Page 167 of Wicked Heirs

I’d never ignore his call.

Especially considering it was so rare whenever he did actually reach out these days.

Things just hadn’t been the same since he’d been turned.

Against his will.

BecauseI’dfailed him.

I hadn’t been able to protect him.

It was my life’s biggest regret.

I blinked and answered my phone, “Son.”

“Hey, Dad.”

I smiled at the sound of his voice.

“I’ve missed you, Xavier.”

“Missed you too. I’m just sorry that this isn’t a personal call.”

“It’s not? Has something happened at Electi Academy? Did your vampire side—”

“It’s nothing to do with that. I’m fine. But a whole lot else isn’t.”

“I’m listening.” And I didn’t have a lot of time, I needed to deal with the threat currently pushing against my protective magic. Alas, he sounded extremely anxious, so I needed to hear him out.

As much as he didn’t want it to be the case anymore, my son took priority over all things for me.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I was trying to protect Saryan for Orpheus.”

“I’m well aware that Saryan has been taken and intel is being gathered as we speak. As soon as there’s something to go on, I’ll be overseeing the rescue myself.”

“It’s… more than that. It’s about how he was taken.”

“Through an enemy in possession of aHellborn.”

“You saw the evidence at the cathedral site.”

“You were there?”

“I was. We were doing our own investigation.”

“Xavier! That wasn’t permitted. Not by the Academy and not by me. It’s far too dangerous.”

“It’s Orpheus’ father we’re talking about. Reprimand me later if you must, but I need you to listen right now.”

I blew out a breath. “Say what you need to.”

“ThatHellbornwas in Saryan’s possession. He obtained it somehow and went after Constantine’s acolytes. Yeah, they’ve risen, and they’re searching for theVitalium.Saryan was trying to stop that from happening. Please, Dad, don’t officially report this. For me. It will destroy Orpheus if his father is punished.I mean, he’s already kidnapped, who knows what’s already befalling him as it is.”

By the fires of Hades!“Xavier, this is—”

“It’s a lot, I know. I realize how bad it is, and I should’ve told you sooner, but—”

“I need to go.Now.”It was obvious where the attack on my protective magic was coming from.

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