After leaving through the escape tunnel, we reunited with Leroy and the others. To my relief, nothing appeared amiss. Lord César and Arturo hadn't betrayed us after all. That possibility had worried .
What if Lady Isabel or the succubi suborned Arturo sohow? Or what if Lord César decided that this was the best opportunity to get rid of his older brother? Lord Benicio was one of the biggest obstacles to Lord César becoming heir of House Sandstrike.
Well, perhaps Lord César had decided to wait until after we dealt with Lady Isabel before getting rid of his brother. After all, at the mont, she was the one in control of House Sandstrike. Even if we managed to oust her, she would remain a threat unless we finished her off for good.
However, these were all worries for the future. Right now, I just wanted to leave this area and forget everything I witnessed in the House Sandstrike villa.
After we erged from the escape tunnel, Leroy gave a once over. When he saw that I was uninjured, he let out a sigh of relief. However, a mont later, he grew worried again.
Arturo, on the other hand, narrowed his eyes when he saw Lord Benicio's form on Anna's shoulder. He looked behind us for a mont, before he gave a questioning look.
"Where are the other prisoners?" he asked.
I shook my head.
"There were none," I said in a listless voice.
Arturo studied for a mont, before he nodded with a grim expression on his face.
"I see," he said. "In that case, let's get out of here."
"Make sure you have soone cover our tracks," Cally said. "We made a lot of noise before we left."
Arturo snorted.
"Don't worry," he said. "We ca prepared."
We headed back to the carts and carriages waiting for us nearby. Along the way, Leroy kept giving worried looks.
"What happened in there, my lord?" he asked in a quiet voice. "You look… off."
I let out a bitter laugh.
"I…" I started to say before pausing. "I truly hate demons."
By this point, I no longer considered Lady Isabel a human. She committed too many sins. While she might look human, and hadn't finished her transformation, her actions marked her as a demon. There was no other term that fit her anymore.
Leroy looked back at Anna and Cally with a questioning look on his face. They shook their heads. Frustrated, Leroy gave one last look before facing forward.
After we reached the carts and carriages, Arturo talked to one of his people. We then boarded one of the carts, Arturo included, before the entire caravan set off.
"One of my people is an Earth wizard," Arturo explained. "He'll cover our tracks. Even if our enemies have an Earth wizard of their own, it'll be a while before they find our trail. By that point, we'll be long gone."
The journey back to Eastwatch was an uneventful one. The entire ti, I kept expecting the guards from the villa to catch up to us, or even Ash's succubi to attack us, but nothing of the sort happened.
Anna left Lord Benicio in Cally's care and spent the journey by my side, holding my hand. It was a small gesture, but one I appreciated a lot. Her warmth banished so of the darkness that settled into my heart.
When the caravan neared Eastwatch, it stopped and we got off. It was late. If we entered the city now, we would attract unwanted attention. To avoid that, we decided to camp outside the city walls for now and enter in the morning.
Rather than set up tents and such, we decided to sleep in the carts and carriages. After all, we hadn't rescued any prisoners, which left us plenty of space. We set up a watch rotation and cleaned ourselves off, before everyone settled in for the night.
My companions shared a carriage. It was a little cramped and uncomfortable, especially given Leroy's size, but I've camped in worse conditions. Besides, I found it comforting to be pressed up against each other like this. The physical contact reminded that I wasn't alone despite the horrors I witnessed. It reminded that I could still find joy in the little things.
With that, I fell asleep surrounded by my loved ones.
To my relief, nothing happened that night. The caravan split up before heading into Eastwatch, since there wasn't any reason to remain together. Entering the city proved easy enough, and after so discussion, we decided to head right towards Lord César's casino.
When we arrived, Arturo inford us that there was a restaurant inside the casino where we could eat breakfast. We headed there while Lord César's servants arrived to take Lord Benicio off our hands. A part of remained worried about him, but in the end I let it go. This was an internal House Sandstrike matter, and I was an outsider.
After we finished eating, a servant arrived to tell us that Lord César was in his office. We headed there right away, since we didn't see any reason to delay things.
When we arrived, we found Lord César sitting behind his desk with a grim expression on his face. He held a glass of wine in his hands. Arturo stood nearby. There were several chairs in front of the desk. Anna, Cally, and myself sat down while Leroy remained standing.
