The Empath : The Alterealm Series Book 3

The second the boat docked back in the harbor I jumped out and headed as quickly as possible to the nearest location I could disappear. As I reached the corner of the small diner, someone grabbed me and pulled me around the corner. It was Rafael. I almost jumped into his arms. “Get me out of here.” I hissed.

He grabbed me and hugged me against him. My stomach lurched and I knew we weren’t on the docks now. I opened my eyes to see we were in the huge dining room. I looked at Rafael, as I blew out a breath to wait out the nausea. “I need wine. Now.”

He nodded and went into the kitchen.

I had just sat when the others came through the opposite door. I stood up again. “Tell me you heard all of that.”

Daxx nodded, not looking pleased at all.

I closed my eyes and sighed loud. “Good, because I am not going back to meet with those people.” I opened my eyes and Chase was in front of me. It was so completely not me to encourage close contact, but I stepped in and hugged him. I just needed a moment of warmth and safety. And now, he represented safe—I’d think about the many other ways he was a danger to me, making me crave things I shouldn’t give into, later.

He wrapped his arms around me. “Are you all right?” He ran his hand down my back. “I couldn’t get a good sense of how you were through the bond from that distance.”

I nodded. “There were barely any emotions at all.”

“Not surprising.” Troy said from behind me. “We know a few of those you met and they’d be emotionless through and through.”

Releasing Chase, I turned but remained close to him. “There was one spike I picked up and then I just wanted to get the hell out of there.”

Arius gave me a curious glance.

“The women,” I glanced up at Chase, “those with lesser value, I don’t think they’re being given options on mating or reproducing.” His brows furrowed. “None of the women are in the tunnels, but they had children down there…” I glanced around quickly, “so where are the women?”

“Holy shit.” Daxx said and glanced to the others. “Other than the first few battles, we haven’t seen a female since— only that witch with the light up stick.”

Troy hugged her into his side and gave his twin a serious look. “She’s right.”

I turned back to Chase. “Who is that Willis Hubert person?”

Chase sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “A delusional moron who swears our ancestors cheated in securing the throne.” He gave his head a quick shake. “I honestly thought he’d died and would never bother us again.”

Rafael came back with the glass of wine. I reached out and took it when he was close enough and took a gulp of it. Looking around, I focused on Victor. “Tell me what they’re attempting to do is impossible, regardless of the money they have.” I shook my head. “They’re talking about combining this realm and the other into one, no boundaries, no controlling who should and should not be free, roaming among the human populous.”

“I don’t think it is possible.” Victor said then looked to Michael. “But we need to find out.”

“We need to do something else too.” Troy said quietly.

“What?” Daxx looked up at him.

“We have to call an elders’ council meeting.” He said looking at Chase.

“Fuck. Can I bow out of that now?” Chase asked.

Troy snorted. “No. You are the only one that can shut up elder Roan, or we’ll spend hours listening to how that was then and how poorly society has become.”

“There’s a council of elders?” Daxx looked from Chase to her mate. “When you guys say, ‘I spoke to the elders’ I thought it meant you called a mentor or something.”

Troy shrugged. “We do speak to one or two from time to time, but yes there is a council of them.”

“How many?”

“Twelve.” Chase sighed and slumped his shoulders. “And they’ll sit there the entire time and look at you like you’re a bug or close to it, studying you as if they can see into your very soul.”

Troy nodded. “They need to know what Willis is up to.”

“How old is he?” I asked, not understanding the rest. “He’s the first I’ve seen that actually looks old.”

Victor frowned. “He’s much older than I am. He could probably be an elder by now if he wasn’t a lunatic.”

“How old are the elders?” Crissy asked.

“You aren’t even considered eligible for the council until you’ve reached ten centuries.” Victor told her.

“A thousand years old?” Daxx gave him a surprised look. “And there’s twelve of them?”

Victor nodded slowly. “Many have been on the council as long as I’ve been around as well.”

Daxx blew out a breath. “So, I guess that’s why they know so much?”

Crissy smiled. “And then they go on to watch over the library with the man that’s not a man but many.” She nodded.

I looked at her for a moment and decided I didn’t need to know what she was talking about right now. Raising my glass to them I took a sip and then moved to sit down.

“We all need to go.” Chase said looking from Victor to Troy. “All the royals. This is beyond a few illegal transporters and rogue mages.”

“All of us?” Quinton frowned. “Like all, all of us?”

