Melva could feel everyone in the room suddenly tensing at Alden's confession of him working with the enemy. Davis' hand seemed to slowly get closer to the knife strapped to his belt as his eyes warily studied Alden's every move, ready to attack if anything looked suspicious. Rosetta was clenching her fist around her wand, one wave away from casting a spell.
"You formed an alliance with Duke Mervin?" asked Melva, giving Alden a chance to explain himself.
Alden must have noticed the shift of the mood inside his residence and he picked his words more carefully, taking more time before answering. "Not exactly an alliance. We only formed an agreement to bargain. The sirens give the bodies they found at the ocean to us and the ghouls help them find their way in the underground tunnels if necessary."
