Subterfuge of a prey

The crackling sound of leaves breaking and heels tapping upon the flagstone walkway disrupts the solemn atmosphere within the Woodrealm. Orange-hue light passes through the tall trees bathing the entire grove in gold. Two ladies can be seen treading deep within. One is clad in blue, and one in black, both of them marches towards the heart of the mysterious place.

Eve continued to step towards the wooden pavilion not far away and was fascinated by the scenery.

The Ruins is indeed an out-of-a-fairytale sight to see.

Right after reaching the pavilion, Eve felt a sharp sensation on her flank.

She narrowed her eyes, grinned but kept silent.

She has been waiting for a long time for Ada to take action. To think she'll move at the very end, she almost got distracted and believed they really went out just for a walk.

" Miss Tang, I advise you not to make any unnecessary movements. My hand may slip and cut your delicate skin, you see. " The gentle voice has turned into a malicious one.

Eve remained still. She was anticipating what other stunts Ada will pull.

In all honesty, she has been looking forward to this day. She thought that since she can't watch a thrilling play, she might as well create one to enliven her dull days. She envisioned if it will simply be an exchange of poisonous tirades. It would be better if it involves some action or shed some blood. It was interesting that she can't wait for it to start. Anyway, she isn't as empty-handed as she was first abducted so she'll be fine. Besides, thinking that she can finally use her little toys made her more excited.

" Are you scared, my lady?" Ada squinted her eyes and started chuckling.

" Oh, Miss Tang, I've wanted to cut your face the moment I saw you. It's just a pity because I was told not to ruin that beautiful face of yours."

She gripped Eve's shoulder, burying her nails deep into her skin. Her hand holding the dagger was also pushed further in her dress.

" I wonder how pitiful you'll be once they are done with you."

" Just imagining how they'll play with you and torture you makes me so happy. I wish I can watch as they ruin you."

Ada put her lips near Eve's ear and whispered.

" Miss Tang, you're going to wish for death in that place. "

Then she cocked her head and roared. Her horrendous laughter echoed within the grove.

" Why don't you talk? Are you that frightened you've become mute?"

" Hurry and open that mouth of yours and enjoy it while it's still working properly."

She moved in front to better appreciate the cornered lass's terrified look but was irritated that she was apathetic though and through. That unperturbed appearance is what she despises the most. She felt like a jumping clown in the presence of a majestic princess. She gripped the dagger tighter, and her thirst to toss the vexatious girl magnified. Who told her to always act like she's high and above? That annoying face and background made her irritated just thinking of it. Does she think she's perfect just because of that?

" Do you think you're perfect just because Xaphael treats you differently? You're wrong! If it weren't for your family name, who would look at you?"

She continued barking like a rabid dog, spouting how infuriating it was to endure being her servant. That if it weren't for the higher up's command to continue observing her, she would have poisoned her the very first day. Then she stated how frustrating it was to watch her and El become closer to each other. That he had never tolerated any female to be near him, and even the maids only get to work on the castle but can't approach him. His close servants were all male, so his tolerance towards Eve shattered that reality and made her blood boil.

Eve watched Ada's face become distorted with resentment as she complained of El's heartlessness. That she has been serving him for five years yet has not spared a single glance. If it weren't for serving Eve, she wouldn't be able to appear in his peripheral view.

Initially, Ada was waiting for a chance to please him, believing that she can win him with loyalty even if she's a mere servant. But it has all gone to waste! Eve's presence slapped her the reality that no matter how sincere she was, she'll never be able to win him because of her lack of power. That cognition finally fueled her to accept that person's offer. Since she can't be appreciated here, she might as well sell her fealty. What's more, the only task is to lure out the guest. Of course, she was more than happy to send the pest to the jackal's mouth.

Ada scrutinized Eve who acts nothing like being threatened. She remains calm and collected like the noble lady that she is. The sourness in her heart overflowed.

" Why!? Why only look at you? I've been loyal to him for years, yet he won't notice me!" Ada gritted her teeth, her eyes scorching with malice and hate. She can't wait to stab Eve to death.

( Well, maybe because you're ugly?) Eve thoughtfully responded in her head.

( Host! I beg you not to say that! If she gets more agitated, she'll stab you for real!) Halfsie was frantic as it watched the dangerous situation unfold. It was even more scared to see how nonchalant the host is. Doesn't she know she may really die?

[Oh wait, she won't die. But still!] Thinking of the incoming delayed progress if she gets injured, it urged the host.

( Host, if you get injured again, you'll have to stay in the hospital for a while.)

( Well, that doesn't sound bad.)

If a simple cut is a payment for enjoying Ada's fantastic display of human heart grotesqueness, then she doesn't mind. She finds it delightful how distorted Ada's face becomes due to immense hostility. Besides, it's not like she'll allow the fool to hurt her for real. But she won't elaborate that to the furball. It's quite taxing to explain after all.

Halfsie almost uprooted its fur.

[Host! Come on, you're about to be stabbed!]

Blame it on her devil-may-care soul who yearns for thrilling drama! It had long warned her that Ada is a scheming person whose evil stats shoots up like a rocket in her presence, but she still fell for it. Anticipated it even! She even said it's fun to know that her presence is like a switch that boosts the other's wickedness like a rocket launcher.

