| THE WORLD IS AHEAD | FOR: GRIFFIN

[THE DARK LADY]

As Keira strode into the Ministry of Magic, she couldn't help but smile to herself. Chaos was erupting from the corners of offices with clear walls; she could see clearly into the lives of the every-day worker of their government. "The University has fallen! Hogwarts will be next!" she heard one woman cry from the other end of the Atrium. Keira practically pushed tears back into her eye sockets from preventing the hearty laugh wishing to escape her. The University and Hogwarts were nothing but symbols of the future and of the present for the people of the wizarding United Kingdom. To take them down was a message - to take action after was what meant the most.

But Keira didn't allow her mind to dwell on such plans, as she knew very well the people in the Ministry were gifted. There were Occlumens around her, certainly, and she could very well be followed in by one of the Department of Mysteries workers, being tracked just as she thought about it. Although she hadn't stepped foot into the Ministry of Magic through her lifetime, and perceived it as a place of peacefulness now that things had been normal for so long, Keira didn't play foolish. She knew there must be precautions that the Ministry was taking to prevent another attack within its walls. Surely Keira would dismantle it regardless, but she had to smart small. Becoming the Junior Undersecretary for the Minister of Magic was small enough, yes?

Dressed professionally in a grey cloak with purple tie and purple heels, Keira held her pack of parchment to her chest, stopping at the fireplaces in the Atrium and watching people appear inside. She gave a small thought to it before heading off toward Level One - where the Minister's office was. She paid no mind to others around her, giving a quick 'excuse me,' to a man she bumped into. Even if she was The Dark Lady, whilst under her alias of Keira O'Reilly, she must act polite and natural. Anyone would surely be suspicious of her if she acted otherwise.

Serving the Minister would be a hard task for Keira. While she was good at pretending and being manipulative, secretive especially, it was difficult for her to respect authority. Nevertheless, it was a tentative part in her master plan and so she had decided early on she would do it - for the greater good. Keira gave a gentle knock on the Minister's door before opening it and poking her head round the doorframe. "Minister," she addressed him, giving a wide smile before entering his office fully, ready to serve. Ready to pretend she was ready, at least.

[Deleted]

Today wasn’t a good day. In fact, today was a terrible day. ‘60 lives, including those of students transferred from Bulgaria and France, were lost in the attack on the University.’ Sighing, Griffin sunk deeper into his chair (if at all possible) before propping his feet on the desk; uncaring as countless papers, books and an assortment of other things fell off as a result. “To summarize the situation we’re  in sir,” One of his advisers started, “The attack on the University is turning out to be a political shitstorm; both Bulgaria and France are outraged at and I quote, “Griffin’s complete and utter incompetence”.   Griffin’ brow furrowed at the insult but remained silent. How could he have allowed this to happen? ‘Such a waste...’ Then there was the case of Alistair McNeil whose body wasn’t found; the media had a field day with that ‘little’ issue. “We’re not dealing with mere supremacists these ‘Neo-Death Eaters’ as we’ve taken to calling them are well-armed.” Griffin scoffed at the mention of the ‘Neo-Death Eaters’. What an outrageous name. “Stop calling that!” He barked, “You’re giving them more credit than they're worth.”

“Stop bickering,” The Minister scolded, “Has our investigation into the disappearances found anything yet?” Griffin asked knowing full well what the answer would be. He wasn’t surprised when the answer was, “Not yet we’re redoubling our efforts.” This was incredibly frustrating! Without anything to go on the Ministry was in the dark, “What’s our next course of action sir?” What could they do? “We have no choice,” He didn’t want to admit it, “But there isn’t anything we can do. We have to wait for them to show themselves again and pray to go we’re able to catch them.” Everyone inside the room nodded, “Now about these bombs what can you tell me about them?” These ‘trinkets’ were quite interesting, interesting enough that Griffin was half-tempted to fabricate them for his own use. That is if they ever figured out how they worked. “Calling them a bomb isn’t quite correct sir,” Brows were raised at this, “While it does have the same end result as an...explosive how they operate is completely different. Metal casings housing volatile magic, from what I can conclude they charm the casing to erupt on impact.” Griffin rolled his eyes, “You just explained a bomb to me...” The engineer shook his head in defiance, “Not a bomb sir, think of a...water balloon?” 

