Seth relaxed his head down on the pillow, feeling suddenly tired. A soft kiss was on his forehead, and he fell into a peaceful sleep.
CHAPTER 72
ROME
“Iwant to thank the two of you for meeting with me today,” Sean said.
Adria glanced at Helen, who responded with a curt, “Of course.”
Their three Right hands stood against the cavern walls. The bodies of Alessandro and Callen were gone, and the blood that once stained the floor had vanished. Adria’s gaze lingered at the pool’s edge, a reminder of the darkness that had transpired.
Miss Federov, I know we’ve had our differences, but I wanted to call this meetin’ as a way to take a clean step forward—a bit o’ transparency, so to speak.”
Adria forced a warm smile, her heart racing with uncertainty. “Please, Sean, call me Adria.”
Sean nodded. “And, Helen, I hope there’s no hard feelin’s now. When Alessandro asked me for me vote on Callen, I hadn’t a clue they were mixed up in unsanctioned business.”
Helen’s smile didn’t reach her eyes and her voice was a class on professionalism. “All under the bridge, Sean. I’d like to move forward with a new sense of unity.”
Sean produced a key from his coat pocket. “This is the key to the head seats’ chamber. Normally, I’d go in alone, but I’m with Helen on this one, and I want us movin’ forward as a team. So, I asked ye here to do a sweep of Alessandro’s chambers with me.”
Adria’s mouth fell open in shock. Sean was inviting them into the inner chamber. While doubts about Sean’s loyalties still clung to her, this gesture was beyond anything she had anticipated.
“It would be an honor to attend with you,” Helen said.
As they moved deeper into the chambers, the sounds of water faded, replaced by the echo of their footsteps—subtle yet heavy with unspoken weight.
“I’d say we can schedule Mrs. Winters’s ascension sometime in the next six months,” Sean said. “Let the Nine settle first, then we’ll sort hers—and the open seat after.”
Helen nodded. “Agreed.”
Adria’s heart raced as she found herself nodding along with them; being part of the Triune still felt surreal. She wasn’t accustomed to such casual discussions about the Nine’s inner workings. Adria needed to remind herself to stay vigilant—she could not afford to become an outsider.
After a final turn, Sean halted before a metal door, and Adria’s eyes were glued to the threshold. As it swung open, her preconceived notions melted away.
Old tomes lined the walls, and chest upon chest were stacked in the center. The desk, if one could call it that, to Adria it was just a haphazardly stacked pile of crates, with a chaotic jumble of papers, half-open files, and scattered pens.
Rather than the office of the head of an ancient secret society, it was reminiscent of a mad librarian’s study
Following Sean and Helen into the space, Adria turned, struck dumb by the sight. Papers and images were taped to thewall, creating a web of clues—a display that reminded her of a TV detective show.
“What the hell?” Helen whispered behind her.
“This is an absolute mess,” Sean remarked, taking pointed steps around the room.
“This will take months to sort through,” Helen added, frustration creeping into her voice.
Adria wanted to focus on her comrades, but her eyes noticed a photo beneath a yellowed letter. The image was a woman in a feathered hat. She wore a silver locket around her neck. Adria’s breath caught in her throat—it was her mother’s locket.
Adria read the letter, her heart racing. It was some sort of oath, ending in;
Our reasons are our own—Beneath the stones and under the watched stars. We name ourselves what we are: Keepers of the Veil. Henceforth known as the Nine.
Part of the signature was burned away, but Adria could see the first name clearly:Isadora.
“What do you think he was looking for?” Helen asked from behind her.
“It looks like the Originals’ chamber,” Sean replied.
