Arcturus knew that Shifties were created to serve a purpose. Kori’s purpose was to serve and protect him. The Combat Shifties from the castle had their purpose as capturing Nova but ultimately failed. The Monarch Shiftie’s purpose was to capture Nova. It was normal for them to have a purpose as it was instilled into them. He had never witnessed a Shiftie like Constance–someone who went against her entire purpose to the point of disobedience. He understood why she was abandoned–she was too free-spirited to be controlled. Yet, he found that a very charming aspect.

Thinking about it deeply, Kori most likely stayed behind because of that purpose instilled in him. Had he disobeyed and behaved like Constance, he’d be here with me right now. He shook his head to get rid of lingering thoughts. Now’s not the time for what-ifs and so. What has happened, happened. I cannot go back to change. I have to keep moving forward.

Souhait interjected, “So, you want to kill the mayor? May I ask why?”

“She was my master, but she abandoned me. I want to get back at her for abandoning me. I want to show her that there is nothing shameful about a Shiftie with free will.”

“Where does the killing part come in?” Arcturus inquired. “It just seems as if you just want to prove your worth to her.”

Constance placed a hand to her chest and then fidgeted with her earring. “I’m not sure if you know this, but there’s another soul within me.”

Arcturus was intrigued. He only recently learned that human souls did dwell within Shifties. Like how humans were different, Shifties were different because of this. He wanted to know what sort of person gave Constance such a soul.

“The woman residing within me was someone who was betrayed and killed by Bellatrix. She was the one who taught me what it’s like to have free will and what it’s like to want revenge. My feelings on this matter are for the both of us.” She stood up in front of Souhait and reached out a hand, signaling a handshake. “Let’s work together.”

Arcturus glanced over at Souhait; he had a feeling her words would not reach him. He was correct as Souhait’s expression hardened; he stood up. Arcturus noticed how Constance was a bit taller than Souhait.

“Do you believe in wishes?”

Constance raised an eyebrow. “Pardon?”

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“If you want our full cooperation, you have to get your wish granted.”

“Why?”

“Because the more wishes I grant, the stronger I become. If you want Bellatrix to meet her demise, I need power.”

Constance furrowed her brows. She leaned her face closer to Souhait’s. “Why did you decide that it’s you who needs power? I’m the one who needs it. I’m the one offering this request, not you.”

Arcturus gaped. This was the first time he had seen a rather selfish Shiftie; he wondered if this was a factor of her free will. It was a very novel feeling, but also fascinating. However, her response helped him realize that cooperation between Constance and Souhait would be hard. While Constance and Souhait had the same goals, there wasn’t a middle ground where they could unite. He wondered if he should butt in.

Souhait scoffed. He turned to Arcturus. “What do you think? Should we let her cooperate with us, despite her selfishness?”

He looked as if he wanted Arcturus to be on his side; however, that wasn’t Arcturus’s intent. He knew that he became Souhait and Nova’s companion because they wanted someone to trust. If trust meant blindly following someone despite having his own opinions on a matter, that wouldn’t be considered so. He wasn’t a people pleaser to begin with, however.

He remembered how Nova had told him about his goal of seeking revenge; this had solidified his decision to help her out. He then recalled the moment he met Constance and how he took her hand because he wanted to trust that she’d take them to a safe place; she did as he had expected. He believed it would be foolish to still build walls between them; they were in a foreign land. Nobody was their allies; in order to survive, they needed to make them.

“We should.”

Souhait looked at him with a surprised expression.

Arcturus continued, “We’re technically enemies. If we want to survive and accomplish your goal, we need allies. What better way to form an alliance is with the three people in this room. They can help us and, in turn, we can help Constance.”

Souhait then pondered about his response. After a few minutes of thinking, Souhait reached a hand out and grabbed Constance’s. “You heard what he said. We will help you.”

Sophia muttered, “But you were reluctant a moment ago.”

Murphy let out an awkward chuckle. “He sure is fickle.”

“Well, if Arcturus wants to trust you. I will allow it! Because more than anything and anyone, I trust him the most.”

He sure changed his tune fast… While he was moved by his trust, Arcturus wondered if Souhait’s real intent was to finalize his decision after hearing his thoughts. Souhait was a prideful man, which was why he didn’t want to seem too compliant; it felt unnecessary to him.

He spoke up, “Since we are now in an alliance, what is our first order of business? What should we do to reach the mayor? Do you have a plan?” As he waited for her answer, he took his spoon and ate some of the broth.

“Plan? None!” Constance looked very confident when she blurted that out; it came with a smug expression. It left Arcturus dumbfounded and speechless; the spoon on his hand slowly slipped out of his fingers and crashed landed onto the floor.