Circadian Circle (The Gray Tower Trilogy, #3)

By Alesha Escobar

If saving the world meant descending into darkness, would you still do it?

In this gripping, action-packed conclusion to The Gray Tower Trilogy, vampiric warlocks are the least of Isabella George's troubles.

The Gray Tower is broken, and dark forces gather, promising destruction to those who stand on the side of justice. However, Isabella's powers could prove more a curse than a blessing, as she's thrust to the forefront of an epic war.

Between taming a rampaging Black Dragon, resisting demonic corruption, and finally facing Octavian, her greatest battle lies within. One path, one final decision that will never leave the world the same.
Reading Order of The Gray Tower Trilogy

The Tower's Alchemist (Book 1)
Dark Rift (Book 2)
Circadian Circle (Book 3)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Creative Alchemy, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 24, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311447302

Alesha Escobar

Amazon Top 100 Historical Fantasy Bestselling AuthorAlesha Escobar writes fantasy to support her chocolate habit. She enjoys everything from Tolkien and Dante to the Dresden Files and Hellblazer comics. She resides in California with her partner-in-crime, Luis Escobar, a 20-year art veteran on The Simpsons television show. Alesha is the author of The Gray Tower Trilogy, an action-packed supernatural spy thriller set in an alternate 1940's. The trilogy books have hit the Amazon bestsellers lists for Historical Fantasy and Mashups. You can find Alesha at her weekly blog, Fantasy, Mashups, & Mayhem, where she discusses fantasy and science fiction TV shows, movies and books, and celebrity gossip. She's just kidding about the celebrity gossip.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Budapest, Hungary

The librarian’s wide eyes bulged, and he slumped his shoulders forward in defeat. He probably thought my companions and I were going to kill him. Little did he know that we were rescuing him. I opened the door and walked out of the police station with Izsak at my side. Sweat trickled down the side of his face, and he licked his dry lips. I saw that he was ready to launch into another plea.

Agent Vahr, I can translate the Mehmed VI page, but it’s not at my house. Jakab stole it.

That’s fine, Izsak. Just come with me. Posing as a Gestapo agent named Vahr from the downtown office was the only way I could spring the librarian from jail. Whether he liked it or not, he was caught up in a deadly match between wizards and warlocks.

Agent Vahr. He groaned as we headed down the front steps.

Be quiet, Cliff said to him from behind.

Sadik shook his head in annoyance at the librarian. Although Sadik’s frown made his middle-aged face look severe, it was all the work of his sight deflection spell. Sadik had cast the spell on me to give me the appearance of a blonde woman—Vahr, himself as Agent Dierk, and Cliff as agent Klaus. The three of us certainly couldn’t walk into the police station with our true appearances, so this was the next best thing.

I placed my hand on Izsak’s shoulder and guided him as we made it to the bottom of the steps. Before my heels could hit the sidewalk, trouble pulled up alongside the curb in front of us. The real Gestapo agents, Klaus and Dierk, parked their trekker and jumped out. The warlocks spotted us and froze in amazement. We hesitated as well. The two men were supposed to be preoccupied downtown, not here at the police station, gawking at their own doubles.

Halt! Dierk shouted as we bolted down the street.

We swerved to avoid bike riders and pedestrians strolling down the avenue. We sped up when Agent Klaus commanded us to stop. I hoped the warlocks would be reluctant to use magic in the middle of a busy afternoon street. If they needed to obtain that Mehmed VI page in secrecy, then an open duel would be the last thing they’d want.

I skidded and turned on my heel when I heard Cliff yell Izsak’s name. Though the librarian had kept up with us, he decided to take his chances and split from us, making a sharp left into an alley.

Cliff! I took off after him when he and Sadik followed Izsak down the alley. This would be the worst time to be separated from them, not only because I felt responsible for them, but also because being too far away from Sadik would cause my deflection spell to fade away. It would cast aside my facade and reveal my dark hair and green eyes—a description the warlocks’ Master would’ve been certain to give them.

I came up behind Sadik. He and Cliff had caught up with Izsak. The librarian had finally tired himself out, and he probably figured he wasn’t going to slip through the narrow iron bars just a few feet ahead of him.

