Houses were protective of their wizards, so I wasn’t sure House Tellier was going to like me—a member of a supernatural race whose entire existence was based on violence—prancing up to it.
“So.” April said, standing next to me and awkwardly playing with the braid she’d plaited her light brown hair into. “I didn’t say this before because I didn’t want Sarge to refuse your request, but I can’t set foot on House Tellier land.”
I swiveled to face her. “Sorry?”
April dropped the braid of her hair. “There’s bad blood between House Tellier and House Medeis, and if I walk up there, there’s a pretty good chance they’ll somehow misconstrue it and it’ll cause a wizard war.”
“They couldn’t do that if you’re here for work… could they?” Binx cracked her knuckles as she contemplatively studied the House.
“Maybe not, but I don’t want to take the chance. If Blood is right about House Tellier, we need to do everything by the book so they can’t complain and wriggle their way out of punishment. Again.” April stared at the House, unemotional, but the way she squeezed her fingers into a tight fist said maybe she wasn’t as calm as she looked.
I pressed my lips together as I weighed out the situation. “Okay.”
April relaxed, the tight lines around her mouth easing. “So I’ll stay here, and you and Binx will go in?”
I contemplatively studied the House, which was painted white and had bright orange shutters. “No.”
Now it was April’s turn to abruptly turn in my direction. “No?”
“It would be smartest for me to approach the House alone,” I said.
Binx folded her arms across her chest and stared at me.
“Why?” April asked for both of them. “The night of the fire you wanted us to go out in pairs.”
“Yes, which is why if things are that bad between House Medeis and House Tellier, you shouldn’t be alone when we’re this close to their territory,” I pointed out. “Should the worst happen, we’ll need a second testimony to verify yours so House Tellier couldn’t claim you’re prejudiced.”
Binx raised her hand. “Question. Do we think House Tellier is a bunch of murderers?”
“No,” I said.
Binx once again crossed her arms over her chest. “Then why do you think there’s even a worst in this possible scenario?”
I adjusted the gloves on my hands. “Habit?”
Binx squinted—as I was learning was her tell that she was confused. “From your slayer days?”
“Er…yes.”
“Hmmm.” Binx turned to look at House Tellier.
April checked her shoulder holster—identical to my own; she was the only other squad member who carried a gun. “If you are that concerned, perhaps we should call for backup and wait until another team comes before approaching.”
“Not necessary,” I said. “I’m just approaching them to ask a few questions about the fire. I will remain on the front porch, even if they invite me in. I will remain within eyesight. If the interview raises any questions, Sarge will want to talk to them in a more official capacity.”
“Uh-huh.” That came from Binx, who was now squinting at the House. “So only you get to plan for the worst-case scenario. Got it.”
“House Tellier isn’t likely to do anything to me,” I pointed out. “I’m a slayer with the task force. But there is a much higher risk that a House Tellier wizard returning home would see April alone and take offense to her presence.”
April and Binx exchanged looks.
“Fine,” April said. “But we’ll be waiting on standby. Anything suspicious and we’re calling it in before we join you, guns blazing.”
“Understood.” I took a step toward the pavers that would lead me up to the front door.
I’d like to be better briefed on wizard behavior, but the risks are low that they’d attack a Curia Cloister’s employee. Wait—I should try to even the chances that I’ll actually get useful information!
I paused and looked back at April. “Is there anything you suggest saying to make them lower their guard?”
“Oh.” April slightly relaxed and adjusted the scarf she had tied around her neck to ward off the autumn chill. “Say something about admiring their heroics yesterday. The Tellier Heir is arrogant beyond belief. He—and the rest of the wizards in the House—will eat that up.”
I nodded. “Understood. Thanks.”
“Sure.” April waved, and for a moment I felt the weird space that the team’s so-called respect for me created waver. She wasn’t as formal, and—for a change of pace—I wasn’t the one left feeling awkward!
Hmm, asking for advice does something. I need to remember that.
I stepped onto the House Tellier property and paused with both feet on the first paver.
Nothing happened.
The House radiated wizard magic, but the magic didn’t flare. The house also hadn’t used the shrubbery to ensnare me or dropped the pavers through the ground to trip me—things I’d heard Houses were capable of.
So, the House doesn’t think I’m a threat? That’s a great start.
I strode up to the front door, keeping my stride even and unhurried—trying to further communicate that I wasn’t a threat, and I wasn’t nervous—which might make the House think I was a threat.
The familiarity of the situation—measuring out danger and watching for signs of a threat—made my work mode settle effortlessly over me, so hopefully I’d be able to speak smoothly.
I climbed the steps of the front porch, and although the wooden structure creaked under my boots, I still didn’t feel any change in magic. I made it to the front door and pressed the doorbell. A second passed before I heard the corresponding deep toll of a church bell rattle the front door.
The door flew open, and a wizard—wearing a gray jacket that was trimmed with House Tellier colors in yellow and orange and bore a patch of the House insignia on the coat’s breast pocket—emerged. She leaned against the doorframe and yawned. “Whaddayawant?” She paused when she took in first my mask, and then my uniform. “Woah. A slayer? With the Curia Cloisters?”
“Yes.” I clasped my hands behind my back—another attempt to show I was relaxed and didn’t have my hands in an ideal spot to pull any of my weapons. “I’m with the Magic Response Task Force. I—”
The door slammed shut in my face.
I blinked. I guess it’s not just House Medeis they don’t get along with. I didn’t even get a chance to screw up.
Raised voices leaked through the door, but they were muted so I couldn’t make out any specific words. They sounded frightened, which was very interesting.
I rang the doorbell again.
There were several loud thuds, and this time when the door opened a male wizard held the door. He was built like an ox—wide through the shoulders, and surprisingly muscular for a wizard—and his eyes had a sharpness I didn’t like.
I recognized him from the fire—he was Gideon Tellier.
Woah—they went and got someone high up in the pecking order, but why? I didn’t even have a chance to tell them why I’m here.