We followed Alessia down another dimly lit tunnel, that led into a larger, yet just as dusty, enclosure. I could feel Isaac’s uneasiness emanating strongly from him, almost as if it was an aura of danger, an anticipation that he was ready to strike at any moment. I was drawn to it, attracted to his power, to his intent. Yet still, it felt good to be the one in control, even if it was just for a little bit. Isaac seemed to be spiraling though. Was that because of me?

  “My friend,” Alessia croaked, as the torch light illuminated the tiny space, “you have visitors.”

  “Chère!” Denaux tilted his glasses, seated at a desk, as he compounded some powdery mixture with mortar and pestle, a row of instruments and oddities in jars, set before him. He immediately rose from the table and waltzed over to embrace me. “But...what brings you here?”

  “What brings you here?” I countered with, relinquishing from a tight hug.

  “Well, I figured we could use some help. Scoured the phone book,” he laughed, slapping me playfully on the shoulder.

  I narrowed my brow in confusion.

  “And the history books,” he said. “I didn’t just become when you were reborn. I’ve been on this hunt for a while now.”

  “It was of mutual interest,” Alessia smiled.

  “So it wasn’t you that set those clues for us?” I said.

  “Huh?” Denaux scratched his head.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  “That,” Alessia said, “would be my work. We had to bring you into awareness, with greater immediacy.”

  Denaux squinted, in thought that bore the potential deceit laid bare for him by his new patron. “I...” he started up, processing his deep thoughts, “I’ve been testing new mixtures, new callings, to enhance you. With Mr. Alessia’s help, we might be able to win this thing.”

  “You are enchanted by this creature, and his demons,” Isaac spoke up. “We must not entrust in these dark arts.”

  “I hate to tell you, wolfy, but that’s how we all got here,” Denaux chided.

  Isaac bore his teeth, growling.

  “We thought you were kidnapped,” I cut in again, “after what happened.”

  “What do you mean?” Denaux twisted his head in confusion.

  “Uh,” I held silent for a moment, trying to gather the words.

  “A slaughter,” Isaac said, “a bloodbath on your own grounds.”

  “What now?” Denaux said, almost shaking with incomprehension.

  “Perrault,” I spoke up. “It was a packed club...”

  “It’s a crime scene now,” Isaac said.

  "Isaac!" I shot him an annoyed glance.

  “No...” I Denaux said, “I don’t understand.” He fell forward to me, begging for answers, his arms outstretched, as he pleaded with me for the terrible truth. “Is everyone okay? Taniya...is Taniya okay?”

  I nodded, sighing. “The only one.”

  Denaux’s hastened breathing came out uncontrollably. “This—I can’t breathe,” he waved hands over his head, trying to circulate air in the musty yet arid space.

  “It's okay,” I said, pulling him in, to embrace, “It's okay.”

  “No, chère,” he said, pushing back, “it's not. More blood has been spilled.” He looked at his own open hands in an accusatory manner. “More blood on my palms.”

  “It's not your fault,” I raised my voice.

  “But it is!” He shook his head. “If I'd only went down this path sooner,” he wrestled with his own thoughts. “I could've...I could've--”

  “You could've sold your soul to another devil,” Isaac cut in.

  Denaux glared at Isaac, shaking his head in mounting rage. “That's not fair. You know that's not fair.”

  “We're all trying to put a stop to this,” I said.

  “But...” Alessia spoke up, a glint of perverse humor in his eyes. “At what cost? Perhaps it is time we talk.”