"Of course. Do, if you can."
The boundless presence of the Great Verge vanished the moment he spoke. But Count Thane and Viscount Merek hadn't missed the meaning in those words.
Count Thane rose from his bow, turning towards Nerrot and then Merek. The brief glance was all Nerrot needed to feel a fear that resonated from deep within his soul.
This time, he didn't dare to speak.
"It's unfortunate. Your advice was wrong."
"Your eminen—"
"Save it."
Count Thane vanished before Merek could speak, but not without sending a glare towards Atticus. "We will meet during the Ascendant Games."
As the Count vanished, Merek took a deep breath. He tried to imagine where it all went wrong.
'It's my fault for believing this fool was capable of handling the god.'
Merek glanced over at his son. His eyes at that moment could have burned down a world.
"Fa–father. I—"
"I didn't allow you to speak!" Merek thundered. "Stupid boy. You will be punished severely for this failure."
