Everyone stepped back instinctively. Even Diane, who had been silent the entire time, moved forward and raised her scythe, positioning herself protectively in front of Bianca and Maria, knowing they had less combat power than the rest.
Leah, who had been yawning just moments ago, straightened at once. Her expression sharpened as she sensed something was wrong.
The temperature in the room dropped noticeably as her bloodstyle reacted, frost creeping along the walls. Seamus and Fleur stepped forward together, already prepared.
"Damn it… I should have realized sooner," Seamus muttered under his breath.
Mark laughed, the sound hoarse and broken. Blood spilled from his mouth as he coughed, yet his grin remained.
"Relax. I'm on your side. No. I'm on my own side."
"What?" Seamus and Fleur said at the same time.
"You should have noticed," Mark continued, leaning back against the chair. "The evolution, the clues, everything I handed to you. I'm not on Latros's side."
