Page 55 of Hell Storm

I flinched hearing his name.

“Actually, she and Levi have already initiated their bond as well.”

Dr. Percival’s excitement was practically palpable through the phone. “Well, it seems you all have gotten along wonderfully without me so far, but I do look forward to overseeing some of the process upon my arrival. Which brings me to a vital point, one I hope does not dishearten you,” he admitted gravely. “The research you four have gotten your hands on, may be a touch vague on a few points. Namely, the effects of the Claiming.”

I wasn’t sure I could handle another surprise. Silas, however, was all ears, waiting as he leaned forward in his seat.

“When two engage in this sort of ritual, the absorption of a trait is merely a side-effect of a far more in-depth connection. To put it simply, your lives become bound to one another.”

The curious look Silas wore a moment ago turned worried.

“As in … if one dies, we all suffer the same fate?” he asked.

“Picture Mistress Corina like the center of a hub, while the four of you act as spokes,” Dr. Percival suggested. “Should she perish, each of you would as well. Likewise, if one ofyouwere to meet an untimely end, she would then follow you in death, and the chain reaction this would initiate, would conclude with each of you dying as well.”

When he explained the last bit with hesitation, I guessed he took our silence for concern. He was right to assume as much.

“Does this change things?” he inquired.

“Of course not, Sir,” Father cut in quickly. “We’re most eager to move forward with the bond, and also having you be a part of this joyous occasion.”

Who the heck is this guy? He certainly isn’t the same surly emperor who’d all but disowned me in recent weeks.

Silas and I shared a look, but said nothing. While the news wasn’t great, nor was it what we expected, there was one good thing to come of it.

IfIwas still alive, it meant Corina and Levi were too.

“Wonderful!” Dr. Percival piped in response to my father. “And perhaps while I’m there, I can have a bit of alone time to chat with Mistress Corina as well.”

My heart dropped with his suggestion, that ever-present need to protect her causing my senses to spike.

“It could only help to have my seal of approval on this union, after all the controversy surrounding how this all came to be,” Dr. Percival acknowledged.

Heat flashed to my face and there was no wondering what fueled it—embarrassment. I hated the thought of knowing he heard the theories that had been tossed around about Corina and me.

Especially seeing as how most of what had been spread was true.

“That won’t be a problem.” My father answered when I didn’t. “Corina will bemorethan happy to meet whatever demands you have,” he offered while holding my gaze. “I’ll see to that myself.”

“Your zealousness and cooperation are much appreciated, “Percival laughed. “Although, I hope I haven’t given the wrong impression. While I certainly want the monarchy to uphold the standard of law and order within the Dynasty, I am, perhaps, less concerned with the details than others. Starting with the circumstances surrounding Mistress Corina being turned. I understand the rest of the world seems to have chosen their stance, but from my perspective, only good has come of this change. So, for now, that’s good enough for me.”

Glancing toward my father, I discovered he seemed almost disappointed with how well Dr. Percival had taken the news. Perhaps because he still didn’t think I learned whatever lesson he believed I was supposed to take from all this.

“On behalf of Ianites everywhere, I’d like to express my deepest gratitude. This sacrifice the four chose to make couldn’t have come at a better time,” Ian admitted. “There’s been a new development that has yet to hit the media, so consider this information highly classified.”

Concerned, my fatherandSilas leaned in even closer.

“You have our word that whatever is shared in this room willstayin this room,” I promised.

“I appreciate your discretion,” he stated before continuing. “It has been brought to my attention that there’s been another incident, another terrorist attack on our precious blood supply.”

My father’s expression darkened at the mention of‘another terrorist attack’.“What have they done now?”

“It appears that another batch from the same tainted lot somehow made it back into distribution. This time, it was served on a plane headed to the South Quadrant.”

“And the passengers?” Father asked.

“Thirty-six of the one-hundred-eighty-seven are seriously ill.”

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