I decided to give her another chance.
After all, she was my cousin, the one who raised me during my childhood. My respect and affection for her ran deeper than anyone else, even my father.
I considered the situation carefully. Going to her father could spark serious conflict within the clan.
But the White Fox—my uncle, the clan's deputy leader—surely knew what was happening. He shared the same bloodline ability as Sira. His silence meant the situation wouldn't endanger her life.
The quiet between us was heavy. I tried to ease it with small talk.
"Sira, have you prepared for the upcoming Trial?" I asked.
She lifted her head and looked at me intently.
"I hoped to experience the Trial as a married couple," she said.
Her tone was odd, as if she assumed I wouldn't accept. But why? Even before all this, I had wanted to enter the Trial with her. It allows two people to participate together.
I decided not to push.
"I intended that even before this problem arose," I replied.
Her eyes widened.
"I expected you to take the Trial with Anastasia."
"Huh? Have you lost your mind, Sira? Yes, Anastasia was my childhood crush, but that doesn't mean I trust her enough to stake my life on her," I said sharply.
Tension flickered across her face. She gripped her dress, avoiding my gaze.
"I wish you had told me this before the incident," she murmured.
I didn't fully understand her words. The carriage had arrived at my house. I bade her farewell and instructed the driver to take her home.
She hesitated, her expression heavy with sadness.
"Sira, don't worry. Trust me this once. I won't leave you alone. I'll help you," I said.
She said nothing. Frustration gnawed at me. Did she not trust me at all? Yet she came to me, of all people.
After a few stammers, she said, "It's nothing, Theodore. Goodbye."
Her features hardened. Her decision was clear. I didn't question her. I saw her off and stepped inside.
As I entered, my mind raced with how to solve this problem. I could defeat Elias in a one-on-one fight, but exposing myself would draw unnecessary attention. I couldn't let our clan's enemies see me as a threat.
I reached the palace hall and asked the servants for cold drinks and food. Exhaustion weighed on me. I had planned to push my endurance through brutal training, but I decided to postpone it until tomorrow.
The servants brought the food, but a new face served me. Surprised, I asked, "Where is Cameron? And who are you?"
The servant's eyes widened.
"I am Lucas, Cameron's son. My father is absent today, sir," he said.
"Why is he absent?" I asked.
He hesitated, then said, "My father fell into a deep slumber after sustaining severe injuries in the Misty Layer."
I frowned. "What was he doing in the Misty Layer?"
Lucas looked uneasy but finally said, "My mother is ill with 'The Corruption,' sir."
I realised immediately. Cameron had been caught in a dangerous situation.
This disease strikes vampires in the Abyss due to harsh conditions. Vampires are considered human in origin, though our bloodline carries demonic traits.
In the Abyss, the human side weakens, and the demonic side dominates, causing uncontrollable transformations.
The only cure is the blood of a pure human wizard. But obtaining it is risky. A wizard only sells it for massive guarantees and an enticing price. Anyone with bad intentions could kill him with curses or blackmail.
I asked, "Did he manage to obtain it?"
Lucas shook his head.
"No, sir. It was a trap set by a White Demon," he said.
I understood. Cameron had sought a wizard in the Misty Layer, but it was a trap.
I said firmly, "Don't worry. I'll take care of your mother's illness."
Tears fell from Lucas's eyes. He tried to bow, but I stopped him. I wanted him to understand it wasn't necessary.
After reassuring him, he left, repeating his gratitude.
This wasn't sudden kindness. It was duty and honour. Cameron had been loyal to our family for centuries. If he needed anything more valuable, we would provide it without hesitation.
The Abyss is a constant battlefield, and we maintain an undeclared alliance with humans. Today, that alliance had called upon me once again.