Dark Deception: Rogues of Magic Series, #5

By Tiffany Shand

There's a killer on the loose in the Five Lands.

 

When resistance members are slain in mysterious ritual sacrifices, Ann and Ceara are asked to help. When the only Council member sympathetic to the resistance goes missing, even Ann knows this is something she can't ignore.

 

The ritual killings aren't the only problem on their plate. Ceara has been targeted, but by who—or what—she isn't sure. She suffers blackouts and a voice in her head accuses her of being the murderer. Even she starts to believe it—until she realizes she's fighting for her life against the real killer.

 

And it's a losing battle.

 

There's a dark entity slowly invading her body. It's draining her more every day even as new victims are claimed by an enemy who is only growing in power.

She can't keep this up forever.

 

Time is running out. The killer must be found soon or Ceara will be added to the list of victims—and if the killer wins, no one in the Five Lands will be safe.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tiffany Shand
• Release date: Nov 25, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393046264

Tiffany Shand

Tiffany Shand was born in Essex, UK and started writing short stories when she was a child. She has always done writing in one form or another and started writing novels in her early teens. She writes both non-fiction and fiction, but mostly fantasy and paranormal romance. After doing a creative writing course in her early 20s she is now a freelance writer and professional proofreader. Tiffany lives in Essex with her two spoiled cats and one very nutty hamster.

Book preview

DARK DECEPTION

ROGUES OF MAGIC SERIES BOOK 5

BY TIFFANY SHAND

Copyright © 2019 Tiffany Shand

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the author, except for brief quotes in reviews.

This book is a work of fiction. People, places, events and situations are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or historical events, is purely coincidental.

Cover design by Christian Bentulan

A close up of a map Description automatically generated

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Epilogue

Also by Tiffany Shand

About the author

Chapter 1

ANN VALERAN TUCKED her long blond hair up underneath the hood of her cloak. She had foregone her usual glamour, but kept her face hidden underneath her hood. Smoke filled the cobblestone street, which reeked of ale and sweat. The night sky hung overhead like a heavy blanket of darkness.

Why of all the places in the five lands did we have to come here? Her friend and fellow rogue Ceara Masone grumbled. Ceara stood out with her porcelain skin, mop of long raven hair, and almost-black eyes. She pulled her long cloak tighter over her tunic.

Because this was the easiest place to meet my resistance contact. And Reevus said this was Edmunds’ last known location, so our search starts here, Ann replied. She trusted her father’s old general enough to believe he would give her good intel on the whereabouts of the man she was looking for; she just hoped they found him fast and got out of there before anyone recognised her as the rogue Archdruid who had a huge price on her head.

Rain pattered down on them, making Ceara grumble even more. But Insidion? This is the worst place to come in all five lands. Probably even worse than wandering around the Wasteland. Even that would be more fun than this cesspit. She pushed her wet hair off her face. What does your contact want?

I don’t know, but the message said it was urgent. Ann knew the resistance wouldn’t have sent a message all the way to Lulrien unless it was important. She hoped another member hadn’t been killed.

Insidion, a city close to the border of Asral, was considered neutral territory. It was somewhere not-so-nice people liked to hang out. Such as thieves, pirates, and people who didn’t like to be found. It seemed the easiest place to meet anyone in this realm.

Filth rushed along the overflowing gutters through the streets as they walked past several beggars. Ann reached into her pocket for some coin when she spotted a child huddled among several people lining outside a row of houses. Their once white walls were black with age and flecked with decay. Ceara grabbed her wrist.

No, you said we were coming here to meet your contact and find one of your father’s old captains. You’re not glamoured, which means someone might recognise you. We can’t afford to draw any unwanted attention to ourselves. She released Ann’s wrist. Let’s find the people we need, talk to them and get out of here. Doesn’t the death of a resistance member take precedence?

Yes, that’s why Ed and Jax went to investigate. Ann sighed and let her hand fall to her side. She had to admit Ceara had a point; they couldn’t risk being recognised. "Fine. Let’s go find the Flying Nymph. That’s where most people here go out after dark. There’s a good chance Edmunds will be there, and I told my contact to meet us there at midnight."

She’d only been to Insidion a couple of times, and it didn’t look any different. Back in the early days of life on the run, she, Ed and her brother, Xander, had stayed here whilst hiding from Orla’s forces.

Before she could reply, a man bumped into Ceara. Hey, watch where you’re going, you idiot, she snapped.

