Page 82 of Chasing Stripes

“Actually, for young shifters, emotional states can register as distinct scent patterns,” she explained. “I experienced something similar with Bartek when he was small. He could smell when someone was lying—said it was ‘sticky like old honey.’“

Bartek’s ears reddened slightly at this childhood revelation, but his focus remained on the twins. “If they can sense emotional residue, maybe they could help us locate The Collector’s magical signature.”

“Absolutely not,” Gloria protested, her maternal instincts flaring. “We are not taking children into danger.”

“No one’s suggesting that,” Artemis assured her quickly. “But maybe they could help us identify the correct entrance to the tunnels? From a safe distance?”

The debate that followed was heated but focused. Eventually, they reached a compromise: the twins would accompany them—heavily guarded—to the town square to help identify magical traces. Once the entrance was located, they would be immediately escorted back to the pride house while the rest of the team proceeded underground.

As midday approached, they prepared meticulously. Thora outfitted Artemis in a reinforced jacket that would “at least slow down magical attacks,” while Bartek transformed part of the bakery into a tactical command center. Through it all, they remained physically connected whenever possible—a touch on the arm as they passed, shoulders brushing as they studied maps, fingers intertwining during moments of decision.

Each time their eyes met across the room, the connection between them visibly intensified, causing knowing smiles among their friends.

When it was finally time to move, they gathered in the center of the bakery for final instructions. Rust, assuming natural leadership as both mayor and lion shifter, addressed the group.

“We move in teams. Bartek and Artemis at the center—their connection gives them unique protection and offensive capabilities. Thora and I will take point. Artair and Kalyna cover the rear. Haavi coordinates communications from the secondary position with Gloria and the twins.”

He looked each of them in the eye. “Remember, this isn’t just about stopping a magical theft. There are potentially captives who need rescuing. Stay alert, stay together, and for the love of all things magical, nobody play hero.”

The last directive was delivered with a pointed look at Bartek, who responded with a noncommittal grunt that fooled absolutely no one.

They moved through Enchanted Falls with careful coordination, using side streets and magical concealment to avoid drawing attention. The townspeople, sensing the tension in the air, had largely remained indoors, creating an eerie quiet that amplified every sound.

SEVENTY-THREE

Artemis walked beside Bartek, their arms brushing with each step. She found herself cataloging sensations to maintain her focus—the soft leather of the protective gloves Thora had insisted she wear, the warmth of Bartek’s presence at her side, the weight of her mother’s journal tucked securely in an inner pocket of her jacket.

As they approached the town square, the twins began to fidget, exchanging glances and whispers.

“The sad smell is getting stronger,” Lily finally announced, her small hand clutching Gloria’s tightly.

“And spiky secrets,” Jade confirmed with a solemn nod, pointing toward the central fountain.

The fountain itself appeared perfectly ordinary—a three-tiered stone structure with water cascading from the top into a wide basin. Magical fish swam within, occasionally leaping through the spray in shimmering arcs. Tourists often tossed coins into the basin, making wishes that sometimes came true in unexpected ways.

“I’m not sensing anything unusual,” Kalyna admitted, her fox shifter senses scanning the area.

“Me neither,” Thora agreed, frowning. “Could the twins be picking up something unrelated?”

Artemis approached the fountain cautiously, her fae senses extending beyond normal perception. When she placed her hand against the cool stone of the fountain’s edge, a shock of recognition jolted through her.

“There’s something here,” she confirmed, her voice barely above a whisper. “Like a void in the magical field—not absence, but concealment.”

Bartek joined her immediately, his presence strengthening her magical perception through their bond. He traced his fingers along the stonework, following her lead.

“Here,” he said suddenly, pressing against a section that looked identical to the rest. “It feels... thinner somehow.”

Before anyone could stop her, Lily wriggled free from Gloria’s grip and darted forward. “This is where the sad smell comes from!” she declared, pointing to a small decorative carving near the base of the fountain—a tiny honeycrisp apple nestled among more elaborate designs.

Jade joined her sister in an instant. “The secret is inside,” she stated with absolute certainty, touching the carving with one small finger.

The stone apple depressed slightly under her touch, then began to glow with golden light remarkably similar to Artemis and Bartek’s soul-tether markings. A low grinding sound emerged from beneath the fountain as a section of the surrounding pavement slid away, revealing a narrow staircase descending into darkness.

“How did you know?” Thora asked, visibly impressed despite her caution.

Lily shrugged as if the answer was obvious. “It smelled like Aunt Artemis’s magic. Like sunshine and honey.”

“Only sadder,” Jade added helpfully.

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