Your Heart and My Heart on a String

His eyes grew wild as he spoke. "Think about it, Mr. Holmes! Isn’t tricking a god a challenge? Avalon’s Shadow is a blind spot for him. He won’t know anything that happens here. If you’re willing to work with me, we’ll definitely win! I’ll win freedom and you’ll win power! Isn’t it a double win?"

"You’re crazy." The youth in the fog sighed. "I’m sorry. I acknowledge your pride and motivation but please allow me to reject you." He did not use an auditory illusion this time; he spoke with his own voice. Perhaps this was respect, to some degree.

"No need to apologize." Naberius lowered his eyes. "I should be the one to apologize. I’ll use your respect to kill you." The aether around him swelled, ready to destroy the enemy with destructive power. However, the drop of blood that guided him suddenly began burning. It shone with a cold yet deadly light.