บท 14: Chapter XIII — Inferior

"Mademoiselle LeBlanc?"

Without so much as a glance up from the photoshoot script in her hands, the French model that sat on a makeup artist chair hummed in response to her manager calling out to her, indicating for the latter to continue on.

"You have an urgent call-"

"Noémie, if it's regarding Poiret's winter line, Là Neigé, again, tell them unless they're changing their marketing strategy, my answer is still non. Because, there is no way I am laying nu-"

"It is not them, Mademoiselle."

She cocked her head inquisitively at her manager.

"She says her name is Cassandra. Cassandra di Nox."

Valèrie LeBlanc froze before she looked up at her manager with an astonished expression, brows raised.

.....

There are not many instances where Jayden was as confused as he was now. All the while, in Lucifer's steel grey eyes, something akin to sinister mirth danced in them.

There was a knock that broke the tense silence. Jayden turned to it then turned back when he was spoken to.

"Now, shall we discuss the project phases, Alpha?"

Lucifer asked, and on cue, the door to the office swung open and a man in a secretarial suit entered and greeted with a curtsy of a bow.

With brows drawn together, Jayden's mind raced as he reached out, almost unsurely, for the document handed to him by the man and began to scan through it. All the while, looking up in between, just in time to see Lucifer receive a similar document and dismiss the secretary.

"Ren de Lorwth's...the last..." The familiarity of the document in his hand spoke volumes for Jayden.

Yet, there was no answer from the Prince of Hell — no, the man before was no longer simply just a prince of the Underworld, in front of him was one of the most powerful and ruthless businessman known and revered in the financial world.

He had heard stories of the one behind the Ren de Lorwth Conglomerate, how he had appeared out of nowhere seven years ago and took the market and corporate world by storm in mere months of his emergence. But not once was he seen in public nor had any media company been able to get an exclusive interview with him. Some even believed such an existence behind the Ren de Lorwth Group to be a myth since there was no way it was possible that no photographs, no dating gossips, no scandals surrounded this figure either, not even a full name was known...In short, a complete enigmatic mystery. And now Jayden knew the reason; the answer stood right before him.

"No way...you can't be..." Jayden shook his head in disbelief, far from accepting it.

The Prince of Hell hummed, shooting a cold yet arrogant thin-lipped smirk at the Alpha that set the latter on edge.

"Denial like for all other things. Do you know of anagrams, Alpha?"

Thrown off guard at the sudden switch in topic, Jayden's expression morphed into one that clearly displayed his confusion. But Lucifer didn't bother elaborating, and there was a beat of silence before Jayden demanded.

"Why?"

With eyes narrowed in suspicion, Jayden studied the Prince of Hell. Looking up from the documents, the latter's sultry gaze fell on him lazily. A brief second of contemplation and Lucifer decided to supply the Alpha with an answer.

"We're not children, Alpha. This is business. You are looking for strong stakeholders to support the Lilium Group's future projects and I wish to expand into the Engineering and Construction Industry. Yours happen to be the best there is presently. Letting such a lucrative proposal escape me would be ridiculous."

It was true. The offer was indeed extremely lucrative. The contract terms drawn up undoubtably benefitted both parties. It was clear that the Lilium Group would generate tremendous profits if the deal pulled through and was successful. Jayden had held out from accepting all the other companies who had reached out to them after the bid three weeks ago and expressed their desire for a partnership because he had yet to hear from one last group which had been the one he had highly hoped Lilium would be able to secure as a stakeholder for the project — the Ren de Lorwth Conglomerate Group.

Jayden watched the man before him, extremely wary. Even close to believing — entertaining the idea that, the whole business deal was a sham — a trick to make him lose everything just for revenge for what happened with Cassandra. And as if reading Jayden's thoughts, Lucifer's smirk grew, and he spoke.

"Looking for a catch? A trap perhaps? You truly do think highly of yourself, don't you, lycan?"

Jayden stiffened at the cold smirk that seemed to taunt him. He felt his wolf rise, growing agitated and not liking being laughed at in the slightest.

