Late evening wrapped the Academy in a gentle silence, broken only by the faint rustle of wind drifting between the towers. Alex sat on the edge of the roof, his elbows resting on his knees, his gaze wandering among the stars shimmering across the dark canvas of the sky. The cold of the stone parapet pleasantly chilled his palms, and the calm of the night granted a rare moment when thoughts of Kael, the Jester, or the coming war faded into the background.
"My lord," Siren's voice sounded softly in his mind, tinged with unease. "Adam has just left his room."
Alex tilted his head slightly, tearing his eyes away from the stars. His gaze slid toward the dark dormitory corridor visible through a glass window below. There, in the dim glow of magical lanterns, stood a familiar figure: Adam, dressed in black trousers and a light white shirt that swayed faintly with his sharp movements. He glanced around nervously, as if checking for witnesses, his fingers curling into tight fists with tension.
"What are you planning, Adam?" Alex muttered, narrowing his eyes.
Once Adam was sure the corridor was empty, he suddenly took off running, his footsteps echoing dully across the marble floor. Alex rose at once, his cloak barely whispering as he leapt onto the neighboring roof, silently pursuing his friend. He jumped from roof to roof, keeping Adam in sight until the latter stopped before a massive door at the end of the corridor.
A bronze plaque gleamed on the door, engraved with the words: "Teleportation Room." Adam exhaled heavily, his shoulders shuddering as if he were wrestling with inner doubt. His hand slowly reached for the handle, his fingers trembling as they touched the cold metal.
"And just where do you think you're going, Adam?" Alex's calm yet piercing voice sounded behind him.
Adam froze abruptly, his hand still on the handle. He turned slowly, a mix of surprise and guilt flashing in his eyes. Alex stood a few steps behind him, leaning against the wall with a faint smile.
Adam swallowed, straightened his posture, and tried to give his voice confidence.
"If I remember correctly, you said you'd be spending the entire night in the training hall."
Alex raised an eyebrow slightly, his smile sharpening but losing none of its composure.
"And if my memory serves me, you said you were so exhausted after classes that you'd sleep through the night like the dead."
Adam paused for a moment, then smiled lightly, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment.
"Looks like we both weren't entirely honest with each other," he said with a shrug, though there was an awkward note in his voice.
He looked back at Alex, curiosity narrowing his eyes.
"So how long have you been following me?"
"The last four days," Alex replied calmly. "Though 'following' isn't quite the right word. During the day I handled my own business, and in the evenings I just… kept an eye on you, to make sure you didn't do anything stupid."
Adam tilted his head, his brows lifting slightly.
"So one of my parents asked you to do this?"
"No one asked me," Alex cut in, his voice firmer though his eyes remained sincere. "It was my decision. Entirely."
He took a step closer, his tone softening while retaining its insistence.
"So how about we head back to your room and continue this conversation there?"
Adam shook his head sharply, determination flaring across his face. He clenched his fists tighter, his fingers whitening with tension.
"No," he replied firmly. "I've already decided to go. And I won't change my mind. So if you're planning to stop me—"
He didn't finish. Alex suddenly raised both hands, waving them energetically as if trying to put out an invisible fire.
"Stop, stop, stop!" he interrupted, irritation and concern mingling in his voice. "Let's not do this, all right?"
Adam froze. His fists loosened slightly, his eyes fixed on Alex, as though trying to read his intentions.
"Didn't you come here to stop me?" Doubt and caution laced his voice.
Alex sighed. His smile softened, though his eyes stayed alert, tracking every movement Adam made.
"Honestly, I was hoping you'd agree without much fuss to turn around and forget about this nighttime escapade," he said with a shrug. "But seeing how serious you are, and hearing that firmness in your voice, made me change my mind."
Adam relaxed, his shoulders dropping as a faint smile appeared on his face.
"You gave up pretty quickly," he said, a hint of surprise slipping into his tone.
Alex waved a hand dismissively.
"As I said before, I'm only here to make sure you don't do anything stupid. And I doubt—or at least I want to doubt—that meeting Kael will cause trouble. But to be absolutely sure it won't, I'm coming with you."
Adam froze for a moment, his eyes widening in surprise. Then he covered his face with one hand and laughed quietly, his shoulders shaking with restrained laughter.
Alex narrowed his eyes, irritation creeping into his voice.
