However, Bane had provoked her on behalf of the Demon Council.
“For those I haven’t met, I’m SSSabine Bloodwyne, but you may call me Sabine. This is not out of friendlinesssss but rather my own preference. I will call you by your last names out of formality if you wish, and you shall call me by my firssst for the same reason.” Her voice was like ice, stabbing into us as she spoke—even with her speech impediment. “I’m here as an executioner and the agent coordinator today.”
“Sabine has called this meeting to address the biggest development after her agent was killed undercover with Dark Veil because of the mole on your council, Renee Bane,” Clearwater explained.
“I’ve turned over Bane to you.” Everglow nodded in respect.
“You have,” Sabine agreed, her eyes softening slightly. “I alssso have a couple of my agents I’d like to introduce you to. They will handle the investigation and dismemberment of Dark Veil.” She gestured to a young man and woman standing next to her at her spot beside a virtual screen at the front of the room.
“I’m Jesper.” The man had long white hair that was pulled halfway back and a razor-like jawline, and he looked extremely competent. Militarized, just like supernatural agents were supposed to be.
“Hi, I’m April,” the woman squeaked. She, however, looked less competent. She had shoulder-length curly brown hair and brown eyes that were filled with wonder as she looked up at the man she stood beside.
She definitely had a crush on him. I could sense that from her soul when she looked at him. The man, though, did not feel the same way. In fact, it was the opposite. He did not like being around her at all.
“Jesssper is new to this position,” Sabine explained, “but he’s the most advanced, most intelligent agent we’ve had graduate from Apex Elite Academy in a long time. He’sss a dragon and a field agent.”
Jesper nodded his head respectfully toward Sabine, awkwardly taking a step back, away from both Sabine and April.
It seemed they made him uncomfortable.
“April is a sssecond-year student at Apex Elite Academy. She’s also a vampire,” Sabine told us. “She’s just shadowing Jesper for this mission, though. She had the highest marks on the first year final, and the top five students who do are permitted to shadow missions in their second year for one of their classes. Usually, only fourth year students are permitted to.”
“I studied hard,” April sighed dreamily at Jesper, who looked as uncomfortable as his soul felt. “And I appreciate the opportunity.”
“The reason I’ve brought my agents into this cassse is simply because I do not trust the Demon Council anymore. The agent your mole got killed wasss a friend of mine,” she told us with a small crack in her voice. “I already have my agents infiltrating the cult again and gathering intel. I do not want your council involved in this part.”
“We deeply apologize on behalf of the council.” Death bowed his head in respect. “We understand you not wanting us involved in the infiltration. You have plenty of agents at your disposal while we barely have a council at the moment. We are disappointed in ourselves, frankly.”
“We were just as surprised to have a mole,” Joel murmured bitterly. “My infiltration failed with me being captured, anyway. Be aware of any magic you use to conceal identities. Sybil Shaw found mine out with one glimpse.”
“We aren’t using magic to conceal anything. We have an agent who specializes in undercover missions,” Sabine explained.
“Sybil Shaw is strong enough to spot any magical manipulation without effort,” Grimsworn uttered.
“Bane tried to kill me,” Everglow whispered. “I trusted her, and she betrayed me. All of us. She is yours to punish.”
Vengeance bubbled through Sabine as she nodded, and she gave Everglow a bloodthirsty smile.
“You should seek vengeance for your agent in blood,” I declared, agreeing with the others.
“I intend to.” Sabine clapped her hands three times, and the sound echoed through the room.
The agents dipped their heads and disappeared from the room for a few seconds before coming back, dragging Renee Bane by her arms into the room and forcing her onto her knees in front of Sabine.
She was shackled with tourmalyke, and she lookedpissed.
Anger slithered through me. I’d trusted her, too. We’d worked beside Bane for years—and my dad had as well before me. How long had she been a traitor?
Bane turned her head to us, tears of hate spilling from her green eyes. “Blackthistle was the only loyal companion I made of you lot.” Her gaze landed on Reed, and she lunged unsuccessfully.“You!”
The agents forced her down again, not letting her up from her knees.
“Charlotte was my godchild!” she screeched at Reed. “Her mother was my best friend! She sacrificed herself earlier than planned when Charlotte had her heart ripped out in her sleep. Don’t think we don’t know you did it!”
“I did do it.” Reed shifted closer to Pandora, who placed a hand on his shoulder. “Your godchild was as evil as you are.”
Unadulterated anger surged through her, palpable in the air even though her magic was useless with those shackles on. “I will kill you!”
