Shadow Slave

After the initial pleasantries, it was time for the actual negotiations. However, Sunny did not have to strain himself too much most of the work had already been done by Nephis and Cassie, so he could just reap the rewards of their efforts.

Still, he felt a little wistful.

The situation was reminiscent of the last time he had to negotiate with Valor — back then, it was Morgan who had come to represent the Great Clan, as well. Sunny had been a mere Master and in hot water with her family because of the incident in the Night Temple, trying to avoid becoming their retainer at all costs.

«Times have changed…»

Today, he was trying to come to Valor's side, instead. However, the situation was entirely different.

His position had been hopelessly below the Great Clan back then, and therefore, there had been almost no room for negotiations. Now, Valor needed him much more than he needed them… at least on the surface. As such, he held all the leverage, and could dictate his terms freely.

Morgan sipped her wine and smiled.

«So, let me get it straight, Lord Shadow. You are willing to ally yourself with the Sword Domain in the upcoming war. You will fight on our side, aiding our armies to the best of your ability. Which, by the way, must be truly a sight to behold, considering how Impressed my sister seemed after returning from Godgrave. Taken, even…»

Sitting by his alde, Nephis remained perfectly Impassive.

He noticed her grip on the stem of her glass tightening, though, and smiled behind the mask.

Morgan continued:

«However, you refuse to swear allegiance to my father. You also insist on retaining sole ownership of your Citadel… which, as you must know, is the most precious thing you possess, in the context of this conflict. More than that, you are only willing to make a personal deal with my sister, not a pact with Clan Valor as a whole. Am I correct?»

Sunny nodded.

«Indeed.»

Morgan laughed again.

«Ah, really… if I hadn't known any better, I would have thought that you harbor impure thoughts about my little sister, Lord Shadow. You… you don't, do you?»

He answered evenly:

the moment,

Before Morgan could

Night, Lady Morgan, but you were refused by that young Saint. I wonder if the rumors

ambiguous, leaving room for Interpretation. Did he mean that Clan Valor was refused, or that Morgan

smile turned a little sharper, her tone

famous recluse, you are very

as the Lord of Shadows could not have appeared out of

as Mongrel — that he was tied in some scandalous way to the founder of the House of Night, Nightwalker. Some considered him an outcast from the Song Domain, while some were

the truth of the world even suspected that he had been secretly raised by the mysterious third Sovereign, Asterion, perhaps

Imaginations ran, the further they would move

shook her head

to my father. And you can keep your Citadel. Of course, we will need you to make some

raised an eyebrow

expected that Morgan would acquiesce to his demands. However, he had not expected that she would do it so

swallow. Right now, the King of Swords needed his strength more than his fealty — Sunny could maintain his independence, not becoming a part of the Sword Domain, until the war was over. It didn't

war was lost, though…he would be dead, and therefore

fight for the ownership of the Nameless Temple harder, It presented them with an enticing

wary of me offering my services to

at play. He would have to ask Cassie

For now, though…

at Morgan silently, then

is good to

fingers and resting her chin on

deeper across the breastbone, slowly conquering Godgrave

nodded, prompting her to

can keep ownership of your Citadel, you will need to make it available to the forces of Clan Valor, In short, we will establish a secondary fortress there, garrisoned by a relatively small, but elite force of Awakened and Masters. They will

She smiled.

operational base in the depths of Godgrave. Not only will we be able to hasten our exploration of it, but we will also have an opportunity to put pressure on Song from

for a few moments,