Chapter 31 Sinful Negotiations

A heavy metallic thud reverberated through the area, drawing all eyes to the source. Descending from the sky with an imposing presence was a metallic giant over eight feet tall and a cyclopean red eye that glowed ominously. Its bulk radiated power, a clear warning to anyone who dared challenge it.

Royal’s mask tilted slightly as if acknowledging the figure. “Ah, Enforcer! I’m not causing too much trouble for your master, am I? I did send an email that I might stir up a little commotion for my trip here. Surely, you’re not here to mess with me or try to intimidate me."

The towering figure’s voice came in measured, deep tones, its mechanical resonance underscoring every word. “I wouldn’t dare. You remain in my master’s good books, Royal. As long as you keep your hands off the denizens of the Outer City, the master will have no quarrel with you. Hopefully, no further fighting shall ensue, and you won’t trouble me again. I can be reasoned with. Visitors are free to fight and kill each other, so long as Deadend’s fine citizens aren’t harmed. Do I have your word?”

"Yes, I know the rules," Royal’s response was a careful nod, his tone dripping with sincerity. “No more trouble from me, Enforcer. You have my word. As for the damages to the infrastructure, bill it to me. Of course, I will be on my way now. I believe I've made a booking for one of your... neutral warehouses under your jurisdiction...”

"I am aware. I shall leave you to your devices then..."

The Enforcer inclined its head in a polite yet cold gesture, its singular eye scanning the area as though recording every detail. Then, with a powerful hum of its propellers, it lifted into the air, disappearing into the smoky skyline of Deadend.

I exhaled a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. I’d heard stories of the Enforcer even back in Markend, an unwavering sentinel that served some unseen master of Deadend’s Outer City. Seeing it in person, I understood why even someone like Royal played it carefully around him.

Royal turned to his entourage with an air of command. “My people, return to your vehicles. Let the convoy proceed.” His gaze settled on me, and the glint in his eyes was unreadable. “And you, Eclipse... join me in my cargo. Let’s talk.”

The tone in his voice left little room for debate. I followed him into the cargo container, the hiss of the door sealing us inside cutting off the outside world. The interior was a shocking contrast to the grit of Deadend: opulent and indulgent, with plush couches, soft ambient lighting, and the faint scent of something floral. Luxury brands decorated the space, from the smooth wood of the walls to the elaborate crystal decanter resting on the bar.

Royal sank into a cushioned seat with a sigh of satisfaction. His ‘concubine’—a fair-skinned, blue-eyed woman—was already at his side, her hands gliding over his shoulders in a massage. She leaned in, placing soft kisses on his neck, as though the events outside hadn’t occurred.

“Make yourself comfortable, Eclipse,” Royal said, gesturing lazily to the seat across from him. “I imagine you have questions. Or perhaps, you’re wondering if you’ll make it out of here alive? I kid... I kid... Of course, you are going to make it out alive... Job's almost done, anyway.”

I hesitated for a moment before sitting down, my gaze flicking between Royal and the woman who seemed perfectly content to ignore the tension in the room. “I’ll admit, survival’s been on my mind. Though after everything I’ve seen, I’m also wondering how much of this was part of your plan.” I couldn’t help but be wary of Royal, especially his concubine.

The concubine was undeniably a vision of beauty, every movement of hers exuding elegance and poise. But beneath that demure facade was a chilling reminder of her power... the same woman who had, not minutes ago, beheaded Mathilda with surgical precision. Now she acted coy and submissive, a striking contrast to the lethal display earlier.

She leaned into Royal, her fingers deftly undoing his belt with an unsettling familiarity, and without hesitation, she began pleasuring him. My stomach twisted, caught somewhere between discomfort and disbelief. Okay, then. Crow, surrounding himself with a retinue of hostesses, had seemed excessive, but this? This was something else entirely.

It made me speechless.

Royal’s eyes sparkled with mischief, his mask only partially concealing the smirk that spread across his face. “Sit, Eclipse,” he said, gesturing to the couch opposite him. “Make yourself comfortable.”