The man’s greasy black hair peeked out from under his hood, and his dark eyes glared at her. What was that, bitch? His hand went to a knife at his hip.

Ceara’s hand shot out, and she grabbed him by the throat. Light pulsated from her forehead as her empathic power flared to life. Apologise to me or I’ll make you sorry, you...

As a Gliss, Ceara could sense and influence the emotions of other people and tap into their abilities. She could also turn someone’s emotions against them by reflecting them back at them. This could lead to unpredictable consequences, including death.

Ann winced as the feel of Ceara’s power rattled against her bones. Heat flared between her own fingers as she drew magic. Don’t, she hissed. Leave him be. We didn’t come here for him.

The man gasped, his body shuddering under the force of Ceara’s power. I’m—I’m sorry...

Ceara! What are you doing? Ann snapped. We’re supposed to be laying low.

Good, now forget you ever saw us. Ceara released him and he staggered away. Her lip curled in disgust. What an idiot. I should have brought my shock rods with me. Perhaps then he would have realised what I am and had the decency not to come near me.

What was that? Ann demanded. Although she had no doubt Ceara’s magic would have worked on him, she’d rather people not know there was a Gliss here in Insidion. Ceara no doubt had a price on her head too for being a rogue—someone who was unaffiliated with any of the five lands of Almara and considered an enemy of the elders.

Ceara shrugged. What? He deserved it. I saw what he is capable of. She shuddered. Trust me, you wouldn’t want to go walking around in his mind. He’s done some awful things. It would have been a mercy for everyone in this city if I had killed him.

Ann grabbed her arm, then dragged her down the street. You shouldn’t advertise that   you’re a Gliss. If someone recognises us, it will lead to more unwanted trouble.

Fine, sorry, Ceara muttered. Out of curiosity, why aren’t you wearing your glamour? I might get away with not being recognised, but the Crimson probably consider you their highest priority after our last few encounters with them. She pulled the hood of her cloak over her face to shield herself from the rain. Do you think this Edmunds will really help?

He was close to my father. Reevus didn’t know much about the woman who gave birth to me. So I hope Edmunds might know more. After the emergence of some strange new abilities, Ann knew she had to find out the identity of the woman who had given birth to her. Although she had known for several years her father’s wife, Deanna, wasn’t her birth mother, she’d never felt the need to find out the woman’s identity before now. And the contact won’t recognise me if I have my glamour up.

They moved through the crowded street, pushing past a group of drunks who leered at them and a few hawkers selling their wares. The hawkers called out to them as the rain dripped down their faces and the canopies that covered some of their stalls.

You always said you didn’t care about the woman who gave birth to you. Deanna was your mother.

Ann shook her head. I need to know about the other side of my power. I can barely control how and when I walk between realms; I need someone to teach me. Besides that, Deanna had never been much of a mother to her. She had always favoured Xander, but that had been just fine to Ann. She had been much closer to her father, Darius, and hadn’t ever thought she needed a mother. Things had changed since then. Jer parents had been murdered five years earlier—a crime most people in the five lands believed she had committed.

Doesn’t being with Ed help?

Ann’s face flushed at the mention of her lifemate and best friend. My link to him helps a little, but I still need to understand this power. She spotted a sign swaying in the window of one of the buildings lining the street with a half-naked woman with long red hair—a nymph—who appeared to be flying on it. This is it.

One of the Black comes here?

I don’t know. Reevus said he found work as a mercenary, so this is the most likely place to find him. If not, I’m hoping we’ll at least find someone who knows him. Ann pushed through the door. The stench of ale and sweaty bodies almost made her gag as she did. After a few people glanced their way, she pulled her hood down lower.

Let’s make this quick. Being around these people gives me a migraine. Ceara rubbed her temples. People should learn to keep their emotions to themselves.

Ann frowned. Are you feeling alright? You’ve been strange for the past couple of days.

I’m fine. Let’s find the man. What does he look like?

Tall, dark, blue eyes. Had a scar over his left eye. I didn’t know him very well. She scanned the tavern’s patrons. A few leering glances came their way, but she didn’t spot anyone she recognised. In truth, she had no idea what Edmunds might look like now. She only had a vague recollection of him from when she was a young child. There had been so many men within her father’s Black Guard that it was difficult to remember all of them. Reevus was one of the few who had stayed by her father’s side for decades when he was the ruling Archdruid.

Wonderful. We’ll be attracting unwanted attention all night. Ceara scowled. My head hurts too much for this. I still don’t know why you couldn’t have brought Ed with you, or even bird boy.