Cliff exhaled heavy breaths as he turned and gazed toward the way we had entered. I also turned, and I saw the real Klaus and Dierk blocking the open end of the alley. Klaus wiped his dark brow while Dierk adjusted his glasses. They paused for a moment, and I could feel their dark magic reaching out to us, trying to read us and gauge our strength.

I swung my arm out to the left with my silver knife, and with a flick of my wrist, I laid a Circle of Protection. Its power instantaneously enveloped us and pushed back the warlocks’ probing magic. Dierk stepped forward with caution and extended his left hand.

I won’t hurt you. Release your Circle. Dierk attempted a friendly smile.

Be careful, I whispered to Cliff. Dierk’s the mentalist. My head already throbbed in response to his words. My heart banged against my chest as I felt compelled to lower my defense.

Sadik stepped forward and stood to my left, gritting his teeth and sending an invisible shockwave toward the men. Klaus stumbled backward, and Dierk doubled over with his head between his hands, as if hearing an unbearable sound. Cliff rushed outside the Circle of Protection and went for Klaus.

What are you doing? I tried to grab Cliff and pull him back in, but he was too quick.

Klaus moved forward and met Cliff with a right hook. He blocked Klaus’s strike and reciprocated with a punch. It was odd, to say the least, to see Cliff still looking like Klaus’s double and fighting the man. Klaus steadily exchanged strikes with Cliff, both of them matching a few blows and blocking hits. Cliff’s face screwed up in concentration as he worked his calculations to anticipate Klaus’s next likely move. With a gesture, Klaus formed a luminous Fire symbol—a triangle—right above Cliff, and sparks began forming in mid-air. The warlock intended to bring flames down on my friend’s head.

My adrenaline pumped even faster as I countered with an upside down triangle—Water. The air around us grew humid, making the burgeoning flames hanging above Cliff disappear. With a few flicks of my silver knife, I laid a Putrefaction symbol and charged it with magical energy. I let out a gasp when someone shoved me from behind and almost knocked me over. I turned to see Sadik struggling with Izsak, the librarian.

Isabella, Dierk is controlling Izsak’s mind! Sadik clung to the man’s left arm to keep him from swinging at me, and he was almost lifted off his feet. Sadik was determined not to let go and focused on Izsak’s eyes, as if silently communicating with him and trying to break some barrier. Sadik was a mentalist as well, but he wasn’t as skilled as Dierk.

I turned to see Dierk’s gaze falling on me, and suddenly I saw stars. My entire head hurt like someone had repeatedly pounded it. Whatever remnant protection I had from a previous seal on my mind was now shattered. Dierk attempted to take hold of my mind with a simple order: Kill your friends.

Cliff shouted a Word, and I felt him throw a frenzied rush of magical energy into his incantation. A whirlwind hit all of us in the alley, and we went flying in different directions. I flew to the left and hit the wall face first with a smack. As I slumped to the ground, I reminded myself to have a talk with Cliff about using his Words. Calling on the True Names of things when he didn’t fully know how to control them was a bad idea.

Sadik, I shot out mentally, Get Cliff and Izsak out of here. Now!

I rubbed my eyes and checked for a broken nose. I heard more physical struggling, a whoosh of magic, and then the scuffling of feet fading. I reached out with my senses and knew Izsak and the boys had made it out of the alley; their presence had faded. Now, it was my turn to leave. I raised myself up on my knees and pushed my palms against the wall to steady myself. Goosebumps covered my arms as I felt Sadik’s sight deflection wear off. My hair fell forward in a dark curtain, and my chest tightened with dread. My separation from Sadik ended my false appearance as a blonde-haired woman with gray eyes. I stared straight at the brick wall, not even daring to turn my head and show my face.

It seems your friends have run away and left you with me. Klaus’s gravelly voice made me shiver. He approached with slow steps from the open end. I felt the sharp energy of alchemical magic being cast. He was forming more alchemical symbols. The luminous triangles, one pointing upward for Air and the other downward with a line, for Earth, glided toward me. My body froze from the shoulders down.

Who are you working for, and why were you trying to steal the librarian from us? Klaus paused. He was still cautious enough to keep some distance.

