The Price of Treachery and a Macabre Gift

“We’re all on the same side here, so there’s no issue if you want to board my ship! However, it’s limited to just yourselves… no, I mean, up to three people! I’ll allow each of you to bring an additional three individuals! Surely, that’s acceptable now!”

Borok immediately dropped all pretense, intending to bribe those present with coveted spots on his escape vessel. Yet, the allure of such terms for the crowd was not merely limited; it was, at best, utterly nonexistent.

Saranya understood Borok’s vulnerability: secrecy. The reason he hadn’t extended an invitation to her, Lucius, and Grondel for this meeting was the sheer, overwhelming disparity in power between his faction and theirs.

To put it plainly, Saranya merely needed to lift a finger, to utter a few words, and Borok would tremble uncontrollably. For once the existence of his grand vessel was exposed, his act of deserting in the face of calamity while secretly hoarding resources would undoubtedly cost him the support of the Vero people. It was more than likely his ship would be confiscated, and he himself would be thrown into prison, a public example for all to see.

Saranya pondered for a moment, then offered her suggestion:

“Borok, I, for one, detest liars above all else. How about this? I don’t want anything from you; I merely wish to take a ride on your grand ship out to sea, to see if the ‘Calamity Mist’ you speak of truly exists. To be frank, your actions are nothing more than self-preservation. As long as you don’t continue to spread panic and sell your boarding passes, causing widespread anxiety in Vero City, I won’t mind letting a scoundrel like you go.”

“Haia is right; at least the first half of what she said, I wholeheartedly endorse. First, prove to her that you’re speaking the truth, and only then shall we continue our discussion!”

“Exactly! Everything else is negotiable, but I simply cannot trust you, young man. You’re so flippant and irresponsible; who knows what nefarious schemes you’re secretly brewing?!”

A flicker of imperceptible gloom crossed Borok’s face, quickly replaced by a broad smile as he turned to Saranya:

“Alright, no problem at all! My ship is anchored at the small island just outside. Tomorrow, yes, tomorrow we can set sail! However, we’ll first need to take smaller boats to reach the island, and those have limited capacity, so we can’t bring everyone along…”

Even at this critical juncture, Borok was still attempting to impose restrictions. Saranya let out a cold snort, then turned her head, a faint smile gracing her lips, to address the others:

“Esteemed guests, do you place your trust in me and my lady?”

Nazareth immediately offered his support:

“No problem, I’ll vouch for them. Let Miss Haia and her companions go with Borok.”

No one voiced any opposition; after all, the Shadowscale Gang’s influence carried considerable weight.

And so, Saranya and Kaelan secured the opportunity to sail out to sea on the massive ship. Setting aside the grave task of investigating the demonic disaster, treating it as a complimentary maritime vacation seemed quite appealing.

Leaving Borok’s opulent villa, Saranya and Kaelan returned to the tavern by carriage.

The night had deepened, and the tavern had long since closed its doors. Dismissing the knights who had accompanied them, they changed into casual clothes by the backyard well and completed their evening ablutions.

“Master? If there’s nothing else…”

Saranya let out a wide yawn. Just as she was about to turn and head back to her room, Kaelan suddenly grabbed a handful of her tunic. Saranya was forced to halt, the velvet fabric of her garment drooping and revealing her smooth, bare shoulder.

“Accompany me for one more thing.”

“Uh… mm…”

Kaelan helped Saranya pull the fabric back over her shoulder, then took her hand. Together, they passed through the tavern’s back kitchen and main hall, descending the cold, stone steps into the dungeon.

“Master, where are we—”

“Why isn’t Aquilis here?”

The witch’s gaze swept around, her eyes narrowing as she found the crystal cage meant to hold the mermaid girl utterly empty. Her jaw instantly tightened, and her voice dropped to an exceedingly cold tone:

“Didn’t I make it clear that the one who betrayed us was to remain confined in that cage for eternity…? Why did you fail to supervise her properly?”

Saranya’s face crumpled into a mournful expression.

Of all the times for Aquilis to sneak away, she chose precisely when her Master was making rounds. Now, Saranya was to endure a scolding, and Aquilis herself would undoubtedly face severe repercussions.

“Saranya, in your estimation, are my orders…”

Kaelan turned to Saranya, her eyelashes lowered, her crimson pupils contracting to pinpricks in the flickering firelight.

“something that slowly loses its efficacy with the passage of time…?”

