Chapter 198: Caius van Ambrose
Grim made his way back to his chambers after the sect inspection, his mind still processing the implications of what they had discovered in the underground chamber.
He settled into the chair by his window, looking out over the restored gardens of the Ambrose estate. For a moment, he simply enjoyed the peace of his ancestral home.
"Now we can speak freely," he said quietly, ensuring no servants were within earshot.
[Indeed,] the voice replied, its familiar presence settling into his consciousness like an old companion. [Your sect is quite impressive. Though I suspect you built more than you realize.]
"Before we discuss the sect, I have a question that’s been bothering me," Grim said, his tone carrying an edge of accusation. "Where were you during my time in the Sea Realms? You’ve been a constant presence in my mind since childhood, offering guidance and knowledge. Yet the moment I encountered real supernatural forces, you went completely silent."
A sensation like thoughtful consideration rippled through his mind before the voice responded.
[You needed to grow. To face those trials and make those connections without my influence clouding your judgment.]
"That’s not an answer," Grim pressed. "You disappeared the moment I entered that portal. Why?"
[Because the Dragon Kings would have sensed my presence,] the voice admitted with what felt like reluctant honesty. [My nature would have... complicated your negotiations with them. They needed to see you as purely human, not as someone carrying the essence of something else entirely.]
"Something else? What exactly are you?"
Grim sat in silence for a long moment. He had suspected, of course—the resemblance in that white void space, the knowledge of family techniques, the deep understanding of their bloodline’s abilities.