Page 84 of A Silent Prodigy for the Lycan Princess

“Can you zoom in?” Emilien asks. When Zoé does so, he points at the guy’s eyes. “One of his eyes is partly green.”

“Heterochromia,” I exclaim.

“Could that be contact lenses?”

“No,” I say. “It’s just a spot that’s green. That would be hard to fake.”

Behind us, the door opens slightly, and Eric steps in. “Emilien linked me,” he says when we look at him in surprise. “He told me you had two major finds.”

“One new body that was found last week,” Leila mutters. “And then this,” she adds, pointing at the screen.

Eric stares at the two pictures while Zoé explains her find to him and also who Annette is. “Goddess,” Eric mutters. “I know the guy. His name is Denis.”

“What!?” Emilien exclaims.

“I only remember because it was last month and because of his eyes. He is a warrior, a beta.”

“So, our theory is correct,” Aurelia says. “They are starting to abduct betas as well now.”

“Why wasn’t he reported missing?” I ask.

Eric’s eyes flash in anger. “Because,” he says, grabbing his phone, “the alpha reported a rogue attack yesterday. Two of his warriors fell, or so he believes. They were dismembered beyond recognition. Guess who was believed to be one of the fallen warriors?”

“Denis,” I mutter.

“Exactly,” Eric frowns. “Alright, what are your next steps?”

“We need to see the unidentified body to compare it to Claire,” Emilien says.

“And Nox and I need to break into the hospital next to the orphanage, the one with the biggest blood bank,” Aurelia says.

“How much longer do you need to prepare for it?” Eric asks.

“We are prepared,” Aurelia says.

“Tomorrow?”

She nods. “Yes, we can strike anytime. We have a plan.”

“Alright, I will lead you to our IT team. I assume you need the surveillance cameras hacked.”

She nods. “That, and Zoé will need to come with us tomorrow, but she won’t be in danger.” She pauses. “And do you happen to have a fancy white coat? And we would need to know if one of the current doctors or nurses is currently on vacation or sick.”

Eric looks amused. “I see what you are plotting. My IT team will help you.” He turns to Zoé. “Zoé, stay in the chatroom and continue to observe it. I want you to bid on Annette and Denis if possible.”

She nods. “The auctions are up for 72 hours. I will make my bid closer to the end.”

Nox and Aurelia grab their things to follow Eric, while the rest of us hurry to prepare for our tasks. Gustave continues his research on the runes and will act as backup for Zoé, while Emilien and I will go to see the unidentified body.

Chapter twenty-six

Star Gazing

*AURELIA*

Nox and I spend the whole afternoon preparing for our task tomorrow while Arden, Emilien, and Leila head out to the facility. They hope to verify that the tattooed wrists and the little holes in the body are indeed a pattern.

Marius called me and told me that he has a date with the hospital today and will be able to research our potential victims. Shortly afterwards Mom messages me, but not about the case on our hands, rather:Sweetie, just wanted to tell you that today Titan swallowed a chair. No worries, no one got hurt.