Page 97 of Arcane Entanglement
“Whatever Millbrook was involved in, it terrified him enough that he forced his family to abandon their lives in London and go into hiding.” Evander met Viggo’s gaze, feeling energised at this fresh clue. “We should go meet them.”
Viggo glanced at the light leeching out of the sky beyond the windows. “It’ll be nighttime when we get there. Tomorrow would be better.”
Evander heaved a sigh and ran a hand through his hair. “You’re right, of course.”
Winterbourne narrowed his eyes. “You appear to have conveniently forgotten what we were just discussing, Ravenwood.”
Evander’s mouth pressed to an irritated line.
Viggo’s puzzled gaze swung between them. “Did something happen?”
“We’ve discovered what the crystal vial Evander found at the murder scene may be intended for,” Rufus said grimly. “Evander wants word put out that he has it on his person. He intends to act as bait and draw the dark mages out.”
Viggo narrowed his eyes dangerously. “What?”
His stormy expression almost had Evander squirming as he fixed him with a deadly stare.
“It’s a good idea,” Evander said, unable to mask the defensive note creeping into his voice.
“It’s a stupid idea is what it is!” Viggo snarled.
The Brute’s vehemence startled Winterbourne and drew a weary exhale from Rufus.
“But—” Evander started.
“Absolutely not!” the Brute growled. “It’s suicide.”
“That’s what I said!” Rufus exclaimed, vindicated.
Evander’s face tightened. “It’s our best chance to ensnare them. We can’t keep waiting for them to make the next move.”
“So you’re offering yourself up as a sacrificial lamb?” Viggo’s voice dropped, low and dangerous. “I won’t allow it.”
Evander scowled. “Youwon’t allow it?!”
The temperature in the room dropped noticeably as his magic responded to his agitation.
Viggo stood his ground, unfazed by the display of power.
“Hmm, Evander—” Rufus murmured.
Evander cut his eyes to him. “Stay out of this, Rufus!”
The inspector sagged.
Winterbourne stared, confounded. The commander regained his composure.
“Gentlemen, perhaps we should all take a moment to?—”
“No,” Evander said bitingly, his eyes locked on Viggo. “This needs to be settled now.” He jutted his chin. “I’m not asking for permission, Viggo. I’m telling you what I intend to do.”
If Winterbourne was shocked at the fact they were on a first name basis, he didn’t indicate it.
Viggo and Evander stared at one another, the air between them practically crackling with tension.
Viggo looked away first.
“Fine,” he said gruffly. “But I’m not letting you do this alone. Wherever you go, I go.” He pinned Evander with an unrelenting look. “You want to use yourself as bait? Then you get me as your personal bodyguard.”
