Excalibar Investigations Complete Series: Excalibar Investigations Series, #4

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 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201350574

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

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 found. What about your dad?

He shrugged. Not much to tell. He left when my mum was pregnant. I don’t know much about him or if he’s still alive. Mother said the affair was brief – it’s complicated.

Well, at least it’s not as bad as my parents. Must be hell to be bound to someone like that and never see them like my mum and dad are. It’s why I never want to get married. It must be worse if your soul is bound to someone else’s and when one dies so does the other. She pressed her lips together in a slight grimace. No wonder no one likes to take the joining vows anymore – no one wants a commitment that lasts forever. No relationship survives for long anyway.

That’s not true. Some people can stay married for centuries.

That’s the downside of immortality, I couldn’t imagine myself being with one person forever. She looked up at him. You wouldn’t bond with someone, would you?

Their romantic relationships were something they never really talked about; the conversation was starting to venture into unknown territory. As far as she knew, Jason never had any serious girlfriends, only casual flings like she did. Hell, he spent most of his time with her, which was why everyone always assumed they were a couple.

He hesitated. Once upon a time I’d have said no way. If I had someone I loved more than anything then yeah, I’d like to, but...it would never work.

Of course not. We aren’t the marrying kind. I’m too young for that commitment crap, she said and looked at the amulet. Maybe you should shoot me now.

Jason smiled. No way could I ever shoot you – you’re my partner. And don’t worry about being the Second; I’ll be right there with you.

Yeah, but that’s only half comforting.

At least she’s not thrusting the full responsibility on you. She said you can still be an enforcer. You have the rank, but not the obligations. Kalin will still be acting in your place.

Ha! I bet she’ll start making me sit in on council meetings and ceremonies. Goddess, help me!

Try to think positive. Consider all the good you could do as the Second.

"That may be, but people are wary enough of me as it is and now the damned media will be even more interested. I’ll have to compel the vultures left, right and centre!"

The media can’t bother you when you’re working, it’s the law.

Doesn’t stop them making up ridiculous stories and snapping photos when I least expect it. They think we’re a couple for goodness sake, she said with a hint of annoyance.

I don’t know why that bothers you so much. Let the silly buggers think what they like.

How can it not bother you? she asked. Don’t you have trouble getting women? Forget that. Stupid question, given how much they seem to throw themselves at you.

Jason chuckled. You don’t throw yourself at me.

No, that would just be too weird!

Oh, come on, haven’t you ever thought about me in that way?

Cate tried not to blush. Like I said, it would be too weird.

The doors opened to reveal a corridor with whitewashed stone walls. Enforcers, technicians and other staff were everywhere. Cate got the usual glances, but people’s eyes went wide when they saw the sparkling star around her neck. She groaned when everyone started bowing their heads. She’d thought she’d stopped everyone from showing her the annoying formality years ago.

People here respected her, not because she was a Denai or related to the Grand Mistress, but because she’d earned it the old-fashioned way, never once using her family name or position to elevate her way through the enforcer ranks. She’d chosen to work her way up just like everyone else and now proudly wore the badge of a lieutenant enforcer.

I should have tried to take the damn thing off!

Bowing her head, Cate hurried down the corridor to the briefing room with Jason trailing behind her, where the rest of the team was waiting for them. Steve and her other brother, Ian, sat at the table, along with Jade.

Ian was about five foot ten, with a lanky body, bleached, spiky, blonde hair and green eyes. He wore a light green T-shirt with pink flowers on, faded khaki shorts, hot pink trainers and had a ring through his nose. He was the most outgoing of all the McCray siblings and didn’t care what people thought of him, especially that he was gay. He was a medi-intuitive and a powerful healer. Steve had scruffy, brown hair, blue eyes and wore his usual faded jeans and blue sweater. He was techno-kinetic, being able to control computers and other various forms of technology with his mind.

Cate was the youngest member of the team, since Jason had worked with her brothers on and off for centuries. Jade was the fifth participant; they had been close since early childhood, being the only two children within the coven, and had faced their training together. The team had been formed seven years ago. Cate wasn’t satisfied just performing her Denai duties so she decided to combine the talents of her two older brothers, which led her to form Excalibar. It joined their investigative skills, technology, and powers together.

