Malakai would have to be completely foolish to fall for something .
The captains under Varnel and Drennos had also raised their hands. He didn't even want to imagine what would happen if he picked one of them.
'I've already made my choice.'
As the silence stretched and whispers spread, everyone wondered who the Ninth Vein would choose.
Then, Malakai's gaze fixed on one man.
"Only if you also select the 5th in rankings."
Heads turned toward the man Malakai was addressing, and froze. Everyone felt shocked.
Rhett grinned as he locked eyes with Malakai. He glanced at Renlo, who flinched under the sudden attention before quickly looking away. Rhett gave a slight nod.
"Alright, Ninth Vein."
Malakai nodded, then turned to the Sovereign. "I choose him, Sovereign."
"Alright. You have five days to prepare to leave the fortress with your mentor. Spend it wisely."
"Yes, Sovereign." Malakai bowed and stepped back, allowing the second rank, Maximus, to step forward.
Maximus, unsurprisingly, joined the Fifth Pulse faction. Aurelia followed soon after, aligning with the Third.
When Renlo's name was called, he hesitated, but fought through the weight in his chest and stepped forward.
He did everything he could to avoid the cold stare of his grandfather watching from the platform. But thankfully, he didn't have to wait long. Rhett raised his hand immediately.
Renlo chose him without hesitation and quickly moved to stand at Malakai's side.
The proceedings went on quickly after that, and soon, they reached the tenth rank. With that, the Sovereign and the Pulses took their leave.
Malakai didn't miss the cold, intense gazes that Drennos and Varnel threw his way as they walked off. But he met them head on.
As the higher ups departed, the captains wasted no time. They immediately dispersed, making their way toward the youths they were hoping to recruit.
Chatters filled the area within moments.
At the sudden call, Renlo practically jumped out of his skin. Malakai turned, brow raised.
Nyx stood just behind him, head bowed. He hadn't even heard or sensed her approach.
"Welcome back, Ninth Vein." Nyx hid the delighted smile under the bow.
"Thank you," Malakai nodded. "I trust everything is okay?"
"Yes, Ninth Vein. All is taken care of."
Hearing this, Malakai's thoughts churned.
'She had already become useless, but…'
The reason he had even learned of Varnel's plot was because of Karla, the double agent.
While Malakai could claim that it was only because of what he did to her, which was true, it didn't change the fact that the intel had been invaluable.
And Malakai was a man of his word. His father had drilled those values into him early on.
He had promised to help Karla's sister if the information was useful. And it was.
'She should be in the manor now,' he thought.
But his thoughts were quickly interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps.
Malakai turned. His eyes landed on Captain Rhett, approaching, grinning as usual, flanked by a stunning woman with long purple hair and equally striking purple eyes.
"Well, if it isn't the star of today's show!" Rhett grinned wide as he stopped in front of Malakai.
Malakai raised a brow. It was… odd. He was a Vein after all. He wasn't used to being greeted .
Still, he got straight to the point.
"How do you know that sign?"
"I learned it from the source itself."
"You knew my father?" Malakai realized how that sounded. Who didn't know Valerian? He quickly corrected himself. "You knew him personally?"
Rhett smiled and nodded, and in that moment, Malakai caught it. A flicker of sadness in his eyes.
Malakai didn't know what to say. This was the first time he was meeting someone who had known his father personally. Someone he could actually talk to.
What should he even ask?
He had heard so many things about Valerian, stories from strangers, rumors from enemies, that he no longer knew what to believe. The only thing he did know was that Valerian had been unmatched in talent.
Rhett seemed to notice the uncertainty in his gaze and spoke.
"You can ask your questions later. I'm sure you need rest after what you've done today. Be ready in five days, I'll see you then."
Malakai exhaled, nodding as Rhett turned, gave a wave, and walked off with a smile, Laila trailing behind him.
"Let's go," Malakai said to Nyx and Renlo, and the three of them left the area, heading back to the manor.
Reaching the manor, he was greeted by the sight of his servants standing quietly at either side of the main entrance, heads bowed as though welcoming him home.
"Welcome back, Ninth Vein."
Malakai's gaze instantly narrowed as it landed on the young girl standing beside Karla. She was small and looked frail, her eyes fixed on the ground, not daring to look up.
He could see the faint resemblance of Karla in her.
Malakai gave them a short nod and stepped into the manor.
"Ahhh, it's been such a long day!" Renlo groaned as he dropped onto the couch, exhaling loudly.
"It's still morning."
Renlo raised his head, blinking up at Malakai who frowned down at him. "Shit, that's right! It's still morning!" he gasped.
"I feel like I could sleep till tomorrow."
Just as he said that, his stomach let out a loud growl. He cleared his throat and glanced down at his belly.
"Don't worry, after everything we've been through today, I'll treat you right!" he declared, patting his stomach.
He let out a cough as he caught Malakai staring at him, then quickly darted toward the kitchen to prepare something.
Malakai shook his head slightly, turning to make his way to his room, when he suddenly felt a stare behind him.
He paused and turned.
Nyx stood there, and the moment their eyes met, she flinched and bowed deeply.
"You want to say something?" Malakai asked.
Nyx was silent for a moment. Then she clenched her fists and forced out a soft voice. "You were amazing out there, Ninth Vein."
Malakai smiled. Then chuckled. "Was I?"
He didn't know why, but he was in a very good mood. One that softened the cold mask he usually wore.
Nyx immediately nodded. "You were, Ninth Vein. None of the others stood a chance against you."
Malakai smiled again. "Nyx."
"Call me Malakai from now on."