The Arkdieu system notifications hung in Alex's awareness with crystalline clarity. Countess Valerian—the mysterious noblewoman in midnight blue—was Lust's Apostle. The third vessel they had encountered in a gathering ostensibly centered on mere swordmaster recognition.
Countess Valerian's lips curved into a smile that conveyed amusement without warmth. Her elegant features took on a predatory quality as her gaze moved between the cousins.
"How fascinating," she said, her voice cultured and melodious. "Now it all makes sense. Two cousins achieving swordmaster status at such young ages. Fourteen and twelve—unprecedented in continental history." Her eyes gleamed with knowing amusement. "How... remarkable."
Klaus's crystalline eyes widened fractionally—the first genuine surprise he had displayed since his transformation.
This... face.