Troy nodded. “He’s right all of us.” He looked around at the others. “You’ll need to wear your amulets.”

I turned back to my wine.

“That includes you too, duchess.”

I gave Chase a startled look.

He shrugged. “We need you in on this, and the only way through those doors is wearing a royal amulet.”

“I’m not a royal.” I reminded him.

He grinned. “You are, you just don’t know it yet.” With a wink, he turned back to Troy. “Call the meeting. I’m going to go have a stiff drink before we do this.” He leaned down, his hazel eyes locked on mine. “Later we’re going to discuss you putting yourself in the middle of a room of lunatics.”

I raised an eyebrow, “and I’m not in a similar situation this very moment?”

“Sassy.” He tucked his hands into his pockets and walked into the kitchen.

“Wait for me, brother.” Arius practically ran after him.

I glanced to Daxx. “So, this sounds like a really fun thing that we’re about to do.”

She grimaced. “Yeah, like the dentist, from the sound of it.”

“I don’t like the dentist.” Crissy said looking unhappy.

“None of us do, Criss, it’s just one of those things you have to do.”

“I would like to see them before they’re part of the guardian of the prophecies though.” She nodded looking excited.

“Can’t wait.” I mumbled and took another drink.

An hour later, the eleven of us were going down an endless hallway to the council chamber. I put Chase’s pendant back on, as all the others wore one, and I was curious to see beings as old as these council members.

Crissy was pleased she had a pendant, which was a smaller version of Victor’s and not surprisingly had a sun, moon, and small scales of justice. Each man seemed to have their own symbol with the sun and moon, but unless I walked among them and stared at their chests, I hadn’t seen more than a few of them before.

I leaned down to whisper to Daxx. “Maybe I missed the part where they explained why we are going to this council?”

She shook her head. “No. It wasn’t explained.”

“They’re like the collective brain pan of literally thousands of years’ worth of knowledge.” Quinton said from behind us, “we need to know if what Willis is trying to do can be done, and they’re going to want to know he’s back.”

“Because he was thought to be dead?” I slowed to walk beside him.

“That and every uprising, or war, we’ve had in the last thousand years there was a member of his family in the forefront.”

“Ah, so this Marcus isn’t the leader.”

Quinton shook his head. “No. He’s the main cause of many of the problems we’ve had tracking them. Somehow Willis hooked up with him, and got to him to believe his crap. I’m guessing together their broken minds came up with this new take over the world scheme.”

“It’s usually just trying to take over this realm.” Michael said over his shoulder.

“If it was just here, it would be a hell of a lot easier to catch him.” Daxx said with a thoughtful tone.

I glanced to the front of the group to see the twin kings walking together, speaking quietly. “So, is there a protocol to be followed with this council?”

Quinton shrugged. “Technically we’re higher on the food chain then they are…”

“But they do warrant a certain degree of respect, considering their ages and status.” Michael finished.

“Someone sit near me that knows their names.” Rafael said looking around. “If I have to address one of them, I never know the name.”

“They all start with elder, if that helps.” Leone patted him on the shoulder. “I’ll sit next to you, just nudge me if I do that blank out thing. Sitting with them staring at me is worse than fifth grade when the teacher asked a question and you were too busy zoning out to pay attention.”

“Then don’t sit near Chase or Troy, and they won’t even notice you’re there.” Arius said in passing as he went to speak to the kings.

“I hope they don’t ask me anything.” Crissy said, a worried look on her face. “I have too many answers.”

“That’s still better than having none, because you have a voices in your head distracting you.” Leone complained.

She grinned. “No voices, just pictures.”

Everyone stopped walking and stood there. I looked to see the kings waiting by a large door. Troy held out his hand to Daxx, she went to him and took it. Chase turned to me and did the same. Hesitantly, I took it.

“The four of us sit first.” Troy said turning back to the door.

I expected more instruction, but instead Chase opened the door and we walked into a large chamber. It consisted of two long tables. One with twelve undecorated wooden chairs and the second had at least twenty chairs, adorned with suns and moons.

Chase led me to one of the center chairs and motioned for me to sit down. After sitting, I glanced to see Troy and Daxx sit beside us. The kings next to one another. The others stood in front of their chairs.

The fact that Chase continued to hold my hand under the table lead me to believe he didn’t want to be here at all, or he was holding onto me so I couldn’t run, I wasn’t sure which.

