Snowball didn't look at her. His eyes remained firmly fixed on Lucien.
Lucien and Snowball stared at each other.
It felt less like a vampire king looking at a cat and more like two ancient beings silently measuring each other's strength.
Snowball's eyes narrowed. "My real identity is not for someone like you to know. Instead, tell me why you want the necklace."
Lucien smiled faintly. "Hmm. Well, like you, it is hiding something."
His gaze shifted toward Aira. "Including the true form of that old man." He looked at the necklace hidden beneath her clothes. "It conceals his scent, appearance, and true identity."
Then, finally, he looked back at Snowball. "Now, have I answered your question?"
Aira's heart pounded.
Lucien continued.
"I recognize the magic surrounding that necklace."
Aira remained silent.
"It is ancient." Lucien's crimson eyes glowed faintly. "And whoever created it understood how to manipulate magical perception."
