Sharp gasps escaped them both as the hoods covering their heads were abruptly yanked away.
Before either could gather their bearings, an unexpected figure emerged from the shadows to greet them.
"Silas?! W-what are you doing here?!"
Eloi, still inhabiting Soren's body, couldn't conceal his shock at the sight of Silas standing before them.
Yet before he could utter another word, his trembling lips fell silent as Silas seemingly ignored his existence altogether and strode toward the blond instead.
The sly glint that usually lingered in Silas' eyes had vanished, replaced by a gaze so intense and piercing that Soren, who currently occupied Ryley's body, instinctively recoiled, trembling with fear.
Silas came to an abrupt halt just as he was about to reach out and caress the blond's face, seemingly taken aback by the reaction.
But his hesitation lasted barely a moment.
His hand shot forward, seizing Ryley by the jaw as he leaned closer, his voice dropping into a menacing hiss.
