The Maugrim man was still unsure of what was happening. He took an instinctive step back as Malakai approached.
"You will accept this Clausebane." His tone left no room for argument.
The man trembled, heart pounding. There was no choice. His eyes almost bulged out as he saw the clauses Malakai included in their forced agreement.
"I-I'm finished," he murmured, wearing the Clausebane.
"You can take him back."
Without another word, Nyx carried him back to the Red Maw, returning a moment later.
Whiteshade gulped as Malakai's eyes turned to him. He had almost forgotten what a monster the child was. He had forced him under his control, after all.
"Tell me about your clan head," Malakai asked.
Laila and Grunde landed on the branch the next moment.
Malakai's eyes never left Whiteshade, and he soon became the center of attention.
"His fight with the Fourth Pulse… do you know anything about that?"
"No." Whiteshade quickly shook his head.
Whiteshade's true identity was a direct descendant of the Sutrex clan. Malakai found it hard to believe he didn't know anything, but couldn't argue when Nyx confirmed he wasn't lying.
"No man is an angel," Whiteshade said after a moment. "But my father is known for being an honorable man. That's the main reason for the enmity with the Tendrix clan. They wanted to pass new laws that made life harder for the Kaerthorn district, but my father refused. I'm willing to bet his behavior caused the problem."
"Maybe she wanted something and it went against his beliefs?" Laila suggested eying Malakai, and even he couldn't help but nod agree.
Malakai's eyes glinted. The Fourth Pulse was obviously evil incarnate. An honorable man in a city ruled by her was bound to cause trouble.
"When will the party start?" he finally asked.
"It's already started."
Malakai's eyes went wide. He glanced at the others. "We've to attend."
Grunde nodded rapidly, while Laila didn't look convinced.
"You think he'll know something about where Renlo's being held?" she asked.
"No," Malakai shook his head. "I want to find out what made them fight. It's our only lead."
Laila sighed but nodded. He was right, what other lead did they have?
"We should move separately like before. We'll meet at the location."
Laila and Grunde nodded and vanished from the tree branch.
"You're leading," Malakai said, and Whiteshade could only nod as they began to move.
They had to stop by the Red Maw first, where unsurprisingly, the Maugrim man had already left. Malakai cleaned himself up and changed into more formal attire.
A birthday party hosted by the Sutrex would surely be attended by important figures. He couldn't show up looking like a beggar, that would make him stand out.
Malakai took a suit from Whiteshade's storage. Luckily, there was nothing gamblers could pawn for money. He found one that suited him.
He couldn't afford to keep Nyx far from him, especially not in enemy territory. So he chose the most suitable option, she was going to attend the party with him.
Malakai stared at his reflection using the mirror in Whiteshade's office. Only he and Nyx were present.
He had just informed her that she was attending the party with him, and as expected, she was flustered.
"I-I don't understand."
"What's there to understand?" Malakai straightened his bowtie, eyes still on the mirror. "Go search for a dress that fits. You're attending the party with me."
Malakai repeated the words, but Nyx still thought she'd misheard. Her? At a party?
She shook her head, unable to see it, until Malakai turned toward her.
"I'm sure you'll look really good in a black dress."
Nyx vanished into the storeroom before his words could even settle. She returned within seconds.
Malakai turned towards her, and froze.
'Who's this?' This can't be Nyx. It had to be someone else, right?
Malakai was taken aback. It was the first thought that came to his mind. He was used to her white maid uniform. This stark change was insane.
She wore a black gown that accentuated her curves. She was petite, but her bust was not. Her crimson hair flowed behind her like silk, and the slight blush on her cheeks was like a cherry on top. She was beautiful.
Malakai cleared his throat. "Beautiful," was all he could bring himself to say, any other words just felt wrong.
But that seemed to do the trick, as a smile appeared on Nyx's face.
An awkward silence followed, broken by a sudden knock.
"Are you done, Ninth Vein?" Whiteshade's voice came from outside the door.
Malakai breathed in deeply and exhaled, clearing his mind of all doubt.
"Let's go," he said, then moved to open the door.
Whiteshade stood outside, flanked by guards. He, too, had changed his attire. He wore an elaborate silk robe that screamed wealth, and his mask was gone. As with all Sutrex, his head was bald, and his eyes were sky blue.
Whiteshade's eyes paused as he saw Malakai… and Nyx.
'Damn,' he gulped. To think the Red Eclipse, that monster of legends, could look this hot.
But he didn't dare stare too long. Malakai's cold voice broke the trance.
Whiteshade guided them through a secret passage leading to a building in the center of the district. There, they boarded a luxurious carriage headed straight for the Sutrex clan mansion.
During the ride, Malakai reviewed everything in his head once more.
Parties were strictly invitation only. But with Whiteshade, a direct descendant, access wasn't a problem.
The problem was what came after, how to get an audience with the clan head, especially with his identity hidden.
'I'll just have to look for my chance.'
But first, there was something far more pressing he needed to figure out.
How the Tendrix planned to attack the Sutrex tonight…
He was taking a huge risk. If he didn't figure it out in time, he could get caught up in the attack.