"Old monster…" Jack muttered under his breath.
Nox glanced at him. He had clearly seen how the layers of Jack's expression darkened.
Jack's throat felt dry.
"…He is not bluffing," Jack said quietly. "If he comes here… if he really takes a step into this place… Cromwell will not survive. Even if Master Eve returns, even if the ants and everyone else fight to the death, it will not matter."
Akira clicked her tongue.
"So we are just supposed to hand you over?" she snapped. "Like some sacrificial goat?"
Jack did not respond.
Serena's lips pressed together tightly.
Nyx looked at him, her gaze complicated.
Soren watched them all, his expression unreadable.
"I am not unreasonable," Soren said suddenly. "We are not here to destroy your pretty little kingdom. We are here for two things. But we already know everything about the class, so technically only one remains. Give him to us, and we leave. Father will be satisfied. For now."
"For now," Nox repeated.
