Page 31 of Dark Princess Emerging

"Awesome. We could also go on hikes. There are several beautiful hiking trails in these mountains."

That was also not one of his favorite things to do, but then Rob didn't really have favorites. He liked his work, and he liked reading. He didn't even play video games like most of his coworkers.

"It all sounds great, but right now, I'm most interested in tonight's dinner plans."

19

PETER

Peter stared at the thick folder Roni had just placed on Onegus's desk, its contents threatening to spill out, and when Onegus opened it and started leafing through it, the images he glimpsed made his stomach turn. After years as a Guardian, he thought he'd seen the worst humanity had to offer.

Clearly, he'd been wrong.

"These are just the preliminary findings," Roni said, his face grim. "There are several large networks and many smaller ones. They're using social media apps, gaming platforms, and even educational websites as covers."

Onegus leaned forward in his chair, his expression, usually professional and impassive, showing his disgust. "That's why we're creating the new Avengers division. This requires an entirely different approach than our usual tactics. More precise targeting and elimination. We are not giving these monsters second chances."

The implication was clear. While the Saviors would continue their rescue missions, the Avengers would focus on eliminatingthe distribution networks and the end users. It was a much darker mission, but it needed to be done. If they could deliver an effective blow to the buyers and cut off the money supply, it would affect the traffickers as well.

"I need someone to head this new division," Onegus continued. "I'm offering you the job if you are interested, but I will understand if you want to pass. It's a dirty job."

"But someone has to do it," Peter completed the sentence. "I'll be honored to lead this effort, Chief."

"It also comes with a big promotion. You will become a Head Guardian and sit on the council during sessions dealing with security. Now that there are more civilian members on the council, Kian has agreed to more military members as well."

Peter was stunned. He hadn't expected that. There were several excellent Guardians more deserving of the promotion than he was, and he had no idea why Onegus had chosen him.

"I'm speechless, Chief. Thank you."

"Congratulations." Onegus smiled. "I understand that the timing might not be right given that you're getting married this Sunday. Your bride is probably expecting a honeymoon."

Marina wouldn't want him to pass this up, and not just because of the big-ass promotion. She would want him to fight evil and save children by eliminating the demonic monsters who preyed on them.

"We weren't planning anything special, and Marina will not only understand but also encourage me to get to work on this as soon as possible."

A ghost of a smile crossed Onegus's face. "You sound very sure of that."

"I know my mate."

Roni clapped him on the back. "You picked a good one, Peter. Sylvia and I are not married yet, but I know she would have also given up our honeymoon to do this, and if you ever need a techno-nullifier, she will be happy to help."

Onegus tilted his head. "That's an interesting way to describe Sylvia's ability. Did you hear about Morelle's talent?"

Roni nodded. "Of course. Cassandra told my mother and grandmother, and I found out about it five minutes later. You know how things work here."

"What can she do?" Peter asked.

"Morelle is a nullifier. She was able to stop Cassandra from blowing up a glass cup, but only after learning what Cassandra's talent was. There is still a lot to be learned about her ability and how it can be utilized. What we know now is that she needs to be close for her nullifying to work, and she can't do it when she's distracted."

Peter nodded. "Now I get the new name for Sylvia's talent. It definitely sounds better than the electronics disrupter." His eyes fell on the folder again, and his expression hardened. "So, what's our first target?"

Onegus nodded to Roni, who began spreading photographs and documents across the desk. "We should start with collecting intel. What Roni could find on the internet is of little use to us. We need boots on the ground." Onegus leaned forward. "I don't suggest infiltrating the networks. It's enough that wehave Guardians hovering close enough to collect the information we need. Thralling, shrouding, and compelling are, of course, authorized. "

Peter studied the materials. "I would like to start with a small covert operation to get a feel for what we are about to face."

Roni leaned against Onegus's desk and folded his arms over his chest. "These aren't the regular thugs we are used to dealing with. Some of these bastards have serious security—private armies with military-grade weapons. They're selling 'protection services' to others in their sick little network."

"I know that you're thinking of an undercover approach," Onegus said. "That's good to start with, but you need a solid team to back you up if you get in over your head. I want you to give it some thought, and then we will brainstorm this together. It's new territory for all of us."