Touched by Darkness: Excalibar Investigations Series, #1

By Tiffany Shand

Cate's destined for unimaginable power… if she can survive ascension.

Welcome to Excalibar, an elite team with Cate McCray at the helm. Cate's as tough as they come, and she's not about to let anyone mess with her fellow Magickind. That's why Excalibar is locked in a bitter battle with the Covenant; an ancient organization with one goal—enslaving Magickind.

Cate's only going to let that happen over her dead body. Which might be why the Covenant is intent on killing her; that or the prophecy that she'll destroy the Covenant. Surprise surprise, Cate's not too keen on dying.

So long as she can gain immortality, everything will be fine… but that means surviving ascension. With her elemental partner, Jason Talbot, at her side, she's ready to take on every Covenant attack.

Except her forbidden love for Jason could destroy everything. Can she survive the Covenant's attempts to kill her? What will become of her and Jason's love? Can she give up everything to save Magickind?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tiffany Shand
• Release date: Jan 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201272951

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

TOUCHED BY DARKNESS

EXCALIBAR INVESTIGATIONS SERIES BOOK 1

TIFFANY SHAND

Copyright © 2021 Tiffany Shand. Second Edition.

Copyright © 2015 Tiffany Shand. Originally published as Denai Touch. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means necessary.

This book is a work of fiction. People, places, events and situations are the products of the author’s imagination.

Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or historical events is purely coincidental.

Dedication

For my mum, Karen. I know you are always watching over me and standing by my side.

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

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Epilogue

Also by Tiffany Shand

About the author

Chapter 1

Shadows whirled around her. She saw her grandmother lying on the floor, a hand reaching out as energy exploded all around, engulfing her.

She stood there watching her gran vanish. A bright star of light rose from the vortex. She watched it, awestruck.

A shadow moved towards her; claw-like fingers wrapped around her throat and magic burned into her skin.

Cate? Cate, wake up!

Cate McCray thrashed and kicked to get away from her assailant.

Cate!

Something struck her face and her eyes flew open.

What the hell is going on? Jade demanded.

Cate blinked and stared at her best friend and fellow Denai witch, Jade Fabre. What?

You fell asleep and were muttering and flailing around when I tried to wake you. Jade motioned to her bloodied lip.

Oh, goddess, did I do that?

No kidding, McCray. What’s up? Did you have a nightmare?

She shrugged. I don’t know. I think it might have been a vision.

Of what? Jade wiped her lip on the sleeve of her jacket.

I’m sorry, I didn’t...

I know – I’m used to your weirdness after all these years.

Are you saying I’m weird?

Hey, you’re the Goddess Marked, of course you are!

She smiled and shook her head. I’ve been having a lot of bad dreams. It’s disturbing my sleep.

What’s the dream about?

I think I die in it.

Jade’s smile faded. What? How? When?

I don’t – hey, look, we have movement. She gazed through the car window and spotted several figures appear; switching to Other Sight, she could see what was happening several metres away. Seven robed witches stood within a spell circle in the centre of the graveyard.

I can hear them chanting, Jade remarked. About time! I wish we could just go in and arrest them.

On what grounds? Trespassing? That charge would never stick, Cate replied. We need to catch them doing something illegal, so we have some real evidence to make an arrest.

I hope they are linked to the Covenant; it will make this wasted night worthwhile. Jade folded her arms.

The Covenant was an old terrorist organisation which had existed in one form or another for five thousand years, and was led by an evil, dark Denai named Raven. They didn’t believe all races should live as equals or work together in peace. Instead, Raven used her magic to make others follow her will, and her will alone.

Once, all the races had fought against each other and among themselves until one of the McCray’s ancestors, Grand Mistress Lara McCray, had forced the leaders of the different races to band together and fight back against the Covenant, and thus led to the formation of the United Magickind Council. The Covenant had been weakened over the past few centuries, but Cate was certain they were trying to make a comeback. It made her even more determined to bring them and their allies down.

How did we get roped into this anyway? There are plenty of low-level enforcers who could be doing this. We’re Excalibar and Denais; we might as well use the rank for something.