"The skepticism, distrust, and above all jealousy and anger. You wear those emotions on your sleeve, plain as day for all to see, Alpha. You wish to know what kind of past we share, including Alderidge. How it is possible. Even considering the possibility of winning her over."

By then, Jayden had realised where the abundance of arrogance and pride stemmed from — the Prince of Hell did not even consider him as a love rival nor a threat at all.

However, did this over-confidence stem from blind pride?

No, this wasn't just brash arrogance; it wasn't just Lucifer's sin that would not allow him to acknowledge him as a rival nor had it to do being blood bound. There was something else; something that ran much deeper. It was together with the faith he had in whatever unshakeable bond and relationship he shared with her; his unwavering faith in Cassandra.

But again, this in itself was also his form of revenge; a provocation — no matter how indirect — with an underlying meaning that thwarts Jayden on all fronts.

Because, there was no other way to deny it — it was business, for Jayden to turn down what would have been the most logical of partnerships because of jealousy or whatever clouded emotions, would only prove and show an immaturity and pettiness level of a child in an Alpha whom is entrusted with leading a pack of hundreds of its kind. And calling it unbecoming was a severe understatement.

We're not children, Alpha. This is business.

As if to further emphasise the difference between them, the contrast lies in the fact that Lucifer had successfully made it seem that he was able to look pass the incident; intentionally or unintentionally, pride or not.

Therefore, even though the only logical solution which was to accept the partnership — as there was no reason to refuse it, working with the conglomerate group, felt like a complete defeat in itself altogether.

But there was nothing to be done about it. The manipulation itself was without the slightest underhanded method, that Jayden doubted it could be considered as one. He had been forced into a corner, entrapped to make a decision he deep down wished he didn't have to. A partnership with someone whom his wolf loathed and wanted nothing more than to rip to shreds. That was the frustration to it all.

Jayden gritted his teeth. The Alpha in him clawing to be released at the sight of the cold and calculating smirk.

...

"Loups? Huh, is this the right place?...But this is certainly a lot you don't see every other day."

The comment came from the platinum beauty that appeared from the shadows before them. Having removed her cloak upon stepping out of the glowing blue teleportation circle, she gazed around the living area and took in its occupants. The French accent that intruded her speech and lingered softly at the end of her words was unmistakable.

"High Priestess Valèrie." Rosalieé greets, surprise colouring her voice.

Valèrie's ice blue eyes shot to Rosalieé whom had addressed her.

"Sister Rosalieé? Or is it Priestess now? It must be Priestess." Valèrie murmured the last part, cocking her head to the side.

"High Priestess Valèrie." Rosalieé bowed her head in respect and curtsied, "I, Priestess Rosalieé Carson-Grey, third daughter of the Carson Family, greet you."

"Likewise. You must be the Lilium Pack then." Valèrie smiled and deduced confidently as she turned to the werewolves present.

"There are not many of us who have found mates in werewolf packs, much less a major pack like Lilium. And one to hail from the House of Carson is not unknown to us." Valèrie proceeded to explain at the flicker of surprise in their eyes, smiling at a blushing Rosalieé.

Dylan nodded, taking that as his cue to step forward, seeing as in the absence of his Alpha, he greeted the Black Witch respectfully as representative.

"High Priestess Valèrie, I'm Dylan Fernandes, Beta of Lilium. And this is Gamma Lucas Grey and Victoria MacKenzie."

They each took turns shaking her hand as they were introduced.

"Valèrie LeBlanc. Pleasure to make your acquaintance."

A spark of recognition flickered in Victoria's eyes; at once realising why the face was familiar but haven't been able to put a finger on it till she heard her last name.

"Wait, you're the Valèrie LeBlanc?! The famous French model? As in the fashion icon and face of Enchanté?! One of the well-known figures in haute couture?!?"

Dylan and Lucas both did double takes — they too recognised the renowned French fashion brand that reigned the haut monde.

She flashed the astonished Victoria, a blinding smile, replying, "The one and only."

