Alchemist's Kiss by AR DeClerck Read Free Book Online Page B

all things.”
    Orrin's smile was cunning. “Is that so, Adept?” He raised his eyebrow in Cora's direction. “I can't bring myself to believe that.”
    She barely contained her own smile, making Icarus feel like the butt of their joke.
    Orrin lost his grin and straightened and the most powerful mage in the world was back. “Nevertheless, Adept Kane, the truth cannot be denied. Non-magic users outnumber us by millions. Though they rely on us at the moment, they will strive to break those bonds and forge ahead without magic. We cannot allow your father, or any dark wizard, to break those bonds before we are ready.”
    “So your worry lies not in the lives that will be lost, but in the political upset my father's return might cause.”
    “Do not push me, Adept.”
    Icarus felt the heavy press of Orrin's displeasure on his shoulders. The weight of the Grand Master's magic bore him to his knees in the mud.
    “Though you are strong, you are rash. Emotional. We are trying to salvage what we can of our way of life. A piddly strife with your father would normally not draw my attention, but that it happens at an inopportune time.”
    Cora's eyes were wide as she hurried to Icarus' side and put her arms around him. “Stop it!”
    Orrin's eye grew wide as she commanded him.
    “Stop it, I say!” She shook her parasol at the Grand High Master. “That's quite enough posturing from you, Lucan Orrin!”
    Icarus knew the color drained from his face. He struggled against Orrin's magic, hoping to shield Cora from the punishment he was sure Orrin would send her way.
    He was flabbergasted when the Grand Master broke into a sunny smile and released him instead.
    “I do admire your ability to draw interesting people, Adept Kane!” Orrin bowed low to Cora as she pulled Icarus from the mud. “Miss Cora, I am forever at your service.”
    She made a face at the man. “Really!” She shook her head. “There's to be bloodshed in London, and the two of you are strutting about like roosters!” She folded her arms over her chest. “Will the Grand Coven assist us in dealing with Victor Kane?”
    “We will.” Orrin matched her pose, folding his arms. “Despite Adept Kane's belief, we are on the brink of a war between magic and non-magic users. We must end this problem of dark mages in London as quickly as possible.”
    “I need wizards in the streets.” Icarus gripped Cora's elbow, quieting her as she started to speak again. “I need them patrolling the neighborhoods, keeping the people safe while I search for my father.”
    “Done.”
    “Thank you.” Icarus bowed to the man and sighed in irritation as a drop of rain hit his cheek. Orrin pulled up his hood and grabbed Cora's hand, kissing her knuckles. He turned away and waved to his escorts to follow.
    He turned back a few steps later. “And Adept Kane?”
    “Yes, Grand Master?”
    Orrin's voice was grave, his face shrouded by his hood. “You will come when I call for your service in this war.”
    “I will.”
    “I hope it doesn't come to that.” Cora said, and Orrin's chuckle was less than humorous.
    “As do I, Cora dear. As do I.”
    The rain came down in a torrent and the Grand High Master disappeared into the fog.
    Cora popped open her umbrella, holding it over them both. “That went better than I'd hoped.”
    “You walk a fine line between sanity and mental illness, Cora Jenkins.”
    She shot him a sour look. “He's a powerful mage, but he doesn't scare me.”
    “Not many things do.” Icarus put his arm around her shoulders. She'd scared him with her reckless disregard for her own life. She leaned into him, for the moment quiet.
    “You won't fight if it comes to war, will you?”
    “I've promised I would.”
    She looked up at him. “I know how much you hate it. Killing and violence and bloodshed.”
    “Unfortunately it's all I know.”
    Her eyes were sad. He didn't allow her to soften him further. Instead he tugged on one of her loose curls and squeezed her