clear the Vampire Nation will not tolerate the deaths of innocent vampires who were lured into Blood Rush under false pretenses. The Red Syndicate recognizes all vampires as citizens of our great nation and regrets the loss of life the Templars suffered at the hands of a few isolated terrorists within Maximus's faction."
Sallah jerked to her feet. "A few isolated terrorists? We were swarmed by hundreds of Maximus's terrorists. If the Red Syndicate is so concerned, why haven't your leaders stepped in and stopped them? Why do we have to risk our lives to solve a vampire problem?"
"That will be quite enough," Thomas said, eyes stern.
Elyssa studied his gaze. She could tell he wasn't angry with the Templar, but Thomas set great store by keeping his people in line, no matter what.
Luciano gave Sallah a patronizing smile. "My leaders regret their lack of manpower to deal with the situation, but the Arcanes' unprovoked attack on the Vampire Academy has strained our resources. Once the Templars have taken care of Maximus, we will take control of the orphaned vampires."
Elyssa hadn't heard of an attack on the VA. Only a week or so ago, vampires had attacked the Dallas branch of the Ezzek Moore School for the Gifted and killed several children before the teachers could kill the attackers. The Arcanes blamed the Red Syndicate. Apparently, the Arcane Council had escalated the conflict. She had a suspicion Maximus's people were behind the attack, pinning the blame on the Reds so they'd be too busy to stop his recruitment efforts.
Adam Nosti, and Meghan with him, stared with open disdain at the vampire.
"This vampire is a liar," Bella said, her voice low and angry.
"About what?" Elyssa said.
"Unprovoked, he says? One of my friends lost a nephew in the attack on the Ezzek Moore School. He was so bright, and so very young." Bella dabbed at an eye.
"I'm sorry," Elyssa said.
"Please know that my leaders greatly appreciate all the Templars do to support the Overworld Conclave," Luciano said. "I am here to monitor the situation and report back once there is a resolution." The thin man smiled once again and took his seat.
Elyssa stood before Christian could open his mouth.
"You realize Maximus has a prisoner, right?" She cast a stern look at her father when she said it. "He has Justin. Is there a plan to get him safely out?"
Christian folded his hands behind his back. "We will rescue him if all goes to plan, Recruit Borathen. Unfortunately, we have no inside knowledge as to where Maximus is keeping him."
"Shouldn't we gather more intel before we strike?" She crossed her arms. "Why don't we commit our full force to an all-out assault instead of stealth? There are too many vampires to—"
Christian held up a hand to silence her. "A full frontal assault would not work for a number of reasons, recruit. I suggest everyone get some shuteye. The operation starts at high noon tomorrow. We're expecting a sunny day, and the vampires will be at their weakest then."
Elyssa ground her teeth. It was obvious nobody gave a crap about Justin's safety. Attempting to nullify Maximus with two squads wasn't going to work. Who knew how many vampires stood between the Templars and the leader of Blood Rush? Quite likely too many.
"This will work out, dear." Bella patted Elyssa's hand and smiled.
"Yeah right," Fausta said, standing. "They let Maximus build up and prepare for too long without a response. His activities demand an overwhelming Templar response, not this tip-toeing around."
"That's what I told them," said a familiar voice from the aisle.
Elyssa glanced right as she stood and saw the chiseled face of Beck Andrews grinning at her. "Told who?" she asked. "Yourself in the mirror?"
"Ha, very funny." He crossed his arms. "In case you hadn't noticed, I'm one of Christian's top advisors now. Your father recommended me for the position."
"Define 'top'," Fausta said with a smirk. "Because they obviously didn't listen to your attack plan."
"My father recommended you?" Elyssa felt her eyebrow arch in disbelief. "Payback for telling him about Vadaemos, right?" A group led by Justin had captured a wanted spawn criminal and taken him back to the United States to answer for his crimes. Justin had told her he'd done it to prove spawn weren't responsible for the Thunder Rock massacre all so he could gain her father's approval. Beck, however, had wanted credit for the capture and told her father prematurely. Her father had nearly killed Justin in a duel.