I narrowed my eyes at Felix, who was still standing in my way. “Step aside, Felix. I want a council meeting immediately at the great dome.”
“Not until we get our answers.” Felix stood his ground.
My vision darkened and it was taking all my self-control not to maim him. “Step out of my way unless you want me to rip your heart out, something you know I’m perfectly capable of doing.”
“Did you hear that?!” he screamed, throwing his arms in the air. “Our beloved king wants to kill his own subject—one who has fought and bled with him many times before.”
“Yes, you heard correctly. I have no idea what is going on here, but I will get to the bottom of this and I will make sure that whoever is responsible will answer to me. I am Derek Novak and no matter what lies you have brewing in your minds, I am still ruler of this kingdom, so unless you want blood shed right here and right now, every single one of you who isn’t part of the Elite council will return to your homes! Now!”
No matter what they believed about me, I knew how intimidating I could be. The citizens of The Shade had seen me in my darkest moments. They knew what I was capable of, that when darkness took over me, I could destroy a whole battalion of our best warriors. What they didn’t know was that I was fighting with every fiber of my being not to let the darkness take over. I can’t afford that.
Even as I spoke and watched the crowd scatter, I was trying to imagine Sofia standing right beside me, trying to consider what she would think and what she would say about my actions. I could practically sense her hand on my arm, keeping my temper in check.
I drew a breath. I miss you so much, Sofia. I could only hope she felt the same way. I wouldn’t be able to stand the idea of you hating me. I quickly thought back to all those times when she had promised me that she would always be mine. I knew I had her heart. I hope she knew that she had mine.
Xavier stepped out of the port and watched as the crowd slowly disappeared. Felix was shifting his weight from one foot to the other, obviously not knowing what to do once he lost the power of the crowd. I didn’t give him the satisfaction of throwing him a glare. As far as I was concerned, he was too small in the grand scheme of things to ever be worth my time or my anger.
Xavier blew out a whistle. “You always did have a way with crowds, Novak… It’s amazing how easy it is for you to both attract and repel them.”
Despite the tension of the situation, I looked his way and grinned. “I can’t believe you would doubt me, my friend.”
“I’m sorry that we did.” Xavier shrugged. “But it’s been crazy in here since the news of the fall of The Oasis broke out.”
“Let’s discuss it at the dome. It seems we have a lot of issues to take into consideration.” I looked Cameron and Liana’s way. “Could you make sure that Corrine and the human leaders are informed that I have returned? I want them present at the council meeting.”
I mentally tapped myself on the shoulder for keeping up a good act of leadership and control even though I was fighting my own battles inside. I scoped my surroundings, heaving a deep sigh. This is just the calm before the storm, Derek. Don’t fool yourself into believing that things are about to get better.
At that moment, the only refuge that calmed the storm inside of me was the image of my beautiful Sofia—her smile, her eyes, the sight of her laughing. I knew then that there was no way I could survive what was to come without her.
What have you done, Derek? What made you think you could get through all of this without her? What are you going to do now?
Hopelessness and despair began to overtake me as I saw the island I fought for—my kingdom—for what it was—a place absolutely devoid of light.
CHAPTER 9: INGRID
The hunters were resentful about how I was ordering them around. I could hear them murmuring amongst themselves, because not only did Aiden allow me to have a shower and a companion, he actually moved not only me, but also the impetuous blonde vampire to our very own quarters.
The bedroom reminded me of my dorm room in college. Two beds, closets, a shared bathroom… It wasn’t the kind of room or space I was used to having, but it certainly was better than the cell. The moment I was brought to the room, I first noticed the sealed windows. Definitely no sunlight coming in through those… The next thing I noticed was the surveillance cameras. They were going to watch our every move. I was certain that the room was bugged so they could hear our every conversation too.
I didn’t really care. I grabbed a towel from a closet and stripped to my underwear, looking up at one of the cameras before striking a pose and winking at whoever was watching me.
I then stepped into the bathroom and took a long bath. By the time I stepped out, Claudia was already seated on one of the beds, a blank expression on her face.
I wasn’t pleased about spending time with the little twerp, but I guess she had to do. I fought the urge to roll my eyes at the petty conversations I was certain I’d have to endure with her.
I got dressed, not really caring who saw me naked before taking a seat on the bed across from hers. I perused her form as I towel dried my hair. I could tell that just like me, she wasn’t given any favors when it came to personal hygiene either.
“Aren’t you going to have a bath?” I asked.
She sighed haplessly. “Maybe later.” She then stared at me in a way that really irritated me.
“What?” I snapped at her.
“You’re Ingrid Maslen. Sofia’s mother.”