"And what exactly do you find so funny?" he asked, folding his arms across his chest.
Still smiling, Adam wiped a tear from the corner of his eye and lifted a hand apologetically.
"Sorry," he said, trying to rein in his laughter. "It's just that the first thing that came to mind was, 'If there are any problems now, they definitely won't be because of me.'"
Alex made a theatrical grimace, his voice dripping with mock offense.
"I'll keep myself under control," he declared, lifting his chin. "I won't say a word. Unless someone forces me to."
Adam smiled wider, warmth glinting in his eyes.
"I'm counting on that. Well then, let's go." He nodded toward the door.
"Wait a second," Alex said, stopping him. "Do you have any kind of plan at all? Or are we just going to walk in, say hello, and see where the conversation goes?" he added with a hint of sarcasm, raising an eyebrow.
"I don't really have a plan," Adam admitted honestly. "But if you remember, before leaving our backyard, Kael teleported to me while dodging my father's attack. That was when he invited me to talk and asked me not to delay my decision."
Alex narrowed his eyes, tension tightening his features.
"You do realize this could be a trap?" he asked bluntly.
Adam nodded, his gaze steady.
"I do. But I'm willing to take that risk."
Alex let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders dipping slightly under the weight of the choice.
"Well, Alex, it's too late to back out now," he muttered, then added more loudly, "But the moment I sense danger, I'll teleport us both straight back to the Academy. We won't engage in a fight."
He extended his hand to Adam, his palm firm and warm.
"Agreed?"
Adam met his gaze seriously and clasped his hand in a firm shake.
"Agreed," he replied without hesitation.
Alex released his hand and nodded.
"So where exactly are we going?"
"To the Blue Raven guild. One of Kael's subordinates will meet us there and guide us further."
Alex nodded briefly.
"Understood."
A magical circle flared to life beneath their feet, and a moment later the two of them vanished from the Academy corridor, leaving behind only a faint crackle of mana slowly fading into the air.
The magical glow of the circle faded, leaving behind a faint trail of bright sparks. Alex and Adam stepped onto the cobblestones, feeling the coolness of the night air. Before them rose the main building of the Blue Raven guild—a majestic yet somber structure resembling a fusion of an ancient castle and an academic tower.
The dark stone of the façade shimmered with reflected moonlight, while countless arches and columns intertwined into an intricate pattern, like the wing of a gigantic bird. On the roof, a crest was visible—a stylized raven with outstretched wings, forged of dark metal that seemed almost alive in the lantern light.
Silence reigned around them. Only now and then did a night bird's cry cut through the air, or the muted crackle of the magical lamps above the entrance break the stillness. Tall windows glowed with a cold light, making the building seem like a living creature, watching its guests even through stone walls.
Adam slowly looked around and let out a low whistle.
"I never thought raven nests could be so… luxurious."
The wind gently swayed the crest atop the spire, and for a moment it seemed as if the raven were staring straight at them.
"I hope the atmosphere inside is a bit… friendlier than outside," Alex said quietly, a faint smile touching his lips.
"Considering who owns this guild, I wouldn't be surprised if the inside walls are covered with his portraits. From every possible angle," Adam snorted, his gaze sliding over the dark façade.
"Then I sincerely hope you're wrong. Otherwise, resisting the urge to smash at least one of them will be very difficult."
"I know exactly what you mean," Adam replied with a grin.
Their light banter accompanied their steps until they approached the gates. Towering before them were magnificent carved doors of dark oak, inlaid with silver lines woven into the symbol of a raven.
The boys exchanged a brief glance. The playful mood that had shone in their eyes moments ago dissolved, leaving only calm focus behind.
Adam stepped forward and knocked firmly on the gates several times.
The sound echoed loudly into the night, disappearing somewhere among the guild's high spires. The air itself seemed to hold its breath.
A few seconds passed before the heavy gates slowly opened, releasing a warm stream of light. Three figures emerged—two men and a woman, all dressed in black, neatly tailored suits with silver inlays on the lapels. Their movements were synchronized, their gazes sharp, their posture disciplined—the stance of people accustomed to power and control.
The first, a stocky man with a square jaw and short dark hair, looked to be the eldest, around forty. His face wore a scowl that only emphasized his coarse features. The second, leaner and with cold gray eyes, kept his hands in his pockets, studying the newcomers with mocking indifference. The woman—dark-haired, with a short haircut and a predatory gaze—looked as though she might pounce at any moment.
