Chapter 35: A Performance in Blood

  Cassian tapped his fingers against the polished wooden table, his thoughts still tangled in the mystery of Liana.

  Not in the diary.

  Not in the academy.

  Not in any record.

  Yet, Sky had met her.

  And Starfall had said she was "important to the family."

  Cassian exhaled through his nose. "This could complicate things… If she was truly important, as your brother said, but we have no information about her, then we’re blind."

  Sky frowned, lips pressing together. "So… what do we do now?"

  Cassian shook his head. "No point in thinking about it now. I’ll come up with a plan later. For now, we should eat our breakfast and get to the academy."

  Sky’s expression shifted quickly, as if his mind had jumped tracks. "True, true! Let’s go." He swung his legs slightly as he took another bite of food but hesitated before speaking again.

  "Brother, I do have a question…" Sky twirled his fork. "Why was your face pale before? Was it because I touched you ? "

  Cassian’s fingers curled around his own utensil for a fraction of a second before he released the tension and smiled faintly. "Hm… well, let’s focus on breakfast, shall we?"

  Sky paused, watching him with those sharp blue eyes that saw far more than they should. But after a moment, he gave a small nod.

  "Okay. I won’t press if it’s not something you wish to share."

  Cassian gave him a slow, approving nod. Smart boy.

  The rest of the breakfast was quiet, both of them finishing their plates efficiently. Cassian pushed his empty dish aside, standing just as a knock echoed from the door.

  Malcolm’s voice carried through.

  "Young Master, Little Master—the car is ready."

  Sky perked up instantly. "Coming, coming, Malcolm!"

  Cassian followed him toward the door, opening it with a steady hand.

  Malcolm stood just outside, bowing briefly before straightening.

  "Shall we go?" Cassian asked, but then he paused, his tone shifting slightly. "Hm. Wait. Is Aldric back yet?"

  Malcolm hesitated. "Not yet, Young Master… Did you give him some task?"

  Cassian tilted his head slightly, his hazel eyes glinting with something unreadable. "Yeah? Why, can’t I?"

  Malcolm’s shoulders stiffened just the slightest bit. "My apologies, Young Master. I didn't mean to doubt Aldric, it’s just… he was missing for so long, then came back, and now you sent him out again. It just—"

  Cassian smiled.

  A slow, deliberate smile.

  One that made Malcolm stop mid-sentence.

  "Malcolm," Cassian murmured, stepping just a fraction closer. "I’m your master, right?"

  Malcolm swallowed. “Yes, Young Master."

  Cassian’s expression didn’t waver. "Then tell me—are you doubting me? Or are you calling me stupid?"

  Malcolm’s breath hitched.

  Cassian’s smile widened. "Are you suggesting I can’t see what’s going on? That I don’t understand the situation?" He tilted his head, voice light, almost amused. "Did you forget your punishment from before? Or should I remind you?"

  Sky’s small hand tugged at Cassian’s sleeve.

  A whisper.

  "Brother… calm down. Calm down. You’re scaring me…"

  Cassian didn’t look away from Malcolm. "Why, Sky? You’re used to it by now, aren’t you?"

  Sky stiffened.

  Cassian continued, his voice turning almost thoughtful. "Or have I not taught you well enough yet? Should I be worried that you still flinch at things like this?"

  Sky’s fingers twitched against his sleeve. His voice was quieter now. "Ah… Brother? W-We… time… yes! Time! It’s already 7:40. We can’t be late for the academy, can we?"

  Cassian let the words settle for a moment before chuckling softly.

  Malcolm, however, was already dropping to his knees. "My deepest apologies, Young Master. Please, forgive this lowly servant’s mistake"

  Cassian clicked his tongue, glancing down at him with an air of boredom.

  "Sigh. Oh, you all are no fun." He turned slightly, shaking his head. “Scared for no reason. It’s our daily life, you know… Oh well."

  He stepped past Malcolm, already heading for the car.

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  Sky hesitated, looking between them—then hurried after him.

  Malcolm remained where he was for a moment longer before slowly rising to follow.

  Cassian’s lips curled slightly as he stepped into the vehicle.

  A reminder.

  That’s all it took.

