Chapter 10: The Queen and the Lord part2
Sepirah Castle - Alex POV
I stopped Bernadette from using her mystic eyes. In Sepirah Castle, I am merged with the will of the Celestial Worthy. Here, I stand equal to him. If someone as low as a Sequence 3 attempts to probe me, they'd lose control instantly and descend into madness.
Bernadette's voice broke the silence, a low whisper barely audible in the vast hall. "May I ask why I am here?" Her tone was respectful, cautious not to offend.
"I brought you here to make an offer," I replied, letting my voice echo with authority.
She nodded silently, choosing not to interrupt me.
"I am giving you the opportunity to serve under me." I paused, watching her reaction closely.
She hesitated before speaking, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Why… why have you chosen me?"
I had prepared for this question. She needed an answer that would tie her fate to mine, something she couldn't resist. "Because of your father," I said calmly.
Bernadette froze, her breath hitching. Numerous scenarios must have flashed through her mind. Before she could respond, I continued, my tone unyielding. "I made a promise to help his daughter. So, I am giving you this chance."
The hall fell silent, heavy with tension.
Finally, she broke the quiet. "Is my father alive?" Her voice was steady, but I could sense the tremor of hope within her.
"Yes," I replied. "But do not ask for his location. You are too weak to save him."
Her hands clenched at her sides. "What happened to him?"
"He is corrupted." My tone betrayed no emotion, a stark contrast to the turmoil she must have felt. I let the words sink in before continuing. "I will help you save him in five years."
The message was clear. If she wanted her father back, she would serve me.
Bernadette was intelligent enough to understand the conditions. She took a moment to process my words before asking, "May I have some time to consider, Mr. Mysteries?"
Her choice of address made me chuckle inwardly. Much better.
"I will give you one week," I said. "Do not speak of me to anyone—not even your lamp."
I could see her wheels turning as she bowed slightly, acknowledging the terms. With a wave of my hand, I sent her back.
Bernadette POV
When she returned to her ship, the genie emerged from the lamp, his expression tense. "What happened?" he asked.
Bernadette didn't respond. Her lips tightened, and her gaze turned toward the horizon.
Alex POV
Sometimes, I wonder if I am a bad person. I manipulate people in a world already plagued by madness, taking advantage of their desperation. But I know the truth: if I don't build my foundation now, there will be nothing left when the apocalypse arrives.
Still, I hope I don't become the kind of monster I despise.
POV Change – Red Gloves Office, Evernight Church
In the dimly lit office, the atmosphere was heavy with tension.
"What do you think about these kidnapping and murder cases?" a man asked, turning to the woman beside him.
She adjusted her gloves, her expression thoughtful. "Captain, I suspect this might be the work of devils."
The man frowned, his voice grim. "Or a Sequence 7 serial killer. These bastards often commit such atrocities to please devils or gain their favor." He paused, tapping his finger against the table. "We need to send a team to investigate, but we must tread carefully."
The woman nodded. "Understood, Captain. I'll contact our friends in the police department and have them keep an eye out. If anything suspicious comes up, we'll act."
"Good. But remember, this could also be the work of a mundane killer. We wait for now."
Alex POV
It's been two weeks since I arrived in Backlund. My new identity as James Holmes has been solidified, and I've settled into my rented apartment. The neighbors are friendly, though a little nosy.
One evening, as I stepped outside for a breath of fresh air, I bumped into Mrs. Gray, the elderly widow who lived across the hall.
"Oh, Mr. Holmes!" she exclaimed, clutching her shawl. "You're quite the mystery yourself, aren't you? Always coming and going at odd hours."
I smiled politely. "Just the nature of my work, Mrs. Gray. A private detective's job is never dull."
She chuckled. "Well, I hope you're careful, dear. Backlund is no place for carelessness."
"I'll keep that in mind," I assured her, before excusing myself.
Now, onto business. I've set up my office and placed advertisements in the local newspapers. So far, my cases have been trivial—finding lost cats and missing valuables. But I know that patience is key.
My thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. When I opened it, I was met by a man dressed in a trench coat and hat. He had striking blue eyes and a quiet intensity about him.
"Can I come in?" he asked politely.
"Of course." I stepped aside, gesturing for him to enter.
As he took a seat, I asked, "May I know your name?"
"Richards. Richards Pattinson."
"And how may I help you, Mr. Pattinson?"
He hesitated for a moment before answering. "I need your help finding a missing person."
The End