noveldrama
Chapter 93: Not a Request
Chapter 93: Not a Request
Warlock Ch 93. Not a Request
Evelyn gave him a brief, understanding nod, though her face remained serious. "That's exactly why we need to talk to Cassius."
Damian followed Evelyn to Cassius's mansion. Her face set in that unreadable way of hers, but he could see something in her eyes—a flicker of unease she rarely showed. She didn't break stride, though, even as they approached the door, which opened as if Cassius himself had been waiting for them.
Cassius stood in the dim foyer, his dark eyes giving nothing away except for the faintest spark of expectation. Damian's eyes narrowed. It was as if Cassius already knew what they were here to ask him. Well, maybe he did. It wouldn't be the first time Cassius knew things before anyone else.
"Cassius," Evelyn greeted him, her voice calm but firm, like she was ready to cut through any games he might try. "We need to talk. It's about the sorcerer... and the vampire."
A flicker of a smile—a mere ghost of one—crossed Cassius's lips, vanishing as quickly as it came. "I had a feeling you'd come for that," he replied smoothly. His gaze shifted to Damian, who was watching him with guarded suspicion. He gestured subtly toward the darkened hallway. "Damian, why don't you take those books you brought to the library first? We'll join you soon."
Damian bristled at that, his frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. "Really? You're just going to send me off now? If this conversation has anything to do with the people coming after me, I'd like to actually hear it."
Cassius's expression barely changed, but his eyes sharpened, a hint of steel in them. "It's not a request, Damian," he said, voice low and unyielding. "To the library."
Grinding his teeth, Damian muttered under his breath, words that thankfully no one heard, and stalked off down the hall. He knew when Cassius was serious, and pushing back would be as effective as shouting at a brick wall. Still, it didn't mean he had to like it.
The library was vast and dimly lit, rows upon rows of towering bookshelves. The faint scent of leather and old paper filled the room. Setting down his bag, he began pulling out the books he'd brought, grumbling as he stacked them on a nearby table.
"One day… One day I will make you talk. I will make you tell everything to me. I'm sick of it," he grumbled under his breath.
Just as he reached for one of the larger volumes, a shadowy figure materialized beside him, one of Cassius's shadow servants. It moved with an eerie movement, more like mist than flesh, silently gathering the books and gliding into the depths of the library.
Damian put on his innocent smile. "Hi," he greeted, hoping that thing didn't hear what he muttered before. But the shadow didn't respond. It just did its job before it vanished.
His smile faded. "It won't tell Cassius, won't it?" he muttered.
Part of him wanted to march right back to the foyer and demand answers, but he knew better than to try his luck. Cassius wasn't someone he could argue with unless he wanted to end up on the wrong end of Cassius' patience. So, instead, he took a moment to steel himself, shoving his frustration down and turning back toward the main room.
When he returned, the atmosphere had shifted. Evelyn and Cassius both looked at him as he walked in, their faces serious. Evelyn's expression softened for a moment, but she didn't say anything. Instead, she gave him a nod and slipped out of the room, leaving him alone with Cassius.
Cassius nodded toward him, his dark eyes as unreadable as ever. "Let's head to the training room," he said simply. "There's work to be done."
Damian clenched his jaw, the spike of irritation flaring up again, but he held back any retorts and followed him down the hall.
Cassius turned to face him, his gaze fixed and unyielding. "If you have something to say, say it."
Damian didn't hesitate, his frustration finally breaking free. "Oh, I have plenty to say. Like why you sent me out of the room in the first place. If there are people out there planning to come after me, don't you think I have a right to know what's going on?"
Cassius's gaze softened just a fraction, but his tone remained calm and steady. "You're right to be frustrated. But understand this—some knowledge can be as dangerous as ignorance, especially when it comes to the enemies you're facing." He paused, letting the words sink in. "I'm telling you now because you're ready for it. Earlier, you weren't."
Damian let out a slow, shaky breath, forcing himself to listen despite the impatience gnawing at him. "Fine. So what is it? What am I up against?"
Cassius regarded him with a serious, almost grave look. "The sorcerer... She's dangerous. Cunning, ruthless, and skilled in elemental magic beyond what most of us can comprehend. She's not alone, either. You've become a target, and those who want you gone are relentless. They won't stop until they've dealt with you." He paused, his gaze piercing. "You need to be prepared, more than you've ever been."
A cold shiver ran down Damian's spine, but he masked it with a determined frown. "So she's that big of a threat, huh?"
"More than that," Cassius answered, voice somber. "The vampire is no less dangerous, though his motives are different. They present a threat far greater than you realize. They're both powerful and they have their own reasons for wanting you… out of the picture."
Damian swallowed, Cassius's words pressing down on him like a tangible force. "So… I just have to watch my back constantly, then? Sounds great."
Cassius's gaze hardened, his expression turning fierce. "This is serious. You can't afford to face these threats casually. You'll need to be stronger, faster, and smarter than ever before. That's why I want you to make more pacts. Surround yourself with allies and servants who can stand by your side and support you."