Throwing his hands up in indignation Griffin sighed for what seemed to be the dozenth time today, “Great now the bad guys are tossing water balloons at us! Had I known that I would have brought my floaties and we could have had a pool party!” He had it with this, “Get out! The lot of you!” Griffin simply wanted to be alone, “Triple the Unspeakables efforts on figuring out how these bombs (placing emphasis on the bombs) and devise a way to counter their effects! Now get out!” Finally some peace and quiet, until a knock sounded that is. Just when Griffin was about to bite the head off whomever interrupted his ‘quiet time’ an unfamiliar woman poked her head in.

“Yes?” Griffin replied, unsure as to who he was speaking to.  

[THE DARK LADY]

It seemed quite obvious, what with the expression on the Minister's face, that he had absolutely no idea that she was coming. OR who she was, for that matter. In that case, it made things a whole lot easier for her. Keira strode into the office, closing the door quaintly behind her. Business woman. Think business woman. She stretched her arm across his desk, careful in avoiding the books and papers at her feet, and extended her hand. With a smile, she answered, "My name is Keira O'Reilly, how do ya do?" She bit her lower lip. After keeping quiet for some time, her Irish accent took her off guard when she spoke. It didn't take long for her to adjust and make herself comfortable by taking a seat across from Mr. Von Hart.

"Minister, it appears that your previous Senior Undersecretary has gone missing. I'm told the investigation on her missing case is in procession," Keira spoke, tilting her chin upward in a very matter-of-fact manner. Her eyes found their way through his office - cluttered, mostly, with various piles of paperwork behind him. With the political situation as it was with the attack on the University, she wasn't sure how much time could be spent analyzing his environment and his self, and so she turned to look into his eyes.

If he only knew the eyes he was looking back in were the ones he was searching for all along. He would certainly whip his wand out and kill her right then and there - then again, if she really wanted a duel, she'd simply get it. What was stopping her? The pure fact that this Griffin guy was the Minister of Magic. He held the power to rid their world of the filth that dirtied the blood of the pure and did absolutely nothing about it. He had just as much part to play in the downfall of the pureblood race as did the mudbloods. So no, Keira did NOT just want to waltz into the Ministry under a falsified demeanor and take out the Minister while he was off his guard. She wanted him to suffer, to really feel the pain of watching his people being tormented with fear and the lack of knowledge if they were 'next.' And then when she deemed it enough torture, she would turn her wand on the Minister before her and he would realize that the very person helping The Dark Lady destroy these peoples was himself.

"And so,"she began, "I am here to fill the position - temporarily, of course," Keira finished, crossing her legs and pressing her parchment against one knee. "It is such a...horrible thing that happened, with the University, and I imagine you must be incredibly busy. I just want you to know, Minister," she said, leaning in and placing a hand over his own sincerely. "I am here to do whatever you need me to do. We are, after all, working together to help prevent the wizarding world from the evil people that are now resurfacing."

[Deleted]

O'Reilly where had he heard that name before? “A pleasure...” Regardless to whomever she might have been it didn’t explain why she was here; more importantly it didn’t explain why she was talking to him. He didn’t like this, not one bit. Griffin hated being in the dark which was partly why he created the Seekers (in order to bring in the light). In truth Griffin had no reason to distrust her; though suspecting the unexpected has always been the single leading reason as to why he's still around today. Maybe he was just being paranoid, ‘I said that yesterday and look what happened.’ He thought bitterly, “My secretary m-missing?” He could scarcely believe it, “Why wasn’t I informed about this?” This was getting ridiculous, “Though thank you for bringing it to my attention. I’ll notify her family immediately.” While he didn’t exactly agree with the woman and actually planned to get rid of her Griffin did silently mourn her loss.

So this was her replacement? O’Reilly, that name continued to boggle him. ‘Where have I heard that name?’ Perhaps someone within her family worked at the Ministry an Auror perhaps? It didn’t matter he’ll simply run her background later when he had freetime. Which by the looks of it wouldn’t be anytime soon. “Well Keira it was nice meeting you but I have no use for a secretary at this time.” Griffin had no need of such a position nor did he trust anyone nearly enough not to blunder with whatever it was Griffin might ask of them. While tiring he did manage to complete all of his work...most of the time. Speaking of work, he probably should get back to work. After yawning tiredly Griffin removed his feet from atop his desk and begrudgingly resumed the mountains upon mountains of paperwork that lay scattered about the room.

