Page 79 of Storm of Secrets and Sorrow

The stone walls of the House of Four branched off into four distinct wings, each painted with a symbol of the four clans. Before they reached the House though, they came to a single story structure, the stone sanded so smooth, it looked like marble. This was their meeting house. Their own version of the tribunal building in the Acropolis. Theon had sent word ahead to have all the clan leaders in attendance, and if they weren’t all here, he was more than prepared to remind them who ruled the Underground.

The Night Child at the door said nothing as he and Axel strolled into the building. Katya had stayed behind with Luka as well. Axel didn’t want her near the Night Children, and Theon agreed. He wouldn’t put it past the clan leaders to try to barter for her.

Theon led the way, striding straight into the circular meeting chamber and coming to a stop in the very center. The clan leaders were all here, each staring back at him with varying degrees of interest. Henry had short brown hair, his nearly black eyes narrowed in annoyance. Rayell had blonde hair, cut short and dyed with streaks of pink. Her bright green eyes danced with mischief. Cade had blonde hair too, but his hair hung to his shoulders. Numerous tattoos marred his flesh, reminiscent of the Marks that had once adorned his skin as a Legacy. Then there was Bree. The female lounged in her seat, long legs crossed and twirling her shiny onyx hair around her finger as her honey-colored eyes regarded them both. From his studies, he knew she had been in power the longest. The other three had taken the places of previous clan leaders, but Bree was an original.

“The Arius Heirs,” Cade drawled, resting his chin on his fist. “To what do we owe the summons?”

“A rude summons,” Bree added with a slight pout on her red painted lips.

“Rude or not, we summon, you answer,” Theon retorted, letting his shadows drift along the floor like a fine mist.

“Well?” Cade repeated, sounding utterly bored. “Let’s hear it then. What can we do for you?”

“Funny,” Axel replied, his hands in his pockets as he rocked back on his heels. “I asked Jagger the same thing yesterday.”

Cade straightened. “And?”

Axel shrugged. “He attacked us. Him and a whole host of other vampyres. I’m assuming that was on your orders?”

“I would never tell them to attack the Arius Heirs,” Cade seethed.

“He was part of your clan, no?” Axel asked. “Are you telling me you don’t have control over your clan, Cade?”

Cade’s jaw visibly clenched, and Theon had to admit, Axel knew how to handle the clan leaders perfectly.

“Why don’t you simply ask Jagger yourself?” Henry cut in.

Axel regarded him with the briefest of glances before looking away dismissively. Henry bristled. The youngest of the clan leaders, Theon knew he hated being seen as less than. Which meant Axel’s next words had the young vampyre seething even more.

“I’m talking to the elder leaders, Henry. I don’t believe that involves you.”

Bree huffed a soft laugh, her keen gaze still fixed on Theon.

“If they’re such great leaders, why did Jagger defect from Cade’s leadership?” Henry spat, leaning forward in his chair.

“Did he now?” Axel asked as if this news was a surprise to him. “Why would he do that?”

Henry fell quiet, suddenly realizing he’d said too much as Cade glared at him.

“How many more have defected from your clans?” Theon asked, his tone far too calm. All the leaders noticed, each of them straightening.

“Better question,” Axel said. “Which clan has the most leaving?”

Bree tsked lightly, getting to her feet. She wore heels that clicked against the stone as she moved, her dress as red as her lips. “Don’t try to pit us against each other, young heir,” she said with a mock simper.

“Then answer our questions without omitting important details,” Axel replied as she came to a stop in front of them.

“You forget your manners, Axel darling,” she cooed, dragging a nail lightly along his jaw.

“You forget your place,” Theon sneered, his darkness latching onto that finger and wrenching it away from his brother.

Her lips formed that pout again. “Always so protective,” she chided. Then she waved a dismissive hand, moving back to her chair. “There are always those who think they do not need the clans. Young and old who believe they can survive better without us.” She smiled widely, her fangs on full display. “They learn soon enough they are wrong, as I’m sure Jagger already has.”

“Still skirting the truth, Bree,” Axel tsked in the same simpering tone. “Jagger spilled some secrets, and I suggest you do the same. They attacked us, and Theon’s Source was severely injured. You know how…vengeful us Legacy can get for such an act.”

Bree’s playful demeanor dropped in an instant. “Do not threaten me, Axel St. Orcas.”

“And do not test me, Bree DelaCrux,” Axel retorted. “Jagger said someone came to him and told him if Tessa was allowed to live, it meant the end of Devram. I want names.”

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