The Ethereal Serpent's Shadow

"Tell me the truth. You're bringing troublesome individuals on purpose, right?"

He saw Shepard's lips curl down, quivering in bitterness as disbelief painted his face in a dye of ghastly paleness.

"I didn't plan to bring her. She just popped out of nowhere and said she would join Selene. We can't let her! So, call for Julius while I handle her."

His hand tightened around Shepard's shoulder, and he offered him a gaze filled with all the solemnity he could muster to make him understand how terrible the situation would become if they failed.

His mentor nodded, turned into a cloud of smoke, and left the room at maximum speed.

Meanwhile, he noticed Gaston conversing with Elena without shame.

The bastard even made small jokes and shoved his delirious card game into the discussion.

"Tell me, my dear Elena, did someone ever pass you down a body part through a ritual? You might have created one yourself even if the chances are low."