---
Nyx remained hidden inside John's shadow. Her black body blended with the broken ground, and only John could feel the way she watched Ned's mana.
"You helped Fartray arrange this," John said.
Ned did not deny it. "I gave him an opportunity."
Fartray coughed and pushed himself away from the damaged wall. His face was red from nearly being strangled by the black pull, but his anger was stronger than his fear.
"You said you would finish him," Fartray shouted. "What were you waiting for?"
Ned did not even look at him. "I was waiting for you to become useful."
Fartray's expression changed immediately. John understood the arrangement now. Fartray had believed Ned was his partner, but Ned had only used him to spend money, gather fighters, and weaken John. If Fartray's men killed John, Ned could remain hidden. If John survived, Ned would attack after the battle. If both sides destroyed each other, Ned could still walk away without taking any risk.
