Page 47 of The Order: Rise of the New Empire

"Capitol City?" I question, Atticus's eyes widening.

"The epicenter of Sanctum's hand. The Foundation. Sanctum's largest development. Never been myself, but their people are quite a spectacle," Atticus gripes, clearly not fond of what he has seen of the establishment.

Just another place to bring down.

"There lies one other issue," Atticus continues. "Many of the Revolutionists still work in the name of Forest Evermoore, and they are damn tricky bastards to get a grasp of," Atticus sighs. "Perhaps you being here will help solve more problem than one," the man smiles, Elyon's hand slapping my back.

"She would be delighted," he speaks for me, a million horrid thoughts coursing through my mind.

"Then perhaps these will aid in your hunt," Atticus smiles, snapping once more.

Brining over a small black box, one of the guards bows toward the man, his hand grabbing the box with delight.

Flipping open the lid, two pairs of Veils wait before us, perfectly fitted for both of our eyes.

"To help you weed out the poisoned from the Cleansed," he grins, tapping his own eye. "Two pairs just like mine."

Looking over Sanctum's emblem, the idea of welcoming more of their technology into my body is alarming.

"Unless, perhaps, you'd rather not-"

Grabbing the Veils, I don't allow the man to continue his vile power trip, letting my finger land on the devices, sliding each over my eyes, a small haze blurring my vision before complete clarity. Blinking away the haze, words and numbers sprawl in front of me, red outlines fashioning themselves around the silhouettes of both men before me. Taking his pair with ease, Elyon slips on the Veils, looking around the room with a startled look.

"Red for the Marked," Atticus sighs, my focus going to the guards surrounded in a green hue. "Green for the Untouchables, and yellow for the Unfortunates."

Tapping my temple twice, the colors and names attached to each individual fade away, leaving nothing but clear sight once more. "Tap twice to reactivate," he smiles, the white scarring of his cheek prevalent up this close.

Elyon wasn't kidding when he said the Precipice was advanced.

Grabbing his wrist before he can touch my face again, I give the man a soft smile.

"Thank you for the gift."

Ready to leave this whole interaction behind me, Atticus clears his throat.

"Forest, would you join me in a dinner, as well as you, Elyon, a show of force with unified cities would be great for the council to see, given our little Revolutionist problem," he hisses, glaring at me longer than I'd like.

"Of course," Elyon answers once again, ready to explore this city on his own terms.

"I'll let the kitchen staff know-"

"One more thing," I cut off, eager to hold Elyon true to his word. "There's someone else I'd like to join us, another ally from New Haven," I plea, Elyon's eyes glaring toward me.

Let's put your money where your mouth is.

"Another mutual-"

"The old Commander of New Haven, one of Elyon's best," I smile, Elyon's face dropping. "That is if you still want him to join us," I smile, hanging the idea of power in front of one of the greediest men of all.

"Well, you know how I feel about resources," Atticus smiles. "So long as he may prove fealty, I see nothing wrong with it-"

"Fealty is the only thing he will show," Elyon snaps, a warning meant just for me.

"And so he shall."

"I'll make the arrangements," Atticus urges, finally allowing us away from this dreaded study.

Funneling toward the doorway, I drag on behind Elyon, unnerved by the Veil clung to my eyes.

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