"She doesn't look strong, are you sure she's competent enough to work with us?" Sebastian questioned the supposed leader of the group.
"I've tested her, you mustn't undermine her capabilities based on her appearance" Stephen replied in Anna's defence. Today was the first day that his little team was officially meeting each other. Stephen wanted to make sure the twins were cognizant with the fact that Anna wasn't an enemy. One wrong move from her, and she could be dead.
He had helped her train over the past month, and he could definitely attest to her tremendous growth in power. She was strong, the only she lacked was skill and a proper teacher. Stephen was convinced that with those two requirements in place, she had the potential to surpass the remaining members of this little team.
Anna didn't pick offense in the wires of Sebastian. She knew she was weak when compared to her teammates. She could sense the superiority in the atmosphere, and knew better than to revolt against individuals who were itching to kill her any moment. They had that bloodlusted look in their eyes, and neither of them were proficient in keeping their intent out of their overflowing aura.
"What exactly can nature sorcerers do? Control the weather?" The second twin, Stanley was the one asking this time around. Anna opened her mouth to reply, but Stephen gestured for her to do otherwise. It was useless trying to talk to these two. They were especially gifted in bullying the weak. Their elder brother wasn't even an exception.
"Stop it! Both of you" Stephen cautioned. They didn't have time for any of this. This was a meeting held for the discussion of their future plans, and not taunts. "Shall we begin?"
"We were supposed to twenty minutes ago" Stanley reminded.
"It's quite simple, we all are here because we have a common goal, the destruction of the Bruce family." Stephen paused to take a good look at the faces of his subordinates before continuing. "It definitely won't be as easy as some of think, but with the right planning, we might just be able to achieve our goals. Anna here will he—"
"Your little group won't be able to do fetch you any success" A cold monotonic voice announced from the rear.
'Wait, isn't this... Richard?' Anna reasoned while waiting for their intruder to surface. She couldn't let Richard see her here, especially not in the midst of people plotting to kill his best friend. It had been over a month since she'd seen the three of them. Anna had no idea how much stronger they've become, but it was safe to assume that Richard had gotten stronger.
"Anna Jones..." It was only when Richard's cold fingers rested on her shoulder that she realised he was behind her. Anna froze in place, her instincts screamed that she did something to save herself. But given the condition she was in, she couldn't even move.
"Richard Hardwood" She managed to vocalise. Richard's coal eyes landed on her with an intensity that had Anna trembling. She only regained herself after he had let go of her, and began to address the others.
"It would be folly to face an enemy of whom you know little about without adequate preparation."
"Yes, that is true," Stephen replied. "I already have enough information about your friend." His eyes hardened gradually as he leveled a piercing stare at Richard who stood beside Anna. "So it is very easy for me to determine where and when to attack him."
Richard scoffed with a growing laughter in his voice. "Enough information you say? Someone must really be underestimating Daniel Bruce"
"What do you want Richard? Have you come to put an end to us for plotting against your friends?" It was Stanley who asked. His voice was shrouded in nonchalance, while his eyes threatened to attack Richard on the slightest provocation.
"I don't like the look on your eyes Stanley, know your place!" A single pulse of his aura was all it took to change the atmosphere. The twins were subdued in an instant, while Anna continued to tremble on her seat. "I've come to help you, I too have a vendetta against the Bruce"
Caught off guard by the words she'd just heard, Anna's lips split apart and she uttered the word "Liar!"
All eyes turned towards her direction. Some stared at her with disgust, while the rest stared in shock.
Anna didn't waver after she'd accused Richard of lying. She maintained her composure and readied herself for next course of action. There was no way on earth she'll ever believe Richard Hardwood could harm Daniel Bruce. It was impossible. To her, Richard was here to spy on them, and relay their privatised information to the target. She might not know Richard as well as the others, but she knew more about his relationship with their target. And she knew that those two would never harm each other.
She must admit that Richard was a lot different from before. His aura had changed, and he appeared to numb. Something had definitely happened with him.
"Nobody asked for your opinion girl" Sebastian retorted from where he sat with a deprecating tone.
"That's enough now Sebastian, she has the right to be afraid" Richard calmed his cousin. He must admit that he was surprised by Anna's presence in this circle. It was absurd to imagine the presence of a lesser sorcerer amongst the Infernal judgement. If things were the same as before, he probably would have killed her by now. But things were different now, they had the same enemy, so they were practically allies for now.
"I understand your doubts and I won't stop you from being suspicious of me. I don't trust either of you too. I simply approached you because we have the same goals. I'm really looking forward to working with all of you" Stephen turned towards Richard and glared at him for a moment. He too was surprised, wasn't Daniel Richard's best friend? He would've objected Richard's assistance, but he chose to believe Richard was truly on their side.
With Richard's strength on their side, they actually might have a chance at victory. This was an ally they couldn't afford to lose.
"Welcome to the team Richard"