Nothing had killed them yet.

Snow flurries fell all across the lands, blanketing the forest in a veil of icy white.

Asher armed his coat with an assortment of weapons and potions before leaving his cabin with the vampire. Silver daggers, elixirs, and poisons were concealed within his hidden pockets.

Embers of cerulean danced amid the drifting snow as Asher marched onward, struggling to match the vampire’s long strides. Chirping birds caught his attention in a nest above with a mother and her hatchlings. Asher couldn’t imagine that being too warm for them. Snow crunched beneath his insulated boots as the skeletal trees swayed, seeming to beckon them away. Maybe it wasn’t such a brilliant idea to venture out there.

“How much further is it?” Asher asked, teeth chattering with each word.

Sebastian pointed toward a tent haphazardly nailed down. “Just up ahead.”

Although faint, Asher caught a whiff of black magic in the air. Amid the blustering winds, he’d almost missed it. Upon closer inspection, they discovered a makeshift fire pit. Snow had already covered most of the burnt wood.

Asher frowned. “This is strange. It was a wolf walker?”

“Yes, I watched it for a bit. It’s probably living here.” Sebastian gestured to the flimsy fabric, swaying in the wind. “I thought we could check it out and see if the creature left anything behind.”

“Sure, be my guest.” Asher nodded. “I’ll keep watch for you. If I see it, I’ll scream so that should give you enough time to do something. I’m not sticking around to die.”

An amused smile touched the vampire’s lips. “Fine.”

Sebastian wrinkled his nose in disgust as he neared the tent, peeling back the flap. Asher curiously leaned over, covering his mouth. It was rank with matted fur and a strong miasma of wolf, but another stench burned his nostrils. Black magic. It resembled burnt cranberry pie and mildew.

The vampire crouched down, riffling through the wolf walker’s belongings all piled up in the corner. It was mostly spellbooks and common witchcraft supplies. Nothing Asher thought was unusual until Sebastian yanked out a well worn novel.

“Let me see that.” Asher reached out for the thick book, admiring the illustrious artwork of Nevermourn’s graveyard. Nightmares of Nevermourn by Valerie Renwick. He’d never heard of the author or the title. “This might be a limited edition book. Perhaps even one of its kind. You know how they banned black magic spellbooks in Marusticia, right?”

“I’m aware of that. How do you think a wolf walker found it?” Sebastian asked as he rummaged through other trinkets and common spellbooks.

Asher opened it and skimmed the contents, frowning upon seeing possession and shapeshifting. “Good question. There’s a lot of topics on controlling dead spirits. Do you think he was trying to do something like that out here?”

“Maybe the killer let something evil into his mind.” Sebastian lifted a slobbery shirt with his gloved hand, twisting his face in disgust as he tossed it aside. “So gross.”

“We should take this book with us.” Asher tucked it under his arm. “It might give us information about the killer’s motive or at least explain what magic that wolf walker was performing out here.”

Sebastian nodded as he stepped away from the tent. “We should leave before he returns.”

“Yeah, let’s head back to my place.” Asher gazed up at the skeletal trees, shivering. He had an eerie sense of being watched.

“I don’t want him following our scent back to your cabin,” Sebastian said. “My clinic would be safer. Or we could go to Caverott if you’d be more comfortable there.”

“Caverott sounds good to me.” Asher agreed. “But that’s quite a long distance from here on foot.”

“We’ll fly. I can transform into a bat so that I’m able to carry you-”

“Hell no. I’m not a damned witch,” Asher scoffed. “My kind aren’t meant for flying.”

Sebastian tilted his head, brows furrowing. “I’ve carried many in the sky before. It’s safer than riding in that deathtrap of yours. Castor used to bring his jeep all the time before he turned, and I rode in it a few times. Abhorred it. The jostling and potential to crash into trees is frightening.”

“I’d rather take my chances with crashing into a tree instead of having you drop me from the heavens!”

“I wouldn’t drop you intentionally.” Sebastian crossed his arms over his chest. “I’ve been told I’m an excellent flier, especially when it comes to bringing along a passenger.”

Asher rubbed at his temple. “I can’t believe I’m about to do this. I swear if you drop me, I’ll haunt your sorry ass for all eternity.”

