Magical Mayhem: The Payton Adams Series, #2

By Tori Rayne

MAGICAL MAYHEM  Book Two of the Payton Adams Fantasy Series

 

Things are not so peaceful in Sylvan Falls anymore…

As Payton delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding her new life, she faces challenges beyond her wildest nightmares. Her enemies are more powerful than she ever could have imagined, and the danger she faces is more real than she ever thought possible.

Payton and her new work partner investigate a rash of murders, only to discover a connection to a timeless evil that threatens to overwhelm the town. With each new case, she must confront her fears and overcome her doubts, using her newfound abilities to uncover the truth.

But as the stakes continue to rise, she must also keep one eye on the shadows, for there are those who would use her powers for their own nefarious purposes.

While the forces of darkness gather around her, Payton must find the strength within herself to stand firm against them, and to bring hope and light back to Sylvan Falls.

Only time will tell as she faces the greatest challenge of her life. For only by staying true to herself can she hope to survive the coming storm and emerge victorious on the other side.

Payton must unravel the secrets of ancient magic and stop the evil threatening her town. Are her new abilities enough to stop the Magical Mayhem in Sylvan Falls?

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tori Rayne
• Release date: Sep 6, 2021
• ISBN: 9780995247161

Tori Rayne

Tori has been writing stories for decades and has always been an avid reader of mysteries, the paranormal, thrillers, fantasy, science fiction and historical romance. She enjoys writing fiction books that combine Magic, Fantasy, Metaphysical and the Paranormal.  At the moment there are no plans to release new books but The Payton Adams Series continues to be for sale.   

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Payton’s last day of living twenty-five hundred feet below ground was finally here.

Weeks had passed since her car accident, and her life was moving along better than ever.

Unfortunately, it had taken more time to get used to her telepathy than she had expected it would. She had worked hard to strengthen her ability to block peoples’ thoughts with Azrael and Frank’s help.

She could now turn it off and on like a switch.

Surprisingly, Payton had even become accustomed to being below ground, something she never expected would happen.

During the day, Payton divided her time between studying in the library with Greg and working in the vault.

She felt confident now that she was a fully trained Field Agent for the Paranormal & Supernatural Agency.

Along with everything else that was going on, she was also enjoying her nighttime training with Azrael.

In the weeks since her activation, he had taught her how to fight, teaching her hand-to-hand combat, sword fighting, and of course, battle magic.

A term she coined because Azrael was teaching her how to use magic to fight.

This part of her training involved letting her emotions out rather than pushing them down, the way her mother had taught her.

She wasn’t crazy about the idea of allowing her feelings to be used in this way, but she also knew that there might come a time where she needed to use magic to fight.

Even though Azrael wasn’t adept at magic, he knew a lot about it, having been one of the creators of the very first hereditary witches.

He had discussed at length with her his experiences with warlocks and witches over the centuries.

She had come to accept that her magical and psychic abilities were enhanced because she was immortal. Having superhuman strength as a new ability took a couple of weeks to adjust to.

The biggest problem she continued to face was learning to manage her emotions and their effect on her environment.

More specifically, if she allowed herself to feel anger, rage or fear, things in her environment were impacted, leading to danger as well as destruction.

It seemed to Payton that this had got far worse since she began training with Azrael. Yet Frank and Azrael both insisted that control would come in time.

She was glad they had faith in her. She just hoped they were right.

Payton felt more fit and strong than she had ever been in her life.

Now, as she stood looking at her reflection in the mirror, she realised there was one more change that had to happen for her to truly embrace her new life as an immortal.

Reaching for the enchanted pendant that she had always worn, she held it between her fingers for a moment.

Her mother had given it to her so that other witches would not know she was one of them. Although it reminded her of her mother, she knew that wearing it was a crutch she no longer needed.

It was time to own who she was, just as her mother had talked about in her letter months earlier.

That seemed like ages ago now.

How right her mother had been about the dangers ahead of her.

She hoped that the worst was behind her now. Payton undid the pendant and placed it in her purse.

She smoothed her clothes as she walked to the centre of her room in the staff accommodations.

She was happy to be going home.

Payton was glad that things were turning around for her. She stood amazed at how much her life had changed in a matter of months.

Picking up her suitcase and purse, Payton headed for the elevator, ready to face the world and whatever it had to throw at her.

