“I think these are good questions,” says Selene thoughtfully. “Besides, how do we even know he has another gathering planned so soon after the last one?”
“Because he’s going use this as some sort of coronation ceremony,” says Morgan.
“Coronation?” Lake frowns. “You mean like a king?”
“He’s crowning himself king of the vampires?” Darick looks outraged. “That…that’s fucking unbelievable.”
“Does it surprise you?” Soren asks.
“Nothing that man does surprises me.” Marina snorts. She’s in her element out here on the water, her skin almost luminescent, her eyes glowing. They’re flashing with anger right now.
“It does, however, give an ideal opportunity to launch a full-scale attack. Both from without and from within. And it’s our allies on the inside who will give us the greatest advantage.” Morgan looks around at us.
He has a good point. It would give us a strategic advantage.
“And how do you know that he doesn’t have suspicions about your people already?” Darick asks.
“They’re not my people,” Morgan counters. “These are individuals with vested interests in seeing this through. They will have taken every possible measure to cover their tracks and hide their intentions.”
“And you’re sure of this?” It’s Soren now.
“I am ninety percent sure, yes.” Morgan nods.
What about the other ten percent?
I want to ask it, but I don’t. I’ve launched attacks with worse odds. And right now, this is probably our best bet.
“But what about Gran?” Kara asks. “We can’t forget about her.”
“Of course we won’t forget about her, Kara.” Morgan looks dismissive. As if her question is irrational. His attitude makes me bristle. “She’s next on our list. Her and the High Priestess.”
“But we don’t even know where they are,” says Rowan.
“Lucien’s grown complacent,” Morgan says, smirking. “He’s still keeping both Evelyn and Seraphina at the gallery, believing himself untouchable.”
I catch a spike of emotion from Kara before she speaks. It should be a warning of what’s to come, but it’s still a shock when she says her next words.
“Then we split our forces.” Her voice is steady, controlled. “While you launch the assault on the Blood Assembly, my sisters and I can rescue Gran and Seraphina.”
“No! I—” My objection rises instantly, but I swallow it back. Any protest now would reveal too much. Around the table, heads nod in agreement. Darick’s expression is particularly thoughtful as he considers the strategy. He sends a knowing look my way, and I sink back into my seat.
Shit. This is not the time for emotional outbursts.
“It’s tactically sound,” Soren agrees, and I can feel control of the situation slipping away. “As long as they get in and out as quickly as possible. There’ll be no time to waste.”
“I think you should go with them, Soren,” Lake adds. “In case Mia…” He glances at his daughter, who pinches out a small, apologetic smile.
In case the dark magic consumes her…
“Yes,” Soren concedes. “I’ll keep a handle on things.” His smile at Mia is gentle. Reassuring. She’s afraid of using her power. But more afraid of what might happen if she can’t help.
“I’ll go with them, too,” I hear myself saying.Fuck. It’s going to raise questions. I can practically hear their minds ticking over. Selene is watching me, narrow-eyed.
“We need you with us, Marcus,” says Darick, and I want to punch him in the mouth. “That’s where the action will be. Your skills will be invaluable.”
“Of course.” I nod. “Wherever I’m needed most.”
Fuck. Fuck!
