Secret War

Chapter 19

19

"What'd you mean?" I narrowed my eyes.

"Exactly what I said. Alik and K are keeping Dimitri's family safe. They probably don't know that they're there but that doesn't matter. So long as the pair keeps the family safe, I'm content."

"Are they in danger?"

"Maybe not at this precise moment but there's a high risk that they will be. I don't want to take any risks with this so I wanted them protected while I was here taking care of other things that needed to be dealt with." Riya smiled. "How have you been Roza? You look a little tired."

"I am after the training Valentine has been giving me." I grinned.

"I thought you might like Val." Riya's grin mirrored mine.

"I take it you know what really happened that night?"

"Val wanted to keep it secret since Zana couldn't seem to remember anything and I respected her decision so I haven't mentioned anything." Riya sighed. "Roza, it'd be wise to retire now. I'll be driving you to the ground starting tomorrow."

"What's happening Riya?" I asked.

"All the players have made their moves and now it's my turn. I'm sorry Roza but by your involvement with us, you've become another chess piece. If I could change things I would. But I'd rather have you be prepared than not being able to defend yourself."

"Who are the players Riya?" She gave me a smile that hid her knowledge and I knew that she wasn't going to relent. But I wasn't going to give up so easily either. "Oh come on Riya, you gotta tell me something."

"Alright, I will," she sighed and hope blossomed. I actually convinced her to tell me something. She leaned forward with a grave expression on her face, then with a straight cool voice she told me: "Go to bed and get some rest." I froze and glared at her. She'd totally played me. I didn't specify what she had to tell me; just that she had to tell me something which had to be the vaguest word in the world! She leaned back with a smirk and shook her head at me. "Did you really think I'd just tell you?" she smiled darkly. "Go rest Roza, I'm serious."

I stared at her for a few moments before nodding slowly. "Alright, see you tomorrow Riya."

"Sweet dreams Roza," she beamed with her usual cheerful face. She winked at me and I left before her mood swings could drive me insane. Something was happening alright. I could tell. I'd never seen Riya so gaunt; it was like she hadn't fed for days. As soon as I fell on the bed, I was sucked into Lissa's head. She was in pain, not extreme pain but the simple fact that she was in pain made me wary.

Looking around through her eyes, I could see guardian's bustling about busily. I could catch a few words and looking through her memory, I found out that she'd just been rescued after having been kidnapped with Christian and Mia. They'd been walking through in the mall when it happened. Four of the six guardians who trailed them were killed; the other two were seriously injured. I could sense that Lissa wanted to heal the two injured guardians, but she was concentrating on Christian who was currently unconscious. Shock rushed through me and concern. Christian had gotten hurt while protecting Lissa. Eddie was alive but he was under intense medical care. Mia suffered a serious concussion and Lissa was the one who got away with the least amount of injuries. I had a feeling that it was because they needed her alive.

"Princess, please, you need your rest. Christian will be fine for the time being. Go to the feeders." Dr. Olenski told her with an exhausted voice.

"No, I can't leave his side." Lissa shook her head frantically.

"Lissa, don't worry, I'll stay here with him. Go to the feeders." Adrian told her with a soft voice.

"But-"