Shores of Malice, Year 17, Second Era

"You summoned me?" I ask as I step into the shadowed expanse of the throne room.

The air is thick with the stench of blood and damp stone. Muthos sits upon his throne, his figure cloaked in shadows, the faint glow of his crimson eyes piercing the dimness. Around us, the eerie flutter of wings echoes as bats swoop down from the vaulted ceiling, swirling into grotesque humanoid forms. The vampires, silent and precise, carry an ornate bottle of dark, viscous blood. They pour a measured amount into a goblet, their hands steady, almost reverent.

Muthos takes the goblet, his pale fingers curling around it with a practiced elegance. He takes a slow sip, savoring the moment before his sharp grin cuts through the silence. "Leave us," he commands, his voice smooth but edged with authority.

The vampires bow, their forms dissolving into swarms of bats that disappear into the darkness. Now, it's just the two of us.

"Yes, I summoned you," Muthos begins, his tone unhurried, his grin unwavering. "The time has come. I've found the location of the DragonsBreath, but there's a... complication."

I step closer, crossing my arms. "What kind of complication?"

His grin fades, replaced by a flicker of annoyance. "The Madium Claw," he growls. "Those cursed talons that damned fool Udis stole from me, claiming they were his after Draco gifted them to me. Without them, the DragonsBreath is useless to anyone who doesn't share the bloodline."

"Without the claw, the blade will kill anyone unworthy of wielding it," I say, piecing it together.

"Precisely," Muthos confirms, his voice cold with disdain. "Only Magnus himself could touch the blade without succumbing to its wrath. That's why Draco forged the claw—to allow those he deemed worthy to wield his greatest creation. And now, that artifact is in the hands of his son."

I nod slowly, taking in his words. "And Vermidia? Does she know?"

Muthos waves a dismissive hand, leaning back into his throne. "Vermidia is off chasing phantoms, still obsessed with dismantling the Court, believing they will begin to interfere at any moment. I'd rather not get her hopes up until the DragonsBreath is firmly in my grasp. This operation must be swift, precise." His eyes narrow, gleaming with malice. "We'll kill the boy, reclaim the claw, abduct the girl, and seize the DragonsBreath. And then..." He leans forward, his voice a venomous whisper. "Then I will rule this damned universe."

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I tilt my head, studying him. "And what exactly do you need from me, Muthos?"

Muthos's grin returns, sharper now, dripping with menace. "You, Ogre, will bring the boy to me. Red Smith. Deliver him into my hands, and I will do the rest. Once the claw is ours, you will show me a way into Amerei. Together, we will break through any defenses left by Udis and I will claim the Madium Throne! Do this, and you will be repaid handsomely."

I stand in silence for a moment, my jaw tightening. The mention of Red stirs something in me, a complicated tangle of anger and unfinished business. "And what happens after you get what you want?"

Muthos smirks, reclining again, the picture of confidence. "That's not your concern, Ogre. You'll have your reward. That is, if you're up to the task."

I meet his gaze, unflinching. "I'll bring you the boy," I say finally, my voice steady. "But don't forget—Red owes me, not you. And I'll decide when my debt is settled."

Muthos chuckles, his voice reverberating like a low growl across the cavernous chamber. "Spoken like a true opportunist, Ogre. Very well. Fulfill your role, and I will keep my end of the bargain. But be warned—failure is not an option. You've seen what we've been left in Udis' wake."

His crimson eyes flash, and for a moment, the room seems colder, darker. Muthos' words sound of betrayal, but if I cannot trust him, there is no one else to turn to. I don't flinch, though. I've dealt my brother before.

"I'll get it done," I say, turning on my heel to leave. But as I approach the doorway, his voice stops me.

"Remember," he calls out, his tone sharper now, "this isn't just about the claw or the blade. If you lose control of the boy... if his will falters, he could ruin everything."

I glance back at him. "Red's stronger than you think."

"Let's hope you're right," Muthos says, leaning back into his throne, his expression unreadable. "For all our sakes."

I don't reply. I push open the heavy door, the sound echoing as it swings shut behind me. The dark corridors of Muthos's lair stretch before me, the air thick with decay and silence. I stride forward, my mind already working through the next steps.

Red Smith. The boy who cheated death, tore through Hell, and reclaimed his sister. The boy who now owes me.

The memory of that night comes back—his desperate plea for help, my price for the information that led him to Alyse. A debt unpaid. And now, I'd have to decide whether to deliver him to Muthos or claim what's mine another way.

But first, there's work to do.