Chapter One: We're Coming for All of You

Zhalia

It only took a month.

It seems like such a short time right now, but as it was happening, it felt so long. Felt like it was taking forever as we broke through warding spells, ran after those that were caught or ambushed...

Within a month's time, the Organization had wiped out any opposition the Foundation could have offered. My former allies were taken care of... either eliminated or out of the picture. I betrayed any known location I knew or heard of and for any that I couldn't remember, we hacked into the servers from the nearest Huntik safehouse we were able to breach and took whatever information we could get.

All of it was a blur now. Taking down everyone and everything. Every safe house, every Huntik outpost, everything was either destroyed or claimed by the Organization. And it all happened so fast.

It was decided at the start, once I had been debriefed, that we would work up the chain of command. In essence, that meant leaving Dante's residence, the Casterwill Manor, and the Lambert residence for last along with the Council headquarters. Any place that was tested and scouted to have an extreme amount of wards was left for last or until the point that we understood what we needed to do in order to break the defenses. The Professor was determined in taking out those who were weaker and leaving those stronger without any allies and support, with no help.

Leaving them alone.

0o0

I was wandering aimlessly through the halls of the underground laboratory in Vienna, the place where I had been trained, the place where I grew up within the Organization. A place that was just as much a prison as it was my home. After I had returned, I wasn't believed at first, placed at Klaus' Vienna lab until there was confirmation of my kill. There was no body to be found, of course... the Huntik Foundation had sent in a back up team within an hour after we failed to check-in, something that I had purposefully forgot to report in order to make sure no competent person in the Organization was dispatched immediately to check up on that seemingly dead body with a pulse. I made it seem as if we had time to collect the body ourselves and even Klaus didn't feel the need to collect any proof. He wanted to leave Dante there for the Foundation to see, a testament that even their strongest could fall.

Whoever the Foundation had shortly deployed were quick to keep things under wraps. The Foundation itself soon sealed any information of the mission and of what happened. Our spies could neither confirm or deny a kill. But then, someone who was close to the local leader in Germany had heard news. Dante was officially listed as MIA, the same status listing as Eathon Lambert, Lok's father. However, with Klaus's account of my kill and the way so many agents had kept up defenses in the area, it was easy to persuade lower level Suits that I had succeeded.

And soon, the story spread around.

"Of course, MIA... wouldn't want everyone to know that he's actually dead. That we could actually kill him."

"Dead. Definitely dead. I mean, haven't you heard? She turned in those kids, too."

"It's been a week, no retaliation. What, like he wouldn't have gotten back at us hard? He's fucking dead."

Words. Suppositions. They circled around everywhere and, like a sickness, they infected everyone. Soon, people believed I was the coldest assassin there was. I was soon sent out on assignments leading my own team to take out the Huntik Foundation safe houses in St. Petersburg, then in Paris... around the islands of Greece and off the coast of Spain. With every successful assignment, with my increasing numbers of Foundation Seekers captured and processed for information, and with each passing day, I was deemed trustworthy.

And now, it was more than a month later.

Today, I was meant to have been elsewhere, of course, but I couldn't take part in any more of Klaus's experiments. Some of the reason was due to the fact I couldn't bring myself to stand the gazes of Sophie and Lok any longer. I could have punched them to make sure that their eyes would look elsewhere, but I didn't have it in me to make things worse for them. I normally don't let people's judgments get under my skin, and I knew what they thought of me. But that wasn't what bothered me. At the start, every time I walked into the lab room, they would glare and I bet they wished their accusing stares could shoot daggers through me. But now, I could see little by little that fire in their eyes was dying, their occasional looks and expressions bore something more akin to pleading than hate. Seeing someone so young slowly die wasn't something I could sit easily well with... especially if it were those two.

What was the other reason?

At one point, I couldn't bear it another minute longer. I couldn't stand sitting on the sidelines needle after needle, scream after scream. I felt sick because I forced myself to keep looking. I had to, so long as I was being watched, I needed to sell the fact that I didn't care. That I was cold, heartless. But there was only so long I could stand it. Because I knew what it felt like, to have needle after needle pierce through skin, to be put against a gauntlet of men and Titans... I knew what it felt like, that was my upbringing. But for them I knew it was much worse. Much worse.

