Marked Quest: The Shadowed War, #2

By Catrina Roush

They survived being hunted, now they need to survive the frozen north.

Nikko and the others escaped Hydar and are asked to retrieve the Nightkiss. An artifact that will help kill a demon. A demon that's been living in Hydar for centuries and wants to destroy all of humankind.

They must travel across Nastax to find the artifact. Nikko and the others must overcome secrets and lies that have led them this far.

Can they survive the cold, cannibals, and snow beasts? Or will the demon finally stop them?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Catrina Roush
• Release date: Feb 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9781737921820

Book preview

Marked Quest

By Catrina Roush

Chapter 1 Fallen Hero

Chapter 2 A Heavy Weight

Chapter 3 Mage Battle

Chapter 4 Demonlings

Chapter 5 A Horrible Sight

Chapter 6 Searching

Chapter 7 Forbidden

Chapter 8 Forelare

Chapter 9 Changing

Chapter 10 Entering Nastax

Chapter 11 Adaru Netta

Chapter 12 A Guide

Chapter 13 Living Snow

Chapter 14 Camp

Chapter 15 Time for a Side Quest

Chapter 16 Plotting

Chapter 17 The Cursed City

Chapter 18 Adaru Felli

Chapter 19 Nothing is Stronger Than Family, Except Maybe a Demon

Chapter 20 New Enemies

Chapter 21 The Shaman

Chapter 22 Listening

Chapter 23 Captured

Chapter 24 Meadow of Falling Stars

Chapter 25 Leaving Nastax

Chapter 26 The War Golem

Chapter 27 Nightkiss Delivered

Chapter 1 Fallen Hero

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Nausea overwhelmed Darren as Nikko blinked them for the fifth time. Both men collapsed on a wooden floor. Darren’s injured leg finally gave out. He glanced at his leg then quickly looked away. His leg was covered in blood. He glanced over at Nikko and saw him holding his side. He was pale and his breathing was shallow.

Darren was about to ask if Nikko was all right when he saw blood drip to the floor. Nikko hung his head and panted. His other arm was shaking, trying to keep himself from falling over.

Darren moved around Nikko to get a better look. The crossbow bolt the guard fired was buried deep in Nikko’s side.

Darren looked around the room. They were in someone’s attic. The room was cluttered and dusty and smelled musty.

Sit back. Let me look. Darren said, helping Nikko lean against a large trunk that was just to the left of them. Nikko said nothing as he accepted Darren’s help. He let out a small groan. We need to get that out. Darren said. Nikko looked down at the bolt.

I don’t know. I kind of like it. It ties the outfit together. Nikko said as he leaned his head back. He was sweating. Darren shot him a look. He knew Nikko was trying to make it seem like the injury wasn’t bad, but Darren wasn’t fooled. Nikko handed him one of his daggers.

So how do you know Xander Sandov? Darren asked as he cut away parts of Nikko’s shirt. He was attempting to keep Nikko awake.

I don’t anymore. Didn’t even know he had become such an important mage. Not surprised, though. Nikko grunted as Darren wiped some of the blood away. I met him after I joined Warren’s den.

Xander Sandov was a thief? Darren asked, his voice cracking with surprise.

Yea, but his name then was Xan. He didn't have a last name that I knew of. His specialty was in providing tools for thieves like me. He had come up with some interesting stuff, too. Nikko’s mouth quirked into a quick smile before turning into a frown. Then he just left, and Warren helped him do it.

How so?

Found him a mage to apprentice under. I didn’t even know he was looking. He left without even saying good-bye. Nikko grimaced as he spoke and looked down at the wound. Darren paused in his work.

You will never forgive me for that, will you? Darren and Nikko both jumped. They had noticed no one standing ten feet away. Xander Sandov stood with his hands clasped behind his back.

Why should I? Nikko bit back. You’re probably the one that told the mage trying to kill me about my ability?

I’ve never harvested an ability. Xander’s eyes grew hard.

"So you did tell him." Nikko said, lifting his head.

Xander was silent for a few moments. Not exactly. He said at last.

You haven’t changed, Xan. And yes, the same could be said about me. Nikko said as Xander opened his mouth. The mage shook his head with a small smirk. Figures you'd be involved somehow if Warren is. Going to tell me how?

No, you really haven’t. Xander muttered. I will explain everything after you speak with Sandra.

Who? Darren and Nikko asked in unison.

The person who was the mastermind of getting all of you to meet. There is much to discuss.

