Wrathriver Necropolis, two days later…

  Adam watched the sun climb above the horizon, staining the heavens in streaks of orange and slate-grey. He sat beside X, his gaze drifting across the port’s waiting area, where passengers either sat in uneasy silence or murmured quietly among themselves.

  Hard to believe this place was empty just days ago, he thought. Now it feels… packed.

  “I wonder if the knights will be able to accommodate everyone,” X whispered, leaning into him.

  “I hope so,” Adam replied softly. “I’d rather not spend another day here. Let alone months.”

  “Me too,” she murmured, snuggling closer.

  They had both reverted to their original appearances. On a vessel belonging to one of the world’s most powerful guilds, concealment felt reckless—borderline suicidal.

  Naturally, X drew attention.

  Glances came from every direction. Some lingered too long. A few men even attempted conversation, but X ignored them outright—or leaned closer to Adam, her message unmistakable.

  Adam, meanwhile, wore hair spun from gold, his features refined and striking, though less overtly captivating than hers. Unlike X, who relied on masks and makeup to disguise herself, Adam reshaped his appearance at will.

  Manipulator remained flawless. Unless the knights possessed abilities capable of completely nullifying his power—which was possible, though unlikely—he was confident his disguise would hold.

  “Are you still sleepy?” X asked, poking his shoulder.

  Adam ignored her.

  “C’mon,” she pressed again, poking his side as she sprawled across his lap. “I still can’t believe this is your real face.” She grinned. “If only your personality were just as pretty.”

  “Look who’s talking,” Adam snorted.

  X laughed, preparing to retort—but Adam covered her mouth with his hand.

  “Please,” he whispered. “Leave me alone. If Obane approaches me again with his questions, I might lose my sanity. I’m exhausted.”

  Something warm and slick brushed against his palm.

  Adam jerked his hand back, glaring as X dissolved into shameless laughter.

  “You don’t even know where my hands have been,” he growled. “And you licked it?”

  “I don’t mind,” she said with a wink. “I’m adventurous.”

  Adam exhaled slowly, refusing to let her dictate the pace.

  There was no denying it—X wielded her beauty like a weapon.

  “Are you getting shy?” she teased, lifting her head until barely a breath separated them.

  “You’re playing a dangerous game,” Adam murmured, meeting her hazel eyes. “You know that.”

  “We only live once,” X smiled. “Show me how dangerous you can be.”

  “They’re here! They’re here!”

  The shout cut through the air.

  Adam turned sharply toward the thick glass windows. Beyond them loomed the silhouette of a colossal ship.

  Holy shit…

  X stared as well, disbelief mirrored in her eyes.

  The vessel dwarfed the flying ship they’d arrived on—easily ten times its size. Its hull was painted deep purple, marked by four white crosses along its length. Dominating the bow was a massive white cross intertwined with a roaring dragon.

  “Listen up.”

  Adam turned toward the voice.

  Obane stood before them, posture rigid. “The knights will arrive shortly,” he announced, his tone heavy with warning. “If you value your life—or your freedom—do not provoke them.”

  Silence followed.

  “I cannot stress this enough,” Obane continued. “If your hands are not clean, abandon any thoughts of boarding their vessel.”

  Several figures shifted uneasily.

  In this world, Adam thought dryly, you’re more likely to meet a madman than someone normal.

  Obane bowed. “I wish you all a safe journey. A representative of the knights will arrive momentarily. Good luck.”

  Without another word, he departed.

  Low murmurs rippled through the waiting area.

  Adam leaned toward X. “Have you hidden everything that could connect us to them?”

  “Trust me,” she said firmly. “My will to live is stronger than yours.”

  “Good,” Adam muttered. “Let’s hope their screening isn’t thorough.”

  “I’d rather not use Plan B,” X added.

  “Neither would I.”

  A deep hum vibrated through the port as the ship finished docking.

  Up close, it was even more imposing. The dragon carved into the cross seemed almost alive—its presence overwhelming.

