章 10: CHAPTER#10:Risk
The air in the office grew tense, thick with an unspoken pressure. Erebus rested his forearms on the polished wooden desk, his sharp gaze fixed on the ominous letter before him. The black and gold seal was unmistakable—an imperial crest from the heart of the demon's realm. Few who received such letters returned unscathed, if they returned at all.
"That lunatic prince," Erebus muttered, his voice low and edged with frustration. "He won't loosen his grip on us after this disaster. I'd wager he's tightening the leash as we speak."
Leaning back in his chair, he scowled at the memory of the trap they'd walked into—a mission designed to fail. Across the desk, his aide, Jafar, studied the letter, then glanced at his master. The weariness in Erebus's expression was rare but undeniable.
"What could have caused such a rift?" Jafar mused aloud, more to himself than to anyone else. "How does a noble prince come to despise a former commoner so deeply?"
But the answer eluded him. Groaning, he gave up trying to solve the puzzle and instead leaned against the desk.
"Perhaps," he mumbled, his tone darkening, "I should just stuck my axe on his head."
Erebus slammed a calloused hand on the desk, making the wood groan under the force.
"Master, calm yourself," Jafar replied, his voice steady despite the outburst. "You'll reduce this desk to splinters if you're not careful."
"I'll calm down when I've driven a dagger through his black heart. I swear it, by the infernal depths of hell."
Before Jafar could offer a retort, a soft, lilting melody reached their ears, drifting through the night like an otherworldly echo. Both men froze, their tension momentarily replaced by curiosity.
"Who in the blazes is singing at this hour?" Erebus growled, his sharp hearing catching every note.
Jafar turned his head toward the hallway, his sharp eyes narrowing as he stepped toward the door. "There's no one here."
Erebus followed the sound to the window, pushing it open. The moonlight spilled into the room, illuminating his scarred face as he peered into the courtyard below. His gaze caught on a figure, her silken hair glowing under the full moon. The woman stood alone, her voice weaving a spell into the air.
"Well, well," Erebus murmured, a rare grin tugging at his lips. His fiery eyes locked onto her, and for a moment, the weight of the imperial threat faded.
"She's quite the singer," Jafar remarked, stepping beside his master. "And it seems she has caught your attention, of all people."
"Watch your tongue," Erebus shot back, though he didn't tear his gaze away.
Down in the courtyard, Luciana's song faltered as Leo, the small companion hound of the imperial household, padded onto the terrace. The creature circled her, its playful movements drawing a gentle smile from her lips.
"She can smile," Erebus muttered, more to himself than to Jafar.
"She's a woman, not a marble statue," Jafar quipped, his words rewarded with a venomous glare from his master.
But then, an idea took root in the aide's cunning mind—a reckless, absurd idea. One that could either save them all or seal their doom.
"You should marry her," Jafar declared.
Erebus spun around, his roar loud enough to shake the room. "What?!"
"Lower your voice, Master," Jafar winced, covering his ears. "The walls aren't soundproof, and I'd rather not have the entire estate hear your outrage."
"Marry her? That woman? That… creature?"
"Master, I'd appreciate it if you refrained from using such vulgarities to describe your future wife," Jafar deadpanned, his expression unfazed.
"You've lost your mind."
Erebus hurled a dagger at Jafar, who dodged with practiced ease, retreating to the upper floor.
"On the contrary, I'm perfectly sane," Jafar replied, his voice floating down from above. "Marriage to her could be the key to your success. Think about it—your revenge."
The mention of revenge made Erebus pause, his anger momentarily eclipsed by the cold, calculated hunger that had driven him for years.
"You're beginning to sound suspicious," Erebus said, narrowing his eyes as Jafar descended the stairs and knelt before him.
"I owe you my life, my lord," Jafar said solemnly. "You saved me and my sisters from hell itself. I would never betray you—not for wealth, not for power. My loyalty is absolute."
Erebus looked at him for a long moment, the truth evident in his aide's unwavering gaze.
"You could have just said you wanted revenge," Erebus muttered, turning away as the tips of his ears reddened slightly.
Jafar allowed himself a small smile. "There is one issue, though," Erebus admitted. "Would she even agree?"
"With the right terms in the contract, you could earn her trust," Jafar replied confidently.
"And what about that imperial bastard?" Erebus gestured to the letter, his tone sharp once more.
"Leave him to me," Jafar said, his smile turning devilish.
"That's too risky," Erebus snapped, his concern breaking through his usual cold exterior.
"I thought you enjoyed taking risks."
Erebus didn't respond immediately, his mind churning through the implications of such a plan. He knew the stakes—they weren't just gambling with his life but the safety of everyone under his command, including Luciana.
"Fine," he relented at last. "But on one condition."
"Name it, Master."
"If something goes wrong, you'll evacuate with the others. Leave me behind."
Jafar blinked, momentarily stunned by the uncharacteristic vulnerability in Erebus's voice. But he quickly regained his composure, smiling faintly.
"It's the easiest order you've ever given me," he lied.
"Liar."
Jafar shrugged, his expression turning impish. "Well then, shall I begin preparations for your wedding?"
"Don't make it extravagant," Erebus growled.
"Ah, but my lord, it's a once-in-a-lifetime event. Or are you perhaps—"
"Enough, Jafar," Erebus interrupted, his patience wearing thin. "We'll execute this plan before the imperial hounds catch our scent. No more delays."
"As you wish, my lord," Jafar said, his voice laced with mirth as he bowed. But beneath his humor, he couldn't deny the growing anticipation. The stakes had never been higher, and the game was just beginning.
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