Arrogance clung to the trio. Open displeasure was written plainly in their eyes, something they did not even try to conceal. In contrast, Alex and Adam's gazes held a cool, steady gleam—the kind seen only in those who know exactly why they are here.
"So what do two children want here at such a late hour?" the stocky man asked, his voice edged with mocking steel.
"We're here to meet with Mr. Kael," Adam replied calmly, without changing his tone.
The man snorted, crossed his arms over his chest, and raised one eyebrow.
"Isn't it a bit late for meetings? Besides, Mr. Kael is a busy man. I doubt he has time to entertain children."
The other man and the woman standing slightly behind him let out short laughs—quiet, but insolent.
Adam calmly slipped a hand into his pocket, pulled out a small slip of paper, and held it out to the stocky man. He snatched it, quickly scanned the lines, then looked at the boys, back at the paper, and finally at Alex and Adam again. A sly smile crept onto his face.
"Well then," he drawled, crushing the paper in his hand, "that's how you should have started."
He stepped back a few paces, clearing the way. Alex and Adam moved forward in silence, crossing the threshold. The gates slowly but heavily closed behind them with a dull thud.
"Welcome to the Blue Raven guild," the man said, now with feigned politeness, stretching out the words. "Mr. Kael is currently in his office. Sayra will escort you to him."
The woman, who until then had only worn a faint smile, flinched and raised her eyebrows in surprise.
"Me?" she asked.
"Yes, you," he replied with a curt nod, devoid of emotion. "It seems these two young men are guests of our guildmaster. And that means they must be treated accordingly."
Sayra growled in irritation, rolling her eyes, but complied nonetheless. She looked the boys up and down, assessing them from head to toe, then turned sharply on her heel.
"Follow me," she tossed over her shoulder coldly as she strode ahead.
Alex and Adam exchanged brief looks and followed in silence.
Sayra walked ahead quickly, without looking back. Her footsteps echoed across the stone floor, mingling with the steady rustle of her cloak. Alex and Adam followed, carefully taking in their surroundings.
The interior of the Blue Raven guild was typical of large medieval orders of mages and mercenaries: massive stone walls shimmering in the light of enchanted lamps, wooden beams supported by bronze pillars, and dark-toned carpets lining the corridors. Tall arched windows let in only faint traces of the night's glow, and every turn reminded them of the place's ancient history.
Despite its severity, the guild looked luxurious. Instead of portraits or coats of arms, swords, ancient maps, and framed magical scrolls adorned the walls, some of which emitted a dim, pulsing light. The air carried the scent of fresh parchment, metal, and a faint trace of incense.
They passed several long corridors and climbed a staircase of dark marble before Sayra finally stopped on the sixth floor. Ahead of them loomed magnificent black doors, reinforced with silver bands and decorated with an engraved raven spreading its wings.
"Mr. Kael is behind those doors," she said coldly, without even looking at the boys.
With that, the girl turned sharply and walked away without adding another word. Her footsteps faded around the corner.
Alex and Adam followed her with their eyes, then briefly glanced at each other. Adam took a deep breath, stepped up to the doors, and knocked.
From inside came a restrained male voice saying, "Come in," but it was not Kael's.
Alex and Adam exchanged a short, silent nod. Then Adam grasped the massive handle and slowly opened the doors.
The office turned out to be large and comfortable, though every detail spoke of the guildmaster's status. Tall shelves lined the walls, packed with thick tomes, crystal flasks, scrolls, and artifacts that shimmered with a soft magical glow. A huge panoramic window behind the desk offered a view of the night city—streets flooded with the cold light of lanterns and dark spires disappearing into the mist.
A wide blackwood desk stood in the center of the room. Scattered documents lay across it, along with several old seals and a pair of half-empty wine glasses. Sitting behind the desk was a young man who, at first glance, could easily be mistaken for Kael himself. Long, slightly unkempt black hair fell over his shoulders; his skin was pale, and dark circles lay beneath his eyes. He wore a black short-sleeved shirt and simple trousers.
The young man was absorbed in filling out paperwork when he heard the door open. Lifting his head, he cast a brief, faintly tired look toward the newcomers. For a moment, confusion flickered in his eyes—he clearly had not expected to see these two. But within a second, his expression returned to neutral.
