Chapter 220: Suspicious Activity

Silence filled the throne room of the Old Museum as everyone waited on the words of its ruler.

Yuri sat on her throne with composed elegance and everyone could feel how pleased she was through her Aura. Ezra knew that this was deliberate and it put the mind of the attendees at ease. When Yuri had called the meeting, they'd all been expecting some form of bad news but if the Aura wasn't enough, the half smile on her face would have clued them in.

Her husbands, Ivo and Armand, stood to either side of her, their presence a counterweight to her good mood. They glowered at everyone as if they'd been scammed out of their money.

Ezra waited patiently as the tension thickened. Yuri and her husbands were sending some serious mixed messages. He glanced at everyone waiting, knowing they were also in his shoes and couldn't wait for Yuri to speak.

Ezra stood before her on her right hand side and standing opposite him was Thor Odinson. Ezra had somehow forgotten that the man and his coven even existed, preoccupied with his plans and responsibilities.

Standing beside him was Lady Amara, the lone lady, dressed in black. Opposite her was Helena, who maintained her stoic poise, her white uniform shining under the light of the moon.

Finally, Yuri stood up from her throne, her voice carrying clearly across the room. "My loyal subjects." She began, her tone both welcoming and commanding. "Today marks a new chapter in our story. As we face new threats from all sides, it is of vital importance that we strengthen our ranks and unify our efforts."

She paused, allowing her words to echo throughout the room. "It is with great pride that I introduce to you, new peers who will join us in our quest for security and supremacy."

She waved at the door which swung open. "Let us welcome, The A X E. Luna, Charlie, and Fiona."

Ezra watched with raised eyebrows as the women walked into the room. The two ladies who flanked their leader, Luna and Charlie, were almost mirror images with their flowing dark hair and shimmering dresses. Fiona, their leader, walked with a confident stride.

Ezra had heard that the popular girl group would be coming to First City but he hadn't been aware that they were vampires.

"Their reputation as skilled warriors and tacticians precede them and their allegiance is a positive addition to our strength." Yuri continued as the room observed the new allies while they took their place before the assembly. "The A X E have proven themselves in countless battles. Their expertise in both open combat and the subtler arts of espionage will be invaluable to us."

Ezra watched everyone, taking in their responses. Thor, opposite him, nodded slightly in approval.

Helena's expression remained unreadable, though her mind was undoubtedly cataloging every detail, probably creating devilish strategies to use the women in her schemes.

Lady Amara's slight smile suggested that she was politely curious but Ezra didn't trust it for a second.

Fiona stepped forward, her voice resonant. "We are honored to stand with Countess Yuri and all of you. Our loyalty is unwavering, and our commitment to Southside is absolute. Together, we shall overcome."

Yuri smiled, even as her husbands kept glaring behind her. Ezra now knew why the meeting had been called. The addition of esteemed subjects as the A X E in Yuri's ranks was meant to be a morale boost. A move to signal that she was still going strong and to give anyone thinking of defecting second thoughts.

"With the A X E among us, we stand stronger than ever. Let us keep on expanding our influence and fortifying our defenses. This part of the war is rapidly coming to an end. The other Counts will soon make their moves. Stay vigilant."

*********

With the meeting at an end, the participants began making their way to the teleportation room. With no sun to weaken anybody, they all had to follow protocol and make the journey down the tower.

Ezra strolled out after sharing a few words with Lady Amara, catching up with the woman. He was just getting to the elevator when Helena caught up to him.

"Ezra, may I have a word?" She asked.

Ezra paused, frowning. Her tone was sending alarm bells ringing in his head. Instead of her usual cold and officious manner of speech, she'd spoken in a more personal manner.

He opened his mouth to decline when she spoke again, her voice soft. "Please?"

Now, he knew something was wrong. Thor Odinson walked to the elevator, frowning as he saw them standing together. Ezra stepped out of the path, leaving him to take the elevator alone.

He stared at Helena. She wanted a conversation with him even in the presence of Yuri's Aura. He frowned. What was she after? He sighed, deciding to hear her out. "Very well." He nodded, unable to hide the suspicion in his voice.

Helena nodded gratefully and they took the elevator down in silence, moving to a smaller, more secluded room that offered relative privacy. He knew Yuri was watching and he also knew that Helena was aware of it. Whatever she wanted to say, she was confident that Yuri wouldn't have a problem with it. Sёarᴄh the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Once inside, Helena closed the door softly behind them, turning to face Ezra with a seriousness that seemed to pull her usually rigid military posture into something more humble, more human.

Ezra's suspicions grew. He'd never once seen Helena like this before.

"Ezra, before we go further, I owe you an apology." She began, her eyes meeting his directly.

"For?" Ezra's voice was cool as he folded his arms behind his back, waiting. This couldn't be true. It had to be a play for something.

"For the things I've done against you. The alliance I forced on you when I knew I was taking advantage of your desperation at the time." She admitted. "And for... betraying your trust to Griffin." Her words carried a weight of genuine regret but Ezra kept watching, skeptical.

His expression remained neutral, his eyes narrowing slightly. It was one thing to hear an apology. It was another to believe it and to gauge the sincerity and timing of such words.

"I accept your apology." He stated stoically, wanting this to end and go home to his wives. One way or another, Helena was full of bullshit.

On hearing his words, Helena nodded, seemingly relieved by his acceptance. She then shifted, her gaze still locked with his. "There's something else I need to ask of you." She said. "It's about Red."

Ezra sighed in annoyance. There it was. The real reason she had asked to speak with him.