70. Preparation

The two weeks it took to prepare and investigate the whereabouts of the fallen angels seemed to take two months.

Sam and Julian were more tense with each other, mainly because now they had both opened up to Shandra, and in their own way, were trying to protect her.

The coppery-eyed demon did not trust Julian. The ruby-haired demon did not trust Sam. And Shandra trusted them both, despite everything, and wanted them well above anything else.

During their stay in Zirun, Shandra realized that both she and the boys were just not more revered than the Alpha himself in question. The Shadow, apparently, now had more power and relevance than the former Triad who, in turn, verbalized no discontent with the loss of the authority they once bestowed.

In one of the several forays the three were making, Marcus emerged with two members of the Shadow at his side.

"Vanguards. Beacon of Light. Come with me, please."

The three followed Marcus into a secluded room within the headquarters of the Shadow. I