Chapter 66: Troubles, and a sad wife

In the depths of the city, hidden from the curious eyes of common citizens, there existed a place known to only a few: the headquarters of the Guild of Shadows, an assassins' guild. The unassuming and unadorned building, almost abandoned in appearance, concealed a meticulous and lethal organization. Within its walls, the atmosphere was indeed... complicated, to say the least.

The guild master, a woman known only as "The Black Blade," sat like a queen in a meeting with her best assassins.

"Xenovia is closing in on us, all because we took that stupid contract with one of her family's sons," The Black Blade said. She dressed like a shadow, revealing only her blue eyes. Her voice was calm like an angel's but tinged with a hint of worry. "We shouldn't have meddled with her, and she won't stop until she finds out where and with whom we are. We need a plan."

The assassins, sitting around a sturdy wooden table, listened intently without uttering a word. Among them was Carlos, the envoy who had recently made contact with the youngest heir, Strax. He knew the situation had become complicated.

Initially, Xenovia wouldn't have come after them; she wouldn't have cared. After all, the Guild of Shadows was quite large and had many ways to counter brute force. But Xenovia was different. She was a Supreme, as those who couldn't be challenged directly or indirectly were called. Like Albert D'Vorah, Xenovia was relentless when she wanted something.

"Master," Carlos began, choosing his words carefully as this was a serious moment, and he couldn't afford to joke with those present at this meeting. "The situation has changed. Strax Vorah already wanted to meet you, so why not change our plans and seek an alliance with him? Xenovia only started pursuing us after we began watching him." He said, hoping for a positive response.

The Black Blade sighed, running a hand through her ashen hair. "We've already discussed our meeting. Simply approaching him directly would reveal our location. When I agreed to meet him, we didn't have this problem with Xenovia. We need to change our approach if we want a chance to talk to him. She has started watching us very closely; any false move, and we're finished."

Another assassin, a woman named Lena, raised her hand. "Master, we can use our contacts within the Nobility. Maybe they can create a distraction or provide information about Xenovia's location. If she's far from him, the meeting can occur peacefully." The Black Blade shook her head. "It's a good idea, Lena. However...

we're talking about a woman with a Legendary sword who can use black flames to teleport. We don't know the range of that, but I'm sure it's quite extensive. If we can't find a solution, I will act personally, with my true identity." She said. Everyone looked at her, shocked, as no one knew her true identity, not even Carlos, who was the closest to her. Risking it meant a lot.

"Carlos, do you believe Strax will come to the meeting? You're the person who's interacted with him the most," The Black Blade said. "I believe so. He's perceptive. I think he's already noticed we're watching him; after all, he sensed my presence in the alley," he commented. The Black Blade smiled slightly behind her mask.

"I hope you're truly the one who came to save me," she thought, then said, "Great, continue with the precautions and stay hidden until this problem is resolved. I don't want any assassins on the streets. And Carlos, keep an eye on him until the meeting. We'll need any possible information." She said, and everyone vanished.

Back to the main scene... The mansion was quite quiet...

Unlike others, Strax remembered his childhood with this woman and knew she was his first love. Although he was no longer just Strax, being two people in one, he still knew the truth in his heart. He became Strax, and Strax became him. That's why he accepted Beatrice, because despite everything, she was still a decent woman who was used, just as he was used by her parents for money.

She was a victim, just like him, and that's why he accepted her from the beginning.

Strax sat beside Beatrice and pulled her closer, looking into her eyes. "Beatrice, I don't know what's been going through your mind, what you've done, or thought about me and our relationship, but I know you well. I know who you are and that you wouldn't do something like that for no reason. So, if you want to be forgiven, just stay by my side.

You're special to me, and that won't change because of a mistake caused by others."

Beatrice finally met Strax's gaze, tears forming in her eyes. "Do you really think so?" she asked, still a bit insecure.

"I'm sure of it," Strax responded firmly. "We're together, aren't we? Then we'll continue to stay together."

Beatrice smiled timidly, wiping away the tears. "I'm sorry, I was overthinking," she said, making Strax smile.

Strax hugged her, feeling the weight of her insecurity lift a little. He looked at her for a moment, now seemingly calmer, smiled, and kissed her forehead. "You are mine and no one else's," he whispered in her ear.

Beatrice felt a shiver run down her spine at his words, the closeness and certainty in Strax's voice soothing her worries. She snuggled closer into his embrace, feeling the warmth and firmness of his body against hers. "Thank you for always being here for me," she murmured softly.

Strax pulled back slightly to look into her eyes again, a loving smile playing on his lips. "I always will be," he promised, his fingers gently caressing her face, wiping away the last traces of tears. "Now, let's enjoy this moment. Just the two of us."

He leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a tender, yet passionate kiss. Beatrice responded to the kiss, feeling all the love and security he offered. His hands slid down her back, pulling her even closer, while she wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss.

It was time for a romantic scene to happen, and he really wanted it. "Now, let's enjoy this moment. Just the two of us."