[POV]: [Nero?]
My steps echo through the corridor around me. With Abraxes now safe and back in his cell and the bodies of the Enforcers being dealt with. I had one last thing to do. Reporting back to Saher Au Centuri.
The walk back was long. But I had plenty of time. My mind wandered and I thought of the boy I had saved. Abraxes of Epsilon.
This body was more wrong than right half the time. But for once, it had been correct when labelling Abraxes as having potential. Though Nero thought of him as nothing more than a slave to exploit. I could see the boy's true purpose.
Even if the boy didn't see it for himself.
'There is still time.' I reminded myself. Nodding to another Titanium who walked by. I had been told to be patient. To wait until the time was right. Until mine—our—salvation arrived. I was still unsure what they meant by it. But all I could do was trust in their words.
Members of House Nívharûn were not people to ignore or disagree with, after all.
I step into the kitchen on this side of the ship. Using a side entrance that few know about. The man I am looking for is on his own. Separated from the rest of the workers that rush around in the chaos of running such a large ship.
I pull on my third Impetus Talent. A mental tether being born between my mind and his. I see the way he flinches subtly. Nearly cutting a finger off in the process.
"Willem." I greet, hiding behind several boxes that cover this entrance. Nobody can see me.
"Ypirétis…" he hesitates for a moment. I can sense the anxiety running through him as he looks for me. "…What can I do for you?"
Never one to waste time. I admire this quality of the man. He knows when he is being used and does not hesitate to get it over and done with. He has spine for a Zinc.
"Cell D7880. Double their rations for me, would you?"
I see him grit his teeth at my mental words. "Who do I put this executive decision up to?"
"Nero Ti Gelid. If anyone asks, Chef."
The man nods in my direction and I end our communication. I'm out and walking to the Aureate I am meant to see a moment later. It's not much. But it is all that I can offer Abraxes at this moment. So, it will have to do.
It only takes me ten more minutes before I am standing at a vibrant steel door. Two Enforcers—Titanium in Alloy—watch me wearily as I approach. The mask of Nero slips on easily, and I can feel that crazed gleam entering the eyes of this body.
"Gentlemen!" I say in greeting. My expression vibrant. "Is the Archduchess home by chance?" I'm grinning at them. Acting clueless and like a fool. When I know that the woman is in there. But it is necessary. Nero is unhinged and I must show that insanity.
The woman on my right sneers at me—Verity Ti Dreave, I recognise. Nero has an unfortune past with her. "What does a Pewter like you want with the Archduchess?"
I grin smugly at her. This man I am inhabiting is a disgusting example of humanity. But he has a strong name, and it allows for freedom others simply do not possess.
"My, your words simply wound me Verity. A Pewter? When I am more refined than yourself?" I laugh. It is obnoxious and boisterous and only serves to make her angrier. "If I am a Pewter, then what does that make you? An Ore, or do you see yourself as something more? Tin perhaps?"
She is reaching for her weapon now. Her eyes are set in an angry glare. But she is stopped by the man on my left. He reaches over and holds her wrist. Grounding her. I can't help but raise a brow.
"Is there something you two need to report? I think I hear wedding bells." Nobody likes this body. The only ones who tolerate him are the Aureate, and even their patience is thin. But he's a loyal dog. So, they tolerate hm.
Bracus Ti Drusk is a stoic man. He ignores my teasing. Gives his partner a look. Before turning to me with a harsh glare.
"She has company." His words are tinged with warning. If I were in my body, I would have already run off. But Nero is arrogant, and he is blind. So, the warning is purposely ignored with a practiced grin.
"Important company or is she sating her carnal desires?"
"You do not need to know, Nero." I am nervous. But I remind myself that Nero does not feel nervous. He does not listen to those who are his lesser. Neither Verity nor Bracus are close to the strength of this body. So, I remind them of their place.
What I do now, makes Abraxes' earlier attempt pale in comparison. The temperature does not gradually fall. It is not steady. I banish the little warmth of the corridor. It is cold. It is freezing. Then it is glacial. I have brought the arctic with not even a twitch of my fingers.
They both fall to the ground almost immediately. Thin layers of frost cover the floor, the walls and the ceiling. Ice is in their lungs and invades their muscles until they are nearly seizing.
The door before me is ripped open, and I met with a sight many would kill to see. Curly golden hair flows like silk. Her eyes are like twin suns. Glaring at me with enough radiance to turn me to ash. She is covered in a dressing gown that covers most of her body, skin bronze and covered in subtle scars that show her experience in battle.
"Ah, so you were busy doing someone." The words are crass and rude. But Nero is entitled to speak as he wishes. It is unique to him as a Titanium and something many others envy. But he is efficient with serving the Aureate and Saher holds a unique affection for this body.
Even if it does not seem like it now.
"By the name of the Dievas. You will rid me of this cold, or I will gut you and hang you off this ship myself!" My laugh is sheepish as I release my control over the temperature. Allowing it to slowly thaw the frost which has built.
