Qrow.

Chapter 74 | The Cursed

For a moment, they nearly forgot how many people they were standing in front of. Their hearts were beating so loud, it was all they could hear aside from the other's breathing. The piano silenced as the song was finished. Felix glanced over to Jasper, seeing if he wanted him to continue. He held up his hand to signal for him to wait.

He approached with the look of a sly fox in his eyes. "I am very grateful Thursday was able to convince you into paying the manor a visit. My name is Jasper Knight. I am the head of this estate and the warden of the asylum. You are welcome to stay here as long as you'd like. We can discuss the details of our unique situation in the morning, but for tonight, I'm sure you'd prefer to spend your time reconnecting with your long lost love."

Sixteen studied him closely. This man, he was the one Thursday had noted as being on par with his skill. He'd never met anyone who could best him, but he also wasn't arrogant enough to think there wasn't someone more powerful out there. There was evil intent in Jasper's eyes. All demons do have it, in a way, but his was different. It was the look of a puppet master proud of his collection of toys.

"Yes," He spoke carefully, "I appreciate your hospitality. Would you be as so kind as to show us to a guest room?"

"I am afraid that we are a little out of room at the moment. Knox has his own room, however, and I'm positive you wouldn't mind sleeping in his bed. I will walk with you to show you some of our amenities." Jasper kindly responded, "The rest of you, please resume the celebration without me."

He glanced back towards Felix, giving him a commanding look. His assistant knew what that meant and started to play again. A few of the sharper creatures in the room could sense a tension between Jasper and Sixteen. Knox was caught between the two like a piece of steak between two dogs. It was for that reason Sixteen kept him close, holding his hand tightly as they walked out of the ballroom.

"May I ask what you're celebrating tonight?" Sixteen questioned him.

"The death of our enemies. An organization that was working against us was recently forced to disband due to the casualties of several of it's members. One of which was unfortunately one of the Six Cursed Prayers. So," He smirked as he glanced over at him, "I suppose there are only five of us now."

"The bat you sent after me mentioned three of the six. He spoke of one in past tense, so I am to assume he is the one that was killed. The other, his name was Asher, he lives because he is on your side."

"That is correct. You're highly intelligent. It would be a great pleasure to have someone of your caliber by my side." He responded.

Sixteen narrowed his eyes, "Tell me, did you send for me to reunite us, or to get another prayer on your side?"

"Both. Actually, if it weren't for Knox, I would've killed you. You see, I'm looking for a very powerful demon to use their body for a soul transfer. You were the first demon we'd found in our two year long search that was compatible, but using you as the vessel simply wasn't an option." Jasper explained, "We are hoping to find the final two prayers, wherever they may be, and decide which would be more suitable."

They stopped in front of the doorway to Knox's room. He'd stayed quiet this whole time, not wanting to speak up in a conversation involving the master. Even with Sixteen there, he still feared him.

"I know the names and locations of the other two. If you remove your branding from Knox, I will give them to you. I will not allow you to treat him like your property. He belongs to me." He sneered.

"I knew you cared for each other a great deal, but I never knew you valued him that dearly." Jasper dusted back Knox's curled red and orange hair. He set his hand on the back of his neck, dissolving the branding until it was completely gone. "There. Now speak."