She can go hang herself for all I care. You too. You're both trouble I want nothing to do with. Nikko said.

Xander blinked a couple of times before answering.

Hear her out. She’s already speaking with the bounty hunters and the healer.

Don’t act like you don’t know their names. Nikko snapped. You always made it a point to know those sorts of things.

Darren was shocked to see Xander flush a bit at Nikko’s words. Xander cleared his throat and straightened the cuffs of his jacket.

Let’s get going. Xander said when he was done.

I don’t think he should move. Darren said, barely above a whisper.

Why not? Xander asked, taking a step forward. Dropping the act, Xander now looked worried, growing as pale as Nikko.

How close had they been as children?

Darren, pull the bolt out. I think I found a better place for it. Nikko said looking at Xander.

He was shot earlier, and I haven’t taken the bolt out yet. Darren explained when Xander furrowed his brows.

Xander rushed forward, cursing, and knelt next to Nikko. He practically pushed Darren aside. Xander looked at the wound and reached for a pouch on his belt.

No. Nikko said before Xander could pull anything out. Xander shot Nikko a frustrated and angry look. You’re a part of the reason for the hell we have lived in for the last couple weeks. I don’t want you touching me. Nikko blinked his eyes slowly. He’d lost a lot of blood and using his ability so many times caused him a lot of pain and on the verge of passing out.

That wound is serious. Darren said, touching Nikko's shoulder. Nikko looked him in the eye, lips pursed. Darren bit the side of his cheek as he looked at the pain in Nikko's expression. Darren squeezed Nikko's shoulder.

Fine. Nikko said through clenched teeth.

On three. Xander said. One. Xander pulled the bolt out and Nikko groaned loudly. He glared at Xander who smiled back.

Nikko cursed at the pain and at Xander. The mage sprinkled something onto the wound and muttered something that Darren couldn’t understand. The bleeding mostly stopped, and the wound partially closed.

Who made that spell up? A five-year-old? Nikko said. Darren looked confused. Did he just understand what Xander just said? But that wasn’t possible. Marked couldn’t understand or learn magic like mages. Everyone knew that.

Why doesn’t Xander look confused? Darren thought. Could some Marked learn magic?

Darren made a mental note to research it.

Can’t remember. Xander said, saying another spell, as he lifted Nikko into his arms. Darren stared at the ease and grace of Xander’s movements. They were like water, so natural. Now shut up while I get us to the tavern.

I hate you. Nikko said, as his head fell against Xander’s shoulder. Xander’s head fell, and he sighed quietly.

I’ve missed you too. Xander whispered. He noticed Darren looking at him and gave Darren a sad smile before putting a neutral look on his face.

Are you able to walk? Xander asked, recomposing himself. He was looking at the blood covering Darren's leg. Darren looked down and frowned.

I will try to manage.

Good. I can only carry one of you. Wrap the leg up real quick. Xander waited for Darren to wrap his wound then strode towards the door. Darren hobbled after him.

Why did that guard attack us? Darren asked to change the subject.

He’s an idiot. I told them we were just there to make sure you all made it to the inn. Guess I should have specified in one piece and alive. Xander rolled his eyes as he led them to a door on the other side of the attic. Probably shouldn't have brought them. It was on impulse that I did. Stupid. Xander shook his head even after he stopped talking.

Darren knew Xander was in his mid-twenties, and yet the man looked older. Dark circles were under his eyes and his brow showed worry lines. His eyes were constantly scanning, looking for something. Darren was sure he saw a few strands of white hair scattered throughout Xander’s dark brown hair.

Being important must be stressful. Darren thought.

And how did you find us? Darren asked. He blushed when Xander looked at him with an offended expression.

Darren swallowed hard.

A hag stone. It’s been connected to Nikko since we were young. It is the best way to find someone. Hag stones couldn’t be used to track everyone or just anyone either. It needed to be connected to a specific person or people. It could be connected with up to five people. No, I won’t tell you how Nikko and I know each other.

That’s fine. I know a little anyway. Darren said with a shrug. Xander shot him a look.

Nikko told you?

Only what you heard. He doesn't talk much about himself or his past. I guess if enough people hurt you then you’ll become like him. Darren said, looking at the ground. I can understand not wanting to relive that kind of pain. Darren bit his tongue. He didn’t know what came over him to say something like that out loud. He felt uncomfortable under Xander’s stare but also defensive of Nikko.

The house was empty of people, and everything was covered in dust. It reminded him too much of Hydar with all its empty buildings. They soon exited the house.

