CHAPTER 135: THREAT?

Rin stood frozen in the blood-streaked hall, his crimson eyes wide with shock as Prince Caspian’s words echoed in his mind.

’Second Duke?’

The title hit him like a punch to the gut. It wasn’t time for his true identity to be revealed... not yet. If he denied it, he’d have no way to explain his demonic powers as an omega. His heart raced, but he kept his face blank, hiding the storm of thoughts swirling in his head.

"What are you talking about, Your Highness? Why is Rin the Second Duke?" Lucien asked, his voice sharp with confusion as he stepped forward, his sword still dripping with blood from the fight.

Caspian ignored him, his brown eyes cold as he turned to the butler, who stood calmly amidst the chaos of bodies and shattered glass.

"Make sure to deal with the mess and take down any bounty that involves the Second Duke," he said, his voice steady but laced with authority. He glanced at Lucien, who still wore a shocked expression.

"Since the young duke has told us who the culprit is, make sure to get him arrested."

"I understand, Your Highness!" The butler bowed, his hand pressed to his chest, his face unreadable despite the carnage around them.

Caspian faced Rin with a smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes.

"Come with me," he said, gesturing toward a side door. "Your room’s a mess now, thanks to the attack. Let’s get you somewhere safe."

Rin couldn’t believe what was happening. His mind was a whirlwind of questions, but he followed Caspian silently, his boots crunching on glass as they left the blood-soaked hall. The palace, once grand and pristine, now felt like a battlefield, its air heavy with the stench of death. They entered a smaller, quieter room... A study with plush couches, a polished desk, and shelves lined with books.

Rin walked away from Caspian, putting distance between them as he sat on a couch, folding his arms and tilting his head. His crimson eyes narrowed as he began his questioning.

"How did you know?" he asked, his voice low and sharp. "Tell me when you discovered my identity,"

Caspian smirked, adjusting his robe before pouring amber liquid into two glasses from a decanter on the desk. He placed one in front of Rin, who glanced at it but didn’t touch it, his gaze fixed on Caspian, waiting for an answer.

"I suspected you were the illegitimate son of the Second Duke when I first met you," Caspian said, his tone casual as he leaned against the desk, sipping his drink.

"Give a clearer explanation..." Rin frowned, his fist clenching on his lap, his nails digging into his palm.

Caspian set his glass down, his expression serious. "The Draven family is the most loyal to the royal family. I was close to your father, especially. He was a good man, a very good and loyal man. He was not only a good man, but he was also my teacher. He trained me on how to use my magic,"

Rin’s stomach twisted at the mention of another man as his father. It felt weird, but he kept his face neutral, letting Caspian continue.

"That white hair is something only the Draven family has. Not just that... you were researching demons in the library. The Draven family were the only one who could summon demons. I’m sure you’re able to summon one, right, Rin? That’s how you used that demonic power back there."

Rin’s heart skipped a beat, but he hid his relief.

’They don’t know I’m a demon. That’s a fucking relief!’

He forced a small smile, nodding. "Yes. I borrowed the powers of a demon. I guess that’s not a huge surprise to you,"

"I’ve seen your father use that demonic power before,"

Caspian clapped his hands, a huge grin spreading across his face.

"However, this is great! Unfortunately, the former Duke was killed by a demon. Not just him... his whole family was burned alive. I don’t know about your childhood, but all I can say is you’re lucky to be here. We should start planning to get you to your formal position as the Duke. I’ll inform the king right away..."

"What?" Rin shot to his feet, stepping in front of Caspian to block him. "You cannot tell the king anything. You must never do such a thing!"

Caspian blinked, confused.

"Huh? Why? This is your chance to become a noble, to have riches and power. Why are you dragging this any further?"

"I’m not interested in any of that," Rin said firmly, his voice steady. "I prefer the life I’m living now. So please, don’t tell the king anything."

Caspian’s face turned cold, his brown eyes narrowing. He grabbed Rin’s shoulders, his grip tight as he looked into his eyes.

"Do you know how excited I was to figure out there’s a living, breathing, walking, and talking Draven left? Don’t mess this up for me. You’re the only weapon I need to take the Vortellions down. I won’t let them control me like they do my father."

Rin smirked, shoving Caspian’s hands off his shoulders.

"So this is what it’s about? You just want to use me as a weapon?"

Caspian’s expression faltered, his voice stuttering.

"It’s not just about that... I... You have to understand, this is for the kingdom, not just me."

"I’ve told you what I want and I won’t change my mind," Rin cut him off, his voice sharp. "I don’t wish to be part of your fight with the Vortellions."

Caspian’s eyes darkened, his tone dropping low. "Don’t make me do this the hard way, Rin. You see those people at the brothel as your family, right?"

Rin’s lips parted, his crimson eyes blazing with fury.

"Don’t... don’t you fucking dare! You will not threaten me!" he warned, his voice trembling with anger.

Caspian pressed on, his voice cold.

"If you don’t want to see them tied to a horse and dragged around the kingdom, you’ll do as I say. You don’t have a choice."

Rin stepped closer, his voice low and dangerous. "If you do that... I’d rather join the Vortellions to deal with the royal family. After all, I’m different from my father. I don’t have to be loyal to the royal family like he was."

Caspian’s face paled as soon as he heard that.