Seline had been convinced the team would never work, that things should just be left as they were with the enforcers policing, and Denais being called in to take confessions or pass judgement in trials. But they proved their grandmother wrong and gained a reputation for themselves, ensuring the laws of the United Magickind Council were followed and Demonkind and other evils were kept at bay.

Morning. Cate forced a smile as she and Jason walked in.

Holy crap! Ian got to his feet and took hold of her amulet. Sis, you’re the Grand Mistress!

Second Grand Mistress, she corrected, pulling away from him.

This is great! We should all go and celebrate tonight at Sky.

"This isn’t a good thing and I sure as hell don’t want to celebrate. She reached for the amulet and yelped when a sharp jolt of energy stung her hand as yanked at it. Ow! Bloody thing!"

You didn’t have that on last night, Jade observed and her brow wrinkled. Wait, does that mean you won’t be able to lead Excalibar anymore? Is there still going to be a team?

"Yes, there is still going to be a team. This just means my life is going to be more complicated. Cate went over to the flat screen table which served as a computer and monitor and touched it. Right, updates on our latest assignment — apprehending the Thorn."

Several images of different males and females appeared on the screen.

They’re a group of different species of Magickind and there’s eleven members altogether. Two enforcers were sent undercover in the last six months and both vanished without a trace.

What did the coven members have to say about that? asked Jason.

They said both victims left the coven and they don’t know what happened. Gran thought it was too risky to send a Denai in at first, but now it’s our best bet of finding out what occurred.

Jade opened one of the folders. Do you think the Thorn could be linked to that drug case we looked at a couple of weeks ago?

Possibly. The drug, Pandora, has the ability to give the user supernatural strength for up to several hours and we all know Tasha Phelps likes to mix things that really shouldn’t be mixed. That case has her involvement written all over it, she replied. The last enforcer to go missing was Tia Alexander. She reported to her commander that she caught sight of something being made in one of the coven’s outbuildings. Tia only got a brief glimpse, but she said it looked like sparkly dust. This particular group keeps popping up on our Covenant radar and it’d be a big coincidence if these two cases weren’t linked, Cate explained. Last night, Jade and I went to stake out the Conway coven. They’re a group of low-level witches, but intelligence tells us that Bethany Turner – the leader of the Thorn – is posing as their high priestess.

Cate touched the flat screen again, so a projected hologram appeared showing images of the five witches captured the night before.

Bethany Turner wasn’t with the Conway coven last night, but I’m going to interview the witches this morning to see what I can find out about Turner, and what ties they have to the Covenant.

Bethany Turner is a Denai witch and she’s around the three thousand-year mark. Gran doesn’t have much to say about her. Apparently, Turner was one of the rare few who was trained outside our coven and is a rogue, Cate continued.

Probably trained with Raven and her dark Denais, Jade replied. Too bad we didn’t get her last night. She could be a valuable source of intel on the Covenant.

More images appeared on screen of victims of the Pandora drug; two men and three women, their bodies covered in red welts. Ian touched the screen to zoom in and closely inspected the lines that zigzagged across the skin, almost like a rash. As well as being a healer, Ian also examined dead bodies when they were given the occasional murder investigation.

There are ten similar unsolved cases in three other cities, Steve told them. Definitely looks like the work of Phelps.

Tasha Phelps was a Null with the ability to neutralise any magic. She often liked to run twisted experiments, like creating new drugs and potions to destroy the rest of Magickind and add to the Covenant’s reputation.

Whilst I was away, there were rumours in the underworld that there’s more of the Pandora drug going around, said Jason. But the dealer only distributes it for a while then disappears.

Jade sneered. Classic Phelps.

Any idea where we might find the drug? Cate asked.

I’ll do some digging around, but this definitely looks like one of Phelps’s experiments. She goes to a new town or city, tries out a fresh drug operation on the unsuspecting, and when people start dying, she and her minions vanish, Jason said. Maybe I could go undercover, pretend to be a potential buyer or dealer.