Comfortable? Sure, let me just ignore the absurdity of what’s happening right in front of me. My legs carried me to the couch, though my body felt rigid. Sitting down felt like a concession I wasn’t entirely prepared to make, but I needed to keep my composure.

Royal leaned back, his tone relaxed and conversational. “Amazing, isn’t she?” He stroked the concubine’s hair almost affectionately, his voice dripping with pride. “This is my most recent acquisition... my concubine, my treasure. The only cape in my harem.” He let out a small laugh, clearly enjoying the discomfort etched on my face. “And she adores me. She’d do anything I ask of her.”

I didn’t respond immediately, letting the silence settle in. Royal wasn’t the kind of person who needed a reply to keep talking. He liked to fill the room with his voice, a king basking in his own spotlight.

“So, Eclipse,” he said, breaking the quiet. “You must have questions. Or maybe you’re just wondering how you fit into all of this.” His tone turned playful. “Don’t worry... I don’t expect that level of devotion from you.”

“No offense, but I’m not exactly in a rush to sign up for your fan club,” I replied, keeping my tone even. “I think I'd like to try my hand a bit longer at being an independent.”

Royal laughed, a genuine, deep sound. “Oh, I like you. You’ve got a sharp tongue on you.” His fingers traced circles on the concubine’s shoulder as he leaned forward slightly, his gaze locking onto mine. “But let me ask you something, Eclipse... do you want to survive, or do you want to thrive?”

I held my ground, my voice steady. “My answer remains the same.”

I had ambition, after all. A dream of villainy, no matter how childish it sounded to the average adult. My path wasn’t going to change because someone decided to monologue about how hopeless it all was.

Royal chuckled, a deep, knowing sound that seemed to echo in the confined luxury of the cargo space. “Such a dreamer,” he said, stroking the concubine’s hair as if to punctuate his amusement. “You remind me of Sharpy... she once had ambitions like yours. Wanted to build her own crew, carve her name into the shadows, and make something out of herself.”

His tone shifted, growing colder. “And where did that take her? Nowhere. The only reason Crow gave her his blessing was because he believed she’d fail. He thought, in her desperation, she’d come crawling back to him, and he’d have her firmly under his thumb.

“In my case, I gave her my blessing for different reasons. I wanted to force Mathilda’s hand, to expose the traitorous little web she’d spun around herself. A necessary sacrifice, don’t you think? Even Seamark’s captain probably had his own agenda in supporting Sharpy, though I couldn’t care less about his petty games.

“But let me tell you something, kid.” Royal leaned forward, his blue eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that felt almost predatory. “In the end, you’ll get played, just like Sharpy. And when you do, the people who follow you? They’ll die for your failure, just like her crew did. I'll give you my blessing now, but what happens after you get the blessings of the rest? Hmmm?”

The concubine’s wet, sloppy sounds filled the air, punctuating Royal’s words in the most grotesque way possible. She was completely absorbed in her task, her demeanor a twisted juxtaposition to the ominous monologue unfolding above her.

I forced myself to remain calm, though the unease in my stomach was hard to suppress. I knew the risks of what I was pursuing. I wasn’t naive enough to believe the world would bend to my will without resistance. But hearing Royal spell it out with such a cold certainty made it clear just how ruthless this game really was.

“I’m not Sharpy,” I said evenly, keeping my voice calm despite the tension. “I know what’s at stake. And I know the risks. But I’m not about to let someone else dictate what I can and can’t do. The fact is... I can do the job, so let me do it.”

Royal’s lips curved into a sly smile. “Oh, I do love your spirit, Eclipse. Let’s see how long it lasts.”

He leaned back into his seat, letting the concubine’s ministrations continue uninterrupted. It was clear he enjoyed this twisted power dynamic, this theater of dominance and manipulation. And though I hated to admit it, he was good at it. Too good.