A door on the opposite side opened and the elders filed through it. They all looked older, but I wouldn’t have said any looked near to a thousand, although I had no reference to be certain. Most had white hair and wore unadorned black robes.

“I feel like I’m in a sci-fi movie.” Daxx whispered.

I bit my lip so I wouldn’t grin.

“Should have worn long sleeves, brother.” Troy said turning to look at him.

Chase gave him a curious look, but didn’t say anything.

Once the twelve were in front of their chairs, they bowed in a slow, formal manner. As they were raising their heads to sit, the rest of the brothers sat down.

A woman with a long white braid seated at the center of the elders smiled. “Your majesties.” She bowed her head again. “It is an honor to be here.” Her blue eyes moved over the eleven of us. “It has been over one hundred years since a formal council was called.” I noted she looked at Quinton when she said that. She nodded her head abruptly to him, and then looked back to the kings.

“Thank you for assembling so quickly, Elder Varus.” Troy said in a regal tone.

She smiled. “We were very pleased to do so.”

“Tell us, Night King, what is so dire that we had to assemble without notice?” A man with squinty brown eyes and very thin grey hair said loudly. “As you can see, we stopped to attire ourselves according to tradition, I see you did not.”

Troy glanced to Chase, who sat forward.

“We didn’t waste time getting our formal wear out, Elder Roan, the things we have just discovered were too important to wait.” Chase told him, looking bored.

“I see.” Elder Roan appraising him and then glanced to me, squinting further. “Perhaps my eyes are failing me, which can happen at my age, Day King, but I don’t see your mate’s mark and yet you have a woman at your side wearing the Queen of Light’s pendant.”

I turned to look at Chase, not so much waiting for an answer, but the Queen part was something I hadn’t been informed of in all of this mate talk.

“Told you to wear long sleeves.” Troy whispered.

Chase looked to him. “Would have been nice if you’d said why.” He said in a hushed tone. Clearing his throat, he looked back to Elder Roan. “I realize it is breaking tradition to give the pendant before the mark,” He looked down the table at the other elders, “it couldn’t be helped, as my mate had been approached by Marcus’s followers and has been getting information for us.” He waved his hand in a carefree way. “Had she born my mark, this would not have been possible.”

Elder Roan sat back and glanced to those sitting near him. “Are you certain that she is your only true mate?”

Chase sneered at him. “As certain as I am that I hope to die in battle at the age of nine hundred and ninety-nine, so I’m never called to sit where you are.”

Troy smirked and then gave his brother a wide-eyed look.

I just looked at the table, not sure what the reaction was going to be with Chase, more or less, telling him to get stuffed.

A man with white streaks through his dark hair frowned. “Is it wise to put your mate into such a dangerous position?”

Chase took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

Before he could reply, the woman at the end with white hair spiked in a brush cut, spoke. “Elder Moire, do you really believe the prophecy would have spoken of meek women that needed coddling as the mates to the royal brothers?” She snorted. “Perhaps your old memory is failing you, but the female warriors in our history have always been, and will always be, the true strength of Alterealm.”

Chase and Troy put their heads down, probably to hide the grins on their faces.

“I wasn’t suggesting the queen was meek, Elder Drusla. I was just taken back that such chances would be taken.” He sat back looking much like a chastised child.

Chase cleared his throat. “I can assure you every precaution possible was taken to ensure her safety.”

Elder Drusla gave an abrupt nod and sat back. There was no doubt in my mind, with the way she held herself, she was a woman that had seen many battles in her time.

The man with long wavy grey hair and pale green eyes held up his hand and leaned forward. “I really must ask,” he looked to me with an anxious expression, “we have spent hundreds, too many hundreds, of years trying to solve the mystery of the second twin king’s prophecy.” He smiled at me. “You have an ability. What is it my queen, if I may be so bold to ask?”

I glanced to Chase, he gave me a nod and whispered. “Elder Nodin.”

I looked back to the man and offered an awkward smile. “I am an empath, Elder Nodin.”

“Ah.” He threw up his hands and glanced down the table to the woman with the spiked hair. “Of course, it all makes sense now.”

“Perhaps we could get to the point of the meeting. I’m sure the royal family did not call it to settle bets and clear up queries.” The man seated next to the woman with the long braid said. His white hair was pulled back tightly, his face appeared to be etched and emotionless, his dark eyes cold. Turning, he glanced to Victor and it became clear that the two were connected.

