Graveyard Watchman (Book 2) The Demon Wars

Chapter 26

"Oh my God, I didn't even think about that," my eyes go to his and the expression on his face tells me how serious this could be.

"It will be important to stay aware," he takes a seat in a wingback and rubs his jawline, "Because if she actually has influenced anyone else in the Realm, it will be to our benefit to be cautious of everyone," he looks back to me, "including Victoria."

I shake my head and look away, "Oh, c'mon, I don't get that vibe from her--but, but I guess you're right."

"The one good thing we have going for us right now is, you have the gift of discernment," he leans forward, resting his elbows in his knees, "That is why you instinctively knew something was wrong with Zack almost immediately."

I take a seat across from him, "I have to say, I doubted my ability at first but you nailed it. I knew something was off the moment they both walked into our room," I cross my legs, "But, how did I not see it before now? I mean, how could I have missed it for the weeks I've been here?"

Dominic leans back, "Because she was not controlling him yet. Clearly, she took her time and made him trust her first."

"Damn," I shake my head again, "what a mess--what a huge, screwed up mess."

He nods slightly, pushing his brows together, "We will have to take this to The Council," his eyes come back to mine, "Although, I am pretty sure they know already."

"What?" I blurt out, "Why didn't they say something?"

"That is not their roll," he shakes his head, "they are merely counselors. It is up to us to seek their advice and help, not the other way around."

"So wait, you're telling me that they would actually allow bad things to happen without so much as a warning?"

"You are correct," his brows go up, "we still have free will and make mistakes, Kate," he lets out a heavy sigh, "But, it is how we use our free will that ultimately determines our true intentions."

"Then why are they even here? Why do we need them?" my words rush out before I can stop them.

Dominic's face tightens up like he thinks they're listening, "You must not say those things! The Council will help in any way they can. We only have to ask."

I'm at a loss for words when three quick knocks break our awkward silence and Victoria walks in, "Your Majesty," she drops into a deep bow, "It is time for you to dress for dinner."

Dominic gets up from his chair and takes my hand, gently pulling me up to him, "Watch her," he whispers so low I almost didn't hear his words. I give him a quick nod and he leans down and tenderly kisses my lips, "I will return for you in forty-five minutes," he bows and heads toward the door. Victoria is already standing at the armoire, picking out my dress for dinner so I decide to ask her one question. Hopefully, it'll be the right one that will tell me for sure she's not been affected by Emily.

"Victoria," I call her name and her head pops out from behind the open armoire doors, "When was the last time you spent alone time with Zack?"

Her face drops and she instantly looks away. It's clear that the subject of my brother is sill very raw, "You mean like, attended to him?"

I nod, but don't say a word.

"It has been a while," she whispers, still not looking me in the eyes, "I stopped almost immediately after Emily arrived," she finally glances over to me and instantly I know she's telling the truth.

She's clean, thank God, and that's all I need to know--for now.