Shade

Story takes place between Demon’s Desire and Shifter’s Sanctuary

High Chancellor Ashton Octavius Ignatio sat in his office, tidying up the last few reports. The phone on his desk rang and he looked at it with a mixture of exasperation and resignation. It was late and the one person who would think to disturb him and know that he was still in the office, was Regina.

He picked up the phone. Hello, Regina.

Working late tonight?

As you know, since you reached me here.

Indeed. You need to become indebted to Miss Madison.

Ash sat back in his chair. Or I could just help her.

You can’t. The Council won’t allow it. But they will grudgingly allow you to repay a favor.

Shit. She’s going to be Reconditioned?

Unclear. It’s better for you to owe her the favor and never collect, than it is for her to live a zombie-like existence.

What shall I ask for? Ash pulled out a blank sheet of paper, ready to transcribe her instructions.

You’re a reasonably smart fellow, I’m sure you can figure it out. A click in his ear signaled the end of the call.

This solidified the vague uneasiness that he’d been feeling for the past week. It was as if he was failing, and he realized, he was. Half the paranormal population was not only unrepresented, but their voices were actively and systemically, silenced. The vampire, Cyn Madison, was one of those people. She’d gone to extraordinary lengths to make a difference.

Ash knew exactly who she was and what she did, though that knowledge had been beyond difficult to obtain. While he didn’t agree with her putting herself at risk, she filled a necessary void in helping those he couldn’t.

Ash had funneled resources to Han’s organization to help ease the financial burden, and while he’d love to do more, any overt overtures were quietly rejected. He understood why. They didn’t know if he was legitimately trying to help or if it was fancy trap set to catch them. He held the highest office in the Shadow and couldn’t help those who needed him the most. Even Jor’dan had found a way to help. His various nieces flourished under the fae’s protective influence.

He had to ask the vampire for something; something the Elite couldn’t provide. A name popped into his head and he wasn’t positive that it appeared on its own.

Ash looked at the time. He knew that Miss Deidre and Miss Madison often met for coffee at Angelini’s. He grabbed his jacket and left the office. A quick stop for coffee and an accidental meeting. Being in a public place with the presence of the succubus might help alleviate, the vampire’s concerns.

He walked into the coffee shop, and all conversation stopped for three heartbeats. The paranormals were anxious and that feeling communicated to the humans as well. Sometimes he longed to be an ordinary person meeting friends for coffee without encountering suspicion and mistrust.

Ash ordered a triple shot, peppered espresso, a plate of pastries, and prepaid for Miss Deidre’s and Miss Madison’s orders.

The coffee was prepped and ready in record time. A question to the barista accompanied by a small monetary donation let him know which table the ladies preferred. He took a seat facing the door, sipping the excellent coffee.

A small commotion at the door heralded the arrival of the succubus and vampire. They placed their orders and received their drinks, intent on their conversation. They didn’t realize he was seated at their table until the last moment.

Deidre grinned at him, while the vampire’s face showed shock and fear.

Good morning, ladies. Please have a seat.

Hey, Mr. Phoenix, thanks for the drinks. Deidre grabbed Miss Madison’s arm and propelled the vampire toward the table.

Thanks for the coffee. Miss Madison gave him a small smile along with her thanks.

What’s up? Deidre asked.

I need a favor. Ash was secretly amused at her form of address. He knew the succubus wasn’t being disrespectful it was her way of managing her fears and truthfully it was a refreshing change from all the kowtowing he normally received.

Deidre sat on his left, and Cyn sat on his right. The vamp took a sip of her coffee, using both hands to support the shaking cup.

What kind of favor? And will it get me in trouble with tall, dark, and fangy? Deidre asked.

Ash shook his head. I would never ask you to do anything that would get you in trouble. I have a feeling you do enough on your own.

Deidre grinned. Of course. What can I help you with?

Ash continued to look at the succubus while he addressed Miss Madison. I need to get in touch with someone, and I believe Miss Madison is the only one who can help me.

The vampire jolted in her seat, sloshing coffee over the rim of the cup. Deidre was quick with the napkins.

Who… Miss Madison cleared her throat. Who are you looking for?

I need to find Shade.

The blood drained from the vamp’s face and her cup slipped from her fingers, spilling the coffee all over the table. A server quickly came and wiped up the spill, taking the empty cup and returning with a new one.

I didn’t mean to startle you. Ash said in a soft voice.

T… t… that’s okay. Miss Madison replied. She took a deep breath and put her hands flat on the table, fingers spread.

What do you need this Shade person for? Deidre asked.

I need information that only they can provide, Ash responded, turning to the vampire. Can you tell me where I can find them?

Miss Madison shook her head. You don’t find Shade. They find you.

How do I let them know I need them?

The vampire met his gaze for a brief moment before looking down at her curling fingers. You don’t. If they decide to help you, they will.

Who is this Shade person? Deidre asked.

Miss Madison focused on the succubus. I don’t know. I’ve only spoken with them twice. It was a surreal experience. I spoke to an empty room, and the room spoke back. Miss Madison darted a look in his direction. They already know you’re looking for them.

How? Deidre expression mirrored his own confusion.

Miss Madison shrugged. They hear their name on the wind.

Ash finished his coffee and stood. Thank you, Miss Madison, for your information. If you should ever be in need, I now owe you a favor.

He left before she could protest. Ash sent a thought to Deidre. Make sure she uses the favor.

She won’t. Deidre replied.

She’ll need to, her life may depend on it. Ash wove through the pedestrians littering the sidewalk.

I’ll try to talk her around then, but don’t hold your breath.

Thanks for being the buffer, he said, crossing the street.

Ooh does that mean I get a favor too?

His steps stumbled. What do you want?

She laughed inside his mind. I’ll think of something.

I shudder at the thought. Yes, you may have a favor, as long as it’s not illegal, immoral, or cause the Council to have a collective heart attack.

I promise.

The next evening found Ash once again in his office working late, tidying up the tedium of the day. His office was dark except for the single lamp on his desk. A soft whisper and he knew he was no longer alone. He squinted into the shadows, but the lamp messed with his night vision.

Can I help you? He suspected he knew the identity of the intruder.

It wasn’t necessary to send Cyn into a panic. A low voice whispered. He couldn’t tell if the being was male or female.

Ash sat back in his chair and steepled his fingers. It couldn’t be helped, not on such short notice.

Yes, the Oracle and her predictions made it seem as if time were of the essence.

Then you know of Miss Madison’s need for a favor.

It’s not been written yet. There are too many variable futures which may come to pass, but the Oracle was correct in one thing, it is better to have an unused favor than none at all.

He tried to pierce the shadows. Nothing moved, yet he knew Shade was still here. He tried to catch their aura to find out what they were, but either it was too dim or it was being hidden on purpose.

What are you? The curiosity in his tone was mild. They presented a puzzle that intrigued him, something that hadn’t happened in far too long.

I’m Shade.

He waited for them to elaborate, but no explanation was forthcoming. He grabbed a pencil off his desk, rolling it through his fingers. I need your help.

What sort of information can I provide, that your Elite cannot?

You can tell me how to help those who can’t help themselves. His fingers clenched around the pencil. He relaxed his grip before it broke.

A tall order.

Can you help?

There was a long silence before Shade spoke again. Perhaps, but the price will be high. Possibly more than you’re willing to pay.

Ash waved that aside. Money is no object.

That’s not the payment requested.

What do you want in exchange for your help?

A soft touch brushed his cheek. Would you give up your life? The whispered question faded as did Shade’s presence in the office.