14. Kique

The council chamber buzzed with an unsettling energy as I called for an emergency meeting. The air crackled with tension, and the usually serene atmosphere of the room had been replaced by an anxious unease. The lighting, usually warm and inviting, now cast long shadows that seemed to dance ominously on the walls.

Hael, Ryatt, Slade, Reaghan, and Seraphina filed into the room, each wearing expressions that mirrored the gravity of the situation. As I surveyed the council members taking their seats, I noticed the furrowed brows and the tightly clenched jaws, physical manifestations of the concern that hung in the air.

I took my place at the crescent table and cut straight to the chase. "Two Light Fae are missing, and from what you have all mentioned, there are reports of disappearances in every sector," I announced, my voice cutting through the heavy silence.

The council chamber, typically a space of order and deliberation, now crackled with an undercurrent of tension that threatened to spiral out of control. Hael"s acute senses picked up on the unease, and I exchanged a glance with him. We shared a mutual understanding of the severity of the threat facing our supernatural community.

"Two Succubi have been missing for three days now. I've reached a dead end and have found nothing to point me in their direction. They aren't the type of girls to not come home or at least contact their parents." Reaghan began, his voice sounding lost.

Slade added, "I haven"t been able to find a trail for my missing fox shifter either. It's as if he vanished into thin air."

It had been a similar situation in every sector. One or two supes vanishing with no clues as to where they went. I could feel the undercurrents of fear and uncertainty as we started to discuss how to handle the disappearances in each sector. Hael"s stoic demeanor cracked under the pressure, his eyes betraying a hint of frustration. Ryatt"s usual assertiveness faltered as he grappled with the complexity of the situation.

"We need to close off the compound now more than ever," Ryatt suggested.

"That won't solve the issue. They haven"t gone through the gatehouse, our surveillance and records have no one coming in or out within the last three days. It's obvious there's another breach, sealing off the compound will have no impact," Slade argued, his voice carrying conviction. His words resonated in the room, a plea for a more profound understanding of the predicament.

Ryatt, however, stood by his approach. "Containment is necessary to protect the compound. We can investigate the breach simultaneously," he countered, his gaze meeting Hael"s with steadfast determination.

As the discussion unfolded, the room became a battleground of conflicting opinions. The air pulsated with the clash of ideas, and the heated exchanges and tense whispers filled the chamber. The council members, usually united in purpose, now found themselves on opposing sides.

"We can"t afford to underestimate the threat. Swift action is necessary," Ryatt asserted, his words cutting through the debate.

Hael countered, "Closing us off to the outside without having found our missing supes is reckless."

Seraphina stood out amidst the chaos. Her eyes, glowing with an otherworldly light, surveyed the room with a calm wisdom that offered a momentary respite from the turmoil. She remained silent, a beacon of serenity amid the storm. Her voice cut through the mounting discord. "It's time we asked for some assistance. It's clear we are each getting nowhere on our own."

"What assistance do you suggest, Seraphina?" I asked.

"Perhaps we should seek Remina"s help in locating the missing supernaturals. Her unique skills might prove invaluable in this situation," Seraphina added, her words holding everyone's attention.

Her suggestion hung in the air, met with skeptical glances and furrowed brows. I could acknowledge that the assassin had her uses, but we were about to be rid of her. The last thing I wanted was to give her a reason to extend her stay.

Ryatt, ever the pragmatic leader, crossed his arms and frowned. "We cannot trust the Order's witch with the council"s affairs. We have the resources and expertise to handle this situation ourselves."

Reaghan, standing tall with an air of determination, added, "Bringing Remina into this matter risks exposing our vulnerabilities. We should rely on our strengths to resolve the issue."

Seraphina remained undeterred, her emerald eyes unwavering. "Remina has proven herself when she took care of the rogue situation. She's familiar with tracking supes, her skills might be the key to unraveling this mystery."

I could feel the tension escalating, the very air crackling with opposing energies.

"We cannot afford to risk the security of the compound," Ryatt argued, his tone unwavering.

Seraphina countered, "Security should not blind us to potential solutions. Remina"s abilities could bring our missing home sooner."

I hesitated, torn between the urgency of the situation and the reservations about involving the Order in our affairs. What it came down to in the end was the thought of those missing. We had to put our feelings aside and use any assets we had. With a heavy sigh, I conceded, "I don't like it, but Seraphina's right. If the witch's abilities can bring them home quickly and hopefully unharmed then we cannot afford to dismiss the option outright. Is she still staying at your sister's place, Slade?"

"Yes, she's still at Gi-Gi's. I'll go ask her to join us, and see if she will agree," Slade said as he rose from his chair and left the chamber.

