Chapter-14

Kael slipped through the backdoor of the mansion like a shadow, his movements deliberate and silent. He skirted the perimeter of the grand estate, avoiding the watchful eyes of the maids who bustled about their duties. As he neared the front gate, he paused, his sharp gaze falling upon Lara and Neil standing just beyond the wrought-iron bars.

Neil's voice carried a tone of practiced indifference as he spoke. "So, do you understand what you have to buy?"

Lara's response was eager, her excitement barely contained. "Yes, yes! For the third time, I need to buy one kilogram of D-ranked Fihuana meat, a packet of salt, and some cooking oil, right?"

"Correct," Neil replied, his expression unreadable.

"Okay, I'll be back soon," Lara chirped, already turning on her heel and striding toward the market.

Kael waited a heartbeat before following, his steps measured and silent. He trailed her at a safe distance, his face a mask of seriousness, while Lara's smile radiated an almost childlike joy. The bustling market soon enveloped them, its cacophony of voices and clattering wares providing ample cover for Kael's pursuit.

Lara moved through the throng with purpose, bypassing stalls and vendors without so much as a glance. Kael's eyes narrowed as he realized her destination wasn't the market proper. She turned down Baker's Street, a narrow lane lined with quaint shops, and then, without warning, darted into a shadowy alley beside a dubious establishment. A weathered wooden sign above the door read: *TAROT READER.*

Kael's brow furrowed. "Where is she planning to go?" he muttered under his breath. His confusion deepened as he saw Lara pause near the alley's entrance, conversing with a burly man whose demeanor was anything but friendly.

Without hesitation, Kael slipped into the tarot reader's shop. The air inside was thick with the scent of incense, and the dim lighting cast long shadows across the room. A woman cloaked in a black robe, her face obscured by a hood, greeted him. Her wrists jangled with multicolored bangles, and her fingers were adorned with rings that caught the faint light.

"Welcome, customer," she intoned, her voice low and melodic. "Would you like me to read your cards for the modest sum of one copper?"

Kael's eyes flicked to the window, which offered a clear view of the alley. "Sure," he replied curtly, tossing a coin onto the counter. He moved to the window, his gaze fixed on Lara and the man outside. The woman began shuffling her deck of cards, the sound rhythmic and hypnotic.

"Draw a card, child," she instructed, holding the deck out to him.

Kael complied without looking, his attention still focused on the scene outside. Lara's expression was fraught with worry, while the man seemed agitated, his gestures sharp and impatient.

The woman took the card Kael had drawn, and her hands stilled. Her breath hitched, and for a moment, she seemed frozen. "I… I think we should draw again," she stammered, quickly tucking the card back into the deck and reshuffling.

Outside, the man's voice rose in anger. "I don't care! Have it done by tonight, or I won't save you anymore!" He turned to leave, but Lara lunged forward, grabbing his arm in desperation.

"Pick again," the woman urged, her voice trembling slightly as she presented the deck to Kael once more.

He drew another card, his movements mechanical. The woman's reaction was immediate—her eyes widened, and she muttered under her breath, "How is this possible? Again?"

Before she could recover, the man outside yanked Lara close and kissed her.

Kael's jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. A surge of inexplicable rage coursed through him, though he couldn't pinpoint its source.

"Choose again," the woman insisted, her voice now tinged with urgency.

Kael ignored her, his focus locked on Lara and the man as they parted ways. He turned to leave, but in his haste, he collided with the woman, sending her sprawling to the floor.

The deck of cards scattered, their faces hidden against the wooden planks—all except one. A single card lay face-up, a grotesque skull staring back at her. Beneath it, the word 'DEATH' was etched in bold, ominous letters.

The woman gasped, her hood falling back to reveal delicate elven features—pierced nose, green hair, and long, pointed ears. Her shock was palpable. "Three times in a row? How is this possible?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Lara was already heading back toward the mansion, but Kael's path diverged. He shadowed the muscular man instead, his steps deliberate and his expression grim.

The man—Tony—was soon accosted by an old acquaintance outside a bar. "Oi, Tony! Where are you off to? Come, have a drink with me!" the man called, his voice slurred with drink.

Tony laughed, clapping the man on the back. "Vermin, you old fool! How are you, my friend?"

"We kill him here, Leader ?" Agrisil asked in a low but excited tone.

"Too many eyes and guards... Can't risk killing him here." Kael replied calmly.

He watched from a distance, his hand slipping into his pocket where a small, white pill rested. Agrisil's voice, low and sly, whispered in his ear. "Use this, Leader. No one will suspect a thing."

Kael took a seat right next to Vermin and Tony outside the bar and started observing the pill.

[Name: Poisonous Pill]

[Description: Once added to a liquid the pill mixed immediately and produces no smell.

The target affected by the pill will start to experience the symptoms in 30 seconds, fast heartbeat, blood coming out of mouth, eyes, ears and nose. In just 10 seconds, the target will die a very painful.]

"Isn't that interesting ? Where did you get this pill from, Agrisil ?" Kael asked.

"Master, I extracted all the poison from the food that the girl gave you this morning and mixed it with some of my blood to form this pill. Hehehe..." Agrisil replied with an evil smile.

"Oi miss Bring me another- oh fuck !!!"

*THUD*

As Vermin slumped drunkenly from his chair, Kael seized the moment. He approached Tony's table, his movements smooth and unnoticed. With a flick of his wrist, the pill disappeared into Tony's mug, dissolving instantly.

Kael retreated to a nearby stall, his eyes never leaving his target. "Now, we wait for some entertainment." he murmured, a faint smile playing on his lips.