"Welco," Lord César said.
I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Isn't it too early to start drinking?" I asked, gesturing to the glass of wine.
Lord César gave a bitter smile.
"Yes, but after the conversation I just had, I need it." Lord César took a sip of his wine. "I just ca back from talking with Benicio. He's nothing like the brother I rember. He just kept repeating the words 'She made watch' over and over again." He gave a pleading look. "Do you know what happened to him? If you do, please tell ."
"Are you sure?" I asked. "It's not a pleasant tale."
Lord César nodded. With that, I told him about what my companions and I saw in the villa. Anna and Cally contributed here and there, but I did the majority of the talking. Lord César and Arturo looked at in horror when I got to the part involving the mind eaters and Lady Isabel's victims. I couldn't see Leroy's face since he stood behind , but I imagined he wore a similar expression.
"By the gods," Lord César said after I finished. "That's monstrous. I knew my grandmother was ruthless, but this…" He shook his head, before pushing away the glass of wine. "I don't think I can stomach this right now." He sighed. "No wonder Benicio is the way he is. Anyone would break after enduring sothing like that."
I nodded.
"Well, this does make it easier for you to beco the heir to House Sandstrike," Cally said. "Isn't that what you wanted?"
Lord César glared at her, while Arturo clenched his fists.
"Not like this," he said. "Yes, I am ambitious. However, that doesn't an I wanted anything to happen to my brother. I wanted to beat him, to prove I was the better choice. I didn't want to see him beco a broken shell of his forr self." He placed his hands on the desk. "Say sothing like that again, Lady Calla, and I will challenge you to a duel."
I gave Cally a sideways glance. While I loved her as a friend, I was on Lord César's side in this case. Her words were in poor taste at best.
"I apologize for my remark, Lord César," Cally said in a formal tone. "I just needed to make sure it was safe to leave Lord Benicio in your care."
Lord César blinked at her in surprise.
"You provoked on purpose?" he asked, flabbergasted.
Cally nodded.
"Yes," she said. "House Sandstrike's scions have a history of betraying each other."
Lord César sighed.
"Fine," he snapped. "I forgive you. This ti." He narrowed his eyes at her. "Just don't do it again."
Cally smiled at him, but otherwise didn't respond. Lord César shook his head, before sitting back down.
"How did things go on your end?" I asked.
"Quite well," Lord César said. "Word of the location of the succubi's hideout reached my grandmother, and I made sure it couldn't be traced back to ." He wore a proud smile on his face. "It may surprise you to learn that I am quite good at spreading rumors, especially when they're true."
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
"I am not surprised at all," I said in a dry tone.
Lord César gave an uncertain look, as he couldn't tell if I was insulting him or not, before he shook his head and moved the conversation along.
"My grandmother's reaction to the news was odd," he said, frowning. "While I didn't witness it myself, word of it spread through Sandstrike Castle. I thought she would be overjoyed. Instead, she was furious. So much so that she ended up wrecking her entire room."
I frowned as well. That was odd. Why would Lady Isabel be upset about finding out the location of the succubi's hideout? Unless there was sothing special about the location itself.
According to Lord César, the succubi were hiding out in a brothel that catered the most depraved of vices. While he hadn't gone into detail at the ti, I could imagine what went on in there. House Sandstrike tried to get rid of this brothel several tis, but it always managed to slip away. After a while, it would pop up again in a different location.
If Lady Isabel weren't such a monstrous being, I would've assud that she was upset because the succubi were preying on her people. However, I knew that wasn't the case. She preyed on her own people and considered the succubi competition, and food.
So why would soone like Lady Isabel beco upset about sothing like this? She already knew that the succubi were hiding in Eastwatch, right under her nose, so that couldn't be it.
Hmm. What if…?
A suspicion blood in my mind, but I kept it to myself. After all, I didn't have any proof or evidence, so my suspicion was just speculation. Still, I kept it in mind for now.
"Regardless, this works out well for us," I said, pulling myself back to the present. "Once word of what happened in the villa reaches Lady Isabel, she'll grow even more furious. So much so that she might even attack the succubi's hideout right away." I frowned. "You'll need to take asures to protect your father. Without him, Lady Isabel loses her hold over House Sandstrike. She might enthrall him to maintain her position."
