Page 89 of Into Darkness (Akrhyn 1)

“I’m with you, Michael is waiting, and Sloane has even slipped away from his mother’s hold.” Salem smiled at her. “We are here for you.”

“Thank you,” Tegan’s head bowed in gratitude. An overwhelming rush of emotion flooded her – suddenly she felt vulnerable. It wasn’t a feeling she was used to, Leonid loved her. She knew that he did but he rarely showed emotion and as a result, Tegan wasn’t used to receiving it, or experiencing it.

“Let’s go,” Salem offered his arm and smiling, Tegan took it. “Combat boots?” he asked softly.

An embarrassed laugh escaped her. “Yes,” she peeked a look up at him.

“Perfect,” his gentle squeeze on her arm and his delighted smile made Tegan laugh.

And that was how the stragglers in the foyer witnessed their first sighting of Celeste Ivanov’s mysterious daughter. Laughing on the arm of her father, looking breathtaking in a black corset gown that was as striking as it was daring.

Michael walked over to them, Sloane close behind him. “Everything okay?”

“Absolutely.” Salem’s smile was relaxed.

“Good,” Sloane grumbled. “Because my father is about to lose his temper.”

“We’re ready,” Tegan said confidently. They made their way over to the announcer who watched them with interest. Sloane slipped back into the hall with an encouraging smile to Tegan.

“Principal Elite Salem Holt, with his two Heirs, Michael Joaquin Holt and Tegan…” Salem trailed off.

“Tegan Celeste Novikov… Holt.” Tegan finished for him as she looked at Salem, biting her lip as she was unsure if he would allow it. The proud smile he gave her made her stand a little taller.

Salem turned to the announcer. “And Tegan Celeste Novikov Holt.”

The announcer raised an eyebrow but turned to walk through the doors to the main hall. The doors half closed behind him, allowing them to hear him clearly and the sounds of the other guests from within.

“Are you ready?” Salem asked them softly.

Michael and Tegan exchanged a look and then both nodded. Michael reached out and took her hand, Tegan took a deep breath. “Thank you.”

“Council Elders, Principal Elders, Elite Elders, Akrhyn…” The announcer’s words were loud and they heard the room settle. “Principal Elite Salem Holt of the Canadian Headquarters and Defender of the Northern Territory.” Salem’s eyes widened at his full formal title but there was little he could do about it now. “With histwoHeirs, Michael Joaquin Holt and Elite Sentinel Tegan Celeste Novikov Holt.”

The doors opened fully and Salem walked past the announcer his head high as he led his Heirs into the hall. Michael went to slip his hand from Tegan’s, but she tightened her hold. Smiling a little, Michael and Tegan walked into the hall behind Salem, backs straight, gazes straight ahead. The hall was quiet and when Salem was halfway across the floor, he stopped with Michael and Tegan stopping behind him. The Great Council met them halfway and Salem bowed his head in deference to the Council members.

Council member Warren was a large Akryhn, with a full stomach, his white beard couldn’t hide his grin though. “Well met, Principal Salem,” he laughed in greeting.

The room seemed to burst into life again as the attendees started talking amongst themselves. Tegan felt the eyes on her, but she ignored them, holding tight onto Michael’s hand. A few of the Council members spoke to her and she managed to exchange pleasantries. Michael had not met them before, so Salem took over introductions.

“Am I to be ignored?” Cornelius’s sneer came from behind them. Council Elder Warren turned to him.

“Even when ignored, you simply do not go away,” Warren replied drily.

Cornelius’s laughter was forced. “Always so sharp-witted, Council Elder.” His laughter didn’t reach his eyes. He turned to Tegan, “You are an Ivanov.”

“My mother was an Ivanov,” Tegan answered him confidently. “I honour both my fathers.”

“Your father killed your mother,” Cornelius snapped.

“Now father, let’s not get so excited you start frothing at the mouth,” Cord’s clear voice interrupted them. He held his hand out to Tegan. “Walk with me, my Prime wishes to meet you.”

“Cord, I am not finished.” Cornelius protested angrily.

“You are for now,” Cord bowed his head in deference to the Council Elder and led Tegan away. She didn’t glance back but she wanted to.

“I don’t think you were supposed to do that,” she whispered, still avoiding making eye contact with the curious stares she was still receiving.

“I’m not supposed to do many things,” Cord’s smile was tight and controlled, he patted her hand in his arm.

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