He had to leave first, since Elsa did have some documents to attend to in the office. However, it took several minutes of pacing and painful pinches to calm the seat of his pants. A quick wipe of his mouth on his shirt erased the smears of Elsa's lipstick. The last thing he needs is Danika giving him shit about his business with the queen.
He at least had some common sense left to stop by his rooms to grab all the books and journals and notes he's collected so far on this case. Maybe by explaining it to them, it'll make more sense in his head.
As he meanders his way into the library, he chuckles when he finds his companions have more than made themselves at home. Danika lays sprawled across the couch – Michael biting back his comment about her boots being propped on the curled arm – and Caiden has already started his raid on the many books lining the shelves, thumbing through what looks like a historical tome of Arendelle's first settlers. His shadows seem to have retreated back into himself for now, while Danika has resorted back to her most notable rainbow pastel hair.
The servants seemed to have already brought them a couple trays of sweets and another for tea, Danika having already snagged anything that was drizzled or dipped in chocolate, leaving Caiden only fruits and vanilla pastries. Somehow Danika seemed to convince – or intimidate – the servants into giving her some wine, as she swirls the red liquid around the cup, the color contrast to her blue painted nails.
Both of their heads turn at his entrance, the shifter lifting her glass in welcome. "I think our first impression went over really well." she hums with a smile as she shifts her feet down, Caiden clapping the book shut. He tucks it under his arms instead of returning it to the shelf.
Michael spares her a smug smile. "More or less. At least you made Caiden looks like the safest person to talk to."
Danika pokes her tongue out at him before taking a swig of her wine. After a pleased click of her tongue, she drawls, "Well, Princess Anna seems like a sweetheart. Cute as a button even if a bit unsteady on her own feet."
Michael rolls his eyes despite Caiden's nod in agreement. "Her boyfriend, Kristoff, seems to have a solid head on his shoulders. It's almost amusing to see how he practically melts at the sight of the princess."
"Even more so that the kingdom is okay with her courting an Ice Harvester."
"This kingdom is different." Michael interjects shaper than he intended. "They're good people."
"Oh, absolutely!" Danika chirps. "Not too often you see something like that go over well. I give Queeny credit."
"Her name is Elsa, and they are sisters. Not like she can say no to Anna."
"She did," Caiden snickers. "that's how she froze the kingdom in the first place." When Michael looks to him baffled, the shadow weaver grins. "I did some research before we arrived."
Of course he did.
"So," Danika drawls, "seems like you've had quite an adventure in your spare time."
Caiden throws her warning glare, but Michael places a hand on the shadow weaver's shoulder. "I don't even know where to start."
"How about when you arrived at Arendelle?"
"It's a little more complicated than that, or, maybe even simpler. I don't even know at this point." Michael walks over and plops himself down on the couch next to Danika while Caiden drags an armchair to sit across from them before taking a seat. He plucks one of the strawberries from the tray. Michael drags his fingers through his hair. "What I thought started out as a simple case of tracking down assassins turns into something much deeper than that. Including some crazed, beautiful woman with seemingly dark powers who used magical runes to awaken my own sort of magic inside me."
"How did this all start?" Caiden asks, resting an ankle on his knee.
Michael decides to tell them the original reason why he was called to Arendelle, about the Inferno Assassins and their alleged threats to Elsa and Anna. He tells them about the murder where he first found the odd symbols and runes written at the scene in blood. He pulled out the sheets of paper where he first copied what he saw, then his attempts at trying to cross-reference it with other runes he's seen among the rebels. This he hands to Caiden, the shadow weaver's eyes already inspecting the papers, the cogs in his mind turning.
He continues to tell them about the demon attacks around the kingdom, in the castle. particularly about the one at the Suitor's Ball, where he chased it down to that temple ruins, or if it even was a temple.
There he tells them about the Midnight Beauty, the Lady of the Night – the names constantly changing as there's no real way to describe her, or her powers. He tells them about the runes he was able to see and remember that night, how they awoken something within him that he didn't even know he had – sparing the barrage of questions Danika.
In his letter, he barely mentioned beyond its discovery of healing and fire. But here, he tells them about the fire he started, how Elsa put it out, how it had a radius he didn't dare measure.
