Vas's mind raced with the implications of what Sarah had just revealed. The mention of sacrifices and tablets sounded eerily familiar, like something a Forgotten would orchestrate. His thoughts churned, trying to connect the dots. The question gnawing at him was what exactly this Forgotten was waiting for, biding its time until the moment of the kill. Among the grim possibilities swirling in his head, the one that seemed most likely was also the most disturbing: this particular Forgotten was feeding. Weakened, perhaps, it relied on these rituals to devour lives, slowly rebuilding its strength with each sacrifice.

The very thought made the garden feel colder, as if the shadows around them had deepened in response to the dark speculation.

Vas's jaw tightened, his lips pressing into a thin line. "This isn't just some rich kid thrill-seeking. It sounds like they're part of something much worse."

Sarah shifted uneasily beside him, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, betraying the anxiety she tried to conceal. "I agree. But it gets worse, Vas. Robbie heard the kid mention your name. They've been asking questions about the Hek family."

The weight of her words hit him like a blow. His eyes darkened with a mix of dread and anger. "Makes sense," he muttered, his mind working through the possibilities. "If it is what I'm thinking, they know about me in some way. But I doubt I'm their only objective." He paused, his gaze hardening. "In fact, the time I met them... I think Lily was their target."

Sarah's eyes widened. "Lily?"

Vas's expression remained cold, guarded. "You don't need to know more," he said flatly, shutting down the conversation with the finality of a locked door.

Sarah sighed, frustration creeping into her voice. "Still don't trust me, huh?"

"No," Vas replied, his voice as calm as ever, but his eyes betrayed a sharpness. "And tell me, what's the real reason you wanted to come here?"

Sarah's face flickered with surprise, but she quickly composed herself. "I thought this would be the safer option."

Vas raised an eyebrow, his voice laced with sarcasm. "You thought being here would be safer? With my grandfather here?"

"Well, yeah," Sarah replied, her voice wavering slightly. "Wouldn't that make it safer?"

Vas almost laughed, though the sound would have been devoid of any humor. "No," he answered, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Now cut the act and tell me what you really want."

Sarah hesitated, clearly caught off guard by his sudden directness. She exhaled slowly, her eyes searching his for some sign of leniency. "Okay," she finally said, her voice quieter now. "I wanted to take a look at the Hek family library."

Vas's expression darkened further, his response immediate. "Not gonna happen," he said bluntly. "If you want to stay for lunch, no problem. But you're not getting access to any other part of the mansion."

Sarah blinked, surprised by how quickly he had shot her down. She opened her mouth to protest, then thought better of it. She knew Vas well enough to recognize when a door had been slammed shut for good. "At least talk with me in the meantime," she said, her tone lighter, almost as if she were trying to ease the tension.

Vas leaned back slightly, crossing his arms. "Sure."

Sarah took the opportunity, eager to shift the conversation to something less confrontational. "What have you been doing with Elliot?" she asked, her curiosity genuine this time.

"Nothing important," Vas replied, his voice casual but clipped. "Just some lectures on The Occult."

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"Really?" Sarah asked, her tone probing gently. "Just that?"

Vas met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "Yes," he said simply. "If you don't believe me, go ask him yourself."

There was a flicker of something in Sarah's eyes—frustration, maybe, or just the weariness of knowing she was hitting a wall. She let out a soft sigh, trying not to let her disappointment show. "Okay," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of resignation. "What are your plans for the day, then?"

Vas's eyes flicked toward the garden, then back to her, his answer casual but firm. "I'm probably going to head to Mad Radio."

He was being honest about that. The situation with the mysterious group Sarah had told him about required action, and quickly. From the information he'd gathered, he knew there were certain prerequisites to infiltrate the group. The first was high social standing. The second was an ability to navigate high-society circles with ease—something Vas knew wasn't exactly his forte. But there was someone he could think of who fit the bill perfectly.

"So, you're going to the place that could be considered the wolf's jaw?" Sarah asked, her voice edging into concern, though she tried to keep it light.

"Yeah," Vas answered, his tone nonchalant, though there was an undercurrent of tension. "Why not? I don't have unlimited time to solve this."

Sarah's brow furrowed slightly, her concern deepening. "Oh really? Why not?"

Vas's lips twitched into a faint, almost sardonic smile. "I've got stuff to do next week," he replied, his voice casual but clipped, as if that alone was all the explanation he was willing to give.

Sarah hesitated, watching him carefully. She knew he was holding back, keeping her at arm's length despite their conversation. It was always like this with Vas—polite, calm, but distant. He never let anyone too close, especially not when it came to the darker things happening in his world. And yet, she couldn't help but try to break through that wall, if only just a little.

"You know, Vas," she said softly, shifting slightly in her seat, "I'm trying to help you. I wouldn't be here if I didn't care about what's happening, or about you."

Vas's eyes met hers again, but this time there was a flicker of something behind them—something guarded, like he was weighing her words carefully. His posture didn't change, though, and when he spoke, his voice was as even and composed as ever. "I appreciate that, Sarah. But I can handle this."

Sarah smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I know you can handle it. You always do." She leaned forward slightly, her tone softening, as if trying to coax him into trusting her more. "But maybe you don't always have to. You don't have to keep everyone at a distance."

Vas's gaze didn't waver, but there was a slight tightening around his mouth, a subtle shift in his demeanor. He didn't respond immediately, letting the silence stretch between them. When he finally spoke, his words were measured, polite, but final. "Some things are just easier that way."

Sarah's shoulders dropped, realizing she wasn't going to get anywhere with him, at least not today. He was letting her in just enough to keep the conversation going, but never enough to truly open up. It was frustrating, but it was Vas. That's how he'd always been.

"Alright," she said softly, leaning back into her seat. "But if you ever change your mind... you know I'm here, right?"

Vas offered her a small, polite smile, the kind that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I know."