Lord César nodded.
"I've taken care of that," he said. "My father is on his way here now."
I nodded, before frowning.
"I'm also worried about House Sandstrike's servants and retainers," I said. "What if Lady Isabel takes her anger out on them? It's clear that your grandmother has a temper."
Lord César paused for a mont.
"You're right," he said. "I hadn't considered that." He gave a respectful nod. "Thank you for reminding , Lord Gabriel."
I thought as much. To most House scions, servants and retainers were often beneath their notice. Often, there wasn't any malice involved. It was simply a result of their upbringing.
"Things are coming to a head then," I said. "This will all be over soon, one way or another."
Lord César nodded.
"Finally," Anna said, stretching. "I'm looking forward to having a decent fight. I'm tired of all this sneaking around."
I gave her an amused look, before looking back at Lord César.
"I wish to speak with your father later today," I said. "There's sothing I'd like to ask him."
Lord César gave a questioning look.
"Regarding what?" he asked.
I took a mont before responding.
"The reason why he usurped leadership of House Sandstrike," I said. "I have a feeling that it is related to everything that's going on."
Lord César frowned, but nodded.
"Very well," he said. "I'll see it done."
"Thank you."
After that, we made so more plans, before my companions and I headed out. With the final battle between Lady Isabel and the succubi on the horizon, we needed to make as many preparations as possible. Thankfully, we had an artificer on our side, one that had a habit of making exploding enchanted items.
My companions and I returned to Lord Dominic's mansion, both to prepare for the upcoming battle and to get so proper rest. Sleeping together in a cramped carriage, while comforting for the soul, made for less than restful sleep.
Contrary to his usual attitude, Lord Dominic rushed over to us as soon as we arrived and asked us for details about what happened at the villa. He looked so bright-eyed and excited that I didn't have the heart to tell him the full truth. I didn't want to taint his innocence.
So, I told him a modified version of events, leaving out the more fucked up parts. Kiki, who remained behind Lord Dominic the entire ti, watched as I told the story. Her stone eyes seed to pierce through my soul, seeing through my intentions. When I finished, she gave an appreciative nod. I let out a sigh of relief.
Afterwards, I asked Lord Dominic to help us prepare for the upcoming battle between Lady Isabel and Ash's succubi. He offered us several of his magical constructs, elental bolters, and many enchanted items that were ant to explode.
I offered to pay him for everything. Lord Dominic tried to decline, but I insisted. I an, it wasn't going to be my money. After all, once everything settled down, I intended for House Sandstrike to foot the bill. This was for their sake after all. Besides, they were wealthy enough to afford it.
I also sent out a ssage to Mireya, warning her about Lady Isabel and telling her to get her husband out of Sandstrike Castle. While I didn't know how things would play out, it was better to be safe than sorry. The less people around Lady Isabel, the better.
My companions and I discussed our plans further with Lord Dominic and Kiki, before we settled down to get so rest. I wasn't tired, so I decided to take a walk through the garden. My companions offered to join , but I declined. Right now, I wanted to be alone.
It was a beautiful day out, as per usual for Eastwatch. The sky was clear and cloudless, stretching off into infinity. The scent of flowers and green growing things filled the air. Breathing it in seed to cleanse my soul of the darkness that lingered there. Magical constructs tended to the garden, performing their tasks in silence.
I wandered about with no destination in mind. Instead, I tried to find peace in my surroundings. In many ways, the garden in Lord Dominic's mansion was the complete opposite of the hidden chamber where we found the prisoners. This helped let go of so of my feelings from last night. Not all of it, but enough to bring a asure of peace.
It was in the midst of this that I heard a yawn. At first I was confused, but then I grew excited.
Could it be?
'Hmm, that nap was even better than my previous one,' a familiar voice said in my head.
'Aurora?' I asked.
'Hmm, yes?'
I let out a joyful laugh.
"It is you!" I said, speaking out loud. "You're finally awake!"
Aurora let out a ntal chuckle.
'Did you miss , my vessel?' she asked.
"Of course," I said. "How could I not miss the cutest and most adorable frost drake in existence?"
