Chapter 32: The Dorian Collective

Consider This Your Warning

Sun-streams filled the atrium, shimmering into an open foyer flush with bundles of vivid orchids and in-season tiger lilies. A dark painting of two rectangles hung on the nearest wall, each holding a sea of late autumn browns and sweeps of burnt orange. Bert stared into it, hypnotized by its brilliance.

“Join me, Professor,” a voice called from the other room.

Its nonchalance startled Bert enough to tear his eyes from the painting and follow its sound through a hallway into an off-shoot dining room. Curtains draped the windows in silhouettes of daylight. An eight-person table crowded the room’s inner workings, but it was the gaudy chandelier dangling overhead that ultimately stole the show.

“Alpha?” Bert asked. 

Akal slid his fork into a freshly cut piece of steak, then gently lifted it to his lips. 

“Ick,” Akal blurted. “I despise that title. Please, call me Akal.”