Cate shook her head. Phelps would see that coming a mile off, she replied. No. Ian, I want you to go over the bodies of the most recent victims, see if you can find out what killed them and what the drug is made of. Steve, dig up everything you can find on Pandora. Jade, work with Steve. Jason and I are going to interview the prisoners. Catch you later.

Chapter 4

Cate and Jason started interviewing the prisoners; the first two didn’t know anything useful, so they moved on to the third. This one was a blonde-haired, blue-eyed witch named Cerys Griffin.

Cate didn’t need her tele-empathic abilities to feel the waves of fear rolling off this woman. She scanned Cerys with her senses; mid-level witch with some clairvoyant ability, nothing special, just average. As Cate moved to sit on the opposite side of the table, the waves of fear became stronger. Cerys’s eyes widened when she saw Cate’s amulet and she let out a small squeak of alarm. Oh, goddess, she’s going to kill me, thought Cerys. I’m going to die! Goddess, forgive me. I should have known this would happen – I’m bad! Bad, bad, bad!

Cate’s head pounded as she tried to strengthen her mental shields to block out the thoughts and feelings bombarding her. Argh! She put a hand to her forehead. It wasn’t usually this hard to block people out, thanks to years of training. What was going on with her powers?

Jason put a hand on her shoulder and everything became blissfully silent. She looked up and gave him a grateful smile. Funny how he always seemed to know when there was something wrong, when she needed him. She often wondered how she’d ever managed without him.

It’s alright, Cerys. We’re not here to hurt you; we just came to ask you a few questions. She pulled out the rickety metal chair and sat down.

You’re – you’re the...

The Second, yes. I’m Cate and this is my partner Jason Talbot. We need to ask you about your coven.

I didn’t – we didn’t hurt anyone – I mean...

You were trying to summon dead souls to harness their magic to add to your power. Jason gave Cerys a hard look. You know that kind of magic is outlawed and carries either a term of imprisonment or a magical binding. Then there’s the charge of assaulting three Denai witches, two of which are kin to the Grand Mistress. That carries the sentence of being stripped of your powers and possibly your memories, being sent to live in the human world, or possibly death.

Wow, someone was playing bad cop today, something Cate usually enjoyed doing herself, but she didn’t think intimidation was the best approach this time.

Cerys started trembling. Look, calm down. Cate’s eyes flashed silver as she used a slight compulsion. You seem like a good person who fell in with a bad crowd or maybe you just didn’t realise what you were getting yourself into, but we need to know everything you can tell us about Bethany Turner.

Jason reluctantly let go of her shoulder while she kept her gaze on the other witch. They waited and witch’s brain buzzed with thoughts.

How did you meet Bethany Turner? Jason prompted. Your high priestess?

Hell, she was usually the impatient one, but he seemed restless since his trip away. She made a mental note to ask him about it later.

She said her name was Beth Matthews. We’d been looking for an experienced high priestess for months – they’re not easy to come by. Most want more powerful and experienced witches, Cerys said. We were getting desperate, so I put an advert in the window of my shop, ‘True Magic’. I know that sounds stupid, but my boyfriend Dec was in the Guard and he got rid of all the tricksters. Oh, goddess, Declan! He’ll be so worried about me!

Keep going. What kind of shop do you have? Cate persisted.

Cerys sniffed, fighting back tears. I – I make and sell my own spells and potions for a fee. I’m good at making potions and I cast the spells myself or sell the ingredients. I’m not powerful, but I’m good at that. Cerys briefly met Cate’s gaze, something most people rarely did given that it made the person easier for a Denai to read. You’re powerful – the legend of the Goddess Marked is well-known in all witch circles.

Power doesn’t just come from magic, knowledge is power too or so my coven tells me, she replied. When did you meet Bethany?

About a month ago. She told us she was a Denai. I was surprised she would even give us the time of day, but she said she wasn’t part of your coven, Cerys continued, Beth said she was looking for a coven, saw my advert and was interested. I explained to her there was no real money involved, that we were just a small coven who needed someone to guide us. Beth said she would be thrilled to teach other witches. We were all so excited, I mean she’s a Denai – your kind are immortal and you have so much wisdom when you live for so many centuries.

