Chapter One Hundred Nineteen
Chapter One Hundred Nineteen
The interviews dragged on. The fairies were getting used to reading the hearts, intentions, and subtle vibration of truth. This was a room full of people shaped by fear, loyalty, trauma, ambition = and in some cases, pure malice.
By the time they finished Varyn’s interview, the fairies, Vee, Thistle, and Steele, were getting into a rhythm. They never expected the extra abilities they were given, would tire them so quickly and easily. But they pressed on. Because the summit depended on it. Because Avery’s visions were growing darker. Because Titania had warned them, “Find the rot before it spreads.” So they continued. The next person up is Mira.
Mira enters the room like she owns it. Chin high, eyes sharp, posture dripping with disdain. She didn’t sit until one of the fairies gestured to the chair. She flops into it with exaggerated boredom. Vee begins, “State your name and race for the record.” Mira sneers, “You already know who I am. But fine. Mira, shade-touched elf. Happy?”
The fairies, push on. Thistle asks, “How long have you served Londrell?” The response is immediate, “Long enough” Steele, already irritated with this female, rebukes, “Answer clearly…” Mira smirks, “Long enough to know he’s losing his edge.”
The fairies exchange an uneasy glance. Vee asks, “Why did you join him?” Mira shocks them, “Because he had the spine to stand against the Council. Because he wasn’t afraid to do what needed to be done.” Thistle jumps to the point, “What do you hope to accomplish at the summit?”
Mira leans back, “Nothing. It’s pointless. A waste of time. Talking never solved anything.” The fairies felt a shiver run through them at her words. Steele asks, “What outcome do you desire for the supernatural realm?” Mira’s smile sharpened. But said nothing. Vee then tries, “And what about Avery?” Getting answers from this person has been like pulling teeth. But this is one of the questions that will trigger her intentions.
Mira’s eyes gleam with something cold, “She’s the problem. Remove her, and everything falls into place.” The fairies stiffen. Thistle quietly, “Noted” When Mira finally walks back to the conference room, Steele is the first to break the silence and tension, “She wants blood.” Vee agrees, “She wants collapse.” Thistle whispers, “She is a threat.” They make their notes on the console they have floating on their platform.
The next few people are rather pleasant. There was a dragon/elf hybrid, Jorren, he was blunt, believes that the summit is needed. Wants the fighting to stop, and Loyal to Londrell to a fault. Then there was Lysa, who is a human realm born wood elf. She is neutral, not having known about the supernatural realm existed before she met Londrell, the outcome of the summit is whatever for her. She just wants to survive. Then there was Kaelis, he is a Fae-blooded human that works for the human government. When things started to get dicey in the human realm, the human government decided to investigate, and sent Kaelis in to infiltrate and gather information. When he finally reveals to the fairies who he is, and hears what the fairies are doing, he agrees to keep his cover intact, and to continue to gather info, to see how many extremists are mixed in with Londrell’s people. He also tells them he will let his handlers know that the supernatural realm is investigating too.
The Next person after Kaelis, is Rhalek. He is a Dragon shifter. Rhalek ducked through the doorway, massive and coiled with tension. His eyes were reptilian gold, unblinking. He didn’t sit, he loomed. Vee starts, “Please take a seat.” Rhalek, “No”
The fairies exchange a look - this was going to be difficult. Thistle begins, “State your name and race for the record.” Rhalek scoffs, “Rhalek. Dragon shifter. You know this already.” Steele jumps in, “How long have you served under Londrell?” Rhalek seems to relax, if this is the type of question they are going to ask, their plan will be safe, “Long enough to watch him grow soft.”
The fairies stiffen at this. Vee continues, “Why did you join him?” Rhalek’s lips curled into something like a grin, “Because he promised fire.” Thistle queries, “What do you mean by that?” Rhalek snorts, “Destruction.” The fairies freeze, Steele enquires, “Of what? The summit?” Rhalek responds, “Everything!” Vee pushes, “Avery, and her mates?” Rhalek’s eyes narrow, “She is the spark. Remove her, and the world burns clean.” Then he walks out, not giving them a chance to ask him any more questions.
The fairies whisper urgently, Vee, “He is worse than Mira.” Steele, “He wants annihilation.” Thistle states, “He is, and an extreme threat.” They make their notes in the report they are building. Then they look up expectantly as the next person walks in.
Selra entered nervously, weighing her hands. She sat before being asked, eyes darting around the room. Vee begins the interview, “State your name and race.” Selra stumbles, “Selra. Human mage.” Thistle flutters forward, “How long have you served under Londrell?” Selra, “Three years.” Steele, “why did you join him?”
Selra swallowed hard, “He… offered protection.” The fairies look at her then share a glance, Vee asks the obvious, “Protection from what?” Selra’s eyes filled with fear, “I… I can’t say.” Thistle, “You must.” Sera’s voice cracked, “I owe money. To people who don’t forgive debts. Londrell offered me a way out.”