__Back to the Bellevue Hotel suite__
Alexander's face was as cold as an iceberg, his expression devoid of any warmth, only anger and malice. He was no longer like the kind and gentle old man he pretended to be. "Did you get the news?" he asked, voice low and sharp.
Salvo De Rova's expression matched the room's chill. He swallowed, forcing his anger into measured words. "Yes. Someone breached the sanctuary and took every sacrifice," he said through clenched teeth. "We don't yet know who, but judging by what happened today, it can only have been Harland, no one else."
Alexander's jaw tightened until his knuckles paled. He crossed to the wide window and stared out at peaceful Herriond as if the placid streets had personally insulted him. "How did they pull the Scion from the King? And how is that dam*ed King looking so well and healthy?" His fist closed so hard his knuckles whitened. "This plan was supposed to be foolproof."
