The Primarch Keeps Breaking Things

"Stay put," you say, already shouldering your way through the crowd. You check the comm: 1 Missed Call. "I'll let you know. Allow me to handle this."

"Handle what?" The doe's voice, fading behind you into a sea of worried chatter. "Chris, what's he talking about? Chris? Hey!"

You trust him to distract her while you investigate the explosion. Speculation ripples through the masses. You overhear a couple gems on the way to town square: malfunctioning fireworks, a prank gone wrong, domestic terrorism, contraband magical goods, and more.

The comm buzzes again. You pick up and plug your free ear to better hear the caller.

"Aedan? Or Lucian?"

"Lucian, Miss. I presume you're calling about the explosion?"

"Explosion?" Miss Elana's pitch climbs three octaves. "There's been an explosion? Gods, they got there quick. Alright, then. Um... um..."

While she untangles her tongue, a wave of mana undulates through the air. The comm crackles with static. Every hair on your nape rises—you'd recognize those energies anywhere.

"May I interrupt, Miss?"

"G-go ahead." You can practically hear her chewing her nails.

"Who exactly did that wand belong to?"

"I don't know! I've not been told. My ex gave it to me for my birthday. I didn't realize they'd stolen it until literal hours ago—"

"I see." Whoever's been sent to retrieve it must be acting under contract. "I'll be in touch, Miss Elana. I need to go now."

"Okay. Be safe, you two. Aedan's an idiot sometimes, but you better keep my brother alive!"

"Of course, Miss."

You pocket the comm and push through the bodies clogging the streets.

Who are you dreading to see?

>_