16 Oath & Shock.

Bones was shocked by the news that Aran and Argentia were both dead. He asked, "Ash, what happened?"

Ashley was a man who always had his figure covered with a cloak. Nobody knew his appearance, but it was said that he was tortured before he was turned into a vampire. Leaving marks all over him. Thus he wore a cloak. He had one more name other than Ash, that was Death Cloak. Bones may be stronger than him, but Ash was cunning and hunted undetected.

He said in his smoky voice, "To tell you the truth, I was in Lagoon City when Oleksiy found me through the tribunal. He asked me to lure you out or find out some hook against you. So, I will be in the city to monitor you from the shadows. As for this visit, it counts as a warning."

Bones knew the process. It was called a greeting. Every city has a hunter living there. Since Ashley was going to stay in the Marvel City, he must announce his presence to Bones. The two people stood face to face. Bones asked, "What do you think, could be the reason behind Argentia's death?"

Ashley shrugged in his cloak. He said, "It could be anything, but I assure you I am not responsible for this. Also, I have a hint that not that simple this time. This bastard Oleksiy, he is a cunning piece of work."

Bones agreed to it. He stretched his hand and held it out for Ashley to see his palm. Ashley did the same. The two then spoke in unison, "Loyal till the end, Bones to Ashes, Ashes to Bones." just as the words stopped, a scarlet triangle burned in the center of Bones palm. A similar thing happened in Ashley's palm.

This was the mark of loyalty. They got this mark when they first met in hunter training. Their teacher had two disciples, he imposed this curse oath on them. Once they lost loyalty towards each other, it will be a testament to betraying their teachings. Thus, they will be eradicated by this curse seal. If bones broke the oath, his body will become dust, if Ashley broke the oath his body will become stone.

The world of vampires was filled with magical things. After the reciting oath, Ashley left Bones alone. The boy, however, slumped back into his bed. With a cunning smile on his face. He whispered, "Poor Olek..."

...

Noon.

Victoria was already sitting in her office. Her hands skimmed through all the work documents piled up on her table. She constantly gave instructions to the secretary. The latter suddenly said, "Madam, that person is here again."

Victoria gazed at her. She asked, "Who is here again?"

The OL said, "That man who wanted to acquire the company last time. The reception just informed me about a page. The man said that he wants to meet you." she thought her boss would be enraged, and that is why she had asked the staff to inform her if that person came again.

Contrary to her expectations, Victoria said, "Escort him up here." her voice was calm and serene.

The OL was shocked. She stood there in a daze, wondering, 'When has this iceberg ever been so gentle.'

Victoria snapped, "Gloria, did you not hear my words?" she returned to her bossy nature.

Gloria, the secretary, woke up and said, "Yes madam, I will get that person here." with that said, she walked out of the cabin in a hurry.

Victoria fell into thoughts, 'Why is he here again? Does he want to take away the company? Or is it because of my father? What is the problem with this guy? Can he just not come in and give me butterflies?..." her mind went on ranting to itself when she came back to the realm of reality because of a knock on the door.

She said in her cold voice, "Come in."

Gloria pushed the door open and stood aside, holding it. A handsome, slightly pale man came inside from behind her, wearing a black shirt, jeans, and black shoes. His long black hair was loose. They moved as he walked. Victoria glanced at him and she took a deep breath. She thought in her mind, 'Is he here to seduce me? FUCK, that will definitely work with him looking like eye candy. Wait, you fool, that is his usual appearance.'

Bones stood up in front of her and said, "Hello, Miss Vlad."

Victoria nodded but did not speak. She said to her secretary, "Go, get the Jenkins contract wrapped up by the evening."

Gloria nodded and left, somewhat regretful, for not being able to watch the handsome guy, but Victoria might kill her for not going as soon as she spoke. Life over love. And so she walked outside, closing the door behind her gently.

Victoria asked, "Why do you come here again, Mr. Smith? Want to push me to hand over the company to you or you will let the Tribunal attack me?"

Bones shook his head. He said, 'I am the hunter of the tribunal. I am here to investigate a case related to you."

Side job of a hunter, investigating deaths of Vampire(not killed by him) reason? To stop vampire clan wars.

Victoria raised her eyebrow. She asked, "What case might that be?"

Bones replied in a soft voice, "Seems like you are not aware, well then, My Condolences on the death of your mother Argentia Vlad."

His words fell over Victoria Vlad like a bolt of lightning. She was shocked, dumb at this moment. Then she started laughing. She said, "My mother left to pray to Artemis. Your joke is not hilarious you know that, BONES SMITH."

Bones had no changes on his face. He took out a broken hairpin from his pocket and placed it on the table. He said, "I swear, I am not joking. I am bound to my duties for the tribune."