"There is that," I muttered, glancing at Ilianna. She was smiling at Azriel—but then, she hadn't seen what a soul stealer could do, or felt the agony it caused. "When I've dealt with the guards, I'll give you a call. Come in fast. I wouldn't want the Charna's creatures to find you alone."
She nodded and rubbed her arms. "Don't be long. I hate standing in godforsaken places like this alone."
I resisted the urge to point out that we were only one block away from Scienceworks—which was no doubt packed with visitors exploring all that the museum had to offer—not to mention the fact that one block in the other direction was not only a major housing development, but a church and a small shopping district. Mares were herd animals, and they tended to get very spooked when left alone in strange areas.
"Stay in the car and keep out of sight." I squeezed her arm lightly to comfort her, then headed across the lot and jumped the fence that separated it from the next property. After walking across the road, I jumped into the scrap-metal yard next to the old warehouse.
Only to be confronted by two rottweilers.
They came running at me, teeth bared and growls low in their throats. I swore softly, but stopped and faced them—not meeting their gazes but keeping an eye on them all the same—then held out my hand. Both dogs slowed, noses in the air and snarls still low in their throats—undoubtedly because they sensed the wolf in me.
Azriel appeared beside me, his sword unsheathed and glowing blue in the brightness of the day. Once again the blade hummed, but this time the sound was oddly calming.
The dogs lowered their heads and backed away.
I glanced at him. "Dogs can see you?"
"Of course." He sheathed his sword and stepped to one side, motioning me to continue with a sweep of his hand. "They are extremely sensitive to those who traverse the gray fields."
I knew animals—especially cats and dogs—were sensitive to the spirit world, but I had no idea that sensitivity also extended to the reapers. Meaning I wasn't so special after all, I thought wryly. "So why did they back away?"
"Because they have no more wish to die than you do."
I frowned as I grabbed the top of the fence and hauled my butt over it—and winced as I hit the ground a little too hard on the other side. I'd forgotten about my battered feet. "But you said before you could not attack flesh. Dogs are flesh."
"Yes, but dogs are generally more sensible than humans. They do not throw themselves into situations where they know the danger is greater than their ability to cope."
I snorted softly. "You need to talk more to Aunt Riley, because she's one wolf who will blow that theory out of the water."