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“He won’t be long.”

Lazarus nodded, taking in the sign over the entrance to the main chamber where meetings were held. He frowned.

“Can you read Swiss German?”

“I cannot, but the message is implied.”

Dane didn’t know what the sign said, but he imagined it had to do with religion or submission.

Lazarus crossed the corridor, stopping just in front of the double doors. His stare dropped to the bench and his hand trembled as he reached out to touch the wood, exactly where Adriel used to sit.

“My daughter has been here in this exact place.”

“Many times.” It was her bench. The Bishop had put it there upon her insistence. “She liked to listen to the meetings. Females weren’t allowed inside unless summoned by the elders.”

Lazarus appeared confused by such a rule. “Why?”

Dane shrugged. “They have primitive beliefs.”

His frown deepened. “And my daughter accepted this?”

“Not really.” He chuckled. “She challenged them every chance she got.” He looked at the bench. “She was also good at psychometry.”

Adriel had a gift for tracing the ephemeral passing of living things, which was likely how Lazarus knew she’d been there.

He smiled. “She did?”

“Yeah. Guess she inherited that from you.”

A wave of pride radiated from him just as the doors to the private offices opened. “Dane,” the Bishop greeted with guarded curiosity. Cain followed silently. The Bishop extended a hand to Lazarus. “Good afternoon. I’m Eleazar King.”

“Lazarus Schrock.”

“So it’s true. You’re Adriel’s father?”

“Yes.”

Eleazar looked at Dane. “Is she?—”

“Cerberus found her.”

The Bishop’s expression shuttered. “I’m sorry to hear that. I had hoped…”

“I appreciate your sympathy, but we haven’t much time,” Lazarus said, getting right to business. “My daughter’s in danger, and we require all the help we can get. I’m told she has a son.”

“Christian will certainly assist you. But if you’re enlisting help, I’d like to also offer myself. I’ve faced Cerberus before. Three won’t be enough.”

“We also have my mate and akitsunewitch.”

Eleazar frowned. “You’re working with a witch?”

“We are.”

“Is that wise?”

“Juniper is under my protection. As is Dane.”

“I see.” The Bishop studied Dane, but when he tried to probe into his memories, Lazarus stepped in front of him.