I thought you’d be happy. You haven’t had any male company since we stayed with the lykae pack. Ann smiled. Besides, I needed Ed to meet with the resistance, and you kept complaining about how you don’t like being stuck with Jax all the time. I thought you would welcome the chance to go somewhere different.

Nor am I in the mood for any male company. Plus, Insidion isn’t somewhere anyone would want to go. I’ve seen nicer looking pig sties than this place.

Ann headed over to the bar where a giant with a balding head stood. His left eye looked crooked from being hit too many times and several of his front teeth were missing. What can I get yer? His baritone voice sounded like a growl.

Nothing, thanks. We are looking for someone.

You need coin to get anything around here, sweet thing. Another man, this one with long straggly blond hair, leaned against the bar and flashed her a toothy grin. Let me get you a drink.

I doubt we’d like anything this place has to offer, Ceara muttered. Unless we feel like burning our stomachs out.

Thanks, Ann said, then turned back to the giant. I’m looking for a man. Dark hair, around fifty, scar across his—

I can be all the man ya need, sweet thing. The second man slapped her backside.

Ann gritted her teeth and rounded on him, shoving Ceara behind her as the Gliss raised her hand. Don’t touch me again. Go find someone else to spend the night with.

Why would I need someone else when I can have you, sweet thing?

Another man sidled up to Ceara. Hello, beautiful, how about keeping me company?

Oh, for the love of the spirits! Ceara, don’t use your powers, Ann warned in thought, and a fireball formed in her hand.

Call me sweet thing one more time and you’ll be sorry. Now do yourself a favour and get lost, Ann snapped at her would-be suitor.

Right. Ceara slipped her arm around Ann’s shoulder. We don’t like men. Sorry, boys, you’re wasting your time here.

Like she said, sorry, boys. You are barking in the wrong forest. Ann put her arm around Ceara’s waist.

The men glanced each other and stalked off in disgust.

Ann pulled away from Ceara. I need a drink now.

I wouldn’t recommend it. Poison would be safer. The stuff they serve in this place is awful.

Ann arched an eyebrow. You’ve been here before?

A couple of times, but that was a long time ago.

Odd, Ceara never talked about her time working for Orla. Or had it been before that?

Good thinking just now.

You said I couldn’t use my powers or my fists. She grinned. Aren’t I good enough for you then?

I’m sure if I fancied women, I’d find you attractive. Ann laughed. I’m already spoken for by your brother.

Being with a woman isn’t so bad. Better than slimy men. Ceara glared after their would-be suitors. I wouldn’t want you anyway. You’re like a sister to me, so I wouldn’t fancy you.

Ann moved back to the bar and motioned the giant over. Do you know Edmunds? Dark hair, scar over his left eye?

The giant jerked his thumb to the opposite end of the bar. He sits in that corner. But I’d say you ladies shouldn’t stick around. The punters aren’t used to women like you around here. You will attract a lot of attention.

Ceara’s lip curled. Why? Because we don’t look like whores?

Thanks. Ann headed to the other side of the room. Ceara made a move to follow. Ann switched to talking in thought in case they were overheard. It’d be better if I do this alone. Seeing you might scare him off. Stay by the bar.

Fine, I’ll drink the fake booze. Ceara hopped onto a stool. If anyone touches me, they will suffer. So don’t hold me accountable for my actions. Don’t be long, it’s only an hour before your contact arrives.

Just don’t use your powers. I’ll be ready for them when they get here.

Hurry up. I can’t be around these people for long. Ceara turned her attention back to the bar and ordered a jug of ale.

Ann approached the cloaked stranger. Excuse me, are you Ralph Edmunds?

Who wants to know? came the gruff reply.

Someone from your past. She reached out him with her mind. Sure enough, a tendril of power linked her to him as one of the Black Guard.

It’s him, she told Ceara. I found him.

Good, make it quick. Once your contact comes, we can leave.

Unless you’ve got good coin, I don’t need anything from you. Edmunds gulped down his ale.

Ann smelt it heavy on his breath and wondered if he’d be much help to her in this state. You used to be one of the Black Guard. I need to ask you a few questions about—

He gave a harsh laugh. The Black Guard are all dead, along with the Valeran house after that demon bitch took power.

Not all of them died. Ann pushed her hood back enough to reveal her face.

Liquid spewed out of Edmunds’ mouth as he gaped at her. You. You’re alive.

Yes, now—

Rhiannon Valeran. The Archdruid is here! he yelled, then tripped over a stool as he ran.

