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“Who’s injured?” she asked, her voice a whisper as she cradled Alexandrus.

“Zahn. He’s being rushed to medical, but it may already be too late.”

Au'revele covered her face with her hands, her eyes filling with tears.

“What about the others?” Vivian asked, blinking back her own tears.

“Kail and Asl are getting Zahn to medical. Li’Don, Rel and several of my guard are tracking some who fled when they arrived. I can’t even send the palace guards to assist because Asl has advised those Zahn was battling were palace guards.”

“Oh, my God. What do we do?” Vivian asked.

“I know certain of the palace guard are loyal, and I know those of my mother’s guard are as well. I’m taking you to her, and then I’m going to help track these traitors down. They will die. Each and every one of them.”

Vivian nodded, fully expecting Quin to go after them himself.

“I’ve got to speak with Bart, and then the guards stationed at our door, then I’ll be back to escort you to my mother’s quarters. I need you safe while I do what I have to do,” Quin said.

“I’ll get some things together for Alexandrus and myself so we can stay with her without you worrying about us. And Au'revele will be coming with us, won’t you?” Vivian asked, looking from Quin to Au'revele.

“If I’m needed, yes. But if not, I want to go to Zahn,” Au'revele said.

Vivian met Quin’s eyes, asking silently for him to take Au’revele to Zahn.

“I don’t even know if he’s alive,” Quin said impatiently.

“If it was you and me,” Vivian said quietly.

Quin sighed, but almost immediately he nodded. “Be ready in minutes Au'revele.”

Chapter 18

Samuel was sitting on the sofa in the living room, while Bart was on his personal communication device speaking with his own support people from the Consortium when Quin walked into the living room.

“Is everyone safe?” Samuel asked, rising from his seat.

“Alexandrus and Au'revele are safe, thanks to Au'revele fighting off those who would have harmed him,” Quin said as he walked straight through the living room to the front entry doors and opened them.

“I need you in here,” Quin said.

“Your door, Sire,” Var don said.

“It’s being covered,” Quin said shortly.

“I’m coming!” Ba Re’ said, jogging toward them and taking his place without question to the right of the doorway.

“And I!” another voice called out.

“Ban Lo,” Quin said, surprised.

“Sovereign Zha Tahl is already involved and has sent me to help with security as needed. He suggests that you take our Sirena to their personal quarters until we have sought out all those responsible as well as those associated.”

“That is our plan,” Quin said.

“We will secure your family while you prepare,” Ban Lo said, taking his place at the left side of the door.

“Thank you,” Quin said, looking first at Ba Re’, then at Ban Lo.

Neither responded, already taking on their roles of guards, as needed.

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