Chapter 18 Duality

"Maple! I've been looking for you. Jerarth sent word to Fairview Hotel. Leave the message for Vanessa!"

The barkeep bowed his head in fear, quickly turning to leave, his shoulder colliding with the doorframe as he hurried out.

Maple approached Herald's table, a smile on his face as he regarded the girls. They seemed to understand his unspoken cue and rose to leave.

He kicked his feet up on the table, tilting the bottle of wine to his lips.

"Herald, it's been too long! Why don't we have a talk?" He flashed his best attempt at an authentic smile.

It felt strange to see the normally packed fight pit empty. Still, the familiar scents of blood, sweat, and booze were unmistakable.

"Maple, why haven't you shown your face? Old John's dead, and you were the last one seen with him." Herald's confident facade began to crack, unease creeping into his expression.

Maple took a slow, deliberate sip of his wine, unfazed. "Let's say I had… distractions."

"Oh? Care to elaborate?" Herald's voice attempted curiosity, but his eyes betrayed a flash of anxiety.

Leaning back, Maple's gaze fixed on him, his posture relaxed yet calculating. "Just some rats in my apartment. Had to take care of them."

Herald's brow furrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?" He signaled for his guards to step closer, anxiety thickening his tone.

Maple tilted his head, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Nothing important. There was a cute little dog too. Problem was, it didn't know when to keep quiet."

He raised a hand and snapped his fingers. The air shimmered as he activated the barrier Cassy had copied from Captain, an invisible shield enveloping him and providing protection against any sudden attack.

His gaze remained locked on Herald.

"You know, Herald, I don't mind dogs. Loyal, obedient… usually well-behaved. But every so often," he chuckled, his eyes glinting with dark amusement, "they need a reminder of their place."

Herald's expression tightened, and with a swift gesture, his guards moved in, ready to seize Maple.

But as they lunged forward, their arms struck the invisible barrier, slamming against it with a dull thud. They pushed again, but the same resistance met them.

Cassy's Jester abilities had proven useful, mimicking the priest's barrier effectively. Maple had grown rather fond of that little trick.

"Tell me, Herald," Maple's voice remained calm, almost taunting, "do you want to be my dog?"

He didn't wait for an answer. Lifting the half-empty wine bottle, he hurled it at Herald. It shattered against his face, a splash of red erupting like a burst of anger.

Before Herald could react, Maple lunged forward, tackling him back onto the table. The impact rattled the wooden surface, causing glasses to clink and rattle.

Herald struggled, panic evident in his wide eyes as Maple twisted his arms behind him, pinning him forcefully.

The guards hammered against the barrier, their fists pounding uselessly against the thin air, unable to break through.

"Maple! Stop this at once!" Herald's voice cracked, fear lacing his words.

Maple pressed the cold barrel of a revolver against Herald's temple, silencing him. His voice dropped to a harsh whisper. "You really thought I wouldn't come? You sold me out, Herald. Should've kept quiet like a good dog."

Herald's face drained of color, his voice trembling. "You're insane! If you kill me, my father will make sure you're-"

Maple cocked the revolver, a smirk twisting his lips. "Oh, probably. But maybe we're all a little mad, don't you think?"

With a swift motion, he dropped the barrier.

Two shots rang out in quick succession, sharp and abrupt. The guards crumpled to the floor, clutching their wounds, gasps escaping their lips as the acrid scent of gunpowder filled the air.

Maple tilted his head, watching them writhe in pain, a twisted sense of satisfaction blooming within him. "Humans are so fragile. Two bullets… and it's over."

He squeezed the trigger twice more, mercilessly ending the squirming men's suffering.

Herald's voice shook, his face ashen. "Listen, Maple, I didn't know, okay? I had no idea who they really were."

Maple gave a slow nod, as if considering. "Ah, sure. I understand. Maybe I'd do the same."

Herald let out a nervous laugh, grasping at this sudden turn, desperate for a reprieve. "That's right! So… let's just move past this, yeah? Those two were worthless anyway."

Maple's laughter was cold, hollow, devoid of warmth. "Great idea. Let's."

He recognized Herald's boyish face as nothing but a mask, a weapon honed over the years. But Maple wasn't fooled by the façade.

With a swift, decisive motion, he swung the revolver down hard across Herald's skull, sending him crashing to the floor.

Without hesitation, he brutally kicked Herald's ribs, the force rolling him on the ground, gasping for breath.

"The thing is, Herald, actions have a cost. This time, I'm afraid you can't afford to pay."

Herald could barely speak, his vision swimming. "No! Listen, if it's money you wan-"

Without a second thought, Maple kicked his head like a soccer ball, knocking him unconscious.

Straightening up, Maple's gaze drifted thoughtfully.

He would've liked to finish this properly, but tonight, there were other plans.

Maple returned with a sack from the kitchen, bundling Herald's limp form and hefting it over his shoulder.

Getting someone out of the slums was easy; the constables rarely ventured here. Without a backward glance, Maple slipped out the back door, blending into the shadows of the narrow streets.

Forgiving Herald wasn't an option. He'd leaked too much, caused too many problems. Old John was the root of it all.

He'd been the one to give Maple the ring in the first place. If he'd known its true nature, he'd never have parted with it. Certainly not to Maple or anyone else. But Old John was long dead.

Someone had to pay the price, and tonight that "someone" happened to be Herald.

I'll leave him to the Captain.

Herald was a small fish, after all. The real target was Purity. Maple smirked, recalling the order Herald had given.

Send word to Vanessa at the Fairview Hotel, was it?

Well, then. It seemed he'd have to make an appearance. The first warning hadn't worked; neither had the second. They still dared to send Jack after him.

I'm tired of this charade. No matter how many I kill, they keep coming.

This time, I'll be the one who knocks.

An eye for an eye.