“No, Master Kaelan, I never—”

“Call me Master.”

“Master… I would never disobey your commands…”

“Oh.”

Kaelan took elegant steps, faint traces of well water still clinging to her calves, her bare feet ‘pitter-pattering’ against the stone floor until she stood directly before Saranya.

“So, Xiao Ya, you are innocent, you did nothing wrong. The one at fault is Aquilis. That white-haired, foolish fish simply disregarded my words, staying out all night, and her favorite thing to do is cavort with Cecilia, isn’t that right?”

“Yes, Master, you are absolutely correct…”

Given that her Master had already expressed such explicit displeasure, Saranya dared not utter a single good word on Aquilis’s behalf.

“Very well, I understand. Next time you encounter Aquilis, remember to bring her directly to me.”

“I understand…”

“Such a good girl~”

Kaelan rose onto her tiptoes, her soft, warm lips drawing near Saranya. Knowing her Master’s desire, Saranya immediately leaned down, willingly meeting her Master’s lips.

“No, you’re not allowed to move…”

“Yes…”

Saranya froze in place, watching as her Master used magic to elevate herself, wrapped her arms around Saranya’s neck, and left a soft kiss on her lips.

“We’re not discussing her anymore. I brought you here for Lenix’s sake.”

Kaelan’s fingers slid down Saranya’s skin, smooth as snow, parting her lustrous black hair, then snatched the amethyst pendant from around her neck, flashing it before Saranya’s eyes.

“Lenix is in there?”

“Mhm.”

“But how can she get out?”

Kaelan’s lips curved into a smile. She gently pushed Saranya away and led her towards the dungeon’s private chamber.

“Do you recall the ‘trophy’ we brought back from the Tidal Mirror Hall?”

“The trophy…”

Saranya slapped her forehead. ‘“That imposter Lenix we captured! She’s in—”’

The little witch giggled, reaching out to pull aside the grey curtain before them.

The moment the curtain fell, a reeking stench of rotting flesh assailed them. A figure hung suspended in mid-air, swaying back and forth. It was an exotic young girl, two iron hooks piercing her frail shoulder blades, holding her tattered body aloft. Her fluffy tail hung limply downwards, and her eyelids were half-open, her pale brown eyes devoid of any spark, a completely broken expression on her face. She was still alive, at least… her body was. Saranya rushed forward, tugging at the chains on the girl’s limbs, trying to unfasten the buckles that bound her. But the wrought iron was too slick; she couldn’t get a grip. Looking down at her hands, she found them covered in a yellowish-green, jelly-like substance. It was pus, flaking off the chains. The girl’s hands, feet, and shoulder wounds were severely infected, her entire body burning hot like a furnace. Despite her faint breathing, she showed no reaction to Saranya’s touch, like a discarded puppet in a playhouse.

“Master, this is…”

“Lenix’s old body was destroyed; we had to find her a new one, didn’t we? It’s time for the fake to become real…”

“But the original owner of this body—”

“Look at her…”

Kaelan pinched the girl’s neck, bruised to a deathly black, and lifted her entirely. The girl’s straw-like, matted hair fell loose, and countless pale, squirming maggots slid out from within, dropping to writhe at their feet.

“This child… she wouldn’t care about such things anymore, oh…”

“Master, no… please don’t… this is too insane…”

“Don’t…? ”

Kaelan raised a hand and gripped Saranya’s shoulders, forcibly turning her around. Only then did Saranya realize that Kaelan’s expression had completely changed. Her Master’s eyes were now wide, pupils contracted to two tiny dots, excitedly darting within bloodshot whites. Her lips were stretched into an inhuman grin, revealing soft, crimson gums. Streaks of saliva mixed with blood vessels on her cheeks, dripping directly from her jawline to form a small puddle on the ground. Seeing Kaelan like this, Saranya’s body trembled uncontrollably, her facial expression contorted by fear.

“Now, Xiao Ya… have you forgotten what Lenix did to you?”

“She damaged my Xiao Ya, so she must pay the corresponding price… I will make sure she restores you to your original state…”

“Hehe… hohoho… hahahahahaha—”

“Why aren’t you speaking… Xiao Ya… Xiao Ya… aren’t you happy…? This is a gift from your Master…”

“Xiao Ya… Master loves you the most~”

“Xiao Ya…”

“Xiao Ya…”

“Xiao Ya… Xiao Ya…”