I always knew.

Nyx is in a party thrown by the Heilige family.

She was supposed to leave for Starfall city a couple of days ago.

But because Sabastian was forced by his parents to attend the party, he begged Nyx to be his date for the party.

Nyx reluctantly agreed after the idiot fool promised to not ask her to attend another party for the next 6 months.

Nyx doesn't like parties, it always makes her feel bored and uncomfortable.

Nyx was with a group of women who were gossiping about influential people in the Sacred families and clans.

The women in the group were chattering on their own, Nyx only smiled occasionally and spoke only whenever someone asked her viewpoint on the topic.

Forcing another smile on her face, Nyx once more nodded for something she doesn't care or know about.

She was going with the flow!

The conversation halted when a guy in his early 20s stood in front of the group.

The boy was looking straight at Nyx.

"Hello, Miss! My name is Declan Harrington." Smiling, Declan introduced himself.

Nyx gave a small nod before she introduced herself.

"Prince, Nyx Prince!"

Declan nodded in acknowledgement.

Bowing slightly, he extended his left hand, palm up slightly above his waist level.

"Would you like to dance?" Declan smiled, offering himself for a dance.

*Puchi*

A vein popped on her head.

Nyx inwardly rolled her eyes.

She took note of this guy staring at her for some time.

Finally, this guy decided to act.

'Fuck off!' Said Nyx in her mind, but her mouth politely declined the invitation making up an excuse.

"I'm sorry, Mr Harrington but I don't know how to dance!"

"It's alright, I will teach you. It's a simple dance, just follow my lead and it will be alright." Not backing down, Declan insisted.

Declan finally found a target that suits his taste in this boring party, how can he let it go away so easily.

The girl in front of him is younger than him by a couple of years, she was also extremely beautiful!

He never saw anyone, so beautiful as the girl in front of him.

The girl also has a perfect figure, his eyes were glued to her the moment he saw her.

Declan vowed that he must have this girl, he can't let this girl get away from his grasp!

Lust filled his eyes, as he tried to picture the girl in front of him naked.

'Oh come one, You son of *beep*!' Nyx cursed noticing the lust-filled eyes of the guy in front her.

Composing herself, Nyx was about to decline once more when her phone vibrated.

Taking out her phone from her purse, Nyx saw it was Sabastian who was calling her.

Nyx's eyes lit up, seeing Sabastian's name on the caller ID.

'That idiot, just come and save me from this predator instead of calling me!!!' Nyx complained in her heart but she was glad that Sabastian has her back.

Turning to the ladies, Nyx excused herself from the gossiping group.

"I'm sorry, ladies! But I have to take this."

She then turned to Declan and declined once more.

"Thank you for the offer, Mr Harrington. But please, excuse me! I have to go take this."

Nyx swiftly turned around and walked away, pretending to take the phone call.

Declan furrowed his brows in discontentment.

His pride was hurt being snubbed by Nyx.

Declan got angry, but he didn't show it in his face.

He was just about to leave and follow Nyx. when some young women around his age approached him and asked for a dance.

Declan wanted to snap at them, but thinking about his image.

He chose the prettiest one among the group and went dancing on the floor reluctantly for his image.

~~~

Arriving in a secluded corner, Nyx heaved a sigh.

She really wanted to punch the ba*t*rd, who introduced himself as Declan Harrington.

Nyx looked around the great hall.

The Heilige has invited many influential people in the Sacred family and clans.

There were some people from the Aurier family, the Ji clan, the Sakazaki family, the Prince family, The Rothschild family etc.

The people from the Prince family were keeping an eye on her.

They were conscious of Nyx and were carefully observing her every action at the party.

It was disturbing having the Prince family watching her every move.

But it's understandable since Nyx hasn't had much contact with the Prince family and Lyle spreading false rumours about Nyx, has put Nyx in an uncomfortable position inside the Prince family.

"You could have personally saved me from that Harrington, why did you call instead of making an appearance there?" Noticing Sabastian beside her, Nyx spoke.

"I was also in a similar situation with some girls, they were clinging to me and was refusing to listen to anything I say. I'm tired of this party!" Sabastian replied complaining to Nyx.

"You seem very tired, Basti. What's the matter? I can sense something is bothering you." Noticing Sabaatian's tired face Nyx inquired.

Sabastian was silent for moments before he opened his mouth.

"I didn't want to worry anyone but yesterday there was an attempt on my life."

Nyx creased her eyebrows hearing Sabastian.

Sabastian looked around the great hall till he found his parents having a conversation with some people.

"It was not a big deal, they failed. But even though they failed their objective, they have gained valuable information from it. Before the attempt, they thought I was weak and could get rid of me anytime. After their attempt? They caught a glimpse of how strong I have become! They are now wary of me and sees me as a threat. Aside from that, many elders have noticed my potential. They believe that I can surpass my sister and become the Sword Saint!"

Sabastian sighed before continuing.

"I overheard them talking. They think my swordsmanship is limiting my potential! They want me to give up on my swordsmanship and choose a suitable sword art to hone my skills further. They think I will become stronger if I discard my swordsmanship that doesn't kill and choose one that kills! The elders know, I will never listen to them or anyone and discard my path. But they can force me to discard my path on my own!"

After listening to Sabastian, Nyx narrowed her eyes and responded with a question.

"But that is not what's bothering you, is it my friend?"

Turning to Nyx, Sabastian asked Nyx.

"What do you think of my father?"

The sudden question caught her off guard!

Nyx replied honestly, "I don't know, from what you told me he's a loving parent and a great leader. I'm confused why the sudden question regarding your father? Is it your father?"

Nyx asked Sabastian.

"I love my father. He's a great parent, a loving father. But you see, my father Harold is different from the Sword Saint Harold and the leader of the Heilige family. There are three sides to my father."

"One, my father Harold Heilige. He loves my mother, me and my siblings. A perfect father anyone could ask for."

"Two, Harold Heilige the Sword Saint. He is different from my father. He is obsessed with the art of sword and is a battle maniac."

"Three, Harold Heilige the head of Heilige family. He is shrewd, ruthless, merciless, a scheming old man who always thinks of the family's best interest!"

"Sabastian..." Nyx softly murmured seeing the pained expression on her best friend's face.

"The Sword Saint is fascinated by my unorthodox skills that don't have any killing intent but he still feels I can do better. The head of the Heilige family agrees with the elders and thinks I'm wasting my talents and potential to become a Sword Saint. As for my father? He-"

Suddenly Sabastian was interrupted by someone.

Nyx and Sabastian were startled by the voice.

They didn't notice the person's presence at all!

"Harold Heilige loves his children dearly, he loves all of them equally. But he is after all a Sword Saint and the head of the Heilige family. When it comes to the Heilige family, he puts his personal feelings aside and does what is best for the family's interest."

Sabastian turned around and saw his older sister, Onyx before him.

"Harold's children are assured that he is not cruel and ruthless enough to kill his own children. But that doesn't mean he won't harm them."

"I'm sorry, Sabastian. I'm sorry, that you had to see that side of our father." Onyx hugged Sabastian to comfort his emotions.

"It's okay, sister. I always knew."