Not all of us do.

The first circle was – odd, Cerys went on. 

Explain, Jason said.

Cerys paused. The energy was intense and unlike anything any of us had ever felt before. Beth was powerful and we were in awe of her. But after the circle, we all felt drained. She insisted it was normal and would take time for us to get used to her energy.

You know Denais can’t survive without feeding off living energy, don’t you? Cate asked.

Cerys shook her head. No, the Denai are known to be very secretive.

It’s why we work so closely with elementals, like my partner here. She gave Jason a quick smile. Bethany used your coven’s energy to fuel her own abilities.

I doubt a few low-level witches’ energies would have done much for her, Jason commented. What else did she make you do?

She started calling us for more circles, said that it was good practice for...before Beth we met only once a month, Cerys answered. It was exhausting. I fell asleep for almost twelve hours.

Good practice for what? Jason prompted.

That’s the thing, I don’t remember.

Weren’t you the least bit suspicious that something was wrong? he added.

Beth said it was normal, but the energy within the circle was intoxicating. I’d never felt anything like it.

What kind of spells or rituals did you perform at the circles? Cate asked.

Cerys shook her head. That’s the thing, I've forgotten. I mean, I remember being there, but not what we did exactly.

Cate broke contact with Jason as she leaned across the table, staring into Cerys’s blue eyes. Tell me what you remember.

Cerys shook her head again. I can’t – every time I try the blurrier it all seems.

Think Bethany compelled them to forget? Jason asked.

Yep.

Cate said, Cerys, would it be okay if I went into your mind to find out what happened?

Cerys’s eyes widened. My mind? Why?

Because we think Bethany may have compelled you into doing things against your will, Jason said, then made you forget so you wouldn’t question her.

"But why would Beth do that? She – we trusted her. We all trusted her!" Tears filled her eyes.

That would have made you all easier to compel, Jason muttered.

Cerys. Cate put a hand on the other witch’s shoulder, sending out calming waves of reassurance. I know you never meant for any of this to happen. You put your faith in the wrong person; someone you thought was your friend. But if you let me enter your mind and see what happened, it may help us bring Bethany to justice.

Cerys stiffened. Why must you enter my mind? I’m not sure I want to remember the things we did.

Because, by seeing through your eyes, I’ll be able to feel as well as see everything that happened. Any detail of your experience could give us a clue as to what Bethany is planning.

Will it hurt?

Cate shook her head. Not if you let me in willingly and try not to resist.

I doubt my resistance would do much good. My magic is nothing compared to yours. Denais can easily go into someone’s mind – like Beth did.

Compulsion and tele-empathy are different. Yes, some telepathic Denais can and will go into someone’s mind without permission, but I’d like your consent all the same.

Cerys reluctantly nodded. What do I have to do?

Just look into my eyes.

Cerys met her gaze; blue on sapphire blue then Cate’s eyes shone silver, instantly locking the other witch within her power. She felt no resistance, not that it would matter. A weak mental barrier wouldn’t have made much difference.

Cate closed her eyes, seeing swirls of coloured light as her senses passed into Cerys’s mind. Cerys? she asked her. Can you hear me?

Yes, my lady. Er - Cate. How odd, I’ve never experienced telepathic communication before, Cerys’s voice sounded slower due to the compulsion.

Okay, I want you to think back to the last night you attended a circle led by Bethany. When was it?

She paused and Cate could feel her mulling it over. It was three days before our circle last night. She’d been preparing for it.

Good, go back to Sunday night. What do you remember? Picture it in your mind.

A sharp pain jolted through her mind; blinking she found herself standing outside in the cool night as air brushed across her face.

Candlelight flickered in a large spell circle as the coven members all stood around, waiting patiently. She glanced around, seeing Cerys standing there, looking just as dazed as the other witches. Instead of seeing through Cerys’s eyes, she’d ended up in the memory itself. Odd. This had never happened before. Usually, she was on the outside looking in, or sometimes she witnessed events through the eyes of the person she telepathically connected to. She didn’t end up being part of the vision in any way.