Taking a look at his schedule Griffin’s scowled noticeably deepened once he read what was first on the agenda. Addressing the Wizarding World. He already knew how the press conference was going to go. A dozen or so reporters being allowed to bark out whatever trash was currently occupying their heads; Griffin would then reply to the best of his ability but in the end both parties would leave frustrated. ‘Such a waste of time...’ This Elizabeth Sanders was quickly proving herself to be an extreme nuance. How did she even learn of the school’s attack that’s truly concerned him. It was so concerning that Griffin even sent two Auror’s to question the woman. Her response was, ‘A good reporter never reveals her sources.’ The audacity of that woman! Her belligerence was nearly enough cause to arrest her. Though if she is in any shape form or manner revealed to be in cahoots with these ‘Neo-Death Eaters’ there’ll be hell to pay.

The Minister of course already knew what he’d say to the world though it didn’t make it at all any easier. For better or worse the truth was already out abet sooner than they would liked all he could do now was minimize the damage and more importantly ensure the world that they were working to the best of their ability to find these perpetrators and bring them to justice. He eyed today’s newspaper from within a trashcan.

‘Sometimes our best isn’t good enough.’

[THE DARK LADY]

Keira saw the shock more than the concern on the face of the Minister of Magic. Perhaps he didn't necessarily like his previous secretary. Nevertheless, he was quite obviously relieved that he could handle things on his own. Keira would make sure that wasn't the case. "Sir, I believe I just informed you about the matter," she expressed calmly, keeping her cool. Altrhough it was very much tempting to snap at him, to show the obvious, she refrained. She was his new secretary and it was she who would report such matters to him. It was, after all, her jpb now.

"You have...no use?" she inquired, raising an eyebrow. Keira looked down into her lap before closing her eyes and sinking into darkness. Keep calm, she told herself. Keira opened her eyes once more and looked to him, analyzing his expressions and holding back from looking into his mind. "Minister!" she shouted, slamming her fist on his desk. She rose to her feet, staring down at him. "I may simply be a woman to you, but by no means will I tolerate the objectivity of a person who is not only qualified to do this job but has already gained permission and hirance for doing so!" She breathed hard and pressed a hand to her chest, taking a seat once again and falling silent.

Keira realized her temper may have been slightly lost, but she needed to stand her ground. It mattered not what he believed he 'needed.' Even if she were another woman, one who didn't have intentions beyond what worked for the greater good, a woman should not be addressed in such a manner. Nor man, really. If a person was hired for such a position then the least the Minister should do was invite them in. Unless he was hiding something.

She looked up and met his gaze, certain that this was the case. Although Keira could not detect what secrets laid within his head, she knew they were there. Otherwise, he wouldn't act so independently. Otherwise, he would desire a new secretary to assist in the busy delays in his tight sxchedule that were sure to come over the next few hours. If he didn't want someone so close to him, he might have been hiding something. Keira officially made it a secondary mission to find out just what that was.

"I apologize," she admitted, then tilted her head forward. "But I'm here. And I'm not leaving...not today."

[Deleted]

Well she certainly had spirit that’s for certain. Still, whatever admiration he might have felt towards her having a backbone was quickly lost. “Permission from whom? Have you forgotten to whom who you’re speaking to?” No matter how qualified she might have been for the position Griffin didn’t want her; in fact, he didn’t want anyone. ‘People can’t be trusted especially in these times.’ Griffin would have respected Keira for standing her ground had an act of terror not occurred just a few hours ago. ‘I’ve had it up to here with independent women...’ The woman in his life were going to be the death of him. Griffin could already feel a migraine forming, ‘This is going to be a long day...’ How could he get rid of her in a dignified manner? He’d have to approach this situation carefully the last thing Griffin needed was another scorned woman in his life.

So he gave her the benefit of the doubt, “What makes you so heavily qualified that you were fired without my knowledge or consent? I can quite easily fire you...” He would allow her to say her piece, Griffin would of course give the idea great consideration before ‘reluctantly’ declining. Still despite the logic in such a method Griffin seriously doubted that it would work. So while she was probably ‘defending’ her honor Griffin took this moment to briefly examine the woman sitting before him. If he were twenty years younger and wasn’t currently going through a ‘midlife-crisis’ he might have found her attractive all she was to him now however was an annoyance. “I see...” He replied once she was finally finished sprouting off whatever it was she was saying.

