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“So pedantic as always, I am surprised the female didn’t appreciate your stoic-ness.” Cord placed his hands in the front pocket of his robes. “Are you not going to congratulate me?”
“No,” Sloane looked away. “You knew what Cast you were choosing before you took the test. I wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t manipulate the results so you could choose.”
A low laugh escaped Cord. “You amuse me, brother. Only you speak your mind to me; most are too afraid.”
“That’s not a good thing, or something to be proud of,” Sloane snapped.
“How long has the female been here?” Cord asked changing the subject.
“Since yesterday,” Sloane admitted.
“And you haven’t told father, tsk tsk.”
“No one actuallysaystsk tsk, Cord.” Sloane rolled his eyes.
“It matters not what people say, what matters is what you didn’t say. Father will be disappointed,” Cord looked at his younger brother with amusement. “It is a good thing I have not already told him.”
“Cornelius will be disappointed no matter if I tell him or you do. I could have told him the moment she arrived and it would still be too late,” Sloane picked at a thread on his jeans.
“That is true,” Cord watched his brother with amusement. “So, she is your cousin. More family for you.”
“Yes,” Sloane regarded his brother warily.
“I am pleased for you,” Cord looked at the door. “She is quite talented by all accounts.”
“Leave her alone,” Sloane warned.
“Why, brother, I am not sure what you are implying,” the wicked look in Cord ’s eyes were not lost on Sloane.
“She is not to be toyed with,” Sloane leaned forward, ensuring his brother knew he was serious.
“We shall see, brother.” Cord stood and adjusted his robes. “Come, take me to Salem, then we will both tell our father how his niece is here.”
“Cord, can’t you let it rest? She needs more time before father interferes.”
“No, he needs to be told before Salem tells him. Think brother, you need to remind him why you are useful here.”
Sloane winced at his brother’s words. “I don’t need the reminder,brother. I know what I’m doing.”
“Do you? You could have fooled me, and you have never been able to fool me, little brother.” Cord walked to the doors. “Come, lead the way and look as if you are pleased to see me.”
Sloane snorted at his brother’s words but walked past him and opened the doors. “He’ll be in his study.”
“I know,” Cord smirked as they walked along the hall. He ignored the hushed whispers and dark looks he got as he walked alongside his brother. As they continued, he remained straight and steady as he paid the other Sentinels no mind, but he noticed his brother visibly seemed to sink under the weight of the stares. “Remember who you are, brother. Stand tall.”
Sloane pushed his shoulders back even as he glared at him. “You already unnerve them, seeing you in crimson has added to it.”
“I am neutral.”
“You’ve never been neutral in your life, Cord,” Sloane snorted. “You wearing this Cast colour can only be a trick.”
“No one knows me better, brother,” Cord nodded in greeting as they passed two Elite Sentinels, “but you are wrong.”
They stopped outside Salem’s office door and Sloane turned to face his brother fully. “When it comes to you, I am never wrong.” Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door and hearing the voice on the other side biding entry, he opened the door to the study as Cord chuckled quietly beside him.
“Come in,” Salem’s voice was heavy and tired as he called out the order. He was a Principal Elite, head of his family and father of the next Heir, he was used to dealing with unexpected events. He ran these Headquarters as his forefathers had done before him. However, Leonid Novikov turning up at his Headquarters with Celeste’s daughter in tow had been more than unexpected. He hadn’t slept since she arrived, his hours filled with memories and regret. It was taking its toll on him. The door opened and his jaw clenched when he looked past Sloane and saw his older brother with him. Salem looked at Cord with reservation as he took in the red robes.
“Principal,” Cord greeted him, his head dipped slightly in deference for Salem’s rank, but like so much of Cord it was done with mockery, almost seemingly with contempt.