Instead of answering and letting him hear my voice, I slowly fed energy into the Putrefaction symbol I had laid. I kept a tentative hold on it, hoping that Klaus didn’t detect the connection and launch another attack. When he stepped closer, I activated the Putrefaction spell. A blast of poison, as fine as dust, caught the left side of his face. He screeched as his cheek blackened and hollowed. He stumbled to the right and held out a shaky arm against the wall for support.

My limbs loosened in response to his broken concentration, and I threw myself backward and stood. I kept my face obscured by my long black hair and ran straight down the alley, toward the street. I reached out with my senses to try and pick up a trail for Cliff and Sadik, but I got not a single trace. When I made it out onto the sidewalk, I snaked my way past a few people, who gave me curious looks. I jumped into the first cab I saw.

Get me out of here, fast! I leaned forward to see Klaus through the rearview mirror. He dashed toward us, holding his hand over his decaying, pus-filled cheek.

The driver sped off and nearly hit two other cars. This will cost extra, he said through his thick dark mustache, already gauging my situation.

Okay, I’ll pay whatever you want.

Where to?

I leaned back in my seat and sighed. Take me over by the opera house. I’ll tell you where to go next.

I tried reaching out once more to Cliff and Sadik, and again, nothing turned up. My shoulders tightened, and I felt a cold lump in the pit of my stomach. What if the other warlock, Dierk, had caught up with them and harmed them? I’d seen what mentalists could do. They erased memories, destroyed minds, and even made people put guns to their own heads.

Sadik, I cried out with my mind. Can you hear me?

The only answer I received was a menacing silence, and all I could do was try to reach out again and hope for their safety.

Chapter 2

Drink this, and stop trying to reach out for the boys, or you’ll exhaust yourself. Mehara set a steaming mug of tea in front of me and gave me a sympathetic glance.

I absentmindedly wrapped my hands around the cup, letting its warmth spread across my fingers. It was after 6 p.m., and Cliff and Sadik might as well have fallen off the face of the earth. After going back and forth across town in the cab—and assuring the driver that I wasn’t a psycho—I had spent another two painful hours searching for them while making sure the warlock Klaus wasn’t tailing me.

I should’ve just come for you at the tarot parlor, I told Mehara. They weren’t ready for this.

I had been too desperate to obtain that Mehmed VI text. The only other copy I had possessed was lost at the Gray Tower. The elderly woman who owned the tarot parlor had barged in earlier, crying about Izsak the librarian being arrested. She had explained that Izsak was at the university and had found the Mehmed VI page in the archives. He had been promised fame and fortune by a professor if he agreed to help interpret it.

I had known this would come back to haunt me.

The professor who wanted the page was Michael Grey, who had stolen other copies of the text from me. Dr. Grey’s copies must’ve fallen into the hands of warlocks. Klaus and Dierk were hunting for the final page like I was, which was why I had convinced Cliff and Sadik to accompany me to the police station. I had intended to grab Izsak before they decided to kill him, and easily slip away. Obviously, things weren’t working out the way I had planned.

Mehara went over and sat at the vanity table, peering into the mirror as she removed her headscarf and jewelry. She had arrived from the tarot parlor a few blocks down, where she posed as Madame Veduny, a gypsy fortune-teller. Cliff and Sadik survived the attack on the Gray Tower. You should have more confidence in them—they’re not children. Not anymore.

I took a sip of tea and nodded, but then I just grew anxious again. Dierk is probably as strong as you, and Klaus is a skilled alchemist. What if Cliff projected that I’d get desperate and would use my Drifter abilities? What if he threw himself in the middle of our fight because he knew I’d do it?

I had decided that I would only use those abilities when absolutely necessary, but at times I felt frustrated because I could do so much more as the Drifter than with my secondary ability of alchemy. Only, there was a terrible pitfall that kept one hand tied behind my back: tinkering with Time tore rifts between this world and the next, and it often allowed demons to slip through. The only thing I could do without opening these time rifts was my Zaman’s Fire—an intense, burning flame that could even harm elemental wizards. This was exactly why I needed Izsak to interpret that Mehmed VI page for me. It explained how I could control my abilities and close time rifts caused by previous Drifters. Most importantly, I believed that this was the key to defeating Octavian Eckhard and his coven of warlocks. This would win us the war.