"Welcome," he said calmly, setting the quill aside. "How may I help you at such a late hour?"
"We're here for a meeting with Mr. Kael," Adam replied, without a trace of nervousness.
The young man gave a quiet snort, a barely noticeable smile touching his lips.
"I understand. Please wait a moment."
He rose from his chair, gestured toward a dark blue sofa by the wall, then headed for a side door that led to another room directly connected to the office.
When he disappeared behind it, silence settled over the room. Alex and Adam exchanged a glance, then sat down on the sofa and began to wait.
Inside Alex's mind, Sirena's familiar, melodic voice rang out.
"Greetings, my Lord. It seems your assumption about Derek was correct," she said, a hint of satisfaction in her tone.
Alex smiled faintly, without taking his eyes off the side door.
"That's incredibly good news," he replied mentally. "Now the meeting with Kael—at least for me—will go far more smoothly than I expected. And after that… I'll need to speak with Derek personally."
Adam, sitting beside him, noticed the smile and raised an eyebrow slightly.
"You know, I'm almost jealous of your good mood," he said quietly, folding his arms across his chest.
Alex turned his gaze to him and replied with a light smile.
"Very observant. Just like your father."
Adam snorted skeptically.
"Still, care to explain what you're so happy about?"
"That young man who was just here is Kael's son—Derek," Alex said calmly. "And it just so happens that in the past, we got along rather quickly. Even became friends."
Adam lifted an eyebrow in surprise.
"So he's the complete opposite of his father."
"That's right. And more than that…" Alex began, but didn't finish.
The side door suddenly opened, and Derek returned to the office. His face was tense, anger flashing in his eyes. Behind him came a slender elven woman wearing a short skirt and an unbuttoned white blouse. A faint smile played on her lips, but irritation was evident in her gaze.
She shot a quick glance at Alex and Adam, then turned a pleading, slightly guilty look toward Derek. He merely pointed silently toward the door.
"Seriously?" she scoffed indignantly, but after meeting his unyielding stare, she spun on her heel and stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind her.
Derek let out a heavy breath and looked at the guests with a tired, apologetic smile.
"Sorry about… that scene."
"It's fine," Alex replied calmly, and Adam gave a short nod.
"Mr. Kael is ready to receive you," Derek continued, gesturing for them to stand. "Please, come with me."
Alex and Adam rose. Derek turned, opened the side door, and all three disappeared behind it, heading toward the part of the office where Kael awaited them.
They walked through a narrow, dimly lit corridor that led deeper into the guild. With every step, the air grew heavier—a thick blend of wine, tobacco, and perfume formed a suffocating cocktail that made one thing clear: what awaited them was anything but a businesslike atmosphere.
After a few seconds, Derek opened a door, and the boys stepped into a room that stood in stark contrast to the austere office.
The space resembled a salon of luxury and vanity—a true "entertainment" room, though certainly not a child's one. A large jacuzzi occupied the center, warm steam slowly rising toward the ceiling and forming a translucent haze. The walls were adorned with dozens of paintings, each depicting Kael—posed for battle, dressed in lavish attire, or surrounded by beautiful women.
In one corner stood a marble fountain, at whose center rose a statue of Kael himself, holding a goblet and wearing a smug smile carved into stone. Along the walls were soft sofas and opulent armchairs upholstered in red velvet. The floor was littered with scattered items—cloaks, empty bottles, torn ribbons, and even several sheets of paper covered in unfinished notes.
Near one wall stood a glass cabinet filled with dozens of glasses, decanters, and bottles of various drinks. The lighting was dim, creating the atmosphere of a nightclub rather than a guild hall.
Kael sat in a plush armchair beside a small bar table. His posture was relaxed—one leg crossed over the other, a bottle of wine in hand, his face loose and unguarded. His black shirt was unbuttoned at the top, and that same self-satisfied smile Alex remembered all too well rested on his lips.
At the sight of this, Derek's expression twisted ever so slightly, but he stepped closer, stopping a few paces from his father. Alex and Adam stood beside him, silently observing.
"I brought the guests," Derek reported dryly.
Kael slowly opened his eyes, set the bottle on the table, and arched an eyebrow mockingly.
"Oh? Guests, you say? Interesting. And how are you doing with the documents, son?"
"Half of them are already finished," Derek replied coldly, without blinking.