Why not use magic to get us to the tavern? Wouldn’t that b-be faster? Darren asked as they walked down the street.

Not a good idea with his, or your, injuries. It’ll just make them worse. Darren noticed that his leg hurt more now than before Nikko blinked them around. He was ashamed that he never noticed the toll it'd taken on Nikko or that he was injured at all. We aren’t too far from the inn, thankfully.

Nikko lifted his head and looked at Xander with squinted eyes, like he couldn’t quite see Xander.

I loved you back then. Nikko said eventually. Xander looked the other way, his cheeks turning pink. I had wanted to tell you that even then but thought I’d just sound stupid to you. I always sounded stupid around you. Matilda was devastated. She thought she'd done something to make you leave. Should have taken her with you. Nikko’s head fell back onto Xander’s shoulder. I understand why you left. But not the way you did it. You bastard, did you want me to die? Xander closed his eyes, squeezing them hard, and pressed his lips together.

Did you? Darren asked, his eyes going wide and a hint of anger in his voice. What happened between them? Darren wondered in horror and interest. And who was Matilda?

No. Xander hissed through clenched teeth. How is she doing? Xander asked, a softness to his voice that Darren didn't expect. A look a regret quickly crossed his features.

She's dead. Nikko said. He closed his eyes. Xander stopped walking and shook his head once. He cleared his throat and shook his head again. He began walking a moment later.

Nikko fell silent. Darren continued to stare at Xander. He wondered what he’d do if he lost Ben the way Nikko lost Xander. Darren couldn’t even imagine it.

Watch where you’re going. Xander said to Darren without looking at him. Darren didn’t turn forward. He wanted to know everything. Usually, he didn’t like to pry into other people’s business because then they might pry into his.

Now he wanted to know how Nikko, a common thief, knew very powerful people.

Did Xander almost get Nikko killed? Nikko loved Xander? A hundred more questions zipped around Darren’s mind as they trudged down the street.

Made some of his own problems seem small. No one tried to kill Darren, his father died from an illness while Nikko's mother was killed, and Ben never left Darren like Xander left Nikko. He could understand why Nikko kept to himself. Too many people left his life one way or another.

Xander finally looked at Nikko, who seemed to be asleep.

Please forgive me. Xander said in a light breath next to Nikko’s cheek, not wanting Darren to hear. Darren groaned internally as they rounded a corner. Xander wasn’t going to tell him anything. Darren doubted he could resist asking Nikko once he was doing better.

No one spoke as they approached their destination. Nikko lifted his head again. He seemed more lucid this time as they entered the building.

The place was mostly empty. Sitting around the only occupied table were Melandra, Cass, and Terri. They were talking to a woman.

When they entered the tavern, all eyes turned their way. Melandra and Terri shot out of their seats and hurried towards them. Cass stood from his seat and waved at Darren before making his way over as well. Melandra and Terri hugged Darren tight, saying how worried they’d been about them.

***

Everyone’s mouths dropped open.

Nephew?

Terri looked over the dark-haired woman sitting before them. The woman gently rested her chin on her hand as she watched them.

This woman was the one who’d hired Terri and Cass to bring Nikko here. She’d also orchestrated for them to meet the others and for them to come here as well. Cass had no idea how she managed it but he didn’t like her for what she’d put them all through the last couple of weeks.

Nikko is your nephew? Cass asked. The disbelief evident in his voice.

Correct. His mother was my sister. The woman’s eyes landed on Terri. They were a dark blue, like the sky as it slowly became night. And speaking of family, where is my nephew?

Terri, Cass, and Melandra looked around and shrugged.

He and Darren were behind us. Melandra said. We do not know where they went. They're always getting into something.

Hmm. The woman said, leaning back in her chair and placing her hands in her lap.

I will find them. A tall brown-haired man said, approaching the table. Melandra’s mouth fell open once again, and her eyes grew wide.

What are you doing here? The woman asked with impatience.

I have information that I needed to share.

Terri tapped Melandra’s arm as the man and woman spoke.

Who is he? Terri asked.

That is Xander Sandov. He is on the Council of Three. Melandra said with shaking hands.

Terri then told Cass. I have seen him from a distance at social events but never met before. Even then, his appearance at such things was rare. Also, his getting a seat on the Council of Three was a bit of a shock since he was so young and not well known.

Terri didn't know much about Hydarian politics, but she did understand that to be on either council, a person needed to be strong and cunning. They'd stopped two mages that sat on the Mage Council. Both times they won by surprise, luck, or with numbers. She wondered if those would be enough for this man. She doubted it.

