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“Now you know why so many investigators have failed.”
I tossed the charm in a perfect arc, and he snatched it from the air.
He’s fast. Way, way too fast.
The bastard knew it too, if the cocky grin was any indication.
“I don’t get this,” I admitted. “How does society run at all if the rich and powerful can just magic themselves into hiding? Who is keeping anyone accountable if any of them can break the rules?”
“Status quo. Power.”
“Which means?”
“The rich and powerful formed this society. They break the rules they’re allowed to break—and yes, of course they’re allowed to break them to a certain degree. They just don’t advertise it. As long as no one destabilizes the system, they hide one another. It’s always been that way. That’s why this,” he pointed upward, gesturing to the bloodstained flagpole several stories above, “is such a huge problem. This is not the status quo. These are not the kinds of rules anyone is allowed to break.”
“I hate feeling young,” I griped. Here, I thought I’d had a decent grip on how the world worked. In reality, I’d barely scratched the surface.
“Aww.” Razai rushed forward and ruffled my hair like I was a cute little puppy. “You’ll be a Big Bad Ancient one day, Detective.” Then he lurched back, grinning, before I could slap his arm. “So, you used all your incredible powers on me?”
“Yup,” I fibbed.
“Good try, liar.”
“What?” I squeaked.
“You’re too cautious. Too secretive. The type who keeps cards close to her chest. I bet you’re full of unexpected skills, though. Can’t wait to see them all in action. I’m sure you’ll show me soon.”
Razai didn’t mean to flirt. He didn’t even notice that he’d said something suggestive.
My intuition rose like a flood, meeting his shameless flirting with complete enthusiasm. Pushing me toward him. Urging me to discover everything he offered.
Just my luck to have a magical power that’s stupid and slutty.
“This is boring,” I sighed, crushing her into a little box labeled ‘No, We Aren’t Going To Sleep With the Stalker Archangel.’
“Think of a way to make it exciting, then,” he goaded.
“Please. As if you could earn it.” The retort flew out before I could think. No inhale was sharp enough to suck the words back in.
Razai’s head tilted. A small, wicked grin hooked onto the leverage I’d just given. “I can be quite… creative. If that’s what you like.”
“It isn’t,” I snapped a little too quickly.
With a shrug, Razai relented, “If you say so. Now, as for our tour—”
“Do you have any suspects?” I blurted.
He smirked, playful once more. “Now’s not the time or place for that, Detective. Let’s wait until I’ve got you alone.”
“Way to make it creepy,” I muttered as a flock of uniformed people passed us. “But I get your point. Getting a little crowded.”
Delighted by my bad attitude, he led me into the administration office. “I’m going to take you on the tour. And if anyone sees us, I’ll introduce you by your fancy new… title.”
“Miss Isra Valence,” I affirmed. “And I’m just on my first survey of the campus.”
The administration office had a front desk and comfortable sofas and chairs to wait in. One woman with auburn hair sat behind the desk, focused on the computer.
“That’s Quinn,” Razai whispered somewhat fearfully. “She’s very mean and has a vicious throwing arm. Oh, and your office will be somewhere on the third floor. You’ll be assigned when you come in tomorrow.”