Kael snorted and raised his hand, wagging a finger in front of Derek's face.
"Only half. Meaning the other half is still unfinished. And instead of dealing with that miserable half, you're standing here, wasting my time. Get out of my sight!"
Derek remained calm. He bowed slightly, then turned and headed for the exit. But after he had taken only a few steps, Kael suddenly leapt from his chair and hurled the bottle straight at Derek's head.
The glass whistled past him—Derek merely tilted his head slightly, not even slowing his stride. The bottle shattered against the wall, and red stains of wine ran down the white stone like blood.
Derek did not turn around. He simply opened the door and disappeared beyond it without saying a single word.
Kael exhaled heavily, rubbed his face with his palms, then lifted his eyes to the two guests.
"Ah, Adam," he drawled with feigned delight. "Good to see you. Though, to be honest, I didn't expect you to choose such a… poorly timed moment."
He leaned forward, folding his arms across his chest, and added,
"If I remember correctly, I made it quite clear that you were to come alone."
Adam stepped forward and gave a slight bow. His voice was calm, with a note of genuine sincerity.
"My apologies, Mr. Kael," he said as politely as possible. "It is my fault that I allowed myself to bring Alex. But, to be frank, without him I would not have been able to come at all."
Alex froze for a moment, not expecting such a gesture from his friend. A second later, however, he inclined his head as well.
"That's not entirely true," he said evenly. "I insisted on coming with him, even though Adam didn't want to bring me. I hope you will show mercy and allow me to stay."
A self-satisfied smile stretched Kael's lips, and a spark of condescending pleasure flashed in his eyes.
"It's nice to see that at least someone among the Wolfengards and Bleadharts knows their place," he said, slowly rubbing his chin, "and understands who stands before them."
He cleared his throat lightly, straightening in his chair with theatrical flair.
"You're lucky," he continued smugly. "I'm in a good mood today. So, just this once, I'll forgive you this little act of insolence, Adam."
He nodded, gesturing invitingly.
"Lift your heads and join me."
Kael carelessly pointed toward the two soft armchairs in front of him. Alex and Adam exchanged a brief glance, raised their heads, and sat down opposite him.
For a moment, silence hung in the air. Kael lowered his gaze to the table, then turned his head as if searching for something.
"Tsk, where did it go…" he muttered, clicking his tongue in irritation.
Rising, he walked over to the glass cabinet by the wall. His gaze immediately fell on a sealed bottle of dark red wine. Taking it, Kael examined the label with an air of importance, the corner of his mouth curling into a smile.
"I hope you won't refuse to have a drink with me?" he said, turning back to the young men.
His smile widened, and a shadow of mockery flickered across it.
"Though it seems you don't really have a choice."
Kael took three crystal goblets from the cabinet and returned to the table. He set them down before each of them—his movements slow yet confident, marked by the demonstrative grace he clearly adored in himself.
With a soft crack, he uncorked the bottle, raised it over the goblets, and began to pour the thick, dark liquid, shimmering with crimson hues in the light.
When the last drop fell into the glass, Kael set the bottle aside, rested his elbow on the armrest, and looked at his guests with a satisfied squint.
"I propose a toast," he said with theatrical solemnity, raising his goblet. "To our meeting."
Alex and Adam silently took their glasses. Kael declared loudly,
"To our meeting!"
The wine in his goblet gleamed with a deep ruby sheen as he took several large gulps. Alex and Adam each took a small sip—just enough not to seem rude—then placed their glasses back on the table.
Kael rotated his goblet in his hand, contentedly watching the red wine leave thin trails on the crystal. Then his gaze lazily shifted to Adam.
"So," he said, "tell me why you came here."
"As I recall," Adam replied calmly, "you were the one who invited me."
Kael smiled slyly.
"Yes, I remember," he nodded. "But four days have passed since then. Haven't you had any questions during that time?"
"All the questions that interested me have already been answered," Adam replied evenly.
Kael laughed—loudly, almost excessively, as if he had truly heard something amusing.
"Answers? And from whom, may I ask?" he said, mockery creeping into his voice. "From Astarion and Luna? Seriously?"
He leaned back in his chair, once again turning the goblet in his hand.
"Have you really not understood yet, Adam, that your parents are accomplished liars?" he continued, a shadow of anger flickering across his face. "They even had the audacity to erase me from their student history. And then, for years, they fed you children that lie."
