Read Veiled Magic for Free Online Page B

knew the right way to read it. In the wrong hands, it was a powerful weapon whose magic could be used against the Paranormal races.” He paused for emphasis. “And if you don’t find a way to keep that painting safe, you and all the rest of the Paranormals could be in danger. Could be wiped out.”

Chapter Five
    Donata sat in stunned silence for a moment, then shook her head and pulled herself together. “I admit the painting has a certain creepy . . . something.” She remembered the vision she’d had when she touched the uncovered corner. “But you make it sound like the end of the world as we know it. Aren’t you exaggerating?”
    The ghost stared into her eyes intently. “Am I? What do you think would happen if the Human population—which vastly outnumbers Paranormals—found out about our existence? Not just about Witches, but about Ghouls, and Fae, and Dragons, and Ulfhednar?”
    â€œAnd us!” the Kobold put in, his chin thrust forward. “Don’t forget about all us so-called minor races, like Kobolds, and Sprites, and Nymphs. How do you think Humans would like knowing that there is a Paranormal creature around every corner?”
    Donata thought about the riots and uproar that had resulted from the comparatively minor revelation that Witches were real. People had died, even then.
    â€œYou’re talking about another Inquisition,” she whispered, afraid to even speak the words aloud. “You think this painting could prove the existence of the other major Paranormal races, and it would bring on the Burning Times again.” The very thought made her knees weak. As a cop, she’d seen the mob mentality at work. It wasn’t something she ever wanted to witness again, especially not attacking those she loved.
    Farmingham nodded. “That’s exactly what I am talking about. If the Cabal got their hands on this painting, they would use it to show the world not just that Paranormals exist, but how to destroy them.”
    â€œThe Cabal—you mentioned them before,” Donata said. “Seriously? You really think they exist? There’s really a renegade arm of the Catholic Church that believes the Compact was a mistake? They’re still around? And they think the existence of Paranormals is an insult to God’s laws?” Her voice almost squeaked in her disbelief. “You’re talking about diabolical figures that skulk in the shadows and prey on unsuspecting supernatural creatures when no one is looking?” She gave a short laugh. “My grandmother used to tell me the Cabal would get me if I didn’t finish all my vegetables. I find it hard to envision the veggie enforcers stealing a painting out of a police lockup.”
    The restorer shut her down with a stern look. “This is no laughing matter, Officer Santori.” His pal the Kobold glared at her too. “Yes, the Cabal may be used to scare small Witch children—but that doesn’t mean that they don’t exist. And it is my belief that they are behind this attempt to get the painting—which, for all we know, is the last of the Pentacle Pentimentos. If that is true, they will stop at nothing to get it.”
    Donata drummed her fingers on her thigh. “Let’s say—just for argument’s sake—that I buy into this theory of yours. I mean, obviously someone commissioned this robbery, and I doubt they did it because they lusted after the beauty of the picture itself.” She shot a nervous look at the incense-wreathed figure before her, trying to guess how much longer the ghostcould hold himself together before he dissipated, leaving her stuck with a weird painting and a lot of unanswered questions.
    â€œAnd let’s say I also believe that the Cabal has been hiding out there all this time, even though they are supposedly hunted by both the Paranormals and the Catholic Church.” She shuddered a bit at