Mehara sighed. Stay with the plan and go meet Brande at the pub. I’ll search for the boys. Mehara joined me at the table, her hair flowing loosely down to her waist and her day dress exchanged for gray pants and a black blouse. She would no doubt perform her own deflection spell when going out as someone other than Madame Veduny.

I shook my head. I asked them to come with me. I should go look for the boys...

I’ll do it. Besides, if you run into Klaus and confront him, he’ll end up identifying you as the person he saw today.

I pointed to my dark tresses. Which is why I asked you to help me with this.

She went into our tiny kitchen and returned with the thick paste I had helped her make. It was made of cosmetic clay, some alchemical powders, and natural herbs. The scent of peppermint wafted toward my nose as she began applying the dye with careful strokes. When I rinsed and dried, my hair turned out a light chestnut color with browns and subtle hints of red and blonde. I argued with her for nearly ten minutes when she insisted I should cut my hair as well, but I finally gave in and let her trim it to shoulder length.

It fits you perfectly, she said, grabbing her sweater and heading toward the door.

I hope so. I was still a little sour about the drastic change. I stared at my reflection in the mirror and frowned.

Sadik may not be answering you because he’s hiding. He doesn’t want the warlock to pick up his trail. That’s a good thing, yes? It means they’re somewhere safe.

I knew she wanted to make me feel better, but I still felt crappy. They had the librarian with them, and he said Jakab had stolen the Mehmed VI page.

She grimaced. The crime lord, Bela Jakab, came to her parlor for tarot readings. We had only been in Budapest a little over a week, yet Jakab was her most frequent customer. He was as superstitious as the women coming in for love matches.

We’ll get the page, Isabella. As for now, I’ll forge a mental connection with you and let you know as soon as I find Cliff and Sadik.

But how do you know they’re even alive? I asked in my head.

If they were captured, Klaus and Dierk would’ve been at our doorstep already.

I nodded in agreement, though I still felt like a worried mother hen. I wondered if this was how my own mother felt whenever I’d stay out past curfew or when I had left home for the first time. I didn’t even want to think of how she had felt to hear about the Gray Tower being destroyed. Be careful, Mehara. I’ll see you tonight.

Take care of yourself. She left and shut the door behind her.

Who would name their pub The Coven? I asked the cab driver as we passed the railroad tracks and headed north toward the establishment. Although night had fallen, the city seemed more alive now than during the day.

I nearly missed the driver’s shoulder shrug because his head didn’t make it over the steering wheel. I wondered if he threw a brick beneath his feet to reach the pedal. Jakab and his brother bought the pub a few years ago. They say he’s into the occult.

Is that why he goes to Madame Veduny and the Black Witch? I couldn’t tell if he nodded or not, but the top of his head seemed to move.

He gets warlocks to place curses on people. And they work. Each one has turned up dead or disappeared.

I heard Jakab was upset about his ship. I smirked.

Brande, Cliff, and Sadik were responsible for sinking the crime lord’s ship in the Danube River. Although the Nazis didn’t occupy the city of Budapest, it still cooperated with them. Jakab took advantage of the wizards seeking refuge after the destruction of the Gray Tower. Those who had been caught by Jakab’s men were forced to wear imperium collars around their necks; they were thrown on Jakab’s ship and sold to the highest bidder. When Jakab came in for tarot readings, Mehara would read his mind. That’s when we had found out about the kidnappings. He deserved to have his ship blown up.

The cab driver tsked. He didn’t share my amusement over the crime lord’s misfortune. Whoever did that is going to regret it. Better to stick an ice-cold poker up the devil’s ass than to anger Bela Jakab. The ship-sinkers are going to get a curse placed on them.

He parked in front of the pub entrance. My heart skipped a beat when I saw the warlock Klaus leaning against the wall next to the pub’s front door. He wore a half-mask that covered his mouth and jaw area. Either he was looking for Jakab because of that Mehmed VI page, or he was looking for me.

Thank you, I told the driver in an unsteady voice. I prepared a spell in my mind.

Staying long? He turned and accepted a few bills from me.

I’m meeting my sweetheart. I won’t need you again tonight.

Have a good night, miss.

Goodnight. Keep the change. I erected an invisible shield.