He tells them about the affects the Midnight Beauty's darkness had on him, what it dragged him through. He saw some things in there he didn't even tell Elsa. And from the way Danika pales, he feels he made the right decision.
He keeps bringing up the runes, the trolls and Pabbie's visions . . . the dreams he's been having ever since. The dragur that had attacked them and, who thankfully, haven't attacked since. But it is something he needs to remind the guards about.
He talks about the way the fire feels like it has a mind of its own, a little whisper in the far back of his mind, the other eruption he had in the fjord.
By the time he's finished, both of his companions' expressions have turned severe, even Danika's usual wicked smile is not gone, her citrine eyes lined with razor sharp focus. It was one of the few things that helped remind Michael just how she climbed up the ranks to become an elite.
Caiden is the first to ask, "Have you tried any exercises since your first discovery?"
Michael snorts. "What exercises. I barely remember anything from the training camps beyond basic weaponry and combat. Anything related to magic I just blocked."
"But you were aware of the healing abilities?" Danika asks softly. It's more disturbing than her usual lyrical tone.
"I was, but I wasn't aware of who it came from. I never really bothered to ask my parents, as it seemed, unnecessary."
"I guess it still doesn't really matter now. All we can really do is help you learn to control it." says Caiden.
"I really appreciate it. And I'm sure Elsa would appreciate it too if either of you were to help her control her magic. I've already gotten her, and her sister started in basic combat training. Unfortunately, with the many inconveniences we've had, we've been slacking."
"We can worry about that later." Danika assures with a hand on his shoulder.
Caiden nods in agreement. "Is there anything else?"
Michael shakes his head. "Not really. So it would seem the only problems are the runes, that woman, and my magic. As those are the roots of our problem."
"How many languages have you referred to when researching the runes?" The shadow weaver asks, thumbing through the notes, his red eyes focused on every stroke of the ink.
"All that I'm aware of. I've even brought it to the trolls, and they think it would be something from another culture. But I feel like I've run my sources dry."
Caiden nods again. "I'll look through them again, see if anything comes up. Your original reference leaves many options open."
"I trust you."
Apart from being the stop stealth soldier among the rebels, Caiden was also the most educated. He enjoyed researching – through book or by shadow – and often served as a source of information for many of the commanding officers.
"Any idea where we should start?" Danika asks, propping her boots up on the coffee table.
Michael is quick to swipe them off as he replies, "While Caiden researches the runes, maybe we can find out more about that woman. What she is, and where she got her power from."
The shifter nods in agreement. She folds her lips in, a contemplating thought snaking through her mind. As Michael is about to ask what she wants, she asks, "What was the power like? When she had you trapped?"
Michael swallows past the lump in his throat. "I told you, she dragged me through my memories – and not the pleasant ones."
"That's what she did, but what did it feel like?"
Honestly, if he could forget about it, he would. Having to remember still makes his stomach churn. "It felt . . . it felt like a worm was trying to burrow into my mind. A tapping, then a razor- sharp slicing against my mind—as if she were trying to cleave open my skull and peer inside."
"What do you think she wants?" Danika sets down her glass, still half full, as she turns to face Michael.
"She had said . . . when I'm ready, to come and find her."
"A peace offering?" suggests the shadow weaver, to which Danika snickers.
"Yes, that's why she keeps sending demons after the royal family."
Another warning glare from Caiden, and Michael asks, "Could it be another form of your abilities?"
The question itself feels stupid to ask, especially when Caiden's shadows are nowhere near comparable to that woman's darkness. His shadows didn't feel as thick, as suffocating – they didn't feel as intrusive as that woman's.
Caiden contemplates, sucking on a tooth. "I cannot say for sure. I've never heard of there being different types of shadow weavers, but times have changed since our war, perhaps they've given birth to a new generation of magic wielders." He sets the papers on the table and reaches for a strawberry. "I already have assumptions of this being some kind of dark magic at play."
Michael's stomach sinks, and Danika pales, her blink is her only sign of surprise. "Dark magic? But that art is forbidden. Who in the world would be insane enough to even consider using it?"
