City of Fire

Chapter Sixteen

"Adrian"

"You do not understand. This was a direct attack on our Dominus." Adrian growled at the mirror. The faces shifted, exposing dignified elegant features before slurring once more.

"If you and the other Guardians fail to apprehend this corrupt Fire Dweller we shall hold you personally responsible, son of Cane. Do you understand? The High Council will take no excuses from you. As for her protector, administer the proper aide but no one will miss a long forgotten Guardian. His term for use is over." The words were unfeeling and spoken in such a calm monotone, Adrian wasn't even sure he'd heard them correctly.

"Darius served Finyara, the Goddess who sealed away St—"

"Do not utter his name," the voices snapped, cutting him off and Adrian closed his mouth. "Finyara also caused Eden to experience nearly a decade of torment and chaos because she lacked the strength to do what is necessary." The images swirled and grew with their anger before calming once more, but he was not finished.

"I understand, but you must know that our Dominus is different. She has not accepted her role as the other Domini have before her. Her powers far outgo her ancestors." His words caused the images to pause before shifting again.

"Such as, son of Cane?" They asked in unison and something prickled at the back of his mind, yet these were his superiors. They only sought the best for Eden and were trustworthy.

"She has been experiencing visions, though has told no one of their caliber. Also she's been unlocking powers within herself that others have not yet done." The shapes twisted at his words, flaring with annoyance.

"That is nothing important!" The voices hissed and Adrian stiffened.

"She's also been able to control the Blood Prince," he whispered and the images froze.

Silence...

"Has he shown signs of affection towards her?" They asked their voices sounding suddenly hungry. A warning went off inside Adrian's skull and he stiffened. "Answer us!" They howled and Adrian's decision was made.

"No," he replied and the images intensity dulled, as if they'd been stabbed, before starting to move again.

"Watch him closely, monitor him and keep him in line." The voices whispered and Adrian dipped his head.

"Agreed, but we must speak of the enemies that threaten my Dominus—"

"They are irrelevant." The voices cut in and Adrian closed his mouth, his lips thinning as a face appeared before him. It was stoic and cold, the features elegant and beautiful but it was the eyes that betrayed the face. They were depthless.

"We shall expect you back home within the following week, son of Cane." The face said, the lips moving to form the final words. And with that the mirror faded to black until Adrian's reflection stared back at him.

His fingers curled into a fist and he clamped his jaw. How selfish those Highborns were. He turned from the mirror, running a hand through his blonde hair when there was a soft knock on his door.

"Come in," he called and his butler, Mr. Preston, filled the doorway.

"Her room is ready, sire." His words reached Adrian's ears and he nodded.

"Good, ready the car if you would." Preston dipped his head before closing the door behind him. Adrian turned back towards the mirror, eyeing it critically before moving towards his own door.

His destination...

The hospital...