Aethernea : Soulbound [Book 1]

Episode 16 - Promise

"I'd be willing to help you deal with my fiancé, getting him off your back."

The man showed no change in expression, still wearing that disgusting smile. "Is that so?"

Nelaira sighed and put on a pitiful act, her long ears hanging downwards. "As you said, I have too much time on my hands, yet at the same time, I have very little time left. If you help me spend these last moments a bit more pleasantly... I will write a letter to my fiancé telling him that I don't want to see him and that although you are doing your best to stop the spread of the Ink, I don't have many days left in me."

The manager wasn't moved by her words. He still stood with the same expression like a doll.

Nelaira didn't give up. "You can, of course, suggest what you want me to write and then I'll word it to sound like something I would say. I'll rewrite the letter until you are satisfied. This would also help you to deal with the aftermath of my death."

She paused shortly before continuing. "You've got nothing to lose in this deal. You only stand to profit. If I tell him that it is me who doesn't want to see him, he will understand and stop making trouble for you."

Nalen looked at her for a while, his eyes inspecting her closely. Nelaira felt her scalp turn numb, his gaze was quite unpleasant. It seemed like an eternity passed before he responded. "What are your demands?"

Nelaira's heart jumped. The fish had taken the bait. Now she only needed to reel it in. The erratic hard beats reverberated through her body.

"I want you to bring me some blank paper and pens so I can draw. Also, I want you to bring me 3 new books to read every week."

As she waited for his response, she could feel her heart jumping in her throat. It was painfully clenching with dread and fear of failure.

"What kind of books do you want?" Nelaira felt like a giant weight has been lifted from her shoulders. If she wasn't already sitting down, her legs would have given out, and she would have slumped to the ground.

For the first time, she was happy to see Nalen's smile, as it meant that the deal was on. Her heart was still beating erratically, but, this time, it was out of joy. Success!! She tried to stifle her excitement and not let it show on her face.

"I prefer romance and adventure books. The longer the book, the better."

Just you wait. I'll wipe that fake friendly smile from your face sooner or later.

"Alright. I'll see what I can find. Is there anything else you wish to discuss?"

"No, that is all." Nelaira smiled politely, urging him to leave before her fast beating heart gave her away.

"Then, I'll be taking my leave." Nalen Talath smiled and bowed in fake politeness before leaving the room. Nelaira's smile stayed on her face for a long while, even after the doors closed, once again, imprisoning her in this cold metal box.

The first part of her plan was a success. Nelaira couldn't help but feel satisfied.

Her request for books was a diversion from her actual target. All along, her true goal was the letter.

If she had asked him to let her write a letter, he would have laughed at her naivety. If they didn't stand to profit from it, they wouldn't be moved. If she offered to write a letter that was beneficial to him, he would have still refused it because of her suspicious agenda. Who would help their captors from the kindness of their heart?

She had to make it seem like she wanted something else from them, and the letter was only the bargaining chip to get it.

That letter was vital. It was her one and only chance to pass her secrets onto the love of her life. She had to forge every word, every sentence with utmost care, so that only he would be able to understand the hidden meaning.