I stepped out of the cab and approached the entrance, almost stiffening under Klaus’s gaze. If he didn’t recognize me, then swell—but if he did, then I was ready to finish off the rest of his repugnant face. I pretended to ignore him and went straight for the door. I felt a sense of relief when three patrons swung the door open. They came out of the pub laughing and reeking of liquor. I slipped past the drunken revelers and was almost through the doorway when Klaus grabbed my wrist and pulled me aside.

Forgive me for being so bold, but I believe I might have seen you before. His voice was surprisingly clear despite the half-mask. He loosened his grip, but didn’t let go.

I...don’t think so.

Have we met somewhere? He eyed me with a cold glare. I tried not to focus on the half-mask which hid the blood and pus that must’ve still oozed from his cheek. Putrefaction spells weren’t easy to recover from.

Sir, I don’t know you. Now, if you please... I tried wresting free, but this time he squeezed even tighter.

Or else what? Tell me, what can you do against me?

I gritted my teeth. I knew exactly what he was trying to do, but I wasn’t falling for it. I was about to take a gamble, but I needed to explain why he sensed a magical aura around me. I won’t do anything against you. I’m the woman they call the Black Witch.

I had little interest in tarot, and I couldn’t read minds like Mehara. I would just sit with her in the incense-filled parlor, wearing a widow’s black veil and dress, looking mysterious. The women who’d visit began calling me the Black Witch and whispered speculations about whether I was beautiful or hideous beneath the black veil. It was all part of our cover since walking into the city and revealing we were refugees from the Gray Tower would’ve garnered persecution instead of pity.

Klaus arched an eyebrow and looked me up and down. So, the widow-in-black sheds her mourning attire and goes out at night dressed as a trollop. How amusing.

That would’ve earned a kick to his head on any other day. I wore a black velvet dress with a low neckline that clung to my figure, but I was more self-conscious about my light chestnut hair. I hid it beneath a blue fedora made of felt and wool.

I cleared my throat. I’m here to meet my sweetheart.

He finally let go of my wrist. Is that why you’re here? To meet some man?

I nodded. I remember you now. You were outside of Madame Veduny’s tarot parlor this morning, looking for Jakab. Did you find him?

He ignored my question. Perhaps...if I had asked you to tell my fortune, I would’ve known that some alchemist woman was going to destroy half my face today. You’re an alchemist, too.

A chill ran down my spine. We gypsies don’t use such labels. If that is what you want to identify me as, then so be it.

His eyes narrowed. You’re a little fair-skinned for a gypsy. He stepped in closer and removed my fedora. My hair fell about my shoulders, and when he saw the length and color, he looked disappointed. He was still searching for a woman with long, dark hair.

Will you give me a tarot reading, witch? In private?

No way, buddy.

Besides being one of the last people on earth I should be alone with, he seemed like the type of guy who’d have ropes and knives tucked away in his car. I don’t think my sweetheart would like that. He’s waiting for me.

As if my words called to him like an alarm, Dani Kasza opened the door to the pub and stepped into the cool night air. He dressed as if he really were courting me, with his expensive blue shirt and black pants, and his wavy black hair neatly brushed into a side part. Klaus said nothing, but raised an eyebrow, as if telling me there was more to what I had told him.

Dani saw me and extended his hand toward me. There you are, my angel. Come inside.

I took his hand with a grateful sigh. I stepped into the pub, clutching his arm. Thanks, Dani.

Was that man harassing you? he asked in a dark tone. Klaus remained outside, thank goodness.

I whispered in Dani’s ear. Don’t confront him. He’s a warlock.

Dani’s forehead creased. I know. He’s been standing out there for the last hour, waiting around for Jakab and his brother. Brande and I have been observing him.

The pub looked moderately busy with the bar stools all occupied and half the tables taken. Cigar smoke filled the cozy eating area and the lights were dimmed. The barkeep had the radio turned on, but seemed to be listening to news reports about the war rather than any music. The patrons didn’t seem to care, as they were lost in drink, conversation, or canoodling with their dates.

Dani and I were supposed to be one of these couples, and, in keeping with his role, he escorted me to a booth where he had a martini waiting for me. It would’ve raised eyebrows and questions if a prominent businessman like Dani had been meeting us at our humble apartment building on the other side of town. Dressing up as anything other than the Black Witch and meeting him for a date at The Coven barely afforded us a glance. Before I slid into my side of the booth, he smiled and pressed his lips against my cheek.

