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“I would have enjoyed that sight,” Krygor said.
My father chuckled. “I’m sure you would have, you sick fuck. But in this instance, I wouldn’t have put it past my Mercy to take her sweet time torturing her first. She couldn’t stand Dana.”
“She made that very clear a few minutes ago,” I conceded with a laugh. “Dana was a most unpleasant female, but she has good genes.”
My father smiled, his eyes going slightly out of focus as he no doubt thought of his beloved mate. His gaze then shifted back to me, his wistful expression fading.
“But tell me, Son, what is that trip about?” he asked in a more serious tone.
I sighed. “The message I received yesterday came from Dawn Merrick. She asked for assistance with the new wave of hybrid murders in Haven.”
“So, the Twelve are shirking their responsibilities again?” my father asked, his voice dripping with contempt and blossoming anger.
“Apparently,” I replied. “The question is who could be behind it? None of the clans most likely to go on such an expedition have been off world lately. Elder Pattel was also able to account for the few bigots who could want to do such a thing, and who are currently working in his battle arenas.”
“But the partial reports we’ve seen of the last four murders indicated many similarities in the killings previously performed by purebloods,” Krygor said pensively.
“Could we be dealing with a copycat or someone settling scores but trying to frame the purebloods?” Ganek asked.
“That’s exactly what I’ve been wondering and want to assess as soon as possible,” I said with a frown.
My father nodded slowly. “You could be right. Even our most rabid opponents have moved on—at least in appearance—from these hunts. We definitely need to investigate and make a brutal example of the culprit once we catch them. But why areyougoing? We could simply dispatch a unit to handle it. You have a lot of preparations to make in the upcoming weeks.”
“Because the timing of these murders, three months from my ascension, feels like a direct challenge to my rule. A test, even… If I cannot keep a few hundred hybrids safe from a killer—in a sanctuary at that—how will I protect an entire planet filled with brutal people and vicious beasts? They are implying that, as soon as you step down, Father, things will go back to the old ways.”
“I see your point, Keran,” Krygor said with a frown. “But your father is right that you still have much to prepare for your upcoming crowning.”
“I do,” I conceded, “which is why I have delegated what I could and made plans to handle the rest in-between my mission over there. But I must handle it. Unrest and dissent have increased with talks of my impending ascension.”
“You’re strong,” Father said in a stern tone.
“Strong, yes. But I’m not you. No one can be you,” I said firmly, allowing my love and admiration for my father to resonate loudly in my voice. “Theywillchallenge me. And I’ll be ready.”
“For the record, Gavin doesn’t covet your throne,” Krygor stated in a factual manner. “After the match, last night, I mentioned the rumors to him. He laughed, saying those people were funny.”
“He laughed but didn’t deny it,” I countered.
Krygor frowned and pursed his lips, taking a moment to reflect before responding. “You’re correct. He didn’t deny it in so many words. But I know my grandson. Gavin doesn’t want to be Magnar. He has no control over what rumors people spread.”
I smiled and nodded. “Whatever happens is in the hands of Fate. But should I ever be overcome by a challenger, I would want it to be Gavin. Braxia would be in good hands. Either way, the killer must be caught. We cannot have a hybrid murderer on the loose. The Ancestors willing, I’ll have this resolved in a couple of weeks. Should it look like it will drag beyond a month, I will return and leave a team to catch the killer.”
“Very well,” my father said with some reluctance. “But youwillwin.”
I loved that, even when he didn’t fully agree with my decisions, so long as he didn’t believe I would be severely harmed by them, he stood by me. He was still the Magnar and could order me to do his biddings. But Father was showing me that he trusted in my judgment and wanted me to feel empowered to take the place that would officially be mine in the near future.
“Or die trying,” I said with a teasing smile.
“My sons will buryme,” my father snarled. “Not the other way around. Take Tagar and Nowik with you. They’ve accompanied me to Haven in the past. Their knowledge of the planet will likely serve you well.”
“Will do, Father. Thank you.”
Chapter 4
Dawn
Iran a nervous hand through my hair while fighting the urge to shift restlessly on my feet as I watched the Braxian shuttle land. I’ve never met a pureblood in person before. And this one happened to be their Prince, soon to be their King.
Shame coursed through me at the pathetic welcoming party of one that I had to offer him. Granted, he had messaged me this morning to inform me of their early arrival—a day sooner than planned. Stuck with other obligations, Melinda had not been able to free herself with such little warning. I’d ended up rushing to prepare some kind of meal with what I already had here instead of the fancier one the catering service would have brought tomorrow.
