The main building of the Covenant facility loomed above them, its stone walls ancient and imposing. Inside, the air was colder, the heavy scent of incense lingering in the shadows. Serena's heart pounded as the man with piercing blue eyes led them deeper into the fortress, his footsteps echoing off the stone floor.
She kept glancing over at Alexander, whose face remained unreadable, though his tension was palpable. Rebecca walked slightly behind them, clutching the case that held the *Crux Ignis* tightly to her chest. Every second they spent in this place felt like they were walking further into a trap, but they had no other options. The *Sangreal* was growing more dangerous by the minute, and now with the *Crux Ignis*, they were carrying two weapons of unimaginable power.
The man leading them finally stopped before a large wooden door, turning to face them. "My name is Kieran," he said, his voice smooth but carrying an undercurrent of authority. "I am one of the leaders of the Covenant, and I will be overseeing your… request."
"Request?" Serena said, raising an eyebrow. "We're here to hand over two incredibly dangerous artifacts, not bargain for your help."
Kieran's lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "Of course. But nothing in this world comes without a price, Miss Grey. The Covenant is willing to contain these artifacts, but we do not take on such burdens lightly."
Serena's heart sank. She had known they would have to offer something in return for the Covenant's help, but the way Kieran spoke made her uneasy. His eyes were too sharp, too calculating. "What kind of price are we talking about?"
Kieran turned and pushed the heavy door open, gesturing for them to follow him inside. "Come. Let's discuss this in more comfortable surroundings."
The room beyond the door was dimly lit, the walls lined with shelves filled with ancient books and relics. At the center of the room was a large, circular table made of dark wood, surrounded by high-backed chairs. Serena felt the weight of centuries of history pressing down on her as she stepped inside.
"Please, sit," Kieran said, taking a seat at the head of the table. Serena, Alexander, and Rebecca exchanged uneasy glances before reluctantly sitting across from him.
Kieran steepled his fingers, his sharp blue eyes studying them intently. "The *Sangreal* and the *Crux Ignis* are artifacts of immense power. The Covenant's mission is to contain such relics, to keep them from falling into the wrong hands. But there are always risks. Power like this… attracts attention. Others will come for them, and by bringing these artifacts here, you've brought those threats to our doorstep."
"We didn't have a choice," Alexander said, his voice steady but firm. "These artifacts are growing more unstable by the minute. If we don't contain them, they could destroy everything around them."
Kieran nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Indeed. But that is precisely why the Covenant must be careful in how we proceed. Containing these relics requires great effort and sacrifice, and we cannot afford to do so without ensuring that the balance of power remains in our hands."
Serena's blood ran cold. "What are you saying?"
Kieran leaned forward slightly, his eyes gleaming. "We will take both the *Sangreal* and the *Crux Ignis* into our custody. But in return, you must give us something of equal value."
"Like what?" Rebecca asked, her voice laced with suspicion.
Kieran's smile returned, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Knowledge. The locations of other artifacts, other relics of power that you may have come across in your travels. The Covenant seeks to protect the world from such forces, but to do so, we must have control over them."
Serena's stomach twisted. This was worse than she had imagined. The Covenant wasn't just offering to help—they wanted control. They wanted to expand their influence by taking ownership of every powerful artifact they could find.
"You want us to lead you to more artifacts?" Alexander asked, his voice hard. "You're asking us to help you hoard power, just like Adrian."
Kieran's expression didn't change. "This isn't about hoarding power, Mr. Holt. It's about ensuring that no one else can misuse it. The world is full of dangerous individuals—people like Adrian—who seek these artifacts for their own gain. The Covenant's goal is to neutralize that threat."
Serena clenched her fists under the table, trying to suppress her rising anger. She had seen what unchecked power could do. The *Sangreal* had nearly torn her apart, and now they were sitting across from someone who wanted to gather as many relics as possible under the guise of protection.
"We're not here to trade artifacts for information," Serena said, her voice cold. "We brought the *Sangreal* and the *Crux Ignis* here because they're too dangerous to keep out in the world. If you won't help us contain them without trying to manipulate us, we'll take them elsewhere."
Kieran's smile faded slightly, and for the first time, a hint of frustration flickered in his eyes. "You misunderstand, Miss Grey. You came to us because you knew you had no other options. These artifacts cannot simply be hidden away. They must be contained, and the Covenant is the only organization capable of doing so without putting the entire world at risk."
Serena's heart pounded in her chest. She could feel the tension in the room building, the weight of their decision pressing down on her. If they walked away now, they would be leaving two volatile artifacts uncontained, with no way of neutralizing them on their own. But if they agreed to Kieran's terms, they would be handing over knowledge that could shift the balance of power forever.
Alexander spoke up, his voice calm but firm. "We're not bargaining with you. We're asking for your help. If the Covenant is truly about protecting the world, then you'll take these artifacts and contain them without trying to gain something in return."
Kieran's eyes flashed with irritation, and for a moment, Serena thought he might refuse. But then he leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "You ask for a great deal of trust, Mr. Holt. The Covenant does not operate on blind faith. But I will make you a counteroffer."
Serena braced herself, her pulse quickening.
"We will take the *Sangreal* and the *Crux Ignis* into our custody, as you request," Kieran said slowly. "But in return, we ask that one of you remain here, with us, as a… liaison. Someone to ensure that the Covenant's interests and yours are aligned."
Serena blinked, her mind reeling. "You want one of us to stay here? Why?"
Kieran's smile returned, but it was colder than before. "To ensure transparency. If we are to trust you, then you must trust us. And what better way to establish that trust than by having one of you remain with the Covenant while we handle the containment process?"
Serena's breath caught in her throat. This was it—the real price. Kieran wanted a hostage, someone to keep them under his thumb while the Covenant took control of the artifacts.
She exchanged a quick glance with Alexander and Rebecca. This wasn't a decision they could make lightly.
"I'll stay," Alexander said suddenly, his voice steady.
Serena whipped her head toward him, her eyes widening in shock. "What? No, Alex—"
"It's the best option," he interrupted, his expression resolute. "If I stay, you and Rebecca can get the artifacts out of here. I'll make sure the Covenant does what they promised."
Serena's heart pounded. She wanted to argue, to tell him this was too dangerous, but the determination in his eyes told her there was no point. He had already made up his mind.
Kieran nodded, satisfied. "Very well. Mr. Holt will stay with us while we proceed with the containment. Once the artifacts are secured, you are free to go."
Serena's chest tightened as she realized there was no way out. Alexander was making the sacrifice to keep them safe, and there was nothing she could do to stop it.
The price had been set, and there was no turning back now.