Chapter 224: Tomorrow Night

Bella walked as fast as she could, her voice a mix of anger and concern. "We have a crisis, my lord. The Investigation Bureau has launched a full-scale inquiry into our operations. All our assets are currently frozen under suspicion of tax evasion, money laundering, and more charges."

"Wait, what?" The Necromancer stood in a flash and with a wave of a hand, banished the bone soldier and the table into his pocket dimension. "Explain." He commanded, his voice low and dangerous.

"The Bureau appeared in all our locations this morning in a coordinated attack. I looked into it and it seems like someone has somehow left them some form of evidence leading directly to us. They have documents, contracts, even digital trails that suggest we've been funneling money through various shell companies. They're moving quickly, my lord. They've seized everything."

"Damn it." The Necromancer began pacing, his thoughts racing. If he didn't keep the assets of Westside intact, he wouldn't be able to get what he wanted from Count Vladimir. He couldn't let the Bureau take whatever they wanted.

He leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "Do we know who is behind this?" he asked, already going through the list of vampires who knew of his existence and were capable of this.

The first person that came to mind was Ezra Matten. Ezra knew he was after him and that was reason enough to try this.

Another suspect was Count Solomon. The man had to know he was here and was greedy enough to want his own person at Westside. This could be his attempt at freezing out any opposition and claiming the assets, thereby claiming Westside.

His final suspect was the captain of the local peacekeepers. He'd gathered intelligence on her and knew they were all corrupt and greedy. It won't be so far-fetched for them to have cultivated contacts among the human law enforcement. Who knew if they wanted a slice of the pie.

"Not yet, my lord." Bella replied, her own frustration evident. "We haven't found their source yet. When we do, we should be able to trace it back to whoever is behind this."

The Necromancer stopped his pacing, turning to face Bella. "Mobilize our human minions." He instructed sharply. "I want eyes and ears within the Bureau. Find out what they have, how they got it, and most importantly, how we can destroy, alter, or erase it all."

"It will be done." Bella nodded sharply. "I'll personally oversee the operation, my lord."

"Good. Be swift. Be ruthless. We have no time to waste." The Necromancer sat back down on his throne. "We cannot afford any slip-ups. Got it?" Sёarᴄh the ηovёlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"Yes, my lord." Bella bowed deeply. "By your leave."

"Go." The Necromancer commanded. He watched her leave, his fingers tapping a rhythm on the armrest of his throne. His mind went through his options, trying to find a way out.

He stood abruptly, striding towards the door. He walked out of the throne room, heading out of Star Heights. He beckoned to Z who had been standing outside the door.

"Come, Z. We've got work to do." He said, then a dark smile appeared on his face. "But before that, it's time to feed."

**********

Ezra's footsteps echoed around the corridors of the Old Museum. This time, he wasn't going up the tower to the throne room but was instead, going to Yuri's personal study on the third floor of the main building.

He'd previously gone to check the location that Ivo and Armand had selected and he had to admit. He was impressed. The location was secure and near enough to the Old Museum.

If not for the fact that the two vampires surely had something planned, he would have appreciated their help. He only hoped that they wouldn't rope him into whatever they were doing.

Ezra walked forward, each step bringing him closer to the meeting that would seal the fate of whatever Ivo and Armand were planning. Before long, he was standing in front of the grand doors leading to Yuri's study.

The door was designed beautifully and carved with images of mermaids frolicking on a stone jutting out of the sea. Ezra tilted his head at the door as he knocked, trying to figure out what message the door was supposed to be sending. Or maybe it was just an innocent design.

"Come in." Yuri's voice sounded from the room.

He pushed upon the door, entering. He bowed slightly as he caught sight of his host. "Countess."

Yuri was standing by a large window, looking out at the illuminated streets of Southside. The light of the moon shone down on her, casting her in a silhouette that spoke of strength and regal command.

She turned as he entered, her expression one of measured interest. "Ezra," she greeted. "I assume you bring news of importance."

"Yes." Ezra answered. "I have found a suitable location for the Ascension well and I'm ready to move it as we planned."

Yuri's eyes narrowed as she assessed him. "Indeed? This is sooner than anticipated. How did you find a place so fast?"

"I got lucky." Ezra answered, his face expressionless.

"Alright." Yuri nodded at his words, turning away from the window and walking slowly to her desk. "When do you propose we move it?"

Ezra followed her, stopping a respectful distance away. "As soon as possible. Everyone is busy gathering resources. I Believe this is the perfect time to move it."

Yuri nodded along with his words, sitting behind her desk. As she thought, Ezra took his time to look around the room as this was his first time in it.

The room was a bit smaller than he had expected. The ceiling was a bit low and the walls were lined with custom-built bookshelves, reaching up to the ceiling.The shelves were filled with mundane books on what looked like engineering. He'd expected books on vampire things.

His attention was pulled back as Yuri spoke. "Move the well tomorrow night." She commanded. "Solomon is watching Southside's water distribution system, so you have to keep things as quiet as possible."

"He won't be able to intervene himself but if he catches wind of this, he'll send the people himself. But don't worry. Ivo and Armand will be there to assist you. If that is all, you may leave."

Ezra bowed slightly and turned to leave. After tomorrow night, he would be free of whatever was going on. And that was what he wanted.