Cate looked down at her hand, seeing the birthmark on her right wrist. The Goddess Mark, in the shape of a blue, seven-pointed star; it often glowed or sparkled when she used her powers.

She raised her head and saw a woman with dark, red hair and brown eyes. She wore a long, dark red, almost black silk, sheer and low cut robe, unlike the other witches who wore loose-fitting, practical cotton robes in earthy colours.

Clearly, it was Bethany and she’d done nothing to disguise her appearance. She was doing something within the centre of the spell circle, placing what looked to be some kind of black crystal there. Now ladies, I want each of you to take this athame and cut your hand with it. Be sure your blood touches the crystal.

One by one, each witch did as they were told without question or hesitation.

Compulsion; a true high priestess would never do such a thing. That went against all Denai training but then Bethany wasn’t a true Denai.

Why would she make them smear blood on a crystal? Cate wondered.

The crystal crackled with red sparks as Bethany added a few drops of her own blood to the mix. It pulsed with energy, like a bright beacon in the night.

Bethany muttered a few words Cate couldn’t quite make out, probably a spell or a command of some kind. The crystal blinked before a projected image of a woman with short, red, cropped hair appeared in glowing red light.

Tasha Phelps.

Well, bugger me, Cate thought. Fancy seeing you here.

What do you think you’re doing, Bethany? Tasha demanded. How dare you try to speak to her!

Bethany’s eyes narrowed, but she smiled. Tasha, how nice to see you again. Obviously, Phelps wasn’t the one Bethany had planned to contact. I need to speak to Raven.

I’m not in the mood for your grovelling, Turner.

But Tasha, I could be of service to you.

Tasha glanced around. The Thorn looks even more pathetic than it did the last time we spoke.

These aren’t part of the Thorn, Bethany sneered. I’m just using these fools for energy. Tasha, we did as you asked when you last came to the city. My coven has started distributing the drug just as you told us to.

Only two dead – you call that progress?

People are different here in the city. Seline has spies everywhere.

Which is why I want more victims to test the drug on. We need the Denai coven to be distracted. You know how important this plan is.

Bethany nodded. I know, but we can do more than passing the drug around. I’m trying to recruit new, powerful members to Thorn. We could add to the Covenant’s collective power.

Just do as you’re told, or I won’t bother using you as a lackey again!

Bethany bowed her head. Yes, Tasha.

Good. Do not disturb me or Raven again. Or suffer the consequences.

The image blinked out and Cate gasped as her eyes snapped open. Something wet rolled down her face and reached up to wipe it away, only to find that her nose was bleeding. Argh, not again!

What happened? Jason handed her a hanky.

Cate covered her nose and fled from the room. Goddess! She couldn’t believe this had happened again. It was the second time this week her body had had an adverse reaction to her powers.

She rushed into the women’s toilet. Going to the nearest sink, she splashed cold water on her face and washed away the blood. The buzzing in her head grew more intense, pain throbbed across her temples. Damn it, why is this happening again?

Cate only had some form of bleeding when she used a lot of power and pushed her magic to its limit, but lately she seemed to be drained from using only small amounts. Could it have something to do with her being close to ascension?

Damn! I’ll have to try to attend circles and start training in preparation for it. Over the weeks and days close to ascension, a witch’s powers would rapidly become stronger and grow until her magic reached its peak. It was a very painful and dangerous process; if a witch wasn’t prepared or trained enough, the ascension could kill her before she had the chance to gain her immortality.

For the past few years, her powers had started growing and manifesting into full abilities, so ascension was something she’d been longing for. Cate had yearned to finally be free of the confines of her mortal body and not having her powers wreaking havoc on it. Once immortal, she would no longer be as vulnerable to death, disease or injury; she would heal much more and require less energy.

Although Cate wouldn’t be at the mercy of the power inside her, at the same time she was scared. Death at the time of ascension was rare but it did happen, especially to weaker witches, and occasionally the more powerful ones. A witch’s power grew to its full strength when she ascended; Cate’s mortal body couldn’t contain hers as it was – what would happen when she finally ascended?

