Levon Ares Rashet had the bearing of a hero, admired by many. The righteous one. Handsome. Brilliant. Respected. But respect born from admiration, not fear. That was why everyone found it strange that he ran with men like Duke Varyn and Young Master Ingris. The first was a cold, dangerous monster and the other was a smiling, ruthless wolf.
What they didn't understand was that Levon Ares was exactly like them. He just hid his cruelty beneath a kinder face. And perhaps the only reason that kept him from becoming a truly terrifying man was his lack of ambition. He had grown up with a good father and mother. And he had a little sister whom he loved dearly.
"Young Master."
Cael greeted, entering the balcony.
"Mrs. Reniel said the chamber had a honey-like scent coming from the bed," Cael reported. "I suspect the fragrance may have been applied to the sheets and pillows."
"Found the source?"
"Madam's handkerchief," Cael replied, adding that the maid had finally confessed everything after several beatings. "The maid doused it, sealed it, then opened it near the bed. Let the scent spread on its own."
"What now?"
"Young Master Enrik Ochia is heavily drunk in the main hall. Along with the other branch heirs."
Levon sniffed.
"They're really enjoying themselves, as if they've already taken over the main family," he said. "Lock the hall. Make sure they all get a good dose of that scent before they leave."
Cael froze, shocked. "Everyone?"
Such an act would cripple more than half of the Rashet clan's heirs.
"The clan's rotten anyway." Levon's voice was cold. "This is still better than killing them now while they're drunk, don't you think?"
Cael stood dumbfounded.
This order would reshape the future of the Rashet Clan forever.
...
VIRIDIAN HOUSE
Dorian sat signing papers at his desk. His face was stony as usual. The hard lines of his sharp jaw gave him a cold, unyielding look.
Bern, who had just handed him a stack of documents, spoke. "Your Grace, should we respond now to the proposed water dam project?"
"Inform them the funds are strictly under our control. Our money stays out of it."
"Yes, Your Grace." Bern nodded, pausing for a while before he spoke again. "I've also looked into the Velladova farmlands..."
He continued reporting until a knock sounded at the door. Dorian didn't glance up. Bern quickly rose and walked toward the door.
It was Rain.
"What is it?" Dorian asked, a faint impatience in his tone.
"It's about the lady."
Dorian looked up for the first time. But he said nothing, just waited for Rain to continue.
"She left the Rashet estate tonight."
"Left? Where?"
"I don't know, Your Grace. I've lost contact with our men." Rain reported. "Young Master Rashet is now searching the forest for her."
Dorian let out a half-amused, half-contemptuous snort. Then his face turned cold. Dead cold. He rose to his feet and strode out of the study, his chest beating wild. He couldn't tell if he was impressed, irritated, or just plain worried. Later, he stepped out onto the portico when a familiar voice spoke.
"Your Grace, where are you going?"
He turned and saw her.
Smiling.
In a black robe.
Sometimes, he truly hated himself for losing every scrap of pride when it came to Nyasia Sofia Rashet. He didn't like that he looked like a fool storming out of the manor only for her to find him like this.
"Your Grace."
The Sinopia spy gave a low bow. Dorian said nothing. He just stood there, looking at Nyasia. The silence stretched, thick and heavy. One by one, the others—Bern, Rain, the spy—quietly dispersed, leaving only the two of them in the portico.
His mouth curved bitterly.
"Are you just going to stand there?"
Nyasia's smirk deepened. Dorian Alexei. You must be very shocked right now.
"I'm not going to stay long."
He chuckled darkly. "You come here without warning, and you believe you can leave without my permission? You've gotten bold, Nyasia Sofia."
*