Renner visited the Val'Kareth estate the next morning, her every movement calculated with poise and grace.
Servants whispered in awe of her beauty and gentle demeanor. She laughed softly, fed birds in the courtyard, and even treated the maids with affection.
But Raezion saw through it.
During a private walk through the maze garden, she spoke with him at last—her voice changed.
"You're beautiful when you look confused, Raezion," she whispered, trailing a finger down his arm. "Like a lamb surrounded by wolves."
Raezion halted.
"What do you want from me, truly?"
Renner tilted her head, her dark eyes gleaming with unspoken madness.
"To have you," she said. "Forever. Every breath. Every heartbeat. Every drop of blood."
Raezion stiffened.
"You don't know me."
"I do," she replied, smiling wide. "I've watched you for years. When you were eight, your eyes glowed silver during that duel in the training yard. I knew then."
"You're… watching me?"
Renner leaned in, close enough to touch his lips.
"No one understands me. Not Father. Not the world. But you… you're different. You see what others can't. And that's why you're mine."
Raezion's hand moved to Aeon Severance's hilt.
But she didn't flinch. Instead, she whispered:
> "Draw that blade and I'll slit every noble girl's throat until no one but me remains for you."
Her voice was still sweet. Still kind. But her eyes were empty.
Raezion didn't respond. Not out of fear — but calculation.
This girl wasn't just dangerous. She was the kind of threat you couldn't fight with steel.
Later that evening, Renner kissed him on the cheek as she left, smiling at the onlooking nobles.
To the world, she was an angel.
To him, she was a golden chain wrapped in silk.
And now, that chain was tightening.