Archer nods. “He’s a postdoc at Cornell University, specializing in biochemical research. To the Reg world, Dr. O’Connell’s research studies the long-term effects of pharmaceuticals on the body. His real area of interest is less orthodox.”
I nod, scanning through David’s bio. “What is he really studying?”
The detective goes silent for a moment, and when I look up, he and Cal are sharing a look.
“What is it?” I prompt.
Detective Archer clears his throat. “David has been working for years to uncover the scientific origin of Clan magic.”
Alice looks up from her pages on Eisha. “Seriously?” When Archer nods, she scowls. “What the Sister Goddesses gifted us isn’t science. It isn’t something you can put under a microscope.”
Surprisingly, I actually agree with her. Science could never explain what we do. So much of it goes against the laws of physics, and that’s because it’s bigger than science. It’smagic.
But if that’s the case, how can the Hunters destroy it with a drug?
Before the doubts have time to wriggle any deeper into my head, Archer continues. “When you first told me about the drug, I reached out to Elder Keating. She contacted Dr. O’Connell and asked him to work with us to find an antidote. Or, at the very least, create a vaccine to protect those not yet infected.”
He doesn’t mention their plans to use David to wipe out the Hunters, but I don’t say anything. I don’t want Cal to get in trouble for telling me. “Since she asked me to recruit him, I’m guessing that didn’t go over well?”
Archer nods, and he and Cal share another strange look.
“What am I missing? Why won’t he help us?”
The detective rubs the back of his neck and doesn’t meet my gaze. “The Council denied his previous requests for funding. The Elders don’t approve of his research, which is what sent David to Cornell in the first place. He needed resources we wouldn’t give him.”
I’m more surprised David bothered to ask than I am that the Council denied the request. “I assume the Council has already offered to fund his research if he agrees to help?”
“We have,” Archer confirms, “but David hasn’t changed hisposition. He’s been a bit of a sore spot for Elder Keating. So far, he’s refused to share any of his research with us.”
“And you think the Ice Princess can convince him?” Alice scoffs. “Good luck with that.”
I cross my arms.So much for her timid tone around Archer. “It worked on you.”
“Don’t flatter yourself. The threat of an airborne drug worked on me.” She examines her manicure. “I wasn’t about to letyoube the only thing keeping me alive.”
Goddess, she’s the worst. I want to ignore her, but her words stick in my head. “What do you meankeeping you alive? As far as we know, the Hunters won’t kill the witches they think they’ve cured.”At least ones who don’t fight back, I silently correct, thinking of the agents we lost during the last raid.
Alice levels a look at me like I’m the least intelligent person she’s ever met. “Our magic affectseverythingin our bodies. There’s no guarantee my Clan would even survive the drug.” She glances nervously at Archer. “It’s why the Council binds Blood Witches who break the law. They don’t strip our power.” Her gaze flicks back to me. “Unless theywantus dead.”
“The Elders don’t want any of their witches dead,” Archer says, unamused yet unconcerned by her claim.
A sick feeling works up my throat. The Hunters found Morgan in Brooklyn because of me. They shot their drug at her, and she could havedied. All because of me. Panic swirls inside, making my hands tremble. I hide them in my lap.
“Which reminds me,” Alice says, shuffling Eisha’s social media posts into a neat pile. “How exactly do you plan to protect me while I’m performing for a bunch of murderers?”
“I’ve got you covered on that, actually,” Cal says. “I’mworking on a potion that’ll make the fabric of your outfit impervious to needles, so the drugged darts should bounce right off.”
Alice raises an eyebrow. “Should?”
“It’s a delicate balance. I still have to keep the fabric soft enough that it doesn’t limit your movement.”
“Your best defense, though,” Archer cuts in, “is to keep the Hunters from finding out you’re anything more than an illusionist.” He pauses and looks at each of us in turn. “If something goes wrong, I want you to leave. Don’t wait for us. Don’t even look for us. You get out.”
“No problem,” Alice says. She’s trying to be flippant, but there’s a tremor of fear in her voice.
“Will we all have needle-resistant clothes?” The raid is only fifteen days away, and I’m desperate for details. “What’s the plan once we’re inside?”
Archer looks like he’s going to protest, but Cal cuts in. “You might as well tell her. At least the big picture.”
