The Inner Odyssey

Chapter 18 Void

Alden stared at Drakon and Swifty, barely keeping his composure in check.

He ground his teeth together, wondering how shameless the red-haired scout could be. Not only did he try to steal Ignia from him, but he also called for backup from an heir to one of the Four Clans.

An individual... who was notorious for his materialistic tendencies.

As he assessed Drakon's laid-back posture, Alden inwardly frowned.

He wondered why the Ember heir was so relaxed.

It was as if he was very confident of his success.

...Which was strange, considering no attempts to negotiate had even been made.

'That means he is either an arrogant fool, or he has something that could swing the discussion in his favour.'

Alden's frown deepened.

He did not like what he was seeing.

At all.

When he had opened the door, he was startled to find the Ember heir - Drakon being unmistakable in his fiery red robes symbolic of his clan, and his eye-catching pupils mixed with red, yellow, and orange hues - standing with the rapacious red-haired scout.

What's more, Drakon was also being genial and polite.

...Something which disturbed Alden greatly. It was extremely rare for that to happen.

The only times it did were when the Ember heir was either wary of the other person's status, or when he was scheming.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

In this case, it was probably a mixture of both.

However, Drakon was probably more likely afraid of upsetting Celeste and not him.

As he recalled the time spent in mandatory school during his youth, Alden's suspicion increased.

Raising his guard, he awaited Drakon's words that would begin the negotiation process.

Taking a sip of scorching mead, the red-robed heir seemed like he had all the time in the world as he slowly savoured the exotic drink.

"Ah, that hits the spot."

Alden suppressed his impatience, subtly biting his tongue.

Just when he felt the visitor would never speak, Drakon finally put down his drink and turned to face him, a small smirk on his lips.

Alden resisted the urge to twitch.

Across from him, Drakon slowly straightened, his gaze turning sharp.

"I'm sorry you went through such a rough ordeal. If I may, who is this demon you speak of, and what does it have to do with my family?"

Swifty pursed his lips and slowly lifted his finger.

"That demon..."

He paused.

"...is him."

And pointed at Alden.

***

"Al, is this true?"

Celeste bit her lips, inwardly startled by Swifty's admission.

While she had a distinct feeling that the story was a little embellished, the thought that her childhood friend could take a life so ruthlessly filled her with unease.

"It was self-defense."

Hearing Alden's unfazed reply, she unconsciously let out a sigh of relief.

"They attacked me first, seeking to end my life. I only did what I had to do to survive."

Celeste nodded.

"That seems fair."

Stroking Ignia softly, she was about to conclude the matter when Swifty suddenly spoke up.

"False! Anyone can see that you're biased!"

She bristled at the comment.

"Why? Do you disagree with his statement? Do you have any proof to back up your claims?"

Celeste tried to keep her tone neutral but failed.

Her brows furrowed further, as a sliver of annoyance leaked in her tone.

"Yes, I do!"

Taking another sip of scorching mead, Swifty sat up straighter and glared at Alden.

The scout seemed to draw strength from the alcoholic beverage, for just then he pointed an accusing finger at her childhood friend and growled.

"That demon... has a dangerous power belonging to the Void!"