Page 228 of The Call of Crimson
“We’re getting off-topic,” Ayden steps in, trying to diffuse the situation.
“I digress,” I say. “This feels like vigilante justice at best, and hired mercenary attacks at worst.”
“What brings you to that conclusion?” Lord Oren asks.
“I think we can agree that the victims were all killed by the same person. The pattern suggests either they were being watched, or someone knew them and sent someone else to do the work.”
Darian rubs at his jaw, his sapphire eyes cold and calculating. “You’re assuming all the victims were similar in their nature.”
“I am,” I agree, “but I would wager it’s a correct assumption.”
Ayden leans forward slightly, resting his hands on the table. “How do you propose we find the killer?”
“We start by figuring out if these murders are isolated to Elentia or if the problem is wider spread,” I say confidently.“Have any of you spoken to the ruling lords in any of the other cities?”
Darian rubs the back of his neck, offering me a regretful expression. “Admittedly, I have not had the time. There have been no messages received from them, but that does not mean they aren’t happening.”
“Then that’s where we begin,” I conclude.
Darian eyes me. “Should I expect you to accompany me for that?”
“I think that’s an excellent idea,” Ayden cuts in before I can respond otherwise. I hadn’t been planning on it, but apparently, I am now.
“What do you plan on doing with them once you find the one responsible?” Aurelius asks.
I glance over my shoulder to Ayden, knowing that’s not my decision to make.
“I think…” he pauses, trying to determine what feels right. “That depends entirely on what we find when we do.”
There are a few murmurs from the council members, but no one has anything to say against the proposed plan.
“Have there been any further attacks along our borders?” Lord Talon asks.
“No,” Darian answers tightly.
“That’s good news,” Charlotte offers.
“Maybe,” he mutters. “But…”
“The sudden silence makes you nervous,” Aurelius concludes.
Darian nods. “It’s like we’re waiting for something worse to hit.”
“When was the last attack?” I ask.
“Just before Ophelia, Elijah, and Cillian arrived,” Ayden answers quickly. Too quickly.
My head snaps to him. “What am I missing?”
“Noth—”
“The last known attackwasLord Elijah,” Darian cuts in, leveling Ayden with a sharp look. Some silent battle passes between them.
“Quit trying to protect her, Ayden,” Darian snaps. “She’s capable of hearing this. Shedeservesthe truth.”
“It’s my job to protect her.” Ayden sighs, exasperated. “I simply thought it better to wait until the wound wasn’t so… fresh.”
Aurelius smirks. “Take it from me, brother, keeping information from Breyla for the sake of protecting her only makes her resent you.”