"In. Now." She is glaring at me. Opening the door further and pointing into her room. I know I have no choice. I bow theatrically to her. Noting how her jaw twitches. Before stepping past her.
The room is large and cosy. Bathed in golden light by way of various torches. Scarlet coloured carpet has been installed in the room, making it feel more homely. There is a door to the side, covered in strings of beads that I know lead to her room. Much of the main room is empty. Too much space with too little things, but two couches sit present in the middle.
"Kayas, right?" I ask the man sat on one of the couches. A cheshire grin on my face. He is entirely naked and only has a small pillow to cover his honour. He is frozen as he sees me. I recognise him as one of the Copper Enforcers who was been present at the Purging Ceremony of Epsilon.
"K-Koen, my lord." He stutters, trying to stand on slightly trembling legs.
"Please," I look away. Covering my eyes with my hand. "Remain seated. I really do not want to see more than I have of you."
"Well, I am off an opposite mind, Nero." The Aureate behind me says. I can feel her glare and hear the way her teeth gnash together. Oh, she is livid with me. "To the room you go. I will be there shortly."
She sounds aloof as she dismisses the man. Taking his choice from him with a wave of her hand. I hope he has agreed to this. If not, then he has my pity. The Aureate have control over everything and everyone, and they know it. Nothing and no-one can disagree with them.
"Now. Why have you disturbed me?" I turn to face her with a grin. It is unhinged and it looks normal on this face.
"I just wished to personally inform you that the Mercury problem has been dealt with." She is not amused. Far from it as she sighs and holds the bridge of her nose.
"Which one?" She finally asks. I am surprised she wants to know. But I do not show it on my face.
"It was the Jackal. My newest friend, who decided to murder the false Aureate of House Fotismós."
"The Jackal." She looks far from impressed with me. "Next time, think before you speak, Nero. Calling them anything above their station makes them think they are something important. Then, it leads to situations like this."
I wave my hand almost lazily in the air. "It was only a slave wearing gold. It's not much of a loss."
"Yes. A slave wearing gold who was somehow loved by his father. We promised him safe voyage and now he is dead. That is hundreds of thousands of credits gone from the Ασία economy!" Now her interest makes a lot more sense.
"Huh, I did not realise he was loved. What a strange man his father must be."
"Yes, yes. He was dropped on his head as a baby. But that is not the problem!"
I shrug. Because that is what Nero would do.
"I am but a Titanium. I live and I serve. The war effort for Ασία is not mine to concern myself with." It is the truth. But it does not satisfy Saher.
"Tell me you kept the body. Some proof that we have brought justice."
"Ah, but then you will be displeased with my answer." I smile at her. My expression sunny as hers grows thunderous. I can only watch as she savagely slaps me across my cheek. It pulses with pain, and I see stars for a moment as I am nearly lifted off my feet.
"You fool! I ought to wring your neck and send your body as a replacement." Her breathing is ragged, and I pity the Copper waiting for her in the room besides us. He will not be having a pleasant time.
Saher closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. She is trying to control her emotions. Her shoulders fall as she exhales and looks at me again.
"This is your only warning, Nero. Watch your tongue around the Mercury's. They are not allowed to think themselves as anything but the slaves they are. We are outnumbered ten to one. Remember that."
Her words are said in a low, deadly whisper that even Nero would recognise. So, I bow my head. My expression no longer as merry as it once was. I act as if I am a child who has been told off by their mother.
"Now, get out of here, before I do something I will regret." She points at the door, and I am quick to leave. I do not speak for this body has too much pride to apologise and they both know it.
I step out into the still chilly corridor and close the door behind me as gently as I can. The two Enforcers guarding it are on their feet once again. Bracus only growls at me. But Verity is grinning, and it is a smug thing.
"Good conversation, Pewter?" She asks. Her words are like honey.
I smile at her. It is too sharp with too many teeth showing. "Do be careful on stairs, Tin. I hear some steps are slippery and covered in frost."
I am walking away before she can retort with anything snide or spiteful. Moving to Nero's office where my original body is. My mind is consumed with the information I have learned. Wondering how I can use it to cause further strife to the Aureate.
By the time I reach the office. I have an idea. One that will require me to move fast. But one that will benefit me and others grandly.
Saher is an Aureate that does not deserve to live. I have seen what she can do. What she has done. And I know she will not be a part of the future led by Abraxes. She must go before it begins, and she has gifted me with the perfect opportunity to rid her off this world.
The patriarch of House Fotismós loved his tainted son. But, under the command of Nero and in turn, the command of Saher. He had been mistreated and thrown into a cell only reserved for slaves, which lead to his death.
To protect Abraxes further, I will need to shift the blame. Who better, than the Titanium so madly in-love with the twisted Aureate.
I step into the office, and I grin. A true grin of glee.
Nero's body falls to the ground like a sack of grain, and I open my teal eyes to the world. I have much work to do.