“I hope this doesn’t come down to a fight, because believe me…" warned Royal as he grunted from the pleasure. "It won’t be pretty. Yes, there, darling... I am a bit close.”

Picture this: you’re in a negotiation. You’re in a weaker position, so complaining wasn’t exactly an option. Now, what would you do if the person you were negotiating with was having his concubine give him a blowjob during the discussion?

Simple: ignore it with every ounce of willpower you have.

I kept my focus on Royal, forcing myself not to glance at the spectacle unfolding next to him. Instead, I went straight to the point. “I like it that you don’t mince words with me, Royal. I really do. You’re direct, and I respect that.” My tone was even, measured, though the pit of my stomach churned.

Royal’s smile widened, a hint of mockery in his expression. “Well, aren’t you a flatterer. But go on, Eclipse. Let’s hear what’s on your mind.”

“I’m aware of what we’re doing here,” I said, meeting his gaze head-on. “We’re negotiating for my freedom, not for the ‘reward’ you’ve euphemistically promised. For all I know, if I displease you now or reject your offer, you’d kill me outright.”

Why was I being so honest? It wasn’t like I had much of a choice. Not with a telepath. Lying was a wasted effort.

Royal leaned back on his couch, clearly entertained. “Honesty. A rare commodity in this line of work. I can appreciate that.”

I took a deep breath, steeling myself. “I’m sorry, but I’ve decided to stay independent. I won’t affiliate or associate myself with any gangs, not even yours. Feel free to require my services, but beyond that? You. Will. Get. Nothing. From. Me.”

Another way to put it was... I'd never be your slave.

The concubine paused for a moment, glancing at me before resuming her work. The wet, slurping sounds were maddening, but I refused to let them break my composure.

“A pity, truly… but then again, I am not so barbaric as to slaughter you in cold blood,” Royal said, his voice smooth, almost conversational. His piercing blue eyes seemed to look straight through me. “Tell me, are you angry with me?”

The question caught me off guard. I hesitated, not because I didn’t know the answer but because of the weight behind it. Finally, I said, “Now that you’ve asked, I’m surprisingly not.”

Royal’s brow arched slightly, his interest piqued.

“I’m aware you used me as bait to throw Mathilda off balance,” I continued. “I am aware that with enough training and discipline, a person could fight even telepaths in a mind battle. Maybe to increase your chances of infiltrating her mind. That's why you did what you have to do... hire an innocuous cape who could serve as your bait. So, let's ask again... Why am I not angry? It’s either I don’t have the right to be, or I know where I stand too well.”

Royal leaned back, his expression one of amused approval. “You didn’t lie even one bit. Admirable, Eclipse. Very admirable.” He gave me a small nod. “Look forward to your rewards.”

Then, with a sudden shift in tone, he asked, “What do you think of Loyal, my concubine here?”

Loyal? Seriously?

The question came out of nowhere, catching me flat-footed. I glanced at the woman who was obsessively and persistently working on Royal’s tool like her life depended on it.

I didn’t even get a chance to respond before Royal’s voice cut through the tension. “I sense disgust, curiosity, and… suspicion? I see. You must have intuited, then, where this is going.”

Brainwashed capes.

It hit me like a cold wave. The Faustian continent was infamous for housing the Monarchy, one of the most prestigious villainous organizations in the world. The Monarchy didn’t just deal in power; they dealt in people, enslaving and selling capes like commodities.

And Pride? It was one of the seven clans under the Monarchy’s control.

Deadend was one of the Monarchy’s hotspots, a haven for trading and smuggling their "goods."

Royal smiled at me with a knowing smirk, like a chess master seeing his opponent realize they’d been checkmated three moves ago.

My mind raced, piecing together the implications. Loyal wasn’t just some cape who had willingly thrown herself at Royal’s feet. She was a victim of the Monarchy’s ruthless business, a brainwashed weapon molded to Royal’s whims.