So, I left Klaus though he wanted me there constantly to witness his success. The thing was... I honestly don't give a damn about his success. I left the kids alone to his experiments and Rassimov to his interrogation of them. But I always checked up on them after. Give it a day or two for them to cool down and not aim all their anger at me, because for one... there were only so many accusations I can stand from a high schooler before it got annoying and I couldn't constantly keep kicking Lok's ass when he kept trying to lash out at me, trying to fight me.

And unfortunately, my visits didn't go unnoticed... or unanalyzed. The fact I had a soft spot for them did not go well with some particular others around me, and while some of them tried to report my actions as suspicious others whispered rumors that I may turn at any minute to help the kids because of regret. Thankfully, and I think it's because of some higher ranked people, nothing ever came of the reports and they were always trashed upon reviewal. Suits, on the other hand, didn't believe that I would turn for the kids and the rumors died as fast as they were conceived.

I got away with almost everything now.

It was just as I had wanted when I had taken the undercover assignment. With my famous kill came everything I had once wished for: power, respect, and status. I rose through the ranks quickly after all of my successes climbing the ladder all the way to being made Rassimov's new right hand, which was a more recent development. Technically, now, I could even tell Klaus what to do, but I would never disrespect him in that way. I did, however, use my status to get me out of experimentation and interrogation rounds citing boredom, and so that was what left me wandering around until the minute it was over.

I turned into a hallway passing two Suits who unmistakably quickened their pace to pass me. The thing was, they spoke so loudly that I could still hear them even when they were down the hall.

"I hear she's gonna take Rassimov's place once the Professor dies."

"Really? Don't you think his sister will?"

"Nah, didn't you hear? Moon replaced her a week ago."

"Holy fuck, you serious?!"

Word hadn't really gotten around to incoming agents that I was a new superior. All they knew is that I killed someone no one in the Agency ever got close, too. Those who did know about my rank also knew my predecessor, Rassimov's sister, Shauna. She was so furious at the change in her position having become head of Rassimov's security division which contained her, her partner, Wind, and others I've only read of in files. To be honest, I never liked her nor Wind nor any of the others because of their sycophantic need to appease the Blood Spiral Brotherhood, the order they truly served. The thing was... Shauna was just as dangerous and powerful as she was vengeful and clever. It was a deadly combination.

If not for the Professor, the Blood Spiral would have taken over the Organization and redirected its forces for its own gain, and I could be choking on my own blood, no doubt a gift from Shauna or one of her lackeys. Speaking of the Professor, rarely anyone had seen him since his last appearance at his Prague castle three weeks ago. From communications I picked up on when I decided to go to the communications room, he had been too busy coordinating attacks on the Foundation that he wouldn't go out onto the field for any missions or respond much to any internal matters. He was even so hungry for the Legendary Titans that he killed off the Amazon village led by Hippolyta when the Organization arrived to take Behemoth, the Legendary Titan of Body. It was the only mission that he ever left his palace for, and the recovery of the Titan was a success, stored away in the vaults of Prague. However, since then, we've received no communications from Prague, meaning there was most likely a large attack being planned for... or- maybe, something else.

I didn't really want to cross into that thought because if I were to- well... get a promotion instead of never waking up one morning, it meant I would be the second in command and witness to a blood bath of Foundation Seekers. Rassimov wanted full control of Europe, not just a surrender and to leave the Foundation with holes to crawl into. He wanted them captured, put to use for the Blood Spiral... if they would not come quietly they were to be tortured, perhaps even killed. When I came back, out of the cold... when I was trusted with information, I learned more about the Organization and its relationship with the Blood Spiral Brotherhood. Then, I did more research into the Brotherhood and discovered their past, their history. Figured what they were going to do to the Huntik Foundation... to all of them. It wasn't something I wanted to be a part of... but this was the path that I chose and there was no going back.

As for Rassimov, as much as I try to conceal my emotions, he knows. He's fully aware of my hesitation to further kill, but he never bothered handing me an assignment that did so. He never even questioned my loyalty because as he once told me... my only weakness was dead.

0o0

One Week Ago

Ireland 14:50, Local Time

We had just finished cleaning out the residences of Scarlet, the Lambert family, and all known associate Huntik Seekers in the local area. We left everything as it were and left no prints, leaving local authorities to do what they wished and come to whatever conclusion they wanted. It was easier to access chatter on the place anyways, keep an eye on things by letting local law enforcement lock it up. If places were disturbed, we would know that there were people there and out local agents could respond to anything.

However, judging by the rushed state all the houses were in, closets strewn and vaults open, we assumed they were either evacuated or they all ran. No trace of Titans, Huntik related paperwork or data, and no important documents. They were long gone and they left nothing of value behind.

