CHAPTER#31:The cat is out of the bag pt 2

Luciana met his gaze, her crystalline-white eyes reflecting the dim light of the chamber. The old man before her hesitated, his respect compelling him to avert his eyes.

"Madame..." He coughed lightly, gathering his thoughts. "What you ask of me is no simple task." His voice was cautious, measured.

"But it is not impossible," she countered, her tone firm yet persuasive.

He exhaled, scratching his bony cheek as he considered her request. "I can only try," he admitted. He did not want to see the light of hope in her eyes dim completely.

Luciana had anticipated his hesitation. "If you require anything to make it work, I will ensure you have it. Just… please, do what you can."

A faint smile tugged at the corners of the old man's lips. "It is the first time since your arrival that you have asked something of me, young madame. I would be remiss to deny you." He gave a small bow. "From this moment on, you may count on my service."

Luciana returned the gesture with a slight nod. "Then I leave it in your hands."

Their conversation was cut short by Mina's sharp cry.

"Ah! You found me already!"

Jafar chuckled, ruffling her thick ebony curls, which were tied back in a loose ponytail. "You're an easy target, that's why."

Mina pouted and swatted his hand away. "And where is the young master?"

Jafar sighed, shaking his head. "He's skilled at this game. I tried to find him, but he was nowhere to be seen."

Luciana's blood ran cold.

"Nemesis!"

She shot up from the rough wooden bench, her heart pounding.

"Madame?" The old man's voice carried a hint of concern.

She turned to him, her urgency sharp in her voice. "You mentioned this area is overgrown with poisonous vines. Are there any other toxic plants nearby?"

His face paled as realization struck. "There are a few… Ah!" His hands trembled. "Madame, if the young lord has wandered into those shrubs…"

Her heart clenched. "We need to find him. Now."

Mina and Jafar exchanged quick glances before setting off, alerting the other servants to join the search. Luciana, barely breathing, called out his name.

"Nemesis! Nemesis!"

A rustling sound came from the dense brush. The brittle snap of twigs underfoot. Voices—low and hushed—drifted through the hallway.

Luciana stilled, her ears straining to catch the words.

"Come on now, some lord in the wild wouldn't know what kind of stuff we're selling him."

A gruff voice.

"Do you understand what happens if he finds out we've been selling him dregs? He'll have our heads."

This one was deeper, older.

"Keep your voice down, you fool! If anyone hears—"

"We just need to win him over, get him to send soldiers with us to the capital. That's all."

"What's the point? He's just a beggar lord, sitting on a pile of rocks and barren land. I know men like him. Easy to fool."

"Easy? You think so? Have you seen him? He's a beast—he reeks of blood. He looks like he enjoys the slaughter."

"Enough about him. Let's just finish up here and leave before I suffocate in this place."

Luciana tightened her hold on Nemesis, instinctively covering his mouth to keep him from making a sound. Her pulse hammered against her ribs. Did I just uncover a conspiracy?

She listened intently until the voices faded into silence.

"They're gone… I hope."

Just as she exhaled in relief, a voice whispered behind her.

"Milady?"

She gasped, barely stifling a cry.

"J-Jafar?"

"Apologies." He knelt beside her, extending a steadying hand. "I didn't mean to startle you." His eyes flicked to Nemesis. "I see you've found the young master."

"Yes," she whispered, still trying to calm herself. She met his gaze. "How long… how long were you standing there?"

His usual smile faltered. "Since you found the young lord, milady."

Her stomach twisted. "Then…"

He nodded grimly. "I heard them too. Not everything, but enough." His fingers pressed lightly against the bridge of his nose. "I should inform the master at once."

Luciana's grip tightened around Nemesis. "Wait, Sir Jafar."

He hesitated. "Milady?"

"Let me handle this matter."

His brows furrowed. "You will?"

"As mistress of this fortress, it is my duty. I want to see it through myself." She took a steady breath. "But if things take a turn for the worse… then you may tell my husband."

Jafar studied her for a moment before giving a slow nod. "As you wish."

Gathering Nemesis in her arms, Luciana turned back toward the old man. Derran was still crouched among the bushes, his frail body shifting through the undergrowth.

"Young master!" His voice wavered with worry.

Jafar stepped forward. "Sir, the young lord is safe."

Derran turned, his weathered face lighting up in relief. "Oh, gracious me. Thank the heavens."

Luciana smiled. "Nemesis, thank him. He was worried about you."

The child peeked from behind her shoulder. "Th-ank you," he mumbled before burying his face in her collar once more.

Derran chuckled warmly.

Before turning to leave, Luciana looked at the old man once more. "Mister Derran… it may be sudden, but could you have the medicine ready by tomorrow?"

The old physician straightened, nodding firmly. "This old man will do his best to meet yer demand."

She nodded. "You will be rewarded. I promise."

As she stepped away, a familiar presence sent a shiver down her spine. Her eyes drifted to the far end of the corridor.

Erebus.

His towering figure loomed near the entrance, his dark gaze locked onto her. The air between them grew thick, almost suffocating. Luciana stiffened, memories of that morning flashing through her mind. Heat crept up her neck.

"Dada?"

Nemesis's small voice broke the tension.

Luciana flinched.

The boy wiggled out of her arms and, without hesitation, ran toward Erebus.

"N-Nemesis!" she called after him, panic rising in her chest.

The boy reached him, wrapping his small arms around the demon lord's blood-streaked leg. Erebus stood frozen, his body rigid.

Mina and Jafar watched with misty eyes. "The young master recognizes the lord as his father… how touching," Mina sniffled.

Luciana held her breath, waiting.

Would Erebus reject him?

Or would he… accept him?