“I did not bitch,” Alaric stated.
“You guys coming?” Delaney asked from the doorway.
“We need a word with Idris and Mac. We’ll join you in a minute,” Alaric answered.
“I’ll shut the door and let Aleksander and Rafe know,” Delaney promised.
“What’s wrong?” Idris asked once Delaney was gone.
“I’m not exactly sure how to go about this,” Chander revealed. “Since the inception of Immortalis, we’ve rightfully looked to you to serve as the steward of the potion. Every time we’ve voted, it’s because you’ve nominated someone. I’d like to suggest someone for you to consider, but I need you to tell me if that’s inappropriate.”
Idris had taken on the role of guardian but in his mind, he hadn’t created Immortalis alone, and therefore all members of Sorcery D’Vaire had every right to be a part of the process to consider candidates. “Part of your soul is resting in that bottle, Chand. Of course you can suggest someone.”
“Without your ability to layer the magic, no one’s soul would be in that bottle.”
“We can argue semantics, but the bottom line is that Immortalis was created as a team. Who do you feel would be a good candidate for eternal life?” Chander glanced up at Alaric and back at Idris. He bit his lip in a rare show of nerves, and Idris reached out and rubbed his arm. “I’m not upset that you want to give me a name, and I know that if you’re nominating someone you truly believe is suited for immortality, then it’s done in good conscience.”
“Okay. Okay, fine. The only Daray who isn’t immortal is Victor. I don’t know how he’d respond to the idea. I can’t ask for nor will I suggest that we extend the offer to the Antonovs, so he would have to accept that he’s keeping a secret from his flesh and blood. I do know that even if he decides to deny the offer, he’d not speak to anyone about the existence of the potion. Victor’s trustworthy, and quite frankly our family would not be complete without him.”
“The only reason I haven’t suggested Victor in the past is because of that very issue. I wasn’t sure if it was something he’d have any interest in, given that he’s got an entire family that we simply can’t make immortal too,” Idris confessed. “It’s certainly crossed my mind before that you guys would have to lose him, though it’s thankfully something that isn’t likely for a millennium or two. I have no problem going into the boardroom and taking up the vote with the rest of our group.”
“Just be sure you’ve prepared yourselves for the possibility that Victor might be the first candidate to refuse,” Mac commented solemnly.
“Well, the good news is that the Darays are annoying, and he lives with us, so perhaps we’ll wear him down,” Chander said.
“I don’t know a single Daray who is annoying.”
“You’re really only proving my point right now,” Chander told his other half while Idris held in his chuckle at the ire on the Lich Sentinel’s often stoic face.
Alaric made no comment as he pulled open the door, and the four men strolled into the room, where the rest of their group was awaiting them. Their presidents, High Kings Aleksander and Rafe, waited for them to be seated before they smiled.
“Ongoing project news?” Rafe asked.
“Everyone’s mostly focused on their costumes and helping out with everybody else’s,” Dra’Kaedan responded. “Gavrael and Gedeon got to see how your condo is decorated for the party, but they’re refusing to spill the beans.”
“The party is tomorrow. I think you can wait that long,” Chander told the Grand Warlock.
“So, my guess is, we aren’t going to be adding on to our projects this week either?” Aleksander asked.
“Nope, Severin and I are still picking at the spells for not only the dome that covers D’Vaire but for our personal shields as well. If we can find any way to improve your security there, we’ll let you know,” Chand said, speaking for himself and the man who shared the title of Prism Wizard with his mate.
“I guess we really didn’t have to get everyone together today,” Renny said.
“Actually, we did,” Idris responded. “Mr. Presidents, is it okay if we discuss Immortalis?”
“They can just call us by name,” Aleksander muttered, which made Idris want to chuckle. Aleksander would never be content with his role as leader of the group since he believed it should be a sorcerer in charge. When Aleksander met Rafe and he’d assumed the title, he mirrored his other half’s desire not to flex any power, but no one allowed them to step down. The magickind in the group were confident they’d chosen their presidents well. “Please go ahead on Immortalis.”
“First, I want to say that as the appointed steward or guardian of Immortalis, I am always available if you want to volunteer someone you feel would be honorable enough to keep the secret of the potion and is potentially prepared to contemplate being granted eternal life. Don’t hesitate to come to me with a name,” Idris said as he smiled at Chander, who answered with a wry grin. “Today, I would like us to discuss an invaluable Daray. What are your thoughts on Victor Antonov?”
“We’ve had this discussion before, Idris,” Dra’Kaedan stated flatly. “As the steward, you give us names and we vote. We have no business knocking down a potential candidate. You’re intelligent and fair. If you think Victor is ready, then we trust your judgment. On a personal note, I’d like to say that it’s about damn time.”
“I hesitated because of the rest of the Antonovs,” Idris revealed.
“And, to be honest, I can’t say if Victor will agree, but I certainly hope he does,” Chander added.
“Sorcery D’Vaire, please raise your hands to vote yes if you would like Victor Antonov to become the next person offered Immortalis,” Rafe said.
Around the room, hands flew up, and a sense of satisfaction swept through Idris. He loved being able to offer their gift to someone, and he sincerely hoped Victor accepted. They all adored the shifter.