Change of plans, Griffin was now extremely curious as to why she wanted the position so badly. Volunteers weren’t exactly lining up in droves, so why did she want in? What was her angle? What was her goal; her end result? After muttering an incantation under his breath Griffin extended his left arm towards his file cabinet and tilted his hand upward in a beckoning motion. The cabinet then proceeded to open and extend to a seemingly impossible length before reaching him. “O'Reilly Kiera.” Griffin instructed, watching as the cabinet began cycling through it’s archive for the desired dossier. Within a few seconds the requested dossier lifted itself from the rest and floated over to Griffin before setting itself on the table.

Closing shut the cabinet with a flick of the wrist Griffin opened the manila folder and began going through it. “Twenty-Six, attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as a Slytherin. Once graduated you worked as a registered snake charmer one of the few parselmouth’s in this day and age. The dossier describes you as alluring, incredibly intelligent and incredibly hard to find.” Griffin’s eye’s narrowed before closing the folder. He decided not to mention the seemingly 'cult-like' behavior with her supposed friends.  “Why should I trust a ghost?” It took real skill to stay under the radar of the Ministry especially once the Seeker initiative was in place. Secretly spying and keeping tabs on anyone and everyone that could possibly become a problem. To have such a lack of information it was disconcerting to say the least. Just when he was about to inquire further about what he read  in the dossier a cry sounded out from the ceiling.

Griffin this being his office already knew what it was, “Welcome back Beethoven.”  Grabbing hold of the gauntlet that was laying on the floor next to him Griffin fastened it on his right forearm and extended it. At that moment a beautiful crimson creature known to the wizarding world as a phoenix swooped down and landed on his now gloved hand. “How was your trip?” Griffin inquired smiling as the bird seemingly cooed in response. “What do you have for me?” He asked before taking notice of the letter tied around Beethoven's neck. “Thank you kindly old friend.” Removing the letter Griffin stuffed it inside his coat pocket to read later. After the attack on the University Griffin began making preparations to ensure that such an event would never occur again. Auror teams were to be stationed at all the remaining schools simply as a precaution. ‘And to deter any further attacks.’ His been in contact with a Mr. Samael Hunter, a former Auror and a good man. Griffin hadn't known the man personally during his time as an Auror but he did see his name mentioned in more than a few reports. ‘A shame he won’t return...’ Griffin had already extended the offer to him which he abet rudely declined.

With that said there was still the matter of Keira to deal with. Beethoven seemed to mirror his master’s view on her as he continued to stare at the woman. “Now Beethoven it’s rude to stare.” Griffin scolded slightly sarcastic, “Now return to your post I’m sure you’re hungry and tired from your flight.” Reluctantly Beethoven extended his wings and took off and with another cry disappeared within the shadows that seemingly always obscured the ceiling no matter what time it was. Most people didn’t know Griffin possessed a phoenix least of all having it always keep vigil above him in the shadows ready to swoop down at a moments notice.       

“So where were we? Oh yes, my condolences towards your family.”   

[THE DARK LADY]

"It's becoming quite clear to whom I'm speaking, Minister," she addressed him coldly. If Griffin thought he was going to scare her away then he had another thing coming to him. Keira was not scared - ever. Not easily, not hardly, not even remotely. In fact, she was certain that if she hadn't been placed into Slytherin she would have been a perfect Gryffindor. Keira believed what she believed and she did it with her entire being. She was braver than anyone she knew; pathetic it was that the Gryffindor house students got all the spotlight when they were simply cowardly. Even if they were like the lion who could stand proud and tall, they were nothing like the snake who was unafraid to strike.

Keira rolled her eyes. "Threats do not work on me, Mr. Von Hart, I can assure you of that," she pressed, running a hand through her hair. "But I am certainly qualified. In the summers throughout my Hogwarts years I served as a secretary for Borgin and Burke's shop, learning how to thoroughly keep detail, appointments, and the like. And whether or not you think that is commendable or not is beside the point - the point is I submitted a resume, was assured to be the best candidate, and henceforth became your undersecretary," Keira explained, then scoffed at his 'I see.' What a waste of time. What a waste of space. What a waste of power.

