Page 97 of The Order: Rise of the New Empire

Out here, perhaps there is more that I can do.

"Xavier, step back," I hiss, warning him to stay clear of the doorway.

"Forest, what are you-"

Lowering my head, I focus on the hinges and locks of the door, curling my Hold around every part of the door I can, forcing as much energy into the action until-

Watching the door fly open, I narrowly avoid getting hit.

Looking at me from wide eyes on the other side, Xavier looks absolutely confused.

"Xavier," I sigh. "I don't know what the hell is going on-"

Stopping me before I can start, his arms wrap around me, his warm presence something I didn't realize I needed so badly right now. Keeping my head nestled in the crook of his neck, I take in his scent, letting the feeling of his energy surround me.

"What happened?" I whisper, keeping my voice down.

"I don't know," he sighs, looking around. "I didn't even hear a scream-"

"Hey!" a loud voice shouts, pulling us away from the moment together.

Turning on our heels, we both stare at the man dressed in black tactical gear, the image of his attire so vivid in my mind.

Taking a closer look, I finally put together where I have seen this uniform before.

Sanctum.

Sanctum's emblem.

Sanctum's clothing.

Just like the pictures Melanie had shown me growing up.

"An Official," I whisper.

Here he stands now, pointing the loaded weapon at us with no remorse.

"Get down on the fucking ground and keep your hands up!" he yells, dancing his finger around the trigger.

Taking shallow breaths, I lock hands with Xavier, watching his eyes lower with rage.

"Where's Melanie?" I question, looking the man up and down.

"The Prophet was not happy to know the night he had with her resulted in such a grand lab experiment. Who knew his seed would be used for such a wicked plan," he hisses, my Call burying itself into his mind.

Seeing the fleeting images of a silver mask, my mind grows hazy.

"We have nothing to do with why you're here,"

"Oh, yes, you do, boy," the man hisses, cutting off Xavier. "Or at least, she does," he snaps, looking me up and down. "She is the Prophet's daughter after all," he smiles, my heart sinking to the bottom of my chest.

"My father and mother are dead!" I yell, baring my teeth.

"Your mother, yes. That skanky lab junkie bitch took his seed and forced it into your mother. Your father, however, is very alive, and very angry-"

Yelling, Xavier lets go of my hand, Winnowing in front of the both of us, colliding his body with the Official, forcing the gun out of his hand.

Fighting with as much strength as he has, Xavier's body is no match for this grown man. Flinging him against the wall, the power the Official holds is far from human.

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