Rumors were spreading like wildfire about Natalia Silvestri’s reappearance back earlier this year. Of course, rumors and speculation are more like peanut butter and jelly; they go together very well. However, these rumors were indeed correct.

That is why Adrian called Kayla and Ryoko for a meeting in her office, outside of the university.

“I don’t think it comes to much surprise that everyone is on edge that Natalia has returned so… conveniently. It has been all over the interwebs, and I have been bombarded with questions about it nonstop ever since in my own network,” Adrian stated. “I know it has been very tough on us, especially you, Kayla. It’s a fact because you haven’t stopped hunting down ‘big dopey’ ever since he made himself known.” Adrian, referring to Bĕhēmōṯ Firas.

“Somebody has to watch the throne,” Kayla shrugged.

Adrian was vexed by Kayla’s overzealousness as she continued, “All infractions aside, it couldn’t come at the wrong time. We recently enshrined Novak’s namesake on our—his new University, and my brother has built trust within the United Nations and Interpol by selling out.

“Serpentine jumped on the chance of evaluating Natalia first. It was a good thing that Ayeka was there to see if she didn’t step out of line and run her mouth off. As much as I am somewhat pleased about working in the shadows again, the proverbial short leash has been latched on all of us. It’s no secret that the United Nations doesn’t trust any of us. They would rather kiss the ass of that old fairy than ours.”

“Very spirit breaking, knowing hers is flat,” Ryoko joked.

“She and her asshole family are too high and mighty for their own good,” Adrian added.

“I mean, not to play devil’s advocate here, but they did step in and stop the Holy Mother’s plans,” Dolph rebutted as he joined the little meeting.

Ryoko and Kayla as on high alert as paying close attention to the butting sibling rivalry.

“Revan has always been a glory hog. People should learn their place and know where they stand in life,” Adrian accused.

Dolph sigh in discontent, “The transition is going to be hard on all of us. With Natalia back, we are definitely at full strength. I know I don’t expect you to all get along, but at least try to. This time around.”

“Yes, sir,” Ryoko and Kayla said in unison.

“Okay, that’s it. I want you two to report the training room. Chloe is waiting for you,” Adrian dismissed as the Ryoko and Kayla left the room, leave her and Dolph alone.

Dolph immediately got into the heart of the matter, “Adrian, we talked about this. You were relieved from your duties years ago, remember?”

Adrian scoffed, “Yet, they all come back to me when they get in trouble. And you will soon, baby brother--”

Suddenly one of Adrian’s female assistants came in holding a manila envelope, “From our constituents at Interpol, mistress.”

Adrian accepted the manila envelope with a smile, “thank you, Jody.”

The assistant left as Dolph was unnerved by her actions, he reminded his sister the situation, “I doubt I will. Stay away from them…” He said while leaving the office.

Ignoring her brother as Adrian turns her back and opens the envelope. She reaches into the envelope and pulls out another smaller dark magenta envelope with a familiar emblem of the envelope.

The site the emblem drained all of the color from her face. Losing her balance, Adrian sat back down as she opened the envelope and read the handwritten letter.