Chapter 38: Cryptic Shadow & Messages
As Alaric crossed the grand hallways, lit only by dim sconces on the walls, a familiar voice sounded in his mind.
"What are you doing? I ask again," Lucius’s voice slithered into Alaric’s thoughts, sharp yet playful as always.
Alaric’s lips curled slightly in annoyance, his steps continuing without hesitation. ’So he decides to show up now,’ he thought, though a part of him was unsurprised.
"Guess who finally decided to make an appearance. Where’ve you been?" Alaric responded, his voice flat with disinterest.
Lucius’s voice came back with a mocking lilt, "Did you miss me?" he asked, his tone half-singing as if amused by the idea that Alaric could have felt his absence.
Alaric shook his head, though no one was around to witness it. "I gave you orders," he reminded, his tone darkening. "I told you to watch Genevieve."
There was a pause, and Lucius’s voice returned with its usual nonchalance, "I have a life, you know. I don’t exist solely for your whims, Alaric."
Alaric’s brow furrowed as he made a turn down a narrower hallway. "Where exactly do you have this ’life’?" he asked sarcastically, knowing well that Lucius often relished in playing games of secrecy.
Lucius scoffed, a sound filled with equal parts amusement and defiance. "Now that’s for me to know and for you to wonder."