I asked for this assignment. If these witches are linked to the Covenant, I’m not sending in a low-level newbie who will no doubt get themselves killed. Now stop moaning, you sound just like Charlie.

I don’t moan! a voice came from the back of the car.

Her senses tingled, telling her they were no longer alone. She turned to see her teenaged niece faze through the back seat from where she had been hiding in the boot.

Goddess, Charlie! she hissed. What the bloody hell are you doing here?

I was bored, so I thought I’d see what you were up to.

You should be at home in bed. How many times have I told you not to follow me when I’m out on a case?

Charlie pulled out a packet of crisps and settled on the back seat. How else am I supposed to get experience?

You’re not an enforcer and you’re only sixteen, so you’re too young to start your training yet. Now go home!

No way! I’m not waiting another year. I’m almost seventeen and I’m ready to start now. Charlie folded her arms across her chest. You said being a Denai is all about helping people and my powers only...

Shush! Or you’ll alert the coven to our presence, Jade snapped.

Cate sighed. She was going to have to get her brother, Steve, to have a serious talk with his daughter. Charlie turning up whilst she was out on assignment was becoming a disturbing habit lately. The young Denai medium was lucky she hadn’t gotten herself hurt yet, or worse.

The sound of chanting made her look up and power rose within the witches’ circle. Then red flashes of lightning appeared.

What are they doing? Jade whispered.

They’re summoning the ghosts of people buried here. She sensed the stirring of spirits beneath the ground.

Charlie let out a squeal of excitement. Awesome, my powers can...

Cate gave her a warning glare and looked back as wispy silhouettes appeared within the circle.

Now was the time to act.

You stay here in the car and keep out of sight, she told Charlie. Jade, let’s go.

But... Charlie started to protest.

Stay! Or I’ll make sure you never leave the house again. Pulling out her gun, Cate leapt from the car and headed towards the circle, Jade following close behind her. Enforcers! she called. Stop right where you are.

The stunned faces of the witches turned to stare at them in surprise.

The small seven-pointed star around Cate’s neck showed she was a Denai witch. Denais were different to others; they were immortal witches. They had the power to read people’s thoughts and emotions. Some Denais chose to become enforcers, the police of Magickind who enforced the laws of the United Magickind Council. It was their job to protect the innocent and punish the guilty, ensuring justice was always served.

The rogue coven’s high priestess was a tall brunette with pitch black eyes that glowed red just before she raised a hand and hurled a fireball at them.

Crap! Cate raised her hand to deflect it using her kinetic powers. Gold light shimmered around Jade’s body as she shifted into a red wolf, and launched herself at the nearest witch, knocking her to the ground. Cate flung out her arm, using her energy to hurl all of them out of the circle. They were stunned for a moment before starting to throw rounds of fireballs.

Double crap!

She raised her gun and sent out a stream of blue energy, stunning the nearest witch, who slumped to the ground unconscious. There were loud booming noises as the fireballs exploded on earth and tombstones; the witches ducked for cover as their magic rebounded on them.

She knocked another rogue out with a wave of her hand, and then used her gun to stun the next one, whilst Jade took hold of another, stunning her with her magic.

An unholy shriek pierced her ears as wispy cloaked figures moved towards the battle.

Shit! Mija!

This was the last thing they needed. Mijas were one of the deadliest creatures; skeletal beings that hovered between life and death were almost impossible to kill and survived by feeding on the powers of other Magickind.

Damn, Cate muttered as one lunged at her.

Sharp talons grazed her arm as the Mija made a grab for her; she ducked and rolled dropping her gun in the process. Not that it mattered since guns were useless against them. A witch screamed as one of the creatures wrapped its hands around her neck and drained her life force, killing her, instantly.

Cate pulled an athame, a ceremonial dagger, from her belt, thrusting it into the being that hovered over her. It let out a piercing scream as she leapt up and grabbed it by the throat, feeling slimy cartilage and bone beneath her fingers. Her sapphire blue eyes turned black as she used her Touch – the deadliest of all Denai powers – dark magic that could kill with the slightest contact. Energy pulsed from her into the Mija, causing the creature to cry out as it was incinerated in a burst of silver sparks.

