Chapter 53 The Court

Chapter 53 The Court
The Obsidian Court’s territory is nothing like I expected.
I pictured something ancient and crumbling, a gothic castle perched on a cliff like something out of a horror movie. Instead, the convoy pulls up to a flashy, modern compound nestled in the mountains of Virginia looking like some billionaire’s wet dream.
“This is it?” I ask from the back seat of the armored SUV.
“The Court relocated about fifty years ago,” Elias explains from the front passenger seat. “Their old headquarters in Eastern Europe became too difficult to defend. This facility was built to their exact specifications.”
“It looks like a tech company headquarters.”
“That’s fitting considering they own several tech companies as a cover.” Thad reaches over and takes my hand. He hasn’t let go of me for more than a few minutes since we left the mansion. “Remember what we discussed. Stay close, don’t accept any food or drink, and if anything feels wrong, we leave immediately.”
“You’ve told me that four times already.”
“And I’ll tell you four more times if it keeps you safe.”
Dominique kills the engine and cranes face us from the driver’s seat. “Welcoming committee at two o’clock.”
I follow her line of sight and spot a group of vampires emerging from the main entrance. They’re dressed in dark suits and moving in perfect formation like they’ve rehearsed this moment a hundred times. At the front of the group is a face I recognize all too well.
Slicked-back hair, pale blue eyes, and a smile that never quite reaches anywhere genuine. Viktor. He’s wearing a charcoal suit with that same crescent moon pin on his lapel, and he opens his arms wide as we climb out of the SUV.
“Thad! What a pleasure to see you again.” He clasps Thad’s hand like they’re old friends instead of mortal enemies. “And Miss Wright. The woman of the hour. We’ve been eagerly anticipating your arrival.”
“I’m sure you have,” I reply.
“Still as spirited as I remember. I do appreciate that about you.” Viktor turns and gestures toward the building behind him. “Please, allow me to give you the grand tour. The Court has prepared quarters for your stay, and our scholars are most anxious to begin their work.”
“We’re not here for a vacation,” Thad states. “Thelma has agreed to let your people study her abilities. That’s all. Once they have what they need, we’re leaving.”
“Of course, of course. Strictly business. Though I do hope you’ll allow us to show you some hospitality while you’re here. The Court prides itself on treating guests with the utmost respect.”
I don’t believe a word coming out of his mouth. The last time I saw Viktor, he was threatening me in Thad’s foyer and suggesting I’d be better off without my “watchdog.” Now he’s playing gracious host like none of that ever happened.
Elias relocates to my left side while Dominique takes my right. The three of them have formed a protective triangle around me, and I’m grateful for it. This place makes my skin crawl.
“The facility is quite impressive,” Viktor continues as he leads us toward the entrance. “State-of-the-art laboratories, extensive archives, and living quarters that rival the finest hotels in the world. You’ll want for nothing during your stay.”
“What about security?” Dominique asks. “How many vampires are stationed here?”
“Enough to ensure everyone’s safety. I assure you, Miss Wright will be well protected within these walls.”
“That’s not what concerns me,” Dominique mutters under her breath.
We pass through a set of massive glass doors and into a lobby that looks like it belongs in a museum. The floors are polished marble, and abstract sculptures dot the space at regular intervals. Everything is white and chrome and aggressively modern.
“The scholars’ wing is on the third floor,” Viktor explains as we walk. “That’s where most of your time will be spent, Miss Wright. We’ve assembled our finest minds to work with you. Historians, geneticists, specialists in ancient bloodlines. You’ll be in excellent hands.”
“And if I don’t like what they’re doing? If I want to stop?”
Viktor pauses and turns to face me. “You have our word that nothing will be done without your explicit consent. The moment you wish to stop, we stop. The Court has no interest in forcing anyone to do anything against their will.”
“Forgive me if I find that hard to believe,” Thad replies. “Given your history.”
“I understand your skepticism. Truly, I do. Our previous interactions were … unfortunate. I was operating under orders that I personally disagreed with.” Viktor spreads his hands in a gesture of peace. “But circumstances have changed. The Primigenii betrayed us just as surely as they’ve been hunting Miss Wright. We have a common enemy now. Surely that counts for something.”
I want to point out that he threatened me, that he tried to drive a wedge between me and Thad, and everything about him screams untrustworthy. But I’m here for a reason. I need to understand what I’m becoming before this power tears me apart from the inside.
If the Obsidian Court can help me do that, I’ll swallow my pride and play nice. For now.
“Where are these scholars?” I ask. “I’d like to get started as soon as possible.”
Viktor’s smile widens. “Eager. I like that. Right this way.”
He turns and heads toward a bank of elevators at the far end of the lobby. Thad falls into step beside me, pressing his hand against the small of my back. The touch is reassuring, a reminder that I’m not alone in this.
“Last chance to change your mind,” he whispers so only I can hear.
“I didn’t come all this way to turn around at the door.”
“I know. I just wanted to make sure.”
The elevator doors slide open with a soft chime. Viktor steps inside and holds the door for us with that unsettling smile still fixed on his face.
“After you,” he says.
I take a breath and step into the elevator. Thad, Elias, and Dominique follow close behind, and the doors slide shut, sealing us inside with the vampire who threatened to destroy everything I care about.
Whatever happens next, there’s no turning back now.