HER HOUSE LOOKED THE same as when she’d last seen it except that it appeared more enormous than she remembered it being.

Perhaps it was because she had spent most of her downtime over the last six weeks in a four hundred and twenty-five square-foot room.

Payton was surprised to see Mandy’s car still sitting in the driveway next door. It clearly had not been moved since Payton’s last quick visit home.

Her intuition began tingling when she noticed Mandy’s mailbox was packed to the point of overflowing. It was apparent that her neighbour had not been home in a very long time.

Admittedly, Payton wasn’t a great fan of her neighbour, but she had no ill will toward her.

She hoped Mandy was okay and wondered if she had gone away somewhere with her new boyfriend?

Not prepared to just let it go, Payton placed her things inside, then wandered over to Mandy’s house to knock on her door.

This time she had no ringing in her ears or any sense of anyone supernatural around her. The area was quiet. She scratched her head, wondering if she should try to go inside. Maybe she’s hurt?

Deciding against breaking and entering, she knocked again and waited a couple more minutes.

When it was clear that the door wasn’t going to be answered, Payton went home.

She put away her things and placed her pendant inside her mother’s old jewellery box.

Wandering through the house, Payton entered her grandfather’s study, looking at the plethora of magical goodies that sat on the shelves.

There were still plenty of magic books to read that she had not had time to get to since joining The Agency.

She wondered if perhaps now that she needed so little sleep, she could get more done?

Knowing she had to head back to The Agency that evening for her session with Azrael, Payton chose a book from the bookcase and went to relax in the living room.

She sat twirling her ponytail while trying to focus on reading the book.

It was no use.

Payton’s mind wouldn’t let go of the reality that Mandy didn’t appear to be home. The fact that her neighbour was a human made her disappearance all the more puzzling. With her conscience nagging at her, Payton decided to err on the side of caution.

THE POLICE STATION was not huge. Payton assumed this was because there were few humans left in Sylvan Falls. With The Agency handling all paranormal and supernatural cases, there likely wasn’t much crime left for the local police to investigate.

Payton felt a supernatural being upon entering the station. She glanced around at the small but modern facility.

Directly in front of her was a small open counter. A couple of chairs sat against one wall next to the front counter. There was a small hallway further down on the left, past the chairs. Standing in front of the counter, she checked out the rest of the station visible to her. Further back, behind the counter, were half a dozen desks side by side. Most of the desks were empty, and she wondered how many people were actually employed there.

A plump, well-dressed woman with short curly auburn hair got up from one of the desks and wandered over to the counter when she saw Payton.

Hello. Can I help you? the woman asked.

I want to report a missing person. My neighbour hasn’t been seen in nearly two months.

The woman looked interested and grabbed a piece of paper and a pen. Who is this woman? she asked, preparing to take notes.

Her name is Mandy. She’s human. Payton made a face, pausing a moment. I don’t know her last name. She lives next door to me, she said before giving the woman her own address.

The lady wrote out the information. Are you sure she hasn’t left town?

It was true that some humans did leave town occasionally, never to return, but this definitely wasn’t the case.

Her car is still in the driveway. Her mail is still being delivered, Payton stated. So, no. I don’t think she left town.

Payton studied the woman, wondering if she was human.

The supernatural energy wasn’t emanating from the lady.

Her ability to sense supernatural or paranormal powers was all she had to go on. It didn’t tell her what type of being they were unless it was visually apparent.

The woman smiled self consciously at Payton. I see. I’ll be right back, she said, glancing at Payton one more time before walking away.

A couple of minutes passed before she heard a door open. Payton saw an athletic-looking man appear from behind one of the doors with the woman in tow. The woman pointed at Payton, then went back to her desk.

It dawned on Payton that the man in front of her was emitting a supernatural aura. She wondered about the type of being he might be. The man’s golden-toned skin and pale grey eyes caught her attention. Then she noted his ears were pointed at the tips.

She couldn’t determine if he belonged to the Elf or Fae category, or if there was a discrepancy between the two types of beings.

The man placed his hands on the counter as he eyed Payton with interest. Hi. I’m Ken. The chief of the Sylvan Falls PD. I understand you want to report a missing woman?