She heard another cry and watched in horror as Charlie staggered to the ground after getting out of the car and making an unsuccessful grab for one of the other Mijas. Jade shifted back into human form and used her own weapon to stun the remaining witches where they stood.

Cate had to act fast. Getting to her feet, she reached for her magic; her eyes shone bright silver as power rose from deep inside her. Raising her arms, energy rippled from her fingers, sending out waves of sparkling silver orbs that pulsed through the air.

Some Denais not only had the gifts of telepathy, empathy or power channelling, which were individual abilities, but most also had the power of compulsion. With it, they could compel people not only to tell the truth, but to do whatever the witch wanted.

Stop, she commanded, feeling the waves of compulsion pulse from her body and through the air.

Compulsion didn’t work on Mijas the same way it did on people, but it could slow them down for a few seconds. They immediately stopped moving.

The remaining six witches stood there, their eyes briefly glowed silver, leaving them looking dazed as they waited for her next command.

Cate could feel her energy begin to wane. She hadn’t meant to compel the witches, but with her gun now missing she used the only other way she had of stunning them into submission.

Cate’s eyes shimmered black as she reached for the dark side of her power once more. Die, she thought as she fixed her gaze on the remaining Mijas. The wraiths shrieked as they exploded into oblivion. She swayed as the shock waves of power reverberated through her, struggling to keep the witches under her control. Cuffs. Silver orbs sparked, forming around the wrists of each witch, rendering them powerless.

A wave of dizziness hit Cate as she released them from her grasp, her eyes returning to their normal shade of blue. Leaning against the tombstone, she took a few deep breaths to clear her head.

Jade ran over. You okay, sweetie?

I’ll be alright. You?

I’m good. You know you needn’t have done that. We could have killed a few Mijas between us.

That would have taken too long. Besides it worked, didn’t it?

Yeah, but I know how much using your powers like that drains you. Are you sure you’re okay?

I’ll be fine, she insisted, but her spun and darkness threatened to drag her under.

Hey, I’m fine too – thanks for asking, Charlie appeared at her side.

You shouldn’t have been here in the first place. You could have been killed! How would I have been able to explain that to your dad?

You can lecture me later. Charlie inclined her head. But what are we going to do about them?

Looking over, Cate saw the wispy figures of spirits still shimmering within the circle and groaned. Despite her weakened state, she could still feel the pain, anger, and desperation of the tortured souls yet to be set free.

Jade cursed. What are we going to do with them?

I can send them back to where they came from. Charlie’s face lit up with excitement. See, told you my powers would come in handy.

You can’t, you–

You’re not exactly in a fit state to do it.

Cate had to agree with that. Fine, we’ll send them back to the spirit world together.

No way! You’ve used enough of your energy for one night. If you help you might end up in a coma.

Remember who has rank here.

You don’t have rank over me, only the Grand Mistress and her Second have rank over Denais.

"Technically, I am the Second."

Whatever. Watch the medium and learn. Charlie turned and approached the circle, raising her hands.

The air charged and sizzled with energy as Charlie’s hands shimmered with white light. Her body wavered as if she were a ghost herself before the spirits vanished in a blinding flash.

The witches all sat in stunned silence, as Cate and Jade took them inside the Enforcers Tower. Most of them cried; the one she thought to be the high priestess and leading the circle appeared to be in shock. From what Cate could pick up from their emotions, none of them could believe or seem to understand why they had been arrested.

The prisoners were handed over to be booked in, where they would be identified and allowed to give statements.

Sigmund Carey, Chief of the Enforcers, entered. You look ready to drop, McCray, he commented.

Cate stared at him. It was no secret that Carey didn’t approve of her or her team. Despite her training as an enforcer, he felt her rank as a Denai and her relation to the Grand Mistress were the only reasons why her team could investigate as they did. But he was right about one thing, she was ready to drop. Using so much power always drained her, and since she didn’t have her elemental partner’s energy to feed from, exhaustion would soon claim her.

