“She told me she had something to do,” Zack said quietly. “That last day, I saw her in the hall and she was scared. I tried to get her to follow me. I already knew the kids were out of the building. I was trying to find Neil to get the rest of our people out. Sarah said she would meet me later, but she had something to do. I didn’t see her again.”
“And Neil firmly believes she didn’t leave the building.” I hated to even think about this, but I had to. “Do we know who lives in Sarah’s apartment now?”
Sasha stared down at his notes. “She was on the floor below the penthouse, correct?”
“Yes, it was one of the floors that was separated into four residences,” Dev explained. “Neil and Chad had one. Sarah and her family. Zack and his. For years we kept the last open for visiting VIPs. Myrddin took it over when he came to live at the compound. He and Nimue stayed there.”
“Of course, he’s now in the penthouse,” my father said, sliding into a seat close to Rhys. “But the floor Sarah used to live on is considered a high-security area. From what I learned when I hung out at the Council building, he doesn’t allow anyone but his most trusted witches on that floor. Some say it’s because he doesn’t want anyone too close to his domicile.”
Sasha nodded as though Dad had prodded his memory. “Yes, we have several theories about why he did this. Some believe it’s for security purposes. Others think he’s doing some kind of research he doesn’t want anyone to know about. He allows very few up there. Christine gave us what we hope is a complete list of wards used to keep witches out.”
“The cloak is very effective against wards,” Rhys explained. “We’ve tested it against everything we could and it always beats the wards. Certain cats are another thing entirely. Most won’t notice a thing, but a strong familiar knows something is wrong.”
“Yes, but even a strong familiar can be distracted.” I remembered how the pixie Dannan had taken on Myrddin’s familiar so Lee and I had time.
“I think this could work.” Sasha closed his notes and looked Daniel’s way. “Your Highness, I know you’re worried about the queen, but I think with the proper reconnaissance, she can run this op with confidence. I will find someone to play the part of the queen and be seen around town with Neil. You and Devinshea will meet with Myrddin. Zack, I need you to make contact with the shifter groups in the area. We’re still close allies with the big cats there and they can provide security.”
Zack held up a hand. “Uhm, hello. I don’t know why I should call someone. I’m one hundred percent good to go.”
Danny shook his head. “No. You’re not coming. I don’t want Myrddin to know we’ve healed you. It’s better to let him think the curse is still working on you or he might have questions we don’t want to answer.”
“Yes, this is how it must go,” Sasha agreed. “I will also remain here in Frelsi in case this is some kind of trick to leave us unprotected.”
“Sasha, I know you couldn’t be at the actual meeting, but I would rather have you with us,” Danny began.
The Russian was quiet for a moment. “I can’t, Your Highness. It’s too close. The temptation to see her… I cannot risk that my heart would overrule my head.”
“Your daughter.” Danny sighed. He’d forgotten where Sasha’s daughter lived. “I’m sorry. She’s in Dallas. You’re right. We need to protect Frelsi. If you don’t mind my asking, have you been able to keep up with her at all? Her name is Tasha, right?”
The saddest smile crossed the Russian’s handsome face. “Yes, Natasha, but she still goes by Tasha. She is well. She’s a freshman in college and very beloved. Her guardi…her parents adore her and she’s happy with her siblings. She would not even remember what I look like after all this time, but I fear there are many in Dallas who would. I have watched them all, you know. Watched the men who became my brothers, watched them marry and build families. Whatever we went through, it was worth it because there was a good life on the other side. I struggled in the beginning, but I have hope now.”
Rhys turned Sasha’s way. “I know what you sacrificed. I am grateful to the goddess for sending you to us.”
“So very grateful,” Daniel said.
“It has been my honor, but I will say that I’ll be happy when this war is over.” Sasha pushed his chair back. “I would like to know what proper vampire society looks like. And I would like to travel a bit. In style this time. We did not do first class when we were running across the planes.”