Page 19 of The Order: Rise of the New Empire

"Can we rely on you, Arthur, to back our cause with full support?" I question, his body jolting at the use of his name. "Do you intend to back New Haven in all of its effort to wean out its Marked and deviants in exchange for our integration of your technological advances in our city?" I question the trade-off here, one that only benefits us.

He would be a fool to question me right now.

Waiting for a response, Elyon raises his brows.

"My daughter asked you a question," Elyon hisses, patting the man on the back with an empathetic touch.

"The Precipice would want nothing more than to foster New Haven into its inner circle," he smiles. His body is seconds away from relieving itself out of fear.

Standing like Elyon, I take a stand next to him, both of us shoulder to shoulder, facing Arthur's trembling figure.

"Anyone opposed to this union?" I question toward the group of onlookers. No one dares to think of a snide remark.

Holding his hands out to the both of us, Arthur's hands clasp around our own, embracing us with a firm handshake.

Giving me a look I know all too well, Elyon is ready for me to claim more control, his eyes filled with impatience.

Taking a step into Arthur's mind, I bare my teeth, exhausted and tired of entertaining any more control.

“We would also like top authority amongst all military personnel in your city, as well as any outlying resources New Haven is void of. Make it happen,"I hiss, only adding to the flood of control Elyon hopes to establish.

Clamping his mouth shut, Arthur says nothing, giving us both a nod.

Taking several moments to compose ourselves, we step away from the man, finding a common ground to end our meeting.

"Well, it would seem we are done here. I'm sure none of you will mind if my daughter and I take some time to explore your city?" Elyon questions.

Everyone nods eagerly, making it clear they are ready for us to leave.

Turning on our heels, we accept the invitation to leave, hearing the deep sighs of relief the moment we have reached the double doors. Stepping over the body of the Marked, I keep my eyes forward, ignoring the roll of nerves in my stomach.

"Getting our hands in every place you can?" I question silently to Elyon once we are both out of earshot of anyone who might hear us.

"That is how you establish control," he snaps, giving me a stern look. "Why did you look so ill? That is not your first kill of the day," he pushes. My nerves escalate.

"I'm hungry," I lie.

Food is the last thing on my mind.

Shoving past the doors that lead us to the clean streets of the Precipice, the numerous Veils clouding people's eyes look over us. Their eyebrows raise in confusion as they watch us.

"We aren't in their system. My guess is we are not an Untouchable or Unfortunate. We're outsiders," Elyon smiles, finding satisfaction in the mystery he carries. "Despite that council's efforts, Marked still roam their city. Let's find you some food, then," he smiles. Wiping the blood off the corner of my mouth, he licks his finger clean. "We can find a Marked for dessert."

Forcing on a smile, I don't object once he takes my hand. Guiding us down the street, he urges our own military personnel to give us space as we roam.

Catching a glimpse of something in the corner of my eye, I swear I see a set of golden eyes, ones I had seen far too many times during my time in New Hope.

Mason.

Turning my body fully, my heart rate escalates as my energy surges to life. Taking a second look at the building I swore I saw the head of brown curls near to, the space is now empty, all of my defensive senses dialing back.

"What is it?" Elyon questions, his hand tugging my own.

"Nothing, I whisper, giving him another useless smile. "I'm just tired."

Barely accepting the answer, he questions my reaction, letting the conversation die in the air between us.

"Right," he smiles. "Of course."

---