He paused briefly, then added with light irony,
"Did you really accept so easily that they would calmly allow themselves to lie to their own son? Don't you think they might be deceiving you about other things as well?"
Adam didn't even blink. His voice remained calm, but a cold certainty appeared in his gaze.
"No," he answered firmly. "I am confident in my parents' honesty. And I will always trust them."
Kael raised an eyebrow but did not interrupt.
"As for not telling me about you earlier," Adam continued, "I don't see anything wrong with that. They have already shared the full story of your student years. And considering the role you played there, it's perfectly logical that everyone decided to erase you from their lives."
Silence.
Kael froze for a moment, and even the air in the room seemed to grow heavier.
In Alex's thoughts flashed a surprised remark: "That was rather bold of him…"
Meanwhile, Sirena whispered anxiously in Alex's mind,
"I hope those words won't cause trouble."
Kael slowly covered his eyes with his hand. Then his shoulders began to rise and fall rhythmically, and a few seconds later, laughter rang out—quiet at first, then growing louder and louder.
"Oh, Adam…" he exhaled through laughter, lowering his hand and wiping the corner of his eye. "You know, I didn't expect you to just come out and say that to my face."
His smile grew wider, almost kind, though the cold gleam in his eyes remained.
"Courage," he continued, "is a rare trait. Especially among your circle. Neither Astarion, nor Arthur, nor even Elizabeth would ever have dared to say something like that to me. But you… you surprised me, boy. And you keep doing so with every passing second. And you know what? It genuinely pleases me."
Kael lifted his goblet and, without taking his eyes off Adam, drained the remaining wine in one go. Then he casually tossed the glass over his shoulder. The sound of shattering crystal echoed through the room, but Kael didn't even flinch.
He leaned forward slightly, folded his arms in front of him, and, smiling with satisfaction, said,
"I have a proposal. And not only for you, Adam." He cast a brief glance at Alex. "But for your friend as well."
His eyes gleamed with pleasure at his own words.
"I am inviting both of you to join my guild. And not without reason. I am prepared to make you commanders—to place the finest adventurers of the 'Blue Raven' under your command."
Kael leaned back, crossing one leg over the other, and continued in a mocking tone,
"Admit it, this is a rather generous offer. I see no reason to refuse."
He paused briefly, his smile slowly turning sly.
"And for a bit of extra motivation…" he went on, a cold edge entering his voice. "This is your only chance to save your families."
Alex frowned instantly.
"What do you mean by that?" he asked seriously.
Kael, as if he had been waiting for the question, sighed theatrically.
"Did you truly think my words about the curse were a joke?" His voice grew low and heavy. "Kael Daskreyt never speaks lightly. The preparations are already well underway."
He took a small sip straight from the bottle, as if to underline the pause, then continued calmly,
"But I am a generous man. If you accept my offer, I am willing to… meet you halfway. To abandon my idea. Of course," he added in a feigned gentle tone, "the decision is yours. I have no intention of pressuring you."
He tilted his head slightly to the side, idly playing with the bottle in his hand.
"Although," he added with a mocking note, "if I were in your place, I wouldn't hesitate for a second. After all, the chance to become commanders in one of the most prestigious guilds on the continent… to grow considerably richer… and, naturally, to save your families from a curse—this deal is far too profitable to turn down."
Adam went pale. His former confidence dissolved like smoke, giving way to fear that was clearly visible in his eyes. He clenched his fists slightly, but even that failed to hide the trembling of his fingers.
Alex, meanwhile, struggled to maintain an outward calm. When he spoke, his voice was even, though icy fury pulsed deep in his eyes.
"What do you gain by inviting us into your guild?"
"Oh, finally you speak," Kael drawled with feigned pleasure. "Wonderful."
He turned the bottle in his hands, thoughtfully studying the dark wine, then raised his gaze to Alex.
"At first glance, it might seem that I gain nothing at all from this. But you're not naïve enough to truly believe that, are you?" His voice darkened. "I never propose deals that don't benefit me. And right now—I am in a completely winning position."
Kael leaned forward, resting his elbow on his knee.
"Think logically, Alex. What kind of moral blow would it be for Astarion, Luna, and Elizabeth to learn that you and Adam joined my guild? And not only that—became commanders thanks to my recommendation."
A satisfied smile appeared on his face, and his voice became almost gentle.
