The next day, Tyde bid a swift goodbye to Lord Orbelo and Lady Gaya.
"I hope to see you again in the western County." said Tyde looking at Victoria.
"We should have gone back together. But this business you need to attend to, must be important?" asked Victoria.
"Yes.I hope it gets over as quickly as possible." Tyde meant her words even though she did not reveal what dangerous business she was handling.
Tyde thought for a moment and brought out her mother's brooch from her bag. She gave it to Victoria.
"Please take this as proof of our friendship,"said Tyde
Victoria took the brooch and inspected it. "Such a precious item! I cannot possibly accept it." said she.
"I am buying your friendship with it." said Tyde smiling.
"In that case, I'll swear my friendship to you," said Victoria accepting her gift.
Both ladies shook hands and Tyde made her way to Ares's car.
Tyde and Ares drove away from the Hy district.
"So where did they say the goods were?" asked Tyde.
"It's in the nearby district. We should reach there by evening," said Ares.
"Did you pass the information to the Adaras?"
"Yes."
They talked about various things on the way to keep themselves from worrying. They talked about the new changes they could bring in business and all the other things they could do after getting back from this ordeal.
"By the way, did you talk to Estelle Torden yesterday?" asked Tyde.
"I was too busy with the Demetero lady, that I could not even wish the actress a happy married life." Ares sighed.
"Do you still have feelings for Lady Demetero?" asked Tyde
"No." Ares said after a pause.
Tyde worried that if Ares had some lingering attachment to Diana Demetero, it would become difficult for them to fight them.
Even though Ares had had many ladies in the past, it would have hurt his pride to be betrayed by his lover however frivolous their relationship was.
"What about you, Tyde? I saw you staring at the young Lord Torden yesterday." Ares teased her.
"You mean I was watching his performance?"
"There is no rule that says noble ladies should not be attracted to noblemen. You can freely admit to it."
"If I had something, I would not be ashamed to admit it." said Tyde proudly.
"If it is Damien Torden, then your Lord Voda fully approves."Ares declared and Tyde laughed.
*******
By nightfall, they had reached the Jg District where they were received by Demetero's workers. The Adara group was already secretly stationed there.
"Lord Adara, you do not have to come," said Gaga to Raul when they reached the secret headquarters.
"I know. So tell me when it's all over. I shall wait outside. Must be a small job unless the Tordens have caught on to our little trick."
"I understand. If anything goes wrong. I'll Inform you, my Lord."
Gaga took his sword and left with a dozen subordinates. Raul Adara parked his car a little distance away and waited patiently.
Meanwhile, the Vodas had reached the Demetero head quarters. Tyde counted at least fifteen security guards and another fifteen armed workers. They looked as if they were fully prepared for battle if necessary.
If the Adaras were not backing them, then the Vodas would have been walking into a trap.
Tyde stood outside while Ares accompanied Demetero to inspect the drugs.
Just then, somebody came running and informed Lord Demetero that they had spotted intruders.
Demetero attempted to flee but was held back by Ares. Soon a fight broke out and the Adaras also joined them.
Fire, water, wind, and earth energies clashed.
Tyde too was dragged into the fight.
In the commotion, Tyde saw the body of Lord Demetero and realized with some horror that somebody had killed him.
Raul Adara had told them that he wanted to arrest them with evidence for Helios. But here Demetero lay lifeless. When did they change the plan? Or was this the plan from the start?
"Ares!" She called out in between the fighting. She could not think well and make out what was happening because she was then taking on two people at the same time.
But she had to warn Ares that something had gone wrong.
It did not take her long to realize that it was too late, for Ares was nowhere to be seen.
********
Ares sat in what looked like a cell, his hands, and legs bound together. He was wounded and blood dripped from his forehead blinding his vision.
Somebody had opened the door to his cell and entered. He looked up and saw that it was Diana Demetero.
"I thought I should do it once you are awake."she said.
She was carrying a sword. She raised it and walked towards Ares.
Ares did not try to get up. He only stared at her.
"Why?" she was asking him."I only asked you to help carry the drugs. I did not want you to get into any major trouble but you..."
Her hands shook and her lips quivered.
"You teamed up with the Adaras to kill us!" she shouted at him on top of her voice.
"No, we were not planning to kill you. Just hand you over to Helios," said Ares quietly.
"Helios?" Diana laughed.
"But do you know that the Adaras asked me to kill... you?" she added. She breathed heavily and watched Ares changing face.
"What?" he asked under his breath.
"How could you be so stupid Ares?"
Ares suddenly came to a realization. He tried to get up shouting. "Little Tyde!"
He felt the strength from his legs gone. He felt weak all over and helpless. For the first time in his life, he hated himself.
"They told me that if I killed you, they'll spare my father..." Diana said panting loudly.
Then she stopped short.
"But he is dead. Papa is dead.." she wailed.
"It's all the same to them.." she cried. "All the same.."
Ares used his remaining strength to break free from his bonds. As he was trying to get out, he heard Diana drawing a deep breath.
And he turned around to see her running the sword into herself.