PRETEND ━━ lyney ( ✓ )

𝟯𝟴

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐘 𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓

the truth and the goal

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𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐎 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐘/𝐍 sat in a deafening silence a day later, two cups of steaming tea neatly displayed on a circular table opposite the pair. The room was dimly lit, carrying a frightening presence. Y/N pulled at their collar, visibly nervous under The Knave's interrogating glare.

"You needn't be nervous," Pushed past the female's lips after what appeared to be an eternity of silence, "I merely wanted to converse with you, is all."

"I know." Breathed Y/N. "What is it that you wished to discuss with me...?"

A subtle curl of the lip.

"Don't act naive with me. You know exactly what."

Y/N's heart begun to hammer within their chest, the common feeling of anxiousness greeting them yet again. They welcomed the emotion with open arms, allowing for it to embrace them.

"I..."

The Knave watched with a raised brow as Y/N reached into their pocket. She proceeded to smile smugly upon witnessing the gnosis safe within the grasp of their fingers.

"I have the gnosis. Here."

Standing up from where they were previously seated, Y/N stepped towards Arlecchino. The other's claws were quick to snatch the item from their bruised fingers.

"Wonderful." Chuckled Arlecchino in a hearty manner. "I knew you wouldn't fail."

"You knew of my plan this entire time, didn't you?" Wondered Y/N as they retreated to their spot on the velvet sofa. "Yet... Not once did you interfere. Instead, you... Helped?"

"I'm not some heartless monster like some may depict." Shrugged Arlecchino as she admired the gnosis displayed between her claws. "I've known for a long time now that what you sought - what you desired - was revenge. Who was I to stand in your way?"

"But... If you knew that, then you must've known-"

"I know he's gone, Y/N. I know that you stripped him of his life."

A pause.

"Say... Do you remember when I had to leave Fontaine not too long ago to meet with The Tsaritsa?"

Y/N nodded in return.

"What do you think The Tsaritsa and I discussed?" Smirked Arlecchino with a shake of her head.

Y/N pondered for a moment. What a peculiar question that was. How were they possibly meant to know?

"I'm not too sure." They eventually admitted, intruged to hear what The Knave's next set of words would be.

"Well, allow me to explain..."

Y/N watched silently as Arlecchino shifted forward in her seat, a menacing glint evident within her crimson eyes. Y/N felt threatened at the mere sight.