Maria POV
After the successful negotiation with the broker and his supposed messenger, we were able to get the identity of the buyer.
He is supposedly a Count of Lerwick City—The City to the west of Mayhem City. He is popularly known as Count Erik—A shrewd man who would do anything to achieve his goal.
"From the Intel, the broker gave out, Count Erik is not moving at a fast pace, so there is a chance to meet up."
Liam said, looking out of the carriage we were on. The carriage was powered by one of the revolutionary discoveries of our world; crude oil. A liquid used to power machines.
"Complacency is a concept we don't need, Liam."
"I know, I'm just saying you should relax. The Count is no small fry, we'll need to be at our peak to avoid any accidents." Liam uttered in a calm tone.
I couldn't refute Liam's words, so I decided to hold my peace, looking out the other side of the window, and observing the ever-changing scenery.
"Can you go faster?"
"No, ma'am. Going any faster might cause accidents. And trust me, ma'am, you don't want to cause a ruckus."
Despite the truth behind the driver's words, I still found it irritating that he couldn't go any faster.
Feeling Liam's intense gaze on me, I turned to meet his eyes. "What?!"
"Oh!" He exclaimed as if coming to a sudden realization. "Ahem. I'm sorry."
"You claim to know the route aristocrats from Lerwick City use, right?" Liam said, redirecting my focus.
"Yes, Sir." He replied. "It's not much of a secret path. But you needed speed, right?"
"Yes. But you seem to be no different by your pace." Liam replied.
"We are in a crowded region. Wise drivers would know better than to rush things."
After his words, silence prevailed in the carriage as I anticipated the piece I was about to get my hands on. Though fears like: what if it is a lie? What if I can't take it from the Count? Crept on me.
The 'what ifs' gave me a cumbersome headache, one I couldn't wait to clear with the item I will receive from the task.
"We are close." The driver called out. "According to my transport Intel, he should be passing through this route anytime soon."
"A shortcut?" Liam inquired, taking the words from my mouth.
"It's a trade secret. I hope you won't mind."
I couldn't help but gasp in disbelief. How could he bring us all the way here? It was like I lost my sense of time and direction.
"I wish you good luck. And–" he paused for a moment, turning to look at me, specifically. "I'll advise you not to let him cross the borders."
Like a chain reaction was put in place, Liam and I exited the car abruptly, the vehicle vanishing into thin air.
"He must be pretty strong, to mess with our senses so easily," Liam said in exasperation.
"Transporters… only them can pull that off," I commented, observing the place the vehicle stood some moment ago.
"Can we trust them?" Liam panicked, looking at me for guidance.
"Why are you asking me?"
"Because you are good at judging character."
I could only shrug at his words, not daring to assure him or myself that I could trust the driver.
"Let's prepare. If we are on the right track, the Count should be here any moment now." I stated.
On my index finger was another ring, similar to the one I handed to the broker accomplice. Though it was larger due to the finger it was situated in.
The ring was like an extension of my brain as I could clearly view all its contents, affecting their state to some extent.
After some seconds of looking through its content, I picked out a spear. It was a well-crafted spear with intricate carvings on its exterior.
"Are you going to use that?" Liam asked, simultaneously scanning through his ring for his weapon, I guess.
"Yes. I'm willing to take the driver's words seriously. We can't fail." My voice was sharp as a sword, determined to come out victorious.
"Alright," Liam said with a smile, pulling out a bow of about 1.10 meters in length. It was kind of huge, but I knew Liam had a way of compressing the weapon, the same as I do to my spear.
"You always seem amazed by my weapon," Liam commented, eyeing my spear.
"I can say the same for you." I giggled to which he replied with raised arms.
I must say, I really enjoyed these moments. I just have to solve Stiles' issue, then we can live happy lives; same as the depiction of our family that Stiles held dear.
"Let's say we successfully get this piece. What next?" Liam said, brushing his palm over the bow's surface.
I knew he brought up the topic to ease my anxiety.
"We brought him into this world. So, I'd like to see him survive. I'm sure he would be happy if we spent more time with him." I replied, unsure if this piece could end our long search.
"Faith, Darling. They say it can move mountains. At this moment… I believe we need it." Liam uttered, calling me the name I loved.
It was like the last moment I've always heard. Sometimes when all your struggles are about to end, while other times when you are at the end of your life.
There both indicate the end of a journey, whether struggles or life. I just hoped ours was for the struggles. I can't bear to die now. My death will spell Stiles' own—something I can't let happen.
"Till the end."
I called out one of our best quotes before a dangerous task. One which me and Liam, the guy I fell for, shared.
"Till the end."
All of a sudden, I started recalling all the things I'd gone through. How I treated Liam after the birth of Stiles. He became secondary to me, something I now regret.
Vroom
Vroom
The sound of an approaching vehicle brought me to reality. "He's here."
I didn't need to see the passengers of the vehicle. The size, shape, design, and aura around it were the perfect version of the vehicle I was told he used.
"Oi Oi. Seems he was right after all." A voice came from within the vehicle. "The angel and demon standing before my transport vehicle, all for an item I consider worthless."
The vehicle came to a halt as a male strode down from its inners. "Won't you say hi…
To your deaths."
A hideous grin appeared on his face as he stared at us as if we were his prey.