"It would be unbearably painful for them, if they truly are good parents and… an aunt." Kael tilted his head slightly, narrowing his eyes. "She is your aunt, isn't she?"
Alex remained silent, never taking his eyes off him.
"Though," Kael waved a hand dismissively, "it doesn't really matter."
He took another swallow straight from the bottle, then continued slowly,
"And if you refuse—I will simply curse one of your family members. That, too, will be a blow. Either way, I win. Because I will either have you in my guild, or I will watch you lose someone dear to you."
He shrugged, as if talking about something utterly mundane.
"So, you see, either outcome suits me just fine."
Alex rose from his chair, his movements slow, but a dangerous light flared in his eyes.
"We will think about your proposal," he said evenly.
Then he looked at Adam. Adam, who had been following the exchange in confusion, merely nodded and, without saying a word, stood up as well.
Kael did not react at once. He simply raised the bottle to his lips and took a few more swallows, as if he had forgotten they were even there.
When Alex tried to form a magical teleportation circle beneath his feet, nothing happened. The air trembled faintly, but the symbols did not ignite. He tried again—and again, nothing.
"Where do you think you're going?" Kael's mocking voice rang out. "I don't recall giving you permission to leave."
He lifted his gaze, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
"And I certainly have no intention of waiting several more days for your answer. I need it now. Yes or no?" He paused briefly, then added with a sly smile, "And you'd better hurry. The wine is running out… and along with it, my patience."
Alex pierced him with a furious stare. Kael noticed—and burst out laughing.
"Oh, don't look at me like that," he said through his laughter. "That angry grimace won't help you. Besides," his voice grew quieter, yet far more venomous, "the situation you're in right now isn't my fault."
After that, he turned his gaze to Adam.
Adam stood silently, pale and bewildered, unable to take his eyes off Kael.
Kael shook his head in disappointment.
"You're now an exact copy of your father," he said coldly. "You look just as pathetic."
Kael took several deep swallows, completely emptying the bottle. Then he turned it upside down and shook it a few times, as if checking whether anything remained inside. Not a single drop.
"Sad," he drawled, before tossing the bottle aside. It hit the floor with a dull thud and rolled to a stop near the leg of the table.
Kael looked back at the two young men. His smile turned predatory, his voice low, almost amused.
"Your time to think is over," he said, lacing his fingers together. "So, what will your answer be?"
Alex silently shifted his gaze to Adam. Adam still stood as if frozen, his face empty. A few seconds passed—then Adam sank into the nearest chair. Resting his elbow on the armrest, he covered his eyes with his hand and took a deep breath.
Five seconds of silence.
Then, without opening his eyes, he spoke quietly,
"So… that means we have no other choice."
Kael laughed—softly at first, then louder, until it became almost unhinged.
"You're not listening very well, boy," he said, wiping the corner of his mouth. "You have two options. Which means—you do have a choice. You just need to make it."
A faint but confident smile appeared on Adam's lips. He slowly lowered his hand from his face and raised his eyes to Kael. There was no fear left in them—only firm, cold resolve.
Adam glanced at Alex, and when he saw the same unshakable seriousness there, something clicked inside him. The fear vanished completely, leaving only clarity.
"My Lord…" Sirena's anxious voice echoed in Adam's thoughts. "Are you certain about this?"
"Yes," he replied silently. "Now, one hundred percent."
Adam rose from the chair.
"I am ready to give an answer," he said aloud, looking straight at Kael.
Kael exhaled theatrically, lifting his eyes to the ceiling.
"Well, finally," he said with feigned relief. "And your answer…?"
Adam gave no verbal reply.
He jerked his hand upward, and it instantly flared with brilliant arcs of lightning. The air around him hissed, saturated with electricity. A moment later, he lunged forward at incredible speed—a movement almost impossible to follow.
Lightning tore through the space between him and Kael, but the strike failed to reach its target. A dull crack echoed, followed by a powerful flash. The blow punched through the back of the chair where Kael had been sitting just a moment before, leaving a scorched hole with smoke curling into the air.
Adam froze, breathing heavily, then slowly pulled his hand from the hole, from which faint sparks were still spilling. His gaze slid to the side.
There, a few meters away, stood Kael—unharmed, wearing the same mocking smile.
He chuckled softly.
"All right," he said, nodding with satisfaction. "I'll take that as an answer."