Payton took a quick peek at his aura to ease her curiosity. His energy field showed an intermingling of blues, greens, and yellows. She felt he knew Fae magic, but was not sure why he wasn’t in his own realm. What is he doing working at a police station?

Yes, that’s right, said Payton.

How well did you know this woman? Ken asked matter-of-factly.

She is my neighbour. I only met her a couple of times.

You told my colleague that..., he read the paper the woman had given him. Mandy is human? Is that right?

Yes. Mandy told me so herself. She wondered if he assumed it was a supernatural issue that he could pass on to The Agency. She thought about mentioning that she worked for The Agency but decided it wasn’t relevant to the situation.

Okay. Thanks for coming in, Miss..., he studied Payton.

Adams ... Payton Adams, she responded.

I’ll go check things out.

Have you had any reports of humans being hurt in town? she asked.

Ken’s brows raised, should we have?

I’m just ... I wondered if maybe Mandy met with foul play, Payton suggested.

As I said, I will look into it. If I find out anything, I will let you know, Chief Ken assured.

Payton took that as her cue to leave.

She left the station wondering if anything would really be done about Mandy. Chief Ken seemed uninterested. Or maybe he didn’t believe her?

Indeed, Mandy’s employer would have reported her missing ages ago? Wouldn’t they?

She hoped Mandy would be found safe and vowed to look for suspicious people in her area.

In fact, Payton thought, I will do one better and watch the house myself, starting tonight when I get home from training.

CHAPTER TWO

LATER THAT NIGHT, PAYTON met Azrael in the firing range. They usually began with Payton practising her magical abilities. Payton opened the door to see Azrael standing with his hands clasped behind his back. Throughout her weeks of training with him, she had learned very little about Azrael, the ‘Immortal Guardian.’

He occasionally spoke of historical anecdotes, but it was clear that her new mentor’s focus was on training her how to fight.

The problem with his refusal to share anything personal with her was that she was never sure if he was pleased with her progress or not.

He pushed her. Hard.

But he never lost his temper or belittled her.

It felt at times that he had an agenda that she didn’t understand. She liked and trusted Azrael, but wished he was a bit more communicative with her.

Reading Azrael’s energy was also not easy as he was unlike anyone else that she knew.

But occasionally, she would get glimpses of things from him. Tonight, he was looking preoccupied.

She knew better than to ask why he was that way. He never responded to questions that he didn’t feel like answering.

She greeted him as she walked up to stand next to him. What do you want to start with tonight?

She looked over at him.

Azrael didn’t respond right away.

When he turned to face her, she sensed something was definitely on his mind. I hope you enjoyed the first day outside after so long? Did you sense Lucius, or any other immortals when you were in town this time?

Payton was caught off guard. I didn’t exactly go into town. After heading home, I visited the police station to report a missing neighbour. Except for you, I didn’t detect any immortal beings today. I’m curious. Why do you ask? She smiled at him, but he remained solemn.

Azrael scratched his head. I was wondering if Lucius had revealed himself to you yet. That is all.

Why do you think Lucius would reveal himself to me now? asked Payton, growing even more curious about Azrael’s line of questions.

The Immortal Guardian disregarded her question and looked away.

She glimpsed his raised brow. What is up with him tonight?

At least you are more prepared to fight now than you were a month ago, he admitted. He switched his gaze back to Payton. Still, don’t confront Lucius, or any other Fallen Ones if you can help it.

I won’t, Payton responded, feeling defensive. She didn’t need reminding that the Fallen Immortals had more battle experience than she did. Lucius had spent centuries creating and fighting wars alongside humankind.

There is something I would like to try before we do anything else tonight, Azrael stated in his usual perplexing manner.

Payton folded her arms, unsure what he was going to suggest.

I want you to try using the palm stone to see if it picks up any immortals in town.

Payton’s brow knitted. But don’t you think you or I would have sensed an immortal in town?

Azrael nodded. Usually, I would say yes to that. Let us just try?

Payton stepped back, surprised at his insistence that she use the stone. No disrespect intended, but why don’t you try it yourself?

Because I have no magical abilities, and you do. I want to see if it will work for you as it did before. I do not need the stone to sense immortals. Nor should you, but I have a theory. Just humour me, he said stone-faced.

Payton agreed and let them both into the vault with her key card.

She