“Elder Segos,” Victor said loudly, “there are many reasons this meeting was called today. To start, we have discovered who is truly behind the illegal devices and the challenges we have been facing.”

“Please continue, Justice.” He said inclining his head.

Victor glanced to his king brothers, both gave him a slight nod.

“Alona,” he looked to me, “our Queen of Light, was able to obtain a meeting with the key members of this mad scheme.”

“Marcus was not the perpetrator?” Elder Segos asked.

“While he was involved at the highest level, he was not at the head of it.” Victor said in a low tone.

“Are these members known to us?” Elder Varus asked, her blue eyes wide.

“I’m afraid most of them are.” Arius said quietly. “We knew there had to be more, when they continued to elude us after we took Marcus and the witch into custody.”

“You were able to get information from Marcus?” A man that seemed to be the youngest at the table asked. His hair was still brown and eyes gentle.

“I was not, Elder Landry.” Arius told him.

“Who are the others?” Elder Nodin asked, leaning forward on the table in front of him.

Troy cleared his throat. “Willis Hubert seems to be at the head of it all.”

The shock on their faces was clear, all twelve of them.

“As well as the mage Davis, Nelson and his sister Eunice.” Troy finished.

“Him… again.” A woman with fading red hair said. “We had hoped in all these years he had crawled under a rock somewhere and expired.” She said venomously. “Nelson and Eunice have always been right on his heels.” She looked down the table at another woman who hadn’t spoken yet. Her eyes were a washed out grey, almost appearing white. “You couldn’t see this coming, Elder Faran?”

The woman turned and looked at her slowly. “No, Elder Udela, I’m afraid it doesn’t come with a channel guide that I can just tune into.” She turned and looked to Crissy. “As I’m sure our Seer of Truth can attest to, visions come when they’re ready, not when you want them to.”

Crissy nodded. “I wished they came with a guide.” She sighed, “Or at least instructions.”

Elder Faran gave her a soft look. “Your burden is much greater than mine, as I only see select events to come, but I have no doubt you can bear the weight of it.”

Crissy glanced to Victor and then back to her and nodded. I was shocked that was all she was going to say.

“Do we know what Willis is trying to accomplish? I’m presuming the illegal devices was not the overall objective.” A man with black and white hair and eyes almost blacks asked.

“We do, Elder Marinus.” Michael answered. “They are planning to bring down the barrier between our realms. What we need to know is, if that is possible.”

All of the elders turned and talked to one another, no longer sitting motionless. I glanced to Chase and then Troy, both looked concerned, and weren’t taking their eyes off the elders as they waited for the answer. My heart was beating faster in my chest, I may not understand the complexities of this barrier, but knew enough to understand it was the worst possible scenario.

Chase took a hold of my hand under the table again, and brushed his thumb back and forth in a soothing manner. Even while focused on all that was happening, he still noticed when I was stressed. Of course, we were going to be discussing this Queen of Light nonsense, just as soon as we found out if the world needed to be saved from maniacal lunatics.

He leaned closer to me. “You can stab me later for being a bad boy, again.”

I turned to see him smirking at me. “You can count on it, your majesty.” I whispered back.

The elders quieted again as the woman seated near the end held up her hand. She had white, curly hair and just looking at her, I knew she was a science person. All she lacked was a pair of glasses and a pocket protector to fit the stereotype of geek.

“While I’m not one hundred percent certain the entire barrier could be taken down, even if they managed a portion of it, the result would be chaos… for both realms.”

“Do you know what they would need to do this, Elder Arian?” Quinton asked.

She shook her head, “No, Captain, I don’t know the precise list of items needed to do it, but I can find out.” Looking down the table of royals, she cocked her head to the side. “What was said to lead you to believe this is what they are intending to do?” She shrugged. “It may assist me in my conclusions.”

Chase sat forward again. “When my Queen was speaking with them, they said they’d discovered a way to open the barrier so anyone can come and go.” He looked to me briefly, “that it would take complex technology, and they have research labs set up and are doing trial runs.”

Elder Arian nodded her head slowly. “So, they have started trials already.” She shook her head. “That’s not a good sign, they may have found a method to make it possible.”

“Elder Arian, my expertise isn’t science, but even I understand that this method would, more than likely, be quite violent and intrusive.” The only elder that hadn’t spoken said. His pale brown eyes were showing concern.