I was laying it on a bit thick, but I ant what I said.
'Oh, you flatterer,' Aurora said.
That's when I noticed sothing odd. Aurora sounded different. Her voice seed deeper, huskier, and maybe even a little… sensual? That was a word I never thought I'd associate with a dragon. Then again, I was a descendant of a storm dragon. This ant that it was possible for dragons and humans to be attracted to one another.
Still, I shuddered at the thought of and my familiar getting together. It felt wrong in ways that I couldn't quite articulate. Besides, I would never cheat on Anna.
"You must've grown a lot," I said. "You sound more mature."
'I do feel different," Aurora admitted. 'I'm not sure how to explain it.' Her voice sharpened. 'However, that's no excuse for slacking off. I demand just as much pampering and cuddles as before.'
I chuckled.
"Yes, my dear familiar." I tapped my chest. "Now co on out. Let's see how much you've grown."
Aurora leapt out of my chest. When I saw her, my jaw dropped. I had assud her growth this ti would be similar to the one from before, where she grew a few inches. However, that was not the case.
For one, Aurora was now the size of a wolf, at least in height. Her head now ca up to my abdon. As for her length, if the two of us laid side by side, she'd be the longer of the two. Her body also looked more developed than before, though she was still slender and elegant.
However, the biggest changes were the nubs on her back. Rather, they were no longer nubs. Instead, they were wings. They were folded up, so I couldn't get a good look at them, but they were definitely wings.
That said, I could tell that they were a bit small for her size. They also didn't look fully ford, as if they were still growing. All in all, I doubted Aurora would be able to fly with wings like those.
A dragon's life cycle consisted of four stages: hatchling, nestling, drake, and then adulthood. Aurora's current appearance suggested she was in the midst of transforming from a drake to a full dragon.
"What do you think?" Aurora asked out loud, preening.
I gave her a warm smile.
"You are more beautiful than ever, my dear familiar," I said. "Your wings in particular."
Aurora froze.
"Wings?" she asked.
I chuckled, before I gestured to her back. Aurora twisted her neck around to look. When she saw the wings on her back, her serpentine eyes widened.
"Wings?" She let out a joy-filled shriek. "I have wings!"
Aurora jumped around with joy.
"I have wings! I'm a fully grown dragon now! I have wings!"
I smiled as I watched her.
"Why don't you open them?" I asked.
Aurora stopped jumping and nodded her head several tis.
"Good idea!"
With that, Aurora opened her wings and stretched them out. They sowhat resembled bat wings, but appeared sturdier. Though, as I expected, they appeared a bit too short for her size. I doubted she'd be able to fly with those.
The mont she saw them, Aurora's expression fell. She flapped them a few tis to test them out.
"Why are they so small?" Aurora asked, sounding heartbroken.
She looked at with tears in her eyes.
"It's because you're still growing," I said. "You're not quite a fully grown dragon. Not yet. Perhaps after your next growth spurt."
Aurora pouted.
"That's not fair!" she said. "I thought I was done growing!"
I resisted the urge to laugh, to avoid hurting her feelings.
"Think of it like this," I said. "At least you have sothing to look forward to." I paused. "Would you like a cuddle?
Aurora nodded, before she crouched and prepared to leap at .
"Wait!" I said. "You're much bigger now. I don't think I can hold you."
"Oh." Aurora drooped with disappointnt.
I snickered. While Aurora looked and sounded more mature, she certainly didn't act like it.
"Here," I said, sitting on the ground. "Co join ."
Aurora rushed over and wrapped her body around like a snake, resting her head on my lap. It felt like being hugged by an icicle. However, thanks to our contract, I was immune to the cold. In fact, in this heat, Aurora's coldness felt rather nice.
The two of us stayed like that for a while, with stroking the top of Aurora's head. She purred, causing her entire body to vibrate. I felt the last vestiges of my anger and hate and disgust fade away.
"So," Aurora said a few minutes later. "What happened since I fell asleep?" She paused. "How long has it been anyway?"
"It's been so ti," I said. "A lot has happened." I mulled it over for a bit. "Let start with the twins, Evelynn and Everard."
With that, I told Aurora everything that happened during her long nap.
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