My heart hammered as Kyra and I approached my building. I had ridden on the back of her motorcycle after my quick talk with Lynda. I had purposely kept it brief since I could very well be on a timer, on that would leave three more friends on my conscience. It was an unacceptable possibility. She slowly enough for me to jump off before she sped off. It would be my job to secure my friends and wait for pickup and hers to secure some materials for me to work with so I could put an end to this when I found my opportunity.

I took the stairs two at a time up to the fifth floor. Actively using magic again meant some of the few technologies that did work around me would be breaking more easily, better to not take the chance of being stuck in an elevator. I was panting hard by the time I made it to my door. It was locked, a good sign I hoped, and spent a moment fiddling with my keys. Opening the door I found all three of my friends sitting at the kitchen bar staring at me. “Good they are all here for lunch.” I thought as relief washed over me.

They all watched as I engaged ever lock on our door. They were all visibly confused but it was Tibs who spoke up first. “Dude, you never come home for lunch. What’s going on?”

I answered as best as I could between desperate gasps from my sprint. “I came… after the fire… and the lightning… got attacked… had to… make sure… you all… alright.”

They all seemed more confused after my cliffs notes version of my morning. Tibs got up and guided me over to the couch before he sat down and asked me to start over. I told him about the attack and that in fighting for my life I had caused a fire that put my work out of commission. Mari and Tara has come over to listen as I relayed the information.

“So I thought if someone was trying to kill me they might also come here too and you all would be in trouble because of me.” I finished. I had left out the magic parts until I could explain once we weren’t possibly being hunted. That would be a far longer conversation and we would just be scratching the surface before we had to leave.

“So what I’m asking is that you all come with me until all this can be sorted out. The girl I met the other day, Lynda, is coming to take us someplace safe for now.”

Tara spoke up, “So why would she do that?”

I sighed, “The short version is that she wants to recruit me, for what I’m not sure yet but I did force her to bring you guys in while we hammer out terms. See look I already have a better offer and it only took setting fire to my old work.” I tried to lighten the mood with a joke but I didn’t get a single chuckle.

“How likely are we to be attacked if we do nothing.” Mari asked coolly.

“Kyra and I can’t imagine a scenario where at least one of you isn’t attacked.” I said sheepishly. She nodded and got up to go to her shared bedroom. I looked at Tibs and Tara and they both nodded. I let myself relax at that, I knew the hard part would be in a few days. I had so much preparation to do.

I pulled out my Nokia and dialed the number. The phone rang once before a Lynda answered, “Fynn is everything coming along over there?”

I could feel my heart start to race as her words cut through the speaker at my ear, “Ah, yes. They were all fine and here eating lunch. They have agreed to come with me to negotiate my contact.” I looked over to see Tibs and Tara on the phone, if I had to guess calling out of work. Tara was busy packing a bag when I heard a laugh ring through the phone.

“Oh? Already trying to be professional, hmm? Maybe trying to get in good with the boss for a more favorable deal?” I floundered at that, my response only serving to bring more sweet haughty laughter. She was clearly enjoying herself so I tried to steer things back on track.

“You’re getting close right?” Even I could feel the nervousness in my own voice.

“Oh yes I am only a few minutes away, why are you excited to see me?” She was clear toying with me.

I began to retort when I heard something slam into the front door. It shuddered for a moment but held. Another crash came as the front door exploded off its hinges. It flew across the room shattered the sliding glass door as it tumbled out into the street below. Another misshapen person stood at the door frame. It’s head twisted until in locked me in it’s dead gaze. It let out a shriek as it charged at me. I began to draw in and pool power but a form leaped in between me and it. Tibs was facing down a kind of creature I had seen cut through steel like it was nothing. Unbidden the thought crossed my mind that I was about to watch my best friend die.