  [Potential Source of Danger Detected]

  [Title: Devourer Activated]

  Adam’s expression hardened.

  Fuck. Not now.

  The temperature plummeted.

  Breath fogged the air. Passengers shivered as frost crept along the stone floor.

  X clasped his hands tightly. “Why did it suddenly get so cold?”

  A calm, refined voice echoed through the port.

  “Greetings.”

  Adam searched for its source—and found nothing.

  Neither did anyone else.

  Then a colorless portal shimmered into existence.

  “If you are traveling with us,” the voice continued, “please proceed through the portal.”

  Adam’s eyes locked onto it. There was no doubt—the knights were responsible.

  “Delays will only prolong our journey,” the voice warned.

  Movement rippled through the crowd.

  X squeezed his arm. “Are we moving?”

  Adam didn’t answer.

  Instead, he pulled her close, lowering his head until their lips nearly touched. Her eyes widened—then he placed a finger between their lips.

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  “Look at these youngsters,” an old man scoffed. “Can’t they save that for later?”

  “Leave them be,” his wife scolded, tugging his arm. “You were worse when you were young.”

  Adam ignored them, his attention fixed elsewhere.

  Four figures approached.

  Their armor was black and meticulously crafted, covering only their torsos. A roaring dragon wrapped around a purple cross was emblazoned on each breastplate. Black chainmail hung beneath, jingling softly as they walked. Their gauntlets were unmarked, their presence suffocating.

  The elderly man took another step—then collided with the leader.

  “Pardon me,” the knight said calmly. “That was not intentional.”

  A spiked helmet concealed his face, vertical visors revealing only faintly glowing purple pupils.

  The old man swallowed hard, bowing repeatedly as his wife dragged him away.

  To onlookers, Adam and X appeared lost in a passionate kiss—eyes closed, bodies pressed together.

  “Ahem.”

  Adam released X.

  “Could we have a moment of your time?”

  Adam turned, feigning surprise. “Who—”

  He paused, as if realization dawned.

  X stood silently at his side, cheeks flushed, gaze lowered, her grip tight around his hand.

  The knight bowed. “My name is Alfred,” he said politely, gesturing to the others. “These are my subordinates.”

  Adam nodded slowly. “How may I help you?”

  “Please follow us,” Alfred replied. “We have a few questions.”

  Before Adam could utter a word, Alfred’s subordinates moved.

  They fanned out with practiced precision, steel-clad boots scraping softly against the floor as they closed in around him.

  “What is the meaning of this?” Adam demanded, tightening his grip on X’s hand as he took a cautious step back.

  “Please, sir,” Alfred said calmly. “There’s no need to make this difficult.”

  “Let’s… let’s go with them,” X whispered, her voice trembling. “I’m sure they have a reason for this.”

  Adam’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t argue. After a moment, he nodded curtly.

  “Lead the way.”

  Without another word, the knights escorted them forward. Moments later, Adam and X vanished through the portal.

  Only then did the murmurs begin.

  “What just happened?” a young man whispered. “What did they do?”

  “I don’t know,” a middle-aged man replied, unease etched into his face. “But the Knights don’t apprehend people without reason.”

  “Could they be… the Varan Couple?” someone muttered.

  “Who?” the youth asked.

  “They were infamous some years back,” a woman said quietly. “They kidnapped children and did—” She cut herself off, her expression twisting with disgust. “They were abominations.”

  The room was small, sterile, and painfully bright.

  Adam and X sat across from one another, a narrow transparent table between them. Surrounding them was a maze of mirrored walls, each reflection splintering into countless duplicates.

  At the center of the room hovered a single source of light: a yellow crystal the size of a melon, glowing steadily.

  Another fucking TruthSeeker…

  Adam leaned back slightly, eyes tracing the endless reflections before settling on X.

  She looked terrified.

  No idea whether she’s acting—or genuinely panicking.

  He dismissed the thought, though he suspected it was the latter. He turned his attention back to the crystal.

  Six hours, he estimated. At least. They should’ve started by now.

  Their limbs weren’t bound. No chains. No restraints.

