Genetic Rating Overhaul, or GRO for short. This unprecedented blood serum crafted by the Weaver for his new puppets came under two variants: the Red, which turned the receiver into Abominations, and the Dark, which altered their DNA to turn them into superhumans.
Ulric gave his subordinates the Red Shot, using the Dark to draw the Pashas of the Moonborn Syndicate and other desperados to his cause. Meanwhile, Elektra sat on a bed of camellias, the Queen of Monsters gazing at the crescent moon with a nostalgic look. Words spoken in private by Vel'Asha resounded in Elektra's mind, and her eyes reddened a little.
Here, Mithras appeared on the Queen's lap, flashing her a relaxing smile.
"As breathtaking as ever. Hello, queen of mine. Your Lord sensed you were in need of a man's shoulder. So he came to deliver."
"Mithras...Prince of Astalon, Lord of Elektra. Why do I think that joke is the only reason the Queen Regent named you Lord of Elektra?"
"Because it's true. I insisted. The potential for jokes was just too much to pass on. I had to do it." Mithras replied in the most straightforward tone ever, his voice so natural that for a second, Elektra got swayed by his words, seeing the wisdom in Mithras' words.
Indeed. You can never miss a chance for a good joke. Not when your name is Mithras. The Queen's lips curled a little, and she shook her head, bringing Mithras' head up her thighs, and running her hand through his hair.
"What's wrong? I know my services are a bit expensive, but I can always lend you my ear for free. Go ahead, my queen. Unload your sack," Mithras said, his words making Elektra blank out for a moment.
"Mithras, what was the point of making Odoacer wake up from stasis?"
"The more time he spends in stasis the stronger he gets, and he would have woken up eventually. So might as well bring him back early and deal with him before his prime."
"And Odoacer didn't mind being woken up early because?"
"Because staying in a semi-coma for tens of thousands of years is an excellent way to lose your humanity. The more time spent in stasis, the harder it is for Blood Nobles to connect with their emotions and desires. Blood becomes an obsession, and carnages the norm. My old man was getting dangerously close to that step, so of course he didn't mind waking up early." Mithras explained.
Sucuria was the one supposed to monitor her brother's clock. But the Fylkir correctly assumed his sister would try to delay his awakening, and so set in motion the series of events that'd lead the Mana-Mena pair to speed up his rebirth.
"So Odoacer would rather be reborn early and lose out on free power boosts to cling to his humanity. Not a month later, that same Odoacer had given up on that humanity. Why? After so many years and trials, why now and so easily?"
"I guess the realization that all those he's ever loved are either dead or despise him was too much to bear. Should have kept one of the bros alive to save myself the trouble of boosting my nemesis. But then again, in hindsight, everyone's a genius.
Ohhh...I see. That's how you feel towards Vel and Cassandra. Overthinking queen of mine, my godmother is a lot more chill than she looks. Just go talk to her and she'll give you a hug...probably."
"Chill? Cassandra?"
"Okay maybe I have some privileges, but I promise she won't be hard on you. If anything, now she can plan with her sister how to isolate her darling boy from his girls. And keep him for herself. Yep, I can already see it."
"You would break my heart." Mithras leaned in, his violet eyes shining like burning gems as he peered into his Co-Regent's feline eyes. Vel'Asha's heart skipped a beat, but the moment next, she pulled out of Mithras' arms, sitting on her office table and facing him with a neutral look.
"That would indeed be a pity. Sadly Mithras, I don't think you can get what you want from me." The Queen Regent said in a calm and serious tone. Mithras didn't mind, handing Vel a crumpled note.
Her head tilted a little—eyes narrowing as she took the note from her Co-Regent's hands.
"Just read it," Amused by the look of suspicion on Vel's face, Mithras said, making his Co-Regent open the note and read out loud.
"Never was the kind to think about dressing in white. Wasn't waiting on a prince to come riding into my life. Thought I was happy on my own...till you came and proved me wrong.
I finally found what I never knew I always wanted. I couldn't see, I was blind 'til my eyes were opened. I didn't know there was a hole. Something missing in my soul...till you filled it up...with your love." Vel'Asha's voice broke as she reached this point, her heart thrashing in her chest.
"Impressive. I always wanted to say something like this at my wedding. Is this an original?" Moved beyond words, Vel asked in a melancholic tone. Her eyes turning moist as she read the note again and again.
"Nope. Was written by a very talented woman. But I knew it'd echo your hidden wishes, so I'm giving you these words as a gift, hope and wish...of what we can have together.
Vel'Asha, I'm a heart chaser, not a heart breaker. No need to be so defensive with little me. I won't try to hide the ugly side of me, and if you're fine with the whole package of me, have no doubt that I will treat you right.
It doesn't have to be complicated. And I know you want me. So why are you trying so hard to push me back?" Mithras asked, the bluntness of his words leaving Vel speechless and unable to respond.
The window of opportunity had opened. Mithras went on the offensive, pouring out his innermost feelings.
"I wouldn't bother you if I couldn't see it. You want me Vel'Asha. The way you fix your hair when I enter the room, straightening your back to maintain that stately look. Gnawing your teeth as I chat up others, and occasionally reviewing the recordings of my first night with Honoria. The evidence is damning. You can't be blind to yourself.
So what are you afraid of?
Vel...you already know I find your figure breathtaking. But what I like most about you...is your simplicity. You're not a complicated woman. You're not out there to change the world. Your nights are filled with simple dreams. A simple life.
A simple love. A simple family. Going through the motions of life with warmth, peace and quiet. It's so simple...boring even! But I love it! I love that side of you and want to have that boring life with you.
I am your wish, your hope and dream! So why are you pushing back?
I don't want to rush you, but you're trying to flee. To escape a fairy tale, so at the risk of offending you, I will just speak my mind—and do my best to keep you in my arms...right where you belong.
You can say no at any time. But so long as you keep indulging me, I will keep pushing. And make you mine, one step at a time," Mithras said in a sweet and mellow tone, pulling his Co-Regent into a tender and passionate kiss.