Clear Melting Shadows

The soldiers, along with the guards, stormed the brothel and were visibly shocked to see the massive demon dragging an overweight man with him. Valeria and Mortis, who were on their way to the basement, watched the soldiers and wondered at their startled reaction. Some of the guards and soldiers shouted at the demon Sergio to let him go. But to their great surprise, Mortis appeared with a sinister smile, which made the soldiers' blood run cold.

Mortis spoke in a serious, angry voice, "It seems that some of you know this gentleman here. That's just what I need, because there are already a few I'm looking for. If I were you, I would lay down my weapons now and wait for a captain or two to show up. Otherwise, your blood will stain these walls and the floor here."

The soldiers and guards were shocked, but they immediately put their weapons on the ground and took a step back. Meanwhile, the fat man was desperately trying to free himself from the demon's grip. Recognizing some of the soldiers, he called their names and shouted for help, which only made things easier for Mortis. With a sinister smile, he memorized every face the fat man revealed in his panic.

Valeria didn't want to wait. She would have preferred to rush to the cellar immediately to free the prisoners. But she understood that in this situation it could jeopardize the whole process. Besides, Mortis did not let go of her and stood protectively in front of her to make sure that none of the soldiers got any stupid ideas.

After a few moments, higher-ranking soldiers also arrived, including a captain and a general. The general initially roared loudly when he saw the soldiers standing there disarmed and petrified. But when he saw Mortis in the brothel, scowling, the general fell silent and swallowed hard. With his head down, he approached Mortis to understand what was going on.

Mortis stepped in front of the general and the soldiers and explained in terse words, "I am here because my wife was in distress. But to understand why she is here, you should ask her yourselves."

Valeria did not speak much, but she beckoned the general and the captain to join her, while some of the loyal soldiers followed them into the cellar. The general was shocked and angered by what he saw. He quickly acted with the captain and ordered the arrest of the men and women, including the witch who worked for Sergio.

When the general looked into one of the cages and recognized a young woman working as a waitress in his favorite inn, he was overcome with rage. He returned to the brothel and was about to vent his anger when he was attacked by some soldiers who were either involved in the machinations or simply tolerated them. But the general was a far more experienced fighter than these insurgents, and he defeated them with ease.

The general pointed his sword at the other soldiers, but they quickly dropped their weapons and surrendered when they saw the ease with which the general dealt with the traitors. The loyal soldiers, who were on the side of justice, arrested the traitors and could hardly believe what had just happened.

The general, Moritz, now trusted no one and briefly went to the study. There he activated a crystal to summon another general to hurry with his most loyal companions. Deeply dismayed, Moritz sat down on a sofa and wondered how such a thing could happen at all.

The general was deep in thought when he suddenly noticed a ghost woman in a dark corner of the room. She was sitting on two hooded men, and her presence almost scared him to death. But then Mortis entered the room with Valeria, and Valeria explained to him what she had seen and heard. The general listened intently and quickly took notes to record the information.

At that moment, General Max appeared with his loyal soldiers and asked in amazement what was going on.

General Max arrested all but the captain's troop, for they were all under suspicion. Above all, General Max was pleased with the arrest of the fat man and the two hooded men, for he was more than willing to get information from them. When he saw what was going on, he already had plans on how he would squeeze that information out of them.

Mortis provided a few more ghosts to keep a close eye on everything. Then he took a note and sent it to Lumina. Valeria looked at Mortis and asked what this letter was and to whom it was addressed. Mortis explained to her that it was a letter to Lumina to take a closer look at the prisoners and the drug tomorrow. He also informed her that he would not be coming home tonight, as an adventure awaited them.

Valeria curiously asked what adventure it was. Then Mortis pulled Valeria to him and gave her a kiss. Then he said, "Our adventure. If you want, I'll be happy to take you with me. The night is still long, let's see what we can find to make you happy." He tried to pull Valeria with him, but she didn't move. Instead, she pulled Mortis to her and said, "I'm happy when you're with me." She gave him a gentle kiss, then spoke softly, "You are my light in this world full of shadows. In your presence I feel alive and strong."

Valeria laughed shyly, and her smile was as brilliant as the brightest star in the sky. "Mortis, I want nothing more than to spend time with you, no matter what we do. The world can wait."

Hand in hand, they left the brothel and headed into the dark, mysterious night. Their love was their light in this darkness, and nothing could dim their bond.