Why was he here and why was he working with this woman?

I will find them. Xander said again. I don’t need your permission to do so either.

You will learn to take orders one day. The woman said through clenched teeth.

Not likely. Xander said with a devious grin.

Sandra ground her teeth as Xander turned and walked out of the tavern. A group of guards waited for him outside. He yelled at them to go away.

Sandra took a deep breath before turning back to them.

What is he going to do to them? Melandra asked.

Bring them here, of course.

Then what? Cass asked with a heavy shrug. What do you want from us? Why are we here? And why is a member of the Council of Three here?

"And why shouldn’t we kill you for what you’ve put us through?" Cass thought. Terri flinched at the anger of his words. They pierced her thoughts like a knife. Cass almost couldn’t hold them back.

I would like to hire you all for a job. And speaking of which. Sandra turned to the bar and waved to the person standing behind it. The man was absently cleaning the counter as he watched them. At Sandra’s wave, he stopped cleaning and pulled a bag from under the bar. He murmured and the bag drifted across the room until it settled in Sandra’s hand. I believe I owe you two this. She placed the bag in front of Cass.

Hire for what? Terri asked, not looking at the bag. It better be worth more than this headache.

We need you to retrieve an artifact called the Nightkiss. It is somewhere in Nastax in a valley called the Meadow of Fallen Stars. I have sent people to retrieve it a few times now. None of them returned. That’s when I went looking through divination.

So we're expendable? Cass interrupted.

"No. I need you to come back." Sandra said, trying hard to keep her voice under control.

"Then what? What makes you think we can get anything for you that your people can't? We don't know you and you've done nothing but manipulate us."

How big of a reward? Terri asked.

Enough to turn your village into a city. Sandra replied. I am part of the Order of Faith. We have been seeking artifacts to defeat a demon. She said after a moment of stunned silence.

Cass threw his hands in the air and rolled his eyes. Sandra held up a hand to calm him down. Cass' eyes narrowed.

Demons are not real. Melandra said in a calm voice.

They are real, but they don’t come from some underworld or anything. Demons are corrupted humans. They are born when people steal other people's magic. They are rare because most people can’t even survive the transformation. Some kill themselves. Others die from the strain of changing. They also have to steal at least two of each type of magic, Marked and mage.

Who’s the demon then and why haven’t we heard about it? Terri asked.

The demon came to be over eight hundred years ago and has been in hiding for the last six hundred years under Korsa. Sandra’s eyes landed on Melandra as she spoke the final words. Melandra’s breath caught in her throat. Her name is Telmadore, and I doubt you have heard of her.

That is not possible. Melandra shook her head as she spoke, and she couldn’t look at Sandra anymore.

I’m sorry, my dear, but there is such a creature living in Hydar. The Council of Three has kept her hidden from the rest of the world for centuries, thinking her their prisoner. They are fools indeed to think they could keep such a being locked away.

That still doesn’t answer my question. Why us? Cass’ patience was fraying. Terri could feel the string of it about to snap in her mind.

I need your help to get the last artifact. The demon is about to leave her lair and I need to prepare my soldiers to fight against her. Each of your skills individually is decent, but when you put them together, you have a force that few could stop. I need that force to retrieve the Nightkiss. I know this because I’m the great granddaughter of the Mad Seer, Mika, and a diviner myself. However, if you don’t believe the demon is real the what is there to lose?

Terri’s eyes grew wide. The Mad Seer? Great granddaughter?

A Mad Seer was born every two hundred and six years and were such powerful diviners that they could look into the past, present, and future. Their gift was so strong that most of them became insane because of it.

Before anyone could say another word, the door to the tavern burst open. Xander marched in carrying Nikko in his arms and Darren limped at his side. Nikko and Darren were covered in blood.

Melandra gasped. She and Terri jumped out of their seats and ran to them. They hugged Darren.

Put me down. Nikko said. Xander didn’t move. I will use my magic if you don’t. Xander pursed his lips, walked over to an empty table, and gently lay Nikko down on it.

Terri walked over to Nikko while Cass went to Darren. Cass put Darren’s arm around his shoulder and helped him to a chair. Xander walked over to the bar and ordered a tall drink.

Tell the doctor he has more patients. Sandra said to the man behind the bar. She’d stood along with everyone else but remained at the table.

What did we miss? Nikko asked as he sat up.

You need a doctor. Terri said.