I said no kissing. Brande’s voice carried over from the booth next to ours. His back was turned to us, and to others it looked as if Dani and I were enjoying an intimate dinner and Brande was just another patron who happened to be sitting nearby.

I sat on the right side of our booth, the side closest to Brande’s, so that he and I were back-to-back. Dani took the other side of the table and faced me. Sorry, old friend. I have to put on a convincing show, don’t I?

I smiled and signaled to Dani to keep an eye on the entrance—just in case Klaus decided to walk through. How long have you known Brande?

He stroked his goatee. Almost our entire lives, believe it or not. I helped Brande pack when he went off to the Gray Tower.

As I recall it, Brande’s deep voice rumbled behind me, you took me out to celebrate, and I ended up missing my ride and suffering a hangover.

Dani shrugged and smiled. For some reason, I remember it differently. But tell me— he grabbed my hands and held them between his. Where did you find this woman, and does she have a sister?

Let’s get to work, Brande said.

Dani grabbed his beer and took a swig. He glanced toward the entrance again. Everything’s arranged and paid off. You’ll be leaving two nights from now, and will arrive at an inn called Mala Kuca, in Zagreb. The manager there will take care of all your needs.

And what about security at the border? I asked.

Follow the map I slipped Brande. As long as you cross the border into Croatia at the point I designated, then you’ll have no trouble.

Thank you, Dani. Brande said.

You’re welcome, brother. Dani’s gaze swept the room and settled on the pub entrance again.

Brande cleared his throat. How are things with you, Isabella? And what happened to your hair?

I suddenly became self-conscious again. What? You don’t like it?

I like it...and I like your dress, he said in a tone that stirred me. Why the change in appearance?

I let out a sigh. The boys and I got into a scuffle earlier, with that warlock standing outside.

I didn’t see his reaction, but I could feel the concern mixed with anger in the vibrato of his voice. Is he still out there?

I’m fine, I assured him.

What happened earlier?

I sipped my martini. Well, you know the old woman who owns the shop where the tarot parlor is? She came crying to Mehara and me, claiming Gestapo agents had hauled the librarian, Izsak away. One of those agents is that warlock standing outside. I don’t know where his partner is.

Brande’s voice rumbled. Is Izsak a wizard? Otherwise, it was dangerous for you to get involved.

I nodded, pretending to stare affectionately into Dani’s eyes. Yeah, but the one thing this guy had going for him was that he could read and interpret ancient Turkish texts—and he had a copy of the missing Mehmed VI page, just like the one I had lost at the Gray Tower.

There’s another copy of the text? Where is it?

Jakab stole it, but we decided to spring Izsak from jail before the warlocks killed him. Sadik performed a deflection spell, and he and Cliff were supposed to walk in disguised as Klaus and Dierk. I was supposed to be just another agent. Things didn’t go exactly as planned, and we had to split up. Mehara went to find Cliff and Sadik, but I feel like such a heel for getting separated from them.

If it puts you at ease, Brande said, they’ve proven themselves several times when they went out with me, rescuing those captive wizards from Jakab’s ship. They even instructed the wizards to head to Switzerland and join with other Gray Tower wizards. I’m proud of them.

My lips curved into a smile. That didn’t completely erase my worry, but it did make me feel better. I could kiss you right now, Brande.

A clatter and crash nearby grabbed my attention. The waitress, a willowy young blonde, had dropped some plates and bowls from her tray and yelped. Oh, I’m so sorry!

Brande rose from his seat and knelt to assist her in picking up the broken pieces. I’m very sorry about that, she repeated.

Don’t worry about it, Brande said in a friendly tone.

She pulled a long napkin from her apron. Oh...look, I got fõzelék on you.

I turned and glanced at them. I didn’t like the way she was rubbing his arm with that napkin. I turned my gaze to Dani and mouthed the words, "What the hell is fõzelék?"

Dani snorted a laugh and wore an amused expression. It’s a vegetable stew. It’s delicious, I think you’d like it.

I can bring you a drink, on the house, the girl told Brande. I glanced at her again, just in time to see her stare at him the way most women did. Brande had a chiseled face, piercing gray eyes, and a tall muscular build.

Thank you...Julianna.

