Krimson Mind: The Krimson Cycle Vol. 1

Chapter Sixteen

To say that General Vladimir Alexioff was angry would be an understatement. Never before in his long life had he ever been so disappointed in anybody. He studied the three people in front of him with enough disdain that they actually cringed when he focused on them. He wanted to do nothing than kill them for their ineptitude. But Lord Kaign wouldn't allow it. The General had already asked for permission.

"So you mean for me to believe that an eighteen-year-old human mind fucked you?" General Alexioff asked for the sixth time, out of sheer disbelief. There was a prophecy that spoke of such a psychic. But there was no way this mere boy could be him. Lord Kaign didn't believe the timing was right for one such as him to be born. At least not yet.

It had only been through Lord Kaign's benevolence that Phantom had been restored to what he had been. When they found him, everything in his head had been locked behind psychic walls that nobody on the ground had been able to penetrate. Lord Kaign had restored his mind from his throne at Scholomace.

"Yes, my Lord." Phantom answered, his voice was thick with shame.

General Alexioff turned away from his Master's Royal Guard and looked at those he'd chosen to guard him. Josephina, Anna, and Isabella stood shoulder to shoulder, waiting for whatever order their Master was going to give them. Anna, personally, hoped that she would be allowed to kill Lord Kaign's Royal Guard. She had always disliked them. She hated Phantom, most of all. He was known for taking insane risks to gain as much glory and praise from Lord Kaign as he could. He was a dangerous ass kissing glory hound.

Josephina simply wanted to send them away. If they were gone, then the General wouldn't be so upset. She wanted to take him by the hand, and lead him upstairs so that she could truly relieve his stress. But she resisted because she didn't want to show any weaknesses in front of Lord Kaign's inferior guardsmen. Not that she would ever think that in Lord Kaign's presence, however.

Isabella wanted to hurry with this nonsense and get on with hunting down Blood Rose. She wanted to rip out the betrayer's throat and feel Rose's undead blood flowing under her claws. Isabella knew that if she was given half of a chance, she could kill Rose on her own. Without the aid of her older sisters. But General Alexioff never let her go out and kill on her own. He was always watching her, and Isabella knew it. All she needed was one chance to prove herself.

"Anna, come forward." General Alexioff ordered softly.

"Yes, Master?" Anna replied as she took a step forward.

General Alexioff took a moment to study the best tracker and hunter to be chosen amongst his brides. She stood about five feet tall and was solid, though not fat. Her body was toned because she kept it so. Her hair was the color of spun gold. And her bright green eyes were sharp, focused and rarely missed anything.

"Return to the park, and track her down. Once you have discovered her hiding place, return here and report to me." General Alexioff ordered.

"At once, Master." Anna replied just before she left the living room.

"Josephina, take these three failures to the airport. Put them on their plane and send them home. Because of Phantom's lack of skill and focus, a simple manhunt has turned into a cluster-fuck!" He growled.

"But, my Lord..." Phantom protested.

General Alexioff spun around and backhanded Phantom so hard that his jaw audibly broke.

"Are you really so daring as to argue with me?" The General demanded quietly.

"As you wish, Master." Josephina answered with a tone of concern in her voice.