The scenery outside the car window grew increasingly desolate, with raindrops sliding down the glass like silent sighs. Eryx leaned against the seat, his long fingers tapping lightly on his knee as his deep gaze fixed on the distant horizon. The car slowed to a stop in front of a run-down little house. He didn't get out immediately; instead, he scanned the surroundings to ensure there were no suspicious figures lurking nearby. Only then did he push open the door and stride steadily toward the entrance.
He knocked lightly a few times, hearing faint footsteps inside before the room fell silent again. Waiting a few seconds and confirming there was still no one around, he pushed open the door and stepped into the hidden safehouse.
The interior was dimly lit, with simple yet neatly arranged furniture. Eryx moved with practiced ease, lifting a corner of a worn-out rug to reveal a concealed hatch. He frowned slightly, knocking three times on the wooden panel and waiting for a response. Moments later, he pulled open the hatch and descended into the shadowy corridor leading underground.
The faint yellow glow of the lamps cast flickering light against the damp walls, the air thick with the scent of mold. His steps were steady, unwavering, as he made his way to the end of the passage. There, beneath a lone hanging lamp, sat a strikingly sharp-featured woman. She crossed her legs, reclining against the chair, her gaze as keen as a blade, locking onto him the moment he entered.
Eryx offered a faint smile, his tone calm. "So you really are here. I knew—"
Before he could finish, Emma had already raised her gun, the barrel aimed steadily at his forehead, eyes glinting with danger.
"You'd better give me an explanation." Her voice was cold as ice. "Yesterday, I sent you the intel the moment I received it. I was planning to verify it myself, but just before I could leave, my men informed me—Livia had been kidnapped! And right after that, I heard those bastards were planning to kill her! Tell me, was this your doing?"
Eryx showed no fear. In fact, his lips curved ever so slightly upward. Slowly, he raised his hands in a harmless gesture, his voice as composed as ever. "If I said no, you wouldn't believe me. But the truth is, I only sent some men to scare her—I never intended to take her life. You, more than anyone, should know that I understand what Livia means to you. Killing her wouldn't benefit me in any way; it would only ruin our working relationship. I'm not that stupid."
Emma's finger remained on the trigger, her icy gaze locked onto him, as if weighing the truth in his words.
Eryx continued, "But I have to admit, I underestimated you. I heard one of the kidnappers' informants got caught, and yet you still managed to slip away before they could expose you."
Emma let out a cold snort, her gun still trained on him. "If I didn't have people lying in wait, I wouldn't even know how I died. And you're right—I won't allow anyone to harm Livia. I'll let you off for now, but I'll be conducting my own investigation. If I find out you've lied to me… you'd better pray you're not my next target."
At last, she lowered her weapon, tucking it back at her waist, though the sharp vigilance in her eyes did not fade.
Eryx shrugged, chuckling lightly. "Of course, I know you still trust me. Otherwise, the moment I walked in, a bullet would've already gone through my skull." He stepped forward slightly, his gaze turning sharper. "But have you considered whether you can actually walk away from this? Edgar has issued a city-wide order for your capture."
Emma scoffed, a smirk tugging at her lips. "He's Edgar, not a god. I have my ways." Rising to her feet, her eyes gleamed with resolve. "I'll investigate on my own. Stay out of my way. Now—get lost."
Eryx chuckled at her blunt dismissal, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Fine, I won't stick around just to be insulted." He paused for a moment, then added in a low voice, "No matter what, we have the same goal. If necessary, I'm willing to sacrifice everything."
With that, he turned and disappeared into the shadows.
Emma remained still, her gaze steady. After a brief moment of silence, she sprang into action. Taking out a prepared disguise kit, she swiftly transformed herself into a rugged street thug. Years of surviving on the streets had honed this skill to perfection. Once satisfied with her altered appearance, she donned a jacket and slipped out of the hideout unnoticed.
She had a mission to complete.
Her destination—Marcellus' castle.