Studying Zireael every movement, Aurelia's golden pupils began to glimmer with dim radiance. Not letting anything slide, a hint of competitive intent began to grip the young girl's heart. They were the same age, yet as Aurelia compared the two of them, she could not help but clench her fist in defeat. Remembering the large manor, the soft bed in which she slept, even the captivating garden, all of it tugged at her small heart.
Noticing the small change, Talia could only widen her gaze at the noticeable transformation taking place. 'Is she already copying him... I can still remember when I started doing the same.' Lifting her lips, Talia chuckled in nostalgia.
Talia, however, was not the only one to notice as Zireael seem to arch his lips, entering a room without so much as a knock. Narrowing his eyes towards the middle-aged man surrounded by papers, Zireael snorted.
"Cor, why pretend to work?" stated Zireael, disgusted by Town Hall, "Look at this place! Webs, insects, and various animal shit is festering around this building."
Lifting his head buried in paperwork, the middle-aged man with lazy eyes and dark curly hair smiled in glee. His dark tan skin glistering as long scars appeared hiding under his unbuttoned tunic.
"Zireael, you finally came! And you brought a guess! Did you finally get yourself a wife? I have been telling you for years training one at that age is quite rewarding. They will do everything right perfectly. Kids their age will always comprehend stuff faster than old farts like myself or the little princess there. "
"Truly always a pleasure meeting you, Marquess Cor." Zireael sarcastically hummed.
Not growing offended, Cor turned towards the young girl shivering with golden eyes. A look of terror was visible as cold sweat began to pour from her brow. Not speaking a word, the natural pressure of the Marquess began to grow stronger, suffocating the young girl. Watching the girl's legs tremble at the pressure, Aurelia kept her head raised high as the words of Zireael echoed through her skull.
"Aurellia will not fall," she muttered repeatably to herself like a mantra. "Aurelia will keep her head high!"
"Cor," Zireael warn.
Scratching the back of his head, Cor chuckled, releasing the cold pressure upon the young girl's body, "Had I known you were bringing a child, I would have concealed my aura, my lord. However, it is quite amazing that such a child did not faint simply by walking into my office.
Nodding in agreement, Zireael did not speak, watching Aurelia gasping for air, struggling to support her body. Turning his measured gaze back to Cor, the young lord spoke.
"What is this meeting about?"
Not bothering to call for chairs, knowing Zireael would not sit, Cor grew serious, "We need funding; two of the largest gangs are trying to take over Valmor. While I personally do not care, I wish to keep up pretenses in the eyes of the king and his court."
"You run one of the largest illegal operations; do not tell me you lack the fonds," Zireael replied, peering to the very soul of Cor, watching for any forms of deceit.
"I wouldn't be my Lord, but I am sure you heard of the recent declaration of the two empires? Farumm Kings, only Daughter Talia Farumm, is to wed the firstborn of the King of Broma."
Clenching her fist Talia remain silent, awaiting Zireael's response. " I would take it these gangs are receiving the support of Broma. That is quite smart; ignore the political figures and go after the corruption turning them into your power."
Taking out a small pocket watch, Zireael smirked, "I missed breakfast due to that little shit, but I can definitely make it for lunch. Aurelia, what do you think I should do?"
"HUH?!!!"
"HUH?!!!"
"Lord Blackwater, this is no joke!" Cor's powerful voice echoed, causing tremors into the frail walls of the building. With debris falling over everyone but Zireael, the young lord shot Cor a deep stare silencing him as he waited.
Gulping down, Aurelia felt her heart beating uncontrollably. She could not understand anything they were talking about.
"Aurelia will let Aunty Tal answer."
Releasing a deep laugh, Zireael snickered, patting her soft head, "We will assist Cor, but you know this will cost you, correct?"
Clenching his fist, Cor bitterly nodded, "Aye, I shall have 'it' sent to your estate within the hour."
"A pleasure as always. " Said Zireael taking his leave without a second thought.
Racing back to his carriage at a quick pace, Zireael ignored the girl panting for air, taking his seat, watching her body flop to the luxurious leather seats.
"You did amazing for a mortal. It's not every day you see one withstand the power held by a Marquess. The King doesn't usually hand out such title to those that have not accomplished much."
Grinning from ear to ear with a vicious expression, Aurelia beamed in joy, gasping for air. Snaping his small fingers, the carriage began to move. Touring the narrow streets of Valmor, Zireael enjoyed the dark view of the ghetto.
With the season of ifreet upon the land, the heat was all but unbearable to most as Zireael simply watched in amusement as many clawed from the searing pavement, skin peeling from the intense starlight. The laws of nature were grim, stealing the lives of many without discrimination.
"They are dropping like flies today." said Talia in a mournful air, "How many do you think they will burn to clear the streets?"
Glancing at the bodies beginning to pile up, Zireael sneered, "Are we not quick to turn our heads in the face of natural disasters, yet before a murderer or bandit, we are seemingly ready to draw our blades?"
Creasing her brow Talia peered towards her master, "It is not the same, my lord. A man chooses to kill, but nature is innocent. It is simply the survival of the fittest when it comes to the forces of nature."
"Maybe to you mortals. Remember this Talia nature and man all are the same. It just takes a different form. Death is Death. You can fight both man and beast but the heavens and earth. What can you do to the forces of nature?"
Growing silent, Talia and Aurelia felt an uncomfortable noose upon their necks as if their very lives were being judged. Narrowing his gaze towards the duo, a chilling gleam darker than night flashed past his eyes.
"Blood for Blood," Whispered Zireael tearing his eyes off the duo, peering towards heaven and earth. "Blood For Blood"
"Aurelia is hungry!"