“You are correct, Elder John, there would be casualties on both sides,” she held up her hand as if she were pausing to think, “I’m not certain on the radius, but it would take a great force and any in that area would be gravely injured, or killed.”

“Do we know where this place is? Where they’d have to blow a hole?” Rafael asked to no particular elder.

Elder Arian shook her head. “Any number of areas could be plausible.” She paused for a moment. “The barrier isn’t a physical barrier, so to speak. It’s a presence of sorts, and the exact workings of it are too complex to explain in a brief meeting.”

“Not to mention, we’d all fall asleep while she explained it.” Elder Drusla said with a smirk.

Ignoring her comment, Elder Arian continued. “I will speak to the scholars once this council has ended, and find out if I can bring back any useful information.”

“Thank you, Elder Arian.” Elder Varus said then looked to Troy and Chase. “There’s more?” Her brows were furrowed together.

Troy inclined his head. “There is.” He glanced to Chase, like he wasn’t sure what to tell them next.

“With some other facts my mate found, we’ve come to a realization.” Chase said, giving my hand a squeeze under the table. “There was talk of those women born to the other side, with one parent from our realm…” He turned and looked at me, uncertainty on his face.

I realized he wasn’t sure how to explain it. I turned and looked at the elder I believed was in charge. “Elder Varus, it was plainly suggested that once I joined their ranks in this ludicrous quest, that I meet as many males as possible from Alterealm, with the end goal of procreation, as they’ve realized those with one human parent can breed with someone other than their true mate.” I cleared my throat, feeling a bit nervy speaking to them. “I caught a spike in emotions during this conversation that leads me to believe the women, not as useful as myself would not be given as much leniency or freedom of choice in mating with someone.”

“We haven’t seen any women during any of the skirmishes since the first one, either.” Daxx added, backing me up.

“I seen a baby… in my head, before Alona was found.” Crissy said suddenly. “I thought it might have been her, because her father didn’t know she existed… but the aura around it… I know now, was all wrong for that.” She nodded.

I looked back to see most of the elders seemed to understand what she said. I clearly had some Crissy speak to learn.

Elder Varus glanced to Chase. “When we spoke last, you said their numbers were three hundred or more?”

Chase nodded.

“Do we know how many of these are woman, such as your mate?” She asked him.

He shook his head. “We do not.”

I sat forward. “Regardless of being born to one human parent… I believe even just human women will be at risk in this faction of… lunatics.”

“I tend to agree with the Queen of Light.” Elder Udela said quietly. “The very suggestion of this transpiring is barbaric, and must be dealt with.”

“Yes, Elder Udela, we can all agree on that, but the question remains… how?” Elder Faran inquired.

“Alona…” Michael glanced to me, “has set up a project to find more lost to the other side, like herself.” He paused. “So, we can find them before Willis does.”

“Do you see this working?” Elder Roan asked, the scepticism clear in his tone.

“We already found one.” Crissy said quickly. “I’m just working on finding out who they are now.” She nodded. “Like I did with Emil, who went through many names in three hundred years.”

“I was a little disappointed your lost brother wasn’t with you today.” The soft-spoken Elder Landry said.

Troy cleared his throat. “He is still adjusting to the fact that nothing he knew was all of the truth.”

“He’s had children?” Elder Faran asked.

Troy nodded slowly. “Yes, three of the five have lived beyond a human lifespan, Elder Faran.”

“They will need to be found.” She stated with no further explanation.

“Are you planning to just bring all you find to Alterealm? Without knowing them?” Elder Segos queried in a cold tone.

“Not at all, Elder Segos,” Victor replied in a tone much the same. “Our Day King’s mate has set up a safe house for them, and we will monitor each recovered.”

Elder Segos gave an abrupt nod. “Very wise.”

Elder Faran turned quickly and looked at Leone. “Enforcer, you are well?”

Leone straightened and inclined his head in neither a nod mor denial of the question. “I have been having a few issues, that can’t be explained.” He finally said.

“Perhaps some time in solitude would help to clear the matter up.” The elder suggested with a smile.

“I will consider it, Elder Faran.” He slumped back in his chair again.

“Warden of Justice, when we spoke a few days past, you were concerned with this plot to barter the release of Marcus the mage and his human witch, have you found out more pertaining to this?” The warrior, Elder Drusla asked.

I leaned forward wondering who she was talking to.

Arius shook his head. “We have not learned more.”

“I was told they expect Marcus to be free in no more than a week or two.” I informed them.

