Shadows of Destiny

110 Discussions and Decisions

-Sylvester-

Our discussion lingered in the Lounge, and Erik told us much about his past.

The man was easygoing, and he only cared about science and progress. He was also a very jovial and

funny man.

Uncle Lucas seemed wary of him, but it was normal.

The Volkovs had wronged the Stepanovs gravely. What were the odds that he was really on our side?

But I knew he was. He did not seem aggrieved, and the solution Leo had offered him had indeed

appeased him. He was also vocal about it.

"All I have ever wanted was an opportunity to walk under the sunlight as I am, without fearing for my

life," Erik said. Vino seemed to feel sorry for him. I saw the look in his eyes. Vino was always easily

touched and taken. I hoped he toughens up.

"I am glad we could reach an understanding," I said, and he smiled at me.

One thing I noticed about the Stepanovs I had met was that they respected me as King. What my

grandfather did to them was wrong, and I could see that my grandfather made monsters of them. 2

All I had learned about Adrik showed he was a man that was wronged. I wondered how Alexei, Clay,

and Amelia saw me knowing that my grandfather had betrayed and murdered their grandfather. They

were indeed kind and easygoing. I planned to correct all that had happened to the best of my ability.

"So, how come you have two eye colours?" Uncle Lucas said, and Leo looked away as if bracing

himself for an outburst.

Erik stared at Lucas a bit and then smiled. We had thought he would go off on him, but he had taken it

easy.

"My eyes react badly to contact lenses, and because of that, I do not come out in the daytime because

my eye's colour is a dead giveaway. Out of desperation, I tried to do something that would be more

permanent.

Though risky, it was successful. I haven't been able to do it to the other eye, " he said, blinking a few

times, imitating a pretty lady, making us all laugh.

I looked at the clock, and it was time to head to the prison where Larry was kept.

I knew taking everyone with me wouldn't make sense, so I had to select at most three people to join

me. I decided I would settle for Leo, Devin, and Vino. Leo knew the East, so he could easily understand

things Larry might disclose about the East and the areas of concern. Likewise, Devin understood the

South, and Vino had been investigating the West for a while, so he was vast there too. I made my

choice on who would follow me.

"Alexei and Clay are still waiting in the waiting room,' Theodore said, and I felt terrible. I knew we were

doing all this to make it seem normal, but keeping them there for three hours was wrong.

"Do not worry, Amelia is with them, and Tamia ensured they have entertainment," Theodore said. I

figured Linda was there too. That was why he knew.

"What should we do?" Marcel asked me, and I understood the dilemma.

We could not let them stay in a hotel so Yuri won't target them. We had to risk it and keep them in the

Estate. Since the Estate was without traitors and spies, it would be safe.

"Allocate rooms to them and let them join us in the lounge," I said, and Dominic frowned.

"Won't that give us away?" he asked, and I shook my head.

"I could have as well arrested them when they came to plead their case; it is just until tomorrow," I said,

and they all understood what I meant.

"You are all brilliant," Erik said, admiring our minds.

"Thank you, Erik; we try to be resourceful in the Volkov family," My uncle said, taking credit for it.

Marcel looked away, embarrassed by his father.

"You should have met Maurice and Gavin; they were smart," he said, and I knew anyone would object

to that.

They wouldn't have been caught in Larry's revenge if they were brilliant. They got high, partied and

fought themselves. They drank so much that they made an enemy that required their lives because of a

woman. If that wasn't dumb, then I didn’t know what was.

"Vino, Leo, Devin, you will be joining me to question Larry," I said, and Dominic began to protest

immediately.

"What about the rest of us? We deserve to be there too," He said, and I shook my head.

"Count our number. We cant continue moving about like this. Our circle is big now. With Alexei and

Clay, there are ten of us. Isn't that too much? It would look like Larry is standing trial again,’ I said, and

Leo laughed.

"You shouldn't be roaming about the place, either. You are the King. What if Yuri is watching the

Estate? I do not think it is wise you go," Erik said, and everyone agreed with what he had said.

This was part of being King I hated. I liked getting involved with the action. I knew Erik was right, but I

wanted to question Larry myself.

"I suggest Devin, Leo, and Vino go. Yuri would not think much of their mission. The South has fallen,

and Leo is occupied. Vino isn't a lord, so it would not mean much. It would be as if they are going to

see a prisoner, but if Yuri's watchers see you there, they will figure it out." Erik said, and I sighed.

"Yuri might not be a scientist, but he is brilliant. He cannot be fooled easily. That is why he has been

able to remain in the shadows all along. Do not underestimate him. As you can see, I don't

underestimate him, so I lived in an underground bunker that I turned into a lab.

I had to go incognito to avoid his detection. Whether you like it or not, Yuri has his eyes on this place,

and he will know.

You might have successfully fooled his informants upon arrival and getting here, but that act alone

would make them extra vigilant because something is obviously about to happen. Leo's arrival was

very intimidating. It would make them question what is going on. Until today, Leo has never casually

visited the North with twenty kappas. It has to count for something, and Yuri would want to find out,"

Erik said and turned to Leo.

"I have been meaning to tell you this since yesterday, but now that we are discussing Yuri, I will use this

opportunity to prepare you," he said and exhaled.

"Growing up with Yuri helped me understand him. I know how he thinks, so I have been impossible for

him to kill.

I am sure once none of his informants can give him valuable information again, he will reach out to you,

Leo," Erik said, and I frowned.

"You are a Volkov and a Stepanov. The Volkov lineage has also wronged you. Patrick hid Sophia away

like a disease, and Sylvester attacked your territory and took your wife. In his eyes, you have been

emasculated by the Volkovs and might have a hidden score to settle with Sylvester. To top that, Luis's

daughter is your mate. We all know how you brought Ramsey to his knees, for Tamia's sake. You will

willingly do the same for Amelia," He said, and Leo chuckled.

"It means I should go for his head," He said, and we all laughed.

"True. He did hunt and kill Luis Ivanov so he could be the Stepanov heir, but he won't sell it to you like

that, Leo. None of this would have happened if Gregory and Dimitri had done the right thing, and he

would sell that point excellently.

I have seen him convince people that he was responsible for the death of their loved ones. He is a

manipulator. He will convince you to follow him to the end. Ever wondered why he has so many key

people working with him?’ Erik asked. David interjected.

"Inkabod said he was forced," He said, and Erik laughed.

"They usually join up willingly and believe in the cause until they find out some things and want out, but

by then, they would be in too deep. Yuri always has a plan B when dealing with people; B stands for

Blackmail." He said, and I was grateful for the information because it had given me an insight into the

mind of the man I was up against.

"If the King pushes him far enough, he will reach out to you, Leo. He will see you as the weak link; if

not you, then he will reach out to your mate. He has tried to do it in the past; he will surely do it again,"

Erik said, and Leo chucked.

"He is bound to hit a wall," He said confidently, and I trusted Leo’s judgement. He would never betray

me, and neither would Amelia. They were family, and they were loyal.

"Very well, Leo, Devin and Vino should question Larry and return to convey their findings. After which, I

will call for the King's Hall hearing in the morning," I said and turned to look at Leo.

"I am giving you the same authority as when you went to see Erik. Larry might want to make a deal

before he speaks; use your discretion to decide what to do," I said, and he nodded.

Just then, Alexei and Clay walked in.

I thought they would be mad, but they seemed all right. They were indeed easygoing people.