“I swear on my own coffin that I won’t drop you.” Sebastian gestured a prayer cross against his chest. “If you’re really not comfortable with this, maybe we can find another way to keep your scent from being tracked?”

“No, it’s our wisest move. We’re sitting lambs out here as it is. Let’s do this.” Asher concealed the leather spellbook within his robe’s inner pocket.

Within moments, sickening crackles filled Asher’s ears. Sebastian’s vampire form morphed in a humanoid bat with leathery skin. Long, silky black pointy-tipped wings sprouted from his shoulder blades. Sebastian gestured for him to come close. As he curled those devilish wings around himself like a vampire burrito, Asher swallowed down his fears and took a cautious step closer.

A guttural howl sliced through the air as Asher snapped his head back toward the source. It sounded too close for comfort. He cursed under his breath, heartbeat hammering at the mere thought of the wolf walker catching them stealing his book. Deja vu swept over him, remembering how he’d taken those artifacts for the fae only to be captured by a pack of wolf walkers who fought to get it back. Asher was lucky to escape with his eyeballs still intact.

Despite the anxiety clawing at his chest, Asher plunged into Sebastian’s leathery wings. Softness caressed his skin as he felt his feet lift off the ground. Panic pulsed through him for a brief moment when he gazed down, seeing how far up into the trees there were.

“You okay?” Sebastian asked softly. His voice was almost carried away in the wind.

“Peachy,” Asher muttered.

Snowflakes alighted all around them and the crisp fresh air felt delightful against Asher’s face. Sebastian’s strong arms held him protectively against his chest. Unease clouded his mind, but as Sebastian carried them across the forest grounds, exhilaration pulsed through his veins.

Embers of blue trailed behind them, and Asher couldn’t help but smile as they neared Caverott. Asher never expected to enjoy flying so much. Those nerves still nestled deep within his chest, but he couldn’t deny how freeing it was. He was almost disappointed when Sebastian gently placed him back on the ground and transformed back into a vampire.

“I hope the ride didn’t make you nauseous or dizzy,” Sebastian said. “If so, I do have some medicine to help.”

“No, I’m alright. Thanks for asking.” Asher tugged his overcoat closer, glancing over at a raven perched on Caverott’s welcome sign.

As if noticing his discomfort, Sebastian ushered them toward the bustling town. “I’ll keep an eye on that raven, okay?” he whispered.

Asher gulped. “Yeah, okay.”

Woodsmoke drifted in the air, mixing with heavenly scents of baked bread and winterberry cake. It lured Asher to walk ahead of Sebastian, embracing the magical energy that pulsed around him like a second heartbeat. Buildings soared up into the heavens, a mishmash of unique shapes. Morning commuters crossed the snowy cobbled sidewalks, and a few cars trudged down the freshly paved road.

Many donned wizard robes or thick wool coats to fend off the cold. Amongst them, Asher was stunned to see a few vampires crossing the streets as well. He’d assumed they all resided in Nevermourn.

Upon his wondrous admiration of the kooky shops, something peculiar caught his eye at the end of the street. A scarecrow was nailed into the pavement. Asher tilted his head with a frown as he inspected the pumpkin head closer. The wind rustled its black cloth and witch’s hat, but the flame inside never even flickered.

Sebastian came up behind him. “Ah, you’ve not heard of Jack, have you?”

“Jack?” Asher frowned. “Is that the scarecrow?”

“It’s imbued with magic to protect the town. Some believe it’s secretly a demon in disguise or an angel sent from the heavens,” Sebastian explained.

“Seriously?” Asher gaped. “Fascinating.”

Asher stepped away from the scarecrow, moseying down to a little flower shop. From the glass windowpane, he heard children singing an old song he remembered his mother once singing to him long ago. Yet he couldn’t find them. As his gaze landed on the owner watering her flowers, realization dawned on him in awe. The flowers were singing.

“Singing flowers?” Asher shook his head with an amused smile. “This country is quite fascinating.”

“I thought you’d come to Caverott before?” Sebastian asked.

“Not into town,” Asher replied. “And only for odd jobs. I tended to take the forest’s shortcuts, but I was always in their neighborhoods. I tend to shop in Briarwood for most of my needs, so I’ve not had a chance to explore here much yet.”

