Inside the chamber, traces of ancient European artistry adorned the space. The air was thick with darkness, and the scent of burning candles seemed to consume what little oxygen remained.
Diana's resting place was anything but peaceful. Instead of the expected calm, an eerie stillness hung around her, as if the room itself were holding its breath.
Cassie, the White Guardian of the Silverfein family, had never been on good terms with the matriarch. Despite her influence, Cassie had never truly rivaled her in power. But this time, Cassie's perspective had shifted. The once aimless guardian, whose role had been fading and irrelevant in the evolving distribution of power, now saw a broader horizon—a potential she had never before considered.
The discovery of a new form of energy was monumental, its potential seemingly limitless. Cassie, ever the enthusiast in this field, had made a private vow, she would ensure Vonn's success, seeing it as essential to her own satisfaction in their shared pursuit of knowledge.
"So, why are you here again?" Diana asked, her tone laced with its usual cold indifference, her gaze not even flicking toward the family's guardian.
"You always anticipate my visits," Cassie replied. "But don't worry, I won't be coming here for a while after this."
Diana turned to face her slowly, raising an eyebrow. "And why is that?"
Diana's nature made it customary to provide resources only to those with potential. In her view, the capable deserved guidance and investment. To her, aiding those without talent was a waste.
In their world, this mindset was accepted, even if it meant severing maternal or paternal bonds with descendants. In the ruthless world of monsters and powerhouses, it was all about strength and influence. Diana, who was well-practiced in this philosophy, had branded Vonn as her most useless child—not entirely her own belief, but it was what she projected. Even the White Guardian saw her as a distant, unfeeling figure.
"Don't tell me this is about Vonn?" Diana's tone held a trace of disdain.
Cassie smiled. "So, you do know his name?"
"I keep an eye on that traitor's son."
Vonn's father had been branded a traitor for certain reasons, and under such treasonous circumstances, the punishment would extend to their families and descendants. This was intended not only to punish the individual but to cripple their entire bloodline, an act that damaged not only the body but also the legacy.
Cassie, understanding this all too well, sighed in frustration. "He isn't anything like his father."
"I despise him," Diana hissed, a hint of fury simmering beneath her words. "If I were you, I'd hide that kid from me. The moment I see any trace of that traitor in him, I might just kill him."
Cassie shook her head. No matter how serious Diana's threat, Cassie knew it was impossible for her to follow through.
'As if you could,' Cassie thought. 'Vonn is something unranked in society, an irregular for a reason.'
"What are you thinking?" Diana snapped, noticing Cassie's silence, her irritation flaring as she stomped her foot. "Are you mocking my ideals? White Guardian, I don't care how respected you are—I won't tolerate disrespect."
"Diana... you're acting like a spoiled brat," Cassie replied, her voice calm but tinged with warning. "Just remember—I hope you won't regret your words."
Diana's brow furrowed in anger. "Don't you dare speak to me that way. I've had enough of your attitude. I won't tolerate this."
Flames began to flicker on Diana's open palm, a threat directed at the White Guardian. But Cassie only chuckled, clearly amused, as if already seeing a future Diana couldn't envision.
There were many ways to foresee someone's path. Talent and a connection with mana could open doors, but those weren't guarantees of success. Often, those with talent still failed, and any prominent figure knew why. Resources were what truly allowed talent to thrive. Not to mention, true strength came from relentless effort.
Diana had been watching Vonn since his birth, but all she saw was a lazy child. Despite the training efforts, he would never be able to touch mana if he didn't at least try. Long ago, Diana had given up hope for Vonn.
Cassie raised her hands, still calm, even playful. "Calm down. There's no need for this. I came here with a proposal."
The fire in Diana's hand paused, then slowly dissipated. Her cold eyes showed a flicker of interest. "What kind of proposal?"
Cassie snorted. "You haven't changed. Still addicted to bets, I see."
"This isn't gambling. Get to the point," Diana replied, looking away.
"Fine. Here's the deal, straight up. I want you to prepare your genius third son—Dvion, was it?—to handle Vonn in the coming years, as they make their public debut."
Diana's eyes widened, not in surprise but in anger. "As if I'd ever introduce Vonn to society!" Her gaze blazed with renewed fury as fire erupted in her palm. This time, she didn't hold back—she hurled it straight at Cassie.
Fluid and precise, Cassie dodged the attack, disappearing in an instant and reappearing right next to Diana. Her wide grin stretched across her face as she leaned in close.
"Don't worry… I plan on changing things. If my Vonn defeats your prized child, then he'll get to enjoy the privileges of the Silverfein family—the legacy I've protected."
"You… you really intend to make him your successor, don't you? Even calling him yours," Diana replied, barely masking her contempt.
Cassie's smile widened. "He will defeat Dvion. And if I win this deal, I'll make Vonn the next patriarch."
Diana hissed, feeling the sting of the challenge. Proposing an heir without her own announcement of succession was a blatant threat, laced with confidence that unsettled her. She couldn't fathom where Cassie's certainty came from.
'The White Guardian seems to have grown close to Vonn,' Diana thought. 'But it's futile. I already know the outcome.'
"Alright… I accept. If Dvion defeats Vonn five years from now, at the debut, you will abandon your protection of the Silverfein lineage."
Cassie paused, her face momentarily serious. 'I've worked hard to see this family prosper. But a deal is a deal. And if it comes to that… there's always another way.'
With that thought, she disappeared, leaving without a word.