"She hated this land and this entire race of vampires. Thus, she wanted to end it once and for all. Ending the Grimsbanne will mark the end of the entire race, for they hold the curse put upon the vampires. You will never see the light ever again. Isn't that right, Giselle?"
Miguel, London, and every member of the Raven looked at Giselle, wide-eyed. Was that true? Everyone was aware of the history and how vampires used to be afraid of the sun but were graced with mercy by the god of the underworld. The god of the underworld lifted that curse.
"You…" Giselle was unfazed by the doubt rising in the great hall. "... what is your true aim in sowing doubt in our hearts?"
"I am merely telling the truth!"
Everyone was confused, not knowing which one to believe. Some of them wanted to believe in Giselle like they had always done, but others couldn't help but consider Aries's words.
What if Giselle had another hidden agenda? What if Aries was telling the truth? Would their race end once they slew every Grimsbanne out there?
Uncertainty, doubt, and fear overwhelmed everyone until…
"Hahaha!" Aries's maniacal laughter echoed across the great hall. For an entire full minute, all they heard was her evil laughter before it suddenly faded. "Kidding. Of course, Giselle isn't Maximus's daughter."
"You crazy bitch —"
"Hey, hold your tongue. That's my sister you're calling names." Dexter raised his sword as a member of the Raven took a large step.
"What a crazy woman," murmured Conan because, for a second, he truly believed every nonsense Aries spewed. Turns out she was only bullshitting everyone. London, on the other hand, heaved a sigh of relief. He almost fell into Aries's claims.
"Haha. That was funny." Fabian laughed, warranting a glare from Miguel.
"Ugh!!! Can you please!!" this time, Marsella's scream echoed. "While you all are having fun, I am stuck here! Blind girl, why are you picking on me — ah!!"
"Shut up, Marsella. Just accept death and everything will be fine," Conan hissed, glaring at Marsella without feeling sorry for her. This woman had been the most fickle person Conan had ever met in his life. Even though Marsella was Abel's youngest sister, her connection to Abel didn't deter Conan's impression of her.
Marsella had caused them too much trouble ever since coming into the empire. She was the reason, or at least, a part of that incident years ago. Marsella made everything worse and more complicated. Thus, she could just die for all he cares.
"I agree with His Highness, Lady Marsella. Just accept the swift release," Fabian backed Conan's advice, receiving curses from Marsella.
"She's such a nuisance," mumbled Conan, ignoring Marsella's screams.
"You all surely have a unique teamwork."
"She's not my ally, Leviticus. If not for Her Majesty, her head would've left her shoulders not long ago."
London cast Conan a quick look, and he could tell the latter was telling the truth. He couldn't blame the prince, though. Marsella was a nutcase and one would be foolish to believe she was on anyone's side. Marsella would betray anyone in a heartbeat if necessary.
"Dearest Marsella." Meanwhile, Marsella succeeded in getting Aries's attention. "Little Aries told me many things about you. Two souls in one body, huh? The real Marsella surely is an interesting Grimsbanne, but alas, just like Giselle, had one slip up and everything went disarray."
This Aries's remarks immediately put confusion among those people on her side. She was talking about herself in a third-person perspective.
"Could this be —" Conan's breath hitched as a conclusion crossed his mind, giving sense to Aries's behavior since waking up.
That Aries, the one who woke up, was someone else.
"That's right." Aries seemed to have guessed everyone's thoughts. "Aries, my little ram, is… resting. The king's will is taking some time for her to absorb. Such a powerful and dedicated man — I am in tears! So, for her not to die, I have to take her body temporarily. Oh, how it feels to be alive."
Aries stretched her hand and fingers, feeling her hands before adding, "I don't miss it one bit."
"Marsella, Aries made a promise that she had yet fulfilled even when my power accepted her as its new owner. So, listen to me." Aries shifted her attention back to Marsella. "Unfortunately, even if Aries used all her powers, she cannot help you with your dilemma. Even if I am alive, I cannot fix that problem as well. However, I can tell you what you need to do to win that battle against your own demon."
Marsella froze, listening to Aries's voice. Channeling all her power, she raised her head to get a glimpse of Aries.
"What did you say?" came out Marsella's shaking voice. "How do I get rid of — no way! This is cheating, Vera! Maleficent, will you focus on your own problems instead of meddling with others? Shut up, Marsella!"
Marsella screamed, fighting herself that only made her appear insane. If not for everyone knowing there were two souls in that body, they would definitely think she was unhinged.
"What a problematic situation. Having yourself as an enemy was always been one of the toughest battles one could have. Killing herself is a lose-lose battle, after all." Aries ignored the busy Marsella, setting her attention back on Giselle. "Now, where are we again, Giselle? Right. We are in the middle of discussing my intentions."
"Well, I have none. I act according to Aries's plans; whether she would use my power to destroy the world or to help it recover is all in her hands. The only reason I am here is because I came to enjoy her company — just like how a part of me enjoyed Fabian's." Aries snapped her eyes at the charming butler, holding a black spear that gave off Maleficent's scent. "It would be a shame to be tossed around again as others persecute my children."
"How about you, Giselle?" she tilted her head to the side. "What will you do now that you had angered Abel Grimsbanne? Are you sure you should be here and not where he is? You shouldn't keep your eyes off of him. After all, this…"
Aries trailed off as she vanished from her vantage point, only to reappear a step before Giselle. She leaned forward, dawdling the continuation of her remarks. "... this is all just games to him. Don't make him come here because once he appears, it'll be too late for you. Take my advice and see what's going on outside. Abel is a cunning, very crafty, yet romantically dangerous man. You shouldn't have provoked him — even I, at my peak, don't have the confidence to cross him."
HOWL!
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