Page 122 of Between Imminent Fates

“We need to talk about Rayn.”

Celeste glanced at Nero, knowing the sovereign had been hosting the traitorous Raeth for more than a month. Now, among this audience, it was a pressing concern.

“Should he stand trial?”

It was Drake who spoke the question that was undoubtedly on more than one mind. After interrogating him, Nero had thrown the clanless Raeth back in a cell.

“It’s a good question, Drake,” Celeste replied. “As many of you know, Zia, Jeremiah, Derikles, and I have been writing the vision for the immortal governing body. Rayn has been a topic of discussion several times, and because of him, we’ve created a set of rules that outline punishment.

“Current state, the vampires have the Council, the wolves have Aidan, and the Elementals have Gideon. The clanless Raeths are under no universal law, and sovereigns act alone. Moving forward, we enact guidelines for interacting with human populations and the other immortal breeds—rules that all must follow or the governing body steps in. We strongly urge that if an immortal’s risk to our society is too great, then they are either imprisoned, Locked, or killed.”

“In Rayn’s case,” Derikles added, “he’s already proven what he’s capable of. He can’t be allowed to live.”

As Celeste studied the faces around the room, every person was aligned. “Then it’s agreed. Rayn will pay the ultimate price.”

Though she supported the decision, a part of Celeste hurt for the boy who’d grown up alone, outside of the security of a clan. In the future, she hoped that the organization could bridge the gap between those who were suffering and those who sought to prevent it.

Zeke cleared his throat. Several days had passed since he’d asked for a gathering with the intent to share his dilemma. With Isaiah taking back his sovereignty—and then awakening—it’d temporarily been put on pause.

“There’s another topic I must bring before this delegation. Though it pains me to say it, I cannot maintain the dual sovereignty of my clan,” he began to the gasps of shock around him. “The drain on my psychic energy is too great, and it depletes me faster than I can restore it. I bring this to you knowing that we continue to be allies in this post-war period—and I ask for assistance.”

Zeke turned to Isaiah. “I need your help in overlaying the structure of the clan for a new sovereign to take over. I’m willing to sustain it while I can, but—” he paused, “it will not be long.”

Celeste’s eyes burned at the admission. Knowing that he was suffering, slowly being drained by a clan he loved, was a torment. As a lieutenant, there was nothing she could do to help him more than she already was doing.

“If Nina had known, Zeke,” Nero said softly, “she wouldn’t have put you in this position.”

A tragic smile. “I know.”

“You’re currently acting as sovereign to over thirteen hundred Raeths,” the other sovereign remarked, attempting to bring humor into the depressing conversation. “No clan that large has ever been detailed in any archive. I think we can safely say it’s a world record.”

Chuckling, Zeke’s weariness showed in his weak shrug before he gestured to Eden. “It’ll be well documented, I’m sure.”

The immortal historian gave him a solemn nod.

“We will need to break apart the clans,” he continued. “When we attempted earlier with Celeste, it caused psychic shock. If we can figure out a way around that, we can shift the networks back to their original frames.”

“That doesn’t answer the question of who’ll take them when you’re out of commission, Zeke,” Isaiah replied.

“Nina’s my sister, and I’m her second,” Kaien said. “I’m happy to stand in her stead.”

“Tzuriel has offered to take over the Danada clan while I recover,” Zeke added. “The only thing we need now is to lay the foundation. Derikles, Isaiah, will you be willing to assist?”

Derikles stepped forward, gently putting his hand on his sovereign’s shoulder. “I’m familiar enough with what he did that I could lead the effort, and I’m already rooted in Nina’s clan. It will take time to do well, but Celeste and I will partner together to make it go quicker.”

“Good,” Zeke replied. “That’s good. I’ll hold out as long as I can. A solid foundation for a new sovereignty is imperative. I will aid when I’m able, but I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to offer much.”

“For the time being, Zeke, conserve your strength,” Celeste said. “We’ll take care of the rest.”

The pain in Celeste’s voice must’ve inspired something in Derikles, because in the next moment, he was striding for Zeke. When he reached him, an unspoken conversation passed between them, and Derikles gently gripped the other man’s shoulder. A barely perceptible pulse of strength laced the air.

Celeste had never appreciated him more.

“Several weeks ago,” Nero said, “a pair of humans trespassed on our soil. While nothing came of it, and we quickly urged them away, the intrusion was not the first of its kind, nor will it be the last.

“Humanity will continue to discover us,” he continued. “Key may have prevented theCitizensfrom exposing us this time, but who is to say that we won’t fail to prevent it tomorrow, or the next day? It’s worrisome, and something we need to address moving forward.”

Remmus’ face was grave as he said, “Society has become fueled by technology, and soon, I fear that technology will out our secret.”

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