"I'm a little surprised. I did not know you were also sent here like the rest of us. But now that I do, isn't it good for the two of us?" Blackthorn inquired, a thin smile playing on his lips.
Grimshaw could only look weary in response to the former's speech, his mind racing with fear and uncertainty.
"Blackthorn... Soren and the Vorpal Lords are very much alive, and they are in this age as well. The sad thing is that they retain their memory. And there is no need to ask about its credibility; I made my findings since I arrived here." Grimshaw uttered, hoping to dissuade Blackthorn from harming him. If he had valuable information, perhaps he could bargain for his safety.
Blackthorn's expression remained impassive as he absorbed Grimshaw's words, his mind already working out the implications of this new information.
"Hmm... Well, isn't it good to know that the leader of the society of shadows is also a king at sourcing for information?" Blackthorn's tone was taunting, his words dripping with sarcasm.
Grimshaw's heart sank as he realized the futility of his attempt to appease Blackthorn. If Blackthorn already knew the same information as he did, then perhaps he was indeed useless to the latter.
"About the Vorpal Lords and Soren, I have thought about it too. And when the time comes, we will go to them. And even if we didn't, they would still come for us." Blackthorn's words sent a shiver down Grimshaw's spine, his mind reeling with the implications of what Blackthorn was suggesting.
"(Panicking) What do you mean, Blackthorn? What are you planning?" He inquired.
But Blackthorn merely chuckled in response, his eyes glinting with malice as he loomed over Grimshaw, his shadowy form casting an ominous silhouette in the dimly lit room. Grimshaw realized with a sinking feeling that he was truly at Blackthorn's mercy, and there was little he could do to escape his fate.
"Fear not, Grimshaw. I for a surety, have far worse things in mind for you than mere pain." Blackthorn's voice broke Grimshaw out of his reverie, sending a chill down the instructor's spine. "Mind you, do not even try to stab me in the back further on or later in this world. I am well aware that you also have lost a portion of your powers permanently."
Grimshaw's eyes widened in shock at Blackthorn's words, his mind racing with fear and uncertainty.
"How... how did you know?" He asked.
"I am not called by my name for nothing." Blackthorn replied cryptically, placing a hand on Grimshaw's arm. "I have something for you, a simple task for you to accomplish."
Grimshaw's heart pounded in his chest as he waited for Blackthorn to reveal his intentions, his mind reeling with the possibilities of what Blackthorn could have in store for him.
"And what is it you want me to do?" Grimshaw uttered.
Blackthorn's lips curled into a smirk as he uttered his next words, Instilling an icy dread in Grimshaw's core.
"Be my meat shield, that's all. Or rather, be my pawn. And who knows, you might even grow beyond your former peak." He spoke.
Grimshaw's mind raced as he processed Blackthorn's words, the implications of what he was suggesting sinking in.
"My former peak? That means..."
Blackthorn's smirk widened at Grimshaw's realization, his eyes gleaming with malice.
"Yes, that means even getting stronger than an alpha, while you are still a beta."
Grimshaw's breath caught in his throat at the prospect of becoming stronger than an alpha, a position he had never dared to dream of achieving.
Although he was still a beta formerly, he was way stronger than he was currently. He even looked younger than before, that was because he had of course been sent back in time.
However, Blackthorn's next words brought Grimshaw crashing back to reality, reminding him of the consequences of crossing him.
"However, if you dare touch the threads of revelation, or meddle in my plans, or stand in my way, that will be the end of you." He commanded.
Grimshaw's resolve wavered as he realized the gravity of the situation. He knew he could not change his hierarchy, as he was not strong enough to challenge the alpha. Yet, with Blackthorn's offer, he saw a glimmer of hope for a brighter future, one where he could rise above his station and become more than he ever thought possible.
Becoming an alpha was just one of Grimshaw's secondary goals, however, his primary, which was unveiling BLackthorn's past and getting the threads of revelation, was his true reason for establishing the 'society of the shadows' cooperation. And his primary goal had just been dashed by Blackthorn.
With no other options left to explore, Grimshaw nodded in agreement, accepting Blackthorn's terms and sealing his fate as Blackthorn's pawn in this dangerous game.
"And finally, I have one more task for you." Blackthorn stated.
*_*
"(Sighs) That was close, I almost died in the hands of that bastard." He mused
Grimshaw's thoughts raced as he replayed the chilling encounter with Blackthorn in his mind. The weight of Blackthorn's words hung heavy on his shoulders, filling him with a sense of dread and foreboding.
Blackthorn's commands echoed in Grimshaw's mind, each one carrying with it the weight of life and death. He knew that from this moment on, his fate was tied to Blackthorn's whims, his every action dictated by the will of a man who harbored no mercy or remorse.
"(Whispers to himself) Protect Valeria... at all costs..."
The gravity of his new assignment settled upon Grimshaw like a leaden cloak, suffocating him with its weight. He knew that he had no choice but to obey Blackthorn's orders, lest he face the consequences of disobedience.
"(Gazes into the darkness) I will do as you command, Blackthorn. I will protect Valeria with my life if need be." He mumbled, repeating what he had been told earlier.
As Grimshaw resolved to carry out his newfound duty, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at his insides. He knew that he was walking a dangerous path, one fraught with peril and uncertainty.
(Clutches his fists) "I must tread carefully. One wrong move, and it could be the end of me."
With a heavy heart and a mind filled with apprehension, Grimshaw set out to fulfill his orders, knowing that his every move would be watched and scrutinized by the merciless eyes of Blackthorn.
Under Blackthorn's instruction, he was to resume his duties as an instructor. He had the option to reveal himself to Valeria, Evelyn, and Dante, the nexus sage, if he wished. However, Blackthorn made it clear that if anyone were to discover their encounter that night, he would face dire consequences, possibly even death.
As the night wore on and the darkness enveloped him, Grimshaw couldn't shake the feeling that his life would never be the same again.