A quick stop at Starbucks for two Frappuccinos, and I was on my way to Toil and Trouble, the small magic shop Brogan had inherited from Lena. It was a cozy little place on the south side of the city. Hopefully it wouldn’t be too busy this close to closing time.
The door chime sounded as I entered. The scent of incense greeted me. A table filled with gemstones sat in the center with a sale sign hanging overhead. Shelves lined with spell books hugged the walls. Everything from love charms to voodoo dolls graced Brogan’s shop.
“Hey, welcome home!” Brogan called out from the back where she was arranging a jewelry display. “How was the trip? Looks like you made it back in one piece.”
“Just barely. The trip was a nightmare.” I crossed the store to where she was and handed her a coffee. “You like caramel, right?”
“Love it. Thanks.” She took a sip and made a face of pure joy. “So good. Now, tell me about your trip.”
I gave her the recap of my Vegas vacation while browsing the aisles. A display case filled with vampire hunting tools caught my eye. “This is new. Isn’t it?”
Brogan shrugged. “It’s a novelty item. I’ve had requests for it. Nobody is going to hunt vampires with that stuff. I mean, there’s a bottle of holy water in there. That doesn’t even work on vampires.”
No, it would work on demons or fallen angels though. It piqued my interest that someone had specifically asked for vampire hunting gear though. “Who asked you to order in this stuff?”
“I have no idea. I get calls and emails about stuff like that all the time. Nobody has bought any of it yet though.” She paused, scrutinizing the so-called vampire hunter kit. “You don’t think it was a serious request, do you?”
“Can’t be too careful in this city.” A laugh bubbled up. “Next time you get a call like that, refer them to Vegas. The vampire population there is outrageous.”
“So the amulet my mom gave you, that’s what you want my help with? I can take a look at it, tell you if she spelled it and how—”
She broke off as the door opened with a chime. The telltale pulse of raw power accompanied the new arrival, and I turned to find Gabriel in the entryway. He nodded a grim hello in our direction but said nothing as he made his way to a shelf filled with spelling accessories.
Gabriel was young, just nineteen. He possessed more natural power than any human I’d ever known. Unfortunately, that had made him a target for Shya. The same demon that meddled in my life had lured Gabriel in, tainting him with black magic. I could feel it. The murky pull of darkness cloaked him. Apparently, he was still very much involved with the demon.
“Can I help you find anything?” Brogan approached him cautiously. “I just got some new stones in. And a few new books too.”
I hung back, unwilling to get too close. Gabriel was precognitive. With just a touch, he could see glimpses of one’s future. Since he had told me he saw me as a vampire, I didn’t want to get too close. He’d said it wasn’t pretty, whatever that meant. Despite my attempts to keep him away from Shya, Gabriel had willingly become part of the demon’s inner circle.
“No, thanks. Just grabbing a few things I’m low on.” Gabriel was standoffish, unwilling to engage more than he had to. He gathered several items including black candles, some herbs and a scrying mirror.
Brogan and I exchanged a look. The kid was in over his head, and he didn’t realize how deep. I thought about what Hurst had said, his warning that Arys could not turn Gabriel as Shya had made him promise. Gabriel was already too dangerous. Vampirism would take that to a new and alarming level.
After collecting his things, he went to the counter where Brogan joined him. She attempted to engage him in small talk, but he would have none of it. With his long, dyed-black hair falling in his face and black liner smudged around his eyes, he looked like any other Goth kid. I knew better though.
Much to my surprise, he paused on his way out. Turning back to face me, he opened his mouth as if to speak but then thought better of it. For a moment, our gazes locked, and I saw something evil lurking inside him. Before I could say anything, he shoved through the door and disappeared.
“I can’t say for sure, but I think he just bought the things needed to do a resurrection spell.” Brogan’s hazel eyes reflected her concern. “I wish there was something I could do. It’s not like I can refuse to sell to him.”
“No, definitely don’t do that. He’ll just get it online or something. At least if he buys it here, we can track what he’s using.” A resurrection spell? I shook my head and repressed a shudder. That was all kinds of bad news. “I’m sorry, Brogan. I know you’re worried about him. I wish there was more we could do.”