Prince of Fire | Dragonfire Book One

Capítulo Diecisiete

With the power of words, Dracula coaxed the secrets out of his enemies, revealing their every plan.

~ Draconic Book of Songs

Chapter Seventeen

With teary, but grateful, eyes, Evelyn walked through the security check and headed to board the plane that would take her back home. After the Order received the news that imminent threat had been released on Evelyn, they all had waited a few days, just to be safe, and started booking a way to get Evelyn home. Evelyn, who had been ecstatic about returning to her loved ones, still managed to shed a few tears in appreciation of what the Order had done for her.

Although she was somewhat sad to see the cheerful Evelyn leave, Elena was also elated that she would no longer be stuck on guard duty. As lieutenant colonel, she felt as if she would be more helpful on the field. Even as a trainee she had gotten exposure to more action. And now she was itching to go back out on a mission, preferably one dealing with a dragon, whether that be Dracula or not.

Elena rejoined her mother at the airport entrance. They both exited the terminal and waited for the black company truck to drive by. Raquel's phone rang quietly in the noise-polluted air, but she still heard it and went to answer it. Elena kept watch for the truck as her mother spoke quietly to whomever had called her. When the truck rolled around the corner, Elena made a small gesture to snatch Raquel's attention and inform her that their ride was there.

Raquel nodded in affirmation, before ending the call and walking alongside her to enter the car. As soon as they settled themselves in, Raquel ordered to the driver, "Take us to headquarters. We have an impromptu meeting."

Elena's eyes darted toward her mother, surprised at the news. An impromptu meeting at headquarters? Usually meetings were scheduled at least a few hours beforehand, but for one to be hosted immediately spoke of the meeting's urgency. Only a dragon, a dangerous one, could cause such a panic. Perhaps the cause of concern was even Dracula.

Unfortunately, Elena was kept in suspense because her mother stayed silent on any details of the meeting. Her only guess about her mother's behavior was that Raquel didn't want to reveal anything in front of the driver. Missions were, after all, clandestine. Elena's knee bobbed up and down in steady anticipation, her toes and heels supporting the repetitive motion.

The familiar buildings blurred as they drove by, until they stopped in front of the building with lofty pillars and cold, stone steps in the front. Although it had a mediocre exterior, headquarters had a more lavish interior, including marble flooring, pristine and immaculate décor, and high tech security. To the outside world, the headquarters was known as the Vancouver branch of an obscure, and ultimately fabricated, security company. The Order's cover was the closest idea to the truth without mentioning the existence of mythological creatures.

The truck rolled to a stop and both Elena and Raquel stepped out, quickly thanking the driver before leaving. From the corner of her eye, Elena saw another council member straggling behind them, as if she had just arrived. Lyra, the blonde lieutenant general, quickly caught up to them, silently joining them on the trip up to the meeting room.

When they arrived to the meeting room, Marcus, the general, was pacing around the circular table, which was covered with weapons and light armor. Two other Order members were there, one being Colton, who was already geared up. His dark eyes followed Raquel and Elena as they stepped into the room. Even Marcus stopped pacing as soon as his eyes landed on the arriving group.

"Good. Six of us should be good enough," Marcus remarked.

"What have you called us here for, Marcus?" asked Raquel. Elena was surprised that even her mother didn't know the details of the mission, however spontaneous it was.