Chapter 231: Plans In The Dark

Ezra strode through the revolving doors of the Star Heights Hotel, his wives following behind him.

The patrons of the hotel scrambled out of his way as he stalked the halls like a man with a purpose, which he was.

The presence of the incredibly attractive group attracted the attention from both guests and staff. He was recognized by a few staff, from his time visiting Griffin. They stood, watching him go, knowing not to get in his way.

He walked the usual route, heading towards the part of the hotel hidden from human eyes.

He knew that with his approach, the Necromancer would already be aware that he was coming and that was what he wanted.

The Necromancer wouldn't miss such an opportunity to finally get Ezra into his group of undead minions.

After a few minutes, Ezra pushed open the door and entered the familiar entrance hall. This time, there was no one behind the secretary's desk.

Was the Necromancer waiting for him with his forces in the throne room? Ezra grinned, baring his teeth. He'd brought his wives with him this time. They were more than enough for this task.

He opened the grand doors to the throne room and entered, taking in the change in decor.

He walked in, his footsteps echoing in the vast space. At the top of the dias sat a grand throne made of bones.

"Will you look at that?" Gen grinned as she came to stand beside him. "Someone whose ego is even bigger than Griffin's."

Ezra stood there staring at the empty throne. What was going on? Where is the Necromancer?

He took a deep breath, taking in the scent of the room. Vampires emitted no natural smell from their bodies but that wasn't what he was looking for. Clothes had distinct smells of their own which they took from the environment or by coming into contact with other things.

He took in the scent that lingered in the room.

The room had still been occupied an hour ago.

Ezra's eyes narrowed as he stepped closer to the throne. Red and Olivia spread out slightly, looking for any clue.

Gen crouched down beside him, her eyes searching the floor. "Ezra." She spoke. "Here."

He walked closer, looking at where she was pointing to. There was a thin, almost invisible film of dust in the shape of footsteps.

He nodded at it. Was the Necromancer really gone?

"Ezra!"

His eyes snapped up to see Olivia and Red taking a defensive stance as an astral projection floated out of the bone throne.

"Ezra Matten!" The Necromancer waved at him as he floated close. "What a pleasant surprise."

"Necromancer." Ezra stepped closer, his wives on guard. "Why aren't you here?"

"Ah come on. It's your fault, you know." The Necromancer crossed his ethereal arms. "If you had told me you were coming, I would've stayed behind and prepared a grand welcome for you. This is why manners are important. If you had called ahead, I would've prepared a feast but here we are."

"Where are you?" Ezra walked closer to the projection. "Let's settle this once and for all."

"Sorry." The Necromancer chuckled, looking down at an imaginary watch on his wrist. "I can't stay to chat. I've got an important appointment to get to. See you around." S~eaʀᴄh the Nôvel(F)ire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

And with that, he dissolved into vitality.

**********

The Necromancer chuckled to himself as he found the entrance to the underground level of the building. Toying with Ezra Matten was always fun.

He suppressed the very real regret he felt at that moment. If he had really known the vampire would be coming, he would've received him with open arms. It wasn't everyday that your prey walked to you with its own two legs.

He put the encounter out of his mind. Westside wasn't his business anymore.

He entered, closing the door behind him and cutting off the sound of the bustling city. He whistled as he took the steps down into the basement. The air grew progressively dank as he made his way deeper underground.

Before long, he found the place. He knocked on the door before opening it. This was an important and possible ally. It didn't cost him too much to be polite.

The room was dark, lit by a single candle placed in the middle of the sole table. Around the table were two chairs, facing each other.

One of the chairs was already occupied, the woman standing as he entered.

"Necromancer." She greeted him. "I've heard much about you."

"Bad things, I hope?" He chuckled. "I've put too much effort into crafting this reputation. I wouldn't want it all to go to waste, Captain Helena."

The captain of the local peacekeeper sat back down and spoke, her tone curious. "Are you that attached to your reputation?"

"Of course." The Necromancer grinned. "Our reputation is very important. After all, isn't it your reputation that is making this meeting possible?" She sat there, a bland smile on her face. "If I hadn't heard that you could be bought for the right price, would I even be here?"

"I see." Helena said.

"So, why am I here?" The Necromancer asked. "Why set up a meeting with a man you know isn't on the same side as your… faction?"

"You want Ezra Matten, don't you?" Helena asked.

The Necromancer leaned forward, interested. "Go on."

"What if I gave him to you on a silver platter?"

The Necromancer watched her for a few seconds before speaking. "Your offer is very tempting but why should I accept it?" He asked. "What's in it for you? What are you getting out of it?"

"Haven't you wondered why I still work with Countess Yuri even though I betrayed her for my own ends not too long ago?" Helena asked. "Yuri has something I want and Ezra Matten is getting in my way." Helena answered. "With him out of the way, there will be no one else but me to receive it."

"I see." The Necromancer nodded. "Will it be safe to assume you came with a plan?"

"I did." Helena nodded.

"Let's hear it."

"Ezra Matten recently had a huge sum of money stolen from him." Helena leaned forward, dropping her voice to a whisper. "How do you feel about becoming the thief?"