  'People like Malcolm never forgot their place for long.'

  Sky climbed into the vehicle, his small frame tense as he settled beside Cassian. His hands gripped his knees, and his wide blue eyes stared downward, refusing to meet Cassian’s gaze.

  Cassian observed him for a moment before speaking. "Are you… okay?"

  Sky’s fingers clenched. His voice was barely above a whisper. "No… no, I am not."

  Cassian tilted his head slightly.

  Sky swallowed, his throat bobbing. "You… how can you change like that? It’s like you have a switch. Your personality—it just flips. It’s so weird." His small hands curled tighter, trembling slightly. "You sounded just like my brother… how?"

  Cassian’s lips curled, amusement flickering in his hazel eyes. "Have I ever told you that I’m normal?"

  Sky blinked at him.

  Cassian smirked. "No? Then why assume I am?"

  Sky exhaled shakily. "Not normal… but how can you switch so fast?"

  Cassian didn’t answer. Instead, he turned his gaze out the window, watching as Malcolm approached the car. But it wasn’t Malcolm who caught his attention.

  Aldric.

  Through the rearview mirror, Cassian spotted him stepping out of a different vehicle.

  His expression remained unreadable as he turned back to Malcolm. "Drop Sky at the academy. I’ll be a little late."

  Malcolm hesitated for only a second before bowing. "Understood, Young Master."

  Sky’s head snapped up. "Brother?"

  Cassian ignored him, pushing open the car door and stepping out into the cold morning air. His boots hit the pavement with a sharp click as he walked toward Aldric, hands casually slipping into his pockets.

  Aldric, as always, stood still. Silent. Watching.

  His silver-white hair barely moved in the faint breeze. His mismatched eyes—one silver, one a dull, almost faded blue—remained impassive.

  Poker face.

  Cassian stopped a few paces away, tilting his head slightly. "Aldric."

  Aldric bowed his head slightly in greeting. "Master."

  Cassian hummed, crossing his arms. "Report."

  Aldric’s voice was perfectly measured. "There is no information related to Raiden Nightshade. No updates on how far the search has progressed. In fact, there is no confirmation that it has even begun."

  A flicker of irritation passed through Cassian’s chest. His eyes narrowed.

  "Useless."

  Aldric didn’t even blink. "Apologies, Master."

  Cassian exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders. "And the second task?"

  "The search is ongoing, Master."

  Cassian clicked his tongue. "Oh, Aldric…" He sighed, shaking his head. "How can you be this useless?"

  Aldric, to his credit, didn’t so much as twitch. "Master… there is one update."

  Cassian arched a brow. "Oh?"

  Aldric finally met his gaze directly. "Raiden Nightshade is currently not in the country. Though this information remains unconfirmed."

  Cassian’s smirk returned. "Any guarantee?"

  Aldric didn’t respond.

  Cassian stepped closer.

  A mere breath of space remained between them as Cassian’s fingers curled around the hilt of a blade.

  Schhhk—

  Steel whispered free.

  Cold metal pressed against Aldric’s jaw.

  Cassian tilted his head, eyes glinting. "What are you placing your guarantee for, Aldric?" His voice was soft, almost gentle. "Your life?"

  Aldric’s gaze didn’t waver.

  Cassian’s lips curled, amusement dancing at the edges of his words. "Your life belongs to me, doesn’t it?"

  The blade pressed in just slightly—not enough to cut, but enough to remind.

  "I could skin you alive right now."

  Aldric exhaled evenly. "If that is what Master wishes."

  Cassian chuckled. "Good answer."

  The blade withdrew.

  Cassian flicked it once, watching the way the steel caught the morning light before sliding it back into its sheath.

  Aldric remained unmoved.

  Cassian turned away, exhaling through his nose. "Find me something useful next time."

  Aldric bowed slightly. "Understood, Master."

  Cassian smirked, stepping back toward the car. "Oh, and Aldric?"

  Aldric lifted his head.

  Cassian’s voice was light, almost playful. "Make sure you don’t waste your life before I decide to take it myself."

  Then, without another word, Cassian stepped back into the vehicle.

  The game was still in motion.

  And he was in no mood to tolerate incompetence.