He grumbles unintelligible words as he stares at me. “So I've followed Kael’s magic here and you’ve currently sent out wanted posters for him. What is that about, Nick?” I ask.

 He glared at me like I just put a curse on him. “He hurt six of my people, killed my grandson, and kidnapped one of my friends. Probably doing unspeakable things to them from what the boys said he did before he hurt them.” He said. 

 I hum softly as my gaze lowered. I have trouble believing that is true, but after all the proof I got that Kael did actually kill the king and his family… I guess this shouldn’t be a surprise.

 “I guess Kael has truly lost his mind.” I said. I put the cup down as I try to understand what signs I missed. Could I have stopped this from happening before he left? “Yes, he has.” Nick said. 

 I look at the elderly with narrow eyes. “Tell me, did Kael seem off? Possession, mind control, anything?” I asked. He raised an eyebrow at me, his eyes telling me he believes I was asking a stupid question. “You dare think that brut is innocent in his crimes?” He said.

 I take a deep breath, trying to steady my mind. “No, I am just trying to piece together the signs I missed before he returned home and slaughtered his family.” I said. Nick’s eyes soften for a moment as he realizes finally I am not the enemy here. “I guess you are right.” He mutters.

 he snapped his fingers, making the cup of tea refill before my eyes. Slowly, I took the cup back into my hand, taking a sip of the tea, keeping an eye on the man before me. His eyes stayed on the ground as he recalled what had happened. 

 “I remember he walked into Cade’s bakery looking exhausted, then he passed out right at the door of the bakery. I left poor Cade alone with him and now they are missing.” He said. I nod, slowly putting a cup of tea down on the table. “Take me to this bakery.” I demanded.

 “Follow me.” Nick said. He stood from his seat, walking out of his office with a high pride in each step. I followed him, keeping my eyes forward as we passed the humans. 

 Their judging stares as I pass them. The word of Kael’s murders has spread to the nearby cities around the kingdom. Everyone was looking at me as if in a moment I could do the exact same things he did. I force myself to keep my eyes forward and not start giving them a reason to believe I am a beast.

 He stopped at a door at a quiet, simple looking bakery. He opened the bakery door, stepping aside to let me in. The bakery felt cold and empty of life. A few of the baked goods have fallen or gotten mold on their outer surface by being exposed to the air for too long. 

 “Hm…” I study everything before I let my magic flow through my voice. My soft Elven melody as I am trying to find even the slightest hint of where Kael had headed off to. 

 “What are you doing?” Nick asked, weariness edged into his voice. Ignoring his question, I try to locate Kael’s magic. The feeling of the magic, his warm yet silent presence overwhelmed me. I could also feel something else… something that didn’t feel like him… felt his grief-stricken rage.

 “Mardic, If you do not tell me at once what you are doing I will-” He began but my eyes fixed on him. His voice fell into silence as my magic circled around me. A smirk pulled onto my face. “If you listen real close, you can hear his voice saying you will never make it out alive.” I say. 

 I put on a fake smile as I walk past the elderly. “Thank you for your help, Nick. I must go before the trail gets cold. It was wonderful to see you. Truly hope to see you again.” I head to the gate. I can’t let his trail escape me… I need the answers for what the hell he was thinking.