The Grand Duke's voice was rigid and uncompromising. To put it simply, what Damon was doing was too dangerous. Even if it was strategically important, it was simply too dangerous.
"Calm down, Grand Duke, and think about this logically. The whole mission, and so much more, are resting on this," the Emperor's voice came through the communicator, measured and distant.
"Easy for you to say. Your grandson isn't the one there," the Grand Duke replied, jaw tightening as his fingers dug into the edge of the table, decorum forgotten.
"For now, why don't we hear from Seras instead," another voice spoke. This one belonged to Xander's grandfather, calm but firm.
"Think about it. We have someone in Trace. We have never succeeded in entering that city. What happens in Trace has never been verified by us. That whole city is a mystery. The only thing we know for sure is that we cannot enter it, and any spies we send are easily caught."
