game ended when the King finally leaned forward and spoke. “I will expect an update each set. Since you are a Master, you can begin attending the meetings. I want specific numbers, so be prepared.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.” Joy. More time wasted is exactly what I need.
Masters met each set and argued over trivial things before updating the King on their quotas, needs, and so on. When I was younger, Master Akai had dragged me to a few. Most of them devolved into a pageant of posturing and backbiting. I did not look forward to participating.
“You may go.” He gestured towards the door and turned to his Aide. “Bring the next one in. I'd like to hurry this along.”
With the Aide's simpering words in the background, I pivoted and marched towards the exit. Unfortunately, he got there first and nearly flung the door in my face as he hurried to do the King's bidding. I jumped back, barely avoiding getting smacked.
With balled-up fists at my side, I stalked after the Aide, imagining what I could do to him. My monster stared upwards, licking its lips as my thoughts turned darker. My vision narrowed to include only the pot licker, and I decided on a punishment.
To my shame, I didn't wonder why I had such a strong urge to taste the fear and pain of the young Aide, a boy who hadn't touched me and merely followed what his survival instincts told him.
Instead, it took an irritating voice to break me from my intentions, “Z– Master Healani! I'd love to have a talk with you if you have time to wait.”
My gaze swung to the asshole walking towards the Aide. Neil Elliot, full of self-importance sauntered across the small waiting area. His puffed up chest and smarmy grin had me choking back a laugh.
What I wanted to say remained in my head where Shadow added her own version. Her images of Neil being tossed into the sky did little to help my plight, but I cleared my throat and focused on the Aide, who leaned towards us even as his eyes darted everywhere else.
“If you wish for a meeting, you may contact the Office and schedule one. I may have an opening sometime next set.” Oh, wait. I'm busy then, too.
Instead of waiting for a response, I chose to march past him, forcing him to step to the side. As I exited through the front, one thought persisted.
What does the King want with Neil? Maybe he told the Purple guy to choose a Reaper at random, so he could interrogate someone on the state of the Office. A spy, so to speak.
My mind was so busy that I almost ran into Assemblian Corlia, only catching myself at the last moment. I stepped to the side, bowing slightly as he dipped his to me, extending a congratulations before he floated by. As soon as I could, I straightened, and my thoughts reverted to Neil once again. Such odd timing.
The questions that continued to crop up changed my plans. I'd intended on hurrying back to the DNB, but I wanted to take a few moments to allow them to work themselves out. I couldn't afford to be distracted while I carried inexperienced Reapers to Earth.
I should have kept to my plans, though. The moment I stepped through the gates, I should have switched forms and disappeared. But I didn't, and I would pay the price for that decision.
Chapter Thirty-Two
I took my usual route back to the DNB. The streets were quiet since almost everyone was stuck inside of the buildings I walked past. At first, it was something that I felt thankful for because I didn't have to concentrate on avoiding those in my path.
My mind chewed on Neil, what we needed to do next, what we could do to hurry things along, and so much more. It didn't have enough room to worry about anything else. Perhaps that's why I didn't pay much attention to that prickling sensation that warned of someone watching.
When pain exploded in the back of my skull, ignoring my surroundings proved to be a mistake. My knees buckled, and my palms scraped across the ground as I tried to brace myself. The pulsing detonations in my head left my vision unreliable and blurry, and my mouth watered as nausea rose. Shadow ran in circles across my body, but I didn't really notice her.
I couldn't think clearly enough to even try to work out what was happening. Things became