Obsidian's Reign ¹

∷ Chapter 10 ∷

THE SILENCE SEEMED almost deafening as Clara and Rylan walked through the deserted mansion. As expected, the interior was just as impeccable with maroon wallpapering accented by hints of gold, wooden fixtures in the form of various furniture, dark carpeting and numerous paintings lining the walls.

In the stillness that surrounded them, Clara ventured to ask, "Is there no one else here?"

The question, though asked in an abrupt manner, did not seem to startle Rylan in the least. Without stopping or looking back at her, he said, "The mansion is a safe house the Elite uses from time to time when we have some business to tend to on the Surface. You won't meet anyone else here except for the three of us."

Though Clara was full of questions—one of which concerned the term safe house that he'd use so freely—but judging by his brisk manner, she knew he was not in the mood to entertain them. She kept her curiosities to herself, trailing behind him as he led her down a hallway and through a door at the end of it.

The room beyond seemed to be an office of sorts, though it appeared to be less rigid in nature and much more laid back. If she had to take a guess, she'd say the room was mostly used to hold private discussions and meetings of a more personal nature based on the simplicity of its design.

Clara wasn't at all surprised when it was Jae who greeted her, a smile on his face as he gestured for her to take a sit on the chesterfield sofa opposite him. The first difference she noticed was the change in his demeanour. He seemed a lot less agitated and a lot more welcoming, which was something she appreciated. She didn't think she would be up for discussions taking place with the accompaniment of strained silences.

Jae glanced at Rylan, who in turn moved to take his seat on one of the armchairs adjacent to the coffee table. Substantial silence passed between them as the former kept his gaze steady on the girl seated before him. He waited quietly, observing her until she caught his eye.

He could detect hints of hesitation and the brief flash of fear within her eyes that confirmed a known fact—she knew something was wrong. It was the only plausible explanation for their odd behaviour.

"Am I in danger?" Clara asked, shifting her uncertain gaze between the two demons.

A knowing smile found its way to Jae's lips as he leaned casually against the sofa's armrest.

"Why do you think you're in danger?" he asked.

Clara shrugged, though she couldn't help the bewildered expression that graced her features.

"You appeared at my apartment unannounced and the first thing you did was drive me to a safe house," she said as she glanced at Rylan.

"I think anyone would have guessed they were in some sort of danger," she continued, turning back to face Jae.

Jae couldn't help but smile. Her unintentional perceptiveness was amusing to him and he enjoyed observing the way the creases formed between her brows when she pushed herself to concentrate; an attempt at logic, unlike the majority of those he had the unfortunate opportunity to cross paths with.

With a dismissive wave of his hand, he said, "It's just a form of precaution. Nothing for you to worry about."

"Besides . . ." he added. "It's good to get away sometimes. I can't imagine how unpleasant it must be for you with that despicable landlord of yours."

"How did you—"

She paused, cutting herself off as she turned to look somewhat accusingly at Rylan. He shrugged. He wasn't particularly bothered she knew of his whispers to Jae. They were called timely reports for a reason, and at the end of the day, Jae was his superior, and it was his duty to obey orders.