Interlude - Victor
Victor Whitlock did not pace.
He never paced.
But tonight, he stood at the large table in his study with maps spread before him, fingers resting against the wood as Thomas spoke.
"They've confirmed it," Thomas said. "Silverwood territory. Mountain fortress."
Victor nodded once.
He had expected that answer.
Not because he had felt the spell weaken.
Because there was only one place she could be that would explain why it had.
"And James?" Victor asked.
"Unaware of where she was taken. He still believes it was a human organization."
Victor's mouth twitched slightly.
Foolish boy.
"Good," Victor said.
Thomas studied him. "Do we bring him in?"
"No. He is of no use to us now."
Victor moved one of the markers on the map slightly, placing it near the northern border of the Silverwood land.
"They will not expect us to move openly," he said. "They will expect subtlety."
Thomas nodded.
"Which is why we will not be subtle."
Thomas's brows pulled together slightly. "You intend to confront them?"
Victor looked up at him.
"I intend to retrieve what belongs to us before it is too late."
A long silence passed.
Thomas spoke carefully. "If the Silverwood King refuses?"
Victor's voice did not change.
"He will not be given the opportunity."
Thomas understood.
Victor straightened, smoothing his hands over the table.
"She has been away from us long enough."
He turned toward the door.
"Gather the others," he said calmly.
"We leave at dawn."