First Amendment

Ivo teleported into the underground room that held the Ascension Well. As usual the well glowed a faint blue, the familiar pulse of power radiating through the air. 

He scanned the room as he took a quick step forward, his eyes locking on Solomon, who was pacing angrily on the other side of the well. 

The usually composed vampire looked like a lion caged too long with his usually shining golden mane of hair looking dry and dull. His restlessness and frustration hung like a visible cloud over him that no one could mistake for something else.

"What's going on?" Ivo demanded, his voice tense. "Why did you call me here? I don't have time for interruptions. You know that we can't afford distractions or slip-ups right now, right?"