Richard's growl rumbled deep in his chest, his claws flexing against the stone floor.
"Archer?" he snarled, his voice thick with fury. "Yes indeed. I have an unsettled score with him. That brat humiliated me. He stood there like he was invincible, like I was nothing."
Elysia's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Good. That hatred, that fire... we can use it. Archer is a threat to me as well. You and I share the same goal—but I can't bring him down alone. That's why I need you, Richard. I need you to help me put him down."
Richard's predator eyes narrowed. "I've felt a pinch of his power... that boy isn't ordinary. When I attacked him, I could feel his barrier—it's twice as strong as the city's own defense. It nearly burned my skin."
Elysia nodded slowly. "I am well aware of his abilities. I've had my eyes on him for quite some time." She lowered her voice, leaning slightly closer. "Archer is not what he seems. He is a demon."
Richard recoiled, his body tensing. "A demon?"