Elder Drusla studied me for a moment. “They did not hint at how they’re going to do this, aside from trading someone?”

I shook my head. “I fear they weren’t chatty enough with those details.”

“The outcome of that plot is in the hands of fate.” Elder Faran said thoughtfully.

Several of the elders turned to look at her, a look of contemplation on their faces.

“Indeed.” Elder Varus said quietly.

“Night King, we have been studying the prophecies to ascertain which Marcus the mage believes is his. We have not been able to unravel why he believes he is important enough to think he has one.” Elder Nodin said looking to Troy.

“Criss… the Seer of Truth hasn’t had any luck there either.” Troy told them.

“I’m beginning to think he misinterpreted a prophecy, and thought it was meant for him. Now that we know Willis Hubert is in the picture, can assume Marcus was nudged in his misguided t conclusion in service of Hubert’s cause.” The elder said, glancing to the others for their thoughts.

“It would fit his past transgressions.” Elder John agreed.

“I also see that as a probable outcome.” The squinting Elder Roan added.

Crissy shook her head. “None of them fit for Marcus, I have read them all…” she tapped the side of her head, “they’re in here now and nothing comes to me.”

“You remember all that you read?” Elder Udela asked her.

Nodding, Crissy sighed, “read and see… it’s all up here.” She tapped her had again.

“How exhausting.” Elder Faran said, giving her a sympathetic look.

Crissy shrugged. “It’s just me.”

“Indeed.” Elder Segos said glancing to Victor and then to his tattooed arm, an emotion crossing his face that made it appear to soften for a brief moment.

Elder Varus looked down the table of brothers, a contemplative expression on her face, she stopped at Daxx. “Your arrival has been much celebrated, Huntress Queen, I pray I am still of this plane when the next chapter unfolds.”

Daxx glanced to Troy with one eyebrow cocked and then offered the elder a polite smile.

“If that is all, we have much to research to help with your fight.” Elder Arian said looking all too excited, considering the details we’d just shared.

“We will find out if there is anything to assist you.” Elder Moire inclined his head to us and then stood.

“If I may be so bold,” Elder Nodin said softly, “perhaps not mixing with those working with Willis Hubert may be advisable, my Queen of Light.”

Despite his calling me that title, I nodded. “I have no intentions to see them again, Elder Nodin, but thank you for your concern.”

Elder Roan stood up and smiled at me. “I am delighted you are so properly spoken, my queen,” he gave Chase a hard glance, “I believe you will have a hard task before you to instill some of that in your… king.” He stood up and bowed. “Your majesties.” Then turned and walked to the door, and stood waiting for the others.

Elder Segos stood up and looked at Victor, “I do miss our sparring, Justice.” He smirked. “Although I fear you would surpass the teacher by now.”

Victor stood as well and bowed slightly. “I highly doubt that, Elder Segos.”

With a nod the elder went to the door.

As we stood up, Elder Faran paused and turned, she looked to Leone.

“Enforcer.” She waited until Leone looked to her. “Your questions will have answers soon.” She smiled. “I feel it.”

Leone took a deep breath, like he was going to speak, but then inclined his head and said nothing at all.

When the last Elder went out and the door was closed, Chase looked around. “Well, that was as fun as ever.” He smiled. “Anyone care for a drink before you all run off to nap?”

There were several positive responses.

He glanced to me. “I may need two by the time our Queen of Light is done with me.”

“You could have warned me.” I said and then glanced to the others. “Any of you.”

“In our defense,” Quinton said carefully, “we don’t get hung up on all the titles.” He shrugged. “I forgot that pendant on your neck came with such a large one.” He smirked.

I lifted the pendant in my hand. “The weight of it increases each time I wear it.” I reached to undo it and Chase stopped me with a shake of his head.

“Best leave it for now. Their digging is going to light a fire under a lot of asses, and people will be racing around the halls all over the place.” He gave me a serious look. “I’d rather you hate me for not telling you it’s meaning, than have you detained as a trespasser.”

Troy nodded. “He’s right. Everyone keep theirs on for the time being.”

“Uh.” Leone groaned. “People will be bowing their heads every time we walk by them.”

“Really?” Daxx asked, her hand on her pendant. “Like, everyone everyone?”

“Afraid so, kitten… you have to play the queen sometimes, it can’t always be stabbing and kicking.” Chase said with a smirk.

“Awesome.” Daxx mumbled and motioned to the door. “About those drinks.”