Divine & Wicked: The Strayed Memories (Book2)

《 Chapter XVII: "Divine Clash" (Part1) 》

In the living room, Cerro invited Euphilis to join him for a private discussion. Cerro took his seat on the single couch while Per and Ark remained standing nearby, a tense silence settling over the room.

"I trust I will receive the answers I came here for now," Euphilis said, his voice calm but firm.

Per, who had been standing quietly behind Cerro, stepped forward. "I was able to reach Claireth. She was forced to take shelter in an inn after heavy rains moved through the southern region."

Euphilis lifted his gaze to her. "What was she doing in the south?"

"They do not know the full circumstances," Cerro replied evenly. "Claireth and I were carrying out a mission in the south." He paused, choosing his next words carefully. "As for the incident at the hall... yes, Claireth was responsible. However, it was not intentional. I was present when it happened."

Silence stretched between them. Euphilis studied Cerro in silence for a long moment before finally speaking again. "If what you say is true, why was none of it reported? You know full well that the Council wants the Fallens kept under close watch, and an incident of this significance should have been brought to our attention immediately."

Cerro leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed and unblinking on Euphilis. "I am in charge of Claireth, and I will report everything that must be reported. That incident is not a matter the Council needs to concern itself with."

Euphilis gave a faint smirk. "From what I observed, she obliterated that entire hall, and you claim it is of no concern? What—"

He broke off as Cerro rose abruptly.

"I will repeat myself," Cerro said firmly. "I am in charge of her. I carry out my duties with full attention."

Euphilis remained composed, his expression unreadable.

After a brief silence, Cerro eased back into his chair. "We were in disagreement over the mission. She insisted on leaving the house despite her exhaustion. The argument grew more heated. I said things I should not have, words that provoked an emotional reaction. She attempted to suppress it, but it escalated beyond control and erupted within the room. I subdued her shortly after," he breathed out. "But it took considerable effort."

Cerro studied Euphilis for a brief moment, then opened his upper garment, revealing the burn scars across his chest.

Euphilis leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Cerro. "She's physically formidable, yet emotionally fragile," he said coldly. After a brief pause, he continued, "I still maintain that this should have been reported to the Council." His tone remained measured, though his gaze retained its piercing edge.

Cerro reclined slightly, unfazed. "Very well. You may submit your report, but make it clear that everything remains fully under control under my supervision."

Euphilis held his observant gaze for a moment of silence before rising to his feet. He brushed lightly at his sleeve, then turned back toward them.

"Everything discussed here will be reported to the Council," he said, pausing for a beat. "I will return for another visit, and I expect to see her."

Without another word, he left the house in quiet departure.

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