I have to interview the suspects and I’m fine, she insisted. She put on her Denai face, expressionless and impassive.

The others on duty can manage and if we need a Denai, I’m sure Sergeant Fabre can handle things. No need for you to exert yourself anymore.

Jade could deal with it on her own, or there were other Denais available, but whilst it was their duty to ensure justice was served, the innocent protected, and the guilty punished accordingly, not all Denai witches used their gifts to force the guilty to tell the truth.

Cate glanced over to where Charlie sat on the bench. Okay. I should take my niece home. Jade will take statements, she said. Good night, Carey. Come on, Charlie, let’s go.

As she passed Carey, she couldn’t help but pick up on his emotions – resentment and loathing. It was harder to block people out when she was tired.

She thinks she’s above it all, that the rest of us are useless, all because a stupid prophecy says she will defeat Raven.

Argh! She had to get out of there.

Chapter 2

Cate watched the toaster as the first rays of light crept through the kitchen window, heard the front door opened and her senses tingled. In walked a six foot six male with short, black hair and steel grey eyes. He was incredibly handsome with a hard, athletic body and the face of a fallen angel. Power clung to him and he carried an aura of danger and raw sexuality.

You’re back. She smiled and went over to hug him.

Jason Talbot was her enforcer partner, friend and personal elemental known as a Mavis. The Mavis Order was a coven made up of male witches and elementals. Male Denais didn’t have the same powers as their female counterparts and instead used natural magic.

Most Denais used them to feed from due to their inherent raw, natural energy. An elemental not only protected them but provided a constant supply of energy whenever they needed it. Cate had offered him her spare room and he’d ended up living there for the past few months.

He smiled and returned her embrace. Hey. 

Miss me? 

Might have.

Oh, come on, you were lost without me. Admit it.

He chuckled. Have fun whilst I was gone?

I always do, but I sure as hell missed the cooking.

You didn’t blow anything up again, did you?

Hey, that was one time! Don’t hold it against me forever, she replied. How did you get on? Did you have any luck tracking down Tasha Phelps?

Nope, all my leads were a dead end.

Phelps knows better than to stay in one place for too long. But don’t worry, one of these days we’ll get her.

I sure as hell hope so. She’s Raven’s right hand. Imagine all the things she could tell us about the Covenant.

The sound of chiming made them both jump. Walking out of the kitchen, she saw the large crystal ball on the sideboard glowing and humming with energy. She groaned as she walked over to it. Placing her palm on top of the crystal, a hologram of a petite woman with long, dark brown hair, and blue-green eyes appeared in front of her. Gran, it’s eight in the morning. Why can’t you use a phone like everyone else?

Seline’s lip curled. Because I detest pressing buttons.

What do you want?

Good morning to you too, Catherine, Seline grumbled. I need to see you; we have things to discuss. Be in my chambers at nine.

She folded her arms. What for?

Just be there. The image blinked out.

Her grandmother had a rather impressive-looking castle, made from grey stone with square towers and ramparts. Seline was the Grand Mistress, the highest moral and legal authority of all Magickind.

To her annoyance, Cate found Elsie there, a dwarf woman and Seline’s personal secretary. She was four foot with long, glossy, black hair, worn in a severe bun and sharp, brown eyes. She was always stylishly dressed. Elsie made Cate feel scruffy in her jeans, black shirt, boots and leather jacket, but she avoided dressing like a lady unless she had to. Worse was Elsie always had an air of superiority which Cate hated, probably why the two of them had never liked each other.

Oh, I didn’t realise you were coming, Elsie commented in a cool voice.

Most Magickind always showed at least a hint of respect for a Denai, no matter who they were, but the dwarf had never attempted to hide her dislike and disapproval of Cate. However, she was all smiles whenever Seline was around.

Didn’t know your short arse would be here either, she replied. Gran wants to talk to me. You can get lost now.

