"We should tell everyone that Diana is already become mine due to some unforeseen accident. Of course, the information has to be leaked stealthily through unidentified sources without any credibility. Information brokers should be the way to go instead of using the family's resources. That way, you don't have to be worried about public outrage since your family had nothing to do with it. After all, who can blame bad luck? The Sosis family won't be able to go ahead with the marriage as the bride has already been tainted by me." Zack suggested in an unwavering voice that was full of confidence.
Diana couldn't help but blush at the thought of what Zach had suggested. Even though she only had to pretend about being his woman, there was something about it that made her want to jump about in jubilation like a happy child who received candy out of nowhere.
Luna didn't share in her excitement at all. She mumbled something under her breath about there being some nasty bitch who kept creating trouble for her master but didn't voice her words out loud as she couldn't oppose Zach's words even if they displeased her.
Bruce was completely shell shocked by Zach's valiant suggestion. What Zach had suggested was bound to bring the greatest amount of trouble to him but he hadn't hesitated to say such a thing. Bruce had to admire his courage.
But despite his admiration, Bruce couldn't let Zach go ahead with such a dangerous strategy. He knew what kind of a disaster the combination of taboos like a dark mage and a succubus living among humans could ensue in Elizabeth city.
"Please think again, it could potentially put a full stop to any future you might have had in this city." Bruce's voice was filled with concern for Zach. The moral standards of the public and the racial feud that was passed down through the bloodlines in Elizabeth city were bound to make Zach and Luna the public enemy number one the moment they decided to follow the strategy that Zach had suggested.
"What option do we have then? Can the Luther Family handle the pressure should we decide not to go through with my plan?" Zach retorted even though he knew that Bruce wouldn't be able to answer his question truthfully.
Taking Bruce's and Diana's silence as the answer to his questions, Zach continued relaying his line of thought.
"I have already made some enemies in the past and although they managed to push me towards the edge in some situations, I still prevailed in the end and eventually it was me who came out on top. I don't plan to bow my head to anyone in the near future at the very least. So you don't need to worry about me facing any trouble. I am prepared for it and I don't mind making any more enemies either." Zach insisted on his plan.
He knew that even Bruce knew that Zach was right about it being the only feasible solution to their problem. They had already looked at every single possibility with all possible angles and Zack's idea was the only true solution that involved the least amount of trouble and outside pressure for the Luther family.
…
On the other side Sosis family castle stood tall in the heart of a lush and bountiful garden that spread outwards in a maze like structure. Someone could easily get lost in the garden without guidance if it was their first time.
The castle was built centuries ago and had been passed down from generation to generation of the Sosis family that had been one of the first families to inhabit the Elizabeth city. Although they had never advanced in their family standing despite being one of the first to step in it, their status had never been low.
The castle being one of the earliest to be established in the city was considered to be a symbol of Sosis family's wealth and power and was known throughout the land for its grandeur and beauty.
After the fall of the Luther family, some families' fame had skyrocketed. Sosis family was also among the upstarts who had benefited from the absence of the lion to take control of the forest.
Now the family had grown to be well-respected in the city and their castle was considered to be a place of refuge for those in need. In the castle with the sky high spires, it was rumored that the hungry received rations, sick received medicine, those in need of assistance received help and those without shelter received a place to stay if they asked with sincerity.
However, not all the rumors were as fabricated as that.
Dark rumors about the castle and the Sosis family were in abundance as well. Some whispered that those who accepted their help was never seen in society again but since none of the seekers had any family, no one could confirm the rumor. Similarly, some heard the sound of screams coming from the heart of the estate regularly.
Despite these rumors, the Sosis family remained powerful since those who relied on rumors weren't powerful enough to go against the authority that Sosis family had barely managed to consolidate after centuries of struggle and careful strategic planning.
The castle was built deep in the heart of the humongous garden, surrounded by towering trees that blocked out most of the sunlight. This created a dark and eerie atmosphere inside the castle, as the lack of direct sunlight made it difficult to see.
Despite the efforts of the servants to keep the castle well-lit, the thick forest canopy made it impossible for much light to penetrate the interior. Shadows seemed to lurk in every corner, and the sounds of the forest echoed through the halls, creating a sense of unease for those who lived within the castle's walls.
Despite the poor visibility, the Sosis family seemed determined to make their castle a place of grandeur and luxury. The finest craftsmanship had been used to decorate the interior of the castle using expensive materials while taking care of even the most intricate details in order to create a sense of opulence.
However, the absence of direct sunlight had no other alternative and made it difficult for anyone to appreciate the castle's beauty. The heavy shadows cast in the light of the candles adorning the walls of the hallways added to the castle's dark atmosphere, making it look like a place filled with mystery and intrigue.
Raisman sat in the dimly lit room, surrounded by shelves filled with ancient tomes and scrolls. He was absorbed in the pages of an old book, its thick cover made of worn leather, engraved with an intricate brown pattern.
A maid entered his room holding a feathered broom that she had probably been using for dusting the furniture inside the castle. A small shriek threatened to escape her mouth but she forcefully held her mouth knowing full well the kind of devil the first son of the Sosis family was.
Had she known that Raisman could be in the study, she would never have stepped into the room before thinking a thousand times. As soon as she noticed the tall man sitting on the couch in the centre of the study, fear gripped her innards as it threatened to halt her breath.
She prayed to the heavens hoping that Raisman wouldn't pay attention to her; a lowly maid in the castle. She hoped that she had not caught his attention since Raisman had still to look up at her straight.
But when she noticed the tiniest hint of smile that was playfully winking at her from the corner of his lips, it shattered all her fantastical dreams and brought her back to reality.
There was no escape for her now that she had caught his eye. And because of that she could no longer run away from him no matter how hard she tried.
She had seen countless before her struggling to get away from the devil but there had been none whatsoever; none at all who ever managed to escape his clutches.
Raisman put his feet on the table like an ill mannered gangster. He put the book that he had been reading on the couch beside him and gave his full attention to the maid who stood cowering at the door to the study.
"Come on over and clean this table first." with a devilish grin on his face, Raisman instructed the maid in a casual manner.