( Host, if you poke her again she might stab your face and you'll have to live all your life being disfigured!)

Eve narrowed her eyes. A dangerous aura emanated from her.

" I said talk! Did you seduce him!? I knew it! You're just a whore, are you?! Acting as the perfect lady but you're nothing but a pretentious slut!" Her screeching voice can destroy eardrums.

Eve threw her a stern look and finally spoke.

" Your breath stinks."

Ada could not believe what she just heard.

" What did you say!?"

" I said, just a little bit more and your breath can cause natural decay. You'll be a living weapon, huh."

Ada's eyes turned scarlet. How dare she? She lifted the dagger wanting to slit her mouth, but before she could, the sound of a ringing phone doused her spirit.

She cursed realizing she almost kissed her money goodbye. Good thing they called or else she may ruin the deal herself. Though she desired so badly to ruin that face but her desire for the reward is greater. Anyway, she'll be living in hell soon while she'll be a rich lady who'll tour the world. Thinking of such a bargain, she smirked.

The dagger pointing at Eve's abdomen was lifted slowly, running upwards towards her neck. Ada picked up the phone and warned her with a glare.

" I have her. You should intercept us as planned. "

" Heh, you underestimated me. Remember to prepare my reward."

" You don't have to remind me! As I said, I won't spoil her face."

She scowled, dropped the call, glared once more at Eve.

" Tsk! You're a lucky bitch." Ada went behind her again and urged her to move forward.

" Start walking, princess." She chuckled. No matter, she's destined for a more gruesome fate.

( Host, what are you doing? You should run! You're about to be kidnapped!) The furball is on tenterhooks now. Not only is the host at threats of injury, but she's about to set sail further away from the target.

( I'm waiting.)

( Waiting for what? Rescue? ) Then it recalled a scene earlier and was enlightened.

[Oh. The host is good.] It felt proud. That's right, as the she-devil, she shouldn't be bossed around by the little ones.

Then it rubbed its hands together, eagerly waiting for the next scene.

While walking, Ada did not stop cussing over and enumerating how sorry her state will be. Her mouth spouted nothing but distasteful words.

Eve, on the other hand, was counting. When the right moment came, she halted.

Ada also stopped and noticed the girl shudder. Somehow she became elated. Maybe she's crying after all that emotional abuse. It would be lovely to see her breakdown.

" Are you cryi-"

" Ada."

Ada was taken aback. She can't move. Even her hand holding the dagger was paralyzed in place. She can't even widen her eyes to show how shocked she was.

She watched the shuddering girl turn around and look at her with such a gentle expression. She wasn't shivering in fear but stifling her laughter. For a moment, she felt panicked but can only watch as the other beam so beautifully.

With a gentle push of her finger, Ada plopped down. There was no resistance whatsoever. She fell like an egg pushed off from a nest. Fortunately, they have long passed the edge of the pathway and were treading through the grass. If not, just the impact would crack her skull.

Eve trotted beside Ada, looking at her from above. She wasn't watching her condescendingly but earnestly examining her. There was even a tinge of disappointment in those blue eyes of hers. Disappointment? Why? Is it because all that getting along together was all pretense?

" It's too bad, but the play has got to end now."

She fixed her long hair behind her ear and continued.

" To show my appreciation, I'll answer your questions earlier."

" Yes, I seduced your Master, but he's quite hard to get." She sighed, complaining as if it's a trivial thing.

" And I just don't think because I am perfect."

Ada was so pissed off she glared at her with all her might. She also struggled to insult her once more but can only pathetically mumble the word "slut".

The smile on Eve's lips faded as she narrowed her eyes.

" We really need to fix that mouth."

***

Xaphael was reading some documents when his phone rang.

He glanced at the caller and furrowed his brows.

[ She even managed to insert her photo in the caller ID, huh.]

Remembering the scene before when he found his mobile background and homescreen changed into her picture, he found it amusing. That time he confronted her, asking how she managed to do so without him noticing. She only looked at him as if he's talking pure nonsense and answered matter-of-factly that that's the way it should be. She stated that seeing her face frequently will make him covet her or something like that. Of course, he changed it back but found out that it defaulted back to her picture the next day. He almost got a heart attack. It's a good thing he knew well that she isn't interested in anything beyond thirsting over him and being a gluttonous sloth. In any case, the breach of security was nothing beyond that. He only took it as a non-ending prank and somehow got used to it. He even gave up changing his phone settings.

" Eve." He massaged his forehead pondering what the lass is pulling now.

" El, send your men to the eastern wall. In no more than fifteen minutes, your gifts will arrive."

" What are you talking about?"

" I caught a blond rat and a mischief outside the estate." Her melodious chuckle reached his ears.

" You should reward me later, alright?"

Xaphael gripped his mobile, almost crushing it.

" Are you injured?"

" No."

" Where are you?"

" Ruins."

" I'll be there soon."

She giggled once again, and sweetly responded.

" I'll wait."

When the call ended, he summoned the butler with a roar.

Balin almost suffocated when he entered the study. The master's eyes were scary; he didn't even want to look at him directly.