Conspiracy Rising

As the Lyma family members reluctantly excused Theo and retreated to their respective rooms, I stood there in the grand dining hall, playing my part as Luke, the butler. 

Though I wore the facade of a servant, I couldn't help but smile smugly at the particularly frustrated expression of Theo's grandmother.

'Nice try, old lady. But you're not getting any piece of this cake.'

I did my best to hide most of my amusement, but I feared she would have already noticed some of it

'No matter. It's all going according to plan anyway.'

Theo, his shoulders visibly relaxing as the family departed, shot me a grateful glance. The plan we had devised together had borne fruit, and it was clear that he was relieved by the outcome.

Drius clapped a hand on my shoulder and gave me a nod of appreciation. 

"Well done, Luke. Your training and guidance have proved invaluable."

I nodded in acknowledgment, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.