Chapter 23 A deal with the devil
Ira’s POV
I absentmindedly stride behind Cortis’ elegant form, only stopping when she proceeds to knock on Commander Ruel’s study door.
“Enter,” His deep voice answers. The way he sounds is so surreal. Although calm, it's laced with a commanding tone that sends dread through anyone listening.
Cortis gently pushes the door open before gesturing for me to go in.
I do as told, my breath catching in my throat when I discover those cold grey eyes already set on me.
I don't move, my eyes drifting from him to the person leaning against the wall to my right.
Elric… He has this lazy posture, arms crossed against his chest, eyes tracking me with strange interest.
Cortis remains by the door, waiting.
“Cortis,” Ruel says, but he doesn't take his gaze off me. “Leave us.”
Thankfully there's someone else in the study with us, otherwise I would be right behind Cortis.
No way I'm staying alone in the same space with him again.
“Yes Sir.” Cortis bows slightly then steps out, closing the door with a soft click.
I swallow, forcing words out of my throat. “Why am I here?” My voice comes out weaker than I want. The embarrassment is not something I allow myself to dwell on.
And so I lift my chin anyway, staring straight into Ruel’s eyes.
There's no way I'm making myself appear weak.
I hold his gaze, ensuring I don't drop it.
“Ahem,” Elric coughs loudly…too loudly. And Ruel’s jaw twitches, almost like he grimaced. He quietly leans back in his chair, his eyes shifting away for a second.
“Do you want to leave the base?” He softly asks.
Every part of my body, including my heart, ceases movement for a second.
Stupid and reckless, that's what the hope that fills me up feels like.
Still I find myself grinning internally as I envision finally getting to freely leave here.
“Yes… t-to the pack house,” I whisper, the shudder in my voice betraying just how much I want it. I hate that I can't hide the desperation from my voice and I hate that Ruel still won't look away.
“Why?” Elric cuts in. His stare isn’t as sharp as Ruel’s. He almost looks like he actually wants to understand.
“He took something that belongs to me,” I say. He took my family
Elric tilts his head. “Who took something?”
I stay quiet, catching the understanding that crosses the commander's eyes. Ruel cuts Elric an unreadable look and surprisingly Elric doesn't pressure me for answers.
I shift slightly, the whining of my chair breaking the uncomfortable silence.
Finally, Ruel leans forward, clasping his fingers in front of himself. I force my eyes to remain on his and not those impossibly strong muscles of his.
“If you'll ever leave the base, you must use my help.”
“At what cost?” I murmur bitterly.
A faint flicker, almost approval, shifts in his expression.
He leans even closer… so close that I catch a whiff of his scent. Hell, all the rivers in Vahl would have to freeze over before I ever admit how good he smells. His elbows rest on the desk and he once again gazes into my soul. “Good, you’re learning.”
Elric chuckles under his breath. I wait, the silence tightening around me like a chain.
Ruel finally speaks. “Be my eyes.”
My breath halts. “What?”
“My eyes,” he repeats. “Around the base.”
Elric shifts his weight against the wall, arms crossing again, his lips pressing into something half-amused.
“You want me to spy,” I say slowly, allowing my head process every word.
“Yes,” Ruel answers definitely.
I've never done this before.
“On who?”
“Everyone.”
I blink at him. “Everyone? What does that mean?”
“You move where servants move,” Ruel says. “You hear what the warriors won’t say in front of us, you clean, you'll serve my food. I'll give you a free pass through all quarters. But you must keep your head low. Wear a timid profile so people forget your presence. They'll speak freely when I'm not there. I want to know what they say.”
“And what then?” I ask. “You lock me up after I tell you everything?”
“No.” His answer is quick… too quick. But his gaze doesn't shift.
“If you are effective,” he says, “you will leave here.”
A rush of air escapes me. A mix of relief and uncertainty. “For how long will I have to do this?”
“Three months.” he answers calmly.
I blink, then blink again. “T..three… months?”
Elric gives Ruel a strange look, lips curving as if he’s teasing him silently. Like he knows something I don’t. And doesn't need words to pass his message.
Ruel ignores him, lifting a brow as though the ask me for my decision.
Three months of spying. Three months of gathering secrets that I fear may lead to my ruin.
“Do I report to both of you?” I ask, already knowing there's no way I'm rejecting this offer. This is a chance to know everyone's routine and every nook and cranny of this base.
“No, you report only to Commander Ruel.” Elric answers as he pushes off the wall and steps closer to the desk. “If it’s something he thinks I should know, he’ll tell me.” He stops right beside Ruel’s chair.
“Your only master is Commander Ruel,” Elric adds, all the softness in his tone and expression gone. He watches me closely and I nod, understanding him immediately.
So technically, I belong to the man with the staring disorder... 'Cause tell me why he still hasn't taken his gaze off me?!
“You wanted to leave. This is your only way.” Ruel says.
“How can I be sure you’ll keep your word?” I ask, blurting out my mind. “How do I know you won’t use me… and then abandon me?”
“You can’t be sure.” Ruel says it with an infuriating shrug.
I glare at him, failing to lock in my emotions the same way he does.
“But,” he continues, “you can choose your hustle.”
“Hustle?” I echo.
“Yes,” His eyes hold mine. “Either you remain a servant until the end of our mission… or serve me, be my spy, and hold the hope of walking out of here.”
My hands sweat as I search their faces.
“What exactly do you want me to listen for?” I ask.
Ruel tilts his head slightly. “Any sign of betrayal and secrets.”
“And if someone finds out I’m spying for you?” I mutter, hating how unsure I sound.
Elric shrugs. “You’ll be eliminated. So don't get caught.”
“You wanted freedom.” Ruel adds, “This is the closest thing you’ll get to it.”
I close my eyes for a moment, trying to align my thoughts. But when my eyes open, my mind is already made up.
“Fine, I'll do it.” I agree, ignoring the gnawing feeling within me… the familiar rhythmic mental nudge of a future disaster.