"You fucking bitch, where is Cassius?" Sylas snarled as he lunged forward at lightning speed, grabbing Selena by the neck.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Sylas," she gasped.
"Don't play dumb," he growled, staring into her soul. His voice dropped to a deadly whisper. "Now, tell me—where is Cassius?"
Selena, as if she truly had no idea herself, repeated, "I don't know."
Sylas stared at her, emotionless, before releasing his grip, letting her drop to the floor.
"Hmm… Draven."
At the mention of the name, a figure appeared behind him in an instant. Sylas turned to face him.
"Find out where Cassius is. Tell me about everyone who has appeared and disappeared from the castle."
"As you wish, Emperor."
Draven vanished just as quickly as he had come. Sylas turned his gaze back to Selena.
"As for your punishment, you will stay in the bunker with your other son."
"No, please—"
Sylas laughed, loud and maniacal. He stepped closer to where Selena lay on the floor, his long fingers tilting her chin up. His cold, piercing eyes locked onto hers.
"Darling," he murmured, his smile widening. "Would you rather be punished another way?"
Selena's eyes trembled.
"No… I will go," she whispered.
Sylas released her chin. "Good."
---
Aurelis – In the Bunker
'I hate Father. That disgrace of a man.'
Aurelis sat in the dark, massive room, his thoughts filled with venom.
'I've only been in here for a day, and I'm already starting to feel dull. I need human blood.'
His eyes burned with bloodlust, but before he could dwell on it further, the sound of a door opening echoed through the chamber. He turned his head toward the entrance, watching as a silhouette of a woman stepped inside. As the door shut behind her, she slowly walked toward him.
"Mother? Why are you here?"
Selena sighed. "Cassius is missing, and your father says it's my fault. He thinks I didn't take care of him."
Though Aurelis was loyal to her, she couldn't reveal the truth—that she had sent Cassius away, though even she didn't know where.
"Mother, who is Cassius?"
Selena smiled. "Oh, right. You don't know his name yet. He's your new brother."
Aurelis glared at her, anger flickering in his eyes. "Who took him?"
"I don't know."
His gaze darkened with suspicion. "What did you do, Mother?"
"What are you talking about, Aurelis?"
"I know you. You're desperate to survive. Father must have said something to you."
In an instant, Selena moved forward, seizing Aurelis by the neck and pinning him against the wall.
"Aurelis, that is no way to speak to your mother," she said coldly. "I care for my children. If you think I would be desperate enough to sacrifice them for my own sake, you're wrong. Don't ever say that again."
Aurelis let out a bitter laugh. "Hah. I knew it. Okay, okay, I won't say it again. Now let go of me."
Selena released him.
---
Six Years Later
"Mom! Mom! I need food!"
"Ah, Cassius, why are you so noisy?" Elena sighed. "Just be quiet, and I'll get you some food."
"Okay, Mom!" Cassius said joyfully.
Elena handed him a plate, smiling as he munched on his food. She reached out and patted his head.
"You're a good boy."
Cassius, too focused on eating, didn't pay much attention. Once he finished, he slid off the sofa and wandered into the corridor. As he walked, he noticed a large door—far larger than the others.
Curiosity got the best of him. He slowly pushed it open and stepped inside.
Rows upon rows of books filled the vast library, but something was off. Scattered among the bookshelves were weapons—sharp swords, katanas lying in boxes.
"Young master, you can't go in there!"
Startled, Cassius turned to see a maid standing behind him. He grinned playfully—and then took off running into the library.
"No, young master!" the maid called out, chasing after him.
Cassius laughed, ducking behind a shelf full of books. He could hear her voice trying to lure him out.
"Young master, come back. I'll give you candy."
Peeking out from behind the books, Cassius suddenly felt a cold hand grab him from behind. He turned—and screamed.
The man standing before him was terrifying. His face was burned, his hands covered in blackened scars.
Hearing the scream, the maid rushed over.
"Young master!"
Cassius bolted toward her, hiding behind her legs.
The maid sighed as she looked at the man. "I'm really sorry, Mr. Smith."
The man—Mr. Smith—shook his head. "Oh, don't worry about it. But you shouldn't let the young master come in here."
"I'm very sorry, Mr. Smith," the maid apologized, then turned to Cassius. "Come now, let's go."
She lifted him up and carried him out of the library.
Cassius frowned, looking up at her. "Who was that man?"
"He's the librarian."
"Why was he so scary?"
"You shouldn't say that, young master. It's bad manners." She smiled at him before taking him to his room and leaving.
---
"Elena, there was another attack in Flauf Town."
"Are you going there?"
"Yes. Some members of the Jackals were killed."
Elena looked at Paul with concern. "Please… be safe."
Paul stepped forward, placing a gentle kiss on her lips.
"Don't worry about it"