Her breathing became troubled when he searched for her files in his cabinet. Her name rolling off his tongue was a thing she wished not to hear again - not like that. He was trying to prove a point, trying to get rid of her. And honestly if that was what he wanted then by the end of the meeting, she should leave. But if Keira knew anything it was that she knew everything by stepping forward into the Ministry itself. She'd examined every crevice already, knew the ins and outs of the building and the Minister could hardly detect anything about her other than his current suspicions for which he had no evidence or grounds to prove anything other than the fact that she obviously wasn't so closely observed as he would have liked. Or that he apparently thought everyone else. She would have to keep that in mind when picking up recruits.

She couldn't help the smirk that appeared on her face as he read aloud her description. 'Alluring.' Very much so. 'Intelligent.' Highly. 'Hard to find.' Incredibly and indefinitely inaccurate.

She was impossible to find.

"I can go places others cannot, and I can do things others cannot...I'm slippery, but I go where I feel necessary. If it wasn't necessary, I wouldn't be here. And since I am here, that should tell you that, despite your apprehensions, I can be trusted to do the job," she explained calmly, though found an interesting specimen landing upon the hand of the Minister. A phoenix. Keira grinned. A fine animal to have on one's side, she'd admit, although she was certainly more fond of the reptile species.

To ignore someone before you was highly rude. How this man got elected as Minister she could hardly imagine. The sickening thought ran through her mind; he wasn't a man of the people, or even for the people. He was only for himself. At least Keira's plans would be carried out for a good product, a good outcome. A greater good for the wizarding world. Griffin Von Hart simply wanted money for himself, not to achieve anything special. He just wanted someone to justify his actions. Keira knew whatever system he had set up that enabled his cabinet to track the personalities, histories, and whereabouts of the peoples of the wizarding world was certainly not legal, and she would do whatever she could to put a stop to it at the first chance she could.

Let him be blind.


At the mention of her family, Keira clenched her fists in her lap. If he even attempted to ask her about their deaths she would resign and leave. She had all she needed, of course, and even she didn't, Griffin would not pry out such information. The feud between the O'Reilly and Dolan families could not be unleashed on the Ministry of Magic; if the cruelties and murders that were committed on both sides came to light, it practically meant certain death for them all. And even though she wanted to take down the Dolan family, that was not yet her plan. It was not in her vision. And she would not allow the Ministry the pleasure of dealing with the Dolan clan as it was her destiny to do.

[Deleted]

Was that truly the game she wanted to play? He hadn’t the time for such mindless dribble. Still, something about her intrigued him; and for better or worse made Griffin reconsider his decision. Someone who could avoid the detection of the Ministry so thoroughly would be incredibly useful to him. ‘She’s a perfect candidate for the Seekers...’ Too perfect in fact. She was everything Griffin looked for in a Seeker: devoted, independent, intelligent and incredibly discreet. That was the thing though, she was too perfect. ‘Who are you Ms. O’Reilly?’ Something told him that if he allowed her to walk out of those doors today the next time he saw her whether it was a week, a month or even ten years from now; it wouldn’t be pretty. She was a mystery he was going to unravel a code cracked a secret revealed. “Enough, you’ve made your case. I don’t question your ability nor do I seek to undermine whatever it is that you’re trying to do. You have to understand though, someone who can remain under the Ministry’s radar for so long requires some precautions to be taken.”

Sliding his chair back Griffin stood up and walked over to the window. “Trust isn’t given it is earned, easily in this day and age.” His back was turned to her though his hands were in his coat ready to turn around at a moments notice and defend himself. “You obviously seek to be more than a secretary I’m giving you one opportunity. Tell me the truth, why are you here and what do you seek to gain by being here. Do not lie to me Ms. O’Reilly someone of your caliber, structure and pedigree doesn’t seek to be a subordinate.” Griffin didn’t know her plans but by her seemingly subconscious reaction when he mentioned her family it has to do with their deaths. Perhaps she wanted simple revenge, ‘Too naive.’ Was there something in the Ministry that she wanted?

“I’ve made countless enemies throughout my life and will probably make many more before all of this is over. If people knew the horror that is war they wouldn’t so readily plunge the world into another one. “ What was the purpose of all this, what was the end result? Was it another pureblood supremacist movement? “We’ve already concluded that dilution of blood has no effect on a person’s magical ability so what was the point in all of this?” He asked more to himself than anyone else. “I’m a muggleborn you know, the first muggleborn Minister For Magic.” He laughed bitterly, “I thought it was a sign of times changing, that the wizarding world was finally ready to accept change and abandon old traditions that has done nothing for us but breed hatred such as Voldemort and now these Neo-Death Eaters.”

