"Don't expect cooperation from us again, Mister Albec." Ariana's voice was sharp, her anger barely restrained as they stood within the altar room.
Albec let out a long, weary sigh. "It was part of the contract, Miss Ariana. I couldn't allow Sir Adrian to harm them—unless I was ready to give up my own life."
The pact was ironclad. Should either side shed blood in this chamber, death would claim the offender instantly. And so, Albec had been bound to shield the Acolytes from Adrian's wrath.
Ruby's expression hardened. "How could you allow those people to stroll in here and talk so casually—as if centuries of bloodshed between us never happened?"
Albec's brows furrowed. "You're not blind to the situation outside, Miss Vermillion. You know well how the balance of power is shifting. We must… find a way to keep things steady."
Ariana arched a brow. "Do you understand that the beings who created this difference in society—were the ones you invited over today, right?"
