YOU LOST THE BAIT!?

BANG!

"WHAT DID YOU SAY!? YOU LOST THE BAIT!?"

The vase shattered against the wall, sending shards flying as it struck the young man kneeling before Christian, blood trickling from his forehead.

"I apologize, Master Christian. The bandits were wiped out as well."

"F**K! F**K! THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO BE OFFERINGS FOR THE RITUAL TO SUMMON THE DEMON!"

Christian's face contorted with rage, his eyes blazing like embers as he paced the dark stone chamber. Shadows from flickering torches danced across the walls, casting his figure in a menacing light.

"You imbecile!" Christian snarled, kicking over a heavy wooden chair. It splintered against the floor, the sound echoing in the cold air.

"Do you realize the magnitude of this failure?" Christian's voice dropped to a chilling whisper as he loomed over the trembling young man, who clutched his bleeding forehead, eyes wide with fear.

"This ritual is crucial for us to rule over the duchy," Christian hissed, his voice seething with barely contained fury. "The Order will crush us like insects if we don't get the Phoenix Stone!" He leaned closer, his breath hot with venom. "Tell me… do you not value your life?"

"I… I do, Master," the young man stammered, his voice trembling.

Christian clenched his fists, the tension in the air thickening. "Do you have any idea what you've done?"

The young man, shaking, stuttered, "M-Master, it was an ambush. We didn't expect—"

"Did I ask for excuses?" Christian cut him off, eyes narrowing dangerously. "I need results, and that stone. And you came back empty-handed."

"I swear, Master, I'll find more—"

"Oh, you will," Christian snapped, his voice icy, like a blade. "Because if you don't, you'll become one of the sacrifices. Send a message to Robison. We leave in three days after the selection ceremony to retrieve the stone. You will arrange the sacrifices. Right? Or do you wish to be one?"

The young man's eyes widened in horror. "Please, Master—I'll make it right. I just need time."

Christian leaned in, his voice a low growl filled with menace. "You have three days. Fail me again, and you'll wish the demon got to you first."

"Y-Yes, Master," he whispered, scrambling out of the room, clutching his bleeding head.

Christian watched him go, muttering under his breath, "Pathetic. If you want something done right… I should go back to the Duchy and see the situation there. F**k Valac! I finally got him addicted to Resper. How is it possible that he came back to his senses?"

(A/N : Resper is a drug like cocaine. It's not real, by the way. Don't search for it on Google.)

Christian straightened his clothes, smoothing the wrinkles from his dark robes as he prepared to leave the dank stone chamber behind.

The air was thick with an acrid stench, a reminder of the rituals he was desperate to conduct to summon Demon Octorus.

Upon exiting the hideout, he felt the cool evening breeze wash over him. Chilling.

Christian mounted his horse, his dark coat gleaming under the pale moonlight.

The ride to the Duchy would take time, and he had no intention of wasting any of it. He spurred the horse forward, galloping through the trees that flanked the narrow path.

The night wore on, and soon the silhouette of the Duchy's castle rose in the distance.

Once he arrived, he dismounted swiftly and made his way through the grand entrance.

The guards, recognizing him, bowed and stepped aside, allowing him to step inside.

Christian greeted the servants and guards with a polite nod, putting on his most charming demeanor, the sweet facade he had perfected over the years.

"Where is my mother?" he asked a passing maid, his voice smooth and inviting.

"Your Grace is in the drawing room," she replied, bowing her head respectfully.

"Thank you," he said, his voice dripping with syrupy sweetness as he strode toward the drawing room, mentally rehearsing his lines.

As he entered the room, he found the Duchess seated elegantly on a plush chaise, dressed in a gown that shimmered in the candlelight. Her silver hair framed her face, and her sharp eyes regarded him with a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Christian, darling!" she exclaimed, rising to embrace him. "It's wonderful to see you! How was your journey?"

"Mother," he replied, feigning warmth, "it was uneventful, just as I like it. I missed you. Valac is leaving tomorrow?" He leaned down to place a light kiss on her cheek, his tone affectionate yet calculated.

She smiled, the lines of age softening her otherwise stern features. " Who knows? I might have slipped some venom in her tea. Anyway, tell me, what news do you bring?"

"We must be vigilant, especially with the heir selection ceremony the day after tomorrow. Don't stir up any trouble for me, mother. Just stay still."

The Duchess frowned slightly, her expression serious. "Trouble? What do you mean? I'm just looking out for you, Christian."

"I know… I know," he assured her, waving a dismissive hand. "But you know how much the Duke loves Lady Darina. If he finds out you poisoned her both of us will be in trouble. However, I'm not worried about myself. Your safety is my utmost priority, after all."

The Duchess nodded. "You've always been protective, my dear. But, I really sometimes wish I hadn't married Thorne. You aren't even his-"

"Mother!" Christian facade wore off as he slammed his hands on the table. "I am Duke Thorne Noctis's legitimate son. Don't you ever dare finish that sentence."

"Y… Yes, son. Please don't be mad at your mother."

The air thickened with tension, and Christian felt a thrill of satisfaction at the fear flickering in his mother's eyes. He released the table, pretending to calm himself as he resumed his sickening sweet demeanor.

"I'm sorry, Mother. I didn't mean to raise my voice. I just want you to understand how important it is to maintain appearances," he said, forcing a smile.

"We need the support of the nobility. A scandal involving poison would ruin everything we've worked for. And, you don't have the Duke's favor."

"Yes, of course," the Duchess murmured, her voice trembling slightly. "You're right, my dear. I'll be careful."

"Good. I trust you. Make sure Lady Darina doesn't die till I have taken father's spot. You can do that much for your son. Right, mother?"

"Of course." Christain hugged his mother as an evil smile creeped its way across his face.

Valac, just wait. I'll ruin you… completely.