Free Breaking the Nexus (Mythrian Realm) by Lindsay Avalon Page B

that you’ve found the murderer?”
    He shook his head. “He’s killed again.”
    A pang of sympathy struck her for the man who had succumbed this time. “What was his name? The latest victim.”
    “It wasn’t a man,” Connor bit out, the words thick with roiling emotions.
    “I don’t understand. You said he’s only targeted men, it seems illogical he’d change his preference.”
    He handed her a picture from the file. “See for yourself.”
    By the flame , it was like looking at a member of her family. The woman appeared to be a similar age, coloring and build as Sha, her hair almost the exact shade as her own. Wait a minute, something wasn’t right. Her eyes narrowed on the victim’s roots. “This isn’t her natural hair color is it?”
    Connor craned his head to get a better view. “What do you mean?”
    “If you look closely, you can see her natural shade is much lighter, almost platinum blonde.”
    “Are you telling me you have hair dye in Mythria?” Ian sounded amused at the prospect.
    She leveled a cool glare at him. “You think blue streaks occur naturally? I doubt it’s the same as what women use here, but yes we’re able to dye our hair. In any case, this looks hurried. Her nails are well-kept and painted so it doesn’t make sense she’d rush that.”
    Understanding dawned on her. “He wanted to send me a message didn’t he? He knows about me, knows I was at the crime scene. He’s going to come after me.” The knowledge didn’t scare her, it strengthened her determination. She never backed down from a fight.
    “He will not come after you,” Connor said fiercely.
    His reaction warmed her, made her want to break out in a huge grin despite the gravity of the situation. “Connor, as sweet as that is, did I prove earlier how well I can take care of myself?”
    “Of course, but this guy has taken down three grown men and now a woman with disturbing similarities to you. Yes you’re powerful, but you’re not in Mythria. You’re out of your element here. I’m afraid you’ll race headlong into danger like you did with the banshee. Did you stop to think that maybe there were other perils besides the banshee?”
    Puzzled, she shook her head. “I don’t understand.”
    “It could have been a trap to lure you out into the open to give him a shot at you.”
    Her mouth opened to protest, but then she thought about what he’d said. “You may have a point. I may or may not have been called impulsive a time or two.”
    The words had the desired effect, coaxing a small chuckle from him. “I can believe that.”
    Ian cleared his throat and Sha realized she’d forgotten he was even in the room. “The captain wanted to know if you could tell us anything about this victim.”
    She studied the pictures carefully. “I’m not sure what he’s hoping I’ll see. I don’t recognize the girl…” Sha’s voice trailed off.
    “What is it?” Connor demanded.
    “See here on her right shoulder? These lines radiating outward almost in a starburst pattern? That’s mage fire.”
    “Okay…” He lifted a brow, motioning for her to continue.
    “Oh, right. You wouldn’t know what that is, would you? Suffice it to say, mage fire is one of the most painful weapons you could ever feel. It’s near impossible for most to harness its power effectively, and even when you can wield it, you run the risk of it doubling back upon you. When it strikes, the magic explodes for lack of a better word, racing along the skin and prolonging the agony as it dissipates. The size of the wound depends on the location where it first makes contact with skin, the closer to major veins or arteries, the larger the pattern. If you survive the blast, you’ll always bear the distinctive scarring.”
    “You sound like you speak from experience,” Ian said.
    The ghost of remembered pain spread through her back. Without a word, she turned and lifted her shirt to bare her back, revealing the evidence of her misfortunate