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:

at the

him a calm glance, Before Morgan could reply, however,

offered a marriage alliance to the House of Night, Lady Morgan, but you were refused by that young Saint. I wonder if

mean that Clan Valor was refused,

little

say… for a famous recluse,

Someone as strong as the Lord of Shadows could not have appeared out of nowhere the Legacy Clans, especially,

ears bleed as Mongrel — that he was tied in some scandalous way to the founder of the House of Night, Nightwalker.

even suspected that he had been secretly raised by

the further they would move from the truth, while simultaneously deepening the Impression of

shook her

It's fine. You don't have to swear allegiance to my father. And you can keep your Citadel. Of

raised an eyebrow behind the

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

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 matter

the war was lost, though…he would be

thought that Valor would fight for the ownership of the Nameless Temple harder, It presented them with an enticing

wary of me offering my services to

at play.

For now, though…

at Morgan silently, then said without any

good to

her fingers and resting her chin

across the breastbone, slowly conquering Godgrave

prompting her

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

She smiled.

will we be able to hasten our exploration of it, but we will also have an opportunity to put pressure on Song from two sides, forcing them to allocate a significant force to defend their flank… unless they wish to have their supply lines cut, of

for a few