“You’re thinking it, aren’t you?” Royal said, his tone light, almost playful. “Yes, Loyal is one of my most prized acquisitions. The process was expensive, but as you can see,”—he gestured lazily at her—“worth every mark.”

I didn’t respond. There was nothing to say that wouldn’t tip my hand.

“Don’t look so horrified,” Royal said, his smirk deepening. “This is the reality of our world, Eclipse. Strength and ambition rule. And those who can’t carve out their place are left to be used by those who can.”

I forced myself to stay calm, to keep my expression neutral, even as the disgust churned in my gut.

“Don’t think of it as slavery,” Royal added with mock reassurance. “Think of it as loyalty. Permanent loyalty. A rare and valuable thing, wouldn’t you agree?”

I said nothing.

Royal chuckled softly. “You’ll see soon enough, Eclipse. The Monarchy’s reach is vast, and even an independent dreamer like you will find it hard to escape its grasp. But for now…” He waved a hand dismissively, the gesture as casual as brushing away a fly. “Enjoy your freedom. You’ve earned it. And remember: loyalty can be bought, earned, or—if need be—taken.”

The door hissed open behind me. A silent cue that our conversation was over.

Royal leaned back on his lavish couch, his fingers lazily running through Loyal’s hair as she knelt beside him. “Do you know they start young?” he asked, his tone conversational, almost as if we were discussing the weather. “They have malleable minds, after all. Easier to influence, to mold, and to raise.”

I said nothing, but my stomach churned. I didn’t like where this was going. I kept repeating that phrase in my head. I didn't like where this was going. I didn't like...

“The mind,” Royal continued, “is a complex and powerful tool. Even the strongest telepaths don’t come close to absolute mind control. But that didn’t stop them from trying.”

My hands clenched involuntarily, and I forced myself to relax. Showing emotion here was a mistake. Whatever Royal was driving at, I couldn’t afford to let him see me flinch.

But I couldn’t help it.

Slavery wasn’t something I thought about often. It wasn’t because it didn’t matter. It was because thinking about it too much could consume you. It was one of those harsh realities of our world that you tried to avoid because it made you feel powerless.

But avoiding it didn’t mean it didn’t concern you.

And right now, I am very concerned.

Royal was infamous for gifting “servants” to people he liked, those who piqued his interest or whom he considered allies. The gifts weren’t just symbolic. They were his way of tying people to him, a test of loyalty wrapped in a sick display of power.

Anyone who refused his gift met an untimely end. Or so that was the story.

Royal smiled, as if he could sense my unease. “We’re going to the market soon,” he said, his voice dripping with honeyed menace. “I hope you make the right choice.”

I forced myself to meet his gaze, keeping my expression neutral. “I’m not sure what you’re implying, Royal.”

His smirk widened. “Oh, you’re sharp, Eclipse. Don’t play coy. I know you’ve heard the whispers, the stories. You know what kind of business the Monarchy runs. Deadend’s market is one of the finest in the world, you know. The selection is… exquisite.”

I swallowed the bile rising in my throat.

Royal leaned forward, his blue eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made it hard to breathe. “You’ve proven yourself resourceful, capable. Someone like you could go far with the right support. And what better way to show my faith in you than with a gift?”

I didn’t answer. I couldn’t.

He laughed softly, a sound that sent chills down my spine. “Think it over, Mask. I won’t rush you. But remember this: loyalty is a currency more valuable than any mark, and gifts are not given lightly.”

I nodded, a slow, calculated gesture that gave nothing away. “I’ll think about it.”

Royal’s smile didn’t falter, but there was a glint in his eye that told me he saw through my deflection. “Good. I’d hate for us to misunderstand each other.”

The air in the room felt heavy and oppressive. I could feel the weight of Royal’s expectations pressing down on me.

I stood up, ready to leave, but Royal’s voice stopped me.

“One more thing, Eclipse.”

I turned back, my expression carefully blank.

“I like you,” he said simply. “You’ve got potential. Don’t waste it.”

I nodded again and walked out, the door hissing shut behind me.