Page 48 of Soulmarked

Cade stepped out of the car. The movement was smooth, controlled, not aggressive, but not submissive either. Perfect balance.

“Why don't you tell me?” Cade's voice carried just the right mix of respect and challenge.

I bit back a smile as Kieran's eyebrows rose. Cade had an instinct for these power plays that couldn't be taught.

“Well,” Kieran chuckled, “at least he's got spine.” He waved a hand, and the car's engine rumbled back to life. “Welcome to Hallow, Agent Cross. Try not to die.”

As we drove through the gates, I caught Cade's sidelong glance. “Friend of yours?”

“Kieran? He's a right bastard, but he's good at his job.” I settled back in my seat, still monitoring our surroundings. “Which is keeping things like me in line.”

“Things like you?”

I smiled without humor. “You'll see.”

The town proper emerged from the darkness like a memory made real. Ancient buildings mixed with modern security, magic and technology interweaving in harmony.

“Stay close,” I murmured as we parked. “And try not to stare at anything that stares back.”

We walked the cobblestone streets, my feet remembering paths I'd run countless times as a child. Every corner held a memory: here's where I learned to throw knives, there's where I killed my first vampire, that's where Eli and I used to sneak cigarettes between training sessions.

The magic felt different around Cade. Usually, Hallow's wards pressed against outsiders like a physical weight, trying to drive them out. But with him, they seemed almost... curious. Like they recognized something in him they couldn't quite place.

Watchers followed our progress from windows and rooftops. I cataloged each presence automatically, three senior hunters, a handful of trainees, at least one of the things we kept around for practice. All assessing, measuring, judging.

“They're not subtle, are they?” Cade muttered.

“They don't need to be.” I guided him around a corner, noting how he automatically matched my pace. “This is their territory. We're just visiting.”

“And how many visitors make it out?”

Clever boy. “Enough to keep it interesting.”

The Council chambers loomed ahead, a Victorian mansion that hadn't changed since I was a child. As we climbed the steps, I wanted to warn him, to explain just how dangerous this meeting could be. But that would only make things worse.

Rowan waited in the grand hall, exactly as I remembered her. Time didn't touch the Council's leader. Her ageless face turned toward us, power rolling off her in waves that made my teeth ache.

“Sean,” she said, voice like honey over broken glass. “The prodigal returns.”

“Rowan.” I inclined my head slightly. “Meet Agent Cross.”

Her eyes fixed on Cade, and I fought the urge to step between them. This was his test, his moment to prove he belonged here.

“A federal agent,” she mused, “in the heart of Hallow. How... unprecedented.”

Cade met her gaze without flinching. “Desperate times.”

“Are they?” She glided closer, and I tensed despite myself. “And what makes you think we care about your desperation?”

“Because whatever's hunting in New York isn't staying hidden anymore.” Cade's voice was steady, certain. “And when the public starts noticing, your comfortable anonymity disappears.”

I kept my face neutral, but pride bloomed in my chest. Perfect answer, acknowledging their authority while making it clear he understood the bigger picture.

Rowan's lips curved slightly. “You bring interesting pets, Sean.”

“He's not a pet.” The words came out sharper than intended.

“No?” Her smile widened. “Then what is he?”

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