In the dimly lit lounge, the only light came from a lamp on the table, casting long shadows across the room. Two noble-looking men sat opposite each other. One had deep brown eyes, short chestnut hair, and radiated an aura of quiet confidence.
The other had striking azure eyes and wheat-blond hair that lay perfectly over his left shoulder—but he did not radiate confidence. No, he radiated a dark, devilish aura. If unleashed, it could steal the breath from a mundane human's lungs and bring them to their knees.
They sat in silence for a moment before King Salis finally spoke, his voice smooth and deadly, like a serpent waiting for a wrong word or move.
"Well, Theo… I do hope you did not come to my house, disturb my peace, just for a failed attempt."
Theo took a calm sip of his tea before replying.
"No, sire. While I did have some trouble finding her, we eventually got a late lead… and yes, sire, we did find her."
King Salis frowned, narrowing his eyes.
"So… that's it?"
"Not quite, sire. After seeing her for myself and hearing her speak, I can say there is a small chance she is actually a man."
Salis studied Theo's face carefully, analyzing every flicker of expression.
"Oh… well then, where is she? You did say you found her."
"Yes, sire… she is outside, shackled in the carriage."
King Salis took a short sip of his tea, then slowly exhaled, letting his anger rise before spitting words like venom.
"How dumb can you be? You brought one of the most powerful creatures to my house! What if she had decided to kill everyone here? What then?"
Theo's mask of confidence cracked slightly as he hurriedly answered.
"Well, sire, the shackles are restricting her mana. She can't break free. And I did not harm her in any way, so she has no reason—like you said—to kill anyone here."
King Salis let out a low sigh, the dark energy around him settling into a controlled simmer.
"Well… don't you think it would be better if you took her to the underground dungeon?"
Theo stood, giving a shallow bow.
"As you wish, sire. She is yours to do with as you please."
And with that, he left.
King Salis stared at the dark tea in his ivory cup, the weight of anticipation heavy in his chest. He had waited a long time for this day.
What will my first questions be? he wondered, a small, dark smile curling across his lips.