“How are you today, Commander?” Andre asked politely.
“Not too good, my boy.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Andre said.
The commander sighed, and for a moment I thought I recognised him.
In the wall in front of me was a small hole—as if a picture frame had once hung there and been torn away. I pressed my eye to it and peered through.
Dominic Lightwood.
My father’s vice-chairman.
With Gideon gone, that made him the most powerful man in the Council.
Why was he here?
“I’m not sure if you’ve heard the news,” Dominic continued. “But Gideon Quinn has been taken by the Equinox Front. Not only that, but there are sightings of a dragon in the area. You can understand our concerns.”
“I thought the dragons were extinct?” Andre said quietly.
“So did we. But one of them attempted an attack on the Temple of the Order of the Light. We were lucky we had safeguards in place.”
Andre let out a slow breath. “I’m sorry to hear that. We don’t have a TV, so I didn’t know.”
“Understandable.” Dominic folded his hands behind his back. “The thing is, Andre, there have been sightings of some… unsavoury individuals in the area.” His gaze sharpened. “I wanted to ask if you’d noticed anything suspicious.”
Andre didn’t hesitate.
“No, sir,” he said evenly. “I’ve been busy taking care of my mother, that’s all.” A pause. “And Mia, of course.”
“Mia,” Dominic repeated. “Right.” He tilted his head slightly. “Is she here?”
“Somewhere.” Andre raised his voice. “Mia!”
Soft, hurried footsteps padded across the floor. The little girl appeared at his side and slipped her hand into his, silent as a mouse.
“Hello there,” Dominic said pleasantly.
“She doesn’t speak, sir,” Andre replied tightly.
Dominic inclined his head, as if this confirmed something he already knew. “I see.” His gaze lifted. “And how is your mother doing? Is she here as well?”
“My mother is sick.”
“Really?” Dominic’s tone warmed. “That’s a shame. I have Aiden Donahue with me outside. He’s an excellent healer. If you’d like, we could take a quick look.”
Andre didn’t move. “I don’t think that would be a good idea.”
“It will only take a moment.” Dominic turned his head toward the door. “Aiden!”
He used the distraction to step inside.
Andre was forced to give ground as more soldiers followed, boots thudding over the threshold. Mia clutched his hand, pressing close to his side.
Guilt hit me hard and sharp. I’d brought this to their door.
Dominic didn’t look at them again.
