Chapter 296: Merlot’s Soul
"Damn it!" Merlot growled, his voice laced with frustration as he watched the green dragon solidify into a statue. "What a waste of a celestial creature giving its energy to a mere human."
"They’ll become stronger because of it," Floria muttered, standing beside him at a distance from the ritual site. Though they weren’t participants, they had witnessed the entire event unfold. Her gaze flickered toward the dragon statue, her expression unreadable. "We only have the black dragon with us."
Merlot’s jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing. "It doesn’t matter. Once we have Katelina, everything will fall into place. Prepare what you need for the Mooncake Festival, and ensure there are no loopholes this time!" His voice was sharp, leaving no room for argument.
Floria opened her mouth, ready to voice her thoughts, but she was interrupted by the approach of Merlot’s page boy.
"My Lord, the carriage is ready," the boy announced, bowing slightly.
Merlot gave Floria a knowing nod before turning on his heel and leaving without another word. His steps were measured, his demeanor cold and resolute.
Floria stood rooted to the spot, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. She didn’t like how their plans had shifted. Initially, the goal had been to swap her soul with Katelina’s body, but now Merlot had veered in an entirely different direction. He was concocting a potion and preparing a ritual to wipe Katelina’s memory, intending to place her under his absolute control.
Something’s not right with him, she thought, unease gnawing at her mind. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she recalled the last time she had seen Devon attempt to wrest control from Merlot. Ever since that moment, something about Merlot had felt... off. It was as if...
’Could it be... he’s no longer my master but Devon?’