The Mistress told me of no such thing. It wouldn’t hurt for you to dress a little more appropriately when being in your grandmother’s presence. But at least you are not covered in blood or dirt for once.

Seline chose that moment to walk in, and Cate was half disappointed she and Elsie wouldn’t get to trade their usual insults.

That will be all, Elsie. Seline was five foot four and wore a long, lilac, silk gown; she’d never embraced modern clothing. She had an aura of power, which no doubt came from centuries of being the ruling Grand Mistress. Elsie curtsied and left. I heard about what happened in the graveyard last night. Are you recovered?

Nothing ever seemed to get past the Grand Mistress or her network of spies. Cate sometimes suspected Seline had people watching her every move. I’m fine. I fed from Jason before I came here.

Good, he shouldn’t have been away from you for so long.

Gran, we’re not joined at the hip!

I did not give him leave. That idiot Carey should have cleared it with me first. Besides, his lead on Tasha Phelps led nowhere, Seline replied. "He is your Mavis – he should be there when you have need of him. That is his duty."

Cate sighed. Why’d you call me then? Obviously, it’s not to talk about Jason.

My spies have informed me that there are rumours of Raven searching for the Grand Grimoire.

Why would she be hunting for it now? It’s been missing for over three thousand years.

I doubt Raven has ever stopped looking for it. The book is an object of power. It contains our family’s knowledge and the Covenant could use it against us, if it should ever fall into their hands. Goddess forbid! Seline moved past her desk. If Raven has any knowledge of the book’s whereabouts I want to know.

Goddess, Gran, imagine if we could find the book after all this time. We could have an important part of our heritage back! Cate felt a rush of excitement.

Perhaps, Seline agreed, eyebrows drawing together. But let’s not raise our hopes. It’s my belief the book will not reveal itself until it’s needed most.

Gran, it couldn’t be needed more. The Covenant might not be as strong as it used to be, but they’re still as much of a threat and our numbers are getting less every year. She glanced over at the huge, old grandfather clock. I have to get to work.

I’m not finished yet, Seline snapped, as if it were an offence to leave without first being dismissed.

Cate groaned, as her grandmother walked over to the table and picked up a small, wooded, square-shaped box and held it out to her. This is for you.

Cate’s brow furrowed. What is it? Seline wasn’t one to give gifts unless they served some sort of purpose.

Open it.

She flipped the lid. Inside was a beautiful, large, silver, star pendant with seven points – the symbol of the Denai. It was like the one that hung around Seline’s own neck, except this one glittered all over with tiny diamonds within a circle. I can’t wear this.

You can and you will! I am officially naming you my Second.

Cate gaped at her grandmother. What? No way! she protested. I’m not ready!

I only named your aunt Kalin my Second because you were too young at the time, but you have completed your training. It’s time you took your rightful place as the Second Grand Mistress.

I’m too young and I haven’t ascended yet.

That’s not important. You wanted to have the experience of being an enforcer and I let you because I knew it would make you stronger.

No! I absolutely will not!

Seline’s icy eyes widened. I am your Grand Mistress; you will do as I command.

As my grandmother, you shouldn’t force me to do something I don’t want to. But then you never consider my feelings in anything, do you? Cate asked, back in control.

Catherine, you knew this day would come. With your mother gone, you’re next in line. It’s time you started embracing your destiny, Seline told her.

I make my own destiny, no matter what that prophecy of yours says! Her eyes started burning with power, which felt better. She wouldn’t give Seline the satisfaction of tears.

Seline glared at her. You will do as I say or –

Or what? You’ll banish me? Give the power to someone else? she retorted. Goddess! If only such a thing were possible.

You were raised and trained to one day take my place. Like it or not Ceri is gone and you are all I have left.

Do you have any feeling inside of you at all?

What I feel is irrelevant. Kalin has been able to take your mother’s place temporarily, but that time is over.

So you just expect me to give up my job and my life to be your damned Second?

"Being Second isn’t so bad. You must perform some duties in my place, but you wouldn’t have the mantle I bear. We are what has stopped this world from falling into chaos and destruction. If not for us, Magickind would still be divided."

