Chapter 15: Alyssra Volade

Chapter 15: Alyssra Volade

While this realization should've made me more wary, it only fueled my anger. However, I managed to keep my voice steady as I returned to an earlier topic.

"Lord Drevolan, I think I've grasped why you knew Ignar would bring the gold to Pardus Mountain."

"That's encouraging."

"But what still eludes me is how you knew he would snatch the money in the first place."

"Oh, that part was simple. You see, I'm a sort of Sorcerer. I believe you are too."

"Yes," I admitted. Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

"Well, as you would know, with Sorcery, it's possible to implant an idea into someone's mind. We made him think that it would be both safe and lucrative, and he acted accordingly."

"You scoundrel!" The words erupted from me before I could rein them in. Instantly, I wished I could take them back, but it was too late.

I understand that for an Imperion, black signifies magic. However, to me, black just seems gloomy. Imperion are twisted creatures; I've mentioned this before.

As we moved along, I noted the torches were spaced seventeen feet apart.

Drevolan ushered me through a door which revealed a compact, iron spiral staircase. We climbed it to reach a more expansive hall that subtly inclined upwards, lined with more lamps and intricate doorways. The walls persisted in their unbroken black.

At one point, I asked, "Was there no more convenient way to bring me here?"

"We could have abducted you," he responded.

We stopped in front of a sizable wooden door adorned with a depiction of a crouching Pardus. Pushing the door open, Drevolan led me inside.

The room was a thirty-foot square, lit by the soft glow of candles and torches. Black dominated the decor, casting a comfortable yet imposing ambiance, which I've already expressed my thoughts about. Dancing shadows made it challenging to discern the room's features...

...But there was someone seated in one of the chairs. I had a strong hunch about her identity. As our eyes met, all movement ceased. She was lean, her smooth, timeless face with its sharp features and hollow cheeks framed by pitch-black hair. I was seriously growing weary of the color black.

While an Imperion might find her attractive, I wasn't sure. Her skin was startlingly pale, contrasting sharply with the room's darkness. Naturally, she was dressed in black, her gown with high lace ruffles reaching up to her chin. A large ruby was affixed just below the ruffle. Her hands were slender, and the pointed nails added to their length. On her left middle finger was a ring, possibly with a sizable emerald. She gazed at me with eyes that were profound, bright, and ancient.