Cate wasn’t just a Denai or the Goddess Marked. Part of an ancient prophecy said she would be the most powerful witch ever born, possessing all their mother goddess’s gifts, but she was also half Ashrali. The Ashrali were a race of very powerful fey and one of the five elder races that had existed since the beginning of time. Whilst she didn’t really show signs of having any Ashrali abilities, she knew her fey side made her witch powers stronger.

She wiped the blood away and stared at her reflection in the mirror. At six foot she towered over most people, inheriting her height from her Ashrali side. She had dark smudges under her eyes and her skin looked pale. I look like hell, she groaned, wiping away more blood.

She heard the door leading into the toilets banging open. Cate?

Cate looked around in surprise. Jason? You’re not supposed to be in here.

Are you alright? What happened? he demanded. Fuck, why are you bleeding again?

I’m fine, now go away. She pressed the tissue to her nose again.

I can’t believe this is happening again. This isn’t normal.

Tell me something I don’t know! It’s nothing.

Don’t think I haven’t noticed the bloody tissues in the bathroom at home.

I’m fine and you shouldn’t be spying on me. She dropped the tissue. There, look. It’s stopped. Please go before someone sees you in here.

Jason held out his hand. You should tell me when you need to feed, damn it.

I don’t and I’m fine, she insisted. Go!

He gave her a hard look. You’re not fine. I’ve known you long enough to recognise when you need energy. Just take what you need from me.

What is with you? You’ve been on edge all morning and now you’re being a right pain in the arse! she snapped. Did something happen whilst you were away?

No. Everything is fine, except you clearly need to take better care of yourself.

I take care of myself just fine, thank you. Goddess, you’re the one with all the secrets and now you’re pissed at me for no good reason. She grabbed his hand, feeling a warm rush of energy flood through her. Happy now?

What’s happening to your hair?

What? Cate turned to look at her reflection in the mirror and saw her hair sparkle faintly with silver orbs; as it turned a darker shade of blue, its straight lines curved into thick spirals. Oh hell, what’s happening to me?

I hear that an Ashrali’s hair changes when they feel strong emotions.

I’m only half Ashrali and this shouldn’t be happening. I’ve kept my hair under control for years now. As she spoke the waves of hair moved down her back, well past her shoulders.

I like your natural hair. He smiled and moved closer to brush it off her face. You should keep it this way.

It’s annoying this way, she said through gritted teeth and tried to focus her emotions to get things under control, but her hair refused to comply.

It’s beautiful.

You’re not helping! The mirror in front of them exploded, shards of glass scattering in all directions.

Jason grabbed hold of her, pulling her tight against him as currents of air swirled around them, a mini tornado of energy deflecting the glass away from them.

Would you please go now?

You’re welcome.

This wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t been so – so damned annoying. I don’t need you to protect me from everything!

I’m your Mavis, I’m supposed to defend and look after you.

No, you’re supposed to provide me with energy when I need it and help me with work. I don’t... The sinks and cubicle doors shook as silver orbs sparkled around them. Now what was happening?

Cate could recognise her own magic when she saw it, but she hadn’t consciously done anything to make it act this way. Hell, she’d be setting off numerous alarms throughout the Tower. Everyone would probably think it was an attack or something wrong with the computer systems.

Cate, you need to calm down.

Don’t tell me to calm down! You’re the one that started this, she snapped.

Jason sighed. I’m sorry. I can’t help but worry about you.

Cate sucked in a breath and bared her teeth as she fought to get her powers back under control. He reached out and touched her hand; everything fell still.

She pulled her hand away. Gran says my ascension is getting close and my powers will grow stronger and more uncontrollable.

But I can help you — it’s what I’m here for.

If you keep being so overprotective, I’ll blow you up!

He grinned. You can’t blow me up. If you need energy, for god’s sake take it.

"I don’t want to hurt you. You might be the most powerful elemental I’ve ever met, but even you don’t have unlimited energy."

"Yes I do – I mean like you said, I’m stronger than others and you