Page 95 of Blood Seeker

But no one ever looked back at the coliseum. It served no practical purpose. Just as they didn’t anticipate eavesdroppers lurking about, because all the Seraphim believed in serving the council, not questioning them.

It was a perfect society of silent compliance.

Except for the few—like her—who saw through the inhumane treatment.

Murmurs touched the air, words flowing between councilmen and councilwomen as they walked and misted out of the infamous theater-like structure.

A few voiced irrelevant comments.

She ignored them, waiting for the signs of an edict being issued.

When Adriel appeared, her spine stiffened. A pair of warrior Seraphim immediately flew down to meet him.

Leek and Kital.

The former was Adriel’s oldest son—a Seraphim Gabriel had bested in a fight three decades ago. The other, Kital, was within his line, but a much younger generation and not as highly ranked as Leek.

“An abomination and her offspring have been taken to a warded complex in The Bahamas. We need you to retrieve them.”

Vera’s eyes widened. How do they know?

“The coordinates aren’t clear, but three of the Fates were able to pinpoint it to a general location. I recommend you take Patreel and Arvane with you. They’re two of our best trackers.”

“Of course, Councilman. Are we to bring the abominations back alive or dead?”

“Alive is preferred, as we would like to run a few tests, but if they prove difficult, then corpses are accepted.”

“Consider it done,” Leek replied.

Adriel nodded, then looked up to the sky. “You’re dismissed.”

The two warriors misted without a word.

No other comments or edicts were delivered, confirming Hydria was safe for now. However, Elizabeth and her child were in serious danger.

Vera texted a summary to Mateo, then she headed to the Caribbean to deliver the bad news.

Fortunately, several of them had experience in hiding those they cared about.

This situation would be no different.

An incoming message buzzed her phone as she landed in the sand outside the manor, the number belonging to Osiris. I’ll take care of the warrior Seraphim to buy you some time.

She blinked at his words just as a second message vibrated through from the same number.

I suggest you move them to Iceland. Skye and Ezekiel will help protect them.

She agreed with a nod, then started her journey inside, all the while preparing herself for a complex conversation about truths and lies.

Some promises were meant to be broken.

Others were made to bend.

But she was about to shatter them all.

And would likely pay the ultimate price.