"It was illegal in our kingdom. Who knows if anyone in Arendelle even know what it is. That it even exists."
A chill that has nothing to do with the autumn chill outside spreads goose bumps across Michael's skin.
Much of the craft is unknown, which is where the root of the fear comes from. There are so few texts about Dark Magic, resulting in even fewer understandings as to what it is, and what falls under its category. Some are rather obvious: necromancy, curses and hexes, dark summons, and certain aspects of witchcraft, but even with some exceptions being legal like oracles, seances, and readings of bones, palms, cards, the dangers and the steep prices of Dark Magic overall is what made it illegal.
No one even really knows what Dark Magic even looks like. It's not as simple as elemental magic, or healing. Although he has heard whispers of some who have the ability to teleport from one place to another, as simple as walking from room to room. Some, like Caiden, with the ability to walk with the shadows, hiding in the thinnest slivers of it. And the worst – although the rarest – are people who have the ability to enter and control a person's mind, even without them realizing it.
Another cold shiver.
Most people simplify it as the Dark Lord's power – many priests and priestesses using it as a reason to further persuade people to come to the goddess's temple to be blessed and protected. Even going as far as to bring their religious thumping to the streets, offering on-the-spot cleansings. It's also why some people feared him when would walk down the streets in his black leather, even tracing some symbols in the air to ward off whatever evil they thought he was.
"Have you spoken to the Queen about it?"
Michael blinks, realizing Caiden is talking to him. He clears his throat. "Oh, no. I wanted to wait until we had a better understanding. And even then, I was hoping it would be better than this."
"It's still just an assumption, Michael. But a very strong one at that. Especially with these runes being there with almost every demon you've encountered."
There are so many real-world creatures that could've done those poor citizens: vampires, wraiths, wights, ghouls. But then there's the other worldly creatures that dwell within the shadows of Dark Magic. Creatures so vile and vicious that they became the reason there had to be a Dark Lord to begin with. Someone whom the demons and creatures feared enough to stay in line.
Unfortunately, they soon became tools for whatever means His Royal Darkness could think of.
With Dark Magic, anything is possible, and even possibilities are endless.
"Have there been any changes in the behavior of the citizens?"
A shake of Michael's head. "Not that I've seen."
Caiden gives a contemplative nod. "Have there been any patterns with the murders or summoning's?"
Another shake of his head. "Why do you ask?"
"There have been discussions in the past of certain, affects, Dark Magic has; not only on its user, but to those around it. I believe it depends on the skill of the wielder, but proximity to the uncontrolled magic can literally inspire acts of rage in the hearts of those gripped by fear and anger. It could be another break we need."
"Find were most of the crime takes place, and we potentially can find the wielder?" Michael asks.
"It's no guarantee but it is something. Anything relatively noticeable about the murders?"
"The age range varies; most of them don't even have magic."
"Something to keep an eye on." Caiden says with a shrug. "Eventually a pattern could form that will allow us to pinpoint her exact location."
"So, for now we wait." Danika says petulantly. She slouches back into the pillows of the couch, crossing her arms.
"Unfortunately." Caiden agrees.
"And what do we do about the woman?" she asks.
"I've been thinking about that, and I'm not too happy about it." Michael sighs.
Danika arcs a brow while Caiden leans back into the armchair.
"She had told me to see her when I'm ready. Maybe she has some answers she wants to share."
"It could be a trap." The shifter states.
"That much if obvious. But it's also our only lead. We'll just have to chance it. It'll also mean we have to stay five steps ahead." Michael says. "But it's clear she wants something from me. Likely it has something to do with my magic. If she knew how to awaken it, she might know its origin."
"Are you sure you want to risk something like that?" Caiden asks with a lift of a brow.
"I've been through worse. And as long as I've got you guys, I'm not too worried."
"Oh you flatter us so?" Danika says with a beaming smile.
After a moment of silence, Michael says, "I really am glad you guys are here. I was beginning to get a little overwhelmed with all of this."
"Don't worry about it," Danika says with a wave of her hand. "We're here for you. You know that."
A dip of Caiden's chin. "Always."
Suffocating silence. Michael leans forward, lacing his fingers between his knees. He can almost see the claws of fire that appeared that night he vomited in front of Elsa.