Rassimov, his protective detail, and I were headed towards the private jet, headed back to Vienna where most of the prisoners were being kept until further notice.

"They are, all of them, cowards." Rassimov said to me emphasizing the last word with such disdain, and, yet, I could tell he was amused by the thought. The thought of people running from him, though he missed having a worthy fight, he enjoyed the fact that people were more scared of him. It didn't take my profiling skills to come to that conclusion or that much time in his company.

He took his seat as well as hold of the glass of alcohol that had been prepped and waiting for him. He tilted the glass towards me, offering me the drink, but I passed as I took my seat across from him.

I avoided alcohols I didn't know and the glass bottle that was kept in storage beside him had no label or any indicator to tell what it was. I didn't bother to ask either because if Rassimov was drinking it and offering it to no one else, it was probably something way too strong for my liking... or tolerance.

"Do you think they were evacuated?" I asked, because I knew of some chatter being thrown around that the Foundation's airstrips had heavy activity but were so well guarded that no one ever drew up a mission to investigate let alone stop them.

"We have taken out their cities, captured agents all across-" he paused, knowing that I was merely talking about our recent targets, "I imagine the Lamberts would have been evacuated forcefully. No mother would leave without ensuring the safety of her child.

"I had hoped she would be stubborn and perhaps we may have caught them. Add some more lab rats to the cells in Vienna."

I knew that would have broken Lok for certain and a part of me was glad we didn't find them. But I only smiled in reply to him as I looked out the window and watched as we ascended, leaving the airstrip behind well on our way back to Vienna. Back to my prison...

Rassimov took a sip of his drink and leaned back, "But from the files and your report about Scarlet Byrne, I doubt she would have left the family to that choice. And even if they did flee to America, what power does one country have against an entire continent?!"

He signaled for the flight attendant and requested a drink for me. The US... he was talking about the last haven for the Foundation. There was a stronghold in New York City yes, that was probably well abandoned. That didn't mean that

"Sir, I would like to request I lead the ground units when we go to the US-" I started when there was an objection, so vocal and so harsh. I knew immediately who it was and couldn't help but smile.

"No!" And instinctively, under my breath I summoned a Venomhand spell before standing and turning around, ready for a fight.

Shauna had heard me from two seats away and was standing in the aisle, a spell of her own lit in her hands. I guessed I was trampling on what she assumed had been her assignment.

"No! That is my ground!" she cried, "I will ensure their fall! I will end those weak cowards! And I would hope you see, brother, that this bitch can turn on us at any moment!" She hissed the latter part of that statement at me, approaching me with spelled hands.

"This bitch," I seethed, "is going to make you choke on those words and let you die a slow and painful-"

"Enough!" Rassimov bellowed over us, catching both of our attentions and making us drop our spells. "Shauna, if you cannot trust my decision. You can leave once we land. Zhalia has proven her loyalty to all of us.

"It doesn't matter if she wishes to spare their lives or try to ease their suffering. She will bring about their end nonetheless. She has earned the right to lead in America."

"Brother-!" she objected, but when she saw the glare on Rassimov's face, she balked and turned back to her seat.

I was going to follow up with something. Some show of bravado-

"Miss," the attendant called to me shyly. But instead of saying something, I turned to get my drink.

Rassimov and I resumed our seats, and before he raised his glass in a toast. However, I didn't return the gesture and this I stopped him.

"What makes you think I can be trusted?" I asked, curious as to why he gave me what I requested without a fight, even denying his own sister her want.

He only smiled, one of those twisted expressions and leaned forward. "Because you have no heart."

I stilled at that, and he took my free hand. And for some reason the leather gloves that covered his felt like ice. "With this hand," he said, as he folded it between both of his, "You proved your worth and you destroyed your only weakness."

I drew my hand back and tried to brush off his comments while restraining the shudder that wanted to shake my body. "Please, Dante Vale was not a weakness."

He smirked, as he leaned back in his seat and resumed drinking. "I know your missions. I know what you did. I even saw the tapes back at the lab."

I wondered what exactly he saw. Did he see me sit on the sidelines and watch? Or- was he misinterpreting what in fact he saw.

"You even helped your team when capture would have imminent for them." The answer didn't really answer my questions, but I listened to him as he went on, "Even so, those brats would have been in an attempted break out, most likely almost successful, if you cared for them as you did when you were with them, yet... they haven't. Which leaves only one reason for why you would take so long on your mission."

