We’re led into an all too familiar room, and I try to shove away the memories that come surging back of the last time we were here. I can practically see Lachlan and his coven sitting off to the side of the room like they were last time. Images of my Chosen being forced away from me flash before my eyes, and I have to breathe deeply and let the panic and anger that surges through me settle.
There’s a table where I sat last time and then the viewing area behind it, where the guys sat. I move to stand in front of the table, and my Chosen, dad, and Sorik arrange themselves on each side of me. Paladin settle into guard positions throughout the room, and thankfully we’re not made to wait long before the door to the side of the elevated seats the elders like to sit in, opens.
The big Polynesian-looking Elder Kowka walks out first. I have to stop myself from rubbing the rune I now have because I magicjacked it from him. He’s followed by Elder Nypan, who offers me a wide friendly smile. A younger gentleman walks out next, mushroom brown hair and dark chocolate eyes taking all of us in. He must be a replacement for Elder Balfour or Elder Albrecht now that they’re dead.
Elder Cleary walks in fourth, his blue eyes immediately searching for his son. His brow furrows when he quickly notices that neither Enoch nor his coven are here. And lastly a familiar face joins the elders up on their dais of power. I give him a warm smile, and Paladin Ender quickly mirrors it.
“How much arm twisting was involved to get you to say yes to this gig?” I ask him, amusement ringing in my tone.
He chortles and looks over at his compeer, Elder Cleary. “I don’t think anyone was more surprised by my getting voted in than me,” he admits.
“So who’s in charge of the paladin now?” I ask.
“Still me while we vet potential replacements,” he answers with a tired smile.
Elder Cleary clears his throat and sends me and Paladin—or I guess he’s now Elder Ender—a look that says it’s time to get down to business.
I take a deep breath and wait.
“I see my son is not with you?” Elder Cleary starts.
“No, he and his coven stayed back to help with things there. I’m sure when he’s able to call you, he will,” I reassure him, and I can see concern leak out of his gaze.
“And exactly where is thethereyou’re referring to?” Elder Kowka asks.
“Thereis Tierit, which we also call Sentinel City. And as far as its exact location...that’s none of your business,” I answer.
The termSentineldoesn’t seem to confuse any of the elders the way it did the paladin outside in the parking garage, and I figure it’s safe to conclude that Elder Cleary has let them all in on what I am.
“We are your elders. You are required to answer our questions or face the consequences for refusal. You’d do well to remember that,” Elder Kowka snaps at me.
“Actually…” Valen interjects. “We are a Diplomatic Envoy on behalf of the Sentinels of Tierit. You are speaking to Vinna Aylin of the Quorum, and the Right Hand to the Sovereign who rules over all Sentinels. And you’d do well to remember that,” he finishes, glaring at Elder Kowka.
“Boom! Mic drop,”Knox announces in my mind, and I have to try hard not to laugh. I look over and notice all my Chosen are working to keep smiles off their faces too. Elder Kowka narrows his eyes slightly but keeps his mouth shut. He looks over at Elder Clearly like he’s no longer sure what to do. Elder Cleary leans back in his seat and studies us.
“So there are more?” Elder Nypan asks, his tone filled with awe.
“There are,” I answer simply, loving the fact that it’s true.
“And what is the purpose of your Diplomatic Envoy?” the elder I don’t know asks.
“To establish relationships with other supernatural races and help pave the way for the safety of Sentinels in this world,” Sabin recounts.
We sound legit as fuck, and I can’t help the pride I feel looking over at my Chosen as we claim our seat at the table.
“Silva described you as catatonic, Paladin Aylin. I’m glad to see he was wrong,” Elder Cleary states, changing the subject.
“That’s Sentinel Aylin, Elder Cleary, and no one is as glad as I am that I’m perfectly well,” my dad responds, and I don’t miss the bite in his tone.
“Where is Silva?” Bastien asks.
“He is out on assignment with his new coven,” Elder Ender answers simply.
Bastien looks over at me, and I shake my head. He was right. They’re not going to punish his uncle for what he did. Irritation bubbles up inside of me.
“Well, you guys won’t be the only deciding factor when it comes to shit like that anymore,” I announce.
“And exactly what does that mean?” Elder Cleary demands.
