The silence that enveloped the area was so thick you could almost touch it, broken only by the sharp intakes of breath from the spectators who stood witness to the dramatic scene that had just unfolded before them.
The ruthless and decisive actions that had been displayed sent shockwaves through the onlookers, each one reeling from the impact of what they had just witnessed. As whispers began to circulate and the story of why the girl lay on the ground spread through the crowd, Yvonne's commanding presence etched itself deep into the minds of those gathered, leaving a lasting impression that made them vow never to incur her wrath.
Volfir, his eyes locked on the woman before him, found himself momentarily at a loss for words. However, in the next instant, he regained his composure, the look of bewilderment on his face quickly giving way to an insatiable curiosity that seemed to light up his features.
Meanwhile, Yvonne's gaze remained fixated on the screen that had manifested itself before her.
"The six arms of hell are well pleased by your actions and have graciously accepted the soul offerings you have presented to them. They nod in unison, granting their approval and urging you to forge ahead on this path. Rest assured, they will support you every step of the way."
As she heard the system, Yvonne found herself caught between a surge of nervous laughter and an overwhelming urge to cry at the gravity of what she had just heard.
Drawing in a slow, steadying breath, Yvonne tore her gaze away from the lifeless figure lying on the ground, a gaping hole in her head, and scanned the surrounding. The onlookers, their faces a mosaic of fear and astonishment, seemed to be frozen in time, their eyes fixed on her with a mix of disbelief and apprehension.
Turning to leave, Yvonne felt a firm grip on her wrist, halting her movements. "Please, would you wait a moment? There is something important I need to discuss with you," a voice implored from behind her.
Yvonne's brows furrowed and as she felt the touch of someone on her wrist, a shiver ran down her spine. As she then locked eyes with the figure holding her hand there was a grim expression on her face.
As Volfir observed the subtle shift in her demeanor, he swiftly withdrew his hand, taking a step back while maintaining an intense gaze that seemed to pierce through her.
"What do you want?" she challenged, her eyes unwavering.
"I couldn't help but notice that you're new to this city," Volfir acknowledged, his gaze momentarily drifting to the bag clutched in Yvonne's hand. "Although my men were able to retrieve your bag, it appears that aside from clothing, its contents hold little of value."
Yvonne's fingers fumbled through the bag in a desperate search, her movements growing more frantic until a steely expression settled upon her features. Casting a withering glare at the figure sprawled on the ground, she muttered a curse under her breath.
"I can offer my assistance," Volfir interjected, his voice cutting through the tension-laden air. "I can provide you with shelter, meals, and any other necessities you may require until we manage to reclaim all that you have lost."
Yvonne chose to remain silent, allowing him to speak and as he appeared to have spoken all the words in his mouth, her voice rang out. "I appreciate your offer, but I don't want your, I will sort myself out." she declared, her tone laced with a palpable chill.
As Volfir poised to respond, Yvonne's voice rang out once more, cutting through the tension. "If that's all you have to say then I will take my leave." she announced calmly, her tone unwavering as she turned to depart without a second thought.
Little did Yvonne know, a wave of astonishment swept through the spectators as they witnessed her defiance towards Volfir. In the bustling city, Volfir's name carried weight and respect, his status widely recognized and revered. The mere act of rejecting his offer sent shockwaves through the onlookers, leaving them murmuring and exchanging bewildered glances.
"Did she just refuse Volfir's help?" a voice murmured incredulously, the shock evident in every syllable.
"I can't believe my ears. Who is she to reject him so openly and unequivocally?" another voice chimed in, the disbelief echoing through the crowd.
"She must come from a formidable background to turn down the assistance of the king's own nephew," someone speculated, the implications of Yvonne's actions sparking hushed conversations among the onlookers.
Amidst the murmurs that swirled around her, Yvonne caught wind of the mention of Volfir's royal relation. She paused in her stride, her brows furrowing as she processed this newfound information. Then, almost in the blink of an eye, a mischievous smile graced her lips, a glint of intrigue shining in her eyes as she considered the implications of her actions in a whole new light.
Volfir stood there, still reeling from the unexpected turn of events. Yvonne's rejection had hit him hard. Despite the softness of her voice, her words had carried a weight that left him speechless. Throughout his life, Volfir had been accustomed to having his requests met without question. This was the first time he had encountered such a direct refusal, and it left him feeling strangely vulnerable.
As he gazed at Yvonne, a mix of confusion and curiosity clouded his expression. He wanted to understand the reason behind her initial rejection and sudden change of heart. His mind raced with questions, but no words escaped his lips. He simply stood there, his features frozen in a mask of surprise.
Then, Yvonne turned back towards him, her eyes meeting his with a newfound determination. "I apologize for my earlier refusal," she began, her voice steady. "I realize now that I may have misjudged the situation. If you would still be willing to help me, I would greatly appreciate it."
Her words broke the spell that had held Volfir captive. Slowly, the shock began to fade from his face, replaced by a mix of confusion and curiosity. He studied Yvonne intently, searching for any clue that might explain her sudden change of heart.
As Volfir stood there, contemplating the situation, he nodded his head gently then inclined his head in a subtle signal to one of his guards, silently instructing him to relieve Yvonne of the bag she was carrying. However, before the guard could even take a step forward, Yvonne decisively waved him off with a swift motion of her hand.
"I will handle it myself, thank you," she stated coolly, her voice carrying an air of self-reliance that brooked no argument.
"Very well, then. Let us proceed," Volfir conceded, his tone betraying no hint of irritation at Yvonne's refusal of assistance.
...
The ornate doors of the luxurious mansion swung open with a soft creak as Volfir, accompanied by Yvonne and his retinue of guards, crossed the threshold into the opulent interior. Almost immediately, upon entering the foyer, two maids scurried forward with a sense of urgency in their movements.
"Your Highness, Madam Cassandra has been inquiring about your whereabouts," one of the maids blurted out breathlessly, a note of anxiety lacing her words.
"I will attend to her at a later time," Volfir responded casually, preparing to move past the maids. However, the two servants swiftly positioned themselves in his path, their demeanor deferential yet visibly distressed.
"Your Highness, Madam Cassandra insists that you make your way to the library room as soon as you return. She conveyed that the matter is of utmost importance and requires your immediate attention," one of the maids implored, her voice trembling slightly as she relayed the urgent message.
A stern expression creased Volfir's features as he processed the maid's words, his gaze unwavering. After a moment of contemplation, he gave a subtle nod. "Very well."
Turning to the two maids standing nearby, Volfir issued his instructions with authority. "Escort her to a well-appointed room within these walls and ensure that all her needs are met. Treat her with the same care and respect that you would afford me," he directed, before striding purposefully towards the library room, his cloak billowing behind him.
As the maids' eyes shifted towards Yvonne, their curiosity piqued. They studied her intently, trying to discern what qualities she possessed that warranted such special treatment from Volfir. Despite their thorough scrutiny, they found no obvious answers to the puzzle that lay before them.
Exchanging glances, the maids shared a moment of silent confusion before one of them finally spoke up, her voice soft but steady. "Please, this way," she gestured gracefully, extending her hand towards Yvonne in a gesture of hospitality and guidance.