He was hitting too close to the truth. I rushed to defend myself but I was cut short."But I-"

"Killed him." he finished for me, "Yes, I know. And those kids would have been out by now if he were alive. Or there would have been some sort of attempt from the outside."

He poured himself more liquor before picked up his glass and raised it towards me. "Here's to your mission in the States. Happy hunting."

It was a very out of character moment for the man that I hesitated before I raised my glass to meet his. I was about to drink when- "Oh, and if it turns out Vale did survive..." he cut in as he put down the glass and leaned close to me, "If it turns out he is alive; that you've lied to all of us. I will capture the both of you... and skin you alive before him." This was the Rassimov I knew, and the smile he gave me was absolutely demented, but I kept my gaze and smiled back at him easily as he went on, "I will leave you alive just long enough to hear him start screaming and-"

"Sir," I interrupted as I too leaned in to match his invasive stance, our faces getting too close for my comfort, but it was the only way to stand my ground against someone like him. Show him that I wasn't afraid, not of any threat or any power that he had or thought he was. Calmly and with a smile, I said, "Why would I give him a chance to live when doing so would get me killed? By everyone."

I leaned back in my seat and took a drink myself, "I got so far... and I wasn't going to let it go for a hard body and gorgeous eyes."

I gave away nothing as I spoke in part-truths. I tried to make my latter words as uncomfortable to Rassimov as possible, thinking of Dante as I spoke recalling a rather- intimate moment. I knew what I was hinting at, and I also knew it would give me more credit and more weight to my kill... at least, that was what I meant for it to come off as. I let my words and my hints sink in and watched as Rassimov seemed to accept my words. It was enough for him to settle back and resume drinking.

As for the threat he just gave me, I wasn't scared. Not even a doubting voice in the back of my head. There was no fear in me when he said something like that because I knew how to smile under threat of death, of torture, and even under excruciating pain. I smiled because of how disquieting it would make the other person would feel in the face of that, or in this case, how comfortable.

I tilted my glass towards him, "To my mission in America, sir."

He smiled. "Don't forget, we take the Casterwill Manor next week. We finally have enough manpower to finally break through the damn wards."

0o0

I had reached the holding cells where almost all captured Seekers were held, at least the ones not being used for Klaus's experimentation. Of course, there were several Seekers that we managed to catch along our road trip through the countries since not all of them could flee Europe.

Tersely was among one of our most recent captures. We caught him earlier this week when we set a trap for a cargo of relics we were having shipped, expecting some big name Seekers to attack it out of desperation in an effort to flesh out an armory. It was one of my plans, one that I knew would not be second guessed by certain members of the Huntik Foundation... those who thought themselves confident to handle anything. As I predicted, the fish took the bait and among the attacking Seekers I spotted was Montehue, one of the stronger Seekers I had expected to be there. However, when I saw him, I knew meant Tersely was probably nearby managing communications.

I had two men search for any Seeker tech in the area which was easy to scan once away from the battle site and the muddled readings. They caught Tersely hidden in a van four blocks away and shut him down before he even realized he was found. His tech and himself were taken into Organization custody and I had made sure my orders were clear not to hurt him. As I saw him being dragged into the van, however, I noticed a rather nasty way his eye was swelling and how one of his ankles looked abnormally twisted. There was anguish in his face as he was being dragged away, but he was still fighting. He was looking for an escape when he had spotted me, and was struggling even harder against the men about to shout out for help, when I saw the moment it registered in his eyes... when he remembered the truth. It made him collapse completely and he's been quiet ever since. However, I did catch that his eyes had gone elsewhere as the doors were being shut. He had glanced over at the two men I had sent after him.

I asked the infirmary for a full report and listened the extent of the damage. Tersely's arm had been broken, his hand broken in three places. His ankle had been crushed most likely to keep him in place and his ribs had been cracked. But the kid endured it. And the medic had used Everheal repeatedly for the next hour and he was medically drugged on the flight to make sure that he not move or fight or try to escape and accidentally make his wounds worse. I went out for blood, the second the report was given.

The men didn't see it coming. I had bones cracking in my hands and screams in my ears that would ring for hours after.

I made sure Tersely saw them getting wheeled into the infirmary, and I stayed to see the smile on his face. But I disappeared before he could turn and see me. Perhaps those actions deserved much more than a slap on the wrist, but Rassimov had been so impressed with my level of viciousness that he congratulated me.

