Star Eater-Chapter 554 -

Arthur's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

We moved to the entryway as I was walking them out. "Arthur..." A familiar voice called out to me.

The little band of Demons turned to look up the stairs where Lucia was with Alwin, Aydalia, and Marina. "You should be in bed." I told her as I looked at the other three for an explanation.

"Is she still not well?" The cloaked High Elf inquired from behind me.

"She will be fine in a few more days. This is mostly fatigue." Marina answered.

To my surprise, Lucia looked at the three before she spoke. "Do you trust them, Arthur?" I quirked a brow at that. "You've spoken of them, but you were always wary."

Looking back at the three for a moment, my attention soon shifted back to Lucia. "I do. With what I know now, I don't think they mean any harm in the immediate future. When Thana is dealt with will be the deciding factor, but even then..." Trailing off, I eventually asked a question of my own. "Why do you ask?"

"It's not like you to make deals with Demons." Lucia commented.

"Credo and Pestilence likely hate Thana as much as I do. They aren't going to betray me anytime soon." My eyes found the High Elf. "This one isn't a threat either."

Lucia seemed surprised by that. "She attacked you last time, or rather, she tried to. Was one meeting-"

I cut her off. "That wasn't the first time we met." Focusing on the High Elf, she seemed unnerved by my statement. "Was it?"

Credo and Pestilence seemed surprised as well as they wait for their comrade's response. "What do you mean by that?" Her body language shifted from confident to closed off.

"We met once before at the Helmsforth Temple, didn't we? Before you were with Credo and Pestilence." I said and her body seemed to relax. "Why so tense?"

If I could see her eyes, I imagine they'd be glaring at me. "Why was she at the Temple?" Lucia asked.

Keeping my gaze focused on the woman seemed to annoy her. "Why, indeed..."

"... Until next time, Arthur Pendragon." Was her response as she moved to the front door. When it opened, Breeze was standing there. "Are you keeping us here?" She demanded and turned around to face me.

To my surprise, Marina replied. "Not at all, but we would like to make a request." The three turned to her as she came down the stairs with her water assisting her. "Can I assume you three saw Arthur's energy violently move throughout the sky as if it was a storm?"

The brothers exchanged looks. "Marina," I called to her. "What are you doing?"

She ignored me as she addressed the three of them. "Did you?"

Credo nodded. "We did."

"If that ever happens again, we might need your help." Marina turned to me. "Cassidy told me what happened at the Temple." My eye twitched at that as she turned back to the guests. "Arthur was not in control during that time."

"Given the situation, and circumstances, I'm not many could be." The unnamed High Elf replied. "Poisoned, bl-" 𝑓𝑟𝘦𝘦𝓌𝘦𝑏𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Marina cut her off. "No. That is not what I'm referring to."

Knowing where she was going with this, I spoke firmly. "Marina." She turned to me. "Enough. I already asked for their assistance if they feel my energy spike."

She had taken on an embarrassed expression before backing away. "Apologies. I just want everyone to be safe."

"As do I."

Breeze stepped out of the doorway allowing Credo and Pestilence to leave. The High Elf stopped beside him and looked at him for a moment before she looked back at Marina. Her head began looking around for a moment as if she was confused.

"Didn't you say there was one more?" She asked me.

My eyes narrowed at that slightly. "There is."

With a nod, she flew off with her two companions. "Are you sure that was wise?" Lucia asked as the door closed while Breeze went back outside. "Demons are-"

"We don't need to be worried about them." My gaze moved to Marina. "Do we, Marina?"

"..." I received no answer.

"Get some rest Lucia." My attention turned to Alwin. "Make sure she gets to bed alright. Aydalia, could you check in on the others."

"Of course, Arthur." Aydalia answered as the group left.

Marina and I remained. "Father..."

I met her eyes only for a moment before she looked away. "It's fine. Go get some rest."