He knew her name? Okay, never mind the fact that she was wearing a nametag, but still! I turned back toward Dani with widened eyes. He just laughed even more. When Brande returned to his seat, I said in a harsh whisper, You need to watch out for people dropping stuff on you. It’s just plain bad service if you ask me. Now, let’s get back to work.

Uh...of course, he said in a bewildered tone.

I held Dani’s hands and gazed at him, all the while addressing Brande. A police officer at the station told me that there are more refugees from the Gray Tower, on the other side of the river. The police captain thinks he can garner the Nazis’ favor by grabbing the wizards and handing them over.

Then we need to warn those wizards, Brande said.

One of the officers who fell for Cliff and Sadik’s disguises told them the raid would probably happen tonight.

The officer had also believed I was Agent Vahr when I walked in with Cliff and Sadik, who wore the illusory appearance of Klaus and Dierk. It took all of my strength not to punch the officer in the face for the way he talked about the wizards. I may have had my own issues with some people from the Gray Tower, but the institution had been training wizards since the Middle Ages. When Hitler made an alliance with Octavian and his warlocks, the world called on the Gray Tower, the Order of Wizards, to help fight back.

Dani frowned. That warlock from outside just came into the pub.

My jaw tightened when Klaus approached and stood right in front of my booth. Excuse me, he said, fondling my fedora. You left your hat outside.

I took it from him and set it on the table. Goodbye.

He ignored my obvious attempt to send him away. I’ll see you tomorrow then, for a tarot reading. Again, his voice rang clearly through the black half-mask. I wondered how much of his face I had destroyed.

Brande turned toward Klaus and sized him up. She’ll not see you tomorrow or any other day.

I quickly turned to Dani with a silent plea, begging him to say or do something before Brande overreacted.

Excuse me, Dani said to Klaus, we’d like to enjoy our dinner alone now.

You ought to leave now, Brande said, his gaze meeting Klaus’s in a silent challenge.

Klaus glared at him. Who are you? Do you know her? His gaze went from Brande to Dani and me. It seems you’re acting more like her sweetheart than that man is.

I eyed Dani again and said through clenched teeth, Get him out of here.

Though I couldn’t see Klaus’s deformed mouth, I was pretty sure he was smiling. He had found the right bait. He reached out, sliding his fingers through my hair, and I pulled away. He turned to Brande. I have unfinished business with her, and from the way she’s dressed...I assure you, I look forward to closing the deal.

Brande flew out of his seat, and the next crash I heard sure as heck wasn’t a bowl of fõzelék. Patrons scrambled to the far corners of the pub to get out of their way. Brande smashed his fist into Klaus’s face and they both knocked over tables. I buried my face in my hands and groaned.

My cover as the Black Witch was no longer any good.

Not only would Klaus return to harass me, but he had also caught me in a lie, which meant that now he’d try and find out why. The only thing missing was for me to throw on a black wig and ask Klaus if I looked familiar.

Dani placed a firm hand on my shoulder. I’ll...try to calm him down.

I raised my head and saw Klaus blast Brande through the front doorway with a gust of wind. Hurry, Dani.

I watched him take off through the doorway, and, despite all eyes being on me, I calmly put my fedora back on. I slipped out of my booth and went toward the exit. I opened the front door just in time to see Brande and Klaus parrying each other’s blows. Klaus landed a strike on Brande’s shoulder and he stumbled backward. He shielded himself from a Putrefaction spell that Klaus sent toward his face. Brande reciprocated with a blast of wind that sent the warlock flying head first into a parked car, knocking him unconscious. Dani rushed toward Brande just as blares from police sirens screeched from down the street.

We need to leave. Remember, we need to help the wizards. He grabbed Brande’s arm, and I followed them to Dani’s car.

We jumped in and sped off, just before the first police car arrived. Considering that the police captain wanted to capture wizards, we left the area quickly.

Chapter 3

What the hell was that? What did you think you were doing? I finally broke my silence in the backseat of Dani’s car and shot Brande an accusatory glance. He had made a serious misstep.

Brande heaved a sigh and reached for me, but I scooted away and crossed my arms. He looked a little hurt at the slight, but this wasn’t about feelings, this was about the task we had to accomplish. I’m sorry, Isabella. It’s just that...

"What? You let your emotions get in the way?