"If you want the immunity solution, then you'll work with me to protect our brother," Kris said.
No one spoke. Rhyn observed each of his brothers, sensing a silent rebellion that seemed to elude Kris, the only of them to value duty over their own interests. Kiki and Tamer exchanged a look while Sasha seemed to be the only one pleased by the arrangement.
"No deal," Erik said. "My part of the world is quiet. I don't need the solution, and I don't need the headaches."
"You took an oath to serve the Immortals, their cause, and be a member of this Council," Kris grated. "All of you, save Rhyn, who was never intended to set foot outside of Hell."
"I took an oath to my father and then to Andre," Erik retorted. "You are neither of them. In fact, I say we vote you out."
"You can't vote me out. I'm firstborn after Andre. Our father was second born, as was his father before him. It's the way things have been for millions of years!"
"What are you going to do if we refuse to follow you? You don't have it in you to kill any of us. You're sworn not to, if I remember correctly," Erik said. He rose. "Andre at least had that authority. Andre's gone, and I need none of this shit. I vote the Council split. Anyone second me?"
"I will," Tamer said.
"Very well. The Council is no more. Farewell, brothers, and stay the hell out of my part of the world."
Erik disappeared, followed by Tamer. Kris was frozen in place, as if not yet registering what had happened. Kiki rose as well, his gaze going to Sasha.
"You know they don't speak for me," Kiki said. "But I'll have to agree, Kris. You can have Sasha or you can have the Council. You're too good a man to see that on your own, so I'm telling you."
He left as well. Rhyn looked to Kris, then to Sasha, whose smile had faded.
"If I were you, I'd beat the shit out of each one of them till they did what you said," Rhyn suggested.
"I prefer a more civilized approach," Kris replied.
"Look where that got you. No one but Sasha and me left in your Council, and I doubt I was ever really a part of it."
"My own brothers want me to break the Code to feed Sasha to the wolves," Kris muttered.