagers who were too old or too ill to make it to church on Sundays. He lived alone, and the spark in his kind brown eyes told Sophie how happy he was to have guests for a couple of days.
Alexi and Sophie followed the priest inside, but Kain stayed a few steps behind and took his time to look around the small courtyard.
“Excuse me, Father…” he called from outside, “You don’t have a dog…?” The lack of security around the old house baffled him.
The priest peeked out from behind the cheap curtain meant to keep flies and insects away, and smiled at Kain.
“Oh, I used to have many dogs. The last one ran away weeks ago. I don’t know what’s wrong with the dogs in these parts… They never stick around.”
Kain cocked an eyebrow and stepped over the threshold. Father Michael motioned for him to take a seat at the large table in the middle of what seemed to be a sort of living room. Sophie, Alexi, and Tengu were already there. Kain nodded towards the incubus, then noticed a fourth figure hunched on a small, three-legged stool near the window.
“Would you like some coffee?” asked the priest.
“Yes, please,” said Sophie, offering him a bright smile. Apparently, she was the only one in the room who hadn’t forgotten her manners. Alexi was still broody, Tengu was silent, and Kain was busy staring rather rudely at the old man by the window. She sighed in relief when Father Michael clapped his hands in enthusiasm and went to the kitchen, not before assuring them it wouldn’t take long.
Kain peeled his eyes off the hunched figure and took a seat next to Tengu.
“So, we’re here. Fill us in.”
The tall, dark-skinned incubus was a sight to behold. With his straight back, wide shoulders, and bulging arms, he looked rather ridiculous in the small, traditional room, with its old furniture and cheap curtains. Tengu’s black hair was tied in a long braid that reached his waist, but the thing that truly made him look out of this world was the funny way his wool sweater and blue jeans barely covered his impressive body. He obviously felt uncomfortable. It was impossible for him to fit in, no matter how hard he tried.
Tengu studied Sophie for a couple of long seconds, then turned to Kain.
“The situation is very complicated. We need to move fast.”
Alexi found the power to roll his eyes. If by fast Tengu understood taking forever to give them some straight answers, they were doomed. Oh, how he hated the Alluring Ones and their penchant for unnecessary drama.
“How about you start by telling us who this old man is and how he can help us.” Alexi already knew the answer, but he wanted to hear it from Tengu. Or from the old man himself.
“He is the shaman who informed us about the existence of the Ke’let Count.”
Sophie stole a glance at the hunched figure by the window, and her heart jumped in her chest when she met the old man’s white orbs. “Oh my…!” she gasped. She turned to Tengu, a silent question in her eyes.