It was because of that...?

Erik's footsteps echoed through the corridors of the Red Palace. As he walked, he couldn't shake off the unease that had settled in his gut since he learned about Karl's and Natasha's deaths; there was something weird about the matter.

The post-training journey to his room seemed longer than usual as his mind raced with thoughts of the possible assassins who could have been responsible for Nathaniel's demise.

He considered the Crystal Cross Gang, the Mambas, some random thug on the street, or someone specifically targeting them. The list of potential suspects was long, to be honest, but what was more mysterious was the reason why this happened, and Erik's mind spun with theories and suspicions.