The corners of the older woman's eyes crinkled, her lips breaking out into a smile as she looked at the figure walking in. Then, she froze.
"... N'g–... Silvanus?"
In strode a man standing 6.2 feet tall, clad in a maroon tailored suit with a long, latte-colored cashmere coat draped over his shoulders. He walked in steadily, his black polished shoes clicking on the marbled floors. A designer golden watch glinted inconspicuously on his left wrist, and his bronze skin took on a warm hue under the light of the chandelier. His silver hair was slicked back neatly, beard cut in a medium trimmed stubble, a strong jawline was accentuated. A pair of drooping silver eyes, filled with a quiet sorrow, sized up the woman.He didn't stop walking. He simply moved toward the corner of the foyer where she was reclining, his sharp eyes and hard expression softening slightly, smoothing out the almost unnoticeable lines of gloom.
"Rakï, what are you doing here? I thought you were coming with Ninth?"
His baritone voice, which was always cold, held a hint of something resembling warmth.The woman, Rakï, blinked at him then glanced briefly behind him. He was flanked by people in sharp black suits, black visors, and gloves. They stood a few feet behind him, radiating an aura that practically screamed: Do not approach, or you will likely die.
Directly behind him stood another man. He was six feet tall with white hair styled in a topknot, silver-rimmed glasses resting on his sharp nose ridge, and ice-blue eyes staring back at the world coldly. His lips were pressed into a thin line as he scanned the foyer. He wore a black suit that fit like a second skin and held a tablet with a translucent screen displaying data. Walking less than a foot behind the dark-skinned man, his eyes remained lowered as they crossed the room.Rakï set her book aside as she made space on the couch. She patted the cushion. The man's lips twitched for a moment, and then he sat down.
"... Where is Ninth?" the man asked, picking up the book Rakï was reading to look at the cover.
"She's inspecting a casino in the south of the city. She told me to go ahead since she's gonna be late.". The man hummed.
"... Do you want a smoke?"
He asked. She glanced at him, suddenly suspicious.
"Who the fuck are you? What have you done to my cousin?"
The corners of his mouth twitched, almost imperceptibly. He looked back at the white-haired young man, who understood immediately. The youth bowed, then quickly exited through another set of heavy sandalwood doors.
"Why are you here and not the garden?" Silvanus asked.
"Didn't you say you like the Angel's Trumpet that grows there?". The lady paused.
"... I had to resist the urge to do something wicked. Besides, the gardeners will cry, won't they?"
"Hmmm..." The man tapped the armrest. "Why are you here exactly?"
Rakï stretched, then said calmly, "I want to ask a favor of you."
"Oh? Really? You are asking for something this time?"
"Oh, shut up." She rolled her eyes."Well, if you're actually asking this time, then let's talk in my office."
He stood up and began to move toward the same heavy sandalwood doors the white-haired assistant had used.She followed quickly, a bored look on her face, while the bodyguards trailed at a distance.
"Will Nero find us if we move there? I'd still like a smoke..."
The man, Silvanus, glanced back at her, then looked forward.
"He will. He'll also bring that new batch of grade-one tobacco from Vrynshire. This batch apparently leaves a fruity aftertas—"
"Cousin! You know I love you, right?!"
Silvanus shot a sidelong glance at Rakï's fawning expression.They walked down a carpeted, opulent hallway. While walking, they passed a pedestal holding a meter-tall obsidian sculpture of a beast. It was feline in form with a huge mane that ran along its spine all the way to the tip of its tail, the forelimbs of a reptile, a long muscular tail, and seven horns atop its head like a crown. Six neon Paraíba Tourmaline gems were embedded in its eye sockets. The bodyguards stopped a meter before the sculpture, leaving Silvanus and Rakï to walk forward alone.As they proceeded down the hallway, the light dimmed. After walking for a few minutes, they came before huge, polished oak doors.
"In there?"
Rakï lifted an eyebrow.
"Yes."
Silvanus stepped to the side of the door, where a mechanical eyeball emerged from a small opening in the wall. It scanned Silvanus's eyes, then his entire body, turning from red to green. The door opened with a ding!, revealing a dimly lit room. They stepped inside unhesitatingly, and the lights flared on. Inside was a study with decor in shades of gray, black, and velvet.Rakï plopped down on an armchair while Silvanus walked toward the mahogany desk.
"So, what is it you are asking for?"Rakï tilted her head, then spoke slowly.
"I want to bring my daughter here."
There was silence. Silvanus looked at her, urging her to continue.
"She said she misses her uncle and cousin. So, I'm here to ask if she can stay here for some time...". Silvanus rested his head in his palms.
"... You know that's like throwing her into the fire, right?"
"Well, we can handle the heat. And besides, the fire will burn whoever tries to get close. It's a good thing!". Silvanus rubbed his temples.
"... For how long do you want her here?"
"Four years—"
"No."
"Oh, come on! Isn't your son also going to university this year? They could accompany each other."
"No. One Arur in a place is already dangerous, but two? No. That's a recipe for disaster." Rakï rolled her eyes.
"You worry too much! Just let the kids be. What could possibly go wrong?"
"Should I tell you?"Rakï fell silent.
"Come on, cousiiin! I tell you what, I'll swear compliance with all your plans during her stay here!"Silvanus paused.
"I'm the head of the entire family. Whether you want to comply or not doesn't really matter much, you know."Rakï groaned, then sat upright.
"Isn't your son coming of age this year?"
"... What are you saying?"A wide grin spread on the older woman's face.
"I'll introduce him to the Dream Beast myself and guide him in forming a pact with her!"
"Ah, about that. It seems he already met her, and the two have already formed the pact..."
Rakï paused, her face going pale.
"What?! When?! How?! That's impossible! The Dream Beast still slumbers in the Ancestral Land. There's no way she could—... Wait... Does that mean what I think it means?"
Silvanus's expression hardened. "I think so... But I hope it doesn't."
Rakï took in a sharp breath then spoke in a shaky voice, "... That would mean Nox is... Ben HaChoshech?"
There was silence in the room. Suddenly, a knock sounded at the door."Sir, I'm here," a smooth male voice called from behind the wood.Silvanus pressed a button on his desk, and the oak doors opened. In came the white-haired man, Nero, holding an ornate silver box.
"Sir, where shall I set this down?""On the center table."
"Yes, sir." He promptly set the things down.
"You may leave, Nero. You'll be welcoming my son and his entourage next. Make the necessary preparations."
"Yes, sir."
Nero bowed then left the room, the oak doors closing behind him.
".... Well, damn..."
Rakï ran a hand through her hair, shocked at the revelation. She opened the box, took out a cigarette and a lighter, lit it, and took a long drag.
".... Huuu...."