CHAPTER NINE

Elder Jacob came out from a doorway the height of three men, decorated at the sides with wood carvings of previous Alphas, and two guards in human form.

He wore his usual pure white robe, that was accompanied by a purple sash around his abdomen, and he moved like a ghost on wheels as he made his way up a short raised platform leading to where Vrax stood.

He held a long sceptre, and I stood, watching him use it as a walking stick. I squinted hard, trying to make out the color of it, as it held a smoke-like tinge, yet it was shiny, reflecting ever slightly in the sun. I thought it was coated ash; but with the Elders general title and his personal hubris, I doubted it.

I moved down the steps cautiously, as these were the last flight that led to the center, and if I moved too fast, I would be noticed. As everyone else was standing still, chiming a loud, and disturbingly vainglorious song.

I moved lightly, but hearing Colin's steps still behind me, my peace fell.

My mind began racing with