"If you're a witch...then...Enchanté's fashion designer Raquelle LeBlanc..."

At Victoria's bewildered expression as she trailed off unsurely, the others watched the platinum blonde beauty laugh lightheartedly.

"That would be my mother. So naturally yes, she is also a witch."

"The House of LeBlanc has always had a prominent presence in France's fashion industry, they expanded into the perfume and fragrant industry. It was around the eighteenth century, they had ventured into business and because of their ability to produce the most unique and alluring of fragrances — hence, contributing to the success of Enchanté." Rosalieé supplies helpfully and giggled at Victoria whom was now gaping.

"So like modern day chemists." Lucas concluded.

"Sounds about right, a witch family of master chemists." Dylan nodded absently in agreement.

At that, Valèrie and Rosalieé exchanged glances, smiling and throwing their heads back and laughing mirthfully, finding the comparison comically accurate.

"Well, in the Covens, they are most revered for their specialisation in potions and posions."

"My father is also a chemist so essentially, yes, you could say that. But anyway, is-"

"High Priestess Valèrie."

All occupants in the meeting room turned to the source of the clear voice that rang out.

"You need not have come here in person." She may have said so, but there was not an ounce of unwelcome in Cassandra's tone. In fact, it seemed devoid of any emotion.

"Well if it isn't High Priestess Cassandra," Valèrie said, with a coy smirk, "A summon from the great High Priestess Cassandra di Nox, requesting my help for something — not to mention, one of such queer nature at that. And after going AWOL on all of us for five years — no one has seen you since after the Wiccan Exam you took, what is there about it that's not to see in person?"

Cassandra stiffens at the mention and the werewolves present were left wondering what Valèrie had meant about the five year absence. The tinge of bitterness in Valèrie's voice was almost undetectable but for those such as the fellow white witch present whom was aware of the two's history, it was not missed and nor was the stiffness in the exchange that followed though it was subtle.

"Valèrie LeBlanc of the House of LeBlanc, greet you, High Priestess Cassandra di Nox."

Valèrie's curtesy earned her a nod of acknowledgement from Cassandra.

Meanwhile, Rosalieé was frowning as her mind raced to piece together Valèrie's appearance on request of assistance by Cassandra.

It was rare for the latter require help for anything, considering her high capabilities in almost everything. In addition, to turn to Valèrie, whom had always considered Cassandra a rival of sorts ever since their first year at the Institute, and competed with her in almost everything; from grades to duels to social standings. Though, it was mostly a one-sided competition.

Having hailed from the esteemed House of LeBlanc which even among the numerous families of black witches in the Covens, were distinctly notable, Valèrie herself had been a very promising student of the Institute and over the years turned out to be an exceedingly skilled and powerful black witch in her own right. She was highly ambitious and had continuously strived to excel, given that as the only child of High Priestess Raquelle LeBlanc and famous French chemist Devereaux Fleming, she was set to succeed as the sole head to the House of LeBlanc.

Working exceptionally hard, her grades had also been top of the class. However, try as she might, she had never once been able to surpass a descendant of the House of di Nox, leaving her to feel as if she were forever chasing after Cassandra's shadow during their years at the Institute.

Cassandra was, of course well-aware of it, not that Valèrie herself had made much of an effort to keep it a secret either.

Unless, Rosalieé thought process drawed to a halt as she observed her two Coven sisters, one of whom had a stiff posture and expression while the other stared back with an extremely blank one.

In the Covens, they are most revered for their specialisation in potions and posions. Her own words echoed in her mind.

"The room required has been prepared."

Rosalieé gathered her courage.

"Um...High Priestess Cassandra..." Rosalieé began.

Cassandra had expected this as she turned to Rosalieé whom had spoken up and upon seeing her internal conflict to ask further unsurely of whether she would be crossing a line she was not supposed to, the black witch made a decision.

She addressed the werewolves present. "Will you excuse us, there is a matter at hand I must discuss with my Coven sisters in private. Priestess Rosalieé, do join us in the suite down the hall when you are ready."