As we waited, uncertainty morphed into a cautious acceptance. What felt like a lifetime later, the heavy door creaked open, and Remina entered. Her presence was a swirl of power. The air crackled with intensity as she approached the council table. I noted the magic clinging to her, magic that spoke of danger.

She was dressed in black sweats and a frayed band tee and had been planning on relaxing with Gi-Gi for the day. Her dark, wavy locks cascade gracefully around her shoulders, framing a face marked by sharp, expressive features. Her amethyst eyes held a darkness in them today, one that hadn't been present when we first met. Remina moved with a confidence that commanded attention, her every step a dance of power. She was captivating, and like the other two times I had been in her presence, I couldn"t look away.

Remina"s purple eyes met mine briefly, a silent acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation. The room seemed to contract around us, the air growing denser as the weight of our collective expectations settled upon her shoulders.

"Remina," I addressed her, my tone measured, "hopefully Slade updated you on the way over. We have each had reports of supes going missing in our sectors. Each gone without a trace. We'd be grateful for your assistance in finding them quickly and, if possible, ensuring their safe return."

Her response was curt, "Of course, I"ll do what I can."

The council chamber, once a bastion of unity, now held an uneasy alliance. The council members exchanged guarded looks, silently acknowledging the necessity of this alliance. I couldn"t shake the underlying tension, the sense that each decision we made in this crisis would shape the future of our compound.

The air seemed charged as Remina took a seat in front of the crescent table, her eyes alert. Seraphina shared a supportive glance with Remina, the Light Mage recognizing the weight of what we asked. Remina, despite the gravity of the task, exuded an air of confidence that hinted at her commitment to finding the missing supes.

Remina laid out the details of the impending investigation "I"ll need access to the latest surveillance records from each sector, as well as any reports from the civilians," Remina stated, her voice cutting through the stifling atmosphere.

"I"m not convinced you are the right choice for this," Ryatt retorted, his eyes betraying an underlying intensity as he absorbed the details.

Hael, stoic and contemplative, added, "What guarantees do we have that you won"t misuse anything we give you?"

Remina"s response was unwavering, "I want these missing supes found as much as you do. I am your best chance at finding them. I"ll work within the boundaries set by your council, and you"ll have my report at every step." The metallic tang of tension mingled with the air, leaving a bitter aftertaste.

As Remina delved into the specifics, I observed the varied reactions of the council members. Seraphina, with her ethereal grace, questioned, "How do you plan to handle the elemental sector? It"s known for its secrecy."

Slade, ever vigilant, asked, "What assistance will you require from the enforcers?"

"Getting people to spill their secrets is what I do, I don"t foresee anything too challenging. We all have the same goal here. I will need a team of enforcers, each familiar with the peculiarities of their respective sectors," Remina responded. "Access to each surveillance grid is also crucial, and timely information will be critical."

Slade nodded in understanding, his predatory focus unwavering. "I"ll assign the best for each sector. They"ll report directly to you. We will also assist however we can."

Remina"s gaze remained steady as she addressed the council. "I will also need access to the sector reports for the last week," she began, her tone fierce. "Detailed accounts of all disappearances, the missing, and the family."

Hael"s brow furrowed, but he remained silent, his piercing gaze fixed on Remina.

Ryatt, leaning back in his chair questioned, "And what do you plan to do with this information?"

Remina"s response was measured, "I intend to cross-reference patterns, identify commonalities, and establish potential locations or suspects."

Seraphina, her silver eyes reflective, chimed in, "Do you have any spells that can help, anything I can do for you?"

"I do have some tracking spells we can try but I will need to investigate their homes and last known locations first," Remina replied. "My abilities also allow me to sense residual energies, giving me a better chance of detecting supernatural traces left behind that could help explain how they left the compound."

Slade interjected, "This can't be a solo mission, Remina. Expect us to be tagging along."

"I prefer to work alone," Remina argued.

Reaghan, his charm on full display, grinned. "I don't think so, Spitfire."

Remina"s expression remained impassive. "Fine, but we will be doing things by my methods."

The room fell into a momentary hush as Remina awaited the council"s response. The subtle scent of tension lingered, mingling with the distinct odor of aged leather.

I broke the silence, voicing my concerns. "What assurances do we have that your methods will bring results?"

"I can promise dedication and a unique skill set," Remina responded. "But the supernatural world is unpredictable. I"ll do everything in my power to bring them back."

The discussion continued, each council member expressing reservations or offering insights. Remina"s responses were met with a blend of apprehension and cautious approval.

As the debate unfolded, Remina remained composed. I hoped we wouldn"t come to regret her involvement, but I was willing to try anything to bring our missing home.