As for Tersely, I made arrangements for him to be roomed with a friend after he was done being processed for valuable information. However, the arrangements were made more for his future roommate than him because of what she was going through.

I navigated my way to the private wing of the holding cells where places were arranged more like small livable apartments except a warded plasti-glass and steel door locked tenants in. There weren't many who were ever given these accommodations but Sophie Casterwill was definitely one who I had moved into this wing upon arrival. Originally, she and Lok had held the quarters together, but when Klaus started doing solo testing on him, the two were ordered separate and Lok was placed in one of the rooms reserved for test subjects, specially designed to be observer rooms made from unused sleep quarters close to the lab. Cherit had wanted to be with Lok when he was being sent to move and Sophie wished for the same, but Lok insisted on sending the Titan back to Sophie and it was the only thing I allowed to pass. The one kindness I offered in view of others.

All thoughts stopped when I did, finding myself in front of the steel door that kept her prisoner. A part of me didn't particularly like visiting either of them because of all the blind hatred they took out on me on random occasions. I tried to listen to that cold part of me for a couple of days and tried to go about my life as if they were just random people, kids taken off the street for power amplifications. But during those nights where I pretended they were nobodies, I couldn't sleep. And the most horrid nightmares woke me if I even tried to sneak in a REM cycle. After that, I shut the indifferent part of me off and returned to the part of me that responded to them when they looked up at me, lost, hurt, and with tears in their eyes when they asked for help. Though I could never help them myself, I put them to sleep and tucked them into their bed making sure to use a dream spell that gave them contentful rest. After that, I visited them after each session with Klaus to make sure some part of them remained.

Yes, it was foolish, childish, and arguably, a bit naïve, but I wanted them to escape. I wanted them to figure out a way and get out the hell of here; to join the refugees in America and never be found.

But it was only a dream.

I took a deep breath as a punched in the passcode to the door and it slid open with a metallic hiss.

"Sophie?" I asked, cautiously. There was plasti-glass placed in the doorway with holes punched in it to allow for voice to easily pass through without being muddled, and that was where I stood. The wards on the glass and in her room also kept her from using anything more powerful than a Bolt Flare for light.

When the metal door cleared, I saw her on the bed. Her knees pulled up against her chest and Cherit was flying near the sink of the room, wetting what looked to be some sort of hand towel. I almost felt sorry for Sophie because she had been here for nearly a whole month and all that happened to her was either exhausting and painful magical tests to see how far her power has developed or witnessing Lok get technically tortured. And in between then, she remained in this cell, only leaving for the next interrogation and experimentation... but she was never the target of the latter. I saw the pain on her face each time and I-

'Cherit," I called, and waited until the Titan flew up to the glass, "Has she eaten?"

"Not since yesterday morning, no." he answered sadly, meaning it had been nearly twenty four hours since she last had something in her stomach. Her body would be suffering from hunger pains, but as I saw the tray of food, I saw that she was at least drinking the water and juice that was being given to her. It was enough for now.

I threw Cherit a kind smile. He was the only one who never had any enmity towards me in his tone, and I kept him safe from everyone for it.

"Do you want anything?" I asked out of courtesy, and saw him turn his head to me with a semi-bright look in his eyes ever hopeful. I could never fault him for being so because I knew it was the only thing that was keeping these kids from losing it all.

"Except freedom?" I said that almost sarcastically.

"No." Cherit answered a tad sullenly, as he lay down on the bed and leaned against Sophie's leg. Suddenly, he picked up his head. "Maybe, er- uh... a sketchbook?"

"I'll try," I said, making no promises aloud but a silent one mentally.

Sophie hadn't even reacted to me, yet, or to Cherit. I thought for a second that maybe she was catatonic or in some sort of trance. Either way, I needed to know whether or not she was still... sane.

"Sophie, talk to me." I said, pleadingly.

I made an excuse to cover up my visits saying that they were checks to make sure she hadn't gone insane, because what use is studying the Casterwill power if the Casterwill couldn't control it. It was a very weak excuse, one that Rassimov didn't buy but Klaus thought that it was wise. It was only because of his blathering of Casterwill power harvesting that allowed me to say anything I wanted, that allowed me to visit without any suspicion or oversight.

"Soph?" I asked.

"Don't call me that!" she screamed suddenly in a burst of anger and volume that caught me off guard.

