Page 65 of The Thief's Mark

“Fine,” Cal said. His aura buzzed with impatient energy. He stared at the direction Griff had indicated, obviously eager to go even if he couldn’t see the trail. “You stick to the plan and retrieve the orb. I’ll go have a chat with my old mentor to see what he knows.”

Griff wasn’t sure he liked the idea of splitting up. Especially when Cal so obviously had ulterior motives for confronting Kelsith. Still, he also wasn’t keen on just letting the thief go. Kelsith’s testimony might prove vital to any future trial, and he’d already fooled Cal once tonight. There was no guarantee that coming here wasn’t another trick designed to throw them off.

“You won’t be able to track his aura,” Griff said.

“So what? I’ve hunted him down before. I can do it again.”

“Maybe. But time could be of the essence. With my ability, I’ll have a much easier time tracking him.” He stepped toward Cal, resting a hand on his tensed shoulder. “I know you want to confront him, but please, trust me. Let me handle him while you deal with the orb.”

Cal grimaced. His aura churned for a long moment before, to Griff’s relief, he finally gave a begrudging nod. “Fine. What should I tell the High Commander if heisthere?”

Griff shrugged and kissed his cheek. “Whatever you think is best. I trust you. Take care of yourself.”

Some of Cal’s irritation faded, his aura calming as he regarded Griff. “You, too. See you on the other side…partner.”

Flashing Griff a lopsided grin, Cal stepped into the inspector offices. Griff stared after him for a moment, wishing he could stay by his side. Then, he took a deep breath and turned towardthe aura trail. Even in the time they’d been talking, it had faded further. He had to hurry.

Praying to the Light for Cal’s safety, he set off after the trail in pursuit of Cal’s former mentor.