Page 12 of BeWolfed

My magic responded immediately, becoming more vibrant, more present—but not out of control. Instead, it felt like a veilhad been lifted, allowing me to perceive magical energies more clearly.

Including the energy between Rudy and me.

I glanced at him, startled to see golden threads of magic stretching between us, visible only to my enhanced perception. His eyes widened slightly as he took a small sip from his own glass, suggesting he could see it too—the way our magical signatures reached for each other, intertwining in the space between us.

Cash watched our reactions with unmistakable satisfaction. "Fascinating, isn't it? How certain energies naturally complement each other?"

"The fairy dancer," Rudy prompted, clearly trying to refocus the conversation despite the new awareness humming between us.

"Third stage, far left," Cash directed, waving a pudgy hand in dismissal. "Our business is concluded. Enjoy your drinks."

The abrupt dismissal felt calculated, but I was too distracted by the new magical awareness to protest. As we left the office, I caught Mr. Cash's reflection in a mirror—his expression no longer bored but intensely focused, watching us with something that looked disturbingly like anticipation.

The club seemed more crowded when we re-emerged, the music pulsing with a hypnotic beat that made my skin tingle. The Twilight Spirit's effects continued to build, not overwhelming my senses but enhancing them, making the magical currents throughout the club visible as flowing streams of colored light.

We made our way toward the stage Cash had indicated.

Rudy glanced at me, his eyes briefly flaring gold. "I can see your magic. Actually see it."

"I can see yours too," I admitted. "Like golden threads reaching out."

His expression grew troubled. "And connecting with yours. That's not normal, Elowen."

Before I could respond, we reached the third stage where a fairy dancer with translucent wings performed. Elspeth—it had to be. Unlike the other dancers whose movements were sensual but practiced, hers carried a desperate energy, her wings occasionally fluttering with what looked like fear rather than performance. When our eyes met, recognition flashed across her features, followed immediately by panic.

She finished her dance quickly, disappearing backstage before we could approach. Rudy nodded toward a side corridor. "Service area. She'll have to pass through there to reach the dressing rooms."

We positioned ourselves in the shadows of the corridor, waiting. Minutes later, Elspeth appeared, moving hurriedly with her head down. When she spotted us, she froze like a cornered animal.

"We're not here to hurt you," I said quickly. "We're looking for Rose Montgomery. I'm her niece."

The fairy's eyes widened. "You shouldn't be here," she whispered, glancing nervously over her shoulder. "They watch me. All the time."

"We can help you," I assured her. "Cash told us you've been staying in his protected quarters. You don't have to remain here."

Elspeth's wings fluttered with nervous energy. "You don't understand. There's nowhere safe for me now. The pack has marked me—they can track my fairy signature anywhere I go."

"Then come with us," I suggested. "To Midnight Creek. The wards there are stronger."

"No," she said firmly. “It wouldn’t be safe.”

"Is there somewhere else you could go?” Rudy asked. “Someone who could protect you after we leave?"

"There's a fae sanctuary in the outer reaches of Shadow Valley," she admitted. "Cash has been... negotiating my passage. For a substantial fee, of course."

"We'll cover it," I said without hesitation. "Consider it payment for information about Rose."

Relief flickered across her features before worry returned. "The pack. The corrupted ones," she explained, wings trembling visibly. "They took Rose after she spoke to me. They'll take you too if they see us talking."

"Please," I moved closer, letting my witch signature become perceivable to her. "Rose is my only family. We need to find her before the full moon ritual."

Elspeth's fear warred with compassion. Finally, she nodded sharply. "The old quarries east of town. They're keeping the witches there—seven of them, including your aunt. For the doorway ritual."

"Doorway?" Rudy pressed. "What doorway?"

"I don’t know what it means," Elspeth whispered, her voice trembling. "The alpha isn't himself anymore. Something else looks through his eyes. Somethingwrong."

The revelation sent a chill down my spine. "And the witches?"

---