She looked up at me, her eyes red from recently crying. Angrily, she jumped to her feet off the bed. Cherit was flying around, nervously, not knowing if he should intervene or stay out of her way. She stormed up to the glass and I saw the result of the month and her withdrawal on her.

Her hair was a tousled mess and she hadn't bothered to fix it though I had left her brushes and make up, whatever she needed. There were deep, dark rings under her eyes, and those green eyes themselves looked hollow and empty, with no annoying fire I remembered she once had. She hadn't even bothered to change her clothes either because it was still scratched from the day we had our duel in Dracul's basement. She wore the scrubs given to her when her clothes were taken for a wash but she always wore the same ripped clothes once they came back.

"Sophie," I cautioned as my hand lit with a Bolt Flare. I could still send spells through the glass, a nice ward put in place by Rassimov. I would subdue her if need be... If all she did was react like this.

"Never, ever call me Soph or I swear, I will-" she stopped mid-threat and stared at me with incredulous eyes. And then with a whisper, as if her voice had evaporated, "No."

It took me a moment to realize where her eyes had gone specifically and I realized, she was staring at my neck. Her gaze was locked with the Titans that I had hung on a chain. On a black leather strap hung Kilthane. While on a silver link chain, meant to match the casing of his stone, hung... Caliban.

"Take that off!" she shouted as she slammed her hand against the glass, hard.

"Excuse me?!" I asked as I walked closer her, almost taunting her.

I wanted to see how she would react, out of anger or would she act unexpectedly? If she started a fight and started firing spells, I would be concerned, but if she kept her spells tame and only screamed at me, then she was still her. The ever-wordy if not hot tempered diplomat.

She slammed her open hand on the transparent barrier again and again and it shook under the blows, but she didn't intimidate me and she didn't fire spells. "That! Take it off!" With her free hand she pointed at my neck where both Kilthane and Caliban were pulsing with glowing light.

"Kilthane?" I paused, as I brought my hand up to the second Titan, "Or Caliban?"

I hadn't meant to add mockery to the latter question, but it slipped out, making Sophie even more furious. But that hadn't been my intent-

"Take off his amulet! How dare you even think about bonding with it!" Sophie berated, her voice so laced with anger and hate that I thought she'd attempt to use her magic, "You betray him! You kill him! And then steal his amulets?!"

No one could know the truth. I didn't give anything under promises of torture and death, and I wasn't going to give anything away to her. Not even a hint of what truly happened.

Actually, I don't even know what happened to him afterwards. But from news that circulated within a week after I had left him, with Dante being listed as MIA with rumors saying that his body was recovered while others say that it meant missing. I didn't know what happened... But when they started taking ancient relics without opposition and even Huntik safe houses, it was only then, that I started to let myself believe what was said as well.

"He was dead." I snapped back, making sure I sounded irritated. "It wasn't like he was going to use them."

I saw tears well up in her eyes as I reminded her why she, Lok, and Cherit haven't been saved yet. And that was the one piece of evidence that told us all the truth. Rassimov was right. If Dante were alive, he would have come to their rescue by now, attacked this whole base to take them back. I'm sure of it, they're sure of it. But he hadn't- and it's been so long. So much has happened and yet... they were never rescued. Not even one attempt. And that was the only thing that reassured me that he had died- though everyone thinks it was directly by my hand.

"It's nice to see that you're talking, Princess." I said with feigned mockery as I turned to walk away.

I got what I wanted to know, she was still stable. Angry and full of hate for me, but she was talking again and reacting like I knew she would. "Lok's fine by the way. Klaus just wants to keep running him through the gauntlet. To see if maybe his powers will be augmented by a relic we've recovered."

I saw in her body language that she sort of relaxed at news of Lok, but I knew why she looked even more dejected... knowing that Lok was running the gauntlet. An obstacle course that Klaus set up where Lok battled team of Suits after team until his body nearly gave up. It always left Lok in a state where medics needed to keep track of him. In fact, they were with him right now.

"And tomorrow we'll be raiding your manor." I added, to drag her thoughts away from that, "Anything you want me to bring back as a souvenir?"

I looked back to her and saw she had already crawled back into her bed and pulled the covers over her. I left without any answer, leaving her to her comfort and to her thoughts. I didn't want to make it worse.

I had only closed the steel door when my cell phone gave a low, muffled ring. I picked up.

"Hello?" I asked, expecting Klaus or some subordinate Suit with a message, but it was neither.

"Hello, Zhalia." said a voice I'd never heard before. "I thought you'd want to know- we're coming for all of you."