CHAPTER 83 - ALKA

“F-Forgive me for my rudeness, sir. I didn't mean to bump into you.”

Luis smirked. “What excuse can you give to your behavior towards Elias, you piece of trash? Answer my question. I just saw you with him, how come you’re here? You’re quite strange.”

Siel managed to remain calm despite the crunchy words and tone from Luis. A total opposite of her master.

“I left as soon as you did, sir. I took the shorter route going back to my room so-” She stopped when Luis raised his hand with an irritated expression.

“Even your voice sounded strange, it’s antagonizing. I’m annoyed.”

“So am I with your attitude. Tsk. A dog pretending to be a Sigma, huh?” Siel murmured to herself, without her noticing the change with her facial expression.

“Are you mocking me?”

“S-Sir?”

Luis’ eyes narrowed then furiously grabbed and pushed her to the nearest wall, causing her to hit the back of her head hard. Siel bit her lower lip, stopping herself from groaning in slight pain.

“I saw a small cut on your arm caused by Elias. Where the hell is it?” asked Luis.

“Sir-”

“Tell me who the hell you are.”

Siel slightly twitched when Luis tightened his grip on her arm and pushed her harder. It stings.

“I-I’m Siel, sir. And you can’t see my wound since you’re currently gripping it.”

Luis frowned and quickly loosen his grip, lowering his gaze from Siel’s eyes to her said wound- which now bleeds due to excessive force exerted. He gaped but quickly drew back.

“So it’s true.” He whispered.

“Of course it is. What the hell are you thinking?” She spat rudely.

“N-Nothing. I thought you’re not- wait.” Luis’ face dimed. “What did you just say?”

Siel puffed her cheeks. Oh no, what a slip of the tongue.

“I - ah, I asked what you were thinking a moment ago, sir. You looked agitated.”

“Agitated my foot.” Luis grinned and Siel flinched when she felt his finger rummaged down her waist and another set of fingers touching her cheeks and lifted her chin.

“Your fighting skills are quite impressive.” He whispered near her ears. “How about changing sides, eh? You’ll gain more power by siding with me.” He lured with his deep eyes focusing on hers.

Siel’s lips quivered roughly. She knew it. Luis is the type of man who would take other’s possessions for the growth of his power, even if it meant stealing his twin’s woman.

“Pardon sir.”

Luis’ face grimmed. It was not the response he expected to hear from her.

“You already have countless men with you while your brother only has less than fifty, sir. I don’t want to work with the crowd.”

“Hmm, very well. But I’m certain you’ll change your mind as soon as you see my lab. Accompany me.” Said Luis and shoved her away with a strength good enough for her to almost dive on the floor.

Siel took a deep breath, holding herself back from banging his airhead on the wall.

But then she stopped. “Lab?”

“Uh-huh.”

Siel frowned but walked anyway as soon as Luis walked with quick steps. Laboratory? Is he a scientist or what?

It wasn’t a long walk until they reached Luis’ so-called lab. Siel gulped, observant with Luis’ every movement. His lab was not as big as Xieaniel’s but it was more than she anticipated. Her eyes searched the whole place.

It was chilly but what’s strange is that beside the table filled with test tubes, Erlenmeyer's flask, and other laboratory equipment is a huge portrait of a beautiful, dark blonde and blue-eyed lady. Siel gulped and flinched when she felt a sudden weight on her shoulder.

“You know her?”

She looked back and met Luis’ dark eyes, burning with something she could not understand.

“L-Lady Venice…” Siel answered with a faint voice, hoping she was wrong. But with Luis’ smirk, she knew the boat sank.

“How did you know?”

“S-Sir Elias told me.”

Luis looked at her with eyes telling him he doesn’t believe, so Siel cleared her throat.

“Besides, she’s a woman of beauty next to Her Highness, and the Third General of Aparctias and Thrascia’s Forces. Her name is known, Sir. So it’ll be strange for me not to know her.”

Luis’ creased forehead smoothed a little as he slowly nodded his head in agreement.

“But may I ask why her portrait is displayed here? It’s quite alarming.”

“You need not to stress yourself.” Returned he; “For her portrait was not the reason for your visit here.”

Luis’ eyes darted at Venice's blue eyes for a couple of seconds, feeling the anger burning inside him- anger of not being able to keep her with him. Not all the time you’ll win a battle. But if there's a kick, then there must be a kickback.

Luis then collected himself and averted his gaze to the liquids at the table.

“What are these, Sir?”

Luis focused his eyes on the transparent liquid as if he heard nothing. He smiled.

“Alka.”

Siel’s forehead creased. “Alka?” She asked confusedly, never hearing such a word in her entire existence. Luis nodded.

“What is that?”

“A poison.”

Siel was bemused. “I never heard of it before.” She whispered. Siel was always with Ashriel, meaning her lesson was Siel’s lesson as well, yet that word never crossed paths with her. Siel heard something in her ear.

“I’m not shocked. Less than five people knew this one.”

Luis took one test tube and poured it in a small bottle, completely filling it to the brim.

“Wanna try?”

Siel stepped back and reached for her gun as soon as Luis stepped closer to her. Her eyes dimmed. But Luis burst to laughter.

“Seriously?! I should have shown you a mirror!” He said between his mocking laugh.

“As if I’ll waste this precious one on someone like you, eh? This small amount is enough to kill a squad, which will take place soon.”

Siel was stunned. “W-What… did you say?”

“You heard me right, darling. An Aparctias squad will die tomorrow.” He said breezily, closing the bottle tightly.

Siel felt her heart pounding. No. That’s impossible. Luis’ connection to Aparctias is weak unless…

“Who’s your connection? That’s not possible unle-”

“It’s none of your business, gal. None of your business.” He spat, fishing for his phone.

“Then why did you bring me here?”

“Hoping you’ll change your mind.” He smiled. “I guess you’re quite astonished. I’ll give you more time then.”

Luis was right. Siel was astonished that she did not know what to do. A squad? How? No, who? Who is Luis’ connection? If he can kill a squad of Aparctias, then it means his connection was someone with a high position. Suddenly, she remembered Olive.

As soon as Luis released her, Siel quickly ran back to her room but,

“Ouch!”

“Oh my, I’m so sorry.”

Siel held her wounded shoulder and inserted force to stop the bleeding. She didn't know her wound was quite deep.

“Oh my gosh, did I make that happen? Oh my, I’m so sorry.” The woman said with a slight panic but somewhat, she speaks elegantly. Siel shook her head and looked up to meet the woman’s eyes.

“No, it’s not your faul-” She froze.

The woman blinked a couple of times. “What’s wrong?”

Siel felt her blood starting to leave her as she went pale. Her palms went cold. It can’t be. Why is she here?

“Lady Beatrice…”