Cate shook her head. I can’t be what you want me to be. I won’t. She would have given anything to have her mother there with her, which was a rare thing. This was the first time in many years she had wished for her mother to return.

Seline sighed. Goddess, help me. You are just as stubborn and wilful as your mother.

I wonder where she got that from.

Fine. I shall agree to a compromise.

She laughed. Compromise? You?

I will name you my Second, you will have the rank and authority that comes with it, but Kalin will continue to sit on the council and deal with affairs of state. However, I expect you to be there at certain ceremonies and circles – and to wear the amulet of course. But you must stand in my place or Kalin’s if we have need of you.

I can still be an enforcer?

You are good at what you do, and it would be a shame to let your talents go to waste.

Okay, that’s fine by me.

Catherine, I expect you to do as you’re told and abide by the rules of the coven and council. More importantly, I expect you to start attending circles more often.

Fine, I’ll be there – if I can.

Then it’s settled. Seline gave her a smug smile, raised her hand and the amulet appeared around Cate’s neck. As my Second, I expect you to keep me more informed on the progress of your cases. No more hiding things or not filing reports as you often do.

Yes, Gran. She paused. You don’t know the power will pass to me. Mum is still alive – as far as we know.

She is dead to both of us, and not worthy of ever becoming Grand Mistress. Seline never spoke of her absent daughter and yet her face still held no hint of emotion.

Grand Mistress through and through, Cate thought.

Chapter 3

I can’t believe this, Cate muttered as she and Jason headed into the lift inside the Enforcers Tower, to go up to the twelfth floor to their office.

What? Jason asked. Going after the Thorn could be the break we’ve been hoping for.

Not that, you idiot! Look at this thing! She tapped the large, silver, seven-pointed star that now hung around her neck. It was made from pure Silveron, a special metal which could channel and magnify magical power and studded with tiny diamonds. A diamond wasn’t just a sign of wealth or power; the stone could repel all sorcery and provided protection.

Only the Grand Mistress herself wore a large silver star, showing her rank and power so all would recognise her. She was the highest authority, was one of the leaders of the United Magickind Council, had dominion over all royalty and others of rank, and commanded the guardians and enforcers. Only the Second Grand Mistress was equal to her in rank. The position was traditionally passed from mother to first born daughter, the power automatically transferring when the previous Grand Mistress died or willingly abdicated.

Despite being raised and trained for the job, Cate never had any desire for it. She had always thought Seline would rule for many more centuries to come and then Ceri’s reign would last for millennia so she could live her life, do everything she wanted to do before that fateful day when she would have to take the mantle. That was the way it was supposed to be; she might have had a daughter of her own then. But no, everything had changed when her mother left.

You always knew this would happen, Jason commented. 

Yes, but it was supposed to happen in the future when I’m older, immortal and wise. Not before I’ve even made it to thirty, much less ascended. She tugged at the pendant and shook her head. I expected to have a chance to live, be an enforcer and anything else I wanted. I had my whole life ahead of me, now I feel like I’ve been handed a death sentence.

Seline thinks you’re ready.

She glared at him. Whose side are you on, Talbot?

Yours. I’m just saying she wouldn’t have made you her Second unless she thought you were ready. She’s been training you for this since you were born.

"Yeah, but I should be GM after my mum not before. I feel like going to find her and reminding her that she’s the one who’s supposed to be wearing this amulet."

Why don’t you find Ceri? he suggested.

Cate stared at him. Why would I want to find the woman who abandoned me when I was ten years old? she asked in disbelief. The only thing worse than being the Second, is the thought of seeing her again.

Come on, you must have thought about it. I’ve never met my father, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t considered finding him a million times over the centuries.

She tilted her head to one side, surprised; he rarely spoke about his past, much less his absent father who abandoned him before he was born. Did you try to find your dad?

Jason shook his head. No.

"Why? I tried searching for my mum when I turned eighteen, but it was hard to find out much – Gran didn’t help matters. Everyone told me I should just stay away from her and in the end, I came to think she didn’t want to be