Sitting back down Griffin crossed his legs and stared at her with a blank expression, “The world is a bad place, and you can either do or get done.” Griffin revealed to her his tattoo, “We’re the Seeker’s and we’re not done yet...” He would keep her around not for her assistance but to keep an eye on her. There was no harm in revealing the Seeker’s to her it wasn’t as though she could do anything to stop them to stop him. Humanity was a parasite one that had to be carefully monitored or else all would be consumed by it. The Seeker’s would prevent that, the perfect utopia was at their fingertips yet idiotic simpletons such as the last night’s perpetrators kept that from becoming reality. It was no concern to him though, the Seekers were on the hunt they will find and eliminate this threat. Once it was over the Seeker’s will reveal themselves to the world as the men and women who have saved it ‘And then the final curtain would fall.’ Was he insane, perhaps. Perfection isn't attainable. He had already stepped over the line by creating the Seeker’s, by keeping tabs on everyone’s business he might as well go all the way. He would do this for Chole though he had no doubt she’d be disgusted over his actions. Hell even Morrigan might been intimidated by how he was now. All he knew for certain though that Keira O’Reilly ,

Was the enemy.  

[THE DARK LADY]

Keira had had quite enough of the Minister's antics. He was obviously playing a very dangerous game that she was not willing to play. Getting into people's minds is a one-way game and Keira was not expecting the Minister of Magic to be attempting the same game she was. Wasn't the Minister of Magic supposed to be someone who was trustworthy, someone who was open and honest? Even if Keira didn't respect those qualities, it was the way of leadership. This Minister, however, was the complete opposite of what a Minister was supposed to be. Keira let him talk, not bothering to speak up. He was now far too interested in her, feeling as though there were other reasons she were there. No way in hell was she revealing anything to him. He simply didn't need to know.

Not yet.

I'm a Muggleborn, you know. Any shred of respect that Keira had for the guy went out the window. She dug her nails into her palms and felt a small trickle of blood flow from her right hand. She was angry. She wanted to slaughter him there and then. A muggleborn Minister? Absolutely not. He would be the first to go. When he revealed his tattoo, Keira grew curious. "Seekers..." she whispered, then stood up and crossed her arms over her chest. "Minister....I don't feel up to working for you any longer. I will not be subjected to lying to the public for whatever this is."

Keira stood up and nodded to him, then turned and exited the door. Whatever the Minister was up to, she was going to find out. And then, she was going to kill him.

[Deleted]

Griffin inwardly smirked, was she unwilling to play with him? “How disappointing...” He drawled, as she visibly shook from what Griffin could only assume was anger. He had won; whether she realized that or not was debatable. “I’m simply doing what must be done.” Better his hands be dirtied than someone else’s.” In his eyes Griffin was simply doing god’s work. He couldn’t allow anymore people to be sullied by selfish ideologies and tendencies; and somehow Griffin knew that Keira was the key. It was simple; all this time Griffin has been testing her, poking, prodding and otherwise trying to get underneath her skin, trying to determine just what kind of a person Keira O'Reilly really was.

She was a liar, deceiver, and a manipulator. Her eyes didn’t reflect the warm in her voice. Her face was seemingly straining from having to keep up that ever present fake-smile on her face. In other words, she was just like him. She came in here with the claim of wanting to ‘rid the world of evil’ yet she backs out at the last second? She expressed contempt towards his actions yet said actions being the only ones he could take? She wasn’t prepared to do whatever it took to prevent the wizarding world his wizarding world from falling into complete and utter disarray?


Keira O’Reilly was no friend to Griffin. She didn’t share his vision nor did she have a place in his perfect society. ‘She’ll be dealt with just as all the others will.’ He could have had her arrested (or killed) on the spot but that wasn’t how Griffin operated. While completely dedicated to the cause there were some lines even he wasn’t about to cross, ‘Not yet that is.’ So Griffin simply stood there (having gotten up once she announced her departure. more out of habit than respect) watching her retreating form as she made her way towards the door. “Oh and Keira.” He paused before choosing his next words carefully, “Do tell Dominic I said hello.” With that Griffin sat back down. Once he heard the door close shut the weary man sighed.

“Follow her...”