Eternal Undying Chronicles

Chapter 111 No Evidence

"I believe what you seek is freedom, is it not? The freedom to live an ordinary life, devoid of supernatural chains. Should that truly be your desire, understand that your battle is far from concluded. I offer no false promises. Trust is not a requirement, only compliance, and know this, I shall not treat you as expendable pieces while you serve under my command."

John's eyes narrowed as he processed her words. He and Caden were the more pragmatic of the group, and as their elder, it fell upon him to lead the younger ones toward a better future.

" You're saying you're not the type to use people as pawns?" John asked, his voice carrying a skeptical edge.

Carrisa's response was swift and precise, her voice cool and distant.

"I am exactly the type of woman who uses people as pawns—though not disposable ones. If someone is used and discarded, it is because they were never truly mine."

Alicarde winced at her words, feeling the sting of a minor headache forming. It was unclear whether she was attempting to recruit them or simply provoke them.

"So, in short, we have no choice. We either join you or face death. And if we do join, we either get premium pawn treatment or we sign up as expendables," Christina interjected with biting sarcasm.

'This girl's quick to read between the lines,' Alicarde mused. Carrisa had already made her intentions clear—she was going to get her way. They could either agree and reap the rewards or disagree and be forced into compliance regardless.

"That is an accurate summary," Carrisa confirmed, her tone tinged with finality.

Christina clenched her fists. "Fine. What are the benefits? I knew this was coming from the moment you started talking. It's not like we have a real choice—the Reaper's liable to kill us anyway."

Carrisa's lips curled slightly. "For a start, I can provide you with a new residence. I recently came into possession of a real estate company, thanks to a certain boy's obstinate refusal to accept my feelings. Now, I have more properties than I know what to do with."

Alicarde gritted his teeth, hidden beneath his hood. 'She's bragging about kicking me out of my old apartment. This is what I get for playing the hero... should have let that truck hit her.'

John, still cautious, said, "We haven't agreed to anything yet."

"But you have," Carrisa countered smoothly. "No one contradicted Christina. Isn't that right, Caden? John?"

Caden sighed, his expression unreadable. "I suppose it's pointless to ask how you know our names."

"To answer your unspoken question, John, your current hideout has been compromised. The Reaper's brazen attack in broad daylight attracted attention. Law enforcement will trace his steps, especially after he killed a councilman. He's now on the most wanted list," Carrisa continued, her voice calm and measured.

The group exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of their situation settling in.

Anne recoiled slightly, fear creeping into her eyes. Under normal circumstances, without the ominous attire and sinister aura, she would have likely fired back at him.

'Seems I can't have everything,' he mused with a touch of irony.

With a thought, Alicarde summoned Wrath, the bicorn materializing from the shadows. Anne eyed the beast with curiosity, her fear slowly dissipating.

'Some things never change. Her curiosity will always overcome her fear,' Alicarde thought, smiling to himself.

He extended his hand once more. After a moment of hesitation, Anne took it, whispering, "Thank you."

He lifted her onto the back of his spectral steed and mounted behind her, one arm securely wrapped around her waist to prevent her from falling, the other holding the reins.

Just as he prepared to teleport, he paused.

'Ah, nearly forgot. I still need to erase the evidence. Now, what was the chant for the inferno spell again?'

Raising his hand, he recited the incantation with a calm, rhythmic cadence.

"Tinder to spark, ember to glow,

In this place, let fire grow.

Your journey continues on empire

With a breath, let flames flow,

Consume all—Inferno."

A torrent of flames erupted, consuming the room as Alicarde and Anne vanished, leaving behind only the roaring blaze.

The fire spread swiftly, engulfing the crumbling building. The structure, already weakened, collapsed under the weight of the flames. The inferno raged, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky as windows shattered from the heat, and the fire devoured everything in its path.

As the emergency responders arrived, their flashing lights illuminated the smoke-choked sky. Sirens wailed, cutting through the night as they fought to contain the blaze, but it was too late. The building was lost to the inferno, leaving nothing behind but ashes and echoes of destruction.