The Eternal Tomb Read Free

“treachery” must have been his attempt to free Oliver from the prophecy. In that case, Oliver would need to be very careful. Before he was slain, Bane had told Oliver that he had some things to show him, and just the other night Oliver had finally discovered a false back on one of the walls of Bane’s coffin. Inside, he’d found two very secret and mysterious objects. Oliver didn’t know yet what they did, but he was certain they were the objects Bane had planned to show him.
    Yasmin spoke up from the crowd. “Is there any word on the Brotherhood of the Fallen?”
    â€œThere have been only rumors since Valentine’s Day,” said Malcolm LeRoux from the seat beside Ravonovich. “But we cannot be content to believe that they will let the Anointment pass without some attempt to thwart it.” The Brotherhood had attacked the Darkling Ball on the night of Bane’s Anointment many years ago, which ruined Bane’s chance to fulfill the prophecy, and thus passed it on to Oliver.
    â€œDo we have any new plans this time, to avoid getting blown up?” Leah asked.
    â€œWe have hired Pyreth Guardians for the event,” said Ravonovich. A murmur passed through the crowd. “And moved the ceremony’s location underground.”
    â€œAnd what of the Rogue?” someone asked over the din. “Even the Pyreth are no match for her.”
    The room quieted.
    â€œYes,” Ravonovich muttered, “the Rogue. We shall continue to be vigilant, to determine her motive. As we all know, that’s all we can do for now.”
    Désirée? Emalie wondered.
    Sounds like it , Oliver agreed. Dead Désirée was the only being powerful enough to earn that kind of respect—and perhaps some fear?—from Half-Light. And no one knew what kind of being she really was.
    â€œAnd what about the boy?” Malcolm asked, his voice dripping with distaste.
    â€œOliver should be treated normally, to ensure a smooth path to his destiny,” said Ravonovich.
    â€œNormally?” Malcolm sneered. “We treated his traitorous brother normally and look where that got us. If you ask me, we should lock up young Oliver until the Anointment.”
    â€œWe’re not asking you,” said Tyrus.
    â€œSo what, we’re just going to let him cavort about with humans and zombies and wraiths?” Malcolm rose to his feet. “Generations will be doomed to this prison if we do not open the Gate. You’re putting legions of vampyr at risk!”
    â€œAnd you’re not?” Phlox growled. “Where is your little princess? Talk about letting one cavort irresponsibly—”
    â€œWatch your tongue,” Malcolm hissed. “My daughter…how did you put it? Lythia is her own demon. I don’t know where she is, or what she is up to, but I do know she is no failure like your first, and no sniveling coward like your second.”
    Oliver shook with anger.
    Let it go , Emalie warned. He knew she was right, but still, it was taking all of his focus to remain invisible, listening to this.
    Below, Phlox wasn’t able to restrain herself. “ Tsss —” She lunged toward Malcolm. Sebastian grabbed her by the shoulders, holding her back.
    â€œEnough!” Ravonovich’s voice boomed through the chamber. “Sit down, Malcolm. Your daughter is a traitor to the cause and has formed dangerous alliances. If I were you, I’d be rooting for young Lythia to keep out of sight until after the Anointment. If she tries again to interfere with our plans, not even your valuable research into the Artifact, or your significant sacrifices to the cause, will save you both from the ash can.”
    Malcolm sat, seething.
    â€œSebastian, Phloxiana,” Ravonovich continued, “the Consortium understands that you have sacrificed much, and this will not be forgotten. Rest assured, we will be vigilantly watching out for you and Oliver in these final