"How – How did you guys take control?" he asks too quietly.
An exchange of expression between the two wielders. Then Caiden is the one who says, "By admitting something no one wants to face: that we are different."
Not the answer he was expecting from the shadow weaver, and yet, his chest seems to lighten.
Danika seems to agree with a gentle smile on her face. One not too often seen, and one that makes her appear softer – more feminine. "Don't fret it, Michael. Embrace it. The way I see it, fait dealt you wining cards; if you know how to play it right."
A breath of a laugh. "It's funny. Suddenly nothing seems to make sense anymore. I don't even know myself at all anymore." He turns his hands over, his palm facing up. His eyes follow the many lines that spiderweb across his palms, next to the scars. "I'm afraid to see what she might know about me that I don't."
"It's not so much about you, Michael, as it is your magic. Learn to make it yours, Michael. Once you own it, nothing can own you." Danika says with a wink. She finishes her wine before asking, "So what's our next move?"
"I figured we might as well try to contact her. She didn't give me much information, but I would assume the place she'd want to meet is at that old temple. It's a little ways outside of the kingdom walls." Michael says, helping himself to a blueberry muffin.
"What about the sisters?" Caiden asks.
"Elsa has some meetings and papers to attend to, and then later she and the family are going to play some charades. We should be fine."
Danika snorts. "Charades?"
"Hey, they want to spend some time together." Michael defends as he flicks her in the temple. She bats his hand away with a grumble. "We can leave after dinner, tonight."
"Oh, thank goodness! Because you know I really wanted to go shopping and buy something fabulous from the marketplace." Danika chirps as she pours herself another glass. "But have you seen the price of fabulous these days?"
Caiden snickers. "Please, you can't even afford wonderful."
Danika gives beaming smile as her hand lifts to deliver a vulgar gesture, the blue of her nails winking in the light. In an instant, it's gone and suddenly she's bouncing in her seat. "Oh, this is so exciting!" She sings. "It'll be just like old times!"
"Yeah," both Michael and Caiden mumble in agreement. The two look to each other at their mirrored lack of enthusiasm.
And either Danika was oblivious to the growing tautness between the two, or just ignoring it, either way, Michael could've kissed her for attempt at deflation. "What, you two afraid you've gotten rusty?"
A mild diversion, if a poor one. Because Caiden grins, if half-heartedly. "No rust on me."
"I've been keeping up with myself." Michael adds.
And then he sees the shadow weaver shift in his seat. "You know, far be it from me to judge someone's life, but what were you doing to kill a day before this job came along?"
Michael shrugs in an attempt to ignore his raging heart, even if Caiden could hear it with that immortal hearing. Still, he'll be damned if he lets Caiden catch the change in his scent. "I've just been traveling, mostly. Seen many amazing kingdoms in my life."
"And what about before then?" Caiden asks, the pressure of the question settling on Michael's shoulders.
He attempts to keep them square, that bottle of wine looking very tempting now. "I've been doing what I always do."
"I see." Caiden responds flatly.
"Okay, knock it off you two." Danika interjects, leveling a dangerous glare at the shadow weaver. "This isn't the time for that. Deal with your own problems at your own time, not while we're welcomed guests in a royal's castle."
Caiden meets her stare, and Michael can see something swirl behind those crimson eyes.
When Danika ever looked at someone like that, the two of them knew all hell was about to break loose, and even Caiden knew better than to mess with her when that expression rested upon her normally beautiful features.
He did once . . . and thankfully, it was enough.
By the blessing of the gods, Caiden slouches back into his chair. "Fine. I'll see what I can dig up about the runes; though the family's library leaves little to be desired."
Danika, pleased with herself, hums her pride as she shrugs her shoulders. "Guess that leaves you and me to scope out the temple."
"I appreciate it," Michael says as he stands. "I'll see you at lunch. You two should clean up. You smell like a pig stye."
The shadow weaver folds his lips into a thin line, Danika pulling a section of her hair forward to smell it.
And gods bless Danika, as he feels Caiden's eyes burn a hole into his skull, he opens the doors to the library and hears the shifter whine behind him, "I told you we should've stopped at that inn before we came here!"