Killian's gaze was piercing, filled with restrained fury directed squarely at Lord Seth. The loathing he felt was palpable, a venomous desire boiling beneath his calm exterior. Yet, despite this hatred, curiosity tugged at him—how could someone as twisted as Seth possess such crucial intelligence?
"You claim you have proof," Killian finally said, voice edged with cold skepticism.
Seth, unfazed by the hostility radiating from Killian, casually leaned against the table. "I'd gladly show you. But isn't it customary to offer a seat to an honored guest? My legs are growing numb."
Killian's jaw tightened in annoyance. Deliberately ignoring Seth, he commanded sharply, "Bring a chair—but just one."
When the chair arrived, Aiden immediately dragged it toward Seth. Seth attempted to wave him off, but Aiden's insistence prevailed. "Please, my lord," Aiden whispered, something genuine lingering in his voice.
Seeing this exchange, Killian's expression darkened further. Grudgingly, he ordered another chair for Aiden. The uncomfortable silence stretched thickly between the three men once they were seated.
"I know precisely where the One-Eyed Alliance operates," Seth spoke deliberately, locking eyes with Killian. "But I need assurance first."
Killian's patience wore thin. "Assurance? From someone like you?"
Seth's lips curled faintly. "I know about the Scroll of Death hidden in your treasury."
Killian visibly stiffened, shock flickering momentarily before rage reclaimed his features. "Impossible."
Yet Seth's confident gaze remained steady. Reluctantly, Killian retrieved an ominous scroll from a chest, its dark aura swirling menacingly. Seth's eyes flashed briefly with triumph.
Killian placed the scroll before them, preparing a blade to draw his blood. Before he could, Seth stunned everyone by calmly pulling a jeweled brooch from his coat, slicing his palm with ruthless precision. Blood dripped onto the scroll without hesitation.
Aiden's heart clenched in shock. Why is he going this far? Uncertainty gnawed at him, his gaze fixed helplessly on Seth's composed face.
Killian, seeing no choice, followed suit. As their blood mixed, the scroll vanished in dark wisps, leaving sinister markings on Seth's neck and Killian's arm—binding their fates irrevocably.
"Now," Seth began, satisfied, "beneath Viscount Ludwig's castle lies a secret facility conducting beastman experiments. Verify it yourself."
The revelation ignited instant turmoil within Aiden. His fury was palpable, muscles tensing as his beast side threatened to emerge. Seth's voice cut sharply through his turmoil.
"Aiden, save your anger. You'll need it soon enough."
Struggling to regain control, Aiden nodded stiffly, his eyes burning with unresolved rage and sorrow.
Killian silently watched his spies depart swiftly to confirm Seth's claims. Only his respect for Aiden had driven him to such a perilous agreement.
Seth rose calmly, signaling their meeting's end. "Once your people confirm my information, we'll speak again."
------
The carriage ride back was thick with unresolved tension. Aiden frequently glanced toward Seth, struggling to voice his myriad questions. Seth's distant, contemplative expression held him back until Seth himself broke the silence.
"Aiden," Seth murmured thoughtfully, gaze fixed beyond the window, "if you died and woke up as someone else… what would you do?"
Surprised, Aiden considered carefully. "I'd be saddened, my lord, losing myself like that. But…I'd try to live honestly, even in another's skin."
Seth's smile softened, enigmatic yet somehow melancholy. "Good answer."
Aiden's heart twisted slightly. The hidden sorrow behind Seth's words troubled him, sparking strange suspicions.
Returning to the castle, they found Royfield awaiting them. As Seth stepped out, he paused, glancing back at Aiden with a fleeting, cryptic smile that left Aiden deeply unsettled.
Royfield greeted them warmly, escorting Seth inside. Left alone, Aiden turned toward the training grounds, determination firming his resolve.
He had much to consider—and even more to prepare for.