The Secrets We Keep

Episode 11: Partially Revealed

"But I think I'm looking at the answer I want," Jaycob said. "She's important, no?"

Serf Seraphiel's voice cut through the air, cold and sharp, "Noemi is off limits," he responded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

My heart raced as I imagined the potential downfall of them discovering my secret. Who knows what they would do with that information? No other person in history has been born with both bloodlines, and nobody since the beginning of our history has been possessed by a full Demon. In addition, the legend of the Mongrel's birth and Kako's role in it was well known, so the ramifications of them knowing which Demon would be far-reaching.

"Alden," Jaycob said, turning to Serf Seraphiel. "You cannot expect us to trust you with our lives without something valuable in return. If you want our loyalty, I'm looking at the very thing that could earn it." He leaned closer to me, his breath against my ear.

"Whatever it is you are hiding, must be a critical secret. So, just remember: your kind don't turn on us, and in return, we won't turn on you," he whispered.

I flinched at his words, a strong sense of déjà vu washing over me. I said similar words to Kako years ago. It seemed Jaycob's desperation for control mirrored my own from then, albeit for different reasons.

The room fell silent, and all eyes fixed on me. The weight of their stares pressed down on me like a physical burden. I could feel my pulse quickening, each beat louder in my ears.

This sudden arrangement rests on my shoulders... an attempt at an alliance that we knew nothing about.

Why did Cy and I have to follow? It might have been fine if we hadn't shown up.

Suddenly, Cyrus stepped towards Jaycob, his face tight with anger. I could see the tension still in his jaw. "Noemi isn't some bargaining chip. Whatever you think you know about her, you're wrong. There is nothing to tell you."

"Oh, don't give me that shit," Jaycob replies, his scowl deepening. "I'm not a fool. I may not know the exact secret, but I can tell it's important. Whatever you are hiding must be the real reason your father has been training with you two, not some made up 'for country' bull." He narrows his eyes at Cyrus, "You're young, so I will give you some words of wisdom: in times of war, sacrifices must be made."

I felt Cyrus tense beside me, sensing he was ready to argue back, but Serf Seraphiel raised a hand to silence him, "Jaycob," he called, his voice low and commanding. "I will not stand by as you negotiate my daughter's life."

Daughter. The word hung in the air I breathed, more powerful than I could have expected. Hearing it gave me an overwhelming sense of pride and belonging.

It would have been more heartwarming... if the current situation allowed me to feel like anything other than a pawn in a dangerous game.

Jaycob's expression softened slightly, but the calculating glint in his eye remained. "The fact that you consider her your daughter, Seraphiel, is the exact reason that the secret she possesses is so powerful. If it's so bad that you won't even speak it now, that just proves how important it is to you to keep it hidden. Blood manipulation is rare, combined with whatever else hides behind her red eye... but if you insist on keeping her off-limits, it'd be in your best interest to have something else to offer."

I looked to Serf Seraphiel, but before he could respond, the older, grizzled Remnant spoke again, "We are just discussing this in circles. Either prove to us your loyalty, or this alliance will never happen. We've survived without your help for centuries, and we will be just fine continuing to do so."