Chapter 265 - Forgiveness and Partnership. (1/2)

”What're you waiting for?” Asked Master Sylvia as her voice came out from near the bottom of the stair-case she had walked down.

Everyone exchanged glances for a moment until John took the first step forward.

”If you're afraid, you guys can stay back. You don't have to force yourself to come, I'll be back soon.” Said John as he gave them a smile

He began walking until two voices called out to him.

”Wait, we're coming.” Said Ariel

”What's the rush? We were just surprised.” Said Serena

Lydia who saw this, also nodded.

”I'm working for you now, so I'll follow you anywhere.” She said with a determined look

Seeing this, the forced smile John had forced, became slightly less strained and more genuine.

”Is that so...” John muttered

He then looked at the three who were heading towards him as he said

”Haha, my party sure is nosy, not that I mind.” John whispered to himself

The sounds of footsteps resounded throughout the quiet staircase as they walked down it. The stair case seemed to be made out of old rock which was clearling away but the footing was clear.

It was unexpectedly dark, but they could manage with light spells.

John stared at Master Sylvia as they continued to descend the stairs. She hadn't explained anything to them or told them anything. But it was fine, John she was the quiet type and, John himself trusted her.

[It's Master Sylvia, after all... Just trust her like usual, you idiot.] John thought to himself

But despite thinking that, he couldn't get the words that person had said out of his mind.

[Beware of the ones you trust]

The more John thought about it, the more anxious it made him, he needed something to distract him, something to take his mind off his worries.

It was then that he noticed, Ariel descending the stairs behind Master Sylvia, she had gotten ahead of him before he had even realised it.

John turned back to see where Serena was and noticed her next to Lydia, offering a bit of assistance with carrying the kids. John thought of this as a perfect opportunity to sort things out with Ariel.

He increased his pace before reaching Ariel's side.

”Ariel, can we-”

John's eyes widened as he noticed the dark air around Ariel. He was so shaken that he didn't bother to finish what he was going to say.

The air around Ariel, there was no mistaking it, it was a cold, dark air. One which he recognised. It was just like his, but only... Far darker.

Ariel seemed to be staring into empty space as her body moved on it's own. An emotionless expression was displayed on her face as her dark eyes seemed to grow ever so darker.

”Ariel...?” John called out to Ariel once more

His voice, slightly shaking in worry and hope for the possibility of it all being part of his head. It was then that Ariel snapped out, and quickly turned her head to John.

”Eh? Wha- Did you call me just now?” Ariel asked

[She didn't notice?]