The atmosphere in the bar was more subdued than usual, with the sound of glasses clinking and whispers of conversations nearly drowned out by the heavy tension in the air. Melton occupied a seat at the opposite side of the bar, sipping on a beverage, his mind wandering. The recent encounter with Julian lingered in his thoughts, and the hurts from the fight—both bodily and mental—were still painful.
Initially, he didn't notice her walking towards him. He hardly noticed the sound of quiet footsteps approaching from behind until he heard a familiar voice breaking through the fog.
"Melton..."
Melton became rigid, immediately identifying the voice. He refused to look back.
"What is it you want now, Jemmy?" His voice may have been calm and composed, but it still carried the underlying pain.
Jemmy paused momentarily, feeling uncertain about how to engage with him. She could feel her heart racing in her chest, and the gravity of her choices weighed heavily on her. Approaching him, she moved nearer and positioned herself in the faint light. "I have to have a conversation with you."
"Uninterested," Melton responded coldly, drinking and ignoring her completely.
"Jemmy pleaded, her voice shaking. I am aware that I have let you down. I am aware that I caused you pain, but I don't want to dwell on that."
Melton's hold on the glass grew stronger and left a crack. Finally, he turned to her, his eyes cold and inscrutable. "Why are you here then? Did you get what you desired? You executed your role flawlessly. You only saw me as a mere pawn."
Jemmy reacted with a flinch to the bitterness in his voice. She sat down next to him, taking a deep breath, but he didn't react to her presence.
"She said quietly that it was not like that. Initially, perhaps... but circumstances became different."
"Things changed?" Melton scoffed, shaking his head. "Like what? You suddenly grew a conscience? Or did Julian just betray you first?"
Pain flickered in Jemmy's eyes. She sensed her emotions rising, but she pushed herself to remain composed. "Julian took advantage of me. In the same way Erebus utilized me. They didn't see me as anything. Nope."
"Am I expected to be concerned about that at this moment?" Melton spoke in a sharp tone. "You were one of the contributing factors to their ability to control me for so long. You deceived me. You -"
"I apologize." Jemmy suddenly broke in, her voice increasing in despair. "I've committed awful actions, Melton, but I need you to listen to what I have to say."
Melton gazed at her, his jaw tightly clenched, for an extended period. He observed the remorse in her gaze, the fragility she seldom revealed. It didn't completely change him, but it did spark his curiosity.
He sighed heavily, setting his glass down. "Fine. Talk."
Jemmy took another breath, relieved that he was at least willing to listen. She leaned in closer, lowering her voice. "Julian... he's not just another pawn. He's deeply connected to Erebus, more than you know. He's been manipulating everything from behind the scenes—your missions, your encounters, everything."
Melton narrowed his eyes. "What are you talking about?"
"Erebus has been pulling the strings for longer than you realize," Jemmy explained. "Julian is... he's more than just a mercenary with clairvoyance. He's practically their eyes and ears. He can see things no one else can, and he's been feeding Erebus information. He's the reason they've been able to stay ahead of you."
Melton leaned back in his chair, digesting her words. It made sense—Julian's uncanny ability to predict his every move, the way Erebus always seemed to be a step ahead. But it didn't erase the betrayal he felt.
"And you've been working with them," he said flatly.
Jemmy vigorously shook her head. "No longer. I promise you, Melton, I've had enough of them. Julian deceived me, and it dawned on me that I was just a mere instrument to be exploited and cast aside by them. However, I am aware of certain information. I understand their workings and thought processes."
Melton arched an eyebrow, his face expressing doubt. "Why would I trust you? Why do you believe I won't simply leave you to deal with your own problems and walk away?"
"Due to the fact that you require my assistance," Jemmy stated, her tone now resolute. "I am acquainted with the route to Erebus. I am familiar with their internal mechanisms, their vulnerabilities. I can assist you in bringing them down. I am willing to assist you in bringing them down."
Melton observed her closely, attempting to determine if she was being honest or simply manipulating the situation. However, there was a raw and genuine quality in her eyes that caused him to stop.
"What do you gain from this?" he inquired, speaking in a deliberate manner. "Seeking revenge on Julian? Recovery?"
Jemmy averted her gaze momentarily, biting her lower lip. When she talked once more, her voice had become more gentle. "I am unsure. Perhaps it is a combination of both options. It could be another thing. I am simply tired of being manipulated. I'm exhausted from being taken advantage of."
She looked back at him, their eyes making contact. "I am aware that I do not merit your trust. I am aware of that. Please, Melton, allow me the opportunity to show what I can do. Allow me to assist you."
Melton remained quiet for an extended period, his thoughts and uncertainties swirling in his mind. He was unwilling to rely on her. He refused to lower his defenses. However, he couldn't overlook the possibility that she may possess useful information—information that could provide him with the advantage he required over Erebus.
In the end, he exhaled and gave a confirming nod. "Okay. I'll listen to what you have to say. But, Jemmy, if you betray me once more, you won't get another opportunity."
Jemmy nodded quickly, relief washing over her. "I won't. I swear."
Melton leaned forward, his expression serious. "Start talking then. Tell me everything you know about Erebus and Julian's plans."
Jemmy nodded, inhaling deeply before delving into her explanation. "Erebus has been working behind the scenes for a long time, influencing situations in order to stay in power. They employ individuals like Julian who possess special skills to execute their desires without exposing their true intentions. Julian's skill in foreseeing the future is extremely useful to them. His job is to ensure that you aren't able to get too close to discovering their real plan."
"What is their real purpose?" Melton inquired, his gaze narrowing.
"The point is," Jemmy remarked. "I myself am not aware of the complete scope of it. However, I am aware that they have been manipulating you as a pawn in their scheme. They required your survival temporarily, but as you near the truth, they desire your absence."
Melton squeezed his hands into fists. "So, I've actually been unknowingly helping them all along."
Jemmy nodded in a serious manner. "Indeed. However, there is still a chance to change the situation at this point. I am able to assist you in reaching Erebus. I am aware of the location of their key assets. I am familiar with the individuals they depend on. We have the ability to bring them down internally."
Melton gazed at her, contemplating the proposition. Though the risk was great, he had no alternative leads, no other choices available.
Finally, he stated, "Okay. We will accomplish this task. However, I do not completely trust you for even a moment."
Jemmy smiled faintly, though there was sadness in her eyes. "I don't expect you to. But I'll prove myself. I promise."
With that, they made their plan, the weight of the coming battle with Erebus hanging over them like a dark cloud.