What did we miss? Nikko said, his eyes begging and in pain. Terri quickly told them everything that’d been discussed. Nikko nodded and turned to Sandra. She sat forward in her chair, licked her lips, and brushed her hair behind her ear.

A demon. Nikko weakly said. Even if I believed in such things, you’d want us to fight against one of those things? Nikko shifted and winced.

Melandra laid a hand on his arm, tears in her eyes again. She’d been crying off and on since they crossed the border of Hydar and Whingar. She couldn’t use her healing ability without being sick. She’d almost been killed by a mage in her family’s manor in Kormish days before. He'd used a life draining ability he'd stolen. She was weakened to the point of not being able to use her magic.

Terri wanted to comfort her but wasn’t sure how to at that moment.

I’m not asking you to fight the demon. Just to retrieve an artifact to help fight her.

But you’ll probably ask us to fight with you once we get back with it, right? Nikko asked. Sandra didn’t answer. We don’t have the skills to fight something like that. I’m a damn thief. What’s blinking around her going to do? She’ll swat me away like a fly. Melandra can heal us as we fight, but for how long? She can also injure but I doubt that would affect a demon. Ben can fight, but if magic doesn’t really hurt it, then why would a weapon. Terri and Cass... Nikko’s strength was wearing down as he spoke, and he broke out into a cold sweat.

You need to rest. Sandra said, reaching a hand forward and hesitating before she reached Nikko. He ground his teeth angrily in response. She pulled away. Terri and Melandra opened their mouths to speak.

She’s right. You too, Darren. That leg looks bad. Cass said. Terri glanced at Cass with a grin. Nikko looked at Cass. After several seconds, Nikko nodded.

Xander strode across the room and supported Nikko. Nikko didn’t look at the mage, but he didn’t refuse him either. Cass helped Darren again. Darren gave Nikko a strange look that Terri didn’t understand.

It looked sad.

The doctor should be waiting for them, and you each have rooms here until you decide to leave. Once you decide what your next steps will be, just let someone here know. Sandra called.

Terri glanced back. A moment of nervous concern crossed the woman’s face. Was the look for all of them or just Nikko? Or was she worried they would say no? It was probably the latter.

Terri blinked and the look was gone. The woman walked out of the inn. Terri turned back to the others and followed them upstairs.

Two people stood in the hallway as they reached the top of the stairs.

I’m Doctor Faban and this is my apprentice, Lina. Lina motioned for Darren and Cass to follow her. The doctor’s black hair was graying, and he wore it in a braided ponytail.

Is Ben all right? Melandra asked.

He will recover in time and for now he’s resting. Doctor Faban gestured towards a room as he spoke. Melandra thanked him and nodded. Xander strode through an open door and the doctor followed him.

"Rest. I’ll stay with Darren until she’s done patching him up." Cass said.

"How bad?"

The wound doesn’t look terrible. He’s just lost a lot of blood. Terri nodded and walked towards a room. She knocked, but no one answered. She opened the door and stepped in. She closed the door, leaned back on it, and slid to the floor. She rested her head on her knees and cried. Everything since entering Hydar, meeting everyone, and escaping Hydar caught up to her. She feared losing her new friends, was terrified of fighting a demon, and weary of death. Now they were being asked to retrieve an item from who knew where, with even more danger on the way if they accepted.

Are we ever going to rest? She wondered. She couldn't speak for the others, but she couldn't maintain this forever. She sat silently, tears pouring down her cheeks.

A warmth entered her thoughts and spread down her spine. It was Cass trying to comfort her. She couldn’t believe he’d sensed her. She was usually good about blocking him out when she wanted to. He wasn’t good with words, but he could always make her feel secure and strong.

She wiped her eyes and left the room. Cass stood in the doorway of one of the rooms. She went and stood next to him. She wanted to thank him for being her rock when she needed it. Before she could say anything, she saw his face. He stood, unblinking and pale.

In the bed, Nikko lay unconscious and convulsing. Xander held one of Nikko’s arms down. One of the doctor’s assistants held down Nikko’s other arm. She was much smaller than Nikko but managed to keep him pinned.

Melandra sat on Nikko’s legs. She looked to be pouring healing magic into Nikko. Sweat dripped from her brow and her breathing was labored. Dr. Faban cleaned the wound and worked to close it. He tried to keep it from reopening.

What the hell happened Cass? Terri said. She couldn’t tear her eyes from the horrible scene before her.

Don’t you fucking do this. Xander cried. I can’t lose you too.

