"Kian has just prevented four major terror attacks that the Brotherhood was planning in cooperation with the Revolutionary Guard. The captured Doomers shared a worrying story about chemical enhancements that have been ongoing for over a year, which I was previously unaware of. No one has mentioned to me the laboratory that has been built on the island or the scientist who was experimenting on our people. That means that my father instructed everyone to keep it from me."
Carol reached over and took his hand. "I'm glad that we made it out in time."
He winced. "I hope. Let's not celebrate before we are safe in the village."
She glanced at the bodyguards sleeping in the backseat. "According to the plan, we will give them the slip in Munich, and they will continue to Milan. Are you sure you can pull it off?"
He nodded. "They will stay in our hotel suite and keep up appearances for as long as possible."
Carol leaned back in her seat and let out a breath. "We are so fortunate that you can thrall and compel immortals. None of this would have been possible otherwise."
He smiled. "Don't forget that I can also dreamwalk. I can control these two from afar and reinforce the thrall while they are sleeping."
"You are incredible, darling." She reached for his hand. "You should wake them up now, or they will get suspicious."
Reluctantly, he did as she instructed.
The ride to the airport was tense beneath the casual chatter. Carol kept up a steady stream of complaints about Milan Fashion Week, and the difficulties of dealing with prima donnas like Francesca Sobiouti, who was in fact one of Turner's operatives and would back up their claims if asked.
Lokan responded with appropriate sounds while his mind churned with details of their escape plan.
Beijing Capital International Airport sprawled before them like a small city, all gleaming terminals and endless humanity. Perfect for getting lost in the crowds, but that wasn't the plan.
"Your guards look nervous," Carol murmured as they headed for security.
"They are always anxious in crowds," he said. "They are concerned about being able to protect me."
They cleared security without incident, the guards flashing credentials that got them waved through with their weapons. The terminal stretched before them, duty-free shops and restaurants, and gates leading to everywhere and nowhere.
"Lounge?" Carol suggested. "We have time."
The appearance of calm mattered. They checked into the business class lounge, where Lokan ordered drinks for the four of them.
Sipping her drink, Carol observed the bodyguards who were sitting at another table to give them privacy. "Are they on their phones scrolling through TikTok, or are they getting calls?"
Lokan followed her gaze. "Probably TikTok. I'm sure they've already reported the impromptu trip."
Carol pulled out her phone, snapping a selfie with the drink. "For my vlog."
When the boarding announcement came forty minutes later, they gathered their things casually; Carol touched up her lipstick, and Lokan ensured that they didn't forget anything.
"Sir." Gandel's voice was tight with barely controlled tension.
Fuck! They were busted.
It was time for plan B.
They turned, Carol's expression one of mild annoyance at the interruption.
"Yes?"
"I've been ordered to inform you that Lord Navuh wishes you to stay in Beijing. You need to cancel your trip."
Lokan pretended to let surprise and irritation war on his face. "I will call him. We have to go to Milan or the company goes under." He pulled out his phone, the one issued by the Brotherhood.
"I must insist." Gandel's hand moved to stop him, not quite touching him but making the threat clear.
They needed to get rid of the bodyguards, but it had to be done somewhere where no one would notice two grown men sleeping in the middle of the airport. After the guards were dealt with, he and Carol would continue to their alternative route.
