Page 49 of Visions, Paws, and Claws

“That’s because I’m not. They may have managed to get their grubby little hands on one of the artifacts, but it’s theonlyone they’ll ever see.” He scowled. “It was a major lapse that they came to possess it.”

“And the shifter who lapsed paid for it with his life, if you remember.”

“I read the records as you did.” He snorted. “As well he should, letting it fall into the hands of a Fridan. And since then, I’ve taken great pains to ensure they don’t get within sniffing distance of any of the others.” He gazed at his surroundings. “They certainly won’t ever lay eyes on these.” He pressed his hand against the glass of the sealed room that contained several stone caskets, and smiled. “No one will ever seeyourcontents.” The basement, once a dungeon with its vaulted ceilings, was his favorite place to sit. Unlike the two upper floors that had been rebuilt during the late eighteen hundreds, this part of the castle had retained some of its former charm and structure.

The obvious place to build his strongroom.

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask.” Fielding pointed to it. “Why didn’t you destroy them when they were first discovered?”

He arched his eyebrows. “Because they may yet prove useful.”

Fielding stared at him. “How?”

Theron sat in the wide chair facing Fielding. “I can understand your confusion. Why keep something that would lead to peace, when we wish to sow nothing but discord and chaos?” He leaned back. “But the day will come when we have won this war. The Fridans will be nothing but a memory, and all shifters will be bereft.Thenit will be time to ‘discover’ these artifacts.Thenwe’ll tell everyone that we never knew.” He placed his hand on his heart and affected an agonized expression. “How could we? The truth had lain hidden, undisturbed for centuries. Can’t you just hear the words? ‘Butnowwe can see that all shifters and humans must work together, as they were meant to. We must strive to forget what has passed, and live in peace and harmony.’” He smiled. “After all the bloodshed and heartache,such words will ensure no one seeks to resurrect the past, and we shall live out our days the way we always intended—as the rulers of all.”

“May I congratulate you.” Fielding bowed his head. “You have foreseen every eventuality.”

“Not quite. Mr. Ryder’s decision to visit the Castel Sant’Angelo was unexpected.Wemight be following the enemy’s movements closely, but it seems someone else is following ours. We must be watchful.”

“What about Carson? You saw the latest reports from the camp?”

Theron scowled. “Indeed I did. Despite his captivity and enforced isolation, his abilities continue to blossom. And now it appears he is not the only one.”

Fielding smiled. “Then you agree with me? He has outlived his usefulness?”

“More than that. He is proving far too dangerous, and should there be another raid, the last thing we want is for the Fridans to get their hands on such a valuable and powerful weapon.” He gave a brisk nod. “Terminate him.”

“As you wish.” Fielding cocked his head to one side. “Immediately?”

Theron smirked. “Finish your tea first.” That raised a chuckle. Fielding was one of Theron’s inner circle, a man he could trust to get things done, and one of the few men who was bold enough to look Theron in the eye, even though his body language told of his nervousness.

Strength was always something to be admired, and a healthy dose of fear was a good thing. It kept men alive.

Theron tapped the tabletop with a finger. “Take care of this matter personally. You’re due to visit the camp in a week’s time, correct?”

“Yes, but I can leave immediately if you wish.”

“No. He’s been our honored guest this long. It can wait until your visit.” He smiled. “Let him enjoy his last days.”

Theron cast another glance at the sealed room.We have come too far to be stopped now.

Any obstacles in their path would share the same fate as Jake Carson.

They will be crushed.

Chapter Eleven

MILO KEPPLERhad never been an insomniac, and if the nights since Jana’s arrival were anything to go by, he needed to resolve the situation fast before it started to affect his performance. The reason for his lack of restful sleep was obvious; thoughts of Jana consumed him. Ever since his conversation with Roslyn, two things plagued him.

Is there really someone out there who completes us?

What if I can’t keep Jana safe?

Except failing to protect her wasn’t an option.

He lay in the darkened barrack room, unable to switch his mind off. The snuffles and snores around him told him everyone else was asleep. Though how anyone could sleep with Janek snoring away in the corner like a buzzsaw was beyond him.

Milo.

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