62. Kian

Yamanu draped his arm over Oneguss shoulders. I hope Cassandra doesnt blow up anything during the wedding.

The Guardian had been drinking nonstop since the start of Oneguss bachelor party and was now a little unsteady on his feet. The others were only in slightly better shape, with the exceptions being Onegus and Kian.

Onegus because the chief was always on alert, and Kian for the same reason.

Trouble seemed to follow them no matter how hard they tried to stay away from it.

Anandur laughed. We should be fine as long as we keep her away from the punchbowl.

When Cassandra had first joined the clan, shed started training to learn how to control her strange power, but Kian knew that she hadnt been doing that nearly as intensively as she should have. Lately, shed been busy revamping the entire style of advertising for the cosmetics company she worked for and had halted her training altogether.

Regrettably, she loved her job and had no intention of quitting. Her only concession to the secretive nature of the clan had been to do some of her work from home.

Onegus grimaced. Cassy hasnt accidentally blown anything up in a long while, so dont even think of teasing her about it.

Anandur lifted his hands in the air. I wouldnt dare.

eEveryone laughed, including Kian, probably because each of them had been privy to one of her chilly looks at one time or another.

Nothing and no one intimidated Cassandra, which was what made her such a perfect mate for Onegus. The chief only appeared to be easygoing because of his innate charm, but he wouldnt have risen to his position if he was lenient or overly accommodating.

When Oneguss phone buzzed with a message, Kian assumed it was his bride checking up on him, but as the chief pulled out the device and read the text, his deep frown indicated otherwise.

Kian was not the only one who noticed, and the change in Oneguss demeanor had a chilling effect on everyone present.

As they all fell silent, the jazz music playing in the background suddenly sounded too loud, and Connor did everyone a service by turning it off.

Noticing the sudden quiet, Onegus shifted his gaze away from the screen and looked at Kian. The guys watching the surveillance feed from Modanas estate report that Carlos Modana has arrived with two individuals, who they strongly suspect are Doomers.

Kians blood chilled in his veins. This is bad news. If they manage to break through Kalugals compulsion and thralling, they could uncover the truth about Julios religious awakening. He pulled out his phone and called his cousin.

When Kalugal finally answered, the shrill sound of a baby crying in the background made Kian grimace. Hello, Kian. Can I call you later?

Im sorry, but this cannot wait. Carlos Modana showed up at the estate with two individuals who could be Doomers. Is there a chance they can break through what youve done to Julio?

Hold on, Kalugal said.

The babys crying stopped abruptly, probably because Kalugal walked into another room and closed the door.

They cant break through my compulsion and thralling unless they have a compeller stronger than me among them, and we know that they dont. The Brotherhoods only powerful compeller is my father, and he never leaves the island, so the only way they can have another one is if Lokan is not as well informed as he thinks he is, and the Brotherhood has gained one in recent years.

The possibility of a young Doomer developing an extraordinary compulsion ability was almost nonexistent, and even if that had somehow happened, Navuh would have done away with the guy. He didnt want anyone around him to have the power to usurp him.

Kian let out a breath. I know its not a good time, but I need you to meet me in the control room. I want you to take a look at those suspected Doomers.

Ill head out there in a few minutes.

Thank you. Ill see you there. Kian ended the call.

When Onegus followed Kian to the door, he stopped him with a hand on his arm. Stay. This is your bachelor party, and I can handle this without you.

Onegus shook his head. Duty always comes before pleasure for me, Kian. Im coming with you.