  And yet, neither of them had moved.

  Adam yawned exaggeratedly and reached out, tapping the crystal with idle curiosity.

  X shot him a sharp glare.

  He ignored it.

  She opened her mouth, then thought better of it and shut it again.

  Adam suddenly stood, pacing as he scanned the mirrored walls. “Hey!” he shouted. “How long do you plan on keeping us here? This is illegal!”

  Silence.

  “Sit down,” X hissed under her breath.

  Adam pretended not to hear. “Did the illustrious Knights of Bordon start kidnapping innocent civilians now?” he roared. “Is this how you enforce the law?!”

  A low hum pulsed through the room.

  Then came a calm, refined voice.

  “I apologize for the delay.”

  Adam frowned.

  Finally.

  “I will now proceed with the questioning.”

  The voice was unmistakable—the same one from earlier.

  They have no way of knowing TruthSeekers are useless against me… His gaze flicked briefly to X. I’m almost tempted to see how it works on someone normal.

  X sat rigid, anxiety written across every line of her posture. She tried to remain composed, but the fear was unmistakable.

  “For your own safety,” Alfred’s voice continued, “answer each question truthfully. Do you understand?”

  “I don’t understand any of this!” Adam shouted. “What crime have we committed to deserve this treatment?” He turned in a slow circle. “And how would you even know if we’re lying? For all we know, you’re trying to frame us.”

  Silence stretched.

  Adam met X’s gaze by accident. She didn’t dare whisper—her eyes pleaded instead.

  He looked away.

  “First question,” Alfred announced. “Are your names Ulric and Uri?”

  Adam’s expression twisted with disgust. “Is this a joke? What else would our names be?”

  He stepped behind X, placing his hands on her shoulders protectively. “You’re frightening my girl,” he barked. “Enough of this nonsense.”

  X trembled beneath his touch.

  Adam kneaded her shoulders gently, reassuring her with every motion.

  In the mirrors, he noticed her gaze fixed on the crystal—wide, fearful.

  The orb remained flawless.

  No cracks. No distortions.

  X reached up, gripping his hand tightly.

  “Hello?!” Adam roared. “Let us go! This is unjust!”

  Silence festered.

  “Hello—”

  A sharp hum cut him off.

  The mirrors rippled.

  Names began to form across their surfaces.

  “Are you affiliated with any of these organizations?” Alfred asked.

  Adam scanned the list. Eight Gates. Scavengers. Myxrath. Children of Eben.

  Most were unfamiliar.

  “Wait,” he said sharply. “Are you accusing us of working with criminals?”

  “Answer the question.”

  “Of course we’re—”

  “No,” Alfred interrupted. “Not you. Uri will answer.”

  Adam’s face darkened. “She’s terrified. Can’t you see that?” he shouted. “I’ll speak for her—”

  A portal opened behind him.

  Before Adam could react, armored hands seized him. A coarse sack was yanked over his head, cutting off his vision as he was lifted bodily from the ground.

  X watched helplessly as Alfred stepped through the portal and into the room.

  He spared Ulric only a glance before turning his attention fully to her.

  “Uri,” Alfred said, taking the seat opposite her. “Please forgive our conduct. It is… unusual.”

  He gestured toward the mirrored names. “Are you affiliated with any of these organizations?”

  X swallowed.

  Fuck.

  They got us.

  She couldn’t bring herself to meet his gaze.

  “Uri,” Alfred continued gently, pointing toward Adam. “Is he affiliated with any of them?”

  Realization struck.

  They were after him all along.

  She coughed softly, steadying herself. “I’ve heard of some,” she said carefully. “But Ulric would never be involved with them.”

  Alfred glanced at the crystal.

  Unchanged.

  “And why do you believe that?” he pressed. “Could he have hidden it from you?”

  X shook her head. “Ulric might be reckless and loud,” she said. “But he’s a coward. He’d never risk something like that.”

  The crystal remained pristine.

  “I see,” Alfred murmured.

