Claudia was confused when Arwen awoke and asked if Kane was around.
It was not only surprising that she somehow knew that he was present, the fact that she spoke with no honorifics, spooked Claudia.
What if he heard?... With the experiences she had, Claudia knew better than to act impudently against powerful people.
A casual gesture could lead to instant death if care was not taken.
Claudia cared less about her life with Arwen taking a higher precedent, so the thought of her dying because of something was terrifying.
However, Arwen didn’t seem to care as she went a step further and asked Claudia to bring him to her room.
It was shocking, to say the least.
Invite a powerhouse like that into her quarters?... Claudia wondered if it would be easier to die at his hands.
But due to Arwen’s insistence, Claudia had no choice but to oblige.
Thankfully, the Dark Lord was kind and understanding enough to come with her.
Thinking that Arwen wanted to properly give her thanks for what Kane had done, Claudia was prepared to help her in case she was unable to say the right words.
Of course, nothing could have prepared her for the words that came out of Arwen’s mouth.
"Would you save the people or save the Night Kindred?"
It took a few seconds for Claudia to grasp her question and once that happened...
"Arwen!" She exclaimed in fright before turning toward Alex.
"My lord, please do not mind what she asked just now."
Then turning back to Arwen, she berated the young lass. "How can you ask such an irresponsible question?!"
If one saw them from afar, it would look a lot like a woman disciplining her child.
However, Arwen showed no signs of backing down as she ignored Claudia’s words and instead stared intently at Alex.
Alex couldn’t help but furrow his brows at the unexpected question.
How was he to respond?
Claudia noticed his expression change, causing her to grow apprehensive.
Was he offended?... Instinctively, she reached out for Arwen’s hand, grabbing her by the wrist, intending to run away with her at the first sign of trouble.
Of course, her worries were unfounded as Alex’s expression relaxed a moment later.
In a casual tone, he remarked. "Depends."
"On what?" Arwen followed up.
Claudia felt the urge to seal her lips at this point but found herself unable to do so.
Gulping hard, she could only hope for the best.
"On which side benefits me more."
"And if none serves to benefit you?"
"Do you have to ask?" Alex raised a brow.
Silence reigned for a moment as Arwen and Alex exchanged looks with Claudia taking a moment to allow Alex’s words to sink in.
Arwen pursed her lips. "But aren’t you the Dark Lord?... Shouldn’t you prioritize the Night Kindred at the very least?"
"I never referred to myself as such." Alex calmly retorted. "Your friend there was the one that introduced me as the Dark Lord."
"That..." Arwen trailed off as she realized that was indeed the case.
Meanwhile, Claudia was left speechless at Alex’s words.
Did that mean he wasn’t the Dark Lord?... So what was the attraction she felt for him and most importantly, his domain?
For a brief moment, she found herself unable to think straight.
As the atmosphere grew tense, Arwen leaned back, a strange emotion flashing in her eyes as she muttered. "I understand now."
"Is that all?" Alex couldn’t help but ask.
"No." Arwen shook her head. "I need your help."
Alex’s expression froze as his gaze alternated between Arwen and Claudia.
Meanwhile, Claudia was also perplexed by Arwen’s statement.
Save Krobridge?... What did that mean?
"I’m sorry kid." Alex broke the silence not too long after. "But I’m no hero and if there’s nothing in it for me, I don’t plan to risk my life for anyone."
His words caused Claudia to feel a slight sense of disdain and Arwen to look on in silence but Alex had no plans of taking them back.
It was better, to tell the truth than give half-assed lies.
As the atmosphere grew tense, Arwen said. "You have every right not to intervene."
"But what if I said that if you don’t, you’d die."
"..." Alex’s expression immediately cooled as he met Arwen’s resolute gaze.
"Arwen!" Claudia exclaimed as she moved to close her mouth.
"Stop." Arwen shoved her aside before turning her attention back to Alex.
Goosebumps broke out all over her skin, but she wasn’t about to back down.
"Are you threatening me?" Alex asked after a long pause.
Arwen quickly shook her head. "I dare not but I have seen it..."
"As well as everyone in Krobridge. This city is destined to be destroyed."
Alex studied Arwen’s expression, finding no trace of deceit in them.
His heart skipped a beat at that moment.
Calming his nerves, he asked. "How do you know this?"
"I’ve always been able to see death premonitions. It’s a curse I’ve had since I was a child."
Still no lies... Alex’s heart skipped a beat yet again.
Clenching his jaw, he threw out yet another question. "And these premonitions... is it possible to avoid them?"
"...No," Arwen replied after brief hesitation leaving Alex disenchanted.
Charlotte sat before a mirror, her crimson pupils glowing as she stared at her reflection.
Barely wearing any clothing, her soft and slender physique was revealed.
"Darn bitch." She muttered as she stared at her right hand... or at least what was left of it.
A bloody stump remained there, a clear sign of what was lost during the battle with Elizabeth.
Pursing her lips, it was difficult to admit but Charlotte had to accept one indisputable fact.
The Homunculus created by the Great Families was strong... strong enough to face a Silver Knight Captain.
Sure, Charlotte had to admit that she wasn’t in top condition but there were no excuses for failure.
At this rate, it wouldn’t be long before the Eastern Highlands was taken away from them.
Charlotte gritted her teeth as she pondered what was the point.
How would her fellow Captains react after learning about this?
Perhaps they would feel wronged because after all these years, instead of growing weaker, the Great Families seemed to be growing stronger.
The mirror pieces lay scattered on the ground with Charlotte still standing in place.
Then, a knock was heard at the door to her quarters.
The door knob turned and a familiar face entered.
"You..." Charlotte muttered.
Damian stood at the door and with a glint in his eyes, remarked. "I have a proposition for you."