All eyes turned on Ann. Several men drew their swords, and one man’s hand flared with light.

Fine, I’ll play rough. She waved her arm and sent Edmunds crashing into a wall. That should be enough to knock him out.

She raised her hand. Reoth. Orbs of light pulsed through to the air as everyone in the bar froze in place. That’s much better. I should have done that earlier.

Ceara slid off the stool. Hey, how come you get to use magic and I don’t?

My magic doesn’t usually harm people. Let’s grab him and get out of here.

The giant moved around the bar, unaffected by her magic, with a club in his hand. Archdruid, I have no quarrel with you. But I’m gonna have to ask you to leave.

I have no quarrel with you either. She didn’t want to have to use her powers. Giants were immune to a lot of magics, and they weren’t easy to kill either. It’d be safer for all of them if they could get in and out without fighting.

He glanced over at Ceara. That a Gliss?

You bet. Ceara grinned and raised her jug of ale to him. One of the last ones on Erthea, no doubt.

I came for our friend over there. A former member of the Black Guard. If you let us go, we won’t cause you any trouble, Ann said.

Edmunds has got a room upstairs. You can take him in there to sober up. He jerked his head toward a staircase behind him. Be quick. This lot will be riled up, and that’s never a good thing given the bounty on your head. A lot of them would try to cash in on it.

Ceara’s eyes narrowed. "Why are you not tempted to turn her over to the city guard? She’s the Archdruid."

Ceara, Ann hissed. Let’s go.

The giant shook his head. Because I know of the work she’s done for the resistance, and I got no problem with her.

Ann put her hand under Edmunds’ shoulder. Ceara, give me a hand.

I’d rather fight that lot than carry that pile of shit anywhere, she grumbled.

I’ll transport us up there. Grab his other arm.

Ceara grunted, then complied. Orbs of light flashed around them as they reappeared in a tiny room. It contained little more than a makeshift bed, a battered old trunk, and a small bowl of dirty water next to the bed that he must have used for washing.

This place smells almost as bad as him. Ceara scrunched up her nose as they dragged him over to the bed. He’s drunk. You won’t get anything out of him tonight.

I’ll sober him up, but I may have to stay here overnight. Given the dirt that covered the floor and dust that lined the few objects in the room, Ann knew it wouldn’t be a very pleasant experience.

Oh no, no, no. Ceara raised her hands in protest as Edmunds flopped onto the bed. I’m not staying in this fleapit all night. You said we’d talk to your contact and Stinky Boy over here, then we’d leave. Besides, we need to regroup with the others.

She sighed. I’ll purge the alcohol from him. Make yourself comfortable. It might take at least a couple of hours.

What about the meeting with the contact? Ceara put her hands on her hips.

You can talk to them.

I’m not the Archdruid.

No, you’re a rogue like me and you’ve been helping the resistance for years. Just talk to them and I’ll be there when I can.

Fine, but you owe me for this. I’ll be down at the bar; call me if you need me to get the truth out of him. Ceara turned and slammed the door shut behind her.

Ann placed her hand on Edmunds’ forehead, fingers flaring with golden light. She forced her power into him and grabbed the bowl from next to the bed. Staring at its filthy contents, she walked over to the open window and tossed the water outside.

Edmunds’ eyes flew open as he vomited into the bowl. Ann covered her nose in disgust. What did you do to me? He clutched his head and groaned.

Purged the crap from your body. I need you sober. Don’t bother trying to run. She fumbled in her bag and pulled out a small

Reviews for Dark Deception

[Kaye · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

ONE MIND BLOWING ADVENTURE!!!
Holy hell! Tiffany is kicking ass and taking names with this engaging installment that captivates from the start, riding the rails, barely hanging on, thrusting this baby to life spectacularly. Throwing caution to the wind, your back against the wall, not knowing friend from foe. Drama, intrigue, distress, turmoil, danger, suspense and dark nefarious intentions blast this baby into the eye of the storm, breaking it down, catapulting it into a tailspin with staggering impacts. Producing well rounded scenario's so intense you feel the pulse racing, electrifying hum running rampant through your viens. Tiffany displays every scheme, close call, snag, trip, dip, mishap and mayhem calling the shots, constantly moving forward, leveling the field, propelling this gem to a whole new level. The characters are complex and authentic with depth and qualities that add just enough flaws for diversity. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and colorful descriptions so rich and lively, they blend and flow magnificently. Remarkable job Tiffany, thanks for sharing this jewel with us.