  After a long pause, he spoke again. “Miss Uri, my men will escort you to your quarters.”

  “Huh?” X panicked. “What about Ulric?”

  “I still have questions for him,” Alfred said calmly. “He will not be harmed—provided he is not an enemy.”

  “He’s not,” X said quickly.

  “Please,” Alfred said gently. “Go.”

  Before she could protest further, masked knights escorted her through the portal.

  Alfred leaned back, fingers tapping the table.

  None of this adds up, he thought. Grandmaster Flinn rarely errs.

  His gaze returned to the crystal.

  Is the TruthSeeker malfunctioning?

  He dismissed the thought with a wave of his hand. “Remove the hood.”

  The sack was pulled free.

  “How dare you—” Ulric snapped, then froze. “Huh?”

  His eyes darted wildly. “Where’s Uri?”

  “She’s gone,” Alfred said lightly. “And you’ll never see her again if you don’t cooperate.”

  Ulric’s breathing grew ragged.

  “Your tricks might fool lesser men,” Alfred said, standing. “But we are the Knights of Bordon.” His voice hardened. “Did you truly think we wouldn’t recognize a Demonkin?”

  Ulric stared at him, stunned. “What the fuck are you talking about?” he said hoarsely. “You think I’m a Demonkin?”

  “Enough,” Alfred snapped. “Your act is over.”

  “Do you even hear yourself?” the man snarled.

  Realization flickered across his face, his expression twisting into something feral. “So this was your plan all along,” he spat. “You wanted to kidnap Uri from the very beginning. That’s why you’re fabricating all this nonsense.”

  He tried to spit, but the saliva barely left his lips.

  “And here I thought the Knights of Bordon were noble,” he continued bitterly. “Turns out you’re just a pack of pigs lusting after another man’s wife.”

  Alfred’s gaze hardened. His patience was wearing thin.

  “Do you solemnly swear,” he asked coldly, “that you have no affiliation with Demons or Demonkin?”

  “I don’t,” Ulric answered immediately. “Who in their right mind would?”

  He struggled against the knights restraining him, but their grips held firm.

  “Let me go, you bastards,” his voice trembled, desperation seeping through. “Please… don’t hurt her. She’s all I have left.”

  His head dropped.

  Bloodshot eyes brimmed with tears as he began to sob.

  Behind his helmet, Alfred frowned.

  We’ve made a grave mistake…

  He raised a hand. “Release him.”

  The knights obeyed.

  Ulric stumbled forward, catching himself before he fell. He rubbed his raw wrists, glaring at Alfred with venomous hatred.

  Alfred rose from his seat and bowed deeply.

  “I offer my sincerest apologies,” he said. “Please do not harbor ill will toward the guild. I acted rashly, of my own volition.”

  Ulric said nothing.

  “Uri is unharmed,” Alfred added, snapping his fingers.

  A portal shimmered into existence.

  “You will be reunited the moment you step through,” Alfred said quietly. “Once again… I am sorry.”

  The lights dimmed.

  When they flared back to life, the room was empty—save for Adam.

  The portal remained. The knights were gone.

  Adam stood frozen, shock and confusion warring across his face.

  After a moment, he swallowed and approached the portal cautiously.

  X paced the length of the elegant chamber, muttering under her breath as her feet carried her back and forth.

  None of this makes any sense.

  Not only had the Knights targeted them—but she had witnessed a TruthSeeker fail with her own eyes.

  She stopped abruptly at the edge of the bed.

  I knew he was dangerous… but I’ve underestimated him all this time.

  She pressed her fingers to her temples, brow furrowing.

  Could this be related to Ash? she wondered. Did they send him to watch over me?

  A hand suddenly settled against her back.

  “Penny for your thoughts?”

  X screamed, stumbling backward and collapsing onto the floor.

  Then she recognized the voice.

  Her head snapped up.

  Adam stood there, smiling—bright, unbothered, and whole.

  She rose slowly, ignoring his offered hand. Her gaze locked onto his, unwavering.

  “Who are you?” she asked.