“Well, we can go anywhere you’d like. Surely you’re hungry, so let me treat you for breakfast,” Sebastian offered.

“Okay, sure.” Asher beamed.

After wandering a bit further, Asher found the perfect little tavern to grab a bite to eat. They wedged themselves in a cozy booth at Dark Moon Delights, where warmth furnished Asher’s shivering soul. Festive blue lights strung across each table, decorated with snowmen salt and pepper shakers.

Their server brought them a complimentary bowl of blue chocolate truffles and two menus to look over. A small section even dedicated a selection of blood for vampires. Asher found that fascinating, as many establishments didn’t cater to both their kinds very often. He really chose the perfect place to dine at.

“I don’t think that raven followed us,” Sebastian whispered, sparing a glance toward the window.

“That’s a relief.” Asher closed his menu, having settled on what he desired to eat.

After taking their orders, their server returned shortly with their food. As Asher munched on his basket of waffle fries, he slid the black magic spellbook out of his robe’s pocket. Not before performing a harmless little hex on the cover, making it appear like an ordinary spellbook to the naked eye. When Sebastian frowned in concern, Asher lifted the book higher to show him the altered cover.

“Clever,” Sebastian remarked.

Asher flipped open to the first page, admiring detailed illustrations of Nevermourn’s forest and ancient buildings. Further in, he found a table of contents to help him navigate. “This is fascinating.”

“What is it?” Sebastian leaned closer, brushing his shoulder against Asher’s.

“I’ve never heard of anything like this before.” Asher snatched another waffle fry, then through a mouthful, muttered, “A disillusion spell. It allows the spellcaster to take on the appearance of their surroundings, making it near impossible for anyone to find them.”

“Do you think that’s what the wolf walker was attempting?” Sebastian asked, sipping from his black cup of O Positive wizard blood.

“Maybe that’s why we didn’t see him.” As the snow continued falling outside, Asher suspiciously gazed out across the street. “He might’ve blended in with his surroundings. Ever since we got here, I’ve felt like I’m being watched. I know it could be paranoia, considering everything, but I’m not too sure now.”

“I understand what you mean.” Sebastian nodded. “Although I’ve not detected anyone else like that around, there’s this uncanny sensation. It reminds me a lot of the night I was attacked by that clone of my friend. I couldn’t shake this feeling of being watched, but I smelled them. They had a gross garlic scent.”

Asher scrunched his nose, frowning. “Have you smelled anything weird lately?”

“No, not at all.” Sebastian took another sip from his black cup, daubing his reddened lips with a napkin. “But with practice, maybe that spell could mask their scent.”

“That’s frightening.”

While pouring over the spellbook, Asher drew his attention toward two newcomers who stepped inside the tavern and almost choked on his soda pop. Trubin and Damien stomped their boots on the mat, shaking snow from their overcoats. Asher went as pale as a ghost. Nerves churned in his stomach as he slumped down in his seat, wishing the upholstery would swallow him whole.

“Son of a witch,” Asher cursed under his breath. “If you want to keep your fangs, don’t you dare turn around.”

Sebastian narrowed his crimson eyes at him. “Should we attempt to escape?” he whispered.

“How?” Asher asked softly.

“I might have an idea, seeing how this place caters to vampires.” Mischief glistened in those devilish red eyes of his. “Just follow my lead, okay? I’ll climb out first, then you walk ahead of me. I can extend my arms out enough with my cape to cover you. They shouldn’t see you.”

Asher nodded, having no other choice but to go along with his plan. Once Sebastian stood, Asher hastened himself out of the booth and moseyed on toward the bar area as instructed. They were promptly interrupted by their original server.

“Is everything alright? Did you two need any refills or-”

“Is it possible to provide us with a more private setting?” Sebastian asked, revealing his sharp blood-stained fangs. “I wouldn’t wish to make any mortals here uncomfortable, you know?”

Color tinted the server’s flustered face as he nodded. “Yes, of course. Right this way. There’s a room just outside in our enclosed outdoor seating. We can put a privacy sign up like we normally do for personal parties or meetings.”

“Thank you.”

As their server escorted them around back, tension lifted from Asher’s shoulders. He couldn’t believe that actually worked. That was too close of a call. Why the hell were Trubin and Damien there? Did they follow him to Caverott?