Nikko’s wound reopened when they were bringing him here. No one saw it since he’d lost so much already. We got him to the bed and then Dr. Faban began treating it. Nikko fell unconscious. Then that. Cass said gesturing towards the bed.

Where’s Darren? Terri asked.

Couldn’t make it up the stairs. He’s with Sandra I think.

A minute went by, then two. Then ten. Each one more stressful than the last. Terri and Cass could only watch as Nikko continued to convulse.

Melandra screamed as she pushed the last of her healing into Nikko. A bright light shot from her hands and Nikko finally lay still. She stood from the bed, went to the corner, and vomited. A second later her eyes rolled to the back of her head.

Cass moved quickly and caught her before she fell to the ground.

Dr. Faban checked on Nikko’s wound and nodded. He walked over to Melandra and patted her shoulder.

No one else moved.

I need a drink. Find her an empty bed. Lina, please start cleaning up, I’ll get someone to help with this mess. He turned to Cass and Terr. You, The doctor pointed at Xander, rags. I need rags.

Xander looked stunned at being told what to do.

Umm how many.

All of them. The doctor gave Xander an annoyed look.

Xander hurried out of the room.

And clean water. The doctor yelled after him. Lina, dear.

Yes doctor.

Can you bring us all drinks. Also let Sandra know that everyone will be fine. Dr. Faban said. Lina nodded and left the room.

The doctor collapsed in the only chair in the room and took a deep breath. He pulled a flask from his coat pocket and whispered to Nikko, Your mom was a stubborn one too. He took a generous sip. He gently laughed, It must run in the family.

I heard that. Sandra said as she approached the bed.

He’ll be fine.

I know. Sandra said. She cleared her throat and blinked quickly a few times. The doctor took another sip.

The doctor handed her the flask.

Could you be a dear and fill this up with something from the top shelf.

Sandra raised her brow. She squeezed his shoulder and left the room. That was the closest she would come to saying thank you.

Chapter 2 A Heavy Weight

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Doctor Faban left the room ten minutes earlier, saying he would check on Nikko later. Xander stayed. Wanted to make sure that Nikko rested. His old friend lay in the bed with a fever. Xander couldn’t stop staring at the bandages around Nikko’s waste.

It was his fault that Nikko was hurt. He shouldn't have brought any guards. He should have given clearer instructions. He should have done a lot of things differently. He'd just wanted to make sure they all made it to the All Seeing Tavern.

Especially Nikko.

He'd wanted to see Nikko more than anything. It wasn’t how he wanted them to reunite, though.

The doctor cleaned so much blood off of Nikko that Xander’s stomach kept flipping. How did Nikko still have any blood? How did Melandra keep him alive especially while he stood off to the side and useless?

Nikko’s chest rose and fell. His breath slightly wheezing.

Xander cast a quick spell so Nikko would rest comfortably.

Xander needed to speak with Sandra, but he couldn’t get his feet to move. She was the real reason he was here. She needed to know about the demon's connection to other beings like her. Still, seeing Nikko sent relief flooding through his body. Relief he'd not felt in a long time. A large part of him worried Nikko would be killed before reaching Whingar.

He’d been a part of the Order of Faith since he was six. He’d known about Nikko before they ever met. He knew that Nikko’s very existence was so the Order would have more than one member who was Marked with mage blood, though he didn’t know it. Nikko was a tool the order created. It'd made perfect sense at the time.

Then he met Nikko.

Xander met a child angry at the world but trying to find his place in it as well. Xander could no longer see Nikko as a tool. They’d grown close in Warren’s den and Xander hated himself for leaving Nikko behind when he became an apprentice mage. Hated that he set Agrum after Nikko in order to get him to run to Whingar and meet Sandra. Hated that he still had to act like Nikko was a tool, but there was a world to save.

I’d loved you. Those words echoed in Xander’s mind. The words woke the slumbering guilt in his gut, and the beast gnawed at his ribs.

I’d loved you too. Xander whispered. There'd been so many times he'd wanted to find Nikko over the years. He missed his friend, but that person was gone. Nikko hated him now.

Xander left the room before sentiment took over.

Focus. Xander breathed as he went in search of Sandra. There was much to discuss before he returned to Hydar, and he needed to return soon.

She entered the main room as he did. She stared across the room at him, her jaw clenched.

What is so urgent that you risked coming here today? She asked, taking a seat and folding her arms.

The demon is aware of us.

She always has been.

"Not like this. Turns out demons have a mental connection with each other that isn’t limited by