With that, she turned and swept out of the living room while Valèrie gave them one last glance and a nod of departure before following her fellow Coven sister.

It was silent for a beat until Rosalieé snapped out of it, letting go of Lucas's hand and excused herself saying, "I'll be right back," with an apologetic expression and hurried after them.

The wolves simply watched the retreating backs of the three witches of the Covens in the silence that once again descended on the room.

....

"I have received word that a potential witchling is being sold in a blood auction held tomorrow night." Cassandra began immediately once Rosalieé had closed the door behind her.

It was straightforward and to the point. There was no beating around the bush — no, time was crucial here and they had none to waste. Cassandra wanted to begin as soon as possible. Both Valèrie's and Rosalieé's eyes widened at the news.

"Auction," Valèrie's voice came out in a whisper of disbelief, "Wait, don't tell me the potion is..."

"A blood auction held by the vampires?!" Rosalieé clarified with shock akin to horror.

Cassandra nodded grimly.

"I'll be carrying out the extraction, therefore, I'll be needing the potion that can mask-"

"Why do we not contact High Priestess Hajime-"

"Because the Ootori Clan belongs to the anti-human slavery faction, asking the Earl Akabane to intervene or request an invitation to the auction — regardless of assisting us or not — would be putting him in a difficult position not only in the Ootori Clan but by extent the vampire community. Hence with that said, shouldn't the help of Claudius von Steins be a more viable option for such an operation?" Valèrie cut in, she saw Cassandra's reasoning for not reaching out to their fellow Coven sister whom had ties with the vampire society.

Rosalieé grimaces at the mention of the vampire who was — for lack of a better word — missing-in-action while she watched Cassandra close her eyes and sigh heavily, looking almost as if she was refraining from pinching the bridge of her nose. Because Valèrie had put forth a valid point, the von Steins Clan despite having never participated in a blood auction before, was a neutral faction. For centuries, as old as blood auctions have taken place, the von Steins Clan alongside the Campbell Clan has neither supported nor openly condemned the blood auctions and blood slavery done by their peers. Hence, it would not hurt much if the von Steins Clan were to make an appearance at the auction, but as for participating in it....

"Claudius is...unavailable at the moment."

Valèrie frowned at their respective reactions and the answer she received, but did not question further, allowing Cassandra to continue. It seems his absence was linked and had intertwining involvement with the werewolves. Alas, it was unimportant to the pressing matter at hand.

"I will be infiltrating the event with a potion designed to mask my magic, scent and identity as a witch of the Covens. Which I will require your assistance in making."

Valèrie nodded her affirmation to the instruction and said, "But I'm coming with as well."

Seeing as Cassandra was immediately about to shut down the idea, Rosalieé hurriedly cut in.

"Yes, High Priestess Cassandra, let us help you. We can't simply standby knowing a witchling is going to be auctioned off nor watch a fellow Coven sister head into a such a dangerous place to save her with no back up. Not while we are now aware of it. Please allow us to help you." Rosalieé pleaded.

Cassandra's disapproving look incited further protests from her fellow sisters.

"It's the equivalent of waltzing straight into the lion's den. Those auctions are crawling with those arrogant aristocratic bastards who have no care for human rights. Going alone even with a potion to mask your presence and a well thought-out plan is absolutely suicidal, Cassandra! Who knows what they would do if you are discovered and that is only if. They won't be overlooking it that easily too. It's trespassing! Not to mention, if anything happens to you, the heir apparent and last remai-"

The room's temperature dropped abruptly and the air crackled as a sudden wave of black energy was unleashed, enveloping the whole room in darkness. But Valeriè LeBlanc refused to back down in the face of Cassandra di Nox's deadly glare and unprecedented fury. Despite it cutting her off before she could finish, the former met it head on with her own hardened glare, unyielding.

There was pin drop silence as the palpable tension increased exponentially. The distorted shadows formed against the only source of light which were the meek, flickering candles that looked about to be put out any moment. It was incredibly controlled, restrained; just shy of plunging the room into complete darkness.

Rosalieé felt her palms sweat as her eyes flitted back and forth nervously between the two black witches before her. She fought to keep her composure in the atmosphere that was growing terrifyingly forbidding by the second.

"Rose?!"

Lucas's voice came through the mind-link, bordering on panic and alarm. Rosalieé grimaced inwardly; it was either his wolf had a sixth sense of detecting his mate was in danger or that she had unintentionally allowed the trepidation and how rattled she felt to trickle through their bond.

"I'm fine, Lucas." She hurriedly assured her mate.

"What-"

"I'm sorry. I'll explain later." She cut him off with a quick apology before blocking him out — abating the rest of his worries would have to wait, she had to defuse the volatile situation in front her first before it could worsen. She dared not use her own white magic as she knew not only would she fail to overpower the dark energy but it might also potentially cause an adverse reaction; provoking Cassandra further. The feeling was akin to dealing with a ticking time bomb that could blow with one wrong move made.

Swallowing, Rosalieé cleared her throat.

"It- it is not we do not believe- What High Priestess Valèrie is trying to say is that this is as much of your duty as it is ours. Please let us go with you, High Priestess Cassandra."

A beat passed before the black energy and shadows that loomed over the whole room receded in quickly. And in the blink of an eye, the usual emotionless mask Cassandra wore was back.

The atmosphere in the room returned to its reasonably normal levels, the tension dissipating along with it, making it finally easier to breathe again for Rosalieé that she nearly wanted to let out a sigh of relief but held herself back. An uneasiness still lingered. Clearly, the situation required careful treading.

"Begin the preparations at once. However, you understand why you cannot attend, do you not, Priestess Rosalieé?"

Bearing the scent and mark of a werewolf mate, there was no way Rosalieé could enter the auction without being discovered instantaneously for no amount of magic potion can hide it.

Seeing it indisputable, Rosalieé complied with a respectful bow of her head, "I will assist High Priestess Valèrie in the preparations for the potion, if you would allow me, High Priestess Cassandra."

She had looked to Valèrie whom met eyes and gave a nod. And both looked to Cassandra, whom pursed her lips briefly before saying, "Prepare the potion to conceal werewolves as rogues. In the event that it will be used, warn them the spell will break if they shift. But tell them nothing of the extraction."

....

Dylan watched the highly agitated Gamma whom was pacing back and forth in front of him, chewing his thumb.

The two best friends had been seated across from each other at the long wooden table, conversing about the general affairs of the whole situation when Lucas had shot up in a sudden panic, eyes glazing over. Not another second later, he had began moving towards the door of the suite with a hastened speed.

Dylan followed, having deduced it had to be Rosalieé he was mind-linking with, but not knowing the exact reason that could get his good friend into such a frenzy.

Lucas's hand froze on the door handle, and then turned very gradually after a moment to face his best friend and Dylan could see him gripping it tightly till his knuckles were white.

Their eyes met, and Dylan raised a brow, prompting Lucas to follow up with an explanation, which he started slowly.

"Rose she...Our bond- There was this unsettling feeling — fear — like she was in some kind of imminent danger. Even now, it's still there. She told me she's fine. But she's controlling it, keeping it at bay. I can't even feel much of it. But there was- it was only an instant but I definitely felt it — the inexplicable fear she felt amplified in that instant through our mate bond."

The struggle Lucas was facing, not to dash out of the suite and burst into the other that Rosalieé was in, was apparent. Dylan could tell he was fighting to hold himself back and it was killing him not knowing what kind of situation his mate was in. The witches had sealed the whole suite they had entered in a full-proof spell that prevented anything from getting out, including any sound — they had found out when they attempted to listen in with their werewolf hearing — and evidently, magic as well.

"Like a spike?"

Lucas nodded, "Then it just quelled but didn't go away. Like...the feeling of an active volcano just waiting to erupt."

Dylan's brows furrowed. It was hard to think any Coven witch would harm another, even unintentionally and especially for the ones in the room whom were all trained and high-skilled in controlling their powers.

What was going on in that room?