Page 41 of Protected by the Fallen
“As you said in your letter,” Maximus says. “Pray, tell us why you’ve orchestrated this lavish event. Is it truly just so you could facilitate this meeting?”
“In part,” Sarah admits.
I’m not sure what to make of this situation. Sarah planned the party just to meet with the Light Fallen. Couldn’t she make an appointment with them on any day?
“Why go through the trouble?” Joseph voices my own question. I don’t look his direction.
Sarah sighs dramatically. “Because I am afraid the Dark Council can no longer be trusted.”
No one moves. Well, except for me and Freddy. We both physically balk at Sarah’s words. But none of the Fallen or Mrs. Hutchins so much bat an eye.
“What makes you say that?” Maximus asks, leaning forward and resting his chin in his hands. Wise, intelligent eyes assess the leader of the Dark Council, searching for even the slightest hint of deceit.
“Because I believe one of the members is working with The Darkness.”
Eighteen
A traitorin the Dark embassy? Can’t say I’m surprised. I mean… they’re called Dark Fallen for crying out loud. The title doesn’t exactly scream “good guys”.
The table is quiet. Light Fallen look among themselves, silently communicating about what they’ve just been told.
“What makes you say such things, Mother?” Adrian breaks the silence.
“The fact The Darkness targeted the Light Council.”
“That proves nothing,” one of the brunettes, the one with the kinder face, says. “The Darkness was bound to attack one of the councils eventually. We just so happened to be first.”
“It’s more than that,” Sarah sighs, as if the truth of the situation pains her. “My colleagues did not want to send aid to during the battle.”
“Again,” Maximus repeats the Light female’s words, “That proves nothing.”
“Think about it, Maximus,” Sarah sigh, as if the truth of the situation and leans forward, resting her elbows on the table. “Every Fallen knows the threat The Darkness poses. Why would my fellow council members vote against helping your council even knowing if the Light Fallen are defeated, surely The Darkness will come after us next?”
Sarah doesn’t give him the chance to respond. “The answer is they wouldn’t,” she says with confidence, “not unless there was something in it for them. I believe some of my fellow council members are conspiring with The Darkness. I believe they plan to overthrow the Light Council. Then, they will set their sights on me.”
The whole idea seems far-fetched, but even I have to admit, Sarah sounds convincing. A peek at Zeke and Adrian reveals they, too, struggle with the decision of whether or not to believe their mother’s claim.
“You do not think highly of your fellow Dark Fallen,” Joseph speaks again. I get the notion he is second-in-command at this meeting. “Even if council members conspire with The Darkness, you continue to hold ultimate authority, as demonstrated by you sending your soldiers to assist us.” I’d forgotten I was supposed to avoid looking at Joseph. Feeling my gaze, he makes eye contact. Thankfully, he is better at controlling his expression. It remains neutral and aloof. Zeke shifts, drawing my attention safely away.
“Until my rivals succeed in their venture, then I will be replaced.”
“Surely your sons won’t let that happen,” Maximus gestures to Adrian and Zeke. “And your other brethren, for that matter. A few power-hungry council members will not be able to convince everyone to rise up against you. Not unless there is just cause.” The accusation hangs in the air like a loaded gun. I don’t know who Maximus intends to shoot, himself or Sarah. From where I sit, it can go either way.
“If they are seduced and supported by The Darkness, there is no knowing what my brethren will be capable of.”
That’s the million-dollar question.
“Why tell us this?” the same female who spoke earlier asks. “What do you want from the Light Council?”
I straighten, eager to hear Sarah’s answer. My guess is she’s planning a coup of her own, and she needs the Light Fallen’s help to succeed.
“We propose an alliance,” Mrs. Hutchins speaks, acting as Sarah’s dutiful assistant. “If Lady Sarah can find and provide evidence of the Dark Council’s treachery, the Light Council will support her commandeering the council and excommunicating the traitorous members from our ranks.”
I struggle to comprehend what half of her words mean. Commandeering the council? As in, taking over by herself? Why not simply elect other loyal Fallen to the positions? And excommunicating? Is that like banishment? How do you banish a Fallen angel?
Maximus taps his chin, contemplating his options. “Joseph,” he addresses my soulmate, “What do you make of this offer?”
Careful not to meet his eye, I look Joseph’s direction. I see his jaw clench. His hands grip the arms of the chair. A glance at Gabe confirms he’s just as tense, as are the other Light Fallen I glimpse. Maximus is the only one who appears calm.
