The door shut behind Ellios with a low, resonant thud.
The sound sealed the space, turning the vast chamber into something intimate, oppressive—like the inside of a predator's ribcage.
As always.
Ellios moved forward without being told, crossed the patterned floor, and knelt.
His knees pressed into the cold marble, spine straight, hands resting obediently on his thighs. He lowered his head, eyes fixed on the ground. This was the rule. When they were alone, when no audience remained, then masks could be loosened—but not removed—this was how they spoke.
Marcus Blade stood near the tall windows, hands clasped behind his back, staring out at the estate grounds as if contemplating ownership not just of land, but of lives.
Silence stretched.
Ellios broke it first.
"My sister," he said quietly. "Grandfather."
Marcus did not turn.
"She will receive the green water this afternoon."
Relief struck Ellios so hard it nearly made him sway. He clenched his fists to keep steady.
"Thank you," he said, and meant it in the most dangerous way possible.
Marcus hummed. "You sound tense."
Ellios swallowed. "Today has been… eventful."
Marcus finally turned. His gaze swept over Ellios slowly, methodically, as if assessing livestock.
"Have you offended anyone dangerous?" Marcus asked.
"No," Ellios replied immediately.
Marcus narrowed his eyes. "Anyone powerful."
"No."
"Anyone unnatural."
Ellios's breath hitched for half a fraction of a second—so small he doubted anyone could notice.
Marcus did.
"Answer carefully," Marcus said.
Ellios steadied himself. "No, Grandfather."
Marcus stared at him for several long seconds.
"…Strange," Marcus muttered.
He began to walk closer.
Ellios remained perfectly still as Marcus circled him, cane tapping softly against the floor. Then Marcus stopped behind him.
Ellios felt it before he understood it.
Marcus leaned down.
And inhaled.
Not politely.
Not subtly.
Like an animal testing the air.
Ellios's blood ran cold.
Marcus's nose hovered near Ellios's hair, his neck, his shoulder. The old man breathed in deeply, eyes half-lidded, face unreadable.
"I was not wrong," Marcus murmured. "There is something on you."
Ellios's heart hammered so violently he feared Marcus could hear it.
"Tell me everything," Marcus said calmly. "Everything you have done since we last met."
Ellios forced his thoughts into order.
Work. Home.
He spoke carefully, listing his days like ledger entries.
"I go to the office in the morning. Meetings. Reviews. Negotiations. I return home in the evening. Occasionally business trips. Nothing out of routine."
Marcus listened without interruption.
Remembering Hastur, Ellios choose to not mention him. Not only this isn't good for him but also it will bring trouble to Hastur hence he decided to not mention him Infront of Marcus Blade.
Ellios hesitated—just long enough to seem natural—then added, "I went to a club recently." He mentioned the club because he knows that Victor already revealed it. Thus if he don't, it will only show that he does have something to hide.
Marcus's eyes sharpened. "Which club?"
"The King's Night Club," Ellios said. "I went to drink."
The words tasted like ash.
"And why," Marcus asked softly, "would you go there?"
Ellios lowered his head further. "Victor… mentioned it. I was curious."
Marcus studied him intently. "Did you meet someone there?"
Ellios's pulse roared in his ears.
He thought of yellow fabric.
Of a steady chest.
Of a voice that saw through him.
"…The owner," Ellios replied evenly. "Nothing more."
Marcus's fingers tapped once against his cane.
"Hm."
Marcus turned away, pacing slowly now. "That smell… disturbed. But not defiled." he mutter to himself.
Ellios forced himself to breathe.
"You have behaved," Marcus said at last. "Good."
He stopped and looked down at Ellios again.
"Remain that way," Marcus ordered. "Be a good boy."
"Yes, Grandfather."
"And Victor," Ellios said, carefully. "His position—"
Marcus waved a dismissive hand. "He will be demoted. Placed under Leon. I've already disciplined him."
Ellios knew what that meant.
Marcus noticed his silence and smiled faintly. "I struck him with my cane for daring to damage your body. It's a lesson for all of them to not forget." said while thinking about how much he beat that boy for trying to lay a hand on the body of Ellios.
Ellios bowed his head lower. "Thank you."
Marcus turned away, conversation finished. "You may go."
Ellios rose, joints stiff, body heavy but intact. He walked backward three steps, bowed once more, then turned and left the chamber.
Only when the door closed behind him did he allow himself to breathe fully.
Moments later, Alfred entered quietly.
Marcus stood at his desk, pouring himself a drink.
"You sensed something, Master?" Alfred asked.
Marcus swirled the liquid thoughtfully. "Yes. A supernatural scent."
Alfred stiffened. "On Master Ellios?"
"It's just a residual," Marcus replied. "I think it's from that night club."
Alfred frowned. "A demon, then?"
"Likely," Marcus said. "A weak one. Otherwise I would have felt more."
"What are your orders?" Alfred asked.
Marcus took a slow sip, eyes distant. "I will pray to the Lord so I won't be available. These days, it is wise to renew favor."
Alfred inclined his head. "And the club?"
"Monitor it," Marcus said coldly. "Find the demon. And if it is weak"
Marcus's smile was thin.
"Kill it."
Alfred bowed deeply. "As you wish, Master."
Marcus watched his assistant leave, then turned back toward the window.
"I always tell you, you should give me a chance. Now look at your condition." Said Damien. After seeing Gabriel alone he chose to follow him.
Gabriel didn't answer him and continue to wait for Ellios.
"I can protect you, you know. You know how I feel about you." It wasn't a question for they do have a history.
"Yes you can, At least Ellios kneeled for me. What did you do?" Asked rhetorical while looking at Damien guilty face. "Ooh I know, You hit me the moment grandpa said it's game on. Honestly your cowardice disgust me."
Gabriel left after seeing Ellios, putting his arm on his shoulder for support watching him softly leaving Damien guilty looking at the ground with hands clenched.
"I'm sorry." Whispered Ellios while bringing him to his car.
"It's not your fault."
"Yes, it is. But for now let's just leave this house." Said Ellios.
"When will that Old man die?" Gabriel said angrily making Ellios hurriedly look around to ensure no one heard that.
"Hey you can't say that here. Wait at least until we get home." Said Ellios. In truth he also wish Marcus Blade would die. But his sister's health rely to Marcus so he shouldn't, at least until his sister is cured.
"What's the compensation?" Asked jokingly Gabriel receiving a playful jab on his shoulder.
"Let's first get you treated. Then we'll go out to any restaurant you want." Slowly the two left the Blade family house while Ellios thought his decision was right. He should stay away from Hastur.