The Reaper's Wicked Obsession-Chapter 233: Confrontation

"What?" Rav asked, reaching for another arrow.

"The name of her partner is Dain."

"Dain? The recently crowned warrior?"

"Yes, and he left the Court moons ago, under Nyssara’s permission."

"Why?"

"I don’t know."

"Then let’s question her about this. She may be in charge of what comes and goes, but making decisions based on relationships is not right and might compromise the Court’s location," Rav explained. "And something feels off about this."

He could still remember seeing her coming out of Dain’s house with a heated expression.

Perhaps they had a fight or something, but her movements recently had been suspicious.

"I may be wrong," Rav said, the last thing he wanted to do was suspect her of anything.

She’s been distant ever since Kraven left for his mission. His eyes grew wistful. Day after day, he was consumed.

He was worried about Isadora’s well-being and prayed Kraven hadn’t lost control. However, knowing Logi was with them gave his mind peace, and if anything went wrong, he would take matters into his own hands.

Yet, he couldn’t help himself, plagued by thoughts, until he realized his mind would never be free of her. The days spent without her made him admit this.

"Let’s summon Nyssa to the council. We’ll find out what we can."

~♧~

The giant doors swung open, and Nyssa stepped through, the sharp echo of her booted heels filling the space.

Ekko and Rav were seated, waiting.

"What is this?" she mused. "We haven’t had a meeting since Kraven left. Why now?"

"Yes, we haven’t," Rav replied sternly.

"And what is that shifty tone?" she asked, stepping closer and resting her palms on the stone table. "Any news from Kraven yet?"

"No," Rav replied, taking out parchments and flinging them on the table for Nyssa to see. "Those are reports."

"Reports of what?" Nyssa asked, gathering them, her heart stilling momentarily at the writing.

"I was hoping you could tell us."

She gulped. "What’s this? Some kind of interrogation? I’m a commandress!" she exploded. "You’ve no right!"

"We do if it endangers the safety of the Court," Ekko said.

"There, it’s clear a warrior was given passage to leave the Court, under your command, why?" Rav questioned.

Nyssa shrugged. "Do I need to explain my every move? We needed supplies, and he was the best one to get them. Why the suspicious air?"

"I saw you leaving his house, too, Nyssa. Look, I’m not here to question your choice of partner, but—"

"You are questioning," Nyssa cut him off. "Is it wrong to have... someone?"

Rav attempted to speak, but she didn’t let him.

"Do this again, and I’ll make you regret it!" She turned on her heels and walked away.

The doors slammed shut behind her.

"That didn’t go so well."

"She’s keeping something," Ekko said. "And your plan to confront her was stupid."

Rav blinked, facing Ekko, these were one of the days when he wished he could see his expression.

"What would you have done?" Rav countered, slightly angry by his remark.

"Take a page out of Logi’s book and wait until she slips."

"Nyssa? That’s not possible," he huffed. "She could be right, and it’s just about supplies and a shift in this relationship of hers. I shouldn’t have judged her so quickly."

"...."

"Maybe I did because I noticed how angry she was when she found out Isadora was part of the silent mission. She would have done anything for that position," Rav added.

"So you thought Nyssara might have done something to keep that from happening. But it’s too late to make her move, they are gone."

Rav nodded in agreement. "You’re right, I shouldn’t have confronted her like this."

"I saw the look in her eyes, Rav, when she tried to kill Lady Raven. She has a motive."

Rav’s face drained of color. "W-What? When did this happen?"

"The night we found out about Lord Raven’s mate."

"Why didn’t you tell me this?!"

"It wasn’t necessary."

Rav stood abruptly. "Not necessary? We’re talking about Isadora’s life here. Do you have any idea how important she is?"

There was a pause from Ekko before he spoke. "I’m aware. Which is why I have used that opportunity to watch her ever since."

Rav froze at his words.

"Nyssara’s lying, and I think that partner of hers is involved."

"Then we confront her again."

"No, it’s a risky move. We know something, but we don’t exactly know what. We need solid evidence."

Rav exhaled a sharp breath, knowing Ekko’s words were true.

He never knew Ekko cared for Isadora enough to monitor her and watch Nyssa. His only concern has always been about his master.

It made Rav wonder why Ekko had an interest in her.

~♧~

The Serpent’s Tower

Blood dribbled to the ground, making soft tapping noises, followed by the clanking of chains as Kraven wriggled slightly.

His hands were bound apart, and each pull sent gut-wrenching pain shooting through his body.

His breath was ragged and unstable as he looked to the side, eyeing his shackles, analyzing the strange runes engraved on the iron, smeared in blood.

"Staring at it won’t change anything. You can’t figure it out."

Kraven chuckled deeply. "Sometimes I wonder if you’re truly blind."

"I’m blind. But I see more than those with eyes. My weakness is my strength."

Kraven tipped his head to the side, eyeing Aric amusedly. "We’ve been over this."

"Yes, and I have a feeling there’s more to come. I’m enjoying our time together."

"Just like old times, huh?"

"You’ve slipped through my fingers one too many times for five winters. Now, I’ve got you. The infamous Reaper of the Raven Court."

Aric’s footsteps echoed as he closed the distance between them. "Tell me, Reaper, or should I call you Kraven?"

"Whatever pleases you," Kraven replied, trying to hide his weak undertone.

"Mhm, or do you prefer, Kraven Val thrond, son of the mad King?"

"It’s a mouthful, don’t you think?"

"Never in